Fantasy source.(National Football League)

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Twelve NFL teams are preparing for the playoffs, but for the rest of us, it's time to think about next season. For those in fantasy football keeper leagues, this means whittling down a roster to the essential players.

In keeper leagues, owners carry players from one season to the next. There is a variety of rules for picking keepers--from allowing just one player to be kept to permitting multiple players with each assigned a dollar value against a cap. No matter the format, some of the same strategies apply.

Prime-time players. Talent and youth are an awesome combination, but don't overload on this year's rookies. A star player who has proved his worth over a slightly longer period of time is a safer choice. Remember, opposing NFL teams now have had a full season to build knowledge on first-year players and will spend the offseason looking for ways to stop them. Only the very best young players will be able to overcome the added attention.

It was a very good year. Superior performance can be fleeting. If a player's 2004 numbers don't jibe with his career stats, it might be an indication circumstances besides the player's talent were at work. For example, the Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad dramatically increased his touchdown receptions after Steve Smith was hurt early in the season.

Older is not wiser. Think owners of Marshall Faulk or Stephen Davis would like a mulligan? It's tough to part with players who have brought so much joy over the years, but once they get old, they're more likely to break down because of injuries. Trying to squeeze one more productive year out of an aging vet might cost you several good seasons from a rising star.

Contractual matters. Being in the right place at the right time is important, so it pays to keep track of your players' contract situations. Just ask owners of Marvin Harrison, who know their star will be working with Peyton Manning for the foreseeable future, thanks to a new multiyear deal.