When it comes to fantasy football, I fancy myself as somewhat of a guru. I realize this flies in the face of the common perception that I’m more of a bozo, but whatever.

Here are a few tips on how to raise that fantasy football league trophy in December, whether it’s a real trophy or imaginary.

Value the TE: A tight end must be played in most formats, but this is a position where there’s a really fast drop in production. Behind the big three of Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz and George Kittle, it gets thin quick. Don’t count on Eric Ebron catching 13 TDs again.

Grab an elite TE early and you can expect double-digit points from the position. If you wait too late, you’ll be getting 1.7 points a game from a starting position.

Remember trends: Most fantasy football players have RBs Saquon Barkley and Alvin Kamara as top 5 picks. But it’s the late-round RBs that will make your team float or sink.

To have the best chance of success, be sure to select late-round sleepers that come from run-oriented teams.

No one ran the ball more than Baltimore last year, so the Ravens offseason acquisition of Mark Ingram will make a nice pick in the fifth or sixth round after the initial flurry of superstars. 

Seattle ran the ball next most, yet RB Chris Carson isn’t listed on most draft boards until the sixth or seventh round. Go get him.

The RB situation in Houston should be monitored closely after the season-ending injury to Lamar Miller. The Texans were ranked No. 7 in the league for most rushing attempts per game and Duke Johnson suddenly appears to be the best back on the roster.

Don’t ignore the Colts: Andrew Luck’s retirement has many people throwing in the proverbial towel on Indy this year. Not so fast.

Remember when Drew Bledsoe got injured and everyone waved bye-bye to the Patriots? Tom Brady stepped in and he seems to be doing OK.

Remember when Trent Green got injured and that was supposedly the end of the Rams? Kurt Warner orchestrated the Greatest Show on Turf and led the Rams to a Super Bowl title.

I’m not suggesting Jacoby Brissett is the next Tom Brady or Kurt Warner, but the Colts are going to be just fine with him at QB. This Colts team is clearly on the rise with a reckless defense and high-powered offense. I still look for Indy to win the AFC South.

Players I like after the first three rounds: QB Matt Ryan, WR Corey Davis, WR Will Fuller, RB Derrius Guice, RB Kerryon Johnson, TE O.J. Howard.