Fantasy Football Draft Strategies

The 2010 Fantasy Football season is here, and it is time to draft your team. Every league is different. Some leagues have keeper players (players that carry over from season to season; usually you give up one draft pick to maintain a keeper), some have individual defensive players, other leagues have many positions in wide receiver or running back while others have only one or no tight end positions. The fact is that every league varies. But regardless of the league, you need to understand what positions will reward you with the most points possible. And to do this, you must know how points are calculated for your league way before you decide to draft. Though it may be a big name player that you really want, they may not yield you the most points.

Whether you have the first pick or the last pick in your league, you need to focus on players that will produce big fantasy numbers. Players that had huge numbers the previous year might not be the best choice this year. Be cautious to consider the big name players like Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe - though a respected player in his position - his fantasy numbers don't match up to a lesser known player such as New Orleans wide out Robert Meachem. Again, each league varies in point structure, so it really depends on how the player can receive points and any bonuses that they can achieve. Remember: the sure bets are always the players that produce big in their respective positions.

Here are a few tips to consider when drafting:

1) Consider filling the bench before completing the starting roster. Why would I not fill my starting positions first before filling my bench, you may ask? There are several kickers and defensive/ special teams that you will likely add and put on waivers throughout the year, but it is tough to get that running back when you need it during bye weeks. Always go for filling up the running backs and wide receivers, even adding to the bench, before picking a kicker or defensive/special teams. Picking the kicker last is never a bad strategy. But if your last pick was a wide out or receiver, you might have left something better on the table earlier by picking that kicker.

2) In leagues with an extra offensive position player, draft a quarterback and draft many. If you want big points week after week, the quarterback position gives huge numbers. Having two quarterbacks starting is pertinent if you want to win. In fact draft at least three, if not four, quarterbacks during the draft. Having four quarterbacks is never a bad strategy, because, you have something to use as trade bait later in the season to get that running back that you desperately need. Also, you never have to worry about your bye weeks. Always load up on the quarterback position. It works!

3) Have your cake and eat it too. When drafting, try to focus on getting a strong quarterback and his No. 1 receiver. For example, if you pick Peyton Manning, you would likely want Reggie Wayne also. Or, if you draft Matt Schaub, you might want to hurry and get Andre Johnson next or, in most cases, the other way around, as Johnson is the leading receiver to be picked in most drafts. Getting the quarterback/ receiver combo helps out when the quarterback throws a touchdown to the receiver. The points can add up big time and fast! If they connect in the end zone on three occasions, that is 36 points from touchdowns alone, not counting the yardage and other bonus points. Try to get at least one combo for your team, and it will reward you.