As fantasy football owners we acquire a watered down understanding of what NFL front offices go through during draft day. While it isn’t as much of a boiler room atmosphere, I am sure that even the best fantasy owners have made their draft day mistakes.
It is all about being in the right frame of mind. No, I am not talking about what they tell us to do in high school and college as it relates to taking final exams. Instead, it is all about getting into football mode and drowning out everything else that is going on. Ignore your significant other, don’t just sit there and nod pretending to listen. Tell him/her to leave you alone for a couple hours and run with it. This might sound cold, but having him/her there flapping their lips isn’t going to help you.
Don’t attempt to conduct at draft at work either. This isn’t going to work. What happens if your boss comes up and you have to leave the computer in the middle of a pick? I for one don’t want Tony Romo auto-drafted for me in the second round after I had already selected Aaron Rodgers in the first round.
In short, distractions could completely ruin your season.
A crying child? No, don’t worry about that either. I am not saying you lock him/her in a closet. In fact, that brings back initial memories of my first room (nightmares to this day). We also don't want child protective services called on you. That wouldn't be any fun. Make sure to plan your draft at a time when someone else can actually take care of your kid.
Teenagers? No problem. Send them off to a movie or something. Spending $50 to get them out of your hair is a small price to pay.
I lock myself in my computer room and don’t leave until the final pick is made. There is only two pages opened up on my browser. One that is holding the draft and another with my player rankings. The room is dimly lit, no food at the desk,
In short, be like one of those losers that are trolling websites the world over. Blinds down, comfortable clothing (boxers only for me...well maybe a shirt) etc... Ignore everything else that is going on in your life. All that matters is fantasy football.
Why do this?
Bragging rights with co-workers? Some ugly trophy amongst friends? A sorry payout at the end of the season? Yes, all of the above.
And, for the love of everything right, don't have a porn site open. Last thing you need is your browser crashing or your laptop catching a STD in the middle of a draft. That wouldn't work out too good, would it?