Bad Can Turn Out to be Good

One of the biggest factors in someone’s fantasy team success is based upon the new rising stars and acquisitions made throughout the season.  Having available room on your bench is the way to take advantage of these point-producing players.  Rising starts are most commonly given their chance when a player that has been over shadowing them unfortunately gets injured.  A big injury this season would have to be Kenny Britt’s knee injury.  He has been placed on the injured reserve which has allowed the young Nate Washington accept the roll of the number one receiver for the Tennessee Titans.  Look for him to start putting up big numbers and if no one has noticed him be sure to snatch him up right away.  Another player that took advantage of their opportunity would be wide receiver Eric Decker of the Denver Broncos.  With Brandon Lloyd with a minor injury to start the season Decker was able to show his skills and possibly be in the running for the number one spot for the Broncos.  Also being an underdog when the season started he still might be a steal in your fantasy league and could benefit you greatly in the long run.  Sure it sounds easy enough to acquire these players, but if you started off slowly in you league it very well could be.  Usually you can put in a waiver to receiver a player and it goes in chronological order starting from the worst team to the best.  So starting off to a bad could actually help you out in the long run.

Defensive Strategy

Why is using one defense all year a bad idea?  The way that most fantasy leagues are set up the defense position starts off with ten points then they are deducted points or rewarded more points depending on certain circumstances.  As the teams opposing offense continues to score points, the fantasy points continue to negate in an opposite trend and can even give you negative points for that position.  Your team's defense on the other hand can gain points by scoring touchdowns, getting interceptions, fumble recoveries, or sacks.  Although you may have drafted a top notch defensive team, it may not be in your best interest to play them every week.  We all know that teams can have bad and good weeks and predicting them can be somewhat difficult, especially against the better teams in the league.  So instead of riding your one defensive team, save an extra spot in your lineup for your flex defense. This flex defense should switch from week to week according to the match-ups of teams.  For instance, just this last week the Detroit Lions matched up against the Kansas City Chief's, who struggled offensively these first two weeks.  The Lions took advantage and ended up producing big numbers defensively at the fault of the struggling Chiefs offense. Especially since Jamaal Charles had a season ending knee injury during the game, look for the Kansas City Chiefs to struggle all year and their opposing defense to reap the benefits.  Keep a look out for struggling offenses like the Chiefs and pick up their weekly defensive match-ups to see large point gains in your fantasy team.

Bear's "D" Questionable for Week 2

Chicago Bear’s captain and veteran leader of their team, Brian Urlacher, is questionable for week two of the NFL season.  This probability is not due to any injury, but related to a family death.  Just earlier this week on Monday, Brian’s mother passed away unexpectedly and he left the team to go be with his family.  Head coach, Lovie Smith, said he would give Urlacher as much time as he needed to get over her death.  What could this mean to the Bears?  Chicago is matched up to play New Orleans, who just came off a tough loss to Green Bay, and are hungry for their first win.  If Brian Urlacher doesn’t show, this could be detrimental to the Bear’s defense especially against the Saints high-powered offense.   On the other hand, there have been many great sports players that play after a recent loss in the family.  For instance, a day after Brett Favre’s father died he decided to play in the Monday Night football game that turned out to be one of his best performances of his career.  Favre nearly had a perfect quarterback passer rating and it was clear that he played that game in honor of his father’s death.  On that note, if Brian Urlacher does decide to return to his team, you should expect big things as the Bears embrace each other over this tragedy.  If he doesn’t show, I would invest fully on Drew Brees and his New Orleans Saints.  Be prepared to make last minute lineup changes according to Urlacher’s appearance.

More than a Game

The Oakland Raiders played the Denver Broncos late in to today, according to central time, but football didn’t seem to be the main focus while both teams were playing.  Countless times the referees had to break up fights and throw multiple penalty flags that could have been avoided.  Both teams displayed a lack of self-discipline and respect for the game, every time they let their emotions get the best of them.  I understand this is a physical game that takes dedication and determination to play, but the outlandish acts on the field involving the opposing team were uncalled for. The repeated uncontrollable fighting should have been a sign to the referees that they should have stepped in early to drawl the line.  A fifteen-yard penalty obviously wasn’t a harsh enough punishment to get the players or coaches’ attention.  I’m aware that certain sports may need additional conflict or fighting to raise the sports fan base, such as hockey, but football is better than that.  Yes, football already involves highly physical interactions, but there is a certain skill set and knowledge that comes with it.  Players shouldn’t be making a mockery of the sport by running around on the field as if they were playing “backyard football.”  Someone needs to step in and fix this problem before it gets out of hand.  I haven’t heard if some of the players have been fined for their actions yet, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if that was the case.  Football should be played with a certain amount of respect for the game and other people involved with the sport.

Week 1 Standouts

They are for real!  After week one, the Baltimore Ravens seemed to look like the best all around team.  Even though I’m currently watching tonight’s Monday night game, Oakland Raiders verse the Denver Broncos, it seems like the Ravens have what it takes to easily make the playoffs this year.  Consider yourself lucky if you picked up Ray Rice or the Ravens defense, which were both at the top of their category in points the first week.  Especially since Ray Rice rushed over 100 yards with a touchdown against the Pittsburg Steelers, who were thought to be one of the top defenses in the league this year.  As I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, with the top fullback in the league now on Ray Rice’s team, week one was no fluke.  Another player who saw the end zone more than Rice was Green Bay Packers’ Jordy Nelson.  Look for Nelson to have another big week against the slacking defense of the Carolina Panthers.  With other big name players on the Packers, it leaves the unexpected Jordy Nelson to be covered by less skilled defensive backs.  He is a must start for week 2, and from my guess you won’t be disappointed.  My last week 1 standout team is the Buffalo Bills.  Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick surprised everyone with the highest quarterback rating of week one, which was actually higher than Tom Brady who threw for a record breaking 500 plus yards.  Fitzpatrick’s success could be partially credited to his big red-zone target, Scott Chandler.  This tight end could be a fantasy gold mine, so be sure to pick up both of these Buffalo players if no one has yet to do so.

Tough Times

The St. Louis Rams, who were once the greatest show on turf, haven’t been able to catch a break lately.  With what was supposed to be a turn around year for the Rams, suddenly turned out to be the opposite.  After just the first week, three of their top players are already questionable for week two.  Possibly the star of the team, Steven Jackson, strained his right quad on his first carry of the 2011 NFL season that happened to be a touchdown.  The severity of the injury has not yet been released but should be known in a couple days.  Danny Amendola is a wide receiver for the Rams, whose injury was the most visually gruesome.  He dislocated his elbow in Sunday’s game against the Eagles.  There was no break or tear in his elbow and is likely to avoid being on the injured reserve and possibly return in a few weeks.  The least serious of the Rams injuries would have to be quarterback Sam Bradford’s’.  He injured his index finger towards the end of the game but it does not seem to be serious.  With no fracture in the finger, the only question that remains is, will it affect his performance in his next game?  There are a few factors that will play into this.  Swelling, tenderness, and mobility are things that may restrict a quarterback like Bradford from competing to his full potential.  Overall this is not the start that St. Louis Rams were looking for, but if they can get through this tough time expect good things from this team in the near future.  

Top WR Prospects

1.     Andre Johnson - Johnson being one of if not the most physically gifted wide receiver in the league looks to have a replica year of last.  After another year with quarterback Matt Schuab under his belt, Johnson should have no problem producing another 1,000+ 10 TD season.

2.     Larry Fitzgerald – Last year statistically Fitzgerald disappointed most fantasy owners by not having what we call a “Fitzgerald” year.  This could be due to the subpar performance by then quarterback Derrick Anderson.   With new Quarterback Kevin Kolb under center, look for Fitzgerald to get a lot better looks this season.  This change could be exactly what Fitzgerald needs.    

3.     Calvin Johnson – Calvin Johnson is a player who is known for making a ordinary quarterback look respectable.  As long as Mathew Stafford can stay healthy, Johnson should have a huge year and maybe help pull the Detroit Lions out of their long slump.

4.     Greg Jennings – As a super bowl champion last year, Greg Jennings was the Packers’ best receiver.  With arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the league throwing to him, be expecting Jennings to see a lot of the end zone this year in his search for a repeat.

5.     Brandon Llyod – Rated as the number one receiver by ESPN fantasy analyst, it is hard to pass up Brandon Lloyd.  Although he had a career year last season and came out of nowhere, I don’t believe he will repeat but be prepared to be one of the top wide receivers in the league.

Top RB Prospects

1.     Adrian Peterson – Probably the number one draft pick in most fantasy leagues across the country, Adrian Peterson or AP, is expected to have a huge season.  Now with a quarterback set in place, the Vikings can concentrate on moving the ball and they will be looking for Peterson to do so.

2.     Ray Rice – There was a reason why Arian Foster had the most fantasy points for a running back last year, and the answer was his full back who is now with the Ravens.  Expect Rice to have the best season of his career because of the best blocking full back in the league who is now with Ray Rice.

3.     Chris Johnson – Finally getting the contract he wanted, Chris Johnson is now ready to prove why he deserved the high paying contract.  As the Tennessee Titans main man, be prepared for the electric Chris Johnson to receive a plethora of touches this season.

4.     Arian Foster – Even though Arian Foster led in fantasy points last year, there are a few factors that may restrict him this season.  Now with out his full back, Foster may not be the impact player he was just a year ago.  He also is expected to sit out week one from a hamstring injury but this shouldn’t be career threatening by any means.

5.     Jamaal Charles – Leading all running back last year in yards per carry at just under 7 yards, Jamaal Charles will be a huge force to be reckoned with this season.

Top QB Prospects

1.     Aaron Rodgers – With some key players injured last year, Aaron Rodgers led his Green Bay Packers to be the Super Bowl Champions.  The question on if he could fill Brett Favre’s shoes was answered.  Now with more weapons on his team, look for Rodgers to have another championship caliber year.

2.     Michael Vick –Michael Vick raised some eyebrows when coming back to the NFL last year.  His first few games back he electrified his viewers, but then struggled with injuries mid-season.  If Vick can stay healthy, expect him to have a record-breaking season.

3.     Phillip Rivers – Although based in California, Phillip Rivers is no Hollywood type of player.  He seems to let his “gun slinging” skills do most of the talking for him.  As a top fantasy point leader last year, you better believe he is going to make even more noise this season.  Especially with his go-to tight end Antonio Gates and receiver Vincent Jackson back for a full season.

4.     Tom Brady – Arguably the leagues most reliable quarterback, Tom Brady is no stranger to MVP titles.  With a proven record to put points on the board, there is no reason to leave his performance into question.  He is a fantasy player that can carry your team and his, deep into the playoffs.

5.     Drew Brees – Along with the previous players, Drew Brees is among the top quarterbacks in the league.  Even with a couple injured players, finding other targets will not be a problem for this ex-super bowl champion.

Injuries and Suspensions

Just like every season, injures seem to make a huge impact on the fantasy football world.   The biggest injury this season would have to be Peyton Manning’s.  His neck injury could possibly be the beginning of the end for this future hall of famer.  With week one already out of the question only time will tell to the extent of his injury.  One of the most controversial injuries of the season would have to be Arian Foster’s hamstring.  He had pulled his hamstring in a pre-season game but doesn’t seem to be career threatening just a minor tear.  Foster received some negative criticism when he tweeted a picture of his MRI.  He basically is giving his opponents an advantage of knowing that he will at least be out a week, if not more from his injury.  Although Braylon Edwards doesn’t have an injury, he was involved with the law during this offseason.  His DUI could result in some fines from the league and a possible suspension for this 49ers wide receiver.  These athletes aren’t the only ones that will miss some playing time, but some of the bigger stories right now.  Some other notable injuries include Michael Crabtree’s ankle, Miles Austin’s hamstring, and Lance Moore’s groin.  If you managed to escape these injuries, consider yourself lucky and off to a good start.  The main reason people succeed in their fantasy league is because their team doesn’t become plagued with injuries.   Good luck in avoiding any future injuries to your fantasy team.

How to draft a winning fantasy team

Your fantasy team relies heavily on what number draft pick you have, but how do you create a winning team regardless of your draft position?  If you acquire an early draft position, it would be in the best interest of your team to draft a running back. In most fantasy football leagues, there are anywhere from two to three slots for a running back on a roster.  Since there are less quality running backs to choose from, there becomes more competition to receive a top running back.  The next spot to fill should be a quarterback, because they tend to be more consistent in scoring points.  Once you have your first two picks, your next choice should most likely be the best available wide receiver or running back.  Many analyst review player’s stats and potential point leaders to make your decisions easier, so self-research isn’t exactly necessary.  Your following roster should be filled up with a tight end, defense, and kicker, in that order.  This draft order may be altered tremendously if you have a late draft pick.  In this case, it would be in your best interest to choose a quarterback first, once all of the top running backs have been chosen.  You give up a key spot in your lineup doing this, but it allows you to receive some high profiled players.  Doing this type of selection, will help you stay above the curve and get some top position players for your team. Although these are just loosely based guidelines to drafting a winning team, the decisions you make will be largely based off the picks of your competition.