It's that time again ladies and gents. That's right the NFL season is just around the corner and whether you play in a league just for fun or in a big money league I am here to give you an insight into draft strategies, player analysis, sleeper picks, and tips on how to be successful this football season. This is the first post in a series of posts so be sure to check back frequently for the next episode in my Fantasy 101 series.
The first thing you need to understand about fantasy is that you have to leave your fan allegiance at the door when it comes to the draft room. I am a huge Texans fan, but outside of Arian Foster, AJ80, and the Defense I'm not taking anyone else on my team. Conversely, if CJ2K drops in my lap, I'm taking him no questions asked, no matter if he plays for a rival team or not. Winning is the most important thing here. And you cannot win if you put your fan-hood above your fantasy team.
Secondly, you have to think logically. This is a bit harder than you might think. If you play in a standard league you have 1 QB 2 RB 3 WR 1 TE 1 K 1 DST. In a 10 man league unless you are taking Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Drew Brees, or Tom Brady there is no need to take a QB in the first 2 rounds. Those four guys are studs and if they are the best player available to you, take them. But if you aren't getting those four guys, just be patient. There are far more viable QB options in later rounds when each team only needs 1 starter. Conversely, The amount of elite running backs is dwindling. With the NFL trending towards a pass first league there are about 10-12 Backs that I would consider being number one options for a fantasy team and they go quickly. With a standard setup, you need two starter running backs. In a ten man league the number of viable options are very limited. As far as WR goes there is only 1 guy that is worth a first round pick. Mega-tron. ESPN and Yahoo boards will tell you AJ80 and Fitzpatrick are up there, but there are far better options at different positions than to take them in the first round. Those two guys are great second round picks if they fall to you, but don't reach for them in the first round. If you do, you will cut yourself out of top RBs and top QBs which are far more important positions.
Thirdly, pay attention to draft trends. Some positions fill up quickly. RBs usually are the first position to thin out. If you see a RB you like in later rounds feel free to wait one more round on him and draft for need first. most of the time he will last one more round unless he in the top 4 or 5 players available. If everyone starts taking QBs and you weren't ready to select a QB, you should go ahead and take the QB you want before you are left with Mark Sanchez. Same thing goes with Kickers and Defense/Special Teams.
If you are serious about your league, try a few mock drafts. Pay attention to the draft trends. What players are taken which round. What players you should reach for, what players you can let slip. Preparation is the greatest tool in this game. The more you know the better you will draft. Be knowledgeable on contract negotiations, injuries, and touches/targets for a given player.
In my next segment I will dissect the Top 10 Fantasy QBs, Sleepers, and those you should avoid. Check back frequently for Fantasy 101 Episode 2: Quarterbacks
No comments:
Post a Comment