July 03, 2009
Executing my strategy “drafting a top six quarterback, a top four tight end, and ‘Going Young’ with wide receivers and running backs” is as easy as one, two, three.
- Draft one defense and one kicker. Use the free agent market for a play during your bye weeks.
- Draft one quality backup quarterback instead of two speculative picks hoping that one pans out. Try the eleventh round.
- Do not draft a backup tight end; unless you get John Carlson (Seattle), Bo Scaife (Tennessee) or Vernon Davis (San Francisco) in the thirteenth round or later. That is, of course, unless you get someone higher on my cheat sheet. John Carlson is an emerging force and will be a beneficiary of an explosive aerial attack in Seattle. Bo Scaife will benefit from Tennessee getting away from their one dimensional running game. Vernon Davis is a physical specimen and has the talent to perform like he is worthy of the 6th overall draft pick in 2006.
Having a solid flex position is critical in head to head leagues, especially during bye weeks. Do not waste roster spots on extra defenses, kickers and tight ends. Go young with wide receivers and running backs with these picks. For more draft day tips, see the cheat sheet.
If you are not in position, based on your drafting spot, to draft a top six quarterback and a top four tight end, then abandon the quarterback and consider having a top four tight end a must.
What else is on my mind? Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer was almost forgotten last year due to injury. He was in some top five lists last year. He has talent at receiver, a poor defense and a poor running game behind him. Together, these are the perfect cocktail ingredients of a sleeper. Seattle quarterback Matthew Hasselbeck also fits this bill and both should be top ten this year. Either of these, or even Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia), in the seventh or eighth round are steals in 2009.
What is in my inbox?
Wayne writes “I know you say Terrell Owens (Buffalo) is out, but what round should I take him if I still want him?”
FFLKING: “If you want Terrell Owens this year, do not draft him. Wait for defenses to tee off on him the first three weeks with running back Marshawn Lynch out. Then wait another week for Miami to keep him out of the end zone at LandShark Stadium. Make a trade for him before week 5; that is if you still want to. If you must draft him, try late 3rd round.”
Jim writes “I have seen a lot of hype about Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati) this year, what round does he go in and is he a sleeper this year?”
FFLKING: "Jim, I think Ochocinco is a bust this year. Due to the hype and the big name, I would look for him to go in the 5th round. I think Laveraneus Coles (6th round) and Chris Henry (13th round or later) have a lot more value for where they will be taken."
Have a question or comment, send me an e-mail at theking@fflking.com
Less than 70 days left until the World Championship of Fantasy Football in Las Vegas. You still have time to join me and register. You can save $100.00 by using code FFLKING when registering.
Next time–what matters when starting or running a fantasy football league and where your family friends and co workers fit in. Or do they?
Tod "FFLKING" Brooks
