ADVICE TO ROOKIE OWNERS

Remember the stories from high school? The freshman who buys the fourth floor pool pass when there are only three floors to the building. How about locker insurance? Did anybody ever ask if you wanted a senior bodyguard? Well, fantasy football isn't much different. Be careful of the owner, supposedly your friend, that offers to take you under his wing. He may offer a few "pointers" and is more than willing to "help" you during the draft. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PERSON. He is only interested in collecting your money at the end of the season. Follow these important tips and remember one very specific rule - when it comes to fantasy football, your own mother would probably sell you out to win the title.

1. Don't draft kickers until very late in the draft. Despite the "rumors", Mason Crosby is not more valuable than Adrian Peterson.
2. Running backs are like gold - treat them as such. Good luck trying to trade for one if you need help. Your first born, 1/2 of your retirement savings and a date with your hot sister might get you the 25th best running back if you are also willing to give up 4 other players.
   
3. Pay attention to the status of players. Make sure your list doesn't include players currently on the I.R. list, retired, or in jail (surprisingly a popular NFL activity).
   
4. Be careful with sleepers. I know the backup tight end of the Rams had 1 good practice and was "catching everything in site", but chances are he won't be breathing down Jason Witten's neck by the end of the year.
   
5. Loading up on Tight Ends in case one gets hurt will not win you the championship. Tight Ends have value, but drafting your backup in the first 10 rounds is not a good idea.
6. Kerry Collins will not win the passing title and isn't a step slower than Michael Vick. One of the keys to a successful draft is knowing what your players can and can't do. You may overhear fellow owners having a conversation, probably on purpose, about how a player will finish. Don't be fooled. If you did your research, you'll quickly be able to sort through all the B.S. shoveled around during the draft.

I hope this gives you rookie owners something to think about. This is a cut throat business. Don't underestimate what your friend would be willing to do just to win that trophy and have bragging rights for the entire year. Now, if you are a rookie in one of my leagues, have faith that I would never stoop to that level. I understand what you are feeling a want to see you succeed. Take it from me, Torry Holt may be old, Chad Pennington weak armed and Tim Hightower a backup, but these players will be STUDS this year. Draft them early and decide how you are going to spend all your winning.