bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
I took bothand the thought with Fasano is that Marshall should open up the middle of the field for him
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massraider
Footballguy
Matt Ryan
Matthew Stafford
I took a chance at QB, but I think I have two guys that were underrated, and more importantly, STILL underrated. I was going with Roethlisberger most of the summer, and went with Ryan at the last minute. Part of that was going for a guy I think has more upside this year, and partly because I thought Roeth would be on a lot of teams, and I already knew I was going to have a lot of popular players. I'm riding Stafford hard, he's on every fantasy team I have. It has been discussed here before, but 3 QBs is a waste.
Ryan Mathews
Ahmad Bradshaw
C.J. Spiller
Arian Foster
Leon Washington
Foster was a defensive position, I expect him to be top 10 most popular players to own. He'll be on a lot of playoff teams, but won't be the reason someone wins it. All my backs catch the ball, and should all catch a lot, except Mathews, who should still catch some. I kind of warmed to Spiller late in the process; in a best-ball format, I love this guy. Will have some big days, even playing for Buffalo. Went with true best ball strategy here. No true studs, but 4 guys that can all put up a big game or three.
Roddy White
Wes Welker
Pierre Garcon
Mike Williams (TB)
Laurent Robinson
Josh Cribbs
Louis Murphy
Two guys I think get a ton of catches/yards in White and Welker, and a lot of big game potential in everyone else. I quietly think Garcon could be the top Colts WR this year. I read about Mike Williams all summer, then saw him in the preseason, and he looked better than I heard. If he had been a second rounder, and was on the Cowboys, he'd be the story of the summer. Taking a shot on Cribbs and Robinson, hoping they can pitch in here and there. Murphy, you get the Raiders best WR for peanuts.
Zach Miller
Dustin Keller
Ben Watson
Fendi Onobun
1.5 PPR? You damn right I'm gonna have 4 TE's. I have 4 TEs that play for teams that I don't trust the QB to get the ball to the WRs. Plain and simple.
Sebastian Janikowski
Matt Bryant
Jason Hanson
3 cheapos. Was going with Hanson and two other guys. Who cares?
Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit Lions
San Francisco 49ers
I wanted one solid D, and SF also has Ginn returning kicks, so that's not bad. KC has a lot of creampuffs, and Javier Arenas is gonna run back at least one this year. Perfect cheap defense in best-ball.
Matthew Stafford
I took a chance at QB, but I think I have two guys that were underrated, and more importantly, STILL underrated. I was going with Roethlisberger most of the summer, and went with Ryan at the last minute. Part of that was going for a guy I think has more upside this year, and partly because I thought Roeth would be on a lot of teams, and I already knew I was going to have a lot of popular players. I'm riding Stafford hard, he's on every fantasy team I have. It has been discussed here before, but 3 QBs is a waste.
Ryan Mathews
Ahmad Bradshaw
C.J. Spiller
Arian Foster
Leon Washington
Foster was a defensive position, I expect him to be top 10 most popular players to own. He'll be on a lot of playoff teams, but won't be the reason someone wins it. All my backs catch the ball, and should all catch a lot, except Mathews, who should still catch some. I kind of warmed to Spiller late in the process; in a best-ball format, I love this guy. Will have some big days, even playing for Buffalo. Went with true best ball strategy here. No true studs, but 4 guys that can all put up a big game or three.
Roddy White
Wes Welker
Pierre Garcon
Mike Williams (TB)
Laurent Robinson
Josh Cribbs
Louis Murphy
Two guys I think get a ton of catches/yards in White and Welker, and a lot of big game potential in everyone else. I quietly think Garcon could be the top Colts WR this year. I read about Mike Williams all summer, then saw him in the preseason, and he looked better than I heard. If he had been a second rounder, and was on the Cowboys, he'd be the story of the summer. Taking a shot on Cribbs and Robinson, hoping they can pitch in here and there. Murphy, you get the Raiders best WR for peanuts.
Zach Miller
Dustin Keller
Ben Watson
Fendi Onobun
1.5 PPR? You damn right I'm gonna have 4 TE's. I have 4 TEs that play for teams that I don't trust the QB to get the ball to the WRs. Plain and simple.
Sebastian Janikowski
Matt Bryant
Jason Hanson
3 cheapos. Was going with Hanson and two other guys. Who cares?
Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit Lions
San Francisco 49ers
I wanted one solid D, and SF also has Ginn returning kicks, so that's not bad. KC has a lot of creampuffs, and Javier Arenas is gonna run back at least one this year. Perfect cheap defense in best-ball.
a_troll00
Footballguy
Tom Brady $24
Donovan McNabb $17
As usual, Brady should be a big performer this year. Also, I'm surprised to see so few people go with McNabb. I believe his ankle will wind up being OK and he'll perform huge in Shanahan's offense.
DeAngelo Williams $28
Marion Barber $18
C.J. Spiller $17
Arian Foster $13
Tashard Choice $4
Going with a collection of both value and performance at the RB position. All these guys IMO should be putting up numbers this year, barring injury.
Greg Jennings $26 This was a tough choice between Jennings and Wayne. For whatever reason went with Jennings.
Santana Moss $18 Great value pick IMO, expecting McNabb and Moss to be a very nice combo this season.
Johnny Knox $18
Jabar Gaffney $16
Julian Edelman $5
Louis Murphy $4 Most likely the best receiver on the Raider's roster.
Deion Branch $3
Mark Clayton $3
Bo Scaife $7
Jermaine Gresham $6
Rob Gronkowski $3
Went with value at the TE position. Scaife is a popular target with Vince Young, Gresham has been getting a lot of looks in the preseason. We'll see how Gronkowski turns up, but he seems to have a lot of upside. He's well worth the $3.
Neil Rackers $4
Billy Cundiff $3
Olindo Mare $2
Dallas Cowboys $5
Houston Texans $4
Detroit Lions $2
Donovan McNabb $17
As usual, Brady should be a big performer this year. Also, I'm surprised to see so few people go with McNabb. I believe his ankle will wind up being OK and he'll perform huge in Shanahan's offense.
DeAngelo Williams $28
Marion Barber $18
C.J. Spiller $17
Arian Foster $13
Tashard Choice $4
Going with a collection of both value and performance at the RB position. All these guys IMO should be putting up numbers this year, barring injury.
Greg Jennings $26 This was a tough choice between Jennings and Wayne. For whatever reason went with Jennings.
Santana Moss $18 Great value pick IMO, expecting McNabb and Moss to be a very nice combo this season.
Johnny Knox $18
Jabar Gaffney $16
Julian Edelman $5
Louis Murphy $4 Most likely the best receiver on the Raider's roster.
Deion Branch $3
Mark Clayton $3
Bo Scaife $7
Jermaine Gresham $6
Rob Gronkowski $3
Went with value at the TE position. Scaife is a popular target with Vince Young, Gresham has been getting a lot of looks in the preseason. We'll see how Gronkowski turns up, but he seems to have a lot of upside. He's well worth the $3.
Neil Rackers $4
Billy Cundiff $3
Olindo Mare $2
Dallas Cowboys $5
Houston Texans $4
Detroit Lions $2
Matt Schaub - $23
Philip Rivers - $19
Ryan Grant - $27
Ahmad Bradshaw - $18
C.J. Spiller - $17
Arian Foster - $13
LaDainian Tomlinson - $12
Santana Moss - $18
Malcom Floyd - $17
Pierre Garcon - $12
Mike Williams - $8
Bernard Berrian - $7
Devery Henderson - $4
Greg Camarillo - $3
Zach Miller - $15
Heath Miller - $13
Jermaine Gresham - $6
Jeff Reed - $3
Rob Bironas - $3
Sebastian Janikowski - $2
San Francisco 49ers - $5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - $3
Detroit Lions - $2
QB Strategy
Figured two top QBs was the way to go this year and just went with the cheapest ones though if people allotted more money to their QBs I could see a lot of people winning with Rodgers + Schaub or such. There were notable value QB picks I liked such as Ben Roethlisberger at 14 and Derek Anderson 6 which I would have gotten in tandem with Schaub but Rivers was $1 cheaper and I wouldn't be weak before week 6 when Big Ben his off his suspension.
RB Strategy
I see a lot of people went with 2 top tier RB but I felt there was just too much value in the middle rounds to do that. Too much risk of injury at this position so I wanted depth but the guys at the bottom were such long shots (Javon Ringer looked really nice though) that I wanted guys who were in platoons who could be home runs any given sunday and be monsters if the other guy goes down. Foster/Spiller/Bradshaw were a must for me. I liked these guys just a little bit less than Best and I was not about to risk $10 more on Best when he hasn't produced yet and is an injury risk. I did see a need to get a solid RB1 though and although I really liked Benson's value for that spot, his bye was the same week as Spiller and I wanted to be sure and spread my RB byes especially so I reached for Ryan Grant. At 27, I thought he was at a good spot since guys ahead of him were overvalued imo and guys behind him just weren't as good enough to rely on every week. Grant is a good anchor as I feel he is probably the safest top 10 this year outside the top 6. Foster and LT don't need explanations and Leon Washington was also good value that I had to pass up on but I'd much rather have 5 good RBs with upside than 2-3 studs in best ball. Even if those two were CJ and AP.
WR Strategy
I spent a lot of time on this one. I really wanted Calvin/Austin but I couldn't justify the cost in terms of maintaining adequate depth. I could see people spending $ on one elite WR but I think the winning strategy is picking the right guys in the $17-20 range. $69 was a bit on the low side as I usually spent around 80 so I feel this is my weakest position. However, I think I hit a lot of the value picks this year. Mike Williams and Berrian/Camarillo were steals at their price. I was hesitant to pick Berrian/Camarillo duo and thought about picking Laurent Robinson instead but I couldn't pull the trigger in the end. For $10 for both I think that make up one hell of a player. I kind of worry that their stats will dip when/if Sidney Rice comes back though so I might have shot myself in the foot if I get far. Garcon for $12 is laughable, very easy to spot value even for someone who wasn't high on drafting Garcon. He should be around the same value as Maclin. Santana Moss and Floyd, #1 WR with little competition and good QBs should get a lot of targets. I'll be weak at this position at week 4 with 3 guys out but none of them are my top 3 so it was worth the risk.
TE Strategy
Somehow I feel like anyone who didn't pick Jermichael Finley is bound to lose this year and unfortunately I didn't :-(. I really wanted to roll with him and Zach Miller but both were out week 10 and that would hurt too much. I felt too strongly about Miller at $15 to let him go though. Gresham was a great value and I think Heath Miller has a great chance to be a top 10 TE again and should receive more targets this year. I feel he was as safe a pick as there was. That being said, I could see winning teams rolling with Finley and another strong TE like VD or grabbing 2 good value picks after him like Gresham and Shiancoe.
DST Strategy
Had to pick 3. I know a lot of teams win with 2 but I feel like it's just a waste considering how much it changes from year to year and how bad the worst offenses are nowadays. 49ers were a steal for a team who could be #1 with their soft schedule. Some backup defenses I liked were TB/KC/Lions though I could see people spending $1 more to get Bears/Saints/Titans. Wanted Raiders at $3 since I felt $4 was too much for the sleeper D.
K Strategy
Not surprised Janikowski is #1 kicker off the board and Bironas is #2. Way undervalued this year. Buehler was one of my targets as well since he's in the perfect storm of a situation with a high power offense, good leg, dome, and looked great preseason. I had Hanson in my sights but he's one of the guys I feel is just a disappointment even if his team does well this year. Reed has always been a good kicker, I still remember when he whiffed his kicks during a Bears game last year and cried. That was more of an aberration than anything though. He is a top 10 kicker. Three kickers is the way to go this year.
Philip Rivers - $19
Ryan Grant - $27
Ahmad Bradshaw - $18
C.J. Spiller - $17
Arian Foster - $13
LaDainian Tomlinson - $12
Santana Moss - $18
Malcom Floyd - $17
Pierre Garcon - $12
Mike Williams - $8
Bernard Berrian - $7
Devery Henderson - $4
Greg Camarillo - $3
Zach Miller - $15
Heath Miller - $13
Jermaine Gresham - $6
Jeff Reed - $3
Rob Bironas - $3
Sebastian Janikowski - $2
San Francisco 49ers - $5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - $3
Detroit Lions - $2
QB Strategy
Figured two top QBs was the way to go this year and just went with the cheapest ones though if people allotted more money to their QBs I could see a lot of people winning with Rodgers + Schaub or such. There were notable value QB picks I liked such as Ben Roethlisberger at 14 and Derek Anderson 6 which I would have gotten in tandem with Schaub but Rivers was $1 cheaper and I wouldn't be weak before week 6 when Big Ben his off his suspension.
RB Strategy
I see a lot of people went with 2 top tier RB but I felt there was just too much value in the middle rounds to do that. Too much risk of injury at this position so I wanted depth but the guys at the bottom were such long shots (Javon Ringer looked really nice though) that I wanted guys who were in platoons who could be home runs any given sunday and be monsters if the other guy goes down. Foster/Spiller/Bradshaw were a must for me. I liked these guys just a little bit less than Best and I was not about to risk $10 more on Best when he hasn't produced yet and is an injury risk. I did see a need to get a solid RB1 though and although I really liked Benson's value for that spot, his bye was the same week as Spiller and I wanted to be sure and spread my RB byes especially so I reached for Ryan Grant. At 27, I thought he was at a good spot since guys ahead of him were overvalued imo and guys behind him just weren't as good enough to rely on every week. Grant is a good anchor as I feel he is probably the safest top 10 this year outside the top 6. Foster and LT don't need explanations and Leon Washington was also good value that I had to pass up on but I'd much rather have 5 good RBs with upside than 2-3 studs in best ball. Even if those two were CJ and AP.
WR Strategy
I spent a lot of time on this one. I really wanted Calvin/Austin but I couldn't justify the cost in terms of maintaining adequate depth. I could see people spending $ on one elite WR but I think the winning strategy is picking the right guys in the $17-20 range. $69 was a bit on the low side as I usually spent around 80 so I feel this is my weakest position. However, I think I hit a lot of the value picks this year. Mike Williams and Berrian/Camarillo were steals at their price. I was hesitant to pick Berrian/Camarillo duo and thought about picking Laurent Robinson instead but I couldn't pull the trigger in the end. For $10 for both I think that make up one hell of a player. I kind of worry that their stats will dip when/if Sidney Rice comes back though so I might have shot myself in the foot if I get far. Garcon for $12 is laughable, very easy to spot value even for someone who wasn't high on drafting Garcon. He should be around the same value as Maclin. Santana Moss and Floyd, #1 WR with little competition and good QBs should get a lot of targets. I'll be weak at this position at week 4 with 3 guys out but none of them are my top 3 so it was worth the risk.
TE Strategy
Somehow I feel like anyone who didn't pick Jermichael Finley is bound to lose this year and unfortunately I didn't :-(. I really wanted to roll with him and Zach Miller but both were out week 10 and that would hurt too much. I felt too strongly about Miller at $15 to let him go though. Gresham was a great value and I think Heath Miller has a great chance to be a top 10 TE again and should receive more targets this year. I feel he was as safe a pick as there was. That being said, I could see winning teams rolling with Finley and another strong TE like VD or grabbing 2 good value picks after him like Gresham and Shiancoe.
DST Strategy
Had to pick 3. I know a lot of teams win with 2 but I feel like it's just a waste considering how much it changes from year to year and how bad the worst offenses are nowadays. 49ers were a steal for a team who could be #1 with their soft schedule. Some backup defenses I liked were TB/KC/Lions though I could see people spending $1 more to get Bears/Saints/Titans. Wanted Raiders at $3 since I felt $4 was too much for the sleeper D.
K Strategy
Not surprised Janikowski is #1 kicker off the board and Bironas is #2. Way undervalued this year. Buehler was one of my targets as well since he's in the perfect storm of a situation with a high power offense, good leg, dome, and looked great preseason. I had Hanson in my sights but he's one of the guys I feel is just a disappointment even if his team does well this year. Reed has always been a good kicker, I still remember when he whiffed his kicks during a Bears game last year and cried. That was more of an aberration than anything though. He is a top 10 kicker. Three kickers is the way to go this year.
Surprised Romo wasn't more popular...
Last edited by a moderator:
massraider
Footballguy
Well, you can use the querier, and just pick one guy, and see how many teams have that guy.
On The Rocks
Footballguy
Aaron Rodgers $29
Peyton Manning $28
Ray Rice $37
Frank Gore $34
Arian Foster $13
Fred Taylor $6
Andre Johnson $32
Randy Moss $29
Pierre Garcon $12
Devery Henderson $4
Justin Gage $2
Brian Finneran $1
Anthony Fasano $7
Jermaine Gresham $6
Matt Bryant $2
Rian Lindell $2
New Orleans Saints $4
Detroit Lions $2
If I make it to week 7 - and survive week 7 - I will be in good shape.
Of course I have never made it past week 5 and I don't epect this year to be any different.
Peyton Manning $28
Ray Rice $37
Frank Gore $34
Arian Foster $13
Fred Taylor $6
Andre Johnson $32
Randy Moss $29
Pierre Garcon $12
Devery Henderson $4
Justin Gage $2
Brian Finneran $1
Anthony Fasano $7
Jermaine Gresham $6
Matt Bryant $2
Rian Lindell $2
New Orleans Saints $4
Detroit Lions $2
If I make it to week 7 - and survive week 7 - I will be in good shape.
Of course I have never made it past week 5 and I don't epect this year to be any different.
EFD
Footballguy
Aaron Rodgers - $29 (top QB)
Sam Bradford - $9
Frank Gore - $34 (top 5 RB)
Arian Foster - $13 (potential top 10 RB)
LaDainian Tomlinson - $12 (he's going to score a lot of TDs this season, and this seemed like very good value)
Bernard Scott - $6
Mike Bell - $5
Andre Johnson - $32 (top WR)
Greg Jennings - $26 (potential top 5 WR)
Hakeem Nicks - $24 (potential top 15 WR)
Dez Bryant - $13 (fair amount of upside)
Jason Avant - $4
Greg Camarillo - $3
Johnnie Lee Higgins - $1
Jermichael Finley - $21 (top 2 TE)
Rob Gronkowski - $3 (dripping with upside)
Joe Nedney - $3
Billy Cundiff - $3
Matt Bryant - $2
Jason Hanson - $2
New York Giants - $5
In looking at it now I don't think I have enough firepower at the Flex position. I am going to hold off on spending the $20k at this point in time...
Sam Bradford - $9
Frank Gore - $34 (top 5 RB)
Arian Foster - $13 (potential top 10 RB)
LaDainian Tomlinson - $12 (he's going to score a lot of TDs this season, and this seemed like very good value)
Bernard Scott - $6
Mike Bell - $5
Andre Johnson - $32 (top WR)
Greg Jennings - $26 (potential top 5 WR)
Hakeem Nicks - $24 (potential top 15 WR)
Dez Bryant - $13 (fair amount of upside)
Jason Avant - $4
Greg Camarillo - $3
Johnnie Lee Higgins - $1
Jermichael Finley - $21 (top 2 TE)
Rob Gronkowski - $3 (dripping with upside)
Joe Nedney - $3
Billy Cundiff - $3
Matt Bryant - $2
Jason Hanson - $2
New York Giants - $5
In looking at it now I don't think I have enough firepower at the Flex position. I am going to hold off on spending the $20k at this point in time...
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
The stats can be got through the querier - see page 8 (I think) with Drinen's post.
Anyhow, this blew me away and I don't know if it's been noted yet.
Over 50% of the entries have either 18 (5416) or 19 (1905) players!
8.7% have 26 or more (I had 26 thus I point this out)
2.1% have 30 players. 1.1% have 29 players.
Oh and behold the glory that is not one but TWO:
TWENTY-ONE KICKER GUYS!!!!
21 Kicker Guy #1
21 Kicker Guy #2
-QG
Anyhow, this blew me away and I don't know if it's been noted yet.
Over 50% of the entries have either 18 (5416) or 19 (1905) players!
8.7% have 26 or more (I had 26 thus I point this out)
2.1% have 30 players. 1.1% have 29 players.
Oh and behold the glory that is not one but TWO:
TWENTY-ONE KICKER GUYS!!!!
21 Kicker Guy #1
21 Kicker Guy #2
-QG
LittlePhatty
Footballguy
Roster Size breakdown:
Roster Size Graph
The minimum 18 player roster was by far the most popular with 5416 entries.
18 - 5416
19 - 1905
20 - 1338
21 - 961
22 - 799
23 - 615
24 - 491
25 - 402
26 - 308
27 - 233
28 - 180
29 - 142
30 - 271
So what was it like last year? Was 24 (max) the least popular choice? Most of the top entries from last year had a full 24 player roster.
Roster Size Graph
The minimum 18 player roster was by far the most popular with 5416 entries.
18 - 5416
19 - 1905
20 - 1338
21 - 961
22 - 799
23 - 615
24 - 491
25 - 402
26 - 308
27 - 233
28 - 180
29 - 142
30 - 271
So what was it like last year? Was 24 (max) the least popular choice? Most of the top entries from last year had a full 24 player roster.
Last year I finished either second or third among staffers in this contest, which in relation to the subscribers puts me somewhere around 1438th overall. But it was my first year and I'm happy with how I fared. This year I'm sharing my lineup with a brief analysis of my decisions. If you aren't playing (you need to next year), here are the rules:
Quarterbacks
Carson Palmer ($16): I like quarterbacks with at least two highly productive receivers and Palmer was the cheapest of those options that have my confidence and isn't serving a suspension.
Matt Stafford ($16): My upside-pick at the position, Stafford could wind up with three productive receivers at each skill position (WR/RB/TE) and I think he could make a nice leap this year. Where Palmer's upside might be more limited due to a stingy defense and strong ground game, I think Stafford will need to keep his team in games - and he actually has some teammates that can help him.
Ben Roethlisberger ($14): This team is built around the Steelers quarterback and from my (extremely poor) viewpoint of the situation I think Roethlisberger is truly making the effort to become a better human being, which should also benefit his approach to being a professional quarterback. Prior to the 2010 offseason, I think the Footballguys staff would have had Roethlisberger's value in the $20 range. Good deal, especially as my No.3 QB.
Quarterbacks I considered: Aaron Rodgers ($29), Joe Flacco ($17), Matt Moore ($10), Trent Edwards ($9), and Sam Bradford ($9).
Running Backs
Jahvid Best ($27): Although it would probably serve me better to split this amount into two more backs, I can't help myself. I think Best is primed for an excellent season and if he proves me right, his salary is a discount relative to his talent.
Cedric Benson ($24): This is becoming a bit of a higher risk strategy, because if the Bengals and Lions get shut down offensively my team is toast. But I think both teams have enough offensive talent that at worst it will be a "one or the other" situation, but not both. As long as I can hang with the competition until Roethlisberger returns to the field, I think I'll be in good shape. This goes against the "spread 'em out" strategy that's the safer play in this type of survivor style contest, but I'm playing for pride.
Clinton Portis ($16): I love Portis is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate in 2010 and for $16 I'm willing to put my cap money where my mouth is. Shanahan will run the ball in Washington and Portis has looked good enough to keep the starting job without question from mini camp through training camp. Portis could easily have as many carries as Cedric Benson and approach Jahvid Best's reception totals at nearly half the price. The problem with this roster already is that the winners of contests like these tend to have a higher uniqueness quotient relative to the lineups of its competition. I doubt my picks are uncommon. I'm just hoping more people are down on Portis than I.
Arian Foster ($13): I have no doubt that Foster is the most popular pick among backs after his torrid rise up draft board with his strong preseason play. I'm hoping that despite my combination of what will be common picks, that my roster still remains unique as a whole. Here's to wishful thinking, because I can't pass Foster up for $13.
Running backs I considered: Ahmad Bradshaw ($18), Jerome Harrison ($18), Ladainian Tomlinson ($12), Brian Westbrook ($6), Bernard Scott ($6), and Rashad Jennings ($3).
Wide Receivers
Terrell Owens ($19): I think he returns to the top-12 of fantasy receivers this year. If not, his price is still worth a strong WR2, which I think is his absolute floor. Good deal all around. I'm really betting on the Bengals though and a bad week for River City can really hurt me.
Santana Moss ($18): He's the only game in town for Donovan McNabb outside and like Owens I think he rebounds with a strong season. The combo with Portis means I'm putting a lot of chips into the Lions, Bengals, and Redskins.
Pierre Garcon ($12): His salary is this low only because there was a legitimate question whether he'd retain the starting. Question answered. Nice deal.
Devin Aromashodu ($11): I had Johnny Knox here all preseason, but I always liked Aromashodu and I think he'll have nearly as good - if not better stats - than the speedster Knox. Plus at $7 cheaper, I can add two more receivers to my lineup to spread the wealth. Here's hoping it pays off...
Mike Thomas ($11): I thinking Thomas could manage to acquire a boatload of receptions, which will make him a nice value. He's also a big play weapon if David Garrard can exhibit the confidence to throw the ball into tight coverage with this Steve Smith-like sparkplug.
Jacoby Jones ($10): Add the Texans to my list of multiple players from the same team on my roster. I think he's going to explode onto the scene this year and $10 to buy him for my roster could be worth $25 in stats.
Sammie Stroughter ($4): This is not an upside pick, especially with the risk that Arrelious Benn could relegate Stroughter to the slot any week. But I think Stroughter will be Josh Freeman's security blanket and earn surprisingly consistent stats in the process. I have enough players that could wind up "all or nothing" performers. I'm hoping Stroughter is a cheap option to balance it out. Doubtful, but it is still worth a shot.
Deion Branch ($3): Steal. Branch is the starter and possibly the best performing receiver in Seattle all summer. Here's hoping he stays healthy for once.
Greg Camarillo ($3): Another cheap try to land a consistent player to couch my upside picks.
WRs I also considered: Calvin Johnson ($27), Johnny Knox ($18) and Lance Moore ($8).
Tight Ends
Ben Watson ($5): Along with running back this could be my weakest position, but I think Watson might be the most reliable receiver Cleveland has, which is a sad state of affairs but could be a boon for me in this contest.
Aaron Hernandez ($5): After leading the bandwagon for the past six months, I have to have him on my roster. If he plays as well as I think he can, he could take me far in this contest.
Rob Gronkowski ($3): I wanted three tight ends and for the money he was the best option available. I think it might also give me insurance if Hernandez gets shut out.
Tight ends I also considered: Jermichael Finley ($21), Chris Cooley ($13), and John Carlson ($11).
Place Kickers
Dan Carpenter ($3): The Dolphins should make it to the redzone more frequently this year with the help of Brandon Marshall.
Rob Bironas ($3): The Titans might not make it to the redzone as frequently as the Dolphins, but Bironas as a great leg.
Billy Cundiff ($3): I added Cundiff before I got word of T.J. Houshmandzadeh's arrival, but this move should bolster the Ravens offense to the point that he's at least earning a lot of extra points.
Kickers I also considered: Sebastian Janikowski ($2).
Team Defenses
Bengals ($5): I'm a believer that Cincinnati improved in recent years due to up and coming players and a strong scheme. I think those players will arrive and make the unit even better - especially with a more balanced offense to complement it.
Saints ($4): This is a unit capable of generating a lot of turnovers, but I'm worried that the loss of Darren Sharper for six weeks could stunt its productivity.
Lions ($2): You read my thoughts on this team. Why not take a shot? I had the money left.
Defenses I also considered: 49ers ($5), Raiders ($4), and Redskins ($4).
Quarterbacks
Carson Palmer ($16): I like quarterbacks with at least two highly productive receivers and Palmer was the cheapest of those options that have my confidence and isn't serving a suspension.
Matt Stafford ($16): My upside-pick at the position, Stafford could wind up with three productive receivers at each skill position (WR/RB/TE) and I think he could make a nice leap this year. Where Palmer's upside might be more limited due to a stingy defense and strong ground game, I think Stafford will need to keep his team in games - and he actually has some teammates that can help him.
Ben Roethlisberger ($14): This team is built around the Steelers quarterback and from my (extremely poor) viewpoint of the situation I think Roethlisberger is truly making the effort to become a better human being, which should also benefit his approach to being a professional quarterback. Prior to the 2010 offseason, I think the Footballguys staff would have had Roethlisberger's value in the $20 range. Good deal, especially as my No.3 QB.
Quarterbacks I considered: Aaron Rodgers ($29), Joe Flacco ($17), Matt Moore ($10), Trent Edwards ($9), and Sam Bradford ($9).
Running Backs
Jahvid Best ($27): Although it would probably serve me better to split this amount into two more backs, I can't help myself. I think Best is primed for an excellent season and if he proves me right, his salary is a discount relative to his talent.
Cedric Benson ($24): This is becoming a bit of a higher risk strategy, because if the Bengals and Lions get shut down offensively my team is toast. But I think both teams have enough offensive talent that at worst it will be a "one or the other" situation, but not both. As long as I can hang with the competition until Roethlisberger returns to the field, I think I'll be in good shape. This goes against the "spread 'em out" strategy that's the safer play in this type of survivor style contest, but I'm playing for pride.
Clinton Portis ($16): I love Portis is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate in 2010 and for $16 I'm willing to put my cap money where my mouth is. Shanahan will run the ball in Washington and Portis has looked good enough to keep the starting job without question from mini camp through training camp. Portis could easily have as many carries as Cedric Benson and approach Jahvid Best's reception totals at nearly half the price. The problem with this roster already is that the winners of contests like these tend to have a higher uniqueness quotient relative to the lineups of its competition. I doubt my picks are uncommon. I'm just hoping more people are down on Portis than I.
Arian Foster ($13): I have no doubt that Foster is the most popular pick among backs after his torrid rise up draft board with his strong preseason play. I'm hoping that despite my combination of what will be common picks, that my roster still remains unique as a whole. Here's to wishful thinking, because I can't pass Foster up for $13.
Running backs I considered: Ahmad Bradshaw ($18), Jerome Harrison ($18), Ladainian Tomlinson ($12), Brian Westbrook ($6), Bernard Scott ($6), and Rashad Jennings ($3).
Wide Receivers
Terrell Owens ($19): I think he returns to the top-12 of fantasy receivers this year. If not, his price is still worth a strong WR2, which I think is his absolute floor. Good deal all around. I'm really betting on the Bengals though and a bad week for River City can really hurt me.
Santana Moss ($18): He's the only game in town for Donovan McNabb outside and like Owens I think he rebounds with a strong season. The combo with Portis means I'm putting a lot of chips into the Lions, Bengals, and Redskins.
Pierre Garcon ($12): His salary is this low only because there was a legitimate question whether he'd retain the starting. Question answered. Nice deal.
Devin Aromashodu ($11): I had Johnny Knox here all preseason, but I always liked Aromashodu and I think he'll have nearly as good - if not better stats - than the speedster Knox. Plus at $7 cheaper, I can add two more receivers to my lineup to spread the wealth. Here's hoping it pays off...
Mike Thomas ($11): I thinking Thomas could manage to acquire a boatload of receptions, which will make him a nice value. He's also a big play weapon if David Garrard can exhibit the confidence to throw the ball into tight coverage with this Steve Smith-like sparkplug.
Jacoby Jones ($10): Add the Texans to my list of multiple players from the same team on my roster. I think he's going to explode onto the scene this year and $10 to buy him for my roster could be worth $25 in stats.
Sammie Stroughter ($4): This is not an upside pick, especially with the risk that Arrelious Benn could relegate Stroughter to the slot any week. But I think Stroughter will be Josh Freeman's security blanket and earn surprisingly consistent stats in the process. I have enough players that could wind up "all or nothing" performers. I'm hoping Stroughter is a cheap option to balance it out. Doubtful, but it is still worth a shot.
Deion Branch ($3): Steal. Branch is the starter and possibly the best performing receiver in Seattle all summer. Here's hoping he stays healthy for once.
Greg Camarillo ($3): Another cheap try to land a consistent player to couch my upside picks.
WRs I also considered: Calvin Johnson ($27), Johnny Knox ($18) and Lance Moore ($8).
Tight Ends
Ben Watson ($5): Along with running back this could be my weakest position, but I think Watson might be the most reliable receiver Cleveland has, which is a sad state of affairs but could be a boon for me in this contest.
Aaron Hernandez ($5): After leading the bandwagon for the past six months, I have to have him on my roster. If he plays as well as I think he can, he could take me far in this contest.
Rob Gronkowski ($3): I wanted three tight ends and for the money he was the best option available. I think it might also give me insurance if Hernandez gets shut out.
Tight ends I also considered: Jermichael Finley ($21), Chris Cooley ($13), and John Carlson ($11).
Place Kickers
Dan Carpenter ($3): The Dolphins should make it to the redzone more frequently this year with the help of Brandon Marshall.
Rob Bironas ($3): The Titans might not make it to the redzone as frequently as the Dolphins, but Bironas as a great leg.
Billy Cundiff ($3): I added Cundiff before I got word of T.J. Houshmandzadeh's arrival, but this move should bolster the Ravens offense to the point that he's at least earning a lot of extra points.
Kickers I also considered: Sebastian Janikowski ($2).
Team Defenses
Bengals ($5): I'm a believer that Cincinnati improved in recent years due to up and coming players and a strong scheme. I think those players will arrive and make the unit even better - especially with a more balanced offense to complement it.
Saints ($4): This is a unit capable of generating a lot of turnovers, but I'm worried that the loss of Darren Sharper for six weeks could stunt its productivity.
Lions ($2): You read my thoughts on this team. Why not take a shot? I had the money left.
Defenses I also considered: 49ers ($5), Raiders ($4), and Redskins ($4).
bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
usually the more options in the better in best ball. The stud heavy teams have a hard time making it through the bye weeks. someone with 24+ players is winning this thing
LittlePhatty
Footballguy
That's what I think too. I went with the "one stud anchor + a bunch of cheaper upside guys" strategy at WR.Roddy White $27Pierre Garcon $12Jacoby Jones $10Mike Williams $8James Jones $7Dexter McCluster $7Louis Murphy $4Devery Henderson $4Emmanuel Sanders $2
Ignoratio Elenchi
Footballguy
Wow, I find this nearly impossible to believe. Any chance the querier is, in fact, buggy? Can that many people have thought an 18-man roster was the way to go?
Txns8
Footballguy
I'm surprised Flacco isn't on this list. With TJ in the mix, he could be huge this year.
LittlePhatty
Footballguy
That's not a comprehensive list.Flacco was selected by 2,276 entires.
gregjcross
Footballguy
High risk high reward team at 20 players only.
Peyton Manning $28 0.00
*Had to have an absolute stud at QB
Sam Bradford $9 0.00
*Loved the price, schedule and upside
Derek Anderson $6 0.00
*Totally based on price, as cheap starter as #3, you never know what DA might do with Fitz and cast
Ryan Mathews $29 0.00
*this pick tormented me a bit because Michael Turner at $31 was just as tempting
Matt Forte $20 0.00
*All about Value here as i know he will run and catch. IF Chester Taylor spells him, that's fine as it promotes his health.
Arian Foster $13 0.00
*obviously everyone wants a potential top 14 RB for $13.
LaDainian Tomlinson $12 0.00
*Seeing him catch the ball and perform near the goal line is all I needed to see at this price.
Greg Jennings $26 0.00
*WR is where I put a lot of juice, i see a bounce back year for Jennings in the TD department
DeSean Jackson $25 0.00
*Will be the third year in a row i've had DJAX, love his huge games and that he is the #1 for PHI
Michael Crabtree $22 0.00
*Biggest risk pick of all -- I think he does it big this year. Yes I might be crazy.
Tampa Mike Williams $8 0.00
*Another low dollar play with nice upside.
Louis Murphy $4 0.00
*Murphy could be my favorite pick of the whole team
Greg Camarillo $3 0.00
* I see some value but this may be my worst rostered player
Vernon Davis $19 0.00
* Another 49er, love their Schedule, Love VD's maturity and game breaking skills
Visanthe Shiancoe $12 0.00
* I like a strong 2 TE pairing instead of 3 TEs. Another big risk putting this much dough here, like R.Matthews and Crabtree above
Joe Nedney $3 0.00
* a fixture, every yera
Matt Bryant $2 0.00
San Francisco 49ers $5 0.00
*They better have the sacks.
St. Louis Rams $2 0.00
*Crazier things have happened
Detroit Lions $2 0.00
* A sure bet on trio of L.Delmas, N.Suh and Kyle Vandenbosh
Peyton Manning $28 0.00
*Had to have an absolute stud at QB
Sam Bradford $9 0.00
*Loved the price, schedule and upside
Derek Anderson $6 0.00
*Totally based on price, as cheap starter as #3, you never know what DA might do with Fitz and cast
Ryan Mathews $29 0.00
*this pick tormented me a bit because Michael Turner at $31 was just as tempting
Matt Forte $20 0.00
*All about Value here as i know he will run and catch. IF Chester Taylor spells him, that's fine as it promotes his health.
Arian Foster $13 0.00
*obviously everyone wants a potential top 14 RB for $13.
LaDainian Tomlinson $12 0.00
*Seeing him catch the ball and perform near the goal line is all I needed to see at this price.
Greg Jennings $26 0.00
*WR is where I put a lot of juice, i see a bounce back year for Jennings in the TD department
DeSean Jackson $25 0.00
*Will be the third year in a row i've had DJAX, love his huge games and that he is the #1 for PHI
Michael Crabtree $22 0.00
*Biggest risk pick of all -- I think he does it big this year. Yes I might be crazy.
Tampa Mike Williams $8 0.00
*Another low dollar play with nice upside.
Louis Murphy $4 0.00
*Murphy could be my favorite pick of the whole team
Greg Camarillo $3 0.00
* I see some value but this may be my worst rostered player
Vernon Davis $19 0.00
* Another 49er, love their Schedule, Love VD's maturity and game breaking skills
Visanthe Shiancoe $12 0.00
* I like a strong 2 TE pairing instead of 3 TEs. Another big risk putting this much dough here, like R.Matthews and Crabtree above
Joe Nedney $3 0.00
* a fixture, every yera
Matt Bryant $2 0.00
San Francisco 49ers $5 0.00
*They better have the sacks.
St. Louis Rams $2 0.00
*Crazier things have happened
Detroit Lions $2 0.00
* A sure bet on trio of L.Delmas, N.Suh and Kyle Vandenbosh
Marauder
Footballguy
I don't think 24 was the least popular but 20 (the min) was by far the most popular, and in the end least successful. People get enamored by studs and don't understand the power of best ball.
Ignoratio Elenchi
Footballguy
IIRC 24 was the 2nd most popular roster size last year, after 20. And the results from last year pretty clearly showed the power of the larger roster. The curve is so staggering it really is hard to believe these numbers are right but I guess they are.I guess if you look at it like this:18 - 541619 - 190520 - 133821+ - 4402it's more believable (i.e. it's more clear that it's similar to last year's distribution). I hadn't really given it any thought but I would have guessed that this year we'd see more of a bell-shaped curve, with most entries in the 23-25 player range.
JB Breakfast Club
Footballguy
I only have 23, but one of them is Finley, so it's more like 25...I guess I'm still alive!
The_Wolfman
Footballguy
Wow if this is accurate then about 2/3rds of the entries have 20 or less players
butcher boy
Footballguy
You have to swing for the fences in this which means paying $$$ for good players. If an 18 player team can make it past the byes, it will win. There's no reason why an 18 player team cant win this. In some ways, it sounds better than scraping the bottom of the barrel for cheap scraps and rolling the dice that they produce.
inca911
Footballguy
Just have a feeling that Marshall's presence helps this year.
cstu
Footballguy
I didn't spend as much time on the contest as most of you since I was gone all summer, but here's what I came up with.
Matt Ryan $16 0.00
Derek Anderson $6 0.00
I wanted to go with a better QB here but couldn't justify it at the expense of the rest of the team. Almost went with Big Ben instead of Anderson.
Ahmad Bradshaw $18 0.00
C.J. Spiller $17 0.00
Darren McFadden $14 0.00
Arian Foster $13 0.00
Decided to go weak here and hope for the best. McFadden was a wild card who I figure might go off a few times and help out.
Miles Austin $27 0.00
Wes Welker $21 0.00
Santana Moss $18 0.00
Dez Bryant $13 0.00
Mike Williams $8 0.00
Laurent Robinson $7 0.00
Louis Murphy $4 0.00
I thought the Austin/Dez combo would get me at least one good score each week. Welker is a steal if he's healthy and I added SMoss as another guy who could put up the occasional big game. Williams, Robinson and Murphy were all good values at their prices.
Jermichael Finley $21 0.00
Jason Witten $19 0.00
Zach Miller $15 0.00
I went TE heavy because of the scoring at the hope is that one of them will be my flex player most weeks.
Sebastian Janikowski $2 0.00
Graham Gano $2 0.00
Matt Bryant $2 0.00
San Francisco 49ers $5 0.00
Detroit Lions $2 0.00
Matt Ryan $16 0.00
Derek Anderson $6 0.00
I wanted to go with a better QB here but couldn't justify it at the expense of the rest of the team. Almost went with Big Ben instead of Anderson.
Ahmad Bradshaw $18 0.00
C.J. Spiller $17 0.00
Darren McFadden $14 0.00
Arian Foster $13 0.00
Decided to go weak here and hope for the best. McFadden was a wild card who I figure might go off a few times and help out.
Miles Austin $27 0.00
Wes Welker $21 0.00
Santana Moss $18 0.00
Dez Bryant $13 0.00
Mike Williams $8 0.00
Laurent Robinson $7 0.00
Louis Murphy $4 0.00
I thought the Austin/Dez combo would get me at least one good score each week. Welker is a steal if he's healthy and I added SMoss as another guy who could put up the occasional big game. Williams, Robinson and Murphy were all good values at their prices.
Jermichael Finley $21 0.00
Jason Witten $19 0.00
Zach Miller $15 0.00
I went TE heavy because of the scoring at the hope is that one of them will be my flex player most weeks.
Sebastian Janikowski $2 0.00
Graham Gano $2 0.00
Matt Bryant $2 0.00
San Francisco 49ers $5 0.00
Detroit Lions $2 0.00
butcher boy
Footballguy
Todd Heap is always hurt when you need him. He will never be on any fantasy roster of mine ever again. Other people probably feel the same.
ctriopelle
Footballguy
At the end of the day, it's easier to make a small roster if you slap one together, and it looks pretty darn good when you do it. You can get legit studs at all positions, probably better than your typical "dream" team in your standard draft league. If you don't have much experience in the contest, you'd probably think this roster looks awesome, and I suspect that this is why there are so many thin teams.My desire was to aim for 30 guys, but I found that while I had a nice pile of players to work from, lots of those guys were probably going to put up at best mediocrity and get me nothing. I'll stand by my strategy of being thin where you can expect some consistency (i.e. good QBs and top tier players) and quality depth where production is unpredictable. Hopefully my "2 stud TE" plan works out, that seemed to be the big glaring value this year to fill the flex and Finley/Witten are both able to blow up nicely in their offenses.
Ignoratio Elenchi
Footballguy
That's what a lot of people said last year, too. The results pretty clearly proved them wrong.There's too much variance, particularly at RB and WR, to rely on a small number of "studs." They all have down weeks, and it only takes one such week to knock you out.
probably depends on who the studs are....if the studs are on a team that has clinched a playoff spot early, could get burned late.....
I guess there is a sufficient turnover here that we will have the small roster vs large roster debate anew this year. Those roster size stats completely blew me away as I felt that the majority would go with the larger roster size teams.
Oh well, my input is that even with studs, there are down weeks and the more depth you have the better off you are avoiding the deeper valleys. But, I really appreciate that there are so many who load up on high dollar studs and no depth.
Oh well, my input is that even with studs, there are down weeks and the more depth you have the better off you are avoiding the deeper valleys. But, I really appreciate that there are so many who load up on high dollar studs and no depth.
Thanks for posting this. LOL that many people were clueless to what went down last year. Well we get a few weeks with generous cuts and 21 kicker guys hanging around. Once the bye weeks kick in we get to feast on the minimum rosters.Note to the two DDs, please reduce the minimum roster to 10 next year.
Bruce Leroy
Footballguy
Someone having between 23-27 players is probably winning. I finished in the top 10 last year and had 24 players. This year I have 23 but I have TGIF (Thank God It's Finley!)
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
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KarmaPolice
Footballguy
I thought that last year too.
It says my team's 99.8% to advance (and ranked #25). This is how last year started out.It ended in week one!
The 20 player rosters got absolutely destroyed last year.
BaBastage
Footballguy
You nailed it.
I went with 30 players this year, but I have a sneaky suspicion we'll see a sweet spot around 23-26.Originally I was opposed to the 30 player concept, but as I started looking at WR's, I wound up leaning with the "grab a bunch of inexpensive value guys and each week one or two will hit gold" strategy.I think it makes sense to have a stud QB, and 2 stud RB's - those positions are more consistent. But at WR, they're more streaky, so I went with two mid range guys (TO and Floyd) and 8 more low cost guys.Team 102207 if anyone is interested.
inyoutees
Footballguy
I am absolutely floored by the distribution of team sizes. Thanks for posting. Never would have expected so many small rosters.
Also very surprised over Romo's unpopularity. Stud QB, early bye... figured he would have seen more action.
And I thought it was pretty clear that spending money on TE made a lot of sense this year:
$40+ 706
$35+ 1486
$30+ 3501
Also very surprised over Romo's unpopularity. Stud QB, early bye... figured he would have seen more action.
And I thought it was pretty clear that spending money on TE made a lot of sense this year:
$40+ 706
$35+ 1486
$30+ 3501
Ignoratio Elenchi
Footballguy
For those that are interested, these were the survival percentages going into the final 250 last year:
+-------------+--------+-------+-----------+| roster_size | number | alive | pct_alive |+-------------+--------+-------+-----------+| 20 | 5181 | 55 | 0.0106 || 21 | 2032 | 15 | 0.0074 || 22 | 1445 | 19 | 0.0131 || 23 | 1291 | 30 | 0.0232 || 24 | 3328 | 131 | 0.0394 || TOTAL | 13277 | 250 | 0.0188 |+-------------+--------+-------+-----------+
And IIRC something like 9 of the top 10 prize winners were 24-man rosters. There was little doubt by the end of the year that the strategy of choosing a smaller roster of "studs" was a losing one.
+-------------+--------+-------+-----------+| roster_size | number | alive | pct_alive |+-------------+--------+-------+-----------+| 20 | 5181 | 55 | 0.0106 || 21 | 2032 | 15 | 0.0074 || 22 | 1445 | 19 | 0.0131 || 23 | 1291 | 30 | 0.0232 || 24 | 3328 | 131 | 0.0394 || TOTAL | 13277 | 250 | 0.0188 |+-------------+--------+-------+-----------+
And IIRC something like 9 of the top 10 prize winners were 24-man rosters. There was little doubt by the end of the year that the strategy of choosing a smaller roster of "studs" was a losing one.
kevzilla
Footballguy
QB
Philip Rivers
Matthew Stafford
Derek Anderson
Had Schaub and Orton in there almost all month. Ultimately I decided that Rivers' production would be near Schaub's, and it allowed me to upgrade Orton to Stafford. Like many others, I took Anderson as cheap insurance. There are 42 rosters with this combination.
RB
Marion Barber
Ahmad Bradshaw
Tim Hightower
Arian Foster
Leon Washington
They all have different byes, and they all should contribute at RB or flex at some point. I had Portis in there for some time, but finally backed down to Hightower. Although they are all fairly popular, only four rosters have this combo. As I stated, I am shocked that Foster is on over half the rosters. LOL.
WR
Wes Welker
Terrell Owens
Malcolm Floyd
Jacoby Jones
James Jones
Jason Avant
Jordy Nelson
Mark Clayton
Although some of these players are widely held, my combo is unique. The top five are unique, the bottom three are unique. I obviously need Welker to stay in one piece. Regarding the two Packers: Jennings is frequently nicked, and though Driver is tough as they come, he isn't getting any younger. If something happens to either one, I have the WR2 and WR3 of the best passing team in the league for $11. Avant is a similar gamble that was worth taking, and Clayton was a late flyer after his trade.
TE
Zach Miller (Oak)
Tony Scheffler
Jermaine Gresham
I fully understand how useful this position can be in this contest, but I simply must have value at every position. Miller could have quite studly production at far less cost. Scheffler only needs a few big weeks to be handy for me. I had the NE pair for some time, but decided late to switch to Gresham for $2 less--his upside is comparable. Only six rosters have this combo.
PK
Mason Crosby
Rob Bironas
Matt Bryant
I think about this position a little different. I don't mind paying a couple extra bucks for a stud on a good offense who is going to get his. That's Crosby. Bironas, it seems, is always good for two or three enormous games a year. Bryant, well, the Falcons' offense looks to be improved and he kicks in a dome ten times this year. In fact, Seattle in Week 15 is probably his only bad-weather start. Nine entries have this combo.
DEF
Packers
Giants
Titans
The first thing I look for in team defense is a pass rush. It is your best chance for turnovers and touchdowns. The Packers' pass coverage will be sketchy at best; they are going to blitz a lot in an attempt to hide that weakness. I like the G-men's freakishly athletic D-line to rebound this year. The Titans scheme well year in and year out. If they get Haynesworth back...look out. Only two entries have this combo.
Philip Rivers
Matthew Stafford
Derek Anderson
Had Schaub and Orton in there almost all month. Ultimately I decided that Rivers' production would be near Schaub's, and it allowed me to upgrade Orton to Stafford. Like many others, I took Anderson as cheap insurance. There are 42 rosters with this combination.
RB
Marion Barber
Ahmad Bradshaw
Tim Hightower
Arian Foster
Leon Washington
They all have different byes, and they all should contribute at RB or flex at some point. I had Portis in there for some time, but finally backed down to Hightower. Although they are all fairly popular, only four rosters have this combo. As I stated, I am shocked that Foster is on over half the rosters. LOL.
WR
Wes Welker
Terrell Owens
Malcolm Floyd
Jacoby Jones
James Jones
Jason Avant
Jordy Nelson
Mark Clayton
Although some of these players are widely held, my combo is unique. The top five are unique, the bottom three are unique. I obviously need Welker to stay in one piece. Regarding the two Packers: Jennings is frequently nicked, and though Driver is tough as they come, he isn't getting any younger. If something happens to either one, I have the WR2 and WR3 of the best passing team in the league for $11. Avant is a similar gamble that was worth taking, and Clayton was a late flyer after his trade.
TE
Zach Miller (Oak)
Tony Scheffler
Jermaine Gresham
I fully understand how useful this position can be in this contest, but I simply must have value at every position. Miller could have quite studly production at far less cost. Scheffler only needs a few big weeks to be handy for me. I had the NE pair for some time, but decided late to switch to Gresham for $2 less--his upside is comparable. Only six rosters have this combo.
PK
Mason Crosby
Rob Bironas
Matt Bryant
I think about this position a little different. I don't mind paying a couple extra bucks for a stud on a good offense who is going to get his. That's Crosby. Bironas, it seems, is always good for two or three enormous games a year. Bryant, well, the Falcons' offense looks to be improved and he kicks in a dome ten times this year. In fact, Seattle in Week 15 is probably his only bad-weather start. Nine entries have this combo.
DEF
Packers
Giants
Titans
The first thing I look for in team defense is a pass rush. It is your best chance for turnovers and touchdowns. The Packers' pass coverage will be sketchy at best; they are going to blitz a lot in an attempt to hide that weakness. I like the G-men's freakishly athletic D-line to rebound this year. The Titans scheme well year in and year out. If they get Haynesworth back...look out. Only two entries have this combo.
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Sam Quentin
Footballguy
Matt Leinart is owned by 52 teams
Jarret Dillard is owned by 11 - this is the lowest I could find
Jarret Dillard is owned by 11 - this is the lowest I could find
LittlePhatty
Footballguy
We obviously have very different views about what "swing for the fences" means.It usually means disregard for the "safe bet" and taking on more risk that could pay a higher reward.Andre Johnson is a safe bet.Emmanuel Sanders is an eyes-closed, pull-a-muscle-in-your-shoulder swing for the fences.
butcher boy
Footballguy
Going with 18 players is not a safe bet at all. The risk is in having very little depth. Getting Andre Johnson is not a safe bet if the only depth you have behind him are 4 other guys. Emmanual Sanders is nothing more than a SWAG.I actually went with an 24 player team, but I disagree with people who say that the 18 player teams have zero chance. All it takes is to hit on the right bargain guys to carry you through the byes.
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LittlePhatty
Footballguy
Jerheme Urban is owned by 7. He's on IR though.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
6 have Tavaris Jackson.-QG
ceo3west
Footballguy
Very surprised at the number of smaller rosters. Problem with the smaller roster is that you assume all of your studs will pan out. Problem is that history shows that 50% of them will not live up to their value. So now you have to deal with "busts" and bye weeks. This is why these teams got crushed last year.
Larger rosters are ALWAYS better in best ball format. Perhaps this year we can finally put this argument to rest.
Larger rosters are ALWAYS better in best ball format. Perhaps this year we can finally put this argument to rest.
