The NFL season has kicked off and with that so has Fantasy Football. Fantasy Football is one of the most played games in the US and Canada, with nearly 57 million people playing in 2014, and it is still growing. Today we will be looking at some tips and tricks that can help people out there who are playing Fantasy Football this year win their leagues.

First off, most people will have already drafted and will already be a couple of weeks into the season. Many may have drafted poorly and others may have a stacked team, but the draft is only the first part of winning a fantasy league. For example, the waiver wire is a huge part of fantasy leagues, and it’s something that people sometimes struggle with and end up not knowing who to pick up and who to drop. Before you pick up someone, though, remember to consider your depth at each position; having great depth at each position will leave you prepared for injuries and tough matchups. If you’re in a PPR league then obviously wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs who excel at catching the ball should be at the top of the list. Also at the top of the list should be picking up players that are in a good system or from teams that use a strategy that will benefit that player. So, if you are in need of a running back and there is player available who is on a team who likes to run the ball down the other teams throat, then that’s a good pick up. Remember to not always focus on names; do some research and see if there are any sleepers or great bargains that no one knows about on the waiver wire. Besides the waiver wire, there is another important thing to consider when playing Fantasy Football

Trades are a big part of Fantasy Football, but don’t think that trades are necessary–that’s why the waiver wire is much more useful. The first rule about trades is to know your team’s needs and your opponent’s team’s needs. Find an owner who needs what you have. Trade to upgrade. If you have a lot of great players at one position, look to ship out one of those players to upgrade another position–there is no point having great players just sitting on the bench. Also, never bench studs. These are the top players on your team that win in the early rounds who always produce no matter what the matchup is. For flex players or the RB2, RB3, WR2, WR3 position, do some research. See how the team that player is facing has done against that position in the past weeks. See how that player has been playing lately. Ask yourself: are they on a hot streak? A cold streak? Do some research, see the strength of the opposing team, and see how that player’s recent performance has been.

These tips will definitely help those who are playing fantasy football this year have a better chance to win the league. Remember, use the waiver wire, trade when necessary, and do lots and lots of research. Best of luck and have fun!