*official* Fantasy Football 2009 Discussion Thread

[Yoda 1]

I know there will be lots of drafts starting soon and lots of "how is my team" "who should I pick" etc...so i'll get this started.I am in the middle of two slow drafts and have a new dynasty league draft starting up next week. So i'm right in the middle of fantasy madness.In our Draftmaster league (Draft only - no lineups/waivers) I have the following team after 16 rounds - it was a 3rd round reverse draft and the order of s selection was MJD, Portis, Marshall/Witten, Ryan/Vjax.League can be viewed here: http://www20.myfantasyleague.com/2009/home/559371. Campbell, Jason WAS QB 82. Ryan, Matt ATL QB 43. Betts, Ladell WAS RB 84. Choice, Tashard DAL RB 65. Hightower, Tim ARI RB 46. Jones, Kevin CHI RB 57. Jones-Drew, Maurice JAC RB 78. Portis, Clinton WAS RB 89. Berrian, Bernard MIN WR 910. Jackson, Vincent SDC WR 511. Jenkins, Michael ATL WR 412. Marshall, Brandon DEN WR 713. Moore, Lance NOS WR 514. Walker, Mike JAC WR 715. Keller, Dustin NYJ TE 916. Witten, Jason DAL TE 6---------Good players I am avoiding (or bumping way down my cheat sheet) in drafts this year:Reggie Bush - The dude is explosive and can really rack up points in PPR leagues, but his knee is already showing signs of trouble and the only thing that would truly surprise me is if he plays a full season. (on same team, Colston has knee issues but has seemed to be fully recovered/100% for now)Kurt Warner - He is 38 years old and last year was his first full season since 2001. He had offseason hip surgery and admits right now he is only at 85%.Beanie Wells - He has talent, but has always been an injury risk. He already hurt himself at the Cards very first practice and has been sidelined for the start of training camp. I want to see if he can make it through an NFL season before risking a high pick on him.Brian Westbrook - God he is good when he is healthy, and all reports right now have him being healthy. But it only takes one misstep or tackle to change that. You can't win your league with your first round pick, but you CAN lose it. I don't trust Westy and would not take him in the first or even 2nd round. If it was PPR and he dropped to the 3rd i'd probably have to bite though..because when he does play, he wins you games.There are probably more but these are the ones that stick out in my head...This would obviously raise the value of Pierre Thomas, Leinart, Tim Hightower, and Lesean McCoy

[CaneBrain 95]

I know there will be lots of drafts starting soon and lots of "how is my team" "who should I pick" etc...so i'll get this started.I am in the middle of two slow drafts and have a new dynasty league draft starting up next week. So i'm right in the middle of fantasy madness.In our Draftmaster league (Draft only - no lineups/waivers) I have the following team after 16 rounds - it was a 3rd round reverse draft and the order of s selection was MJD, Portis, Marshall/Witten, Ryan/Vjax.League can be viewed here: http://www20.myfantasyleague.com/2009/home/559371. Campbell, Jason WAS QB 82. Ryan, Matt ATL QB 43. Betts, Ladell WAS RB 84. Choice, Tashard DAL RB 65. Hightower, Tim ARI RB 46. Jones, Kevin CHI RB 57. Jones-Drew, Maurice JAC RB 78. Portis, Clinton WAS RB 89. Berrian, Bernard MIN WR 910. Jackson, Vincent SDC WR 511. Jenkins, Michael ATL WR 412. Marshall, Brandon DEN WR 713. Moore, Lance NOS WR 514. Walker, Mike JAC WR 715. Keller, Dustin NYJ TE 916. Witten, Jason DAL TE 6---------Good players I am avoiding (or bumping way down my cheat sheet) in drafts this year:Reggie Bush - The dude is explosive and can really rack up points in PPR leagues, but his knee is already showing signs of trouble and the only thing that would truly surprise me is if he plays a full season. (on same team, Colston has knee issues but has seemed to be fully recovered/100% for now)Kurt Warner - He is 38 years old and last year was his first full season since 2001. He had offseason hip surgery and admits right now he is only at 85%.Beanie Wells - He has talent, but has always been an injury risk. He already hurt himself at the Cards very first practice and has been sidelined for the start of training camp. I want to see if he can make it through an NFL season before risking a high pick on him.Brian Westbrook - God he is good when he is healthy, and all reports right now have him being healthy. But it only takes one misstep or tackle to change that. You can't win your league with your first round pick, but you CAN lose it. I don't trust Westy and would not take him in the first or even 2nd round. If it was PPR and he dropped to the 3rd i'd probably have to bite though..because when he does play, he wins you games.There are probably more but these are the ones that stick out in my head...This would obviously raise the value of Pierre Thomas, Leinart, Tim Hightower, and Lesean McCoy

I think with guys like Warner and Westbrook (who are fantasy studs when healthy) you can roll the dice but you HAVE to get the "handcuff" guy (Leinart and McCoy in these cases). Especially with the Iggles as I think you can count on Westbrook or McCoy being very productive in that offense.Most drafts I have seen Pierre Thomas is going much much earlier than Reggie Bush.

[TRB05 1]

LT is being very undervalued in my opinion. From everything I've heard the entire Chargers offense is healthy, the O-line is among the best. Just hope Sproles doesn't steal too many carries.Oh and the AFC West (especially the defenses) is pathetic.Thoughts?

[Yoda 1]

LT is being very undervalued in my opinion. From everything I've heard the entire Chargers offense is healthy, the O-line is among the best. Just hope Sproles doesn't steal too many carries.Oh and the AFC West (especially the defenses) is pathetic.Thoughts?

He doesn't have the ceiling that he once had. But he could easily be a top 5 back this season. I would say last season is his floor and would draft him without hesitation in the 5-7 hole. Personally I'd definitely take MJD, AP, CJ3, Turner ahead of LT - and I couldn't argue with someone taking Sjax/Forte before him either. But i'd take LT over Gore, Westbrook, Slaton, Portis.

[TRB05 1]

He doesn't have the ceiling that he once had. But he could easily be a top 5 back this season. I would say last season is his floor and would draft him without hesitation in the 5-7 hole. Personally I'd definitely take MJD, AP, CJ3, Turner ahead of LT - and I couldn't argue with someone taking Sjax/Forte before him either. But i'd take LT over Gore, Westbrook, Slaton, Portis.

I'm wary of Turner especially, and AP to an extent because of the workload they had last year. Turner had 377 carries and AP had 364, meanwhile LT only had 292. Not to say that I would take LT over AP but I am leaning toward rating him higher than Turner. Still got a ways to go before my drafts though, so everything could change.

[CaneBrain 95]

He doesn't have the ceiling that he once had. But he could easily be a top 5 back this season. I would say last season is his floor and would draft him without hesitation in the 5-7 hole. Personally I'd definitely take MJD, AP, CJ3, Turner ahead of LT - and I couldn't argue with someone taking Sjax/Forte before him either. But i'd take LT over Gore, Westbrook, Slaton, Portis.

I am in the Simmons camp in that I think Slaton is going to have a gigantic year. I think Forte should definitely be in the top 5 and drafted ahead of LT. He is so involved in Chicago's rushing and receiving game and he is young (and he plays in a mediocre division).

[Yoda 1]

I'm wary of Turner especially, and AP to an extent because of the workload they had last year. Turner had 377 carries and AP had 364, meanwhile LT only had 292. Not to say that I would take LT over AP but I am leaning toward rating him higher than Turner. Still got a ways to go before my drafts though, so everything could change.

Yes but how many career carries has LT had compared to AP and Turner? I'd be more worried about the 30 wall (age) and a career full of carries than one season. Turner will have less carries this year but will continue to light it up with TD's. AP i'm not too worried about. But I do rank MJD > AP in PPR redrafts.Either way I think LT has a fine season and wouldn't fault anybody for taking him over Turner as well.

[Yoda 1]

I am in the Simmons camp in that I think Slaton is going to have a gigantic year. I think Forte should definitely be in the top 5 and drafted ahead of LT. He is so involved in Chicago's rushing and receiving game and he is young (and he plays in a mediocre division).

Yea I think Slaton is a stud, especially in PPR. It's early in his career so the jury is still out...but I have him in one of the FCP dynasty leagues so I sure hope it works out!

[Dr. Strangeglove 0]

I'm in a keeper league and we get to keep 4 guys and no more than one at any position. I'm keeping philip rivers and chris cooley and most likely chris johnson over marion barber but am at loss at what to do at receiver. I have Braylon Edwards, Desean Jackson, and Steve Breaston. My league is 0.5 ppr and gives points for return yards so i'm leaning towards Desean for that and qb stability but if boldin moves i kinda like steve however every rating has braylon as top dog of those three. I think K2 being gone will hurt him more than anything. Sooooo any thoughts???

[Yoda 1]

I'm in a keeper league and we get to keep 4 guys and no more than one at any position. I'm keeping philip rivers and chris cooley and most likely chris johnson over marion barber but am at loss at what to do at receiver. I have Braylon Edwards, Desean Jackson, and Steve Breaston. My league is 0.5 ppr and gives points for return yards so i'm leaning towards Desean for that and qb stability but if boldin moves i kinda like steve however every rating has braylon as top dog of those three. I think K2 being gone will hurt him more than anything. Sooooo any thoughts???

Yea everyone is picking Braylon for a bounce back season...I don't really see it. He is a fine receiver, but what I really worry about is the QB situation. If Quinn wins the job I think Braylon's numbers take a hit. And they don't call him stonehands for nothing. Plus you mentioned K2 leaving...also a good point. Guess who gets all the double teams now. And you don't exactly need 8 in the box to stop Jamal Lewis :)Braylon isn't a BAD choice, but i'd go Desean.

[CaneBrain 95]

Yea everyone is picking Braylon for a bounce back season...I don't really see it. He is a fine receiver, but what I really worry about is the QB situation. If Quinn wins the job I think Braylon's numbers take a hit. And they don't call him stonehands for nothing. Plus you mentioned K2 leaving...also a good point. Guess who gets all the double teams now. And you don't exactly need 8 in the box to stop Jamal Lewis :)Braylon isn't a BAD choice, but i'd go Desean.

Plus, I think you can make the argument that Desean could have a better year than Braylon EVEN if Braylon has a bounce back year. The Iggles throw a ton and McNabb and Jackson seemed to have great chemistry last year.Since your league gives points for return yards I think it is a no-brainer that you "keep" Jackson.

[Piddle Duck 0]

Not at all pleased with this team. I couldn't seem to focus much and I would say that 8 of the 15 rounds the player before took who I was planning on taking which put me on tilt and the 14th pick was selected by the computer since I was on the phone.1. (6) Larry Fitzgerald WR2. (15) Clinton Portis RB3. (26) Ryan Grant RB4. (35) Antonio Bryant WR5. (46) Marshawn Lynch RB6. (55) Anthony Gonzalez WR7. (66) Jay Cutler QB8. (75) Reggie Bush RB9. (86) Kevin Walter WR10. (95) Matt Cassel QB11. (106) Dallas DEF12. (115) Visanthe Shiancoe TE13. (126) Jason Elam K14. (135) Mark Clayton WR15. (146) LeSean McCoy RB

[CaneBrain 95]

Not at all pleased with this team. I couldn't seem to focus much and I would say that 8 of the 15 rounds the player before took who I was planning on taking which put me on tilt and the 14th pick was selected by the computer since I was on the phone.1. (6) Larry Fitzgerald WR2. (15) Clinton Portis RB3. (26) Ryan Grant RB4. (35) Antonio Bryant WR5. (46) Marshawn Lynch RB6. (55) Anthony Gonzalez WR7. (66) Jay Cutler QB8. (75) Reggie Bush RB9. (86) Kevin Walter WR10. (95) Matt Cassel QB11. (106) Dallas DEF12. (115) Visanthe Shiancoe TE13. (126) Jason Elam K14. (135) Mark Clayton WR15. (146) LeSean McCoy RB

looks pretty standard. Lynch is good value at 46. Antonio Bryant seems like a bit of a reach at 35. I like the Kevin Walter pick at 86.

[runthemover 39]

it's not an exciting team that's for sure. it's full of players that in the past I generally avoid due to being very unsure of what exactly they'll give you.but, I think your top 2 RB are solid and Lynch has the potential to be better than a 3rd RB. You've got Larry at WR....You've got decent QB by committee potentialI don't know who your TE is but that doesn't matter so much.your top 3 is solid. the rest is unknown. doesn't look great for a 10 team league but I think it's a playoff team

[BigDMcGee 3,352]

I think with guys like Warner and Westbrook (who are fantasy studs when healthy) you can roll the dice but you HAVE to get the "handcuff" guy (Leinart and McCoy in these cases). Especially with the Iggles as I think you can count on Westbrook or McCoy being very productive in that offense.Most drafts I have seen Pierre Thomas is going much much earlier than Reggie Bush.

I don't think you have to have the handcuff guy for warner, unless you have a very deep bench. I love warner, but if you have him, you want an excellent back up. I'm not convinced that Leinart is an NFL QB ( he's having trouble winning the back up job, from what I hear), so it seems to me that you're just eating up a roster spot having KW, Leinhart and a third QB.

[CaneBrain 95]

I don't think you have to have the handcuff guy for warner, unless you have a very deep bench. I love warner, but if you have him, you want an excellent back up. I'm not convinced that Leinart is an NFL QB ( he's having trouble winning the back up job, from what I hear), so it seems to me that you're just eating up a roster spot having KW, Leinhart and a third QB.

yeah depends on bench size. nothing is in a vacuum and all that.I think the stuff about him competing for the backup job is smoke and mirrors and that he would do well surrounded by that orgy of talent out in Arizona.

[kkot 0]

Does anybody know where I can do a free head to head league for me and my friends with 9 teams?I thought I could do this on Yahoo, but they want an even number of teams.

[Yoda 1]

Does anybody know where I can do a free head to head league for me and my friends with 9 teams?I thought I could do this on Yahoo, but they want an even number of teams.

I know the pay site we use for dynasty allows ghost teams, but don't know about any free ones. Create a fake team on yahoo that either auto picks based on ADP (to be slightly more realistic) or picks only no-name useless scrubs (you can set the pre ranks in reverse order or something so it takes the bottom 15 players).

[cujo33 0]

Trade question from one of my other FF leagues. I need some running back help I currently have Adrian Peterson, Willis MaGahee. Backups are Chester taylor and Leon Washington. Guy proposed this trade to me last night. I give Tony G.I get Owen Daniels, and Lendale White.His other RB's are Michael Turner Pierre Thomas and Marion Barber

[TRB05 1]

Trade question from one of my other FF leagues. I need some running back help I currently have Adrian Peterson, Willis MaGahee. Backups are Chester taylor and Leon Washington. Guy proposed this trade to me last night. I give Tony G.I get Owen Daniels, and Lendale White.His other RB's are Michael Turner Pierre Thomas and Marion Barber

Without knowing details such as lineup restrictions, TE depth etc. I like the trade for you.

[BigDMcGee 3,352]

Trade question from one of my other FF leagues. I need some running back help I currently have Adrian Peterson, Willis MaGahee. Backups are Chester taylor and Leon Washington. Guy proposed this trade to me last night. I give Tony G.I get Owen Daniels, and Lendale White.His other RB's are Michael Turner Pierre Thomas and Marion Barber

what's your WR corps

[cujo33 0]

The starting lineups are 1QB 2RB 2WR 1Flex 1TE 1D/ST 1KMy WR's are Santonio Holmes, T.O. Wes Welker, those are the starters. With AP and Willis MaGahee starting RB'sBench WR's are Ted Ginn Jr. Jermey Maclin Mark Clayton and I don't have a backup TE

[TRB05 1]

I think you are getting the best of that trade. Daniels is not that far away from Gonzalez. TG is going into a new team with a new system, and he is like 33-34. Last year the Falcons did not use their TE at all, obviously they are going to change that, but if it doesn't work well, the coaches will revert back to what worked last year. Throw in Lendale White, who should be your starting flex over Ginn Clayton etc. and I think you should take it. TE's can usually be found throughout the year on waivers.ESPN's projectionsTony G. ranked #1 76rec 901yds 7tdDaniels ranked #5 72rec 888yds 4tdLendale White 716yds 7td

[CaneBrain 95]

Trade question from one of my other FF leagues. I need some running back help I currently have Adrian Peterson, Willis MaGahee. Backups are Chester taylor and Leon Washington. Guy proposed this trade to me last night. I give Tony G.I get Owen Daniels, and Lendale White.His other RB's are Michael Turner Pierre Thomas and Marion Barber

There is no way you can justify getting any of his other 3 RBs for Tony G so that is out. (You could ask for Thomas instead but he should laugh at you.)I still see Lendale picking up a lot of TDs this year so I would think about making the trade. I dont see McGahee giving you much.....and Leon Washington wont get quite enough touches to start consistently.Owen Daniels is not the worst option ever at TE so I would think long and hard about this trade.

[cujo33 0]

I declined the Lendale White trade and countered with getting Pierre Thomas and he accepted. If he would have declined I would have just proposed the same trade he did me in getting lendale. I just thought I would give getting Pierre Thomas a shot and it worked out. Also get Owen Daniels.