Take Your Team From Zero to Hero
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
If you struggle with making tough picks for your fantasy team, or if you are a first timer and need some help, look no further. You have just entered fantasy football central.
Let’s start with some basics: draft order. Personally, I always draft a running back first, and so do most fantasy experts. Your running back is going to be your real point scorer. He will always be getting the ball, every game, so a solid running back is the key to a solid team. Next, depending on who is taken, look for a good Quarterback, or another Running Back. Quarterbacks are also essential to your team, because unless the pass is incomplete or the play is a running play, the Quarterback will be getting points. When looking for a quarterback, pass yards and touchdowns are very important, but you also want to take a look at interceptions. In some leagues, quarterbacks actually loose points for interceptions. A quarterback that makes smart decisions is key.
Next, you will want to start getting receivers or a defense. I personally take defense over receivers, though. This is because the defense sees action every game, unlike some receivers.
After you have filled your team with core players, start looking for back ups. Be careful though, because you don’t want two players at the same position to have the same bye week, which means you will have an empty spot in your starting roster, and will loose points that week. However, if you want to throw a wrench in the gears, draft an explosive quarter back, like Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, first. This will throw everything off because usually people don’t approach a draft this way. The biggest part of a successful draft is planning ahead. Some sites have mock drafts, or fake drafts that can help you plan and strategize, so take advantage of your resources. For beginners looking to start their own leagues, or join one, I recommend Yahoo, because it is very user friendly.
Now lets start to look at specific players:
Running Backs:
Chris Johnson: When you go to most draft sights you will see Chris Johnson being drafted first round almost every time. This could be a good thing, but I know that if I get first pick I will be drafting somebody else. I predict an injury from Johnson, or a bad season. I only say bad season because before last season nobody was talking about him, and he has set such high goals for himself, if they aren’t met early on, he could get too emotional. Last year he was a free agent in my league (I picked him up off of waivers, much to the disappointment of the rest of the league). But the point in me saying that was that he had nobody thinking that he was going to bust out a 2006-yard season, now that the pressure is on him, I think he will choke.
Adrian Peterson: My first round choice. He is strong, and consistent. Plus, now that Brett Favre’s confirmed that he will be playing this year, the run and pass game of the Minnesota Vikings will be balanced. Another reason I would take Peterson over Johnson is his ability to make plays on any side of the field, where as Chris Johnson is stronger on the left. I guarantee that defenses have been studying up on his film.
The next few backs that I would take, in order, would be: Maurice Jones-Drew, Frank Gore, and Ray Rice. All of these players are pretty consistently good.
Quarterbacks:
Drew Brees: What can I say? The guy was amazing last year, and he is still surrounded by just as much talent. Brees is a sure fire quarterback. One downside, however, was his 11 interceptions that he threw last year. Usually this isn’t a very high number, but when guys like Brett Favre are throwing only seven, the difference is clear. Don’t let this deter you, though, because Brees is still a very strong pick.
The next few quarterbacks I would take in order are: Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning.
Receivers:
Greg Jennings: I like Greg Jennings more than the top receiver of last year, Andre Johnson. Although he wasn’t as productive, Greg Jennings has a quarterback that can produce every game in Aaron Rodgers. Matt Schaubb is shaky, although he run for the most yards last year. Other receivers to take a look at are Andre Johnson, Chad Ochocinco, and my sleeper pick, Jordan Shipley
Tight Ends:
This one is up to discussion; I think Antonio Gates would be the best choice though. This is because he is pretty consistent every year and he has a good consistent quarterback in Philip Rivers.
Kickers:
Kickers are more of your preference, if you like any kickers in the league, take them. I like Mason Crosby, and Rob Bironas isn’t a bad choice either. Tennessee and Green Bay both score a bunch of points and usually score every single drive, so those kickers are pretty solid point scorers.
Defense:
New York Jets. That’s all I have to say. With a strong defensive line, a blitz package that could keep any quarterback guessing, and a secondary that has excellent Receiver coverage, the Jets will be a solid defense. For the rest of your defense spots, go with Arizona, and Seattle as a sleeper pick.
Hopefully this article has helped everyone from new to experienced fantasy football players. The best advice I can give to any fantasy players is pay attention; if you keep a close eye on your team, you will be a success.
