Fantasy

OK, OK, everyone knows how good we are when it comes to handicapping (Especially when it comes to the football).  Between our regular locks and our High Roller Total, our clients made millions last year.  And that’s not an exaggeration. However, something that hasn’t been made public is how good we are with our fantasy football.  We’ve won three of our last four fantasy football leagues.  So as far as our scouting, ranking, and strategy we’d say we know what we’re doing.  We’d like to share some of those tips to winning fantasy football.

A couple of rules we follow:  The number one rule we follow, hands down the most important rule– take a running back in the first two rounds of the draft.  Period!  Even if you have a chance to take a Tom Brady or Payton Manning with the fifth or sixth pick overall, it’s not worth it.  In the long run, you’ll score more fantasy points with a two stud RB’s and a Romo, Brees, Palmer, (A third or fourth round pick).  Than a Brady/Manning, stud RB and a starting RB splitting time.  Remember, a great QB will single handily win weeks, running backs will win fantasy titles.

Rule two or rule 1B). Don’t be afraid to stockpile RB’s.  Yes, you’ll be the kid on the playground that gets made fun of, but when you’re carrying the prize money again, don’t buy your opponents a drink.  Injuries are always part of the game and if you only have two starting RBs, one goes down, you’re in trouble.  The fifth or sixth is usually where I get my third RB.  The third rule for RB position: It’s fine to get a players back up, but don’t do it too early.  How did that work out for owners of Alexander and LT last year? What we mean by this is if you draft Maroney in the second, don’t waste a fifth or six round pick on Morris or Faulk or Jordan. If your backup is gone, it’s OK to steal someone else’s backup.  But do it in a very late round.  I’d rather have a good starting WR at this point, than someone that might play.  Remember if one of your staring RB goes down, if you followed rule one and two there won’t be any worries because you’ll have a starter to throw in the mix. Rule 3b) If possible, stay away from RB by committees.  It’s pretty self-explanatory.

IF YOU FOLLOW THE RUNNING BACK RULES, YOU SHOULD MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.

Other things to follow to be a complete football team: Once you’ve got your two starting RBs, in round three, draft the best available player. There will be plenty of studs available at this point.  We favor a good QB here (especially in a 6 point TD league). This is a good time to get a Brees or Palmer (He will bounce back).  Don’t be stuck pinning your SB hopes on a Jay Cutler or Eli Manning later.  A third tier QB, even with stud RB will not get the job done.  Don’t get us wrong; we’re not saying you have to get a QB at this point.  After all, if you can get a Steve Smith caliber receiver at this point, do it. Just make sure you don’t get stuck with a third tier QB.

A couple of quick, simple rules:  Draft your two kickers in the last two rounds.  With Kickers, you never know what you’re going to get.  It makes sense to try a flyer or get a backup WR or QB before you get a kicker.  Also, when you have a limited selection of kickers remaining, draft a kicker from a team that will score a lot of points.  It’s safer than drafting a kicker from a crappy team that might get into field goal range.  As far as defenses, here we’re in limbo.  Depending on your scoring system, where should you draft your starting DE?  This depends on how the draft is going.  All we can say is don’t draft one too early (unless your scoring system in defense orientated).  One thing we do look for in a defense is sacks.  We were extremely high on San Diego last year because of the sack factor.  Sacks lead to turnovers and those turnovers often are turned into TO returned for TD’s.

As far as wide receivers, the only advice, if you’re in a catch league, don’t fall for the big name over a Wes Welker.  In a catch league, Welker will score more points than than a Chad Johnson.  TJ Houshmanzadeh will outscore Plaxico Burress.  Get the picture?

One final thought, don’t be a “Homer”.  Don’t draft a James Jones just because you’re a Packer fan.  It’ll waste a draft pick and a roster spot.

Like we said, the key, is the RB position, always has been, and always will be.  Despite others suggesting this is the year go against the traditional drafting way of RB, RB.  Let them go RB some other position, they’ll be begging you for a running back in week four.  And you can laugh in there face.  Just like when you bring home another championship.  Good Luck and stay tuned for our player rankings in a couple of days!