1. Always Draft a Third
QB
The injury factor is just too risky for QBs. I've seen so many fantasy
teams seasons come to an abrupt halt when their quarterbacks are
injured. Unlike any other position, the drop-off in execution and
timing suffers greatly when a reserved QB is forced into action.
Granted, there are some offenses such as the Rams and Broncos which
are an exceptional but the majority of teams do not operate in such
a well-defined system.
2. Draft the Back-up to your Starting Running
Backs
Let's examine the Broncos running back situation over the past few
seasons. Those who had Olandis Gary in 1999 or Mike Anderson in
2000, saw little change in performance points. Look at Ahman Green
with the Packers after he replaced Dorsey Levens. Remember, offenses
change very little in philosophy and almost never during the season.
I often reflect back to several years ago when the Houston Oilers
were running the "run N shoot" offense. Lorenzo White
had been stockpiling fantastic fantasy numbers until he was injured.
Luckily, I had drafted Gary Brown in the last round of our draft
that year. From that point on in my late selections I made it a
point to draft the back-up performer to my star running back.
3. Always Draft an Equal # of Running Backs
to Wide Receivers
Let's face it, running backs are scarce. Wide receivers are plentiful
and new ones emerge weekly. Take a chance on a rookie at this point
who may project as a starter. Among all first year performers, its
the rookie running back who has the greatest chance of achieving
a starting position. Third down performers are especially useful
backups in combination leagues. A designated "Redzone"
back could also be effective.
4. Select Any Remaining #1 Wide Receiver
or Receiver from a Pass-Oriented Team
Any #1 wide-out makes a quality third or fourth receiver on a fantasy
team. A #3 receiver from a passing team that spreads out a defense
and will be open underneath a zone or a seam, is another good choice
in the later rounds. Remember, a #1 wideout on these teams will
be obtaining double coverage frequently opening up areas for a slot
receiver.
5. Draft a Backup Tight End from Teams which
Throw to Them In my recent article "Playing
the Percentages" I noticed some extremely interesting tendencies
as to which teams utilize their TEs in the Red Zone area.. Granted
your not going to receive a substantial amount of production from
this position, so at least obtain a player from a team that throws
to their Tight End at the goaline.
6. Draft only One Kicker
There's not much difference between 60% of all the kickers. Even
if your starting kicker goes down to injury, his backup is probably
more than acceptable. Again, its the offense which generates scoring
opportunities. Personally, I like kickers from teams which have
difficulty scoring around the endzone or established kickers who
have the confidence of his coach and team.
7. Examine Schedule Strength In the late rounds I find myself taking players from teams
which have less demanding schedules. If you want a quick overview
read "Projections by Offensive Tendencies". Here's a breakdown
on what to expect from each team according to a positional breakdown.
Round 11
Travis Henry
Jeff Wilkins
Jason Elam
Charlie Batch
New York Giants Defense
Marvin Minnis
Roland Williams
Frank Sanders
Anthony Thomas
Johnnie Morton
Terrance Mathis
Curtis Conway
Reggie Wayne
Round 12
Orlindo Mare
Sebastian Janikowski
Joe Nedney
St. Louis Rams Defense
Pittsburgh Steelers Defense
Jujuan Dawson
Garrison Hearst
Byron Chamberlain
Michael Vick
Cameron Cleeland
Patrick Jeffers
Ernie Conwell
Paul Smith
Round 13
Dwayne Carswell
Jay Fielder
Orlandis Gary
Davis Akers
Donald Hayes
Mike Hollis
Santana Moss
Rob Moore
Freddie Mitchell
Seattle Seahawks Defense
Peerless Price
Jacquez Green
Skip Hicks
Round 14
Kevin Dyson
Chris Chandler
Gary Anderson
Willie Jackson
J.J. Stokes
Tony Banks
Raghib Ismail
Sean Dawkins
Marcus Pollard
Doug Chapman
Herman Moore
Matthew Hatchette
Washington Redskins Defense
Other Players Being Selected
Jeff Blake
Jon Kitna
Steve Beuerlein
Jim Miller
Cade McNown
Chris Weinke
Jeff Lewis
Terrell Fletcher
Fred Beasley
Larry Centers
Correll Buckwalter
Plaxico Burress
Tai Streets
Derrick Mayes
James McKnight
Hines Ward
Brandon Stokely
Quincy Morgan
Pete Mitchell
Dave Moore
Jackie Harris
Anthony Becht
Des,omd Clark
Christian Fauria
John Kasay
Wade Richey
Jason Hanson
Rian Lindell
Kris Brown
Todd Peterson
San Diego Chargers Defense
Jacksonville Jaguars Defense
Detroit Lions Defense
Buffalo Bills Defense
