Like the NFL preseason, fantasy football drafts don't count. However, they can be a valuable tool in the preparation process—again, just like those exhibition games.

The Playbook is a strategy piece for beginners and advanced players that shows you how I apply all that I've learned during my many years as a fantasy player and an offseason of research. I originally published a version of this series in 2021, but it is a living piece that I update substantially each year.