Now, a quick explanation of fantasy football. The name itself is pretty much self-explanatory. It's fantasy. This is your chance to create your own dream team of the NFL's best and battle it out against other red bull enthused, testosterone fueled (or estrogen fueled if you're female) cohorts. The way you win is by statistics. Who did this. Who did that. Who threw more touchdown passes? How many fans hate you because you decided to "take your talents to South Beach?" Sorry LeBron, I still haven't let that go. You managed to destroy an entire city...even the Enola Gay had a flight crew.
This is getting off topic. Anyways, back to fantasy. In our eight team league, we will face off up in head-to-head weekly match ups. Each statistical category is worth a specific amount of points, so whoever gains the most points wins. Simple right? This is not as time consuming as you may think. An hour a week is the most you will need and it is mainly used to make sure your guys are playing. You don't want to be the person who plays a quarterback on their bye week. Noob.
Now without further ado...*drum roll*...this is my 2010 ESPN Fantasy Football team.
(How this will work is that I will present my team by position and any relevant information I see necessary to explain I will explain.)
QB: Drew Brees (Saints), Joe Flacco (Ravens)
Ok, let me get something off my chest before we begin. I am NOT a Saints Fan. Rather, I can not stand them. But, you are from Louisiana R.D.? Let me correct you, I am from the Philippines, I just moved here. Actually, I am a huge Atlanta Falcons fan. I grew up watching Atlanta Falcon football on T.V. I am a big fan of smash mouth run it down your throat style football and the ATL offers that. Now, I am not a hypocrite. I have the absolute respect for the Super Bowl champs and I have been a fan of "Breeus" since his days in San Diego (I wonder if most people knew he played for the Chargers?). But in fantasy, you CANNOT play "I am a fan of *insert team here.*" Brees is a statistical monster and is has been projected as the #1 QB in the league. My first pick was spent very wisely. This leads to my pick of Joe Flacco. Flacco is an up and coming QB (4th year) playing for Baltimore with major upside. He is showing great statistical growth and he will be a great backup for my team just in case the unimaginable happens and the Madden Curse grabs hold to Mr. Brees.
RB: Frank Gore (49ers), Ryan Grant (Packers), LaDainian Tomlinson (Jets), Knowshon Moreno (Broncos), C.J. Spiller (Bills)
The key to drafting running backs is quantity NOT quality. Running back is a position that has always been deep in drafts, but it is probably the most essential. These massive freight trains get their fair share of wear and tear throughout the season and you know, like life, $#!% happens. They might get hurt, they might get suspended, they might be the next Tiger Woods-esque scandal. Accept that anything can happen and be willing to replace when needed.
WR: Miles Austin (Cowboys), Wes Welker (Patriots), Santonio Holmes (Jets), Jabar Gaffney (Broncos)
Wide receivers are acknowledged for all the dirty work but none of the glory. Unless you have your very own reality show or twitter account. Btw, those guys are way overrated. Anyways, WRs will pay dividends in the long run, especially if you draft one who has a constant presence in their respective offense. When drafting your wide outs, it's best to think of them as a newborn still attached to mom's umbilical cord. In most cases, your WR is just as consistent as the QB throwing the ball to him is. I laugh at you Larry Fitzgerald owners. I guess they must had forgotten that Matt Leinart can't throw a football into a hole the size of the Pacific Ocean. Overall, quality dominates over quantity.
TE: Jermicheal Finley (Packers), Chris Cooley (Redskins)
Touchdowns receptions are worth six points each. Fade routes are specially designed for freakishly large (250+ lbs, 6'5+) tight ends to catch touchdowns. You can imagine the possibilities. And for teams which the WR quality is poor, TE will save them.
D/ST (Defense/Special Teams): Packers, Chargers
ESPN offer rules that include picking a team defense and special teams. While many of the points you can earn from this category are slightly insignificant, there is one sole reason you draft defenses: TURNOVERS. Fumbles, sacks, interceptions and the coveted Pick-Six. Now only do they change real life games, but the pay dividends in fantasy.
K: Neil Rackers (Texans)
Seriously?! If you draft a kicker with any pick besides your LAST there is something wrong in your head. Or, you personally know the kicker. Or, he's dating your mother. Don't get me wrong. Kickers average about 100-130 fantasy points per season but there is so much more out there to draft. You don't need an MVP kicker. Just pick one from a team with a decent offensive with your LAST pick and they will give you your automatic points.
Phew. That is my team. I am pretty pleased with it. Good value in my picks. But remember, $#!% happens. Don't get too attached. If you're guy gets hurt, you can always pick up free agents. You can trade. You can desperately beg to the point your league hates you. But most important, watch the games. Enjoy them. The stats take care of themselves. Honestly, all the work is done after the draft, which is great. Football is a game best watched with your family and friends. Don't sour it by being overly anal about your fantasy team.
I think this post would make ESPN's own fantasy analyst Matthew Berry very proud. I encourage you guys if you want to start your own team to read some of this columns. He is quite entertaining.
Now, that all the fantasy work is done. All that is left to do is wait...Sept 9th: Saints vs. Vikings. Drew, don't let me down.
-R.D.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment