The following feature is a free preview of the 2025 Footballguys Draft Guide. If you like this, you'll love having the entire magazine in your hands. Now, here's Joe.

Three quick thoughts as we celebrate 25 years of Footballguys:

• I'm proud of our long history and our team.
• I'm grateful for folks like you who make this possible. Thank you.
• My goal is still the same: Helping you win and have more fun doing it.

Here's the reality, though: 25 years is nice. But you don't need a history lesson.

You need an edge.

We've been helping fantasy players like you win since the days of dial-up and cheat sheets at Kinko's. And after 25 years of obsessing over football, one thing is still true:

The game keeps changing. But winning comes down to a few timeless truths.

Here are 25 truths I've learned. Shaped by 25 seasons of loving this game.

1. Draft Players, Not Helmets.

Don't let team bias blind you. Of course, you hate the Eagles. That makes you normal. Get over it. (That's a joke, Eagles fans. Save the hate mail.)

2. Don't Chase Last Year's Points.

Ferris Bueller was right: "Life moves pretty fast." So does the league. The value is in what's next, not what was.

3. Know Your Scoring Rules.

Seems obvious, but every year I see people trip here. Your league's scoring and format significantly impact everything. And I mean everything.

4. Be Involved. Make It Personal.

Think of the league fee as entry to the Group Chat. Talk the smack. (But don't be a jerk.) Make the reasonable trade offer. Create a rivalry. Have a killer draft party. And for sure, a sweet trophy. Make some side wagers that don't involve money, and celebrate the League Champ. What you get out of your league is directly related to what you put in. Like most things in life.

5. Volume is King.

Flash is fun. Touches and Targets win weeks.

6. Drafting Is About Value. Not Just Points.

Value is a product of supply and demand. Understand both. And read my Value-Based Drafting article in this magazine.

7. There Are No Style Points.

The game is scored on stats. Not style. Just like in the NFL, an ugly win is a win. Same way with players. It doesn't have to look pretty. It just has to be.

8. Stack When It Makes Sense.

Yes, correlation matters. No, you don't need to force it.

9. Training Camp Matters More Than You Think.

Depth charts shift. Camp buzz matters. Listen for the drumbeats. Being present gives you an edge, and so do our Footballguy Training Camp Reports.

10. Respect Injury Trends, Don't Fear Them.

Yes, the best ability is availability. But every player is one hit away. That's the game. Don't fade talent out of fear.

11. Quarterbacks Are Deep. Until They Aren't.

Have a plan. Don't get cute and end up streaming Zach Wilson in Week 2.

12. Swing Big.

Nobody remembers the team that went 7-7. Maybe you remember the team that went 3-11. Few others do. But trophies are forever. Go for the Win.

13. Consider The Offensive Ecosystem.

Who's calling plays? Who's blocking? Context matters more than talent alone.

14. League Punishments Can Be Fun. But Don't Be Stupid.

You know what I mean. Tattoos can be cool. Involuntary tattoos, not so much. Think more laughing "with" the loser than "at".

15. You're Working With Imperfect Information. Deal with it.

You'll head into gameday unsure about a player's availability (2024 McCaffrey Week 1, anyone?) or drafting a player in August with an unclear role. That's life. And where you get the chance to demonstrate the skill of making the best call possible with the information at hand. And sometimes you hit, and sometimes you'll miss. It's why we play.

16. Draft With the End in Mind.

Your playoff schedule matters. Know what's up.

17. Average Draft Position is a Guide, Not a Law.

Use it to spot value. Don't let it control your board.

18. Don't Be A Slave To Bye Weeks.

You'll have 100 chances to fix that later. Draft talent first.

19. Process Over Outcomes. Mostly.

Trust your process and stick to it. But league trophies are awarded on outcomes.

20. The Waiver Wire is Half the Game.

You win drafts in August. You win leagues in October. With that said, the free agent pool is usually a seller's market with teams overpaying and driving prices up. Just like the real NFL. Accept it, pick your spots, and be bold.

21. Play The Long Game.

I'm guessing and hoping you play in a league with people you like. And you'd like to remain in the league. Act accordingly.

22. Don't Let Emotion Drive Decisions.

Tilt is real. Recognize it. Then go make a smart pickup.

23. Keep Learning.

The best players are humble. They know there's a ton they don't know. Plus, plenty that's just unknowable. Be a student of the game and learn. Even after 25+ years.

24. Start Early.

The advantage goes to the prepared. And you're here now. So you're already ahead.

25. Have Fun. And You Do You.

Understand your goal and the reason you're playing fantasy football. Most people play for fun and the community. And the primary reason most of us play is so we can be the GM and do things the way we want. If any of the above lessons aren't fun for you, ditch them and don't look back. Make it fun.

Final Thought

We've been doing this for 25 years because we love it.

We love the game. We love helping you beat your league mates. And we love seeing smart, passionate fantasy players turn information into wins. Whether you've been with us for 25 years or found us last season, we're glad you're here, and I hope you have an awesome season.