Fantasy Football: Okay, so I’m COMPLETELY diverging from my usual topics of communication and education this week to give some insights and tips on FF. (Hey, it’s my blog, right?) For those of you not interested in FF…WHY NOT?!?! Just kidding – I realize it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Check back next week when the topic will be plenty academic J
So here is the deal. (There’s a deal? Yep, there’s a deal!) I’m not a professional Fantasy Football guru by any stretch. That said, I am a researcher. I LOVE to to research numbers, facts, statistics, trends, and the like. (I know, it’s either part of my charm or one of the many things that makes me weird.)
As well, I’ve played Fantasy Football for about 10 years now. Over that time, I’ve learned some tricks and traps that I’m happy to share with anyone who cares. I’ve won a few years (although in ’99 I picked up Kurt Warner because Trent Green went down – I needed someone fast…who knew?) and I’ve lost my fair share, but I’m always in the hunt! Finally, last year I played in the new “Pay The Fan” tournament. It’s a $70 buy-in with a possible quarter mill payout. Not too shabby… They paid out the top 20 spots and I took 28th. Again, I felt ok about it! So, if those credentials are good enough for you, read on.
If you don’t even know what FF is or how to play it, you should really check out another site first. There are some great ones out there! www.fftoday.com, www.cbssportsline.com, and on and on! They all have nice tutorials about the many ways you can play. For everyone who’s drafting, let me share with you some insights I’ve gleaned from some “pros” out there during my research!
My Best Secret – Look for consistency first, fantasy points second. You may get a stud like A. Peterson (of Minnesota, not Chicago smart aleck…). But, if you look at his numbers last year, he would have only helped you win about 50% of his games. He had a few stinkers, not to mention being hurt. When he scored, he scored huge! But when he didn’t, he was a dud. So, before you get all starry eyed at the pick, you might look at someone who is more likely to give you 20 points per game, rather than 43 followed by 4. You’ll be glad you did.
Secret #2 – check out your Superbowl week. The Superbowl for my current league (okay, I’m actually in 3…please don’t tell my wife – no she doesn’t read my blog as she gets enough of the “magic” at home) is in Week 16. I plan to be there! So, I’d better try and make sure I have some guys playing in games where they have a great shot! That likely includes finding a Kansas City Chief or two. Why? They’re playing against Miami who will likely improve their defense from last year, but not by much. (They can’t get worse, right?)
Secret #3 – Watch for coaching moves. Where is Mike Martz going? (Answer: 49ers) It’s important to know where he’s heading because their air attack will likely improve. Then, when you see that he’ll be in San Francisco, you might notice who else will be there. A certain receiver who played for him in St Louis all those years. True, Isaac Bruce is getting up there in age, but when you look at the other receivers he’s competing with, he’s still probably the #1 target. What does that add up to? A likely steal in the 12th or 16th round (depending how deep your draft is) that nobody else will notice! That very late round pick could net you some very real, very consistent points throughout the season. What a great 2nd string WR during bye-weeks!
Secret #4 – This is specifically for total points league like PTF. Play the best match up you have instead of waiting for later! I kicked myself last year for “saving” Ronnie Brown. I figured out when he’d be up against a sieve of a defense and waited for it. While I was waiting he left the NFL for the season! Instead, I had 3 or 4 great opportunities that I should have used him for. Plus, there were always good match ups without my needing to “plan” so much.
Well, that should do it. With the Olympics over, I hope you’re all gearing up for some awesome Football! Want my pick for the Superbowl? (Why not….everyone else does it!) I’m going with San Diego vs Dallas. I think San Diego will finally beat New England in the playoffs and I think Romo will finally get over the hump – Terry Glenn will have something to do with it.
Good luck sports fans! I hope you have a great season where you don’t have to play too many guys from your 1st Fantasy team against players on your 2nd Fantasy team…doesn’t that blow?
Want to learn more about Fantasy Football? (Don’t call me…what’s wrong with you?) BUT – Looking for a great, funny, motivaitonal speaker for a FF event? Contact jborden@jeffpresents.com for more information!
