Dynasty Management Styles (1 Viewer)

[Poboy]

How much of your future would you sacrifice to win THIS YEAR?

How much of this year's success would you sacrifice for the LONG TERM GOOD of your team?

What's the key to balance?

Brian Westbrook had been a mainstay of my team for a couple of years. I decided that last year would be my last best chance to get something for him, so I traded him away last Summer for some younger guys with potential. He was 29 years old.

WRs I'll give and extra year or two or three. I think they decline less sharply. At 30-31 or so I started looking to offload them for value, but I don't dump them.

QBs I'm not as worried about age...depends more on the QB and his team/situation. BUT, I still don't trade FOR old guys.

For ME, age is a constant concern. I know that's not the way everyone thinks. Lot's of owners in my leagues appear to let next year worry about itself, enjoying the stability of a dynasty roster rather than worrying about, well, building a dynasty.

Can a dynasty even be built? Or is the name/concept misleading?

So, how do YOU get the most of the best years of your players and then get something for them before they drop off the statistical edge?

Looking forward to your input!

Poboy

 

[anakin]

There are three lines of thinking in dynasty: 1) old is gold-get older veterans cheaply and build to win for the here and now

2) go diapers-sacrifice for young up and coming talent, the younger the better 3) build with balance

I have seen 1 and 3 work. 2 seems to be popular but you are always trying to unearth the next big stud which most of the times never comes, remember Lamont Jordan behind Curtis Martin? How about the uber-studs Kevin Jones, Caddy, and Benson?

Get studs and hold onto them until the hit around 30 for RBs, WRs just hold onto

My biggest suggestion is if you are dealing your first round pick for next year get their second rounder back for that year.

 

[ddogs24]

I am in 3 dynasty leagues and think your management style must be based on your current roster situation, and if you think you legitimately have a shot to win in the current/coming year.

For me, 2 of my dynasty teams are pretty strong and deep at all postions. For those teams, I am trying to balance my roster between current vets that are carrying me to a potential championship, while being very selective in who I draft for the future. For these teams I am very selective on who I draft, so that I only grab players that I think really can be a starter for me in the next 2-3 years. I'm less likely to grab a long shot or sleeper player because the roster space is too valuable to me. I may have 4 legit RB's and 1-2 young RB's, when I can only start 2 total. Grabbing a sleeper just eats a roster space, so I'll move my later picks in package deals to move up and grab a player that is more likely to be a long term starter.

My third team is in a rebuilding phase because I made a few bad trades in the past that really hurt me. This year I traded Portis and Coles to different owners and got back the 1.6, 2.1, and Breaston. So for a stud RB at his highest value, and a WR with a little left in the tank, I've now added Beanie Wells, McCoy, Breaston, and have the 2.1 coming up next week. To me it's about adding potential starters. Finding the next stud is partially luck, so I look for the best potential players in what I think will be the the best situation next year - not now. I know I have no shot to win this year, so I'm keeping my picks since they'll likely be high next off season, and some of the young players I've added will be strong enough to crack my starting lineup for next season.

 

[FantasyTrader]

1) Trading is absolutely key. The market is flooded with more FREE information about player values than even the most avid dynasty baller could possibly digest. Even a complete greenhorn can get through a rookie/vet FA only draft without looking the part these days.

Something tends to get lost in translation though involving multiple players/picks for multiple players/picks. They don't have a cheatsheet in from of them for that one.

2) Also, thinking for myself in terms of selling studs at their highest point. I think the hobby in general tends to value studs too high too late in their careers. Getting full value for a perennial top 10 RB at age 29+, top 15 WR at age 31+ or QB at age 33+ helps to reload instead of rebuild.

3) Buying talented WR's in strong offensive systems the offseason before their third year. Our rules allow a player to only be kept on developmental for two years before you must move them to active roster and that's right about the time these players start looking almost waiver worthy to their owners. The majority of these guys don't pan out but you generally pay pennies on the dollar. It only takes one and you feel great when you time a guy just right.

4) Willingness to absolutely pay out the WAZOO for a young top 3-5 tight end. WAY too neglected a position. In my leagues TE is sometimes the only thing seperating the top 3-4 finishers.

 

[EBF]

Slow and steady wins the race. If you consistently buy low/sell high and draft well then you should eventually have a good team.

 

[TaxMan]

i believe one of the keys is trading, like in the stock market - buying low, selling high, targeting bounce-back players.

Every year a few players will disappoint (i.e Braylon Edwards of last year - an obvious sell high going into 2008 IMO as i certainly didnt target him in any redrafts), some players will ascend into the elite (i.e. Greg Jennings, Roddy White). Braylon is still young and obviously his dynasty value will remain up there, but if you want a chance to win the current year, I believe you trade him for a similar young guy you have "distinguished" who will have a better year (i.e. Roddy White or Greg Jennings). Obviously not a straight up deal, something along the lines of Braylon for Roddy and something.

 

[Nugget]

1. Know your scoring system. Many points can be picked up just by knowing how your league is different from the ones you are reading about.

2. Collect elite talent. I don't care about trade value as much as I care about getting the right player on my roster.

3. Once you identify the player you wnat, make some offers. Even if it does not work right away, the other owner will keep you in mind. He'll look at your roster down the road and you see offers later more often than not.

4. Don't get overly attached to your young players. I've won more championships starting players like Mushin or Marty Booker then waiting on players like Devery Henderson or Sidney Rice. Let someone else wait for them and pair 2 or 3 together for one upgrade.

 

[corpcow]

I am guilty of loving youth... but try to balance that with cheaper, underrated veterans. (In other words, guys like Driver and Mason are on nearly all my rosters).

I personally like to churn talent while they still have value for younger prospects. E.g., I sold TJ Housh and Portis this offseason which enabled me to add Brown, Wells and Maclin. In my case I had a particularly young team, but I also felt like Portis and TJ's windows were closing and this enabled me to get max value for them.

I also always work the draft heavy and draft for BPA/value as opposed to need.

Finally, I think quality over quantity is particularly important. If there's a guy (particularly a young stud who can contribute for awhile) you covet, don't be afraid to "overpay" for him.

 

[gianmarco]

Slow and steady wins the race. If you consistently buy low/sell high and draft well then you should eventually have a good team.

Can't say I agree with this. There is no reason you can't compete right away and still be active and turnover your team to remain competitive. Not saying you can't do it this way so there are obviously those that like to start young and play for a 2-3+ yrs down the line, but it's very possible to build a young team that is also able to compete today. My keys to success:1. Trading is an art and can help a team be successful very quickly.2. Never overpay for role players. Smaller trades should ALWAYS gain you value.3. Overpay for elite studs. This is usually the only way they can be acquired but the payoff is almost always worth it and then some. Use the value you build from #2 to accomplish #3.4. Start the season with depth. As the season progresses and playoffs approach, trade depth to improve starters if you're playoff-bound. Wash, rinse, repeat.5. This is not for everyone, but I always move draft picks for known commodities. I prefer to get something of known value than risk a draft pick on a guy that could boom or bust. Yes, I may miss out on the next Eddie Royal or Steve Slaton, but I'm also not going to get stuck with the next Malcolm Kelly or James Hardy. I can always acquire guys like Royal or Slaton by just paying their new price. I can't make up my loss when a draft pick becomes nearly worthless. This is not to mention I get to use the pick's value now instead of later. I know most don't agree with this, but this formula has been successful for me. I can still buy back into the draft if I want to. In fact, it's almost like leasing a player. I can usually trade a pick and get someone in return and then, as the draft approaches, pay it back with a similar value + a little interest.6. Do NOT overlook the QB position. Landing a top QB is a very underrated notion.

 

[corpcow]

6. Do NOT overlook the QB position. Landing a top QB is a very underrated notion.

In a 16 team dynasty league (depending on scoring), good QBs are gold. In an initial auction, I tend to draft heavy... and never be afraid to add new talent even when you don't need it to keep the position stocked (especially since it's a position that takes awhile to develop).

 

[Rockchild]

5. This is not for everyone, but I always move draft picks for known commodities. I prefer to get something of known value than risk a draft pick on a guy that could boom or bust. Yes, I may miss out on the next Eddie Royal or Steve Slaton, but I'm also not going to get stuck with the next Malcolm Kelly or James Hardy. I can always acquire guys like Royal or Slaton by just paying their new price. I can't make up my loss when a draft pick becomes nearly worthless. This is not to mention I get to use the pick's value now instead of later. I know most don't agree with this, but this formula has been successful for me. I can still buy back into the draft if I want to. In fact, it's almost like leasing a player. I can usually trade a pick and get someone in return and then, as the draft approaches, pay it back with a similar value + a little interest.

Excellent point. Don't give away draft picks but definitely use them for known commodities. The lure of shiny new toys can reap you good proven talent.

 

[Riffraff]

I usually go with younger RBs, mid aged QBs, and older WRs. A nice mixture.

A full team of shiny new toys or a full team of over the hill guys rarely do well.

Don't overpay for or overvalue rookies. Very few hit.

Do overpay for studs.

Build depth so that injuries are less of a concern. Aged WRs are easy fodder on the roster that can keep you scoring points when someone gets hurt. The high upside guy usually gets you nada in the points column. Just don't let them all be old.

Let other teams be your farm team. Trade for performers by giving up the rookie picks and role players. Rinse and repeat.

If contending for a title, do not be afraid to let the old stud die a fantasy death on your squad. Nobody remembers who came in second place, which is what usually happens when you trade out of contention for youth.

I tend to avoid the knuckleheads. Having a high probability of non-production for a few weeks every year is a game or two swing... usually the same amount that defines who makes the play-offs and those that don't (or who gets the first round byes).

I like to look at players that were injured and out for the year as value plays with a pretty low cost.

Go with your gut over some random stranger's (expert) cheatsheet.

 

[fsufan]

just put talent on your team

 

[Winning IS Everything]

Slow and steady wins the race. If you consistently buy low/sell high and draft well then you should eventually have a good team.

Can't say I agree with this. There is no reason you can't compete right away and still be active and turnover your team to remain competitive. Not saying you can't do it this way so there are obviously those that like to start young and play for a 2-3+ yrs down the line, but it's very possible to build a young team that is also able to compete today. My keys to success:1. Trading is an art and can help a team be successful very quickly.2. Never overpay for role players. Smaller trades should ALWAYS gain you value.3. Overpay for elite studs. This is usually the only way they can be acquired but the payoff is almost always worth it and then some. Use the value you build from #2 to accomplish #3.4. Start the season with depth. As the season progresses and playoffs approach, trade depth to improve starters if you're playoff-bound. Wash, rinse, repeat.5. This is not for everyone, but I always move draft picks for known commodities. I prefer to get something of known value than risk a draft pick on a guy that could boom or bust. Yes, I may miss out on the next Eddie Royal or Steve Slaton, but I'm also not going to get stuck with the next Malcolm Kelly or James Hardy. I can always acquire guys like Royal or Slaton by just paying their new price. I can't make up my loss when a draft pick becomes nearly worthless. This is not to mention I get to use the pick's value now instead of later. I know most don't agree with this, but this formula has been successful for me. I can still buy back into the draft if I want to. In fact, it's almost like leasing a player. I can usually trade a pick and get someone in return and then, as the draft approaches, pay it back with a similar value + a little interest.6. Do NOT overlook the QB position. Landing a top QB is a very underrated notion.

Thank you for your post Gianmarco, this is a very solid post!

 

[Poboy]

4) Willingness to absolutely pay out the WAZOO for a young top 3-5 tight end. WAY too neglected a position. In my leagues TE is sometimes the only thing seperating the top 3-4 finishers.

This is an interesting point...and I'm thinking a GOOD one. A 6-30 TE is a crap shoot every week. If you have a 1-5 TE you're almost a player up against opponents with 6-30 TEs and, probably more important, you're closer to even footing when you play the other 1-5 TE guys.The likelihood of stumbling across a stud TE is almost nil...you just about have to trade for one.Thanks,Poboy

 

[PewterFan]

If you are going to trade your rookie picks do it during the draft. People are more likely to give up more when the clock starts.

Become a waiver wire junkie during the season.

 

[AB in DC]

It also depends on what kind of dynasty league it is. A large roster, deep bench league requires a much different strategy than a small roster, best ball league.

 

[Poboy]

My keys to success:5. This is not for everyone, but I always move draft picks for known commodities. I prefer to get something of known value than risk a draft pick on a guy that could boom or bust. Yes, I may miss out on the next Eddie Royal or Steve Slaton, but I'm also not going to get stuck with the next Malcolm Kelly or James Hardy. I can always acquire guys like Royal or Slaton by just paying their new price. I can't make up my loss when a draft pick becomes nearly worthless. This is not to mention I get to use the pick's value now instead of later. I know most don't agree with this, but this formula has been successful for me. I can still buy back into the draft if I want to. In fact, it's almost like leasing a player. I can usually trade a pick and get someone in return and then, as the draft approaches, pay it back with a similar value + a little interest.

I've just come around to that way of thinking in the last couple of years...I forgot to mention it in my original post. What did it for me was 2005 when Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams and Cedric Benson went 1-2-3 in my draft. I got Benson with the 3rd pick - I got rid of him when the Bears cut him. Of that group Brown has been the most productive with 615 FPTs. Over 4 years that's 154 per year, or LESS THAN 9 per game. He only played in 51 games, but his "owners" had to play 64 games during that period. That's a #1 draft pick.If you took either of the other two guys you got even LESS...a little more than half the production.Unfortunately, and I say this with a smile, other owners are coming around to this view too. In one of my leagues the holder of the #1 pick put it on the table and didn't get offered squat.Poboy

 

[jwb]

Let me comment on a few:

My keys to success:1. Trading is an art and can help a team be successful very quickly.

Yea, no doubt. You have to trade in Dynasty. The teams that don't trade (or are afraid to trade) never seem to do well. Even if you make a bad trade (for example... trading Jacobs for Maroney last year ), a good trade or two will let you recover nicely.

3. Overpay for elite studs. This is usually the only way they can be acquired but the payoff is almost always worth it and then some. Use the value you build from #2 to accomplish #3.

This can be risky. It depends on who we are calling an elite stud, and how much you are overpaying. For example, people who overpaid for Jax two years ago haven't gotten the return to justify overpaying. People are overpaying now for Calvin and Fitz - will they be worth it? Maybe. Again, depends on the price. I would not use this as a rule, though. Give me 3 RB2's over 1 RB1 and 2RB3's.

4. Start the season with depth. As the season progresses and playoffs approach, trade depth to improve starters if you're playoff-bound. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Related to the above. I'm a big believer in depth. I build my teams to have a ton of depth all year, even at the risk of losing top 5 studs (which change almost every year). Too many times, people get locked into "ok, here are my starting 9" (etc), not realizing that with byes and injuries, those 9 might play together only three weeks all year. Again, give me 3 wr2's over 1 wr1 and 2 wr3's. Of course, this depends on starting requirements, etc.

5. This is not for everyone, but I always move draft picks for known commodities.

Yea, it's not for everyone. I like my draft picks. I will move them from time to time to get a player I want, but I generally like having them. But I do see your point, and agree it can work well. I think this one is a matter of taste, and can be effective either way.

6. Do NOT overlook the QB position. Landing a top QB is a very underrated notion.

Agreed. I take it a step further by always trying to have at least two guys who aren't on shaky ground (that depth thing again). In many of my leagues, I have Eli as my QB2. I LOVE an entrenched guy like that, as he's going to be playing, and be reasonably effective, for years.

 

[EBF]

Slow and steady wins the race. If you consistently buy low/sell high and draft well then you should eventually have a good team.

Can't say I agree with this. There is no reason you can't compete right away and still be active and turnover your team to remain competitive. Not saying you can't do it this way so there are obviously those that like to start young and play for a 2-3+ yrs down the line, but it's very possible to build a young team that is also able to compete today.

I never said you shouldn't aim to compete right away. Patience and perspective are important though. I've been playing dynasty for about 6 years. The teams that have consistently done well over the long run are the teams that have steadily accumulated value. The teams that have constantly made short term "win now" trades have gradually run their rosters into the ground.Most of my worst trades happened when I lost sight of the bigger picture and paid a high price for a depreciating asset. If you focus too much on winning one particular season, it's usually at the expense of your team's long term health. Dynasty is as much about what will happen tomorrow as it's about what's happening today.

That doesn't mean you can't be competitive today and tomorrow. There are teams in my oldest league that have made the playoffs almost every season despite losing key players to age/injury over the years. That's because they've been able to reload through drafting and trading. If you are constantly buying low and selling high, your team will be accumulating value. It's not so much about young players or old players as it is about good players. There are undervalued/overvalued players of all ages and experience levels. If you are consistently able to identify them and act accordingly, you will do well in the long run.

 

[Matt Waldman]

How much of your future would you sacrifice to win THIS YEAR?

How much of this year's success would you sacrifice for the LONG TERM GOOD of your team?Not too much because I think it makes the most sense to try to win immediately.

What's the key to balance? Understand which positions are worth your patience and which aren't. This will impact which positions you choose to pick in rookie drafts and which you select off the waiver wire.

Brian Westbrook had been a mainstay of my team for a couple of years. I decided that last year would be my last best chance to get something for him, so I traded him away last Summer for some younger guys with potential. He was 29 years old.It's a good example of the type of tough calls people face that could go either way for a dynasty team.

WRs I'll give and extra year or two or three. I think they decline less sharply. At 30-31 or so I started looking to offload them for value, but I don't dump them.Probably a good place although you want to maximixe that value at that point or earlier because if you wait longer they'll be nice values as No. 3 or No. 4 WRs but no one wants to give up anything for them. Do it too early and you miss out on dominating performances.

QBs I'm not as worried about age...depends more on the QB and his team/situation. BUT, I still don't trade FOR old guys. I would if I were a player away from having a team that should have a good shot at winning it all. I wouldn't give up a great player, but a promising young player at a position where I'm deep in return for a good QB like Warner or Favre from a couple of years ago? I would. First I'd try to give away a vet for a vet, but it all depends on the make up of the roster.

For ME, age is a constant concern. I know that's not the way everyone thinks. Lot's of owners in my leagues appear to let next year worry about itself, enjoying the stability of a dynasty roster rather than worrying about, well, building a dynasty.

Can a dynasty even be built? Or is the name/concept misleading? I think in competitive leagues it's rare to see people dominate year after year. I think a very good dynasty league owner is one who contends every year and gets to the final four two out of every three years. It all depends on the league system. There's a big difference between a dynasty contact league with only offensive players and a 40-man roster with full IDP. I think you can build one, but you have to hit on your rookie drafts really well. If you can land an elite RB, WR, and either QB/TE in the first rounds of your first three rookie drafts (I'm speaking only of a competitive league. I don't think there are many leagues I would label competitive that allow a team to stockpile more than two, maybe three, first-round picks in the same year and I see many examples of owners who tell me they had as many as five, first-round picks in a rookie draft.

So, how do YOU get the most of the best years of your players and then get something for them before they drop off the statistical edge?I think you have to be willing to let go of a guy a year before you think he he'll begin losing his productivity. Good trades are ones with perceived equal value but you feel confident you wound up with the better end of the stick and it turns out to be true later. One of my good friends and a former colleague in this industry is a very good dynasty owner. I saw him willing to deal players like Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, or Tony Gonzalez in return for players who kept his team young and productive - even if he could have had similar productivity from the same guys for another year or two. I also think you have to be willing to be persistent with an owner to trade for a player you want. I really liked Bernard Berrian when he was at Fresno State and it took me a couple of years before I could work a deal for him. By then, I was able to make a reasonable deal that got me a solid No. 3 WR that shored up a young lineup and helped my team. You don't always have to get the guy as a rookie. Just stay patient and keep making an offer periodically to the owner as a barometer for how he's feeling about that player. Once a year or maybe once at the beginning and once at the end of the year.

Looking forward to your input!

Poboy

 

[Poboy]

If you are going to trade your rookie picks do it during the draft. People are more likely to give up more when the clock starts.Become a waiver wire junkie during the season.

Agreed. Some people get "the fever" during the draft. Prey on them! The waiver wire thing too...and it goes hand-in-hand with not getting married to "potential." Sometimes you just have to trim that big name RB and pick someone else up.

 

[Matt Waldman]

From my own experience with a 40-man, full IDP dynasty league where I was runner up after building my team slowly over a five-year period and getting to the championship game this year, I prefer to lean more to a win-now approach after trying to build slowly. I'm still evolving my viewpoint because I think my team has a chance to be very good again this year:

1. Use the first half of a rookie draft for offense only, unless you can get a truly impressive LB prospect. To me, LBs are the most worthwhile non-offensive position to draft early, but you better be drafting a terrific athlete and a technician who fits into the scheme. Otherwise, play the waiver wire. You can get players like Justin Tuck off the waiver wire early in their careers. High scorers at DB are usually around every year. Don't waste the pick when you can use these picks to stash future productive skill players. I see a lot of people fall in love with DBs like Ed Reed, Roy Williams, and Troy Polamalu when you can get guys who put up better points for what seems like three straight years after they've been written off as too old. DBs are like bananas with the outside turning brown. No one wants to use them but they are better for certain recipes. Well, DBs that are a bit past their prime athletically are often the same way for fantasy owners.

2. Draft as many RBs and WRs as you can. Try to trade away defensive players and offensive players you don't covet for draft picks and young players you do. Brandon Jacobs was a buy I got when I dealt away a player and a pick for that 4th round pick to get Jacobs. Drafting these players in bulk increases your chances. Just think of that Benson, Cadillac, Brown draft - did anyone really come out a winner? My answer is no. I picked Cadillac, so maybe I was the immediate winner but if you have to wait longer than three years on a guy you've spent a high pick on, I think you're losing out in the long term. Maybe Brown and Benson have a chance to turn it around, Brown has been the long-term winner but nothing like the player people expected from the top RB in that draft. So pick as many as you can. You could wind up with Marion Barber or Michael Turner. Carpet bombing is a good technique...

3. I think the best kind of players to pick late are athletes on defense who have the physical talent to be studs but have to learn a new position. The next Justin Tuck could be a guy like Cliff Avril of the Lions....

4. Personally I'd rather rely on the draft and draft day trades of picks than blockbuster trades. There's so much good rookie analysis going on at this site that it can help you have a better grasp of the unknown.

5. Focus on building a team strength at a position. Learn which positions you are good at evaluating or have trust in a source to help you make decisions (the RSP, Draftguys, etc.). If you build your defense through free agency and your RBs and WRs through the draft, then you can focus your energy for trades on QBs and TEs. Then, when it's time to trade for a position you can deal from a place of strength because you have depth. If you start 3 WRs and 2 RBs and you have 4 strong starters and 3 potential starters showing good signs at WR and you need a QB, it's going to be easier for you to make a deal. If your talent is spread out with 1 or 2 good players and you lose something significant from your starting lineup to get a desired player in return then the trade is much more risky. So I think if I were to play in a new dynasty league, I would try to build up one position as much as I could through the draft and use that as a source to wheel and deal as players develop. Hopefully I hit on other positions in free agency and the draft.

6. Play the waiver wire - you should find decent players at nearly every position at one time or another. You just have to stay up to date with what's going on and be willing to take a chance.

 

[FUBAR]

6. Do NOT overlook the QB position. Landing a top QB is a very underrated notion.

Agreed. I take it a step further by always trying to have at least two guys who aren't on shaky ground (that depth thing again). In many of my leagues, I have Eli as my QB2. I LOVE an entrenched guy like that, as he's going to be playing, and be reasonably effective, for years.

My ideal #2 QBs right now are Eli, Flacco and Ben. Flacco IMO will be basically the same as Ben. Neither will be a stud, #1 QB but they aren't going anywhere for the next 7 or so years (barring injury of course). You can't say that for almost anyone else after the elite.

 

[corpcow]

1) Make win-win trades. Get to know your fellow owners, build trade relationships and learn what they value. Build a reputation for making good, balanced trade and people will want ot trade with you. Simple game theory - you're going to be playing over and over, so don't rip people off or make bad offers and expect people to want to deal with you.

2) Draft BPA/value - ignore need wherever possible. Ignore runs on players. If RBs are flying off the board, grab a WR. If WRs and RBs are flying off the board, grab the top LB or a QB. Never draft a DE - they take too long to develop and better 2nd and 3rd yr options out there - grab WRs and RBs with upside in those rounds instead.

3) Never overpay for IDP players, and wherever possible try to turn IDP players into offensive players. IDPs are much more dependent on scheme and can change drastically from year to year, and thre are generally more viable contributors at LB/DB than you migh find at WR. On that note, in contract leagues you should also keep your IDPs cheap and spend that money on the offensive side.

4) Trade guys who you don't think will be ELITE studs when they are priced like studs. E.g., Slaton, Kevin Smith, Forte are all somewhat overvalued after their initial years and can fetch a LOT of value.

5) Know your team and whether you have a legitimate shot to make a run and be willing to move guys for future value.

Example #1

I took over a terrible team in one league that had no first round picks for the next three years, but plenty of cap space. The moves I made int hat league:

* Trade Slaton for Lendale, 1.03, 2010 1st (my pick and should be early), and 2011 1st from another bad team

* Trade 1.03 and a 2010 2nd for 1.08 and 2010 1st (which could end up being #1 overall)

* Trade 1.08 and a few 3rd rounders for 1.06 (McCoy)

So, on a team that had no picks and a LOT of needs, I basically turned Slaton into Lendale, McCoy, two very early picks next year, and a 2011 pick. Since I wasn't in a position to win any time soon, losing Slaton was fine because I didn't trust him to be a core part of my team going forward.

Example #2

I took over another team a few years back which wasn't great. I sold off much of my "name" defensive talent (e.g., Adalius Thomas fetched a 1st which ended up being better than expected, before his first year in NE), and got really young.

I went into the offseason with this roster:

QB: Ryan, Jamarcus

RB: Portis, CJ3, Kevin Smith

WR: TJ Housh, Holmes, Avery, M.Kelly, Steve Johnson, Floyd, Keller, Sidney Rice

DL: Tuck, Avril, L.Jackson, Tapp

LB: Barton, Crowder, Hill, Harrison, Timmons, Adibi

DB: Bell, Hope

Then some of my moves this offseason:

* Traded TJ Housh for 1.04 (effectively Brown)

* Traded Portis for 1.02 (effectively Wells)

LESSON: Both of these moves were made EARLY in the off-season, when Portis/TJ's value was high and before people started falling in love with rookies

* Added Driver who I got cheap in RFA

* Added Allen in RFA - gave up 1.13 but got him at league min

LESSON: Use RFA. THere are always underrated guys out there who can fill in especially in dynasty, and in especially in contract years use the RFA system - sure, I gave up 1.13 for Allen, but I got him a lot cheaper than I would have had, say, Laurinitis anyway.

* Traded Shaun Philips for a late 2nd rd pick

* Traded Malcolm Kelly + Cromartie for 2.01

* Traded Adibi + 2.04 for Lofton + 2.11

* Traded Tapp + 4.13 for 3.10/4.03 (earlier taxi squad pick who I used on William Moore)

* Traded Kevin Smith for 2010 1st & 2nd, 2011 1st, 2nd & 3rd

 

[Monty Burns]

5. This is not for everyone, but I always move draft picks for known commodities. I prefer to get something of known value than risk a draft pick on a guy that could boom or bust. Yes, I may miss out on the next Eddie Royal or Steve Slaton, but I'm also not going to get stuck with the next Malcolm Kelly or James Hardy. I can always acquire guys like Royal or Slaton by just paying their new price. I can't make up my loss when a draft pick becomes nearly worthless. This is not to mention I get to use the pick's value now instead of later. I know most don't agree with this, but this formula has been successful for me. I can still buy back into the draft if I want to. In fact, it's almost like leasing a player. I can usually trade a pick and get someone in return and then, as the draft approaches, pay it back with a similar value + a little interest.

Lots of great advise in this thread, but this is the best IMO....

 

[Darker Knight]

Wing it!

 

[Tanner9919]

knowing when to sell high is just as important as knowing when to buy low. drafting a great QB is important.knowing when a guy's preivous stats are real vs fluke: P. Rivers stats from 2008 are no fluke..LT2 and Sproles might make a nice tandem of wr's but this team is going to win on Rivers' arm...

know when preseason hype is unwarranted - see D. Anderson last season.you would think he was the next Joe Montana the way people were propping him up

tough to get rid of LT2, but the writing was on the wall coming into the start of last season.Sell high time was August, 2008.

Sell High time is now for Kurt Warner, injuries,age, and the curse ( 2000-present) that the losing SB team doesn't make it back to post season the following year does not bode well for Arizona.Sell high.

sell high on other players like:

Addai - can't stay healthy and D. Brown might eat his lunch once camp begins.

T. Choice - caution: disappearing act up ahead..dude won't sniff the ball this year if F. Jones stays healthy. sell high

Roddy White - probably won't repeat those terrific numbers from 2008 with Gonzalez around hawking balls..

'the Denver RB situation'

T.O. - age is slowing him down, Trent Edwards will too..sell high

T. Romo - not going to drop off the face of the earth, but his stats will surely take a hit without T.O.

Roy Williams - seems like a dud..only once in his career has he caught more than 80 balls in a single season. s-l-o-w wr

doesn't scare any defense..Witten will once again be the main option in the Dallas passing offense.

R. Bush -starting to get nicked up quite a bit..not the 'can't miss' player people thought he'd be. Pierre Thomas appears to be the genuine article, and he's going to steal some carries from Bush..

buy low:

Fred Taylor

Slaton - seems to get no respect.

Brandon Jacobs - Giants might run him in to the ground this season. without Ward, the Giants RB situation is less than ldeal..they'll likely have to lean on Jaccobs quite a bit more than in previous years. and no Burress...imagine what Jacobs could do with 335 carries ( provided he stays healthy).

Portis- cakewalk schedule and eventually the Redskins have to put it all together,right? this could be that year..

Bowe - hard to be a buy low candidate with the hype he's getting,but he could surpass the hype and become another AJ/Fitz type of WR starting this season.

Pierre Thomas - believe the hype, this kid can play..

Cedric Benson - wasn't a lights-out stat machine in 2008 but good enough to earn the starting role in Cincy.Judging from what a slower less athletically gifted Rudi Johnson did while in Cincy, Benson should easily replicate his numbers. 330/1400/12

V. Jackson - even more passing from SD this season.

 

[Darker Knight]

knowing when to sell high is just as important as knowing when to buy low. drafting a great QB is important.knowing when a guy's preivous stats are real vs fluke: P. Rivers stats from 2008 are no fluke..LT2 and Sproles might make a nice tandem of wr's but this team is going to win on Rivers' arm...

know when preseason hype is unwarranted - see D. Anderson last season.you would think he was the next Joe Montana the way people were propping him up

tough to get rid of LT2, but the writing was on the wall coming into the start of last season.Sell high time was August, 2008.

Sell High time is now for Kurt Warner, injuries,age, and the curse ( 2000-present) that the losing SB team doesn't make it back to post season the following year does not bode well for Arizona.Sell high.

sell high on other players like:

Addai - can't stay healthy and D. Brown might eat his lunch once camp begins.

T. Choice - caution: disappearing act up ahead..dude won't sniff the ball this year if F. Jones stays healthy. sell high

Roddy White - probably won't repeat those terrific numbers from 2008 with Gonzalez around hawking balls..

'the Denver RB situation'

T.O. - age is slowing him down, Trent Edwards will too..sell high

T. Romo - not going to drop off the face of the earth, but his stats will surely take a hit without T.O.

Roy Williams - seems like a dud..only once in his career has he caught more than 80 balls in a single season. s-l-o-w wr

doesn't scare any defense..Witten will once again be the main option in the Dallas passing offense.

R. Bush -starting to get nicked up quite a bit..not the 'can't miss' player people thought he'd be. Pierre Thomas appears to be the genuine article, and he's going to steal some carries from Bush..

buy low:

Fred Taylor

Slaton - seems to get no respect.

Brandon Jacobs - Giants might run him in to the ground this season. without Ward, the Giants RB situation is less than ldeal..they'll likely have to lean on Jaccobs quite a bit more than in previous years. and no Burress...imagine what Jacobs could do with 335 carries ( provided he stays healthy).

Portis- cakewalk schedule and eventually the Redskins have to put it all together,right? this could be that year..

Bowe - hard to be a buy low candidate with the hype he's getting,but he could surpass the hype and become another AJ/Fitz type of WR starting this season.

Pierre Thomas - believe the hype, this kid can play..

Cedric Benson - wasn't a lights-out stat machine in 2008 but good enough to earn the starting role in Cincy.Judging from what a slower less athletically gifted Rudi Johnson did while in Cincy, Benson should easily replicate his numbers. 330/1400/12

V. Jackson - even more passing from SD this season.

Addai is a sell low/buy low guy......no one is buy high on this guyTO is a buy low for a contender...in dynasty most owners are not buying high on a 34 year old WR

 

[DoubleG]

Become a waiver wire junkie during the season.

This is huge. These are the guys I have snagged off the waiver wire in the past three years:Marques ColstonRoddy WhiteDavid GarrardLaurent Robinsonand just this past year:Leon WashingtonCedric BensonDustin KellerIn a league that runs WW requests based on reverse order of W-L record, if you are having a bad year, scour even harder. Some teams trying to make the playoffs, will cut an up and coming younger guy (like Keller or Washington) to pick up a roll player going into the playoffs. The same holds true for teams trying to make the playoffs in the mid-late weeks before the trade deadline (if your league has one) - teams will cough up draft picks/young players for a chance to win now (and sometimes overpay - especially if they have injuries). If your team is not in a position to win now, deal the older player for the young possible stud or the 1st round pick.

 

[maxwelledison]

Don't insult your fellow owners. I know of two leagues where at least one owner has been effectively ostracized because he wants to win every deal.

Seek out and acquire intriguing dormant players. These are players whose value is not rising (too pricey) nor falling (too risky) due to factors not related to ability. There usually aren't too many of them, at least most of them are not all that interesting, but I've found it is a good way to acquire value. James Jones is a good example right now. So is Carson Palmer, or at least he was a couple months ago (may be rising). This also helps with the first point because you aren't always asking guys for players you know they covet. And the price is usually right so if you get burned it doesn't hurt too badly and you built goodwill.

 

[massraider]

Rookie Draft:

1. Don't reach for backs in rookie drafts. Took me a while to learn this one. Taking lesser talent because of opportunity is a quick way to wind up with a bunch of backs that are backups after one year. Because that opportunity might only last as long as it takes for the team to find a replacement.

2. Stockpile QBs. Starters get injured, creating trade opportunities. QBs tend to slide in rookie drafts, leading to some real value, IMO. To many owners have one solid starter, and ignore the position, chasing other positions. It can really put them in a bind when their starter goes down, and for a lot of dynasty teams, if their #1 QB goes down, they are done.

3. Take your RB fliers in the later rounds. I like taking those late round backs in the 3rd and 4th rounds, rather than a WR I may have to wait for, because you can find out pretty quick if you have something. It's a swing for the fences, and you waste some picks, but at least you aren't holding a roster spot for 3 or 4 years on a young WR that may or may not pan out.

IDP

1. The waiver wire: This is where I really look to add defense. I think this is where the hard-working owner can pick up value, if you can spot the opportunity before it happens. I never draft DBs very early, because you can always grab a DB off the waiver wire.

2. Don't fall in love with young players. I don't want young players that may or may not take over a good job when the vet finally leaves. How many of us held on to some Quincy Black while waiting for a Derrick Thomas to retire? Even worse with a DB. You can keep Sabby Piscitelli and Aaron Rouse, I'll take a starter, thank you.

3. Bad teams can produce good IDP players. And at a good value. Give me a MLB or SS from a garbage team, and I'll collect 80 solos from him.

The League

1. Be the nice guy. It probably shouldn't matter, but it does. Owners have personalities, and a lot of them don't like to make a deal with someone they perceive as a DBag that asks for the moon for fringe talent. I have tried the 'you go low, I'll go high' method in negotiations, and it seems to just turn people off.

2. Be active. On the message board, making offers, etc. There are owners in my leagues that rarely make offers, you don't see them around as much, and when it comes time to look for a deal, I don't think of them. Anytime you make a deal with someone, they are more likely to deal with you later, even if it's some minor swap. If a guy gets injured, I will make an offer to his owner for a player at the same position. Even if it doesn't work out, he is aware of me. Ever seen a trade, and thought, "Geez, I woulda made a better offer than that?" I have, and it sucks. If you can't pay attention in your league, you are probably in too many leagues.

 

[FUBAR]

knowing when to sell high is just as important as knowing when to buy low. drafting a great QB is important.knowing when a guy's preivous stats are real vs fluke: P. Rivers stats from 2008 are no fluke..LT2 and Sproles might make a nice tandem of wr's but this team is going to win on Rivers' arm...

know when preseason hype is unwarranted - see D. Anderson last season.you would think he was the next Joe Montana the way people were propping him up

tough to get rid of LT2, but the writing was on the wall coming into the start of last season.Sell high time was August, 2008.

Sell High time is now for Kurt Warner, injuries,age, and the curse ( 2000-present) that the losing SB team doesn't make it back to post season the following year does not bode well for Arizona.Sell high.

sell high on other players like:

Addai - can't stay healthy and D. Brown might eat his lunch once camp begins.

T. Choice - caution: disappearing act up ahead..dude won't sniff the ball this year if F. Jones stays healthy. sell highRoddy White - probably won't repeat those terrific numbers from 2008 with Gonzalez around hawking balls..

'the Denver RB situation'

T.O. - age is slowing him down, Trent Edwards will too..sell high

T. Romo - not going to drop off the face of the earth, but his stats will surely take a hit without T.O.

Roy Williams - seems like a dud..only once in his career has he caught more than 80 balls in a single season. s-l-o-w wr

doesn't scare any defense..Witten will once again be the main option in the Dallas passing offense.

R. Bush -starting to get nicked up quite a bit..not the 'can't miss' player people thought he'd be. Pierre Thomas appears to be the genuine article, and he's going to steal some carries from Bush..

buy low:

Fred Taylor

Slaton - seems to get no respect.

Brandon Jacobs - Giants might run him in to the ground this season. without Ward, the Giants RB situation is less than ldeal..they'll likely have to lean on Jaccobs quite a bit more than in previous years. and no Burress...imagine what Jacobs could do with 335 carries ( provided he stays healthy).

Portis- cakewalk schedule and eventually the Redskins have to put it all together,right? this could be that year..

Bowe - hard to be a buy low candidate with the hype he's getting,but he could surpass the hype and become another AJ/Fitz type of WR starting this season.

Pierre Thomas - believe the hype, this kid can play..

Cedric Benson - wasn't a lights-out stat machine in 2008 but good enough to earn the starting role in Cincy.Judging from what a slower less athletically gifted Rudi Johnson did while in Cincy, Benson should easily replicate his numbers. 330/1400/12

V. Jackson - even more passing from SD this season.

Addai is a sell low/buy low guy......no one is buy high on this guyTO is a buy low for a contender...in dynasty most owners are not buying high on a 34 year old WR

I'm not sure where Choice is worth a lot either, he sure isn't in my leagues. Which goes to the point - know your league. Know the values, what positions you can get easily vs. those you can't trade for, know your owners personalities, know scoring of course (scary that some don't), etc. Know yourself too, are you actually good at picking prospects? Everyone thinks they are, but few actually are. Can you identify IDP talent and opportunity early? Do you want to take the time to scour the WW or would you be better off trading for that filler LB? Do you have better luck with WRs or RBs?

 

[Cookiemonster]

5. Focus on building a team strength at a position. Learn which positions you are good at evaluating or have trust in a source to help you make decisions

Not to say this is any better of a point than trading draft picks away during the draft, or trading for them mid-season, or the importance of a top 5 TE or QB, but Matt's point is not a common discussion thread and is something I've turned onto the last two years. I can get a great evaluation on a RB in two YouTube clips, and feel 99% confident if I've watched a few of his games too. On the other hand, my hit % has been horrible on QBs and atrocious on WRs. Go after what you're good at and stockpile. When you turn out to be right, you can always trade that established value for an equal established value at a position you don't evaluate well, essentially taking a lot of the risk out of it all. So what if all I have is T.O. at WR and am stacked at RB with the likes of ADP, CJ3, Turner, Parker/Mendy, Rice and Ronnie. If there is a Shonn Greene on the board vs Maclin, and I feel good about Greene, knowing my strength I take him. Go try and sell the CJ3 for a Calvin in a ***Blockbuster*** or something. Being a stock broker is the key to dynasty strength (that and activity), so why not minimize a risk when you have insider information?

 

[mlball77]

I guess this will be pretty basic, but here are a few things I try to keep in mind:

-Always do what I can, within reason, to compete for a playoff spot THIS year. If I can squeak into the playoffs, I have a real shot at winning the title… even if my team isn’t one of the top couple in the league.

-Don’t focus a ton beyond this year and next. Teams that look 2-3 years in the future all the time tend to be teams that are in constant rebuild mode. Of course I will stash several players that I am high on that might take some time to pan out, but I shouldn’t get rid of productive older vets at a discounted price to roster ‘projects’ unless my team is completely non competitive in a given season and likely the next as well.

-Communication… try to open up the lines of communication, whether via trade offers, PMs, email… whatever. I agree with the posters that have stated that it is important to get a feel for what the owners in your league are like and who they do (or might) value. And even if your league doesn’t trade that much, I think vocal leagues often are more fun than quiet ones.

-Regarding players like Westbrook or Portis or LT: I think that if you have guys like these (where the perception is that they have 1-2 years of good-great production left) you probably have to ride it out with them unless you find a trading partner that will pony up (which isn’t too likely). Most will probably only trade for such a player if they come at a steep discount. I think going back to points one and two, you probably hold onto a Westbrook at this point (if you have a few other pieces that keep you competitive). If Westy is your only real stud, then I’d be more inclined to move him and start rebuilding.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

dynastyhipple

 

[TheFanatic]

Slow and steady wins the race.

Slow and steady? You must really be taking your time in HA1 then. You figure to have a winner by the middle of the next decade or so?

If you consistently buy low/sell high and draft well then you should eventually have a good team.

So, buy low, sell high and draft well. This is the type of quality posting that keeps me coming back to the SP year after year. Me, I've always been more of a simpleton. I go with the score-more-points-than-the-other-guy fantasy owner. I don't have much strategy beyond that...Sorry, EBF, couldn't resist

 

[EBF]

Slow and steady wins the race.

Slow and steady? You must really be taking your time in HA1 then. You figure to have a winner by the middle of the next decade or so?

2 straight division titles boyyyy.That league is a good example since I finished in last the first season, but held the course and emerged as a contender.Buy undervalued players. Sell overvalued players. Repeat as necessary.

 

[TPW]

- While it's not always possible given the frequent nature of injuries in the NFL, I try to limit my issues to one at a time as much as I can. Conventional wisdom says if your depth at one position is hurting then concentrate your drafting and trading efforts in that area. I have found that while doing this a lot of people neglect other parts of their roster. This can contribute to continual rotating problems over several consecutive seasons. Bottom line, take top-of-the-line talent whenever you can get your hands on it. Don't sell yourself short by acquiring lower tier players in an effort to fix specific short term issues. Dynasty league participants should always hold a long term approach in the offseason and limit their short term patches to in-season waiver wire acquisitions.

- PAY ATTENTION!

Watch the games and the NFL Draft
Monitor your league's rosters, transactions, trade bait, and message board comments
Regularly review ALL player news, not just those on your roster

 

[PewterFan]

Don't be stubborn and keep players on your roster just because you traded for them. Admit your mistake and move on. I traded for Dante Rosario after Week 1 last season. Doesn't mean I have to keep him this year.

 

[fsufan]

Don't be stubborn and keep players on your roster just because you traded for them. Admit your mistake and move on. I traded for Dante Rosario after Week 1 last season. Doesn't mean I have to keep him this year.

i have had this problem over the years. falling in love with a player but to stubborn to move him when it is time

 

[jwb]

Don't be stubborn and keep players on your roster just because you traded for them. Admit your mistake and move on. I traded for Dante Rosario after Week 1 last season. Doesn't mean I have to keep him this year.

i have had this problem over the years. falling in love with a player but to stubborn to move him when it is time

I don't have a problem keeping guys I like... it's guys that I hate having but just can't drop because they have some "value" In one league, it was Vince Young... I couldn't even get a third round rookie pick for him.. But do you drop him to take a flyer on a WR? Finally used him as a throw-in on a trade. Right now, it's Fargas. Probably won't ever leave my bench, will almost certainly be worthless in another year, but for some reason, I just can't seem to drop him.

 

[Team Legacy]

Become a waiver wire junkie during the season.

This is huge. These are the guys I have snagged off the waiver wire in the past three years:Marques ColstonRoddy WhiteDavid GarrardLaurent Robinsonand just this past year:Leon WashingtonCedric BensonDustin Keller

What size are your rosters? Who would have ever dropped Dustin Keller and Leon Washington last year?

 

[mjr]

I joined a start up PPR dynasty league with a $50 Million cap limit last year with certain principles in mind, won the championship and made some improvements this offseason that will make my team even more competitive this year. This is what I focused on from the beginning:

1) Line-up Requirements:

I don't think you can develop a good strategy without first knowing how many players you are required and can start at each position. Right away, this is going to give you an idea on how all of the other managers will draft thier teams. In this new league, we can only start 1 QB, but are allowed to start up to 4 WRs, 3 RBs or 4 TEs. Right away I knew some managers were going to draft WR heavy while some would draft RB heavy. That means the price for top RBs and WRs in the end is going to be very high after all of the bidding was done. This is when I started looking for a more unique, third approach for myself so I wouldn't get caught up in the bidding wars and max my cap out in the first year or two. I then moved on to #2.

2) Unrealized Trends In The Scoring System:

I looked at how many points all players put up the previous year under the dynasty league's scoring system and I noticed two things that ultimately gave me a huge edge:

First, the top 5 TEs put up just as many points as WRs ranked between 5-10 at thier respective position. Guys like Gates and Witten were putting up just as many fantasy points as guys like Boldin. Second was that the best Defenses put up as many or even more points than guys like Frank Gore, Greg Jennings, Big Ben, etc. This was when I decided having top TE talent and a solid Def was a high priority. I then focused on #3.

3) Position Turnover

In my opinion, almost every year there can be found a good RB that emerges to become an every week starter; RBs you can draft later, get cheap in FA or off of the Waiver Wire. MJD was one of those guys for me a few years ago. Slaton and Chris Johnson were others. However, I don't think a top tier QB or TE comes along very often. This reaffirmed my importance in going after a top TE and QB right away while trending away from top RB talent and drafting for youth, opportunity or both. I did, however, draft for a QB for cheap that I thought could be a starter down the road for me. I won that move with Rodgers.

4) Develop A Spending Plan (for cap leagues)

I looked up average money value for skilled players and looked for deals according to my league's scoring system. As I said earlier, top TE talent produced fantasy points like top 5-10 WRs, but went for a lower price. Same deal with Defenses. A top QB would cost me, so I was ready to spend on that position.

5) Developing The Draft Strategy

This was the last thing I did. I decided that because we can start up to 4 TEs, that's exactly how I was going to draft. I knew that if I could get the top TEs in the league that my team would perform just like a team starting top WRs. So, while everyone else was spending crazy for top WR talent at $8-10 million a pop, I scooped up Witten, Gates and Gonzo for much less. While everyone else was spending $9 million on guys like Gore, I took guys like Chris Johnson for $2 million. I also targeted a couple of top Defenses for a million a piece while everyone neglected and spent cheap at the position. I only spent big at QB. I severely neglected the WR position.

6) The Result

Championship and lots of cap room for this year. I was very weak at WR with Matt Jones as my weekly starter and only had Chris Johnson as an every week starter at RB. Romo was my starter the first half of the season, but I switched over to Rodgers and rode him to the end. I played the Balt and Pit Ds on matchups. The team I beat in the championship game had LT, Westbrook, R. Bush, Warner, Fitz and the Min D. By the way, that team is now maxed at cap and has to release on of those guys, so he's getting weaker.

During the offseason I got stronger. I traded away Romo for Greg Jennings. Now I have a top WR to play every week. I bought Addai low after his manager cut him. Whatever he produces for me as a RB2 are just extra points that I didn't have last year. I also picked up Palmer and Ochocinco dirt cheap after thier managers bailed on them. If either of these guys bounce back I'll sell high. If not, I'll just let them ride pine or cut them.

7) Repeat!

 

[The Future Champs]

I think the best values for a rebuilding team are found in 2nd year players who underproduced their first year.

Some types to consider:

1. Minor injury (turf toe). (DMC or Felix). These guys aren't cheap, but I think they're a great value.

2. Blocked by an older vet. (jerome, although he's 3rd year now)

3. Not ready for the nfl, but still a potential starter (in the future) (sweed). Very cheap. You can usually get guys like this as throwins on deals.

Btw, NPR, nice post.

 

[FUBAR]

Don't be stubborn and keep players on your roster just because you traded for them. Admit your mistake and move on. I traded for Dante Rosario after Week 1 last season. Doesn't mean I have to keep him this year.

i have had this problem over the years. falling in love with a player but to stubborn to move him when it is time

I don't have a problem keeping guys I like... it's guys that I hate having but just can't drop because they have some "value" In one league, it was Vince Young... I couldn't even get a third round rookie pick for him.. But do you drop him to take a flyer on a WR? Finally used him as a throw-in on a trade. Right now, it's Fargas. Probably won't ever leave my bench, will almost certainly be worthless in another year, but for some reason, I just can't seem to drop him.

:IBTL: See Chris Perry

 

[tdmills]

One thing I tend to do in PPR dynasty startup drafts is trade back.

Its just like the NFL draft....the bust rate for 1st round picks is high....so if you have multiple high/mid round picks vs one high pick...your production should be better.

With that theory my teams are usually very deep and I can take chances on guys.

The other strategy I like to employ is getting two good to great players at both QB and TE.

-I get two good QB's(in one startup this year I got Brady and Cutler).

-I also get two good TE's (Greg Olsen and Zach Miller).

By getting two good guys at both QB and TE, it allows me to never draft a QB or TE for years(unless injury or bye week). This lets me draft other guys in both the startup and rookie drafts at both WR and RB until they hit.

Think about it from this perspective...if you have a roster limit of 25. Have two good qb's, two good te's, K and D(switch K and D when bye weeks come up). that leaves you with 19 spots for RB and WR. Thats almost ten a position! By pure luck, you could get some sleepers that hit with that many players.

Think of that strategy vs. the guy that has 4 Qb's on his roster. That is two more than what you have at the same position, so he has less depth at other positions and could struggle for quality starters down the road.

 

[FUBAR]

One thing I tend to do in PPR dynasty startup drafts is trade back.Its just like the NFL draft....the bust rate for 1st round picks is high....so if you have multiple high/mid round picks vs one high pick...your production should be better.With that theory my teams are usually very deep and I can take chances on guys.The other strategy I like to employ is getting two good to great players at both QB and TE. -I get two good QB's(in one startup this year I got Brady and Cutler).-I also get two good TE's (Greg Olsen and Zach Miller).By getting two good guys at both QB and TE, it allows me to never draft a QB or TE for years(unless injury or bye week). This lets me draft other guys in both the startup and rookie drafts at both WR and RB until they hit.Think about it from this perspective...if you have a roster limit of 25. Have two good qb's, two good te's, K and D(switch K and D when bye weeks come up). that leaves you with 19 spots for RB and WR. Thats almost ten a position! By pure luck, you could get some sleepers that hit with that many players.Think of that strategy vs. the guy that has 4 Qb's on his roster. That is two more than what you have at the same position, so he has less depth at other positions and could struggle for quality starters down the road.

or you could just draft 6 good WRs and have extra room for QBs.

 

[tdmills]

One thing I tend to do in PPR dynasty startup drafts is trade back.Its just like the NFL draft....the bust rate for 1st round picks is high....so if you have multiple high/mid round picks vs one high pick...your production should be better.With that theory my teams are usually very deep and I can take chances on guys.The other strategy I like to employ is getting two good to great players at both QB and TE. -I get two good QB's(in one startup this year I got Brady and Cutler).-I also get two good TE's (Greg Olsen and Zach Miller).By getting two good guys at both QB and TE, it allows me to never draft a QB or TE for years(unless injury or bye week). This lets me draft other guys in both the startup and rookie drafts at both WR and RB until they hit.Think about it from this perspective...if you have a roster limit of 25. Have two good qb's, two good te's, K and D(switch K and D when bye weeks come up). that leaves you with 19 spots for RB and WR. Thats almost ten a position! By pure luck, you could get some sleepers that hit with that many players.Think of that strategy vs. the guy that has 4 Qb's on his roster. That is two more than what you have at the same position, so he has less depth at other positions and could struggle for quality starters down the road.

or you could just draft 6 good WRs and have extra room for QBs.

True, but what happens when you drafted Edwards and Colston last year....and Ocho Cinco....Again each owner has his/her strategy. This is my winning format and thought I would share.

 

[nittanylion]

Although the only Dynasty Leagues I play in are $-$$$ Leagues, I guess my advice would apply to Free Leagues as well, but bear that caveat in mind when I state my position...

First of all, I define 'building a Dynasty' as building a Team with the Goal of being a consistent Winner, every year if possible. I know that sounds like common sense. I guess I started playing Dynasty about 10 years ago, and at the time, I had a different take on this - I felt that a 'Dyn asty' was a Team built around a strong core of young studs that would stay together over time and progress together towards consistent success, adding a critical piece here or there, but by and large, keeping that core intact and building around it. Looking back, I think that was a very idealistic and naive approach, and as the stakes were raised (higher entry fees, dropping almost all my free Leagues), I shifted my focus to getting to and staying 'in the (financial) black' year-in, year-out...now it's par for the course for me to turn a Roster over as much as 100%, from Season to Season in order to continue to make $$$.

To make a long story short, I play to win the current Season, and I let the future take care of itself, as it evolves into the present. As a given Season progresses, that takes one of two definitive courses: if I'm in contention for the Playoffs, as the Trade, and Waiver Deadlines approach, I'll mortgage my future to acquire the pieces I feel will contribute towards a strong and successful Playoff run. On the contrary, if things look bleak despite my best efforts, I'll engage any and every contending Team I can in Trade Talks to begin my run for the following Season. I've never traded for 'futures', though, until I reach the conclusion that 'the future is NOW'.

I don't have a middle ground - when the time comes, I try to be brutally honest about my Team's Post-Season Prospects, and either fish, or cut bait. My longest running and highest $$$ Dynasty, is going into Season 9, and I have yet to pay out-of-pocket for an Entry Fee, and that's a pretty significant #. Now, I've only won the thing once, but in 8 Seasons we've had 7 different Champions, and I've been in the $$$ hunt for 6 of the 8 Years, so I'm OK with the approach I take.

In recent years, the only time I've conducted a 'rebuilding Season' has been when I've come off a Championship, or Runner-Up Season, where the Team I have is in no shape to repeat the prior Year's success - but that decision comes with plenty of money in the bank, where the my winnings have already paid for that 'rebuilding year', so it's not costing me anything.

The only time I consider the long-term potential of Players (aka their 'Dynasty Value'), is when I'm in a Rookie/Unrestricted Free Agent Draft, and I have the opportunity to acquire a young 'stud in the making' that I can trade to someone else who values long-term potential very highly, in exchange for some productive aging Vets who will contribute to my present Years success

So, I guess I look at Dynasty much the same as I look at ReDraft - Play to win in the Present, and let the future take care of itself...