Fantasy Draft Strategy: Tweaks, Tips and Tricks

Nothing gets fantasy football addicts excited like draft day, so as the time is drawing nearer, I thought I’d impart a some advice and a few tricks to employ in preparation for the big day to give you that winning edge in your draft an ultimately your league.

 

  1. Go for value, not merely big names

Your draft should be about getting the right player at the right time. Don’t overpay for someone just because he’s a big name. Every pick you make is an investment for the season ahead (or perhaps longer), so don’t rush into any pick. This year I’d advise to wait on QBs and try and get someone like Romo in round 8 or later. If he isn’t there wait further and get a combination of Cutler, Vick or Palmer in the last rounds before you take D/ST and K. For Tight End it’s a similar story, there are several TEs out there this year ranked after 10 that are going to offer incredible value. Brandon Myers, Owen Daniels and Antonio Gates. I’d grab these guys late and pick up another on waivers if you get the chance. Early picks have to be at RB, and then WR. If you can end up with 2 of the 10 (in my opinion) stud RBs then you’re giving yourself a superb foundation of your franchise. There is WR value both late and early, but you can still pick up some bargains in the middle rounds (Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson). Make sure you’re picking a guy because he offers you the most value at that point, not because you like watching him play or he’s your favourite player. Continue reading

Protect Your Investment: Four Late Round QB Targets

Whilst last season saw few injuries to starting QBs, the new breed of mobile quarterbacks means it’s more important than ever to identify a safe backup in the event that your man goes down hurt, a scheme of protection if you will.

The following QBs all have an element of risk attached to them, and priority should be given to insure them with a solid backup: Robert Griffin III (Bye 5), Cam Newton(4), Michael Vick(12), Colin Kaepernick(9), Russell Wilson(12) and even Matthew Stafford(9). The first five all have a playing style that invites tackles more than your pocket passers, and the smaller bodied guys like Vick, Wilson and Griffin are especially at risk. If you’re grabbing these guys to lead your team be sure to get one of the following QBs to protect you’re draft-day investment. Continue reading