Walking into a fantasy football live draft for the first time can be intimidating and create knots in the stomach of a first time fantasy football owner. The key to having a great fantasy football draft is to read up on each position and understand the scoring system that the fantasy football league is using.
Fantasy Football Leagues Are Not All Created Equal
Some fantasy football leagues focus on quarterbacks as the best scoring position in the league while others are skewed to running backs as the position that garners the most points. There are also leagues that overvalue wide receiver points and team defense.
Once it is determined what type of fantasy football scoring is being utilized in the league, the next step is to rank players at each position. Depending on which position scores the most points, rank quarterbacks, running backs and then the receiving positions. Defense is also an important position in fantasy football but make sure to research team defenses, including coaching changes and schemes in depth.
Create a Fantasy Football Draft Order List but be Flexible
Creating a list is essential to keep a first time fantasy football owner focused. Read as many position rankings as possible and then create an opinion. One thing to consider when making a list is the drop off from one season to the next. Running back is a critical drop of position to watch.
Consider Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans. He rushed for over 2,000 yards last year and no running back has ever gained more than 1500 yards the next season. For a deeper explanation of running back's statistical fall off, read this story , Fantasy Football 2010: Why Should Chris Johnson Drop in RB Rankings.
Kickers Are Unreliable Draft in Last Rounds
Kickers are as sketchy in fantasy football as they are in real life. Don't waste much time putting together a list of the best NFL kickers. There are usually two or three kickers worthy of not being picked in the last round. Several kickers that were ranked highly in last years fantasy football publications were released in the 2009 NFL season, so tread lightly.
Final Fantasy Football Draft Advice for the Beginner
Keep detailed notes and try to participate in mock drafts on free websites. Flea Flicker is a great place to practice fantasy football drafts. It will allow practice with position lists and allow you to see what the computer will pick in a fantasy football draft situation.
Remember one important aspect of the mock draft. The computer will focus on last years stats for the most part and may overvalue rookies like Ryan Mathews. The fantasy football mock draft will get your mind right and make you a faster and more knowledgeable owner on draft day.
Todd Jacobs - Todd Jacobs is a freelance writer with publishing credits including USA Today, Orange County Register and Speed TV.
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