*** Celebration Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Sweeper]

I am in 5 Leagues, 3 of them are dynasty leagues (two in year one) and two redraft leagues. I made it to the super bowl in 4 out of 5 of the leagues (The 5th league is a non traditional lineup, stsarting 2qb's, 3 rb's 3 wr's, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 D - with a 16 man roster). Each team is significantly different and I was sure to draft differently with each league so I did nont end up with the same lineups in all my leagues. And I was the highest scoring team in all 4 of these leagues.The stragegy you may ask. Draft All RB's, ALL the time. Any time there was a Running back available .... I Drafted him. MY logic was that all other positions are more expendable and less difficult to fill. So ..... RBS- I said that I wanted to draft 4-5 STUD rbs. and worry about other positions after. This position is the most valuable position, such a shallow pool of talent and so hard to trade (cheaply) for after the season starts, so I started drafting RB's in round 1, round 2, round 3. I would try to use round 4 for Gates, but if he was not available I would draft another RB and do the same for round 5, look for RB's first. Then I converted to a VBD and would then look for the best value. --WR's - there are always 15-20 good WR's to be had off of the waiver wire by week three that emerge or produce unexpectdly - So I worried little about grabbing WR's Early. Thinking that good WR's would still be in the draft late and tradable and this is the deepest position, and I figured it would be easy to play matchups, work the waiver wire to get production from my WR's. I was right! TE's: Started off in the draft saying I would take Gates in Round 4, gonzo in round 5, and Witten in 7. Other then that ... I would wait. IN my opinion Gates is a must have. He can never be picked up too early and I do not mind spending a 4th round pick on him, at all ... ever. I grabbed him in 2 leagues and Witten in one, missed out on Gonzo (luckily) and both have produced well for me. THIS IS THE SECOND MOST VALUABLE POSITION. Especially considering that there are only 3-4 TE's that produce good and consistent #'s .... and they are must haves.QB's - This has not been a good year for QB's. McNabb, Culpepper, Manning, the top three disappointed all over and I am glad that I waited till rounds 7 and later to grab guys like Hasselbeck, Palmer, or Eli Manning, Bledsoe. Now dont get me wrong, the draft alone are not going to get you anywhere, but it is with understanding of how to manage my teams via the WW and Trading that I was able to Draft Heavy on RB's comfortably. This was my draft strategy and it worked well .... and I thought that I would share it with you. Injuries were less of a concern becuase RBs are the only position that is truly hard to fill, all other positions can be filled off of the WW (typically). 5 Teams - 4 Super BowlsUPDATED TO CHANGE THE POST TITLE AND TO ADD THAT I WON ALL 4 CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES!!!!

 

[Raptors]

While the general concept works for the most part, it doesn't always play out that way. In a 20 teamer, my best RB this week (in the championship game) is Dee Brown. We don't have to start a RB there, so I'll be choosing the option of starting the extra WR (who is nothing to write home about either fwiw).Another league (16 teamer) where we can start up to 4 RBs and I had Deuce, LJ, Westbrook, R.Brown entering the season (along with a good supporting cast) made an embarrassing 1st round playoff exit.So while your success may be linked to your particular strategy this year, I am betting it has more to do with the lack of injuries you likely sustained. When your stud RB goes down, it can basically end your season right then and there.And while I agree that WRs are easier to obtain off waivers, when you're picking at the bottom of the waiver order, you won't get any impact players there at any position. So perhaps the bigger key to success is to suck early before turing it on?

 

[BigActionMike]

Other than the TE position which I tanked (but ended up tradin J.Lewis for Gonzo) I had a simlar story. My RBs were D.Davis, J Lewis, M. Anderson, T.Jones, R. Brown and R. WIlliams, in a start 3 RB eague... CJ / Djax/K. CUrtis/R. WIlliams were WRs (start 2) and favre was my QB. Still made a first round exit in the playoffs. What I learned was having a player like LT, LJ, S. ALex is invaluable. No matter how much depth u had, those guys were like starting 2 players. I will trade the farm to get one of those guys next year.

 

[silentmark]

A big factor is the other coaches in those leagues, some people are too bright ...I made the SB in two out of my three leagues (one Keeper, one redraft and my dynasty team was riddle with injuries) and I did not follow your RB's in the first 5 rounds theory. So good luck in your SB's and ride the luck wave, I know I am ...

 

[PoolShark]

The only league (of 3) I'm in the SB, I went RB, WR, WR, WR out of the gate.The best draft strategy (if it could be followed) is don't draft players who will get seriously injured. That is far and away the largest factor that knocked me out of my other two leagues.

 

[Raptors]

Sweepdogs:Out of curiosity, how many teams are in these leagues you are in? If you plan on having 4-5 stud RBs, I am thinking there are not very many teams. I don't play in any league with less than 12 teams so I can't properly comment on how wise your RB theory is. Congrats on making the SBs, but perhaps you may want to be better challenged next year and join a bigger league?

 

[jurb26]

This is the same strategy that 90% of the people in FF use. So it worked for you at an 80% rate this year. That only means that there are a lot more people out there that it didn't work for IMO.BTW, how in the world do you draft 4-5 "STUD" RBs in any league? Stud RBs go by the end of the 2nd round.

 

[Sweeper]

While the general concept works for the most part, it doesn't always play out that way.

It is not always going to. If it did ... things would be easy.

So while your success may be linked to your particular strategy this year, I am betting it has more to do with the lack of injuries you likely sustained. When your stud RB goes down, it can basically end your season right then and there.

I never said I did not sustain injuries. What I did say was that my draft strategy allowed me to overcome injuries. WR's were easier to replace with FA, and I had the RB's on my bench to step up and didnt have to scramble to pick up desperations RB's. This year I lost; Duce, Westbrook, McNabb, TO, Davis, had Fagile Freddy, Bulger on my bench a good part of the year and had a few busts like Barlow and Moss. That is my point ... injuries are easier to overcome this way. Don't get me wrong, nothing is fool proof, but if you have the depth ... you can overcome. That is what my point is .... depth is the key. The key to overcome injuries and the key to overcome players that are sitting this time of year.

And while I agree that WRs are easier to obtain off waivers, when you're picking at the bottom of the waiver order, you won't get any impact players there at any position. So perhaps the bigger key to success is to suck early before turing it on?

I started off 11-0 in one league. My records were 10-3, 11-2, 12-1, and 9-5 and was the higest scoring offence in all 4 of these leagues. Not quite bottom of the barrell teams and I didnt have 1st round WW picks. But, I was prepared to start slow ... becuase I know it is how you end, not how you start. This is why I was able to start off with shallow at WR and not worry about it.

So while your success may be linked to your particular strategy this year, I am betting it has more to do with the lack of injuries you likely sustained. When your stud RB goes down, it can basically end your season right then and there.

4 out of 5 teams. This was not a lone team that made it to the championship game. This is a strategy that I use every year and on all 5 teams this year - going into my season - and it works. I usually do well every year and just thought I would share .... why and how. Take it FWIW. I am not preaching, or braging, only trying to share a winning strategy with otehr FBG's! Which, by the way ... was a big part of my in season moves and FA pickups. This Board Offers greme at insight and opinions and gives a homers view (and die hard fan's) and perspective to every single team. AN asst coach that is, quite honestly ... PRICELESS.

 

[Sweeper]

Sweepdogs:

Out of curiosity, how many teams are in these leagues you are in? If you plan on having 4-5 stud RBs, I am thinking there are not very many teams. I don't play in any league with less than 12 teams so I can't properly comment on how wise your RB theory is. Congrats on making the SBs, but perhaps you may want to be better challenged next year and join a bigger league?

all 12 team leagues.

 

[Sweeper]

This is the same strategy that 90% of the people in FF use. So it worked for you at an 80% rate this year. That only means that there are a lot more people out there that it didn't work for IMO.

BTW, how in the world do you draft 4-5 "STUD" RBs in any league? Stud RBs go by the end of the 2nd round.

That is not true ... a lot of people spent 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks on QB's and WR's and try to get players like QB: Manning, Culpepper, McNabb or WR's; TO, Moss, Holt, Walker. I stay try to stay away from these players unless they can be drafted with value.

Some owners, a lot of owners spent high draft picks on Balt Ravens D/st .. .becuase everyone was so high on them to start the year off.

 

[KingPrawn]

Load up on RBs you say? I don't think this is any thing new really.

 

[yellowdog]

I'm in my Super Bowl in a 14 team league thanks to Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, and Carson Palmer. My starting RBs this weekend: Cedric Houston and Zack Crocket.

 

[Sweeper]

Load up on RBs you say? I don't think this is any thing new really.

Yet people spend their 1-2 of their first round picks on highly ranked WR's or QB's. I am saying .... all rb's all the time. Take RB's 4 out of your first 5 picks. Not pick one stud RB, one "top 5" qb, one "top 5" wr. and then one tier two RB. Grab 4 starting RBs and the other positions, and players at those positions are not worth the high draft picks, comparable players at those positions can be had later in the draft, with much greater value.

And there is always luck involved with how you draft and youre sleepers, how the teams actaully end up doing and how the season pans out. This is my point, HEAVY RB drafting is your insurance policy to all of that.

 

[Muahahaha]

Out of 5 leagues, I'm in three Super Bowls. Went RB-WR-TE, QB-RB-WR, RB-WR-WR. There is no "magic formula". Draft studs that drop to you. RB or otherwise.

 

[Fresh Prince]

Still there is no way you could have gotten 4-5 Stud RBs or your definition of Stud is a lot lower than what the average person would think.It is also not a new concept nor the all winning concept. I play in a league with up to 4 wrs (3 wrs, 1 te, 1 te/wr), 2 Rbs, and the scoring format almost catches them up to RBs. A good WR core will win a lot of weeks in this league. If you have a ton of RBs and a weak WR core, it can burn you.

 

[Sweeper]

Out of 5 leagues, I'm in three Super Bowls.  Went RB-WR-TE, QB-RB-WR, RB-WR-WR.  There is no "magic formula".  Draft studs that drop to you.  RB or otherwise.

I am not selling anything here ... only offering my strategy for a system that works year after year for me and for team after team. You don't have to adopt this strategy, you don't even have to believe me (not you Muah, everyone).And yes, Fresh PRince .... your scoring system and your lineup matters quite a bit.

But again ... this is nothing more then food, not to eat, but food for thought!

 

[jurb26]

I'm not saying that I disagree with the strat, only that people should not be so rigid towards sticking to it (which it sounds like you are). I used this very strat in the league that I'm playing in the Champ game this week. I didn't want to take nearly as many RBs as I did early, but when a valuable RB is there, it's my belief that you HAVE to. Problem is, there are not very many times and leauges in which a RB you simply HAVE to take will be sitting there past round 3. I somewhat lucked out this year as some people did the things you listed: drafted QBs a bit too early, went the stud WR rt or simply made bad decisions of the RBs they drafted. I had the #2 pick and took SA thinking going in that I would be lucky to land a very solid RB2 on the back swing. I had hoped for a Westy or Jordan type. I wound up with Portis. Then, sure that I would be going WR (S.Smith is the guy I had mocked out for this pick earlier and was looking forward to taking) at the 3 pick, Rudi was sitting there for me. I in no way wanted to draft Rudi here, but my VB chart said it would practically be a mortal sin not too. Having landing 1 STUD and 2 what I thought were very solid RBs, I was sure I would not be taking any for a long time. Then comes round 5 and Caddy is sitting there... then round 7 and Duckett. I say only draft RBs as heavily as you say if you see the ones on the board has having the value to warrent it. I have seen far too many times when people draft RBs simply to have them while avioding studs at other positions that would complete their teams. I think a lot of people overvalue RBs and their trade value in the context of the leagues they play in. The truth of the matter is, if the 11 other people passed on that guy in the 1st place odds are they will not be taken to the cleaners later in a trade. Drafting 5 RBs in the 1st 7 rounds put me in a hole in this league at 1st as far as the other positions were concerned.

 

[blake]

Load up on RBs you say? I don't think this is any thing new really.

 

[Sweeper]

I'm not saying that I disagree with the strat, only that people should not be so rigid towards sticking to it (which it sounds like you are).

Nnothing is set in stone and that is where using your head comes in. There are some players that are worth a high pick ... with value. LT and SA are worth any pick.

Gates at any price is worth it if you have to start a TE. And I dont mind spending too much for him.

TO is worth a top 10 pick.

Now some of my leagues MCNabb went in round one as a top 5 pick, as well as Moss. I saw Moss available as a second rounder and had to take him. I used a first round pick on TO in one league, Mcnabb slipped to the second round in a league and I grabbed him.

You do have to use your head and your gut and see who is available and think about how you think they will perform that year. Early on, I like high value picks, with low risk and that ... more often then not, is a RB.

 

[Sweeper]

Okay, everyone here convinced me, what can I say ....when you are right, you are right. It is not my strategy that gets me to the championships with amazing frequency .... Quite simply ... it is my superiority over everyone else, in general and when it comes to football. Thanks for the vote of confidence guys.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I am in the SB b/c I had the 2nd pick(SA) and got LJ in the beginning of round 7. No other reason really.

 

[ChromeWeasel]

I am in 5 Leagues, 3 of them are dynasty leagues (two in year one) and two redraft leagues.

I made it to the super bowl in 4 out of 5 of the leagues (The 5th league is a non traditional lineup, stsarting 2qb's, 3 rb's 3 wr's, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 D - with a 16 man roster).

Each team is significantly different and I was sure to draft differently with each league so I did nont end up with the same lineups in all my leagues. And I was the highest scoring team in all 4 of these leagues.

The stragegy you may ask. Draft All RB's, ALL the time. Any time there was a Running back available .... I Drafted him.

MY logic was that all other positions are more expendable and less difficult to fill. So .....

RBS- I said that I wanted to draft 4-5 STUD rbs. and worry about other positions after. This position is the most valuable position, such a shallow pool of talent and so hard to trade (cheaply) for after the season starts, so I started drafting RB's in round 1, round 2, round 3. I would try to use round 4 for Gates, but if he was not available I would draft another RB and do the same for round 5, look for RB's first. Then I converted to a VBD and would then look for the best value.

--WR's - there are always 15-20 good WR's to be had off of the waiver wire by week three that emerge or produce unexpectdly - So I worried little about grabbing WR's Early. Thinking that good WR's would still be in the draft late and tradable and this is the deepest position, and I figured it would be easy to play matchups, work the waiver wire to get production from my WR's. I was right!

TE's: Started off in the draft saying I would take Gates in Round 4, gonzo in round 5, and Witten in 7. Other then that ... I would wait. IN my opinion Gates is a must have. He can never be picked up too early and I do not mind spending a 4th round pick on him, at all ... ever. I grabbed him in 2 leagues and Witten in one, missed out on Gonzo (luckily) and both have produced well for me. THIS IS THE SECOND MOST VALUABLE POSITION. Especially considering that there are only 3-4 TE's that produce good and consistent #'s .... and they are must haves.

QB's - This has not been a good year for QB's. McNabb, Culpepper, Manning, the top three disappointed all over and I am glad that I waited till rounds 7 and later to grab guys like Hasselbeck, Palmer, or Eli Manning, Bledsoe.

Now dont get me wrong, the draft alone are not going to get you anywhere, but it is with understanding of how to manage my teams via the WW and Trading that I was able to Draft Heavy on RB's comfortably.

This was my draft strategy and it worked well .... and I thought that I would share it with you. Injuries were less of a concern becuase RBs are the only position that is truly hard to fill, all other positions can be filled off of the WW (typically).

5 Teams - 4 Super Bowls

This is a great reason to change your scoring system and roster requirements. Any league where it makes sense to draft the same position 5 times in a row is a league that needs fixing.Start 3 RB? That's absurd. Get a real league.

 

[Sweeper]

This is a great reason to change your scoring system and roster requirements. Any league where it makes sense to draft the same position 5 times in a row is a league that needs fixing.

Start 3 RB? That's absurd. Get a real league.

That was supposed to be a "fun" league and not considered to be anything serious. Actually there is an error in my OP. it is a start 2 qb, 3 rb, 3 wr, 2 te, 1k, 1d/st. this is a no money, 'play' league and that is the one I didnt make the palyoffs in. all the rest are traditional scoring and traditional lineups.

 

[Andy Hicks]

Rather than have a bunch of 'I'm the winner' threads, let's try and stick to 1.Be excellent to each other

 

[Mike Anderson]

Wilkins keeps up, and he will win alot of titles today.

 

[Arnold. S]

Julius Jones

 

[MacArtist]

GB Larry Johnson

 

[delusional]

What are the two teams in your leagues going at it today for the trophy?12 man non keeper Team 1: 10-4RothelisbergerDillon RudiBennett BryantCrumplerFeelyPITT D Team 2: 12-2 GarradAlexander PortisC.Johnson J.SmithGatesTynesBengals75-89 right now league 2 - 10 man keeper * this is sad *Team 1: 5-7 ( wc ( BradyMoats CadillacGalloway WardGonzoGrahamBearsbench:Brunell McNabbC.Brown DDavis Holmes WellsBennettTeam 2: ( poor guy lol ) 10-2HasslebeckLT BarberMason ToomerShockeyRackersEaglesbenchelhommeR.Brown TurnerHarrison KennisonCrumplerAkers

 

[TheGolfBallKid]

Starting WR's for my team this week: Holt, Santana Moss, Chambers. Combined points - 100 + LJ and LT2. Nevermind the fact that McNair got me -2. Scored 142, opponent has 52 as I type w/ Plummer, Rod Smith and M. Bennett to go. I still have Patriots D. Barring a miraculous comeback, 1st SB win and first person in league history to win Total Points and Super Bowl in the same year. Bring on some more Miller Lites, cuz the party's just getting started!

 

[The Gator]

GB Larry Johnson

And playing Mo Hicks

 

[VTjkru]

How fitting for my superbowl that both teams have the studs for week 16!! It is a crazy game so far.My team:HasselbeckPortisT.JonesC.JohnsonS.MossFitzgeraldGatesTynesCarolinaMy opponent:BradyTomlinsonM.AndersonChambersHoltStokleyGonzalezFeelySteelers

 

[Sister Havana]

It's like that in my Super Bowl too! (the other games I'm in are semifinals)My team: BradySantana Moss Chad Johnson Darrell JacksonLarry Johnson LT Shockey RackersChicago DHer team: PalmerSteve SmithChambersHoltMoatsThomas JonesCooleyFeelyPittsburgh DIt will be interesting!

 

[Judge Smails]

LJ, CJ, Chambers, D. Bennett, Delhomme - great start so far. Went against LT and Tiki today. Big lead, not over till it's over.

 

[3C's]

My success story...making the SB even after losing TO and Priest.

 

[Pick]

This is from the FBGs Blogger League (18 teams):Him:J. PlummerR. JohnsonS. ParkerK. CurtisE. KennisonD. MartinL. TynesRedskins(He has L. Jordan)Me:S. McNairW. McGaheeW. DunnS. SmithJ. GallowayZ. HiltonJ. CarneyPanthersDespite a low output by my team, I'm up big and will pocket $250 if I win. First FF title ever (3rd year).

 

[Keith R]

Our semifinals are this week. My opponent? The guy who has won the champpionship three years in a row (amazing for a redraft league).MeMcCown (started over Green :( )SJax Bettis J SmithSANTANA MOSS GonzoGrahamRavensHimBledsoeParkerFosterS Smith McCardellCooleyVanderjagtJagsSantana Moss has ensured me of a win... barring Vandy getting 21 second-half points.

 

[kutta]

Unless the NE D ends up scoring 35+ points, I'm headed for my first championship in my main money league.Sweet!Plummer, LJ, Anderson, Boldin, R. Williams, Gates, Rackers, Cinci.Everyone came through today, except the Cinci D.

 

[shredhead]

2nd Championship in 3 years! Hasslebeck, LJ, TJones (in for Edge), Chad Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Gonzo, Graham, Patriots D (in for Atlanta)I can pull Jones and Patriots and still win!

 

[Nukin Futs]

McCown, Larry Johson, Caddy, Chad Johnson, Boldin, Cooley and Rackers. Rams defense only play that didn't pay off.

 

[Zowned]

The one (semifinals) the guy forgot to submit a lineup so I win by forfeit... ...either way my team topped 100 and would've beat any others...rematch of last year's super bowl next week against the team with LJ...

 

[shredhead]

The one (semifinals) the guy forgot to submit a lineup so I win by forfeit... ...either way my team topped 100 and would've beat any others...rematch of last year's super bowl next week against the team with LJ...

How can anyone forget to set their lineup in the semi finals?? Must not be for money. Or very little. Or, Gulp, some kind of family emergency.

 

[jurb26]

Took the Championship on the backs oflummerSARudiWayneDJaxChambersCooleyJ.BrownBears DWell, didn't even need the Bears D. I have the game sealed up already as my opponent has no more players to go and is down by 5.5. Needless to say, it was a good year. Congrates to all other winners and good luck to those still awaiting games tomarrow.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

Not one to spike the rock before the end zone, but sitting pretty well for 3 for 3 in Super Bowl Wins.League 1 (Big $ Auction) Win 177 -135Big guns include Santana Moss, last minute fill-in for Brees in Josh McCown, solid contributions from Portis, MAnderson, Boldin and Roy Williams and the AZ DefLeague 2 (Auction $$) Up by 57 ptsAlso rode Santana Moss, Fred Taylor filled in admirably for Lamont Jordan, endured LT's 5 pt effort, Denver D.Opponet has Chicago D and Brad JohnsonI have Mushin MuhammedLeague 3 (Ant Sports Trophy League) Up by 16 ptsOpponent has Mark ClaytonI have Cedrick Houston and the NE Defense.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

I just love winning the championship game 117-59.GB Shaun Alexander and a certain 7th round pick with the initials LJ. Oh, yeah, and Hines Ward gets the honorary membership on my team EVERY year.

 

[kingmalaki]

I hope I am not jinxing myself by posting this, but I don't expect the Patriots kicker to outscore Brady by 30 points (the only way I can lose).My success story is winning even though:A) I lost TO AND Culpepper (right after I traded for him).B) LT played like crap to close out the yr (and I never benched him).Major props to Cooley for getting me to the Superbowl, to LJ for dominating (I drafted him in the 7th) and to my opponent this week for sitting Chambers and J.Jones for S.Smith and Barber.

 

[rolliehouliranson]

I'm winning my SB by 24, I have Mason left and he has Pats defense. Hundred to one he pulls out a miracle. Tiki sucked for me today, as did Rudi and Shockey, but my opponent had Moats, Rhodes, SSmith, & Troupe.

 

[j3333v]

I’m going to the super bowl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thank you Football Guys for such a great site.One more big week from Shaun Alexander would be great!

 

[barndog]

In an Antsports $ league, I started the year 1-5, then went 5-7 to squeak into the playoffs. Since then I have reeled off three to win the championship 120-99. Not bad considering I drafted **9th**.Mostly I rode Tiki and DDavis and chose well among the QBs.QB Drew Brees SDC 254.15 11.09QB Eli Manning NYG 252.40 UDP RB Tiki Barber NYG 303.80 2.02RB Domanick Davis HOU 206.30 1.09RB Tatum Bell DEN 135.00 5.10RB Jonathan Wells HOU 81.70 UDPRB Frank Gore SFO 75.90 UDPWR Keyshawn Johnson DAL 163.60 14.02 WR Eric Moulds BUF 143.10 10.02WR Drew Bennett TEN 137.20 6.02WR Samie Parker KCC 88.90 UDPWR Mark Clayton BAL 88.50 UDPTE Antonio Gates SDC 238.60 3.09PK Shayne Graham CIN 129.80 15.08DT Carolina Panthers CAR 124.00 12.02

 

[Zowned]

The one (semifinals) the guy forgot to submit a lineup so I win by forfeit... ...either way my team topped 100 and would've beat any others...rematch of last year's super bowl next week against the team with LJ...

How can anyone forget to set their lineup in the semi finals?? Must not be for money. Or very little. Or, Gulp, some kind of family emergency.

Don't know...$20 buy in so it is for some money and the league has been around for 5 years. I jumped in last year cause a buddy I work with runs it but he origianally crated it the Amateur Football League with a bunch of newbs so he'd have a league he could win in...5 years he's made the playoffs and lost in the 1st round ...my first 2 years in the title game both ...mainly got in it so I could give him somewhat of a challenge in the league

 

[Fantasy Man]

Won a league tonight with a lineup of:McCownLJRickyFast WillieStallworthMouldsShockeyKasaySteelersMy first five draft picks in order wereeuce McAlisterSteven JacksonMcNabbJJ ArringtonDrew BennettI simply cannot believe how this happened.