Frist time playing fantasy football... need advice!

[Mizzou]

For whatever reason, I've never joined a fantasy football league. Well, that changes next week. I'm entering an office pool where an entry costs $50. The only problem is, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.

 

Can anyone give me some general advice, or point me in the direction or a good site that offers some?

[imb]

draft as many running backs as you can

[wekse]

DO NOT DRAFT A DEFENSE IN THE EARLY ROUNDS!!!!!

 

seems like so many people fall all over themselves trying to draft a great d early in the draft.

[The Voice of Reason]

http://www.fanballnews.com/nfl/fantasy101/

[ChiCubsFan]

DO NOT DRAFT A DEFENSE IN THE EARLY ROUNDS!!!!!

 

seems like so many people fall all over themselves trying to draft a great d early in the draft.

 

Well depending on what you consider "early rounds", I don't necessarily agree. I'd think about drafting the Bears or Ravens D in the 5th or 6th round in a 12 team league. The Ravens had the best D last year based on Yahoo's default scoring system. The Bears weren't too far behind, but the 3rd best was like 30 or 40 points behind the Bears. That's a HUGE margin. Why draft a WR or QB in the 5th/6th who will only get you 10-15 points more than the next tier of WR/QB when you can get the Bears or Ravens, who will score you 30-40 points more than the next best defenses. The Bears are also returning just about their entire defense (I believe 10 of 11 starters) so you know they are gonna be just as dominant.

 

Most years, teams change so much and defenses can vary so much from year to year, so typically drafting Ds early is a bad idea. But this year, I'm all about jumping on the Bears in the 5th or 6th round. If your league isn't smart, it could set off a rippling effect as well. You could see the Ravens, Chargers, Pats, etc...start to go in the following rounds and then you can pick up decent options to fill out your team.

[TruffleShuffle]

bill frist plays fantasy football?

[PrimeTime]

Im in a 100.00 dollar league..No defenses..I personally do not like having a defense at all..Im fine with 1 QB,2RB,3WR,1TE,1K I would hate going up the next night winning, to watch a freakin defense beat me..Its just my opinion pretty much..Im not into the D in fantasy football

[Roast]

Kickers and tight ends are your most important resources. Draft them early and often.

 

 

In all seriousness, though, Running backs are christ-like. Treat them as such.

[WindyCity]

Look at rankings, mock drafts, average draft position, etc. to begin getting a feel for when players are getting picked (make sure they are for similar # of teams and rules as your league). If you already know what your draft position will be, start to map out players that will likely be available. Target certain players that you like or feel are in good situations to be productive this year and equally important in my book - decide which guys you want nothing to do with -- even if they end up highest on the draft board when your pick comes up, pick someone else that you like and is comparable in value -- at the end of the draft you might as well like your team.

 

Also, make sure to stay current -- don't look at old info -- and make sure you check injury reports all the way up until draft day.

[Mizzou]

Update...

 

We drew for draft slots today, and I'm 2nd in a 9 team league (we have a total of 18 teams, split into two league). Anyways, I'm assuming LT will go first, so who would you choose with that pick? Johnson or Jackson? Or someone else?

[imb]

You can't go wrong either way, but most places I've seen have Jackson No. 2

[ChiCubsFan]

You can't go wrong either way, but most places I've seen have Jackson No. 2

 

Yeah...a lot of that was based on LJ holding out. His hold out will actually benefit him as he won't be taking much of a beating in the preseason. They are both going to have outstanding years and you can't go wrong with either.

[WindyCity]

You can't go wrong either way, but most places I've seen have Jackson No. 2

 

Yeah...a lot of that was based on LJ holding out. His hold out will actually benefit him as he won't be taking much of a beating in the preseason. They are both going to have outstanding years and you can't go wrong with either.

 

When in doubt, go with the guy on the better offense -- Steven Jackson is setup to have an outstanding year. I actually really worry about guys who hold out -- while its true they don't get beat up in pre-season, they also may not be in game shape by week 1 and that could lead to an injury. IMO when players deviate from the routines that brought them past success, it does not usually end up helping them.