1. Wide receivers are the new fantasy running backs
For many years, fantasy owners lived and died by getting the top running backs in the league, but over the years that strategy has changed. Sure, players like Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles and LeSean McCoy are still extremely valuable, but fantasy owners can get by these days without top level RBs. Most teams use at least 2 running backs and the NFL is becoming more and more of a passing league with each season, meaning wideouts are putting video game numbers on a consistent basis. For examples: look at Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and AJ Green the last few years.
2. Quarterback is king....unless they aren't.
Okay, contradictory, but quarterbacks can be the end all be all for owners, but teams can also find their way with some lower level players. As explained just above, the NFL is a passing league these days and even players like Ryan Tannehill and Andy Dalton can give owners near 4000 yards and 25 touchdowns per season. Getting someone like Aaron Rodgers, Andrew Luck or Peyton Manning is a great way to stake yourself points each week, but if the draft sees too many quarterbacks off the board early, don't panic. Last season Eli Manning was not rated highly heading into drafts and he ended up throwing for 30 touchdowns.
3. Handcuffing running backs is the norm around the league
The running back position can be one of the toughest to deal with in fantasy and owners should be aware of "handcuff" players for the players they draft. Teams use multiple running backs on the regular nowadays and with injuries always a possibility, drafting or picking up handcuffs is extremely important. Basically, if you draft Adrian Peterson, it wouldn't hurt to draft Jerick McKinnon as a bench player in case anything happens. Other examples include Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis, Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams/Shane Vereen, Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams.
4. Bye Weeks can be extremely important
Drafting a great fantasy team always makes owners feel good, but sometimes after drafting a run of players owners realize something they never expected: their top quarterback, running back and wide receiver all have the same bye weeks. Bad timing for a bye week could mean disaster by the end of the season. Beast recommendation? Check out the byes for your best players and make sure you have replacements at least a couple weeks ahead of schedule.
5. Kickers can be an owners best friend
Kickers can be overlooked in drafts and just overall in fantasy football by owners, but sometimes a kicker can be the difference between winning and losing. A kicker can really give a team a boost and if you get a good kicker or a player on a team that scores a lot, it's a great way to find some extra points each week.
