Drafting with Guppies - 2024 Edition - How would You Handle this Draft? (1 Viewer)

[Scoresman]

I joined a local league a few years ago when I moved, and it's a great group, but they are pretty much all guppies in the sense that I don't think any of them use things like ADP or VBD or anything. It's just 11 guys who take the term "get your guys" to the extreme. I've made the playoffs twice in three years but still always have weird things to deal with during the drafts.

I did some research on the last three drafts, and found out that on average, QBs and TEs are taken 1 full round ahead of ADP, RBs are all over the place, and WRs are generally taken after ADP. Wondering how to handle this and any other situations that arise from drafting with folks who don't do the research and prep a lot of us do.

Targeting specific players seems to be out because more often than not they are gone when you would normally take them. In every draft I've done with these guys, I almost always come out of it with players I dont have on any other team and don't always feel great about it.

Is it best to wait and continue to scoop up the values that present themselves or do I just say Eff It and get my guys with the rest of them?

 

[renesauz]

mixed bag. IN first few rounds, take the value. But it's easy to end up with scraps at a specific position if you ignore the league trends completely. If you know most teams are gonna take a backup QB in rounds 6-8 for example, you hafta take your QB by round 5 regardless of the massive WR value staring at you. That value will still be there in a round or two (though the names will change)

Guppy leagues can be easy to dominate, but you DO have to adjust a bit. I've done poorly in a couple in the past where I went value the whole way and found myself with awful Rbs or starting QB25. WR 20 as your 4th is no good if he's on your bench. You have to be especially careful of this when the lineup requirements are relatively fixed (no flexes)

 

[Deamon]

I joined a local league a few years ago when I moved, and it's a great group, but they are pretty much all guppies in the sense that I don't think any of them use things like ADP or VBD or anything. It's just 11 guys who take the term "get your guys" to the extreme. I've made the playoffs twice in three years but still always have weird things to deal with during the drafts.

I did some research on the last three drafts, and found out that on average, QBs and TEs are taken 1 full round ahead of ADP, RBs are all over the place, and WRs are generally taken after ADP. Wondering how to handle this and any other situations that arise from drafting with folks who don't do the research and prep a lot of us do.

Targeting specific players seems to be out because more often than not they are gone when you would normally take them. In every draft I've done with these guys, I almost always come out of it with players I dont have on any other team and don't always feel great about it.

Is it best to wait and continue to scoop up the values that present themselves or do I just say Eff It and get my guys with the rest of them?

It's always hard when this happens, because juicy WR and RB will be sitting there far below ADP, and you'll end up with a stacked roster with a below average QB and TE and your team will be good but not dominant. As a general rule, any time guys are taking QB and TE early like that consistently, I'm confident that I can out draft them later on, so I ALWAYS want an elite QB +TE (especially this year). I would probably not start the run on either position, but once they start to go, I'd jump in and make sure you have one of the top 4 QBs and top 6 Tight ends.

Ideally once QB1 goes off the board, you can scoop up Mahomes/Hurts/Jackson/Allen with your next pick.
Ideally once TE1 goes off the board, you can scoop up the other of Kelce/Laporta.... or if you miss both, that's totally fine, make sure you have McBride/Andrews/Kincaid on your team (maybe could wait a round though after Kelce/Laporta go).

Once you have your studs at those positions, you will outdraft these guys and pick up incredible WR/RB later on, especially as they are taking DEF/K and backup QB/TE.

So ya, definitely be near the start (but not 1st) of the QB and TE run, and don't draft backups at those positions until late, and then just feast on all the RB/WR great players that fall into your lap and enjoy the title.

 

[Scoresman]

I joined a local league a few years ago when I moved, and it's a great group, but they are pretty much all guppies in the sense that I don't think any of them use things like ADP or VBD or anything. It's just 11 guys who take the term "get your guys" to the extreme. I've made the playoffs twice in three years but still always have weird things to deal with during the drafts.

I did some research on the last three drafts, and found out that on average, QBs and TEs are taken 1 full round ahead of ADP, RBs are all over the place, and WRs are generally taken after ADP. Wondering how to handle this and any other situations that arise from drafting with folks who don't do the research and prep a lot of us do.

Targeting specific players seems to be out because more often than not they are gone when you would normally take them. In every draft I've done with these guys, I almost always come out of it with players I dont have on any other team and don't always feel great about it.

Is it best to wait and continue to scoop up the values that present themselves or do I just say Eff It and get my guys with the rest of them?

It's always hard when this happens, because juicy WR and RB will be sitting there far below ADP, and you'll end up with a stacked roster with a below average QB and TE and your team will be good but not dominant. As a general rule, any time guys are taking QB and TE early like that consistently, I'm confident that I can out draft them later on, so I ALWAYS want an elite QB +TE (especially this year). I would probably not start the run on either position, but once they start to go, I'd jump in and make sure you have one of the top 4 QBs and top 6 Tight ends.

Ideally once QB1 goes off the board, you can scoop up Mahomes/Hurts/Jackson/Allen with your next pick.
Ideally once TE1 goes off the board, you can scoop up the other of Kelce/Laporta.... or if you miss both, that's totally fine, make sure you have McBride/Andrews/Kincaid on your team (maybe could wait a round though after Kelce/Laporta go).

Once you have your studs at those positions, you will outdraft these guys and pick up incredible WR/RB later on, especially as they are taking DEF/K and backup QB/TE.

So ya, definitely be near the start (but not 1st) of the QB and TE run, and don't draft backups at those positions until late, and then just feast on all the RB/WR great players that fall into your lap and enjoy the title.

I agree until I see what that means. Last year, Josh Allen went at 1.10, Mahomes at 2.03, and Hurts at 2.12. Aaron Rodgers also went in Round 2.

I have the eigth pick so following this, I'm looking at Mahomes or Hurts at 2.05.

It just feels dirty going QB that early.

TE is a little more doable. I wouldn't be surprised if Kelce went in the first again. Has to be at least one of the eleven who think it's the same as last year.

 

[BradtheAg]

I'm building the best RB and WR rooms in the league in that scenario and living the stream at QB/TE. Hopefully I can hit on one at each position that gets hot and sticks around a while.

 

[Deamon]

I joined a local league a few years ago when I moved, and it's a great group, but they are pretty much all guppies in the sense that I don't think any of them use things like ADP or VBD or anything. It's just 11 guys who take the term "get your guys" to the extreme. I've made the playoffs twice in three years but still always have weird things to deal with during the drafts.

I did some research on the last three drafts, and found out that on average, QBs and TEs are taken 1 full round ahead of ADP, RBs are all over the place, and WRs are generally taken after ADP. Wondering how to handle this and any other situations that arise from drafting with folks who don't do the research and prep a lot of us do.

Targeting specific players seems to be out because more often than not they are gone when you would normally take them. In every draft I've done with these guys, I almost always come out of it with players I dont have on any other team and don't always feel great about it.

Is it best to wait and continue to scoop up the values that present themselves or do I just say Eff It and get my guys with the rest of them?

It's always hard when this happens, because juicy WR and RB will be sitting there far below ADP, and you'll end up with a stacked roster with a below average QB and TE and your team will be good but not dominant. As a general rule, any time guys are taking QB and TE early like that consistently, I'm confident that I can out draft them later on, so I ALWAYS want an elite QB +TE (especially this year). I would probably not start the run on either position, but once they start to go, I'd jump in and make sure you have one of the top 4 QBs and top 6 Tight ends.

Ideally once QB1 goes off the board, you can scoop up Mahomes/Hurts/Jackson/Allen with your next pick.
Ideally once TE1 goes off the board, you can scoop up the other of Kelce/Laporta.... or if you miss both, that's totally fine, make sure you have McBride/Andrews/Kincaid on your team (maybe could wait a round though after Kelce/Laporta go).

Once you have your studs at those positions, you will outdraft these guys and pick up incredible WR/RB later on, especially as they are taking DEF/K and backup QB/TE.

So ya, definitely be near the start (but not 1st) of the QB and TE run, and don't draft backups at those positions until late, and then just feast on all the RB/WR great players that fall into your lap and enjoy the title.

I agree until I see what that means. Last year, Josh Allen went at 1.10, Mahomes at 2.03, and Hurts at 2.12. Aaron Rodgers also went in Round 2.

I have the eigth pick so following this, I'm looking at Mahomes or Hurts at 2.05.

It just feels dirty going QB that early.

TE is a little more doable. I wouldn't be surprised if Kelce went in the first again. Has to be at least one of the eleven who think it's the same as last year.

Up to you, but i've been in lots of these drafts and that's my advice. TE yes, I'm usually aiming for the mcbride/kincaid/Andrews group of guys. But QB I'm making sure I have one of the top 4 this year.

I guess you have a point if they're going THAT early, but you were mentioning that these guys go 1 round early on ADP. The big 4 QBs usually go Rounds 3/4, so if they go Rounds 2/3 then I'd make sure I get one. If you're thinking that 2-3 QB's will be gone in the first 15 picks, that's a lot more than '1 round early'.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

ADP is a guide. Follow the value in YOUR DRAFT. If QBs go a full round earlier than usual, you need to adjust your strategy to work within those confines.

 

[TheWinz]

Very important question for you @Scoresman
Since this league is now a few years old, have there been a decent amount of trades? If so, just gobble up BPA and use your trading skills to build a monster team. If trades are nearly non-existent, you kinda have to conform a bit to the craziness.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I'm building the best RB and WR rooms in the league in that scenario and living the stream at QB/TE. Hopefully I can hit on one at each position that gets hot and sticks around a while.

This. 100% this.

 

[Runkle]

I factor in the league's adp tendencies for sure. This year 6 QBs are gone in the first 2 rounds, I have to jump on the best available QB in round 3, even if he has a normal round 7 ADP, otherwise the dropoff to the QB I'd get in the 4th is too great... I'll just have to make up value later.

 

[Wrigley]

I'm building the best RB and WR rooms in the league in that scenario and living the stream at QB/TE. Hopefully I can hit on one at each position that gets hot and sticks around a while.

This is my strategy in EVERY draft.

 

[Ilov80s]

I think in general, you just look for the values. It's not a big bestball tourney so structure doesn't matter much. If guys are going to fall, get them.

 

[Ilov80s]

I'm building the best RB and WR rooms in the league in that scenario and living the stream at QB/TE. Hopefully I can hit on one at each position that gets hot and sticks around a while.

This. 100% this.

Depemds a bit on league size for me. Smaller leagues, I think you need to put more emphasis on hitting a HR at QB/TE. Bigger leagues, you need put an emphasis on just getting on base at those 2 positions.

 

[cheese]

I'm building the best RB and WR rooms in the league in that scenario and living the stream at QB/TE. Hopefully I can hit on one at each position that gets hot and sticks around a while.

I see what you’re saying but in a weak league you do want to be building a super team which usually involves elite QB/TE. You can usually assume you will be first to the big RB pickups in this type of league. Where I agree with you is, If you pick Kelce at the 2/3 turn, what do you do when McBride is somehow there in the 8th? Thats the kind of things you need to think about in these leagues. If you focus on WR/RB, it leaves you options.

Good luck and have fun in this one. Sounds like a good league of people who are just having fun and rooting for their guys. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[zed2283]

Sounds like you're the guppy...

 

[Scoresman]

Update on this draft. Took a little of everyone's advice. Didn't go in trying to force anything but let things fall.

I think I had the best opening 4 picks I've ever had. Reminder, this is 12 team.

1.07 Bijan
2.06 Justin Jefferson
3.07 Patrick Mahomes
4.06 Sam LaPorta

4 guys off the bat with great odds to be top 5 at their position. I went in expecting to maybe get Hurts at 2.06, but I couldn't let JJ continue to fall. Then, Mahomes was sitting there at ADP in round 3, but for this league was about a round past ADP.

Full Team

QB Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert

RB Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson, Devin Singletary, Tyjae Spears, Jaleel McLaughlin

WR Justin Jefferson, DJ Moore. Jaylen Waddle, Diontae Johnson, Jaxon Smith Njigba

TE Sam Laporta, Noah Fant

 

[ffmail4me]

Definitely a guppy league when you get JJ that late, and especially if you got LaPorta at 4.6 (you typed 2.6)

 

[Scoresman]

Definitely a guppy league when you get JJ that late, and especially if you got LaPorta at 4.6 (you typed 2.6)

Yeah, meant 4.06. Edited the post.

Amon-Ra also went late at incredible value but the guy who took him took Josh Jacobs somewhere in the middle of Round 1 so I'm not worried about that team.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Update on this draft. Took a little of everyone's advice. Didn't go in trying to force anything but let things fall.

I think I had the best opening 4 picks I've ever had. Reminder, this is 12 team.

1.07 Bijan
2.06 Justin Jefferson
3.07 Patrick Mahomes
4.06 Sam LaPorta

4 guys off the bat with great odds to be top 5 at their position. I went in expecting to maybe get Hurts at 2.06, but I couldn't let JJ continue to fall. Then, Mahomes was sitting there at ADP in round 3, but for this league was about a round past ADP.

Full Team

QB Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert

RB Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson, Devin Singletary, Tyjae Spears, Jaleel McLaughlin

WR Justin Jefferson, DJ Moore. Jaylen Waddle, Diontae Johnson, Jaxon Smith Njigba

TE Sam Laporta, Noah Fant

Let me know if there’s ever an opening in the Girl Scout Troop 731 league - looks like fun.

 

[FiredMartz]

Love this 6 team league !!!

 

[JohnnyU]

Ever wonder when you say, "drafting with guppies", if someone thinks you're the guppy?

 

[Gally]

I'm building the best RB and WR rooms in the league in that scenario and living the stream at QB/TE. Hopefully I can hit on one at each position that gets hot and sticks around a while.

This. 100% this.

But in some leagues like this you can't really stream those positions if it's league standard to draft two or three QB's and two or three TE's. That happens in these sometimes because they don't want to have a bad bye week or they think they will stock up on the onesies positions for trading later. Then the waiver wire is barren unlike most leagues and you get screwed.

As someone else said, you will always have value fall so getting a strong onesie group is beneficial and then mine value as it goes along. I have also found that make sure you follow the starting requirements and don't stock up on too much value when you are stashing guys you can't play. I almost like to make sure I get a starting lineup and then hit the value harder as it gets later.

 

[Scoresman]

Ever wonder when you say, "drafting with guppies", if someone thinks you're the guppy?

Of course, I only use the term here. I don't particularly like it. These are all good guys, many of whom are smarter than I'll ever be. I am not averse to taking their money, however.

 

[FiredMartz]

Guy in our leagues team name is ....Guppies....hasn't won the league in the 29 years of existence...

 

[Scoresman]

Update on this draft. Took a little of everyone's advice. Didn't go in trying to force anything but let things fall.

I think I had the best opening 4 picks I've ever had. Reminder, this is 12 team.

1.07 Bijan
2.06 Justin Jefferson
3.07 Patrick Mahomes
4.06 Sam LaPorta

4 guys off the bat with great odds to be top 5 at their position. I went in expecting to maybe get Hurts at 2.06, but I couldn't let JJ continue to fall. Then, Mahomes was sitting there at ADP in round 3, but for this league was about a round past ADP.

Full Team

QB Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert

RB Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson, Devin Singletary, Tyjae Spears, Jaleel McLaughlin

WR Justin Jefferson, DJ Moore. Jaylen Waddle, Diontae Johnson, Jaxon Smith Njigba

TE Sam Laporta, Noah Fant

Well this dream team is 0-1.

Lost to a guy who drafted Kyren in the middle of Round 1. But he had Jayden Reed. And that was the difference.

I'm not worried. I still *almost* won with subpar games from Mahomes, Bijan, and LAPorta.

But so far, I guess I am the guppy. This is fantasy football.

 

[Gatorade]

joined a new league this year. redraft 1 QB NOT TE premium. Kelce was drafted #5 overall. guppie move I thought. he later took Achane, Stevenson and Dobbins. he won this week and I lost with CMC, Nacua and Ferguson. you never know.