It’s that time of the year again. The 2013-2014 NFL season is underway and so is the Fantasy Football.

As an avid Fantasy Football player, I have already joined a few leagues for the upcoming season.

But what is Fantasy Football? It is a very simple game.

You join a league and then have a draft to select some of the top players for your 9-15 man team.

During the regular season, you compete against other teams in your league.

The players on your team score points depending on how well they perform that week.

For example, if Adrian Peterson runs for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns, he could earn your team up to 38 points in most formats. However, if Peterson runs for 45 yards and loses 3 fumbles, you may lose points because of his poor performance.

Here are some tips for those who want to play this year.

First, join a league you will enjoy. I have played in a league with my friends for three years. This is the best scenario because you are simply playing for bragging rights. If you win, they have to deal with your trash talk for an entire year.

However, after two first place wins, bragging rights were not as important to me. I joined a league where you can win money.

How does $250 sound for picking the right players during the season?

Whether it is talking trash to your friends or winning some cash, do whatever appeals to you.

Second, try to stay away from your favorite team when drafting.

I’m a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, but I’m not drafting Michael Vick if Tom Brady, Robert Griffin III or Aaron Rodgers are still on the board.

I also would not pick supporting cast players like Riley Cooper or Brent Celek. I like them on the Eagles, but they aren’t going to produce big numbers for your fantasy team week in and week out.

But that does not mean you should not take chances on certain players.

I took a chance last season on unknown rookie running back Doug Martin because of how he performed in preseason, and he turned out to be one of the top players at his position.

Just be smart with who is on the board. The best players will go in the first few rounds, so use your football knowledge to pick out the gems from the rest of the pack.

My third and final tip: have fun but do not brag to non-players.

A lot of people do not follow football very closely, let alone know or care about fantasy football. Spare them your excitement or frustrations on your fake team of players you have never met before.

On that note, I hope I helped some fantasy players and others who are interested in playing.

You can start a league as late in the season as you want, so it is not too late to start the addiction.

Have fun, Hilltoppers! But remember, it’s just a fantasy.