Prepping for your Fantasy Football Draft

It’s that time of the year. The NFL Regular season is rapidly approaching (Kickoff Weekend is Sept. 11) and many of us die-hard fans are not only ready for the real deal to begin, we’ve been busy preparing for our fantasy season for weeks. I know I have. The draft for the main league that I’m in (Look us up on ESPN: BigTime FBallers) is gearing up for our draft this Friday night. Can’t Wait!

So, in order to help those of you out there still formulating your exact moves, I thought I’d offer a sprinkling of advice from a brain that has read scores of “experts” over the past couple of months. I’ll provide some brief written tips, and then include a link to the first-ever MTSS Video Blog … complete with a special guest. Enjoy.

1. Plan. Analyze. Adapt. – Map out a draft strategy and key players you’d like to have AND that you think will be available when your picks come up. Then, watch the draft develop. You’ll need to think quickly and possible change strategy as the draft unfolds. Be ready.

2. QB Strategy – Decide early on (preferably before the draft) what you plan to do for your quarterback slot. There are only a handful of elite signal callers for fantasy. Get one early or wait for a value pick much later. (More on this in the video.)

3. Quality v Quantity – When it comes to the RB and WR positions, you have to figure out whether you want quality (early picks) or quantity (more guys). Conventional wisdom, at least this year, is to get a stud RB and then a quality WR before going back to the well for more RBs. That a significant change from previous years.

4. Rookies – Every year, there are a few hot-shot can’t-miss rookies that fantasy owners are quick to jump on in the early to middle rounds. See Mathews, Ryan; 2010. Be very wary of rooks this year, especially because of the shortened training camp, missed OTAs, min-camps, etc. These young guys have had even less time than usual to get in the flow. Be very careful picking them. Wait for a value pick.

5. Risk/Reward Ratio – Look in the mirror … no, not now, you doofus. Figuratively. What kind of a fantasy player are you? Do you prefer to take a chance on a could-be breakout player or play is safe with proven commodities? Know who YOU are going in, and then do some research. Seasoned fantasy players love being in leagues with guys that don’t do their homework. On second, thought … nevermind.

Now, watch this video for more specific advice: MTSS FANTASY FOCUS

Upcoming blog posts: NFL division-by-division predictions, my very specific prognostications for the Chiefs and Rams, and the final pre-season NFL Power Ranking.  Stay tuned.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time, thanks for reading.

Steve