FFI Experts League Recap

Pre-Draft

A 12 team league with a roster size of 16. Lineup requirements QB (1), RB (2), WR (3), TE (1), D/ST (1), K (1). Standard scoring: touchdown passes worth 4 points, rushing and receiving touchdowns worth 6 points each.

Strategy

Somewhat unfortunately for us, we drew the first pick in the draft, which took most of the excitement out of the first round. With LaDainian Tomlinson on board, it allowed me to put together a strategy for the rest of my team. My first goal was to wait as long as possible to pick a young upside QB such as Denver's Jay Cutler or Arizona's Matt Leinart. Since touchdowns passes are only worth four points, it wouldn't make sense to draft a QB in the early rounds. Secondly, I wanted to stockpile at least three quality running backs, which I accomplished by selecting Adrian Peterson and Marion Barber III in the 4th and 5th rounds. By doing so, I could take advantage of matchups on a weekly basis and also have the flexibility to deal for a stud wide receiver if I need to during the season. I also went into the draft wanting to wait as long as possible to select my wide receivers believing I could find a sleeper or two in the later rounds among the players I drafted in D.J. Hackett, Drew Bennett, Ronald Curry, and Wes Welker. Planning on having a surplus of talent at the running back position was the main goal of my draft, believing that I could use the depth to my advantage during the season.

Draft

Since a majority of my picks were back-to-back, I summarized them in groups of two.

1.01: LaDainian Tomlinson RB San Diego
Tomlinson (the reigning NFL MVP) is coming off a season in which he scored 31 touchdowns, ran for over 1,800 yards, averaged 5.2 yards per carry, and caught 56 passes for 508 yards. Tomlinson is the best player in fantasy football: durable, consistent, and has the best offensive line in the game. While we don't expect him to match his historic 2006 numbers, Tomlinson is almost a sure bet to rush for over 1,500 yards and 20 TD's. Having Tomlinson anchoring my squad makes it much easier to justify taking chances on sleeper candidates in my draft.

2.12: Reggie Wayne WR Indianapolis
Wayne, much to my pleasant surprise, lasted until the end of the second round. Ranked 6th among wide receivers by us at FFToolbox.com, Wayne is one of the most consistent wide receivers in the game, and continues to improve every season. Wayne had 86 catches for 1,310 yards, 9 touchdowns and a 15.2 YPC average; and the fact that he has tremendous upside and is still improving is a scary thought.

3.01: Antonio Gates TE San Diego I am a big fan of San Diego's Antonio Gates and with 71 catches for 924 yards and 9 touchdowns for a tight end, who isn't? Gates is the most consistent tight end in fantasy football and is the only elite at his position and in effect is the second receiver on my squad. Lets be honest, all tight ends are the same after Gates: inconsistent. Id rather take the sure bet on Gates than take a risk on a tight end run in the middle rounds.