Fantasy Football 2014
- Thread starter Bastiat's The Law
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loveshiscountry
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I'll trade you Big Ben for CamCam is only supposed to get 22 against a weak Bucs defense, maybe I did pick him too early... I wanted Sanford but lost him at the last minute
thoughtomator
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Is anyone else having a problem with Yahoo? A number of subdomains, including fantasysports.yahoo.com, finance.yahoo.com, and their mail service (among others) seem to be suffering an internal DNS problem. I think someone offered me a trade but I can't even open the mail to see it 
thoughtomator
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Josh Gordon suspended for a full year, Twitter responds by trending Ray Rice.
Some amusing stuff:
Some amusing stuff:
Feeding the Abscess
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I don't mind my team so much, now that I rebuilt my defense from its horrible auto-draft.
Christian Liberty
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I'll pass.
Bastiat's The Law
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I think my draft went reasonably well.
thoughtomator
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Certainly like your QB/WR stack, and your IDP ain't bad at all. That bench is dubious though, I doubt any one of those players will be playable for you during the season. Looks like a playoff-caliber team overall.
Bastiat's The Law
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Thanks mate. I like who your scrapped your draft strategy almost instantly lol.
thoughtomator
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I didn't quite scrap it - four of my first five picks were receivers, falling into WR/TE/Flex spots, which is very close to what I originally planned. I hadn't dreamed that Julius Thomas would fall as far as he did, and he fits in the flex just as well as a WR would have. So it was really just the round 3 pick of Stafford that was off-plan. Picks 6 and 7 were RBs, which was the plan, and picking IDP starting in round 8 followed by bench slots then D/ST and kicker was also in the plan. In hindsight I am more satisfied with my 1st pick of Graham than I was on draft day, that was definitely the right choice. In this scoring system there's a good argument that Graham is worthy of the #1 overall draft slot; there's no position in the league with such a massive drop off from the #1 player to the #2.
thoughtomator
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Unsolicited advice for teams I don't play this year:
Liberty Rising:
- QB/3WR you got are what is going to carry you this season. Have a plan for if one gets injured, particularly DeSean Jackson.
- RB situation is not ideal but you can probably do well using two of three in the right matchup situations.
- TE spot is a gaping hole. I'd seriously consider running with Fauria over Chandler, at least until the inevitable switch to Kyle Orton in Buffalo.
- Flex spot, you're probably better off running a WR in that slot because our scoring system LOVES receivers (full PPR). Kearse should do fine there.
- IDP situation looks solid up to those last two linebackers (Anderson/Burnett), who have both been released and are guaranteed to score you zero points. Dump those two for the best LBs you can find on the wire, or you'll be sitting in a 10-20 point hole every week out of the gate against teams with their IDP in order.
- Once you're done using Flacco to sub in for Brees' bye, use him as trade bait. Alternatively, trade him now for a WR prospect - or two if you can get 'em.
- Mendenhall and Thomas also need to go. Both are no longer in the league and waste your spots.
Liberty Rising:
- QB/3WR you got are what is going to carry you this season. Have a plan for if one gets injured, particularly DeSean Jackson.
- RB situation is not ideal but you can probably do well using two of three in the right matchup situations.
- TE spot is a gaping hole. I'd seriously consider running with Fauria over Chandler, at least until the inevitable switch to Kyle Orton in Buffalo.
- Flex spot, you're probably better off running a WR in that slot because our scoring system LOVES receivers (full PPR). Kearse should do fine there.
- IDP situation looks solid up to those last two linebackers (Anderson/Burnett), who have both been released and are guaranteed to score you zero points. Dump those two for the best LBs you can find on the wire, or you'll be sitting in a 10-20 point hole every week out of the gate against teams with their IDP in order.
- Once you're done using Flacco to sub in for Brees' bye, use him as trade bait. Alternatively, trade him now for a WR prospect - or two if you can get 'em.
- Mendenhall and Thomas also need to go. Both are no longer in the league and waste your spots.
thoughtomator
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Taxachusetts
- I hate your QB but you know that. Won't harp on it.
- You have really nice WRs and RBs overall, nicely done.
- IDP situation a mess. 2 bench slots for IDP too much, especially when both should be dropped because they won't play. Also you have a DB who won't play, either. There are only four of the 11 IDP players on your roster I'd keep (Allen, Moore, Suh, Goldson), and I'd go to the wire or trade for the rest (you certainly have some nice bait to offer on the offensive side of the ball).
- Brandon Bolden may not make the team. "Barely rosterable" comes to mind. If you drop him, he's unlikely to be picked up by anyone else; an RB who can serve as an adequate bye-week fill-in is what I'd look for there.
- Jermichael Finley is not in the NFL at this time, and after his neck injury shouldn't be. Drop him and find some TE lottery ticket in his stead.
- I'd seriously consider playing Santonio Holmes over Tavon Austin.
- I hate your QB but you know that. Won't harp on it.
- You have really nice WRs and RBs overall, nicely done.
- IDP situation a mess. 2 bench slots for IDP too much, especially when both should be dropped because they won't play. Also you have a DB who won't play, either. There are only four of the 11 IDP players on your roster I'd keep (Allen, Moore, Suh, Goldson), and I'd go to the wire or trade for the rest (you certainly have some nice bait to offer on the offensive side of the ball).
- Brandon Bolden may not make the team. "Barely rosterable" comes to mind. If you drop him, he's unlikely to be picked up by anyone else; an RB who can serve as an adequate bye-week fill-in is what I'd look for there.
- Jermichael Finley is not in the NFL at this time, and after his neck injury shouldn't be. Drop him and find some TE lottery ticket in his stead.
- I'd seriously consider playing Santonio Holmes over Tavon Austin.
thoughtomator
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No Money Big Mouths
I might regret giving advice here because you have a highly competitive team already, but so not to leave you out, I don't think Jeff Tarpinian is going to play much. Other than the hole at TE, you have very good balance and backups on offense, defense, and the bench. It would take some bad injury luck to take you out of the playoff race.
I might regret giving advice here because you have a highly competitive team already, but so not to leave you out, I don't think Jeff Tarpinian is going to play much. Other than the hole at TE, you have very good balance and backups on offense, defense, and the bench. It would take some bad injury luck to take you out of the playoff race.
thoughtomator
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Longbomb's Team
Another very strong team that doesn't need my advice, but I'll give a few cents anyway: Trading away one of those safeties and putting a wire-quality LB in the generic-D spot instead is a net point boost for you. You can probably trade Jarius Byrd for a WR3 better than your current flex and WR3 to open that spot, gaining extra points from a better receiver.
Another very strong team that doesn't need my advice, but I'll give a few cents anyway: Trading away one of those safeties and putting a wire-quality LB in the generic-D spot instead is a net point boost for you. You can probably trade Jarius Byrd for a WR3 better than your current flex and WR3 to open that spot, gaining extra points from a better receiver.
thoughtomator
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NH Free Staters
When I looked over this team, the thought that came across my mind was "lottery tickets". There is a ton of risk in the roster, as well as a ton of upside. This team could either boom or bust and neither outcome would surprise me. This team will probably not be merely competitive - either these gambles will generally pay off, and the team could run away with the league; or they won't, and the term "dumpster fire" will be used to describe it. It's the total opposite of my highly conservative approach, but I can still see how this could be a steamroller of a team. Tons of value there, PPR sensible in the RB department, strong on IDP, and a deep, worthwhile bench.
Only thing of note is that Aldon Smith is suspended 9 games. Stash or dump.
When I looked over this team, the thought that came across my mind was "lottery tickets". There is a ton of risk in the roster, as well as a ton of upside. This team could either boom or bust and neither outcome would surprise me. This team will probably not be merely competitive - either these gambles will generally pay off, and the team could run away with the league; or they won't, and the term "dumpster fire" will be used to describe it. It's the total opposite of my highly conservative approach, but I can still see how this could be a steamroller of a team. Tons of value there, PPR sensible in the RB department, strong on IDP, and a deep, worthwhile bench.
Only thing of note is that Aldon Smith is suspended 9 games. Stash or dump.
thoughtomator
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Season starts tomorrow... for anyone confused about our scoring system, you may want to refer to my end-of-season wrapup from last year: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showth...ootball-2013&p=5357054&viewfull=1#post5357054
Some general tips for the rest of the teams, especially those with low (<150) projected point totals:
- Don't leave empty spots in your roster! This effectively gives your opponent extra players relative to your own team.
- If a player is projected to score zero points in a game, they will not be playing in the game. This is the functional equivalent of playing with an empty roster slot.
- If their projection is zero points over the whole season, chances are they are no longer on an NFL roster, or are injured and out for the whole season. Drop these players.
- Don't worry about bye weeks. If you have to suck up one bad week in order to get the best overall season roster, do it.
- FLEX spots should have a WR in there, unless your 3rd RB or 2nd TE is significantly better than your 4th WR, which won't be the case for most teams.
- Projected point totals when not zero are a rough guide. Actual results do vary quite a bit, which makes steady, reliable players a bit more valuable than one which will score the same overall point total but in spikes.
- DO NOT ignore IDP slots. Having your IDP in order against opponents who don't gives you a massive advantage. If you don't understand IDP, read up on it. At the very least check projected stats.
- Understand waivers vs. free agency: When you make a waiver claim, you go to the bottom of the waiver order. Waiver claims are prioritized by the waiver order. Several teams may claim the same player via waivers and if that happens then the one with the lowest waiver order number is the one who is processed first. Consider whether a player you want might be gotten as a free agent instead (when the waiver period ends for the week), which doesn't upset your current waiver priority. Priority starts out in reverse order of the draft (last pick in draft gets #1 waiver spot to start the season). If you are near the top of the waiver priority, don't give that up for a player you aren't that keen on.
Some general tips for the rest of the teams, especially those with low (<150) projected point totals:
- Don't leave empty spots in your roster! This effectively gives your opponent extra players relative to your own team.
- If a player is projected to score zero points in a game, they will not be playing in the game. This is the functional equivalent of playing with an empty roster slot.
- If their projection is zero points over the whole season, chances are they are no longer on an NFL roster, or are injured and out for the whole season. Drop these players.
- Don't worry about bye weeks. If you have to suck up one bad week in order to get the best overall season roster, do it.
- FLEX spots should have a WR in there, unless your 3rd RB or 2nd TE is significantly better than your 4th WR, which won't be the case for most teams.
- Projected point totals when not zero are a rough guide. Actual results do vary quite a bit, which makes steady, reliable players a bit more valuable than one which will score the same overall point total but in spikes.
- DO NOT ignore IDP slots. Having your IDP in order against opponents who don't gives you a massive advantage. If you don't understand IDP, read up on it. At the very least check projected stats.
- Understand waivers vs. free agency: When you make a waiver claim, you go to the bottom of the waiver order. Waiver claims are prioritized by the waiver order. Several teams may claim the same player via waivers and if that happens then the one with the lowest waiver order number is the one who is processed first. Consider whether a player you want might be gotten as a free agent instead (when the waiver period ends for the week), which doesn't upset your current waiver priority. Priority starts out in reverse order of the draft (last pick in draft gets #1 waiver spot to start the season). If you are near the top of the waiver priority, don't give that up for a player you aren't that keen on.
Bastiat's The Law
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^^
Some great advice given out above my comment. I think you give better team analysis than Yahoo does with their draft grades.
Some great advice given out above my comment. I think you give better team analysis than Yahoo does with their draft grades.
muzzled dogg
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Thanks for the run down of my team. I agree with pretty much everything you said
thoughtomator
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Glad you all liked my reviews. Yeah Yahoo draft analysis sucks, which I learned to my chagrin last year, getting an A+ draft rating and starting out 0-4. I don't think Yahoo takes either the depth of the league nor the specifics of the scoring system into account, and both are unusual in this case. Probably works well for 10-12 team standard leagues, but not ours.
I'm going to give a few more reviews for teams that I do play this year but are on the bottom of the power-rankings pile. This entails some risk that I will help them beat my own team, but I'd like this to be a competitive, involved season from all 20 teams this year and the bottom-rankers are the most likely to drop out, so this is a preventative measure.
Government Funded
- Wes Welker is out until Week 6 due to suspension, which is probably for the best given his latest concussion. I'd swap Andrew Hawkins into the starting spot, he looks to have a bright future.
- Arian Foster's health situation scares the heck out of me, but if he avoids another injury it could be a gamble that pays off. Morris and Miller are nice quality 2nd and 3rd backs. I personally think Morris will outperform expectations this year by quite a bit and add some pass-catching which he wasn't known for before.
- IDP situation is a disaster, which is probably the #1 reason this team has the bottom power ranking. Only one worth keeping is Mingo - flush the rest and get the best-projected players you can for the other slots. If you don't address this you are going to lose every game by 50 points or more to better-IDP teams. It's just way too much of a point loss to have that many starting players who won't score points for you.
- Bench is pretty good, though EJ Manuel will have no value this year. Dump him, grab a higher-upside prospect. Even Kyle Orton (Manuel's backup and probable midseason replacement) has higher upside. I wouldn't normally hold Fasano on a roster, but as a handcuff to Kelce he makes sense for your team.
DJ's Dandy Team
- Pick a new team name, that name come off as very, um... non-football.
- Offensive lineup is surprisingly good for a team ranked so low. Nothing needs to change there.
- You can probably dump Cumberland off the bench, there's no need to have two TEs sitting on the bench unless both are high-upside prospects. Fleener is higher-upside than Cumberland by a good margin.
- Another IDP trainwreck here. Most players on that roster won't play. Only one I would even consider holding onto is Terrence Newman. As with the others, when you lose game after game this season, your IDP situation will be directly (and in this case, probably exclusively) to blame for it. Fix that and you have a highly competitive team instead of a bottom-ranker.
Stark Direwolves
- Start Bryant at kicker, Prater won't play until Week 6 IIRC.
- Christine Michael is out for week 1 at least, and Chris Ivory is a better RB play even if he weren't.
- WR situation is scary good, especially if Patterson meets his upside expectations.
- More IDP badness. Keep Daryl Smith and Patrick Peterson and flush the rest for the best free agents on the wire. Again this is the only thing between being on the bottom and being highly competitive.
For those paying attention, a pattern is definitely emerging that would-be good teams are crippling themselves through bad IDP setups. These are 9 of 19 starting players on your team, they will probably score a third or more of your overall points, you simply cannot be competitive unless you have a bare minimum best-of-wire quality setup in those spots.
One more piece of IDP advice: if you have more than 2 defensive backs or 2 defensive linemen in your lineup, you're doing it wrong. A wire-quality linebacker is better than any 3rd DB or DL candidate you can get, they simply score many more points as a function of the LB position. It's similar to how the #20 QB will score more overall points than the #3 or 4 RB.
I'm going to give a few more reviews for teams that I do play this year but are on the bottom of the power-rankings pile. This entails some risk that I will help them beat my own team, but I'd like this to be a competitive, involved season from all 20 teams this year and the bottom-rankers are the most likely to drop out, so this is a preventative measure.
Government Funded
- Wes Welker is out until Week 6 due to suspension, which is probably for the best given his latest concussion. I'd swap Andrew Hawkins into the starting spot, he looks to have a bright future.
- Arian Foster's health situation scares the heck out of me, but if he avoids another injury it could be a gamble that pays off. Morris and Miller are nice quality 2nd and 3rd backs. I personally think Morris will outperform expectations this year by quite a bit and add some pass-catching which he wasn't known for before.
- IDP situation is a disaster, which is probably the #1 reason this team has the bottom power ranking. Only one worth keeping is Mingo - flush the rest and get the best-projected players you can for the other slots. If you don't address this you are going to lose every game by 50 points or more to better-IDP teams. It's just way too much of a point loss to have that many starting players who won't score points for you.
- Bench is pretty good, though EJ Manuel will have no value this year. Dump him, grab a higher-upside prospect. Even Kyle Orton (Manuel's backup and probable midseason replacement) has higher upside. I wouldn't normally hold Fasano on a roster, but as a handcuff to Kelce he makes sense for your team.
DJ's Dandy Team
- Pick a new team name, that name come off as very, um... non-football.
- Offensive lineup is surprisingly good for a team ranked so low. Nothing needs to change there.
- You can probably dump Cumberland off the bench, there's no need to have two TEs sitting on the bench unless both are high-upside prospects. Fleener is higher-upside than Cumberland by a good margin.
- Another IDP trainwreck here. Most players on that roster won't play. Only one I would even consider holding onto is Terrence Newman. As with the others, when you lose game after game this season, your IDP situation will be directly (and in this case, probably exclusively) to blame for it. Fix that and you have a highly competitive team instead of a bottom-ranker.
Stark Direwolves
- Start Bryant at kicker, Prater won't play until Week 6 IIRC.
- Christine Michael is out for week 1 at least, and Chris Ivory is a better RB play even if he weren't.
- WR situation is scary good, especially if Patterson meets his upside expectations.
- More IDP badness. Keep Daryl Smith and Patrick Peterson and flush the rest for the best free agents on the wire. Again this is the only thing between being on the bottom and being highly competitive.
For those paying attention, a pattern is definitely emerging that would-be good teams are crippling themselves through bad IDP setups. These are 9 of 19 starting players on your team, they will probably score a third or more of your overall points, you simply cannot be competitive unless you have a bare minimum best-of-wire quality setup in those spots.
One more piece of IDP advice: if you have more than 2 defensive backs or 2 defensive linemen in your lineup, you're doing it wrong. A wire-quality linebacker is better than any 3rd DB or DL candidate you can get, they simply score many more points as a function of the LB position. It's similar to how the #20 QB will score more overall points than the #3 or 4 RB.
