SALT LAKE CITY — Welcome, one and all, to the opening of KSL's 2015 fantasy football coverage!

Over the next several months, we'll provide you with weekly in-depth coverage: mocks and draft strategy, weekly start-or-sit advice, time-tested playoff tactics and more. We'll also have our own KSL.com league with all your favorite sports names to showcase some of the strategies we'll dive into.

I, Ben Dowsett, will be your primary host. But before we can go any further, we need to go over The Mantra.

Fantasy football, like any fantasy sport, is a game of incomplete information. Randomness rears its ugly head often, from a vital starter going down with an injury in the first quarter to a coach developing a curious dislike for a supposed stud and torpedoing his value. We can't control everything, but what we can do is use every tool at our disposal to maximize the little edges that will put us in the best position to succeed.

That's where The Mantra comes in. It's a group of guidelines, general and specific, honed over many years. Some elements are common among seasoned fantasy players, others are more unique. Let's take a look:

1. Come to draft day with a plan, but stay flexible

The serious fantasy owner prepares for his or her draft. Keep a list of your personal top options. Having a general idea of the roster construction you're going for is good: are you high on one of the top quarterbacks early? If so, do you have targets further down the line at the RB and WR slots? Ask yourself these sorts of questions.

It's vital to remain adaptable, though. Other owners can topple your grand plans with a single unexpected pick, and you need to have contingency plans ready. In snake drafts, pay attention even when it's not your pick and have multiple options ready as your slot approaches. In auction drafts, highlight your targets and set a rough limit you'd be prepared to spend for each. Don't ever be caught by surprise. The draft shapes your entire season.

2. The later rounds matter

Inexperienced players have a tendency to write off the back end of the draft once all the flashy names are gone. But the savvy owner knows there's value in these rounds, even if it might not be realized until partway into the year. In the very late rounds, I like to target young wide receivers (a couple break out every year) along with running backs who back up, or play in tandem with, a name selected higher. A single injury or coach's demotion could make an 11th-rounder a valuable chip. The late rounds also still often contain starting-caliber quarterbacks, for those who choose to prioritize skill position players early on.

3. Kickers are people, too — just not in fantasy football

Never select a kicker before the final round. Ever.

This isn't because the points kickers produce are somehow invaluable; rather, predicting which ones will do so more effectively than others is impossible. It's completely random from year to year, and even week to week. Don't waste a pick you could use on a depth piece to reach for a kicker. Same goes for defenses, to a slightly lower degree — I'd personally never take one before the second-last round, for similar reasons.

4. The waiver wire can make or break a season

I can't tell you how many leagues I've seen swing on one or two big midseason pickups. I grabbed former Ute Matt Asiata last year immediately upon hearing of Adrian Peterson's impending suspension — a couple good weeks and a smart trade (involving Asiata) later, my middling team reeled off seven straight wins and made the title game. Keep a close eye on the wire, and use it regularly if your league has no season-long limit.

5. Know your rules

With fantasy online so customizable, know the ins and outs of your league. Know the trade deadline, and whether your league has a trade veto rule. Does your manager allow an injured reserve (IR) slot? Does your waiver wire reset each week in reverse standings order, or does it use other guidelines?

Most importantly, be familiar with your scoring format. Does your league play point-per-reception (PPR)? Do QB passing touchdowns count for four points (standard in most leagues), or something else? Know your roster construction, too — some managers have unusual quirks. These distinctions can be huge and can wildly change your approach to drafting.

6. Play in good faith

Maximize all the legal advantages you can, but don't cross a line. Don't collude with other players for an unfair trade. If it's the playoffs and you're eliminated, don't screw over those playing for something by making a bunch of waiver pickups.

This theme goes triple for league managers. You have power at your disposal — don't abuse it. Be clear about your rules from the get-go, particularly anything not specifically listed in your league's settings. Don't show any favoritism, and remain objective if there are conflicts. A well-run league sets the tone for a fun and competitive year.

Most of all, have fun and be creative! These guidelines, and especially the more detailed bits of advice you see in upcoming weeks, are just that — only guidelines. If you see an edge, go for it. If you have a gut feeling, follow it. Fantasy football is meant to be fun above anything else.

Be sure to check back with KSL for weekly updates throughout the year.

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