In order to be successful in fantasy football, you have to understand that in-season management is the number one priority. The draft is important, but overrated when it comes down to who is going to win your league. When it’s time for the draft, keep in mind that it’s creating value for your team, not getting the best available player at a specific position. For instance, if you already own Drew Brees and Ryan Fitzgerald is available, you take Ryan Fitzgerald. You don’t take Cedric Benson because you need a RB. You can always trade Fitzgerald for a much better RB than Benson.
As far as in-season management goes, you need to be an absolute maniac with the free agent list. You must track every player. When you see a skilled player get an opportunity, you must put in for him before your opponents. Look at Jamaal Charles in 2010 as an example. Even when you don’t need a player, you should pay attention to the free agent list. This way you can steal players that your competitors need. For instance, if someone in your league is desperate for a QB and Curtis Painter just became available, you should grab him even if you don’t need him. This is called playing defense in fantasy football.