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Adam's
Draft Advice
July 2010
I always get a kick out of reading other commentator's advice on how to
draft for your fantasy team. I would say at least 90% suggest picking
up your Running Backs early. This may or MAY NOT be the best move for
your team. They never seem to take into account the differing types of
leagues with their varying scoring methods. But to my mind this is the
number 1 factor in determining how to draft for your team. Before
someone just makes a blanket statement that Running Backs are best, or
a top Quarterback is best you need to examine your league AND your
league's scoring system. For example, if your league uses the basic 1
point for every 10 yards running/receiving and 1 point for every 20
passing yards utilizing 2 running backs, 1 quarterback, and 3 wide
receivers then yes running backs, especially backs that catch 3rd down
passes and get some of those passing yard points, should be at the top
of your list. BUT if your league utilizes a point per catch option, or
other point setups that are more heavily weighted to a receiver, then
you should consider a top notch Wide Receiver or even Tight End high on
your list. Again a Running Back with good hands and who gets utilized
in a team's passing game significantly, i.e. Ray Rice, would garner top
honors in that league. In many leagues I have observed that the top
point getters and in many cases the majority in the top 10 point
getters are Quarterbacks. So a top 3-4 Quarterback is one of your main
priorities. So what I suggest is going back to your prior year's league
totals and examining who were the top 10-20 point scorers. Then when
looking at the history of those players see who has been the most
consistent over the past few years (Peyton Manning is the best example
of this) and rate those players higher than the new "up-and-comer".
Another aspect that is highly overlooked is the Offensive Line. It
seems that more and more Fantasy books are adding this valuable piece
into the puzzle. And I for one am glad to see it. I have been analyzing
Offensive Lines as part of my evaluation for years. If anyone needs
more evidence of their importance just look at the reduction in
production of Shawn Alexander once Steve Hutchinson left Seattle, or
how all the Steeler Running Backs are now struggling as their Line has
gotten worse and worse. If you are on the fence between a few players,
then calculate the Offensive Line strength into your rankings and your
ranking picture will most assuredly become clearer.
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