Guide to Fantasy Football Drafts

The Basics 

More than 30 million U.S. citizens play fantasy football every year. And no matter how popular fantasy football is, there are still the first timers out there who need a concise guide to conquer the world of fantasy football drafts. This article is an attempt to resolve this problem and guide enthusiasts, so that, they can play with confidence. Fantasy football is a virtual game where players make up fake teams with real football players, primarily based on their performance in the field. The fake teams compete with one another, and the fake team, which scores highest points, becomes the winner. Both luck and strategy play a big role when it comes to winning the fantasy league. To come up with a strategy, the players need to have a proper plan in place. Players spend on an average twelve hours in a week to prepare their fake teams. Over this, they also need to keep up with any situation that would require modifications to the team structure.

How to Play

As the competition is fierce, seeking out advice is vital to winning at this game. If a player doesn’t know simple rules and is unsure of how to begin with selecting football players, then it becomes necessary that a new comer learns the ropes of fantasy football quickly and master the moves. Some people work for ESPN, CBS Sports and other major sports websites who track and analyze the football player statistics. Other independent researchers rank players, on the basis of their performance and predict their future performance. For guidance, enthusiasts can follow these experts and select players accordingly. But keep in mind that speculations decide the rankings. There are websites like fantasypros.com, which provides the average of all experts’ rankings on football players. Narrow down on the analysts and websites that provide rankings and choose the football player based on data points provided. Another important thing is to keep track of players; bye week. When a team is on a week off from the field, the players cannot score with those football players in the fantasy football game. Above all, practice is the key and breaking few rules to check what works is essential. Players should prepare themselves to take the risk along if they intend to win. To make things easy, one can use apps to play the fantasy games such as DRAFT. The apps are a great way to keep track of opponents and make playing fun and intuitive.

Fantasy Football Trends for 2017

The training camps for fantasy football have started by July, and many players are doing mock drafts week after week. Players who want to have maximum exposure are playing against fantasy experts. PPR is the choice of format for mocks among the players.

For 2017, the predictions point that the quarterbacks are deep and hence players should avoid picking them early. To pick quarterbacks the safest time is after the third round. For 2017, there is still uncertainty with running backs. It did not work for 2016, and same holds true for this year as well. Therefore, before selecting running backs make sure of addressing quarterback and tight end first. Deciding on the kicker and the defense early on will bring good results for the year 2017. Placing these players appropriately will stand as a good strategy. There have been some injuries off and on fields. Hence, the players need to keep an eye on the health of football players before selecting.

Hernandez in Trouble?

BREAKING NEWS

6/26 3:00 PM

Watching the arraignment live. The prosecution team has multiple text messages to and from the victim, hernandez, and two others. He is charged with murder and 5 other gun charges (supposedly 5 shots to body). Pleads not guilty.

6/26 2:15 PM

Hernandez arrived at court. We are waiting to hear back what the charges are. It is assumed that it is most definitely a felony charge with jail time possible.

6/26 10:30 AM

The Patriots have released Aaron Hernandez after he was arrested this morning.

6/26 9:30 AM

Aaron Hernandez was taken into custody today in cuffs. More information to follow.

Hernandez Arrested

6/21 2:00 PM

The warrant hasn’t gone away, just still being prepared. This clearly isn’t good, as they think that they have enough evidence to arrest him and hold him. Muscle Milk has terminated their endorsement contract with him already.

6/21 10:35 AM

It is now being reported that the Arrest Warrant for Tight End Aaron Hernandez has gone away. More to come as the story develops, but this could be huge for the Patriots star if we can make this go away. We don’t want Tebow playing TE.

6/21 7:30 AM

There has been an arrest warrant issued for Aaron Hernandez on obstruction of justice charges (see below). While Authorities are still searching for more evidence, many believe that these charges will be upgraded in the near future to something even more serious.

6/20 4:00 PM

As you all have probably heard, it has been reported that Hernandez destroyed his security system, phone, and brought in a cleaning crew to his residence.. not good.

6/20 8:00 AM

More news developing late last night in case you missed it. Apparently, Fox is reporting that Hernandez was at the same club as the victim that night. They are also reporting that there were 4 people in the car leaving his house, including the victim, and only 3 returned to the house afterwards. This is not looking good for the Patriots star. The next 24-48 hours are going to be critical in finding out new details.

6/19 3:50 PM

Apparently Sports Illustrated is saying that many teams questioned Hernandez’s background prior to him being drafted by New England in the fourth round.

The deceased man is now being described as an “associate” or Hernandez.

Here is a copy of the lawsuit that is being brought up against Hernandez. 

6/19 2:40 PM

It’s being reported from multiple sources that Aaron Hernandez is also going to be sued for allegedly shooting a man in the face (eye, to be exact). Apparently, there was an argument at a club, and they left together. He aimed the gun at Alexander Bradley and the gun accidentally discharged. He is suing Hernandez for $100k. This can’t be real right? And isn’t your eye worth more than $100k? Hernandez is not licensed to carry a firearm.

6/19 1:00 PM

The victim played for the Boston Bandits Semi-Pro team as a linebacker. Hernandez is reportedly cooperating a lot better now. The body was found one mile from his home, and close to a car that was in his name.

6/19 8:30 AM

An officer reportedly carried a large box out of Hernandez’s residence. Cops were searching the house using flashlights late at night. Obviously, everyone and their mother is declining to comment on this.

6/18 8:30 PM

Apparently Hernandez is not cooperating with Police the way they would like him to. When they searched his home, two of his friends tried to leave, but were stopped by Police.

Sports Illustrated reports that at least 10 Police Cruisers flanked Hernandez’s home late Tuesday.

6/18 7:30 PM

New England Patriots Tight End Aaron Hernandez was reportedly questioned on Monday while authorities were investigating a homicide in Attleboro, Mass. Although he isn’t thought to be a murder suspect, they say that a vehicle registered in his name is a key piece of evidence. Supposedly, they also want to search his home, and Hernandez decided to get a lawyer. Hopefully this is all just a misunderstanding and we will keep you updated in the coming days.

aaron hernandez

Ocho Going for 30

Chad “Ocho-Cinco” Johnson is going to be serving 30 days in prison after hitting his ex-wife Evelyn Lozada. He was all set up to get his plea for no jail time accepted then he acted like an idiot. He slapped his attorney on the ass and the judge did not like that. The judge claimed that Johnson was not taking it seriously enough, which is obvious. So she gave him 30 days.

Johnson still wants to play in the NFL, even though he was released by the Dolphins. He was utterly useless on the Pats because he couldn’t follow a play book and no one is going to want him after this. What an idiot.

chadjohnson evelynlozada

 

Johnson Chases Bieber

Multiple sources have come out saying that Former NFL Star and Current Analyst Keyshawn Johnson chased down Justin Bieber after he was seen speeding by him in a gated community. The neighborhood is known as the Calabasas and is popular among celebrities.  Johnson had his son in his car when it happened, so he dropped him off at home then began chasing after Bieber’s Ferrari. However, he was in a Prius, which is a joke within itself.

When Keyshawn arrived at Bieber’s home, he blocked his car into the driveway as he watched him run into his house and lock the door. As if I didn’t hate Bieber enough already, this happens.. Priceless. Anways, it turns out that Justin Bieber apparently looked stoned and would not come outside his house. Even NFL great Eric Dickerson tweeted about how Bieber needs to slow his ass down. Hilarious.

1

Throwback Thursday: Patriots Draft Tom Brady

A Tribute to Tom Terrific: 13…the number of years that have passed since the New England Patriots drafted Michigan Quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round pick number 199.

It’s hard to believe now that Brady was chosen so late in the draft, when you consider his body of work:

Three time Super Bowl champion (2001, 2003, 2004).

Two time Super Bowl MVP (2001, 2003).

Two time NFL MVP (2007, 2010).

Eight time pro bowler (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012).

125 regular season wins and 17 post-season wins (2001-2012).

Helped the Patriots go undefeated (16-0) and broke the single-season record for touchdown passes in the same season with 50 (2007).

But before all the accolades, records, playoff appearances, and Super Bowl trips Brady was at the bottom of the barrel on Bill Belichick’ roster. Let’s recap how Brady began and review who went before him in that 2000 NFL Draft:

Brady began the 2000 NFL season ranked fourth on the depth chart and would only play in one game completing a lone pass for six yards.

But in 2001 Brady rose to second on the depth chart behind then starter Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe would suffer internal bleeding in an injury from a week two contest against the New York Jets.

Brady took over the reigns and from there would lead New England to the post-season winning 11 of the 14 games in which he started.

The Pats would defeat the Oakland Raiders in the infamous “tuck rule” game, by way of an Adam Vinatieri field goal. Brady threw for 314 yards in the blistering cold and snow to bring New England back from a 10-point deficit.

Then New England would go on to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC championship game and would be led once more by Brady on Super Bowl Sunday to defeat the St. Louis Rams.

Brady led the game winning drive and spiked the ball with seven seconds left on the clock to set up another clutch kick for Adam Vinatieri. Brady won SBMVP honors with 145 yards passing and one touchdown. At the time, Brady was the youngest quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl. The rest is simply history.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the players who were chosen ahead of Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft:

Patriots Picks in 2000:

2nd round pick number 46 OT Adrian Klemm

3rd round pick number 76 RB J.R. Redmond

4th round pick number 127 OT Greg Robinson-Randall

5th round pick number 141 TE Dave Stachelski

5th round pick number 161 DT Jeff Marriot

6th round pick number 187 CB Antwan Harris

Can you recall how those guys panned out for the Pats? If so, you may want to apply for Mel Kiper’ job at ESPN whenever he retires.

QB’s taken higher than Brady:

1st round pick number 18 Chad Pennington

3rd round pick number 65 Giovanni Carmazzi

3rd round pick number 75 Chris Redman

5th round pick number 163 Tee Martin

6th round pick number 168 Marc Bulger

6th round pick number 183 Spergon Wynn

Of the six quarterbacks above only Pennington and Bulger went on to have semi-successful NFL careers. Pennington of course was plagued by re-occurring shoulder injuries, and Bulger failed to lead the rams anywhere in almost a decade.

Redman only played in 30 regular seasons games in an eight year NFL career. Then there’s Wynn (10 career games in 2000-2001) and Martin, whose careers were very, very short lived (three games from 2001-2003). As for Carmazzi, he never played a game in the NFL.

Notable Players taken ahead of Brady

1st round pick number two LB LaVar Arrington

1st round pick number five RB Jamal Lewis

1st round pick number seven RB Thomas Jones

1st round pick number nine LB Brian Urlacher

1st round pick number 12 DE Shaun Ellis

1st round pick number 13 DE John Abraham

1st round pick number 14 TE Bubba Franks

1st round pick number 15 CB Deltha O’Neal

1st round pick number 16 LB Julian Peterson

1st round pick number 17 K Sebastian Janikowski

1st round pick number 19 RB Sean Alexander

1st round pick number 30 LB Keith Bulluck

2nd round pick number 44 T Chad Clifton

3rd round pick number 76 WR Laveraneus Coles

5th round pick number 142 P Shane Lechler

5th round pick number 149 DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila

5th round pick number 153 WR Dante Hall

6th round pick number 169 K Neil Rackers

6th round pick number 186 LB Adalius Thomas

Among all of those notable NFL players, only Brian Urlacher and Jamal Lewis have came within Tom Brady’ range of success. Brady has been regarded by many experts as one of the greatest draft picks of all-time, and when you look at his career numbers it’s not hard to see why.

Brady by the Numbers:

Career Stats:

Passing Yards: 44,806 (9th all-time).

Passing Touchdowns: 334 (5th all-time).

Passer Rating: 96.6 (3rd all-time).

Passes Completed: 3,798 (8th all-time).

Completion Percentage: 63.7% (9th all-time).

(fun fact: Chad Pennington, 2000-2010, ranks 1st all-time in Career Completion Percentage at 66.0%)

Post-season:

Passing Yards: 5,949 (1st all-time).

Passing Touchdowns: 42 (3rd all-time).

Passer Rating: 87.4 (12th all-time).

Passes Completed: 553 (1st all-time).

Completion Percentage: 62.3% (24th all-time)

When you couple those numbers with his championships, Brady is one of the best NFL draft success stories of all-time.

Final Thoughts: Brady’ contract extension of three years will keep him in Foxborough for what will likely be the remainder of his career. Meaning Tom gets to finish what he started all those years ago, when he was just a back-up quarterback above suspicion. Brady’ time in New England has certainly been nothing short of terrific.

Gronk Surgery Part IV?

Just when you thought the Patriots were starting to recover from the Welker loss and move forward with new pieces to the puzzle, Patriot Nation received some troubling Gronk Dancingnews. Rob Gronkowski will “very likely” require surgery on his left forearm, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.  Ever since breaking it originally on November 18th when we crushed the Colts, he has gone through multiple surgeries. This would be the fourth one he has to get.

This surgery would remove that plate that they inserted into his arm originally in order to make sure that there is no infection. Gronk was in California with friends (doing Gronk things) when he noticed a large swelling in the morning and noticed some stuff oozing out of it. He called the Patriots front office and they immediately flew him back.

Even if Gronkowski gets surgery right away, he still needs 10 weeks typically to get him healthy. This time frame is creeping up towards training camp. And that’s if it can even be done right away. Hopefully they can figure out another way but the way it looks now, Gronk will be in a cast a while longer.

Donte Stallworth Accident

Patriot Receiver Donte Stallworth was involved in a hot air balloon accident over the weekend. Stallworth’s balloon caught on fire after hitting some power lines and then plunged towards the mug-shot-38552951ground. Donte is now in stable condition and says that he “feels lucky to be alive” His agent has already said that he will be able to resume his NFL career. Stallworth has been suspended for one season prior to sustaining any injuries from this accident for a DUI Manslaughter. He spent 30 days in jail for that.

Stallworth has jumped around from the Saints, Pats, Eagles, Browns, Ravens, and Redskins, but is still regarded as a solid player. Stallworth caught 8 TD Passes in his rookie season but has been limited since leaving the Saints in 2005 after he had 945 yards and 5 TDs in his final season there. Stallworth had 1 reception for 63 yards for the Patriots this season. He scored on the play that came against the blowout of the Texans in early December.

The Welker Situation

wesBeing a Boston-based sports blog, how could we not touch on the whole Welker situation? I didn’t want to and put it off because, frankly, I’m indifferent about it. My general essence over this ordeal can be summed up by one word, “meh”. I mean we clearly had this coming. As much as I wanted Wes to stay, this was inevitable after how things have been panning out over the last few years. You can argue that he chokes in the big game situations, but the guy put up crazy numbers for us and left it all on the field. I’m not going to blame him, or the Pats for that matter. The NFL is a business. Belichick, Kraft, and the front office made a business move that they feel made sense to better their business. Granted, letting him go to Denver wasn’t ideal for us in New England, this isn’t the first time the Pats have made risky moves in terms of signing, or not signing, a big player. Also, keep in mind Danny Amendola isn’t some scrub. The guy can play. Oh and in case you forgot, Brady will still be the one throwing the ball to him. I don’t know about you but the way the Patriots have completely dominated over the last decade, and that’s not an opinion, I think I can safely put my trust in Bill and company to make the right offseason moves for the team. There’s always a plan. With that said, will we miss Wes Welker? Of course. You haven’t watched a single Pats game over the last five years if you say different. Just how much though, is the question? Only time will tell.

manning-welker