Fantasy Feedback: Becoming a Pro Fantasy Player
I am going to comment about my leagues in 2009. In explaining my experience, fantasy owners can take note. You are what you play against. Are you in the minor leagues or the major leagues? Here is my story.
I have played for years in one major league for money each year, and I played in a few free online leagues in the major four sports as well. In 2007-2008, I never finished lower than second in about 10 leagues of all different sports. One could say that I was a pro, but it was quite a different picture. If you play the free leagues, don’t even bother considering yourself as an elite owner or fantasy player. These leagues are just too easy. I recommend getting a local league together. Also, there are internet fantasy leagues that cost money and reward with money. Forget the minor leagues and get into real leagues. In 2007-2008, I won two tough leagues, made cash, and got a couple of trophies. My accomplishments were my competition. In free leagues, the competition is second rate. In 2009, I have entered six leagues. All leagues have some kind of pay out or reward. Why not get paid for your hard fantasy work? With the increased difficulty, I have had mixed results with the stiff competition. I have realized that I would rather be middle of the pack in a tough league than easily winning a league of amateurs. Also, I went exclusively with fantasy football over the other sports.
League one and two: I am in a two free leagues that reward for a drawing for a lavish NFL vacation. Currently, I am leading the division in both leagues. This league is a QB, RB, RB, 3WR, TE, K, D format with basic rules for a 12 team league with a 14 man roster. These leagues are the easiest because not much is on the line so fantasy owners make mistakes and don’t pay enough attention like they should. Next year, I may skip these types of leagues because they are too easy like I described earlier in this article.
League three: I am in the bottom of the pack. The prize is a free league next year that pays out. This league is very easy but a little more difficult because of the simplicity and small starting rosters. Because the waiver wire is loaded with talent (with a 10 team league: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, K, D), teams are able to put in pretty solid rosters each week. A good way to measure your team is not by standings (which everyone hyper-focus upon), total points gives a better breakdown to see how your team is actually doing. In this league, I am in the upper half in points. I just happen to play the wrong teams at the wrong time.
League four: I am in the middle of the pack. This is just a free online local/national league. Next year, this league will be turned into a local league for money pay-out and be held live in a bar. Nothing better!
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League five: This league is amazing. QB RB RB WR WR WR FLEX TE K D). 20 man roster, no trading, and 12 teams. I paid a small fee. This league has extravagant rules and the pay off is huge. Unfortunately, I am in the middle of the pack and the league breaks off into many divisions with other leagues in just a few weeks. This was my first try at a national fantasy league sweepstakes.
League Six: This is my local league, and very competitive. This is the most fun with a cash pay-out. We meet live every year. Our rules are constantly changing. It is auction format. The night of the auction is the most exciting night of the year. After winning the last two years, I find myself struggling from the bottom in 2009.
So don’t just beat up on easy free leagues. Challenge yourself!
Special note of the week: The art of trading is a very difficult endeavor and not easy for most owners because it takes a lot of time. I consider myself an average Joe at best at trading. Cardinal sin #1 for trading is to call-out owners and call them amateurs at trading. Never insult a fantasy owner’s specific trade offer and never insult them.
By Marty Beil
ProFootball-fans.com Fantasy Football Director of Content