Back in the 1960s, an Oakland Raiders businessman, a Raiders PR employee and an Oakland Tribune reporter sat in a hotel room and created a rule set for the very first fantasy football league. The game’s popularity sharply rose during the late 1980s when the first nationally available, Internet-based leagues and during the 1990s, they morphed into what we know today. Every year, millions of football fans immerse themselves in drafting, trading, and managing their own dream teams of current players, with the goal of outsmarting their league mates. Depending on who you choose to play with, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high whether the prize is bragging rights, cash, or a coveted league trophy. Wining requires a stroke of luck of course, but more importantly, you need to know pro football. In this guide, we’ll break down the top tips that can help make your fantasy football experience more fun than frustrating.

Master the Draft Room

Come prepared because the way you draft sets the tone for the entire season. Your strategy should align with the type of league you’re in (standard scoring, points per reception, defensive players, etc). Try creating a cheat sheet that highlights the must-have players at each position. But remember, flexibility is key—don’t be afraid to pivot if your top target gets snatched up just before your pick.

Prioritize Running Backs

Running backs are the lifeblood of any fantasy football team because they score a ton of points, and most league allow you to play two or three running backs at a time. Given their importance, securing a top-tier running back in the first or second round is crucial. While pro football relies more on the pass than the run these days, these workhorses can be scarce, so don’t wait too long to snag your starter.

The Zero-RB Strategy

On the contrary, you can go with a a Zero-RB strategy, where you focus your picks on wide receivers and tight ends in the early rounds. This contrarian approach can pay off, especially in PPR leagues where pass-catchers are the highest commodity. By waiting to draft running backs until the middle rounds, you can find hidden gems and capitalize on injuries throughout the season.

Wait for Quarterbacks

Although It will be tempting to grab a well-known star quarterback early, practice some patience. Focus on stacking up on running backs and wide receivers first, where the drop-off in talent is more significant than it is with QBs. If you’re in a league where people jump to draft Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes early, you’ll be able to snag running backs and receivers early and still draft a solid QB.

High-Upside Wide Receivers

Look for players with breakout potential after all the elite wideouts are drafted. Teams with high-powered offenses normally have one or two players that don’t start, but have major points potential. Don’t shy away from drafting rookies or second-year players. The key is to identify players with the potential to outperform their draft position.

Top-Tier Tight Ends

Making the right tight end pick is imperative, simply because of how thin the pool of productive players is. If you can’t grab Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, or another top option, be prepared to gamble on a player with more potential than promise. A reliable tight end can give you a weekly advantage, especially in larger leagues.

Know Your Bye Weeks

It’s not hard to overlook the bye weeks of your individual players, but they can sneak up on you if you’re not locked in. Avoid loading up on players with the same bye week so you’re not left scrambling for replacements. Every fantasy football team needs balance to stay competitive week-to-week.

Stream Defenses and Kickers

The kicker and special teams/defense positions are highly variable, so it’s a safe bet to draft them during the late rounds, if you draft them at all. Pay more attention to matchups and hit the waiver wire every few weeks to to grab a solid defense. The same goes for kickers. Look for one in a high-scoring offense, and don’t be afraid to switch them out as needed. Stay flexible when choosing these two positions and you may be able to squeeze a few extra point out of your lineup each week.

Work the Waiver Wire

The waiver wire, or free agency, is the in-season lifeline of any fantasy team owner looking to make improvements. Be aggressive and stay ahead of your competition by paying attention to the real life games and identifying breakout talents before they become hot commodities. Keep your own list of players to target after Sunday’s games and be ready to pounce when injuries or role changes create opportunities for those players.

Trade Like a Pro

Trading can be the secret sauce to winning your league if done correctly. Look for opportunities to buy low on underperforming stars or sell high on players who may be overachieving. Don’t be afraid to package deals or take risks if it means improving your roster.