As the 2019 season draws to a close many of you have your sights set on playoff match-ups and trophies. And that’s great. After all, championships are what we’re all playing for. But as dynasty leagues continue to gain popularity many of you are turning your attention to the off-season, the NFL Draft and player evaluations. I must admit that when dynasty league fantasy started gaining steam, I was hesitant. I wondered what impact this would have on the hobby we all love. What would become of Draft Day? There is nothing like gathering with friends to ridicule and congratulate each other on a successful or disappointing season. Crowning a champion and the hope for a new year.

That excitement for dynasty leagues has been replaced by the NFL Draft. Player evaluation begins in earnest right now. Watching your favorite college athletes in bowl games, on their pro day, or in Senior Bowl practices, and of course, the NFL Combine. But there is an overlooked aspect of dynasty leagues that is just as, if not more important. And that’s evaluating players who have already been drafted. Analyzing your opponents’ rosters and finding those players who have spent their time in what I call “roster purgatory” and are ready to break out. This year there was no finer example of that than Chris Godwin. Many people had him pegged for a breakout. And he delivered in spades. It wasn’t long ago that the three-year breakout rule was the standard with NFL wide receivers. Now it’s the exception. As the line between the college and pro game becomes further and further blurred, the learning curve for wide receivers is shortened. So finding those guys who take a little longer and plucking them from your opponents can be the difference between championship weekend and hitting the books to prep for the next season.

“Never trade young proven talent for the opportunity to draft young unproven talent.”

With the excitement of the NFL Draft. The prospect of finding the next Christian McCaffery or Odell Beckham consumes us. Fantasy players tend to place a premium on draft picks, especially when the class is as hyped and anticipated as this one is. But what some players forget is this: Draft picks have value because they can be literally anyone. It’s the excitement of the unknown, the endless possibilities. But you could be holding Joe Mixon or Trent Richardson. A kid can have all the measurables you’re looking for and still wind up Corey Davis. So if you have the opportunity to trade these picks for proven talent, take it! If you follow me on Twitter you’ve probably heard me say, “Never trade young proven talent for the opportunity to draft young unproven talent.”

There is no better feeling than stealing someone from an opponent who becomes a stud on your roster. Not only are you improving your team but you are crippling your opponent. I liken it to a baseball prospect spending years on a farm team and being traded right before his breakout. The trading team has already sunk money, time and resources into making him a better player, only for him to realize his potential in another uniform. It’s the same here. Your opponent has used a roster spot on this player for likely two years and now he’s watching him score touchdowns for your inappropriately named fantasy team. Conversely, there are two sides to every coin. And what makes a truly successful dynasty juggernaut is a savvy owner who recognizes not only when its time to get a guy, but when it’s time to cash in your chips and look for the next deal.

So prepare yourself to seek that emerging talent this off-season, my friends. For this is where dynasty championships are won.