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!