Week Three Top Performers & Projections

Carolina Panthers over the Jacksonville Jaguars

MVP: Cam Newton

Cam Newton’s massive numbers in the yardage category are only to be outdone by the unreal numbers of Tom Brady. I expect Cam to have another huge day against the Jags and finally get a W.

New England Patriots over the Buffalo Bills

MVP: Tom Brady

Just get used to the fact that for every week that the Patriots play I will be selecting Tom Brady as the game’s MVP and 9 times out of 10 I’ll be right.

San Francisco 49ers over the Cincinnati Bengals

MVP: Frank Gore

A pretty disappointing season for Gore so far with weak performances in the first two games, I expect Gore to come out find the endzone a few times against the Bengals. Sidenote: Anyone else think of the Bengals as a prison team more than a professional team?

Cleveland Browns over the Miami Dolphins

MVP: Colt McCoy

I don’t know why but I absolutely love this kid. He’s accurate, he’s smart, and he’s good with his feet. What’s not to like about the sophomore out of Texas?

Detroit Lions over the Minnesota Vikings

MVP: Matthew Stafford

Two weeks and two dominating efforts for Stafford. Now he faces a Minnesota team that just can’t seem to hold it together after blowing a huge lead on Sunday against the Bucs. Start him with confidence.

New Orleans Saints over the Houston Texans

MVP: Drew Brees

In what I assume will be one heck of an offensive shootout, Drew Brees wins out with just a few more weapons in the passing attack than Houston can handle. I also expect another big game for Tate if Foster is sidelined again.

Philidelphia Eagles over the New York Giants

MVP: LeSean McCoy

McCoy has been a fantasy stud the past two weeks and, while Vick has been cleared to play, I would expect Philly to utilize their ground game even more to take the pressure off of their $100 million asset. And when Eli is tossing the rock you can expect a few turnovers which are just what Philly needs to seal the deal.

Tennessee Titans over the Denver Broncos

MVP: Chris Johnson

It’s now or never for CJ2K if he wants to hold off Ringer before Tennessee decides to go to a committee system. CJ hasn’t been able to get it done and he hasn’t exactly been facing the toughest run defenses early. I expect him to finally prove to everyone he was worth that big contract.

New York Jets over the Oakland Raiders

MVP: Mark Sanchez

Sanchez has so many weapons in his offensive system and I expect him to lead the entire team to a big day. Expect this game to be high scoring with the Jets prevailing in the end.

San Diego Chargers over the Kansas City Chiefs

MVP: Philip Rivers

Jamaal Charles going out for the season all but seals the fate of the Chiefs this year. Thomas Jones is too old and Dexter McCluster is too brittle. I expect Rivers to be on the field a lot since the Chiefs will struggle to move the ball and should have plenty of fantasy points for you by the end of the 3^rd quarter.

Baltimore Ravens over the St. Louis Rams

MVP: Joe Flacco

It’s been the Ray Rice show in Baltimore the past few weeks and last week we saw their offense fizzle out in embarrassing fashion. I think Flacco will come back this week with a chip on his shoulder and start lighting it up against the Rams’ secondary.

Green Bay Packers over the Chicago Bears

MVP: Aaron Rogers

Remember that rule I had for Tom Brady always expected to get the MVP award? The same rule applies Rogers. Sidenote: IF Cutler can stay off the ground, I expect him to sling the ball around pretty well too.

Arizona Cardinals over the Seattle Seahawks

MVP: Kevin Kolb

The only week Seattle isn’t going to lose this season is week 6 when they have their bye week.  I expect Kolb to dominate Seattle’s secondary and connect on a few deep balls with Larry Fitzgerald in the process.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the Atlanta Falcons

MVP: Josh Freeman

The Bucs won’t be able to manage a 17 point comeback like they did against Minnesota last week. But I can expect that, down by 4, Freeman improves on his legacy by marching down the field and punching it into the endzone in a close win.

Pittsburgh Steelers over the Indianapolis Colts

MVP: Ben Roethlisberger

I think the Colts may have it in their best interest to enter the Andrew Luck lottery. I expect Big Ben to keep up the chemistry he has with Mike Wallace working for a big day against the Colts.

Dallas Cowboys over the Washington Redskins

MVP: Tony Romo

The man with the punctured lung changed the nation’s perception of him simply by taking the field. And then again by leading the Cowboys to victory in overtime. As one of his teammates said after the game, he’s going to have to do it again to really make us believe and I think that’s exactly what he does. The Iron Lung rides out onto the field and finishes off the victory with a precision pass to the endzone to seal the victory.  

A Look Back at Week 2

Buffalo Bills defeat the Oakland Raiders 38-35

MVP: Fred Jackson

Yes, I gave the MVP award to Jackson for this game purely because of the numbers he put up (117 yards rushing, 2TDs, and 27 receiving yards). But had I have told you that Ryan Fitzpatrick would have 7 touchdowns, 1 interception and a QB rating of 109.6 in the first two weeks you never would have believed me. You have to give credit where credit is due and, I’ll admit it, I’ll be pulling for them next week against the Pats.

Green Bay Packers defeat the Carolina Panthers 30-23

MVP: Cam Newton

This makes it two weeks in a row I’ve picked Cam as my MVP in a game his team lost. But I have my reasons. Apart from the Philidelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers are essentially expected to coast into the playoffs and make a serious bid for the Super Bowl yet again. That is exactly what made Cam’s performance so impressive. Cam is now second in passing yards in the league with 854 in two games. Yes, he did give the ball up in the second half like he was allergic to it but he was dictating the game in the first half against the best defense in the National Football League. All I have to say is, until this kid starts acting like a rookie, I see no reason to continue to treat him as one.

Detroit Lions defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 48-3

MVP: Matthew Stafford

A healthy Stafford has proven to be an extremely dangerous one. I wanted to believe in the Lions last year but couldn’t shake my memory of that 0-16 team a few years back. Well, they’ve definitely put those years behind them as they improve to 2-0 in monstrous fashion. Stafford slang the rock for nearly 300 yards and four scores against albeit a weak Chiefs secondary. Quite the day for quite a young team.

Cleveland Browns defeat the Indianapolis Colts 27-19

MVP: Peyton Hillis

I wanted to give the award to Colt McCoy yet again but his 211 yards and one TD just aren’t going to cut it. Hillis looked like he was back in the swing of things for the rushing game against the Colts. 94 yards and two scores was exactly what the Browns needed to push them past the Manning-less (Manning can also be substituted for win) and bring them to 1-1 on the year. In some other division I may even put them as an outside shot at the playoffs, but I don’t see Big Ben or the Ravens D having any part of that.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the Minnesota Vikings 24-20

MVP: Josh Freeman

I wanted to put LeGarrette Blount down for MVP because of a 70 yard, two score game in what was essentially his first game of the season but I just have to show Freeman some big time love here. In only his third year in the league, Josh Freeman is considered an excellent 4^th quarter QB. I swear, I watch every game and sometimes I think he lets the other team hang around purely so he can finish them off in dramatic fashion. I realize the Bucs had nearly all of their home games blacked out last year but there has to be a less heart-wrenching way to sell tickets.

New Orleans Saints defeat the Chicago Bears 30-13

MVP: Drew Brees

No surprises here. Rebounding from a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers last week, the Saints stormed back behind Brees’ 270 yards and 3 TDs to improve to 1-1. Until the Bears can learn how to protect Jay Culter for more than like 8 plays, they are going to continue to struggle against any defense.

New York Jets defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars 32-3

MVP:  The NYJ Defense

Yes, anytime the opposition is held to just 3 points it is pretty easy to credit the defense with the win. That is especially true when the defense only allows 3 third down conversions on 12 attempts and never allows them into the red zone. That’s quite the sad day for the lonely fan in Jacksonville who purchased NFL red zone to watch all those MJD touchdowns. But come on, they can’t play Tennessee every week.

Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Seattle Seahawks 24-0

MVP: Ben Roethlisberger

I wanted to give this to the Steel Curtain for all of the reasons I just picked the Jets above (plus the fact Seattle didn’t even attempt a field goal) but, after 5 turnovers last week, Big Ben gets this award with a side of redemption. Passing for nearly 300 yards and a touchdown isn’t that impressive against such a weak team but it does mean I don’t have to bench him for McCoy next week in one of my leagues. Cheers to that.

Tennessee Titans defeat the Baltimore Ravens 26-13

MVP: Kenny Britt

After an impressive and dominant win over the Steelers last week, I don’t think anyone was anticipating an offensive stall against the Titans.  For going for over 130 yards and a score for the second straight week (last week he had two scores), Britt has to be the MVP again. The kid was on pace last year to finish as the number one receiver before he got injured. If this guy can stay healthy all year he may just pick right up where he left off.

Washington Redskins defeat the Arizona Cardinals 22-21

MVP: Rex Grossman

Rex is making me relish the fact that I wrote that article about him before the season started more than any post I’ve ever drafted. Is it getting to extreme to feel that his play on the field is now a personal vendetta against me to prove me wrong? Well hell Rex, I’ll admit it, you’ve won me over. The Redskins are currently the only 2-0 team in the NFC East and Rex’s 291 yards and two touchdowns proved to be enough (oh, and Gano’s FG but he’s a kicker so come on!) to get the win against the birds this Sunday. Hey Rex, you put up 4 TDs against the Cowboys and I may even buy your jersey.

Dallas Cowboys defeat the San Francisco 49ers 27-24 (OT)

MVP: Tony Romo            

It’s hard not to give Miles Austin the award here considering he did have 143 yards and 3 touchdowns but he didn’t have any broken bones so he lost some points in that category. Romo on the other hand actually took that stat box uncontested and that is why he wins out this week. Romo left the game with a fractured rib which meant Kitna had to come in which 9 times out of 10 means your team loses. Well, it took Romo just one play in OT to hit Holley (I didn’t know who he was either) for a 77 yard reception which set up the game ending field goal. So to who I believed to be the softest QB in the league until today, congrats Tony (I’m looking at you now Cassel).

Denver Broncos defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-22

MVP: Kyle Orton

Orton may have only thrown for less than 200 yards and two touchdowns and rookie Andy Dalton may have thrown for over 300 yards and two scores as well but I’m still giving it to Orton. Why you ask? Because as long as Orton doesn’t lose the game, Tim Tebow won’t be seeing any playing time at QB. So yes, other guys in this game deserved MVP honors but as long as Orton keeps Teblow of the field he’ll keep getting respect from me.

Houston Texans defeat the Miami Dolphins 23-13

MVP: Daniel Thomas

There were a lot of guys here who had great fantasy days, most of which were on the winning side (Andre Johnson and Ben Tate) but Thomas made a name for himself Sunday. Thomas is a rookie who was thought to have lost his job to Reggie Bush based on the pass happy Miami style of offense. Thomas took 18 carries for over 100 yards while running behind his pads. He seems to be running in a way that fills the void Ronnie Brown left when he skipped town for Philly. For the sake of the Dolphins, I sure hope Thomas can keep this up.

New England Patriots defeat the San Diego Chargers 35-21

MVP: Tom Brady

98% of the time that Tom Brady takes the field he is worthy of MVP honors and Sunday was no exception. The fastest QB to 900 yards in NFL history, Brady followed up week 1’s 500+ yard performance with a 400 yard effort. Wes Welker was responsible for most of the yards in week 1 and, in typical Brady fashion, he shook things up and connected with Deion Branch 8 times for nearly 130 yards. And for those playing in leagues where Gronkowski or Hernandez (despite the injury) are available, try to make some roster room. They will be consistent performers while on the field.

Atlanta Falcons defeat the Philidelphia Eagles 35-31

MVP: Matt Ryan

As I predicted, Matt Ryan wasn’t about to lay down and let another team bury them. While only throwing for 195 yards on 28 attempts, Ryan did manage to find the endzone 4 times against the amazing Philly secondary. Tony Gonzalez made the play of the game with a one-handed toe-tapping catch in the back of the endzone. Those watching also say Michael Turner come alive in what most predict as a down year for Turner with 114 yards on the ground and a score (he also had 32 receiving yards).

New York Giants defeat the St. Louis Rams 28-16

MVP: Danario Alexander

I know what you’re thinking. Who is Danario Alexander? The 2^nd year player from Missouri had only three receptions on Monday night but they were all he needed to record 122 yards and a touchdown against the Giants. Yes, Alexander is one of many to earn MVP honors in a losing effort but he did launch himself out of obscurity and into the spotlight on one of the biggest stages a week 2 game can provide. Just don’t expect Alexander to be getting this award again anytime soon.

I went 14-2 this week on my picks which brings me to a 21-10 total on the year. 
Love what you read or think someone else deserves MVP honors this week? Write me a comment and let me know what you think!

-X

Week Two Top Performers & Projections

Pittsburgh Steelers over the Seattle Seahawks

Top Performer: Ben Roethlisberger responds with a big game after an embarrassing 5 turnover game vs. the Ravens in week 1.

Buffalo Bills over the Oakland Raiders

Top Performer: Don’t expect Ryan Fitzpatrick to help the team put up 41 points again. But he’ll still pick apart the Raiders for a few scores and the win.

Arizona Cardinals over the Washington Redskins

Top Performer: In a high scoring affair, Beanie Wells punches in another score late in the game to take MVP honors in this game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the Minnesota Vikings

Top Performer: LeGarrette Blount is finally let loose prompting even more apologies by Raheem Morris in his post game press conference.

New York Jets over the Jacksonville Jaguars

Top Performer: The Jets got lucky last week which is exactly why Mark Sanchez asserts himself early and often against the Jags in week 2.

New Orleans Saints over the Chicago Bears

Top Performer: The Saints pick themselves up after a close loss to the Packers and Drew Brees displays his potent passing attack backed by the four-headed rushing monster.

Green Bay Packers over the Carolina Panthers

Top Performer: While Cam Newton did have one hell of a debut, Aaron Rogers and the Packers Def put the new kid back in his place as they go on to easily defeat the Panthers.

Baltimore Ravens over the Tennessee Titans

Top Performer: The Ravens ride the momentum from last week’s huge win over the Steelers as Joe Flacco connects with every guy on the field for a huge day.

Detroit Lions over the Kansas City Chiefs

Top Performer: Matthew Stafford looked strong against the Bucs last week and doesn’t slow down as he puts up big numbers vs. the Chiefs.

Cleveland Browns over the Indianapolis Colts

Top Performer: I expect big things from Colt McCoy this year; especially this week when he faces the hopeless Colts.

Dallas Cowboys over the San Francisco 49ers

Top Performer: If Tony Romo can hold onto the ball, I expect Dez Bryant to make a few Megatron-esque catches for a big day over San Fran.

Denver Broncos over the Cincinnati Bengals

Top Performer: I am praying that Kyle Orton has a big game this week to shut up the now newly crowned ‘Most Annoying Fans in Sports’. I’ve got faith in you Orton. Do whatever you can to keep Baby Jesus from tarnishing the football history in Denver.

New England Patriots over San Diego Chargers

Top Performer: Don’t expect an enormous day from Wes Welker again but you can always expect Tom Brady to go out and be the top offensive guy on the field day in and day out.

Houston Texans over the Miami Dolphins

Top Performer: If Foster is forced to sit yet again, Ben Tate will show why they were stupid for even thinking about playing Derrick Ward ahead of him on the depth chart.

Atlanta Falcons over the Philidelphia Eagles

Top Performer: Relax, the Eagles don’t get shut down here but I don’t see Matty Ice laying on his back for two beat downs in a row. Expect a shootout down the stretch in the Georgia Dome proving Vick was right when he said it’s Matt Ryan’s house now.

New York Giants over the St. Louis Rams

Top Performer: Eli Manning may be a turnover machine but with injury question marks surrounding Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson there will be nearly no chance for St. Louis to post any offense. I expect the running tandem of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to run through the Rams on Monday night.

How Not To Draft - The JP Ross Story

Those of you who are fans of FRATasy Sports may be familiar with our 3^rd most talented writer (we have 3 writers) and self-proclaimed funny guy (he isn’t funny), FantsySportsNow aka JP Ross. Yes, he is a fantasy sports writer who can’t even spell F-A-N-T-A-S-Y correctly. Well we had a draft last night with some other guys and, no surprise, the shit talking has already begun.  

I took Ray Rice with the 1^st overall pick which has left some guys shaking their heads. I have this personal thing against Foster since I told a guy about him last year and he snaked him from me in the draft. We’re also in a PPR league so I like the chances of Rice catching a shit ton of balls as opposed to AP. Oh, and for those of you who aren’t aware, McGahee is gone and Sticky Ricky doesn’t scare me. So I got to pick whoever I wanted and I did. Doubt it? Explain to me why in December. 

Anyway, let’s take a look at this kid so you know who I’m talking about. 

No, that’s not a recent picture. But he only looks about 3 days older and a bit more retarded. 

So with my 1^st pick being the “controversial” one, let’s take a look at how his draft went down round by round.

1. Michael Vick – Obviously the schmuck didn’t read the article I wrote a few weeks ago. The now 100 million dollar man is one hell of an athlete but also one hell of an injury risk to spend a 1^st round pick on. But hell, I thought he was going to take a kicker here so at least there’s that.

2. Frank Gore – He follows up one newly negotiated injury risk with another. Frank Gore can be a great back but he’s got to have his pads on to post numbers.

3. Reggie Wayne – I’m really down on Wayne this year. When it comes to PPR leagues I barely get him inside my top 20 WRs. Oh, and for those of you who don’t remember Peyton will probably not be throwing to him week 1 and even when he’s back he’s going to take a while to warm up.

4. DeSean Jackson – This is when I really started to doubt he remembered this was PPR. The guy is all about the long ball but doesn’t exactly rack up the receptions (He had 47 last year). And with Maclin, and newly acquired Steve Smith, that number will probably be about the same in 2011. 

5.  Dallas Clark – Considered by most to be one of the best TEs in the league. He looked great last year before leaving after game 6 with an injury. I don’t really have anything bad on Dallas so I’m just going to cross my fingers he gets injured again. No offense Clark. 

6. Ryan Grant – Holy Hospital Batman! He follows up the Gore pick to back him up with a guy who had 8 carries in 2010 before limping out of the picture. There were rumors in the offseason he wouldn’t even be on Green Bay’s roster come 2011 and is currently battling Starks for the starting gig.

7. BenJarvus Green-Ellis – Some douche bags find referring to his name as some kind of law firm as funny. For that I vote this pick a complete fail. 

8. A.J. Green – The kid was a stud at Georgia but don’t expect this rookie to be putting up numbers like Tampa Bay’s rookie Mike Williams did last year. Rookie WRs rarely make a fantasy impact, especially when rookie QBs are slinging them the rock.

9. Eli Manning - I expect a better year from Eli despite being a turnover machine last year. He’s thrown a lot of picks this preseason relative to the time he’s spent in games. On this pick he passes. Psych! JP sucks and so does his team.

10. Daniel Thomas – Ah, finally this hopeless Miami fan picks a hometown favorite. Well, from the looks of it, Reggie Bush may be making a much bigger impact this year. I was high on Thomas early in the year but now I am really doubting his ability to make an impact, barring injury.

11. Pierre Thomas – Taking guys that run the ball on a team that uses four backs isn’t usually the best idea. Especially considering he took a guy who will probably the 3^rd most valuable back on his team. Rookie Mark Ingram and, former Charger, Darren Sproles will most likely be Brees’ new favorite target out of the backfield.

12. Jordy Nelson – Nelson is considered by some to be the ‘Welker of Lambeau’.  In Nelson’s career he has 100 receptions and 6 touchdowns over three years. Those numbers sound more like one year for Welker and since the season doesn’t last three years I’ll pass on Nelson.

13. New Orleans Defense – Picking a defense forced to face Green Bay, Indianapolis, Detroit, the Giants, and Houston is questionable at best. Oh, and they have to face the Bucs and Falcons TWICE. That sounds bad, especially with San Diego still on the board.

14. Matt Bryant – Yes, he took a kicker in round 14 out of 16. Anyone who has graduated 4^th grade or played fantasy football more than once knows not to take a kicker so early. And for the love of God, if you’re going to take a kicker this early you can do better than Matt Bryant.

15. Rob Gronkowski – He took Rob here at 15 and passed on Aaron Hernandez who is Brady’s favored target at TE (and who I picked 1 round later). He must be rooting for guys on my team to get injured too. Nice pick dumbass.

16. Emmanuel Sanders – He might be listed as the 3^rd WR for Pittsburgh but for those of you who have seen what Antonio Brown can do for you (shout out to UPS) know that he probably won’t be making headlines in the Steel City.

If I wasn’t clear enough above, his team sucks. If there was a trophy for running your mouth in the preseason he’d be the champion hands down. But I don’t remember anyone winning the Super Bowl in August. Let’s just consider FantsySportsNow the Dallas Cowboys of fantasy teams.

Oh, and for the record, he did the same thing for fantasy baseball and he’s going to finish the year in last place and 0-3 against my team. Fantasy football won’t be any different.

PS. Only a few hours after this was written, Arian Foster is now likely to be out for the first few weeks of the season with a hamstring injury. Note: Injuries to the ol' hammy don't exactly go away during the season. 

-X

Top Fantasy Football Team Names

The Jersey LeShoure

Burrested Development

Edward Forte Hands

Drinking Fortes

Smoking DrewBrees and a Blount

Devin Hesterhoff

Baby Back Cribbs

Beef O’Brady

Mr. Rogers Neighborhood

Dez Nuts

Calvin & The Chipmunks

Charles In Charge

Rice, Rice, Baby

Easy, Breesy, Beautiful, Cover Girl

WWJD – What Would Jones-Drew

Beanie Babies

Arian Race

I’m a Man! I’m Forte!

Over the Hillis

Over the Rivers and through the Woodhead

Schuaby Seconds

Crosby’s Puddin’ Pops

The Dirty Sanchez

The King & His Cassel

Its (Heath) Miller Time

Marion Barber Shop

She Gives Woodhead

Special thanks to @FantsySportsNow for the help in creating the list!

-X

Fantasy Football Draft Day Rules

1.  “Protection from who? Zee Germans?”

Handcuffing your star players is considered a necessity by most guys. It’s an insurance policy that for most can come at a high price. Guys drafting someone with an injury history like Maurice ‘The Hyphen’ Jones-Drew should probably go ahead and snatch Rashard Jennings so they’re prepared when disaster strikes. But the guy who spends a pick on Adrian ‘All-Day’ Peterson’s backup, Toby Gerhart, would probably have found it just as useful to forfeit his pick for priority on waivers in week 3. Everyone becomes a victim to the game and by week 3 all those back-up RBs have been dumped for slot receivers or an additional Tight End. So when it comes to picking a handcuff, take a pass this time. In the end, handcuffs seem to do just what their name entails when it comes to team impact. 

2. “Mamma always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”

It is nearly impossible to predict how your board is going to play out. The key to winning your draft is to be prepared for however it is going to fall. Everyone has favorites and as I will explain later why I don’t believe in ‘reaching’ but knowing how the draft is going to play out can give you a great idea as to where certain guys are going in drafts so you know when to pounce.  Knowing you can wait an extra round or two on a guy you’re in love with can help you pick up extra value. Same thing goes when a guy you have marked up is typically going earlier than expected. Then you’ll know to pull the trigger a little faster and have your team grow the way you wanted.

3. “Don’t knock masturbation. It’s sex with someone I love.”

Like I mentioned before, I don’t believe in reaching for players. If you think a guy like Ray Rice is going to out-perform Adrian Peterson or Larry Fitz is going to make more big plays than Megatron, then there is no shame in plucking them off of the board first. I’m not saying to go grab the Lion’s defense in the 3^rd round because you’re a die-hard Detroit fan (which someone did in one of my leagues today). Just feel comfortable in taking a player you are confident in and leave the doubters scratching their heads come playoff time. 

4. “Those who are tardy do not get a fruit cup.”

In every draft during the middle few rounds there will be a few runs at certain positions. Guys will periodically be picking running backs and receivers throughout the draft but the other positions will get their share of positions runs. The key to these runs is to make sure you’re at the start of it. When somebody takes Antonio Gates you can expect a run on Tight Ends for the next few picks. Then, following the Steelers, the next few guys are going to grab defenses in a panic. Unless you start the run (or are the 2^nd/3^rd guy in the run) LEAVE IT ALONE. Fantasy football works on a tier system. Guys like Gates, Clark, Witten, and Finley are the top tier of TEs so if you don’t get on the them then there is no reason to snatch up a middle guy when you can find value at other positions. So let the other guys burn themselves with wasted picks they could match rounds later simply because a few guys decided to jump at one position. 

5. “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.”

Some people will pass on a stud running back or star receiver simply because they have the position filled. In your fantasy football drafts you can make a killing drafting that guy instead of passing him over for someone just to fill a roster spot. The move to take the better known ‘Best Available’ as opposed to the filler works best when you take the tier system approach I referred to earlier.  Taking a top tier WR over one of the middle tier RBs will always be beneficial in the long run. There is no such thing as too much of a good thing and this is no exception. If VJax or DBowe are starring you in the face, don’t pass on them simply because you need a LeGarrette Blount or Cedric Benson to fill your lineup. 

6. “They just hate me ‘cause they ain’t me.”

Shit talking is part of the draft. No matter what you do or who you take people are going to try to bring you down or make you doubt your picks. More often than not (unless you’re the a**hole in my league that took Detroit in round 3) the guy bashing your pick was praying that guy was coming back around to him. Have confidence in your picks and hold to your guns. If you made the pick you wanted to in that situation then throw the rest of the room the finger and remind him of the pick some December. 

7. “Time is a precious thing. Never waste it.”

Bye weeks are easily one of those things no one pays attention to come draft day. There are a few ways to attack the bye week problem. Some people like to load up players on a certain week and essentially sacrifice that week for the sake of running full-steam the rest of the year. Others like to make sure they’re only missing a guy or two each week. Both strategies are effective if used properly but can be tricky to try to execute. The really important thing is to make sure that those guys riding pine won’t be doing so during your star player’s bye week. I’ve seen it happen to plenty of guys who use a high pick to take a quality backup QB only to realize they have the same bye and now they’re playing Alex Smith in week 8. 

8. “In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women. ”

There seems to be a history of guys who succeed when their next contract is right around the corner. There is also a history of guys who just signed a big number deal flopping the next year. Motivation can be a huge factor for the success of an NFL player. Prime example: Albert Haynesworth, former star of the Tennessee Titans, who signed a 7-year, $100 million contract and then dropped off the face of the earth. Jamarcus Russell, former 1^st round pick of the Oakland Raiders signed a $61 million contract and never had a successful play in the NFL. Chris Johnson on the other hand signed a 5 year contract worth nearly $7 million and is now in a hold out because he’s earned the paycheck on the field. SPOILER ALERT: By the time CJ2K re-laces his pads he’ll probably be the highest paid running back in the league. 

9. “Kid can’t even read. T-T-T-TODAY Junior!”

For those of you who will not be drafting in one of those online chat rooms and may be forced to actually interact with other individuals, you’re going to want to ensure you know the names of the guys you are drafting. In order to avoid the T.J. Who’sYourMomma fiasco of 2008, do a little homework and come to the draft prepared. No one wants to be ‘That Guy’ come draft day. Now saying it wrong won’t mean you lose your pick but you may just lose your dignity. When it doubt, just write it up on the board and let some other a**hole stutter through the name. Then you can chime in with the rest of the group and ruin that guy’s draft day.

10. “If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?”

Know the scoring of your league. If it is PPR (Point Per Reception) then those guys who are going to grab nearly 100 balls a year should shoot up on your scouting reports. Receivers and scat backs become a far bigger asset on your team. If passing touchdowns count for as much as rushing and receiving touchdowns then a top tier QB is a must-own. Knowing what is going to count in your league is vital to a successful season. Take a good look at the scoring settings before entering your draft. When it comes down to two guys when it’s your turn to draft, you’ll probably have a much easier time deciding if you know what the scoring settings on your league are. 

Got other Fantasy Football Draft Day Rules? Comment below and tell us what you think is a must for the draft!

-X