Philosophy question (1 Viewer)

[Bayhawks]

I don't want to post my draft results, because this isn't supposed to be a rate my draft thread, but I went into my keeper draft (actually an auction) feeling good. I didn't have as much money left (tied up in keepers) as most people, but I liked my guys, and I had a good plan for the auction (actually several plans, depending on how things played out)

Anyway, after the auction (and during), a couple of guys were ragging me on what I was doing, specifically why I wasn't addressing my QB position (no QB keeper). I just ignored them, as I didn't want to give away any of my strategy.

After the draft, I was happy. It didn't play out exactly as I planned, but I felt like I drafted a good team. I went home, used the Rate my Team tool for all the teams in our league, and my team received the best results (virtual lock to go to playoffs) of all teams. Now, I'm seeing posts on our message boards about how my team is the weakest, how I screwed up, etc, etc.

I don't get it. I know the Rate my Team tool is based on FBG's projections, but I don't feel that FBG's projections are really drastically different from most other places.

What gives?

 

[TheFanatic]

I don't want to post my draft results, because this isn't supposed to be a rate my draft thread, but I went into my keeper draft (actually an auction) feeling good. I didn't have as much money left (tied up in keepers) as most people, but I liked my guys, and I had a good plan for the auction (actually several plans, depending on how things played out)Anyway, after the auction (and during), a couple of guys were ragging me on what I was doing, specifically why I wasn't addressing my QB position (no QB keeper). I just ignored them, as I didn't want to give away any of my strategy.After the draft, I was happy. It didn't play out exactly as I planned, but I felt like I drafted a good team. I went home, used the Rate my Team tool for all the teams in our league, and my team received the best results (virtual lock to go to playoffs) of all teams. Now, I'm seeing posts on our message boards about how my team is the weakest, how I screwed up, etc, etc.I don't get it. I know the Rate my Team tool is based on FBG's projections, but I don't feel that FBG's projections are really drastically different from most other places.What gives?

Same thing happened to me in the initial draft of HA1. In particular I was mocked for picking Addai in the third, Gore in the 6th and Winslow in the 8th in 2006. I went 9-3. I did lose to peens by half a point though

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

I don't want to post my draft results, because this isn't supposed to be a rate my draft thread, but I went into my keeper draft (actually an auction) feeling good. I didn't have as much money left (tied up in keepers) as most people, but I liked my guys, and I had a good plan for the auction (actually several plans, depending on how things played out)Anyway, after the auction (and during), a couple of guys were ragging me on what I was doing, specifically why I wasn't addressing my QB position (no QB keeper). I just ignored them, as I didn't want to give away any of my strategy.After the draft, I was happy. It didn't play out exactly as I planned, but I felt like I drafted a good team. I went home, used the Rate my Team tool for all the teams in our league, and my team received the best results (virtual lock to go to playoffs) of all teams. Now, I'm seeing posts on our message boards about how my team is the weakest, how I screwed up, etc, etc.I don't get it. I know the Rate my Team tool is based on FBG's projections, but I don't feel that FBG's projections are really drastically different from most other places.What gives?

If someone knows they can get a reaction out of you they will do it. Every one of our twelve teams in our league has been told they have a terrible team. It's part of the give and take.

 

[zed2283]

I've found that the team that gets mocked the most usually wins the championship.

 

[Deuce'sWild]

Not everyone has the same views on a players prospects for the upcoming year. I had the same thing at my draft. Came away with what I thought was a killer squad, but guys thought I blew it. I landed R. Moss, Westbrook, Gore, Pierre Thomas, Ochocinco, Schaub...these are guys that not everyone is high on but I see a lot of high risk/reward in them. These are guys I think can win you your championship and some owners will think you're in trouble, but just smile in December when you walk away with the championship.

Edit to add: I'm of the belief that championships are won by taking guys with HIGH UPSIDE. They may be risky, but a safe draft will do nothing but get you into the playoffs and right back out as soon as you get there.

What's your team look like? If you aren't comfortable with it, PM me.

 

[BroadwayG]

Half the fun of fantasy leagues is smack talkin' with your bros.

 

[Bayhawks]

I don't want to post my draft results, because this isn't supposed to be a rate my draft thread, but I went into my keeper draft (actually an auction) feeling good. I didn't have as much money left (tied up in keepers) as most people, but I liked my guys, and I had a good plan for the auction (actually several plans, depending on how things played out)Anyway, after the auction (and during), a couple of guys were ragging me on what I was doing, specifically why I wasn't addressing my QB position (no QB keeper). I just ignored them, as I didn't want to give away any of my strategy.After the draft, I was happy. It didn't play out exactly as I planned, but I felt like I drafted a good team. I went home, used the Rate my Team tool for all the teams in our league, and my team received the best results (virtual lock to go to playoffs) of all teams. Now, I'm seeing posts on our message boards about how my team is the weakest, how I screwed up, etc, etc.I don't get it. I know the Rate my Team tool is based on FBG's projections, but I don't feel that FBG's projections are really drastically different from most other places.What gives?

If someone knows they can get a reaction out of you they will do it. Every one of our twelve teams in our league has been told they have a terrible team. It's part of the give and take.

I get that, but that's part of my question. I've never been the trash talker guy. I also rarely respond to it.The guy who started it and who has done the most is in my division, and he needed to address QB in our auction (he just went about it differently than I did), so maybe that is part of it.

 

[pollardsvision]

In most cases, I'd expect people mocking you specifically for not addressing the QB spot early to be pretty inexperienced fantasy players.

If you like your team and everyone else in the league thinks it's terrible, then you are in for a fun season. Winning will feel even better. Losing won't be any worse than it already is.

 

[switz]

I don't want to post my draft results, because this isn't supposed to be a rate my draft thread, but I went into my keeper draft (actually an auction) feeling good. I didn't have as much money left (tied up in keepers) as most people, but I liked my guys, and I had a good plan for the auction (actually several plans, depending on how things played out)Anyway, after the auction (and during), a couple of guys were ragging me on what I was doing, specifically why I wasn't addressing my QB position (no QB keeper). I just ignored them, as I didn't want to give away any of my strategy.After the draft, I was happy. It didn't play out exactly as I planned, but I felt like I drafted a good team. I went home, used the Rate my Team tool for all the teams in our league, and my team received the best results (virtual lock to go to playoffs) of all teams. Now, I'm seeing posts on our message boards about how my team is the weakest, how I screwed up, etc, etc.I don't get it. I know the Rate my Team tool is based on FBG's projections, but I don't feel that FBG's projections are really drastically different from most other places.What gives?

Same thing happened to me in Survivor leg 1 last year, I cleared the floor with my team. Went nearly undefeated.Basically, draft the team you like, it doesn't matter if anyone else likes it or not.

 

[Banger]

I wouldn't worry about it, you'll know if you were right or they were right in a couple months.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I don't want to post my draft results, because this isn't supposed to be a rate my draft thread, but I went into my keeper draft (actually an auction) feeling good. I didn't have as much money left (tied up in keepers) as most people, but I liked my guys, and I had a good plan for the auction (actually several plans, depending on how things played out)Anyway, after the auction (and during), a couple of guys were ragging me on what I was doing, specifically why I wasn't addressing my QB position (no QB keeper). I just ignored them, as I didn't want to give away any of my strategy.After the draft, I was happy. It didn't play out exactly as I planned, but I felt like I drafted a good team. I went home, used the Rate my Team tool for all the teams in our league, and my team received the best results (virtual lock to go to playoffs) of all teams. Now, I'm seeing posts on our message boards about how my team is the weakest, how I screwed up, etc, etc.I don't get it. I know the Rate my Team tool is based on FBG's projections, but I don't feel that FBG's projections are really drastically different from most other places.What gives?

Results are what counts -- not bs.At the end of the year you will find out who knows what they're talking about and who just likes to yap.In 2007 everybody was #####ing me about 'reaching' for Brady.

 

[j3r3m3y]

Every year I catch some crap for reaching for some players when "everybody" knows I should have taken someone else. Sometimes I am right, sometimes I am wrong. In either event I have more fun following the players that I picked against conventional wisdom. If they fail then I try and learn from it. If they excel then my league mates wont hear the end of it.

"Projections" are just guesses. Some of them are more educated guesses but if you don't go with your assessment then what is the point?

 

[Black]

FBG has fairly contrarian logic...a FBG team will probably not have a top tier QB or TE, and will have alot of Ray Rice type of upside guys and rookies. EVERY year I got mocked for going WR early then taking like 5-6 straight RBs and a QB late. I won that league 3 years in a row, which is crazy considering the randomness of FF. Anyways, my philosophy was SO different than everyone else, that it was able to play out, and with a little luck, I won.

In my keeper league, I made some bad picks at QB, and also ended up winning that league with replacements Orton and Thigpen (compliments of the 5-Minute Drill and the Audible).

In the draft, I think the major differences are not as much about the projections as it is the concept of Value Based Drafting. I bet most of your league mates are looking at absolute values and not deltas between players. All that means is they are stacked with big name guys with alot of points last year...AT THE TOP of their roster. Look beyond your and other teams' starting lineups....I bet you have alot more potential breakouts and depth. Check back in here week 8 and see how good their teams look.

Anyways...don't sweat it, play your game, have a good time. I really like to complement other teams so they lay off me. Nothing defangs a 'hater' like a compliment. Also, it makes it easier to trade with them later in the season!! ).

 

[TheDirtyWord]

To me, it's better to win this way. Not only do you get to win...you get to brag about how the rest of your league bretheren haven't the slightest clue of what they are doing!

 

[Heatman]

I've found that the team that gets mocked the most usually wins the championship.

Agreed, I LOVE it when everyone ranks me as a bottom feeder, I win more than not when this happens. Reason being, players don't stay consistent from year to year but most people expect that to happen. So when you draft a team that looks good to you based on analysis from FBG and your own you end up with a team poised for a good year THIS year, not last year. Most owners look at that and think your team will suck... lol I LOVE IT!

 

[stevegamer]

The obvious answer - you know if it's a good team when you play the games.

This is the only time everyone's undefeated - so there's some smack talk from everyone. (One year I did get a bunch crap for being in last place in a division while undefeated around week 5 - so it's possible to crap like this late when you know your team is good)

Contrarian picks make the world go around - if everyone had the same thoughts, stuff would be boring. This year I was the first non auto-drafting team in my main redraft to take a defense, around 9. A couple murmurs, but no real criticism. If I did that in a FBG league, it'd be merciless - but if everyone has groupthink, you need to out-think them somehow.

There are a lot of ways to win a league, you need to have some luck, and have some skill in picking players & managing the roster. Sounds like you had a good draft.

 

[Couch Potato]

It is a well known fact that the majority is always right, and those who digress from herd mentality are always doomed to fail.

 

[GregR_2]

I'd wait until I'd ended the regular season with the best record. Then I'd send out to the league a photo shopped version of this photo replacing the newspaper headline with one of their quotes about my team. Maybe photoshop my face over Truman's, too.

 

[JamesTheScot]

If you are confident in your evaluation of talent, why care what anyone else thinks.

If you are accurate in your evaluation of talent, winning will be vindication enough.

The only issue is that if your evaluation was that different from everyone else, you might have been able to let your guys slide even further before you took them...which means you might have been able to have even more depth than you do currently. But without knowing the specifics, it's hard to say.

If you are happy with your team...roll with it and don't worry.

 

[Riffraff]

You never want to be the team that's rated the pre-season best, because it rarely is.

Everybody has a league chamionship caliber roster in the pre-season. Then reality hits...

The only things you need to worry about are the "injury bug" and the "points against" fantasy gods. Pretty much everything else you can manage.

 

[da_budman]

I agree with what everyone has said but with a caveat. Your team may truly suck. What I mean by this nearly EVERYONE tends to think they have the greatest team on earth immediately after the draft. It is part of the joy of fantasy football. Few people want to admit they just screwed up the draft yet some do. Even at that, things can change drastically throughout the year. Good luck to you

 

[Knobs]

If you win, you drafted a good team. Others will say it's because you "got lucky". But trash talking is part of the fun. In one of my leagues I've mocked a team for having Rodgers as their qb. I told another team they had crap at wr, even with Fitz...told 'em that guy was hugely overrated. I've ridiculed another for taking Reggie Bush...frankly, I'd love to have all of those players.

If I get 'em, they're great. If you have 'em, they're dogs.

 

[Philo]

You're wrong.

Your team sucks.

 

[Balance]

Insecurity has no place in Fantasy Football.

 

[latrops]

...after the auction (and during), a couple of guys were ragging me on what I was doing, specifically why I wasn't addressing my QB position (no QB keeper). ...Now, I'm seeing posts on our message boards about how my team is the weakest, how I screwed up, etc, etc.I don't get it. I know the Rate my Team tool is based on FBG's projections, but I don't feel that FBG's projections are really drastically different from most other places.What gives?

I think your qb decision is it. You did something that was both unconventional and obvious to everyone. That is EXACTLY the kind of thing the trash talkers will pounce upon. By doing something noticeably different, you made yourself a target to the trash talkers. Be careful about defending yourself. Don't overdo it. They want you to make yourself look like an idiot by flooding the league message board with posts explaining your picks. Be quietly confident and prove yourself right during the season.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

People mock all the time.....

Thats when u show them the hardware!

Who has more titles u or the guys mockin, whoever has more is rite, lol! (right sniffa? 3-2)

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

... I LOVE it when everyone ranks me as a bottom feeder, I win more than not when this happens. ...

As the "sharks" are dropping starving for points, there is plenty to feed on at the bottom.

 

[The Big Guy]

Well, were they making fun of you for buying Farve as your keeper over Sanchez?

 

[bonesman]

It is a well known fact that the majority is always right, and those who digress from herd mentality are always doomed to fail.

I agree with this. ... but only if everyone else does too.

 

[Bayhawks]

I agree with what everyone has said but with a caveat. Your team may truly suck. What I mean by this nearly EVERYONE tends to think they have the greatest team on earth immediately after the draft. It is part of the joy of fantasy football. Few people want to admit they just screwed up the draft yet some do. Even at that, things can change drastically throughout the year. Good luck to you

Granted, that's true. However, DD lets you check "Team Strength", both overall, and starters only. Now I tweaked all the projections in the DD, so when that showed my team being strongest (both overall, and with regards to starters), I felt that that just spoke to me being able to grab the players that I felt strongest about.However, when I used FBG's "Rate my team" tool, that too, showed my team as being the strongest, saying I was a "virtual lock" for the playoffs. When I entered every other team, no other team looked as good.Basically, I'm asking if we rely on FBG's, how does that impact our take on FF? It appears no one in my league relys on FBGs (I know that none of them use the DD), and they expected me to draft differently. I don't rely blindly on FBG rankings and projections, but their articles, projections, and info I get from the shark pool obviously greatly impact my FF "philosophy." When I review my team, according to FBG rankings I've seen, I have 2 top 10 RBs, 1 top 12 RB, 1 top 10 WR, 1 top 15 WR, 1 top 5 TE, and average depth. I went with a QBBC approach that I feel comfortable with (previous years, I have avoided this because I wasn't confident in the QBBC guys available; this year I was). I haven't bothered to check other rankings yet. Maybe I'll compare my league's teams to the average Mag rankings to see if those are different.

 

[da_budman]

I agree with what everyone has said but with a caveat. Your team may truly suck. What I mean by this nearly EVERYONE tends to think they have the greatest team on earth immediately after the draft. It is part of the joy of fantasy football. Few people want to admit they just screwed up the draft yet some do. Even at that, things can change drastically throughout the year. Good luck to you

Granted, that's true. However, DD lets you check "Team Strength", both overall, and starters only. Now I tweaked all the projections in the DD, so when that showed my team being strongest (both overall, and with regards to starters), I felt that that just spoke to me being able to grab the players that I felt strongest about.However, when I used FBG's "Rate my team" tool, that too, showed my team as being the strongest, saying I was a "virtual lock" for the playoffs. When I entered every other team, no other team looked as good.Basically, I'm asking if we rely on FBG's, how does that impact our take on FF? It appears no one in my league relys on FBGs (I know that none of them use the DD), and they expected me to draft differently. I don't rely blindly on FBG rankings and projections, but their articles, projections, and info I get from the shark pool obviously greatly impact my FF "philosophy." When I review my team, according to FBG rankings I've seen, I have 2 top 10 RBs, 1 top 12 RB, 1 top 10 WR, 1 top 15 WR, 1 top 5 TE, and average depth. I went with a QBBC approach that I feel comfortable with (previous years, I have avoided this because I wasn't confident in the QBBC guys available; this year I was). I haven't bothered to check other rankings yet. Maybe I'll compare my league's teams to the average Mag rankings to see if those are different.

sounds like you have a decent team then dont sweat it. One other caveat. I just had my draft and also used the DD for the draft. Amazingly enough I came out with the best team and it wasnt even close. Is my team a stacked all world team? Nope. But it should be no surprise that It would grade out well against the statistical predictions that the cheat sheets were based on. Long story short. I do think I am going to be competitive but dont be completely fooled by the man in the mirror. He is probably pretty good looking but he is not as perfect as he first appears.

 

[DropKick]

I don't want to post my draft results, because this isn't supposed to be a rate my draft thread, but I went into my keeper draft (actually an auction) feeling good. I didn't have as much money left (tied up in keepers) as most people, but I liked my guys, and I had a good plan for the auction (actually several plans, depending on how things played out)Anyway, after the auction (and during), a couple of guys were ragging me on what I was doing, specifically why I wasn't addressing my QB position (no QB keeper). I just ignored them, as I didn't want to give away any of my strategy.After the draft, I was happy. It didn't play out exactly as I planned, but I felt like I drafted a good team. I went home, used the Rate my Team tool for all the teams in our league, and my team received the best results (virtual lock to go to playoffs) of all teams. Now, I'm seeing posts on our message boards about how my team is the weakest, how I screwed up, etc, etc.I don't get it. I know the Rate my Team tool is based on FBG's projections, but I don't feel that FBG's projections are really drastically different from most other places.What gives?

I always feel some doubt after drafting an initial dynasty/keeper as some time is required to determine the yield.I also couldn't care less about what someone else thinks. I think for myself and like to draft the guys that I enjoy watching/rooting for... call it the eyeball test but it works for me.It's YOUR team. That may sound simplistic but it is what makes the game fun. Play it out. Who wants to play with someone else's team? Not me.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

I agree with what everyone has said but with a caveat. Your team may truly suck. What I mean by this nearly EVERYONE tends to think they have the greatest team on earth immediately after the draft. It is part of the joy of fantasy football. Few people want to admit they just screwed up the draft yet some do. Even at that, things can change drastically throughout the year. Good luck to you

Granted, that's true. However, DD lets you check "Team Strength", both overall, and starters only. Now I tweaked all the projections in the DD, so when that showed my team being strongest (both overall, and with regards to starters), I felt that that just spoke to me being able to grab the players that I felt strongest about.However, when I used FBG's "Rate my team" tool, that too, showed my team as being the strongest, saying I was a "virtual lock" for the playoffs. When I entered every other team, no other team looked as good.Basically, I'm asking if we rely on FBG's, how does that impact our take on FF? It appears no one in my league relys on FBGs (I know that none of them use the DD), and they expected me to draft differently. I don't rely blindly on FBG rankings and projections, but their articles, projections, and info I get from the shark pool obviously greatly impact my FF "philosophy." When I review my team, according to FBG rankings I've seen, I have 2 top 10 RBs, 1 top 12 RB, 1 top 10 WR, 1 top 15 WR, 1 top 5 TE, and average depth. I went with a QBBC approach that I feel comfortable with (previous years, I have avoided this because I wasn't confident in the QBBC guys available; this year I was). I haven't bothered to check other rankings yet. Maybe I'll compare my league's teams to the average Mag rankings to see if those are different.

The "rate my team" and DD tools both use the same baseline info (dodds). It you use the DD, I have found it usually likes your team (obviously).Try using the other raters too, for a broader opinion of the squad.

 

[TheWheel]

Does it really matter how good they think you are? When they play you they aren't going to rest starters or anything are they?