Sunday, November 25, 2012

Fantasy Football Help

For many years I tried drafting the perfect fantasy football team.  For many years I found my team mediocre and finishing in the middle of the pack, if not the bottom.  Fantasy football was starting to become more frustrating then fun.  Yes, I understand that fantasy football should be fun, but there is nothing wrong with being a little competitive .  Winning is always a bit more enjoyable.

Three years ago I took a close look at the final rosters of the top teams in the league I was in.  I noticed the top teams consistently had good wide receivers and a good starting quarter back.  Most had decent running backs, they were not the difference for success.  I sat back and started to think.  I often heard that the NFL has turned into arena football where offenses air out the ball and score at will.  Maybe I was going about my drafts all wrong? 

Normally I would draft a running back first and possibly in the second round.  Everyone in my league drooled over the top running backs such as Adrian Peterson and LaDanian Tomlinson.  I was just as guilty, but a new thought swirled in my head.  I took a lot of criticism, but here is my formula.  It works, I have now won my league the last two out of three years and am currently on pace to place again this year (tied for first place with two weeks to go). 

A. I changed my draft order to the following.
1. QB
2. WR 
3. WR
4. RB
5. RB
6. TE
7. WR
8. RB
9. DEF
10. QB

Now fill in the rest of your team.  You should have the top QB, WR core, and TE, and DEF.  Yes, your running backs will not be as strong, but they are simply used for maintaining points.  Your quarterback and wide receivers are geared to dictate weather you win or loss.  Here is a thought.  The NFL has really gone to become pass happy.  No running back has come close to scoring the same amount of points as any quarter back, at least that's the case in my leagues. 

Also, many NFL teams use a two running back system.  Defenses are much stronger, running backs cannot take the punishing blows as in the past.  It is uncommon for running backs to weekly get 25-30 carries a game.  15-20 is more the average (if not less) which is commonly the difference of 50yds and a touch down.

Since your team will likely lack the better running backs, keep a close eye on free agents.  Get rid of dead weight.  Keep a close eye on your team's official web site (Packers.com).  They are usually a bit more accurate then yahoo or CBS.

So there it is, go for the best QB and WR early and you'll be fine.  I was nervous the first time I drafted this way, but now I wouldn't draft any other way.  Good Luck and Go Packers!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Cannot Decide?

I have a dilemma.  I have a paper topic due tomorrow for a persuasion paper, but cannot decide what to write about.  Here are the two topics I cannot decide on.

1. Should attendance be factored into grades for college students?

2. Are the new Wisconsin report cards legit?  Do they serve the practical purpose intended?


Attendance for College
When I enrolled at UW Sheboygan five years ago I had the assumption that attendance was not a factor when it came to final grades.  I thought college was the total opposite of high school, where students come and go as they please, I was wrong.  Don't be mistaken, I do think tracking attendance is a good thing, I am not sure if it should be mandatory?  College is for adults, should adults be allowed to come and go as they please.  I have had some professors that have the rule if you miss class, it is the student's responsibility to get notes and other class materials from another student.  I like this rule, it allows flexibility and accountability for the student.  Many students are involved in athletics and clubs that require a huge time commitment.  Students also have jobs with hours that vary.  Some students take on responsibilities that better themselves, but could also interfere with class time.  On the flip side, attendance is a life issue.  EMPLOYERS REQUIRE ACCOUNTABILITY, PERIOD!!!!   It will be a shell shock for many students when they do move on from college and enter the world of full time employment. I sound like a lecturing parent, but it is true.  Employers require employees to be punctual and ready to to go.  Most college professors gear students for this same practice.  Be on time for class and ready to participate. It seems to me the days of just listening to lectures and taking notes are gone.  Many professors want interaction and face to face feedback.  I know some people who "just show up" for their jobs, and they are difficult to work with, really useless. 

After writing this blog, I would suggest taking attendance and factoring into grades has more benefits.  But, many would probably argue.


New Wisconsin report Cards
The state of Wisconsin has a new report card system.  The new report card now factors in poverty rates and students growth.  Although many these changes are to better the states education and get a better understanding on how to improve, many are not sold.  Many schools that are located in high poverty areas do not hit the achievement requirement score.  But, their students do show a considerable amount of improvement.  Bravo to these teachers, but on paper they are portrayed as not getting the job done.  Many school reputations may suffer with this new plan.   Unfortunately some schools might lose enrollment, which affects budgets and employment.  I would like to read or hear from more sources before I take a side.

Well, if anyone out there is reading this, I am open to suggestions?  Both offer legit arguments for either sides.