What players are you targeting with easy schedules? (1 Viewer)

[laughinboy_2000]

Just curious which players you guys feel have an easy schedule and should have no problems producing stats. Here's my list.

QB: David Garrard: Weeks 4-15 is cupcake city. Games against Cincy, Cleveland, Det., Minny, and Houston twice are all on tap.

RB: Steven Jackson: plays everyone in the NFC West twice. Enough said.

Reggie Wayne/Anthony Gonzo: Colts have some of the worse pass defenses in the league on tap in 2008. Only concern for me is they may rely more on the run this year?

TE: Todd Heap: Cam Cameron will do wonders for him. If he can stay healthy, the schedule sets up very nice for Heap, and a top five finish should be in store.

Let's discuss! Who elses schedule sets up nicely in the boards opinion?

 

[travdogg]

Well I don't think there their schedule necessarily matters, I think all Patriots(especially Maroney) will benefit from their incredibly easy schedule.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

Well I don't think there their schedule necessarily matters, I think all Patriots(especially Maroney) will benefit from their incredibly easy schedule.

I would think SOS plays a big part in Fantasy Football. You surely don't want a player who plays the hardest schedule in the league would you? I consider SOS when drafting teams in fantasy football and I know others do it too.. I do try to grab players who look like they have an easy SOS. But that's a whole new thread which I may open later.

 

[cheatsheetwarroom]

I think analyzing strength of schedule is a waste of time in fantasy football, especially in regards to drafts (I could see where it would come into play with roster movement as the playoffs approach). With the parity in the NFL, it's almost impossible to tell how hard or difficult a schedule will turn out. I think time would be better spent focusing on projected fantasy point output.

 

[pizzatyme]

Just curious which players you guys feel have an easy schedule and should have no problems producing stats. Here's my list.QB: David Garrard: Weeks 4-15 is cupcake city. Games against Cincy, Cleveland, Det., Minny, and Houston twice are all on tap.RB: Steven Jackson: plays everyone in the NFC West twice. Enough said. Reggie Wayne/Anthony Gonzo: Colts have some of the worse pass defenses in the league on tap in 2008. Only concern for me is they may rely more on the run this year?TE: Todd Heap: Cam Cameron will do wonders for him. If he can stay healthy, the schedule sets up very nice for Heap, and a top five finish should be in store.Let's discuss! Who elses schedule sets up nicely in the boards opinion?

I guess I rank Minnessota and Houston's Defense higher than you. Garrard is good but those Defenses are tough!

 

[pizzatyme]

I think analyzing strength of schedule is a waste of time in fantasy football, especially in regards to drafts (I could see where it would come into play with roster movement as the playoffs approach). With the parity in the NFL, it's almost impossible to tell how hard or difficult a schedule will turn out. I think time would be better spent focusing on projected fantasy point output.

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

 

[treat88]

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

I agree in principle. However, I don't think the ease of playoff schedule can be known until about mid-season.Things change too much from year to year to base draft rankings off an unknowable variable at draft time.

 

[cheatsheetwarroom]

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

I agree in principle. However, I don't think the ease of playoff schedule can be known until about mid-season.Things change too much from year to year to base draft rankings off an unknowable variable at draft time.

Exactly. Not only do you have to worry about NFL teams changing from year to year, you have to consider that your own fantasy roster may look totally different by the the time the playoffs roll around. There are other more relevant factors to consider than SOS, IMO. Making roster moves as the playoffs approach is something different altogether, as I said previously.To further my point, let's look at the 5 toughest schedules in 2007 (and their final record) and the 5 easiest schedules in 2007 (and their final record). If you decided to pick a player from any of the 'Easier Schedule' teams listed here you probably ended up kicking yourself in the ###. SOS considerations for a draft are a waste of time.

Toughest Schedules in 2007

Bills (7-9)

Raiders (4-12)

Patriots (16-0)

Titans (10-6)

Colts (13-3)

Easiest Schedules in 2007

Rams (3-13)

Bucs (9-7)

49ers (5-11)

Bears (7-9)

Cardinals (8-8)

 

[pizzatyme]

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

I agree in principle. However, I don't think the ease of playoff schedule can be known until about mid-season.Things change too much from year to year to base draft rankings off an unknowable variable at draft time.

Ok, but in a re-draft league, let's use this scenario for example:Let's say you have Addai and Gore in the same tier. Here are the FF playoff schedules for both:Addai-Cincy, Detroit, and @ JacksonvilleGore-Jets, @ Miami, and @ St. LouisIf I consider both players about equal this year, I'm taking Gore over Addai based on his week 16 game. Regardless of how defenses change year-to-year, most would agree that @ the Jags will be tougher than @ St. LouisSince I go into every year with the expectation that I make the playoffs, I always draft with an eye towards the Championship game and work backwards.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

I guess I rank Minnessota and Houston's Defense higher than you. Garrard is good but those Defenses are tough!

Umm... Minny's pass defense was dead last in the NFL. It was their rush defense that nobody could run on. Houston's pass D was not that great either.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

Ok, but in a re-draft league, let's use this scenario for example:Let's say you have Addai and Gore in the same tier. Here are the FF playoff schedules for both:Addai-Cincy, Detroit, and @ JacksonvilleGore-Jets, @ Miami, and @ St. LouisIf I consider both players about equal this year, I'm taking Gore over Addai based on his week 16 game. Regardless of how defenses change year-to-year, most would agree that @ the Jags will be tougher than @ St. LouisSince I go into every year with the expectation that I make the playoffs, I always draft with an eye towards the Championship game and work backwards.

Exactly.

 

[pizzatyme]

Umm... Minny's pass defense was dead last in the NFL. It was their rush defense that nobody could run on. Houston's pass D was not that great either.

Seems to me that Minny added Jared Allen in the off-season. I think he'll have an impact on their pass Defense. Same can be said for Mario Williams in his 3rd year for the Texans.

To each his own however.

 

[Big Score]

Umm... Minny's pass defense was dead last in the NFL. It was their rush defense that nobody could run on. Houston's pass D was not that great either.

Seems to me that Minny added Jared Allen in the off-season. I think he'll have an impact on their pass Defense. Same can be said for Mario Williams in his 3rd year for the Texans.To each his own however.

I agree that Allen should have a positive impact on Minny's Pass D. How much of an impact remains to be seen, but to think there will be no improvement, would not be wise.However, even with Williams hitting his 3rd season, don't underestimate the negative impact the Texans Defensive Backfield is likely to suffer with Dunta Robinson missing time due to his late season knee & hamstring injury in 07. By far & away Robinson is the Texans best Defensive Back. Even when he does get back on the field, until he completely trusts the knee, his play is most likely to be below his usual high standard for the first few games.Not sure that even if Williams improves on his excellent 07 season, it will be enough to counteract the loss of Robinson.My .02 FWIW

 

[BuddyKnuckles]

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

I agree in principle. However, I don't think the ease of playoff schedule can be known until about mid-season.Things change too much from year to year to base draft rankings off an unknowable variable at draft time.

Ok, but in a re-draft league, let's use this scenario for example:Let's say you have Addai and Gore in the same tier. Here are the FF playoff schedules for both:Addai-Cincy, Detroit, and @ JacksonvilleGore-Jets, @ Miami, and @ St. LouisIf I consider both players about equal this year, I'm taking Gore over Addai based on his week 16 game. Regardless of how defenses change year-to-year, most would agree that @ the Jags will be tougher than @ St. LouisSince I go into every year with the expectation that I make the playoffs, I always draft with an eye towards the Championship game and work backwards.

Valid points, and i do see the argument for that approach, but i take the opposite view. Meaning that i work from week one onward. I figure that so much happens during the season that i need to draft the best team right now (i.e. the start of the season). I'll look to avoid bye week conflicts, but other than that i'm not looking at schedules for wks 14-16. I'll rely on WW and trades to fill in the gaps as i go. I may use wks 14-16 as the very last tiebreaker between 2 players, but only as the very last option. Got myself into some trouble a few years back with the "work backwards" approach. My team did kill it during the playoffs...only problem is that i didnt make it there. So, i had this stud team sitting and watching in weeks 14-16

 

[simey]

TE: Todd Heap: Cam Cameron will do wonders for him. If he can stay healthy, the schedule sets up very nice for Heap, and a top five finish should be in store.

Heap has always been a good TE, but he never stays healthy.

 

[DoubleG]

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

I agree in principle. However, I don't think the ease of playoff schedule can be known until about mid-season.Things change too much from year to year to base draft rankings off an unknowable variable at draft time.

In regards to the bolded part, I don't draft for the playoffs - I trade for them somewhere about weeks 6-8. At that point, FF teams have had injuries and have needs. I try to target teams whose needs matchup with my strengths, then try to get a player that has an easier playoff schedule than one of my starters (or even first off the bench, because injuries happen).

In a dynasty league, where by weeks 6-8, teams realize that they're already out of it, younger players and draft picks can also make eat easier to pry a solid player with a good playoff schedule away from a team. You can also do the same with WW pickups - if I'm in a position where I think I'm making the playoffs, I'll sooner take an older guy with a good playoff schedule, then a younger guy (inverse that if I'm out of it).

 

[pizzatyme]

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

I agree in principle. However, I don't think the ease of playoff schedule can be known until about mid-season.Things change too much from year to year to base draft rankings off an unknowable variable at draft time.

In regards to the bolded part, I don't draft for the playoffs - I trade for them somewhere about weeks 6-8. At that point, FF teams have had injuries and have needs. I try to target teams whose needs matchup with my strengths, then try to get a player that has an easier playoff schedule than one of my starters (or even first off the bench, because injuries happen).

In a dynasty league, where by weeks 6-8, teams realize that they're already out of it, younger players and draft picks can also make eat easier to pry a solid player with a good playoff schedule away from a team. You can also do the same with WW pickups - if I'm in a position where I think I'm making the playoffs, I'll sooner take an older guy with a good playoff schedule, then a younger guy (inverse that if I'm out of it).

That works in leagues that allows trading. I don't participate in those type of leagues.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

I think analyzing strength of schedule is a waste of time in fantasy football, especially in regards to drafts (I could see where it would come into play with roster movement as the playoffs approach). With the parity in the NFL, it's almost impossible to tell how hard or difficult a schedule will turn out. I think time would be better spent focusing on projected fantasy point output.

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

Exactly.

 

[zamboni]

I think analyzing strength of schedule is a waste of time in fantasy football, especially in regards to drafts (I could see where it would come into play with roster movement as the playoffs approach). With the parity in the NFL, it's almost impossible to tell how hard or difficult a schedule will turn out. I think time would be better spent focusing on projected fantasy point output.

Agree 100%. I always go for the best player/situation irrespective of schedule - too many things change year-to-year with which defenses are at the top and bottom. Even down the stretch when the defenses are well known, players often fail to produce against seemingly weak defenses and do produce against seemingly good ones.SOS is fool's gold IMO.

 

[massraider]

Ok, but in a re-draft league, let's use this scenario for example:Let's say you have Addai and Gore in the same tier. Here are the FF playoff schedules for both:Addai-Cincy, Detroit, and @ JacksonvilleGore-Jets, @ Miami, and @ St. LouisIf I consider both players about equal this year, I'm taking Gore over Addai based on his week 16 game. Regardless of how defenses change year-to-year, most would agree that @ the Jags will be tougher than @ St. LouisSince I go into every year with the expectation that I make the playoffs, I always draft with an eye towards the Championship game and work backwards.

Exactly.

If I have two similar players, I might take a peek at their playoff schedule, but using these two guys as an example, it reminds me of a bigger factor for me: I want players from good, high-scoring offenses. An attractive week 16 game is nice, but to use it as a tie-breaker is a bit much. Actually, I think it's way too much. I want Colts, Cowboys, Pats, etc. Teams that I think will score points. Having the best player on a crappy team is nice, but I might like the 3rd best player on a good offense more. Just using this example, I think Addai will be an every week contributor for a team, while I think Gore will have some very quiet ones.When I really look at SOS, is for kickers. Kickers playing in a dome in December, against a bad defense, that I DO look for. Avoiding new England, Green By, Chicago, etc.

 

[TheFanatic]

This is really tough to do in the offseason as D's change so much from season to season. Very few teams remain in the top 10 year in and year out.

Last year I saw that Cinci played SF, Rams, and Cleveland weeks 14-16. So I targeted Rudi and got him and was ecstatic to have him across from LT on my squad. Well, he didn't do much, but Jamal Lewis had a very similar schedule those 3 weeks. I was able to move Rudi for Jamal about midseason. I wound up winning the SB with Jamal as one of my starters.

I had no idea that Jamal was going to be worth anything to me prior to the season but during the season, once he started producing, I was able to pick him and and got some nice games out of him down the stretch...

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Ok, but in a re-draft league, let's use this scenario for example:Let's say you have Addai and Gore in the same tier. Here are the FF playoff schedules for both:Addai-Cincy, Detroit, and @ JacksonvilleGore-Jets, @ Miami, and @ St. LouisIf I consider both players about equal this year, I'm taking Gore over Addai based on his week 16 game. Regardless of how defenses change year-to-year, most would agree that @ the Jags will be tougher than @ St. LouisSince I go into every year with the expectation that I make the playoffs, I always draft with an eye towards the Championship game and work backwards.

Exactly.

If I have two similar players, I might take a peek at their playoff schedule, but using these two guys as an example, it reminds me of a bigger factor for me: I want players from good, high-scoring offenses. An attractive week 16 game is nice, but to use it as a tie-breaker is a bit much. Actually, I think it's way too much. I want Colts, Cowboys, Pats, etc. Teams that I think will score points. Having the best player on a crappy team is nice, but I might like the 3rd best player on a good offense more. Just using this example, I think Addai will be an every week contributor for a team, while I think Gore will have some very quiet ones.When I really look at SOS, is for kickers. Kickers playing in a dome in December, against a bad defense, that I DO look for. Avoiding new England, Green By, Chicago, etc.

But in leagues you can trade in - you have the chance to use a soft early schedule for the solid "sell high" players. (more so at RB, admittedly)Which in turn gives you both early production and then added trade productivity for later. And as such it also allows you to re-evaluate the players/teams you like/want 3 weeks (or so) into the season as opposed to in the pre-season.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Very few teams remain in the top 10 year in and year out.

From my estimations, about 70% of the top 10 (pass/run) defenses remain in the top half the league. And like-wise for the bottom 10.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

 

[FUBAR]

Well I don't think there their schedule necessarily matters, I think all Patriots(especially Maroney) will benefit from their incredibly easy schedule.

I would think SOS plays a big part in Fantasy Football. You surely don't want a player who plays the hardest schedule in the league would you? I consider SOS when drafting teams in fantasy football and I know others do it too.. I do try to grab players who look like they have an easy SOS. But that's a whole new thread which I may open later.

Depends how you define "hardest". I'll gladly draft a QB or WR with a "hard" SOS, if it means they're playing other high scoring teams.

 

[softball]

I have to disagree here. If I have 5 players in the same tier, I want to know who has the easier FF playoff schedule. That makes a difference IMO.

I agree in principle. However, I don't think the ease of playoff schedule can be known until about mid-season.Things change too much from year to year to base draft rankings off an unknowable variable at draft time.

Exactly. Not only do you have to worry about NFL teams changing from year to year, you have to consider that your own fantasy roster may look totally different by the the time the playoffs roll around. There are other more relevant factors to consider than SOS, IMO. Making roster moves as the playoffs approach is something different altogether, as I said previously.To further my point, let's look at the 5 toughest schedules in 2007 (and their final record) and the 5 easiest schedules in 2007 (and their final record). If you decided to pick a player from any of the 'Easier Schedule' teams listed here you probably ended up kicking yourself in the ###. SOS considerations for a draft are a waste of time.

Toughest Schedules in 2007

Bills (7-9)

Raiders (4-12)

Patriots (16-0)

Titans (10-6)

Colts (13-3)

Easiest Schedules in 2007

Rams (3-13)

Bucs (9-7)

49ers (5-11)

Bears (7-9)

Cardinals (8-8)

Not giving you a hard time, because I like what you did above. But the Toughest Schedules listed above can be overlooked by a key element for the Colts and Pats. huge talent wins out. The Bills, Raiders and Titans being less talented produced one good FF option each.The Easiest Schedules Produced:

Torry Holt, Steven Jackson upon recovery, Earnest Graham, Gore,(no bears), Boldin, Fitzgerald and Warner with a very respectable Edgerrin James.

I like analysising SOS, and feel it's a key element and can be done. I know NFL Players sit in their locker room and rfeview their schedule and try to think of how many games they can win in a season.

If they do it so can I, but I will add that it needs adjusting every three weeks for FF purposes. So you ahve to use it wisley. Ie: Talent always wins out.