FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Thursday Evening Edition

August 28th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

Picking Favorites

Thinking Draft Strategy

So you have the first pick in your league’s draft or maybe you have one of the early picks, either way you have a decision to make; pick with your heart, your gut, or do you follow some pre-planned strategy?

What I have been noticing (and something you may be seeing as well) in the top positions, if you grab one of the big four running backs you will still be able to come back with solid receivers late in the 2^nd and early in the 3^rd round. It seems most league players are jostling for running backs early leaving time for the early picks to come back with the Alshon Jefferys, Julio Jones, and Randall Cobbs.

And what I have also noticed (in PPRs), you can still turn around in the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th rounds and find decent value; the likes of Reggie Bush, CJ Spiller, and Andre Ellington. These are the players that may not win your weekly matchup on their own, but they will give you good production every week and keep you in the hunt so your big guns can get it done.

In a recent draft I held the 2^nd pick and took Adrian Peterson. With one of the top producing backs in the league I immediately targeted receivers selecting Jordy Nelson and Alshon Jeffery. I followed those two with Roddy White and Reggie Bush; not sexy, but effective. Andrew Luck (my quarterback) was taken in the 6^th and my first tight end (Kyle Rudolph) came off the board in the 7^th.

In another draft I did tonight, I followed a similar pattern (picking in the 8^th slot) selecting receiver-receiver (Dez Bryant and Alshon) and then going running back with my next three picks; Reggie Bush, Andre Ellington, and Chris Johnson. My quarterback (Matt Ryan) and tight end (Dennis Pitta) came in the 7^th and 8^th round respectively.

If you are paying attention, then I am sure you are hearing the same thing; wait on your quarterback, there is time to take him later. Even grabbing a Brees, Manning, or Rodgers can be costly (depending on your league scoring), if taken too early. Let the other deal with that mistake and stick to your plan. The Ryans, Romos, and Cutlers are safe plays with the upside of big game potential and the Flaccos, Palmers, and Rivers will still be there even later to have your back in a jam.

With all of this said there are a lot of ideas and strategies you can follow, and any you choose is never wrong (it’s whatever works for you). But remember to stay on your game and be ready for the wild cards in the draft that can often foul things up.

No matter what happens, stay the course and draft well my friend.

Good luck this fantasy season!

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Evening Edition

August 27th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

DRAFT! DRAFT! DRAFT!

Get Your Popcorn Ready!

If you have yet to start your league’s draft, then get your popcorn read, because this weekend is sure to be jam-packed filled with fantasy drafts. My annual excitement started last weekend with a marathon 30 round draft (six and half hours of time “on the clock” and endless drinking). Oh yeah, that’s the other half of the fun when drafting in a fantasy league (it’s a well-kept secret in case you were unaware).

So far through the past five days of fantasy drafting (in six leagues), the one thing I have learned you gotta be prepared. In one league where I had a chance to grab Peyton Manning early (fantasy gold), I snagged him off the boards only to realize my impulsive move turned out to be more costly than I would have normally thought.

So while I felt great about my quarterback selection, what I failed to realize was this was a three-starting receiver league. After taking running backs in the 2^nd and 3^rd rounds I found myself with Torrey Smith, Jeremy Maclin, and Justin Hunter as my starters. Now don’t get me wrong, none of these players are fantasy bums, but I am truly riding a leap of faith rolling with these three.

In another draft (8-team league) with the pickins a little deeper, I stuck to my guns. With an early pick at number 4, I grabbed DeMarco Murray and followed him with AJ Green (13^th pick) and Alshon Jeffery (20^th pick). Even though running backs were falling fast, I was still able to come back with Zac Stacy (29^th pick) in the 4^th round. I stayed away from the quarterback and took my Tight End (Julius Thomas) in the 5^th before nabbing Tony Romo; a risky proposition, but one I backed up with Carson Palmer in the 10^th round.

A couple of notable picks that I grabbed in the mid-rounds were running back Chris Johnson, wide receivers Torrey Smith and Marques Colston. These players I took later, but like their potential to have very productive seasons; top 25 respectively.

There’s plenty more to learn and plenty of time to practice the craft. With more than a week until the season starts I plan on using the available time to seek out the late round gems and fantasy sleepers that will help my teams get over the hump and pave their way to fantasy glory.

Who will you take first in your upcoming fantasy draft?

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVIDS DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

August 24th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

BAR IS OPEN

Fantasy Football is Back Baby!

Not only is the fantasy season here, but with one draft already in the books I can say that the 2014 Fantasy Football season is underway. If you are like me, then you know this is probably one of the most exciting times during the fantasy season; draft week.

For myself, I really love the game and nothing gets me more revved up like the fantasy draft; an afternoon-long draft filled with great sportsman camaraderie, the enjoyment of tilting back cold beverages with friends, and executing some skillful fantasy selections certain to carry me to fantasy glory. It’s really the thrill of watching hours and weeks of studying, researching, and preparation all come together in a single afternoon; carefully planning the right menu, with the appropriate drink (my choice is always an ice-cold Stella-she’s one lady who always treats a fella right), and the perfect draft. And any draft you can complete faster than expected and be able to enjoy a few more cold ones after (with plenty of post-draft commentary), now that’s the perfect draft.

And because I love fantasy football so much, I am sure I will once again play in no fewer than 6-8 season-long leagues. I mention the words season long, because yes I have discovered the weekly games so don’t get me started there. In fact, as I type away with my thoughts about fantasy football, the upcoming season, etc., I am engaged in draft number two; a 10-team PPR league with one IDP spot.

If you have yet to join a league or if your league has yet to draft, make sure you do your necessary due diligence to have a successful draft. My advice is read the magazines, listen to the podcasts, browse the various sites, and gather all the necessary information (stats, ADPs, etc.) you need to make your best informed picks.

While we all need the numbers to help us sort through the endless charts and list of players to be selected, don’t overlook two important tips; know the league scoring and who you are playing against. Since we are on the theory of smart drafting and preparation, you should also keep in mind these additional points; it’s not only important to know who to select, but when to pull the trigger.

We have waited seven long months for this day to return, so the last thing we want to have happen is a poor showing on draft day. I am no genius when it comes to fantasy football, but I love playing and take lots of notes. As I go along this week with my several drafts yet to be completed, I will gladly share my thoughts, insights and results.

Good luck this season and draft well my friend.

~David Ortega