Fantasy has us all hooked. Sunday doesn't start at 1 p.m. anymore, it starts at 10 a.m. with injury updates, weather briefs and stressing over favorable match-ups. Stat trackers receive as much attention as the actual game. Fans find themselves rooting for their rival's QB when a playoff win is on the line. Fantasy has a tight grip and we all love it. Admit it, you have more than one team too don't you.
It is a piece of cake to finish in the top five of a ten team league. It takes a couple hours a day of scouring for fresh news to crack the top three. What does it take to win? Well, luck.
If you understand football and are a seasoned fantasy player, you know the strategies and most rewarding tactics. But drafting 2 RBs, a stud WR and the best QB available before the fifth round doesn't solidify your league crown. Sorry.
Mix up the order people! Drew Brees has a strong chance of scoring you more points this season than LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson and DeAngelo Williams. So what do you do with the 8th pick overall?
"Well I have to draft a RB first."
I guess, do you. But, how many RBs scored more points than Tom Brady in 2007 or Peyton Manning in 2004?
If my draft position in any 2009 fantasy football draft is top-3, I am taking a RB (AP, The Burner, Forte are all studs). I am not sold on MJD, sorry dude. However, if at four or higher I am strongly considering a top QB or WR. Megatron and Larry Fitz are as valuable (if not more) as any second tier RB that would likely be available. Plus, if you are the brave soul that decides to shake things up in a draft and pick a non-RB early, everyone else is going to notice.
I guess my point is draft the best player available. I know, this is no earth shattering revelation. But, the first five picks are where you build your foundation. The truth is winning the league comes from all the picks thereafter.
You know the ESPN commercial where that goofy dude is thanking Earnest Graham for being a free agent stud and helping him win the league. "I gotta find this years Earnest Graham, Earnest Graham." THAT IS HOW YOU WIN THE LEAGUE!
He wasn't drafted in the first few rounds. Most likely undrafted in nearly all leagues. Every year a dozen or so unknowns emerge as the x-factors owners need to separate themselves from the league. What wins leagues is finding the 2009 unknowns before the experts tell the world. Use your last two picks on potential break out players, when every other owner is looking for a kicker. Work that waiver wire! Offer what appears like a lopsided trade to a rival owner, only to cruise to victory with his overlooked back-up.
Fantasy football is a big deal to many. People love it and millions of people enjoy it as much as the NFL season. But, the majority of people that participate seem to utilize the same strategies season after season. I see this in mocks all the time; people shocked SHOCKED that I drafted Anquan Boldin 20th over Brian Westbook. Yea, he could rush for 1500+ and score once a week. He also will be doubtful every week until next season (btw, go compare Boldin's numbers to Fitzgerald's.) Get guaranteed points. Think on your own. That doesn't mean ignore the wealth of information geared toward fantasy sports, just don't completely bank on it.
Here are ten guys to look for later in the draft:
Kevin Walter WR - Texans
Jerricho Cotchery WR- Jets
Kellen Winslow TE - Bucs
Pierre Thomas RB - Saints
Derrick Ward RB - Bucs
Rashard Mendenhall RB - Steelers
David Garrard QB - Jaguars
Joe Flacco QB - Ravens
Ray Rice RB - Ravens
New York Jets - DEF
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