A question most sportswriters get this time of year is one so complicated merely a few sentences will not suffice. “Have any last minute draft advice” co-workers, parents, and despondent friends will ask, praying that their league dues will not be simply another donation into the championship pot this year.
Being someone so lucky to be labeled a sportswriter myself, I have had my fair share of run-ins with these late bloomers of the fantasy season. Do people still play fantasy baseball anymore? Whatever their excuse, someone will eventually pry the fruits of your hours of labor from your grasp at the last moment. So why not save some time and use someone else’s’ homework instead?
To the uninformed and or unmotivated.
This may seem the most obvious advice you have ever been given, but take heed for your months of wallowing in the barren landscape of season-long fantasy baseball is over. Now you must read or forever lose the spoils/pride.
Do not take a quarterback early, the value here is incredible this season. Sure Peyton Manning is likely headed for another record-breaker, but only four out of the top 20 scorers in 2013 were not quarterbacks. The value is there, just wait for it and strike at the right point.
Having the first pick is difficult, but always take a top three running back. On the other side taking two receivers, or say tight end Jimmy Graham, is frequently the best call. If this is the case, guys like CJ Spiller, Ray Rice, and Andre Ellington should be fourth-round steals.
Do not draft Arian Foster, Steven Jackson or Frank Gore. Even Fred Jackson scares the daylights out me due to age and injury concerns. Avoid the ancient or outdated rushers, as they can doom you from the start.
Beware the Belichickian running back systems. Looking at you Tom Coughlin. Running back by committee is the veritable last rights of a fantasy football season. Barring injury, the workhorses will serve you better.
For wide receivers, avoid the home run guys like TY Hilton and Mike Wallace. These types produce significant points, but cannot be relied on week to week. You are much better off with the Jordy Nelson and Brandon Marshall types. Even Torrey Smith has great value in the fourth at this stage.
At the end of the day, the most important thing to do is to not reach for any player. Take value where it falls to you, and the rest will fall into place. Why take Matthew Stafford in the fourth when you can get Tom Brady in the eighth?