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.

Dominate your 2025 fantasy football auction draft with Dave's expert strategy tips, budget plans, player targets, and nomination tactics to build a winning roster at the right price.

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.