SectionsBlueprint to fantasy football
Jeff Faust
Issue date: 8/24/07 Section: Sports
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With the NFL season rapidly approaching, and fantasy football drafts taking place in the very near future, The Standard has decided to give any novice out there a few pointers going into their draft.
I'm sure most of you are wondering why I got this assignment and what makes me qualified to write the story? Well in the last three years, I've won two of my three leagues and if it wasn't for a devastating preseason injury to Clinton Portis, I could have won the other league as well (finished second in the regular season).
Here are 10 full-proof rules to go by for any standard Yahoo! or ESPN fantasy league. Note: If your league involves a salary cap, adjust accordingly.
1. Draft your running backs and quarterback in the first three rounds and then go with the best guy available. If you have a choice between a guy like Tony Gonzalez or Willie Parker's backup, go with the big guy.
2. Do your research and don't be stupid. There are at least five to ten guys at each position worth taking but if you forget their out there, then you will end up drafting Priest Holmes in the third round instead of taking someone like Marion Barber.
3. For quarterbacks, go with the strong arm (Marc Bulger) over a running quarterback (Vince Young). However, if you have a keeper league, Michael Vick is likely to be back in 2010, just in time for the Raiders-Lions Superbowl VL.
4. Stay away from Rookies. Go with the guys that are known producers, year in and year out, such as Marvin Harrison, unless of course, your name is Calvin Johnson or Adrian Peterson.
5. Be creative. In the middle rounds (five-eight), if you can, pick the best players in some of the overlooked positions. Even if everyone thinks you're stupid, the Ravens Defense or Jeff Wilkins might be able to carry your team, especially if your playmakers are having an off week.
6. Stay up to date with the injury reports. Some guys are still keepers, even with some bruises (Frank Gore) but others could end up being lost causes (Thomas Jones).
I'm sure most of you are wondering why I got this assignment and what makes me qualified to write the story? Well in the last three years, I've won two of my three leagues and if it wasn't for a devastating preseason injury to Clinton Portis, I could have won the other league as well (finished second in the regular season).
Here are 10 full-proof rules to go by for any standard Yahoo! or ESPN fantasy league. Note: If your league involves a salary cap, adjust accordingly.
1. Draft your running backs and quarterback in the first three rounds and then go with the best guy available. If you have a choice between a guy like Tony Gonzalez or Willie Parker's backup, go with the big guy.
2. Do your research and don't be stupid. There are at least five to ten guys at each position worth taking but if you forget their out there, then you will end up drafting Priest Holmes in the third round instead of taking someone like Marion Barber.
3. For quarterbacks, go with the strong arm (Marc Bulger) over a running quarterback (Vince Young). However, if you have a keeper league, Michael Vick is likely to be back in 2010, just in time for the Raiders-Lions Superbowl VL.
4. Stay away from Rookies. Go with the guys that are known producers, year in and year out, such as Marvin Harrison, unless of course, your name is Calvin Johnson or Adrian Peterson.
5. Be creative. In the middle rounds (five-eight), if you can, pick the best players in some of the overlooked positions. Even if everyone thinks you're stupid, the Ravens Defense or Jeff Wilkins might be able to carry your team, especially if your playmakers are having an off week.
6. Stay up to date with the injury reports. Some guys are still keepers, even with some bruises (Frank Gore) but others could end up being lost causes (Thomas Jones).
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