from the GetSportsInfo.com archives...

Part One covered the details and logistics of starting a fantasy baseball league. Part Two goes through the happenings on that greatest of all days, draft/auction day. This is the most important time of all for your team. A good draft or auction will put you in the running and should keep you near the front of the pack, while a bad one could leave you waiting for football to start - by Memorial Day!
---

First, you must know what kind of numbers the available players have posted, not just last year but over the past two or three seasons, and even over their entire careers. Is a player’s performance rock solid season to season, or does he go up and down like a Yo-yo? Steady players are great - if they’re consistently good, that is. On the flip side, you’ll never find a hidden gem if you don’t take some risks with your selections. Don’t go with one type of guy or the other exclusively, just be aware of roughly what you should (or shouldn’t) expect from the player you’re picking/bidding on.

It’s a good rule of thumb to consider hitters to be more stable than pitchers, and budget accordingly. Many owners allocate twice as much money for hitting as for pitching. There are just so many variables that can greatly impact a pitcher’s performance that you can’t predict. He could get injured, suffer from poor run support, develop Steve Blass syndrome, be traded to Colorado (sans humidor), etc. With hitters, the track record is more reliable. While the general trend of improvement up to a player’s late 20s and decline as he gets older doesn’t fit everyone, it’s a good starting point.

For all players, be sure to keep track of their health status. Forgetting a guy will start the year on the DL could start you off in the cellar.

---

Here’s a set of potentially tough but important questions. What do you know about your fellow owners? Are they beginning fantasy leaguers or extremely experienced? What are their favorite players and teams? Do they have any “must-have” or “won’t-own” players? Find out as much as you can about your fellow owners and their tendencies.

On the flip side, try not to let others know who you’re targeting and be sure you don’t overvalue your favorite players - otherwise you could get bid up well beyond what’s reasonable. Also, don’t have any players you must have or won’t have on your team. Yes, there are nice guys and there are jerks in the major leagues, but it’s only what they contribute to your stats that determines their value in this game.

In an auction, are there owners who like to drive up the bidding, even on players they don’t want, just to get more money out of everyone’s pockets? Is someone afraid to go above a certain dollar amount on any player? Is someone holding back his money for a particular player or two? Is one owner throwing his money around early, leaving him with little for the end game?

In a draft, be particularly conscious of the owners sitting on either side of you. Do they have a similar strategy to yours? As the draft passes the mid-point, are they looking to fill out the same roster spots as you? If so, they could steal the player you’re waiting to take, so be ready to pounce if they leave him out there. If your needs are different from theirs, consider focusing more on the best available player still out there.

---

In either system, as the day unfolds, you must be flexible. Know your strengths and weaknesses. For example, don’t overload on power and neglect speed. Don’t get all the flamethrowers on bad teams, giving you a ton of strikeouts but few wins.

In a draft especially, avoid taking part in runs at a position. If you get in on the end of a run, you’ll probably be picking up a guy now who you could get a couple rounds later. If everyone is going after closers, instead look at starters and position players. Zig when they zag.

Also, although some owners have been successful doing this, don’t “punt” any categories. Not drafting a closer not only means you’ll be last in saves, it also could hurt your ERA and WHIP, since saves guys tend to do well in those categories also. A guaranteed last-place finish in one category can seriously hinder your chances of coming out on top overall.

Finally, play to win this year. Everyone wants to snag the next Ryan Howard or Johan Santana before they reach prime time, but odds are the consistent, reliable six-year veteran is the better pick than the unknown rookie. Finding a diamond in the rough isn’t easy, while going with a bunch of guys you can count on can be very comforting and very successful. If you want to go with a crazy pick (and everyone loves to do it), make it at the end of the day, with one of your $1 picks or in the reserve round.

Fantasy Baseball fantasy 101, strategy, fantasy advice, draft day tips, auction strategy

from the GSI archives...

Regardless of whether you’ve played fantasy baseball for years or if this will be your first season, there are numerous topics, strategies, and details that must be addressed before and during the season. This is the first of a three-part overview of what you need to organize a fantasy baseball league, construct your rosters, and - most importantly - win! Let’s get to it.

---

If you’re creating a league from scratch, there are several key decisions that you should be making RIGHT NOW.

First, how many owners will your league have? And will you stock your rosters from all the major leagues or just the American or National League?

Too few owners and too many players to choose from will give everyone an All-Star squad, which can take strategy, research and skill out of the equation. Too many owners drafting too few players can leave you picking from a bunch of backups, which no one wants to do.

If the number of owners is eight or less, you should stick to either the AL or NL. If you’re over eight, opening up the pool of players to all of MLB is fine.

---

Roster size plays an important role in the previous section, so this needs to be settled early. The typical roto roster has 23 players - two catchers, a first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, corner infielder (1B/3B), middle infielder (2B/SS), five outfielders, nine pitchers, and a utility player (most often an additional hitter). You can trim down or add to this standard, but don’t go overboard in either direction.

Many leagues also have reserve squads in case of injury or ineffectiveness. The number of reserves usually ranges from five to 15. In general, the more owners you have playing, the fewer reserves you should have, since there will be less talent to choose from.

---

You’ll also need to determine what categories to use. Standard Rotisserie uses 4x4 - batting average, home runs, RBI, and steals for hitters; wins, ERA, saves, and WHIP (Walks plus Hits divided by Innings Pitched) for pitchers. The popularity of 5x5 leagues (adding runs scored for hitters and strikeouts for pitchers) has increased greatly over the last few years.

Other leagues assign positive or negative points for numerous categories - doubles, triples, steals, caught stealing, shutouts, hits allowed, etc. Some leagues go overboard by using too many categories. This approach makes putting together a good strategy almost impossible because there are too many factors to consider.

Besides, you’re more likely to get a good idea of player values from web sites (like GetSportsInfo.com) and magazines if you stick with 4x4 or 5x5 scoring. However, if you’re looking to be creative and unique, come up with a scoring system all your own. Just make sure you and your fellow owners understand and agree to it in advance.

---

To fill out your rosters, choose either a draft or an auction. If you draft, determine the order of selection randomly - picking names from a hat, for instance. And to be fair to the poor schmuck who picks last, you MUST use a snake draft, where the order of selection reverses every other round. For example, if you have a 10-team league, the owner who picks tenth also picks eleventh, and the person who picked first will make the 20th and 21st selections, etc.

If you go with an auction, make sure everyone can set aside plenty of time, because this could take several hours, especially if you’re starting a brand-new league.

You also must decide whether owners can keep players for subsequent years. If so, let everyone know how many players can be kept, for how many years, and at what price - the same as their draft price, or is their a premium added each season?
You also need to determine how much money (pretend or real) owners will have to fill out their rosters. The standard Rotisserie amount is $260, although this is very flexible. (Why $260? My best guess is that they chipped in $10 a week for a 26-week regular season.).

The money, of course, is crucial. Does the entry fee equal the amount you have available for the auction, or is it some other amount? Are there transaction fees for trades? Will teams have a free agent budget to acquire undrafted talent?

All these questions need to be answered so potential owners know how much it will cost to play. You have to find a financial level that’s comfortable for everyone, but also enough to make it worth playing for. Only you and your friends can make that decision.

And of course everyone wants to know what the payouts will be. How many places in the overall standings will get money at the end of the year? Usually the top third or so get prizes. Also, will you pay out for category or weekly leaders? This is a nice option since it gives everyone a chance to win some cash. And how will ties be broken? You can go with whoever wins the most categories, simply share the money equally, do “Rock, Paper, Scissors” - whatever you like. Just be sure to decide in advance. No one wants to being surprised to find out they’re getting less money that they thought.

---

Finally, you’ll have to determine how the stats will be tracked. In the old days one of the owners, usually the commissioner, kept track. It can be a difficult, time-consuming responsibility, which is why stat services have become so popular. Some services are free, while others charge a (sometimes hefty) fee. Yahoo! or somewhere else can do the job for no cost, but you may have to pay to get specific features you’re looking for.

---

Well, that’s all for Part One, covering everything you need to take care of before draft day.

Fantasy Baseball fantasy 101, strategy, fantasy advice

Every year the fantasy football season seems to end too quickly for my liking. Though I often have teams make deep playoff runs, the years I don’t I am glad I’ve thought ahead to ensure interest. Most leagues start shedding teams (and therefore interest) after just 13 weeks of play. By Week 16 most leagues only have two owners left.

There’s no doubt that the league championship game in Week 16 is a staple that shouldn’t be tampered with. However, over the years I’ve worked as commissioner to try to keep league members engaged for as long as possible. In each case the basic premise has all teams playing a full 17-week schedule. Here are a few ideas I’ve done or seen to help keep owners interested longer.

SCORING TITLE – Many more leagues have gone to scoring titles as part of what they compete for. The problem is most of the end things nearly a month before the season ends. By keeping owners battling until the end you are rewarding a more complete effort.  The more places you pay the more owners stay interested.

HIGH WEEKS – Reward the top scoring team each week for all 17 weeks. Even a team with just a few wins on the year could still take the money over the final week or two and recoup some of their investment in the league.

SKINS GAME – You could take high week to another level by having a progressive skins game. In week one, the highest scoring team is awarded a skin ($10 for example). The next week, if the highest scoring team beats the highest score posted in week one, another $10 skin is awarded. If not, the skin is carried over to the next week and the skin is doubled to $20 as so on. This could lead to some great late-season drama and big stakes.

GRUDGE MATCHES – Week 17 has turned in to some real fun by creating customized matchups that have a storyline behind them.  Some examples have been championship rematches or pitting family members against each other. Creating rubber matches between division rivals always offers more bragging right material for the offseason.

ALL-STAR GAME – Have each division your league comprise a pre determined roster comprised of a balance number of players from each team within the division. The entire roster starts. The top scoring division in the league wins with each owner getting a share of the jackpot.

PLAYOFF GAME - Have owners in your league have a re-draft or use a software to set up a league for the NFL Playoffs. It gives a second chance for owners that missed out the regular season's big prize to get a last laugh and make up for their shortcomings.

Fantasy Football fantasy 101, fantasy rules, fantasy football, week 17

FANTASY 101
-GO WITH YOUR GUT: Regardless of whether you listen to us here or check out 25 different websites, make the final call on your lineup your own. It is recommended that owners gather the most information possible to make an educated guess, but in the end it’s YOUR fantasy team. Don’t let anybody make the call for you as you are going to be the one that has to live with the consequences.


TURNING THE PAGE
(Here’s a quick at players that will warrant discussion as first-round picks heading into 2013)

--QUARTBERACKS: A. Rodgers (GB), T. Brady (NE), R. Griffin III (WAS), D. Brees (NO) – This year has been another reminder that there is a tremendous amount of depth at the quarterback position, particularly with younger players coming along quicker. Of this group, Rodgers is still probably the only likely I’d pull the trigger on in Round 1 and would be later. However, it may be a better option to wait a few rounds and target the likes of Cam Newton, Eli Manning, or Matt Ryan.

--RUNNING BACKS: A. Peterson (MIN), R. Rice (BAL), A. Foster (HOU), T. Richardson (CLE), D. Martin (TB), M. Lynch (SEA), J. Charles (KC), C. Spiller (BUF), C. Johnson (TEN) – Grabbing running backs early and often is still the recommended method to build your team. Peterson right now is the guy that tops my list, but all of these runners should go off the board within the first 12 picks.

--WIDE RECEIVERS: C. Johnson (DET), A. Green (CIN), B. Marshall (CHI) – Like quarterback, wide receiver is a position deep in talent. However, these three players are warrant consideration very early based off their talent and the absurd amount of targets they get in their offenses. I’d be surprised to see more than a couple of wideouts go in round one though.

--TE Rob Gronkowksi (NE) – While Aaron Hernandez and Jimmy Graham could come close to matching his production, Gronk is the cream of the crop in my eyes. Still, he’s more a second-to-third round pick on my board. Expect him to go much earlier than that. Consistent tight end production is hard to find and no player is more consistent when healthy than the Patriots’ tight end.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Dez Bryant (finger): It appears that the Cowboys wide receiver is going to delay surgery and attempt to play through his broken left index finger. It leaves owners in a precarious situation as few players have been hotter over the past five weeks than Bryant. The matchup with Pittsburgh raises additional questions. Bryant is a HUGE gamble. Owners with comparable options should play it safe, but unless you have a top 20 WR to plug in as his replacement, it may be worth the risk rolling with him.

--Robert Griffin III (knee):  RGIII is dealing with a sprained knee, but has practiced in a limited capacity the past two days. It appears as if he’s going to play Sunday vs. the Browns, but owners will need to check his status on game day. If active, owners will be hard-pressed to sit the Redskins’ rookie.

--Ahmad Bradshaw (knee): Bradshaw has yet to make it on to the practice field and is questionable for Week 15’s matchup at Atlanta. Some of the team’s beat writers have speculated that Bradshaw may not even make the trip. Rookie David Wilson, who exploded onto the scene a week ago, becomes a borderline RB1 option if Bradshaw is deemed inactive.

--Roddy White (knee): White will be a game-time decision for Week 15 after being held out of practice again on Thursday, according to head coach Mike Smith. The Falcons are optimistic that White will be able to go and if he is active owners shouldn’t hesitate rolling with him. However, this situation is one that will need to be watched leading up to kickoff.

--Cecil Shorts (concussion): The Jaguars’ wide receiver has been cleared to return to practice and game action following missing last week with a concussion. Barring a setback he’ll be active versus Miami and be a viable WR2 option in most formats.

Injuries to Watch: Jay Cutler (neck), Jordy Nelson (hamstring), Sidney Rice (foot), Danny Amendola (heel/foot), Brandon Pettigrew (ankle).


DESPERATION PLAYS
(Owners facing uphill battles in Week 15 may want to roll the dice on some of these high-upside waiver wire finds)

--Montell Owens: After rushing for 91 yards and a touchdown a week ago versus the Jets, Owens showed he could provide some boost to owners decimated at running back. This week’s matchup against the Dolphins isn’t as nearly as friendly, but Owens is going to get the bulk of the carries as the last man standing in the Jaguars’ backfield and could be a top 30 option at the position.

--Dennis Pitta: Despite being inconsistent throughout the season, Pitta has scored three times over his last five games and faces a Broncos’ defense that has given up fantasy points in bunches to tight ends all season long. While Denver has been better of late at defending the position, expect Pitta to be heavily involved in the Ravens’ game plan on Sunday in a game that promises to have plenty of balls going up in the air.

--Lions DEF: Recommending the Lions as your staring defense in a week with so much on the line seems a bit bold, but given the fact they are facing the Cardinals makes them the most attractive option at the position in Week 15. Look for them to come up with plenty of turnovers and sacks and keep the yardage and scoring totals low against the Ryan Lindley led Arizona offense.

Fantasy Football fantasy playbook, fantasy advice, week 15, fantasy 101, injury report

FANTASY 101
--DECEMBER DILLEMAS: The calendar has turned December at that presents a whole new set of challenges for fantasy owners. First and foremost Mother Nature now becomes a much larger factor. It is important for owners to be aware of extreme weather conditions that could hamper the production of their players. Secondly, keep your eyes on teams clinching playoff positions. Two teams, the Falcons and Texans, enter Week 14 with a shot to wrap up home-field advantage through the playoffs. That could lead to studs sitting as the season winds down. In addition, with just a few weeks left owners must weigh whether or not it’s worth holding onto big name players facing multiple-week injuries against picking up healthy players for added depth.

PLAYOFF PICKUPS
(Here are some players that could be nice waiver wire pickups for your post-season run)

--QB Russell Wilson (SEA): [Playoffs: ARZ, @Buf, SF] – The Seahawks’ rookie has thrown for multiple TD passes in six of his last seven contests. He’s added 170 yards on the ground over his last four to boot. The schedule isn’t as friendly as some other options, but the way Wilson is playing he’s a great pickup for a QB2 and could be worth a look for teams hurting at quarterback as a starter.

--RB Joique Bell (DET): [Playoffs: @GB, @Ari, ATL] – Bell may be behind Mikel Leshoure on the Lions’ depth chart, but he’s still getting enough touches a game to offer up some fantasy production. He’s averaging 5.7 ypc compared to Leshoure’s 3.8 ypc rate. With the receiving corps spread thin with injuries expect Bell to become even more involved in passing situations. His 30 receptions rank him 10th amongst all running backs.

--WR Chris Givens (STL): [Playoffs: @Buf, MIN, @TB] – Even if Danny Amendola returns, Givens has shown enough not only to warrant a pickup, but should receive strong lineup consideration as WR3/flex based off his upside. Over the last two weeks the rookie has been targeted 20 times and came away with 16 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown. The favorable schedule is the icing on the cake.

--TE Martellus Bennett (NYG): [Playoffs: NO, @Atl, @Bal] – In his two games since the bye in Week 11 Bennett has shown some good signs of life with 126 yards and TD on eight catches. The return of Hakeem Nicks to the lineup has helped opening things up over the middle a bit for him and with the Saints, Falcons and Ravens on tap look for the surge to continue.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Darren McFadden (ankle): After missing four straight games with an ankle injury, McFadden will make his return on Thursday night vs. the Broncos. There are too many risks for owners to expect a huge game between his month-long absence, the 3.2 yard per carry, the crowded backfield and the terrible matchups he’s a huge roll of the dice in Week 14.

--Percy Harvin (ankle): The Vikings placed Harvin on season-ending I.R. this week due to Grade 3 ankle sprain that involved a complete ligament tear. Redraft league owners can drop him and move on, but dynasty league owners should stash him away as he should return as a top 10 wideout in 2013.

--Ryan Broyles (knee): Broyles will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee. He suffered the same injury to his left knee during his senior year of college. The youngster was clearly a player on the rise. With major knee injuries on both legs now his long-term value is also in jeopardy of being impacted. Mike Thomas takes over opposite of Calvin Johnson in the Lions’ starting lineup.

--LeSean McCoy (concussion): LeSean McCoy continues to make progress with his concussion symptoms. The Eagles’ running back is now in Stage 3 of the league’s recovery process. With the team out of the mix they could very easily continue to roll with Bryce Brown. Even if McCoy makes it back on to the field this season, expect him to share the workload with the red-hot rookie. Brown has compiled 372 yards and four touchdowns on 51 carries over the past two weeks.

--Cecil Shorts (concussion): Still has yet to make it back on practice field, making his Week 14 status vs. Jets very much up in the air. He did score in his fourth straight game before sustaining the injury in Week 13.

Injuries to Watch: Ben Roehtlisberger (shoulder/ribs), Hakeem Nicks (knee), Danny Amendola (heel), Sidney Rice (concussion), Brandon LaFell (turf toe).

GETTING DEFENSIVE
(Defense isn’t as important in fantasy as it is real football, but these units have a difference for their owners)

--Patriots DEF: The only DEF/ST unit that has outscored New England this year is the Bears and no team has put more fantasy points on the board over the past five weeks than New England (13.5 ppg). The Texans and 49ers aren’t the best scenarios to face in Weeks 14 and 15, but the Week 16 matchup with the Jaguars should have owners licking their chops.

--Broncos DEF: With a NFL leading 38 sacks, the Broncos’ defense wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Big time playmakers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil headline a talented group. With seven interceptions a pair of touchdowns and a safety over their last five contests, the Broncos are putting big fantasy numbers on the board entering the season’s most critical stretch.

--Bengals DEF: The team’s recent four-game winning streak has coincided with the play of great play on defense. Though they haven’t scored a defensive TD in over the past five weeks, the Bengals still find themselves as a top 12 fantasy unit based off the 15 sacks and 11 turnovers they’ve come away with. With a friendly schedule ahead look for them to remain steady.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 14, fantasy 101, waiver wire, fantasy playoffs, injury report

FANTASY 101
-TEAMS TURNING THE PAGE: It is important for fantasy owners to be proactive in terms of knowing when NFL teams fall out of things they could start looking at younger players. Fantasy owners that identify these situations in advance could gain a big advantage by picking up these players before they become waiver wire gems.  A perfect example could be RB Blial Powell (Jets) and RB Daniel Thomas (Dolphins) getting more looks or perhaps what we’ve already seen with Ryan Broyles supplanting a troublesome Titus Young in Detroit’s starting lineup.

LATE-SEASON HEROES
(Here are a handful of players that have surfaced of late that could help lead owners to fantasy championships)

--QB Colin Kaepernick (SF): The new Niners’ signal caller has scored 20+ fantasy points in back-to-back starts and looks to be fully entrenched as San Fran’s starter. His next three opponents (STL, MIA and NE) have allowed an average 21.1 fantasy points to quarterbacks over their last five games. With his ability to get gobs of rushing yards too, Kaepernick is capable of big things down the stretch.

--RB Bryce Brown (PHI): The lightly used Brown burst onto the scene in Monday’s loss to the Panthers by tallying 19 carries for 178 yards and two touchdowns filling in for the concussed LeSean McCoy. Brown added four catches for 11 yards, but also fumbled twice. The Panthers have been susceptible to the run throughout the year, so it will be interesting to see how Brown fares Sunday night at Dallas. However, with the Eagles out of the playoff picture they may opt to shut down McCoy, who is still in Phase I of his recovery process and not near a return.

--RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN): After Ronnie Hillman ate up FAAB budgets and waiver wire priorities a week ago, it was Moreno that was the surprise starter and workhorse for Denver with Willis McGahee put on IR. Moreno received his first carry since Week 2 last week and finished 20 carries, 4 catches for 111 total yards versus the Chiefs. With him excelling in his pass protection look for him to continue to see the bulk of snaps for Denver. That makes him a decent low-end RB2 for the remainder of the season.

--WR Danario Alexander (SD): I have always been intrigued by Alexander and he’s finally starting to deliver on some of those expectations. The 24-year old has caught 17 passes for 304 yards and three scores in the previous three games and is averaging nearly 18 yards per grab during that stretch. The 6-foot-5, 217-pound receiver is a freak of nature and is emerging in the Chargers’ receiving corps that was desperately seeking a playmaker to step up in the post-Vincent Jackson Era and Alexander very could be it. If he stays healthy (five knee surgeries), he could have solid long-term value too.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Demarco Murray (foot): Practiced for the first time in six weeks Wednesday and was limited again Thursday. He remains hopeful to return in Sunday night’s game against the Eagles. Owners should be careful turning to him too quickly though if they have other solid lineup options.

--Darren McFadden (ankle): Made through practice for a second straight day along with Mike Goodson after missing last three games. Signs are looking good for Week 13’s tilt with Cleveland. The Raiders are likely to ease him back into action though, so use him with caution.

--Mikel Leshoure (ankle):  He returned to the practice field Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice and sitting out late in the team’s Thanksgiving loss to the Texans. Barring a setback Leshoure appears to be a safe start this weekend. The second-year back has scored five times over the team’s last four contests.

--Percy Harvin (ankle): Harvin did not practice again on Thursday and is headed towards being a game-time decision for Sunday’s meeting vs. Green Bay. It’s not looking good for a return.

--Ben Roethlisberger (rib, shoulder): The team is still holding out hope for a return, but it will come down to whether he has enough arm strength to throw the ball. I am not expecting him for Sunday’s showdown with the Ravens and fantasy owners shouldn’t either.

Injuries to Watch: Danny Amendola (heel), Kyle Rudolph (shoulder), Miles Austin (hip), Matt Forte (ankle), Cecil Shorts (hamstring) and Justin Blackmon (groin)

STUDS TO STICK WITH
(Here’s a look at players I’m starting the rest of the way regardless of matchup)

--QB: A. Rodgers, D. Brees, T. Brady, P. Manning, M. Ryan, R. Griffin III

--RB: A. Foster, R. Rice, A. Peterson, D. Martin, T. Richardson, M. Lynch, C. Johnson, C. Spiller, L. McCoy (when healthy)

--WR: C. Johnson, A. Green, R. Wayne, R. White, B. Marshall, D. Thomas, R. Cobb, D. Bryant, A. Johnson, M. Colston

--TE: J. Graham, T. Gonzalez, A. Hernandez

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy playbook, week 13, fantasy 101, fantasy injuries, fantasy studs

With just one week left before most fantasy league begin their playoffs it is important that owners begin to make some of their final preparations. Here a few quick pointers.

1. KNOW YOUR LEAGUE RULES – In most cases there are no post-season trades, but you need to also be sure where your league stands in regards to add/drops over the final weeks.  Also, be sure to know how your league determines tiebreakers and playoff seeding so you don’t have any surprises later.

2. HANDCUFF PLAYERS – Now that bye weeks are over, now is the time to insure your team’s star players by handcuffing their backups. Just ask LeSean McCoy owners that added Bryce Brown as a late backup plan before the injury how things worked out for them.

3. STUDY SCHEDULE – Looking ahead to favorable/unfavorable matchups and safe guarding against situations that could limit your team’s production is also recommended.

4. FINAL TWEAKS – If you can still make trades it may not be bad idea to take away from some of your bench depth to improve your roster at one of your starting spots.

5. HAVE FUN – Sure we all want to be our friends and win some loot, but don’t stress out too much. Remember fantasy football is a leisure activity and it should be fun!

Listen to Drew Dinkmeyer and myself break it down - SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio - Fantistics Insider Football.

Fantasy Football fantasy 101, strategy, fantasy tips, playoff prep

FANTASY 101
--EARLY LINEUP DECISIONS: With lineups needing to be set early owners need to be sure to guard against late injuries and future restrictions. With the status of many players going on Sunday and Monday still in question when Thursday games go off it could lead to some tough decisions. One recommendation is to be sure you have backup plans in place. You should move any questionable player into your flex spot so you have more flexibility when replacing them.

TURKEY DAY TRENDS
(A quick look at players in action for Thursday and whether or not they will give owners reasons to be thankful)

--QB  Matt Schaub (HOU): Though he’s not going to come any near his 527-yard, 5-TD game we saw in Week 10, there are plenty of reasons to suggest that Schaub will make a formidable fantasy play in Thursday’s game at Detroit. Not only has Schaub thrown for multiple scores in three of his last four outings, but wide receiver Andre Johnson also very much looks to be finally back to his old reliable self. The Lions’ defense is respectable, but they have allowed six passing scores over their past three games.

--RB Mikel Leshoure (DET): Leshoure turned in his best yardage output since his debut week by rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in Sunday’s loss to the Packers. His 20 total touches were the most he’s received in a seven-week span. The second-year running back has now scored four times in the past three weeks for the Lions. Touchdowns may be tough to come by in Week 12’s Thanksgiving Day meeting with the Texans, who have yet to allow a running back to score on the ground against them all season.

--RB Alfred Morris (WAS): Washington running back Alfred Morris was held out of the endzone for the fourth straight game in Sunday’s win over the Eagles. He has lost some steam in recent weeks and is averaging 70 yards rushing per contest over his last three outings. Morris will look to get back on track on Thanksgiving at Dallas. The Cowboys have allowed four running back rushing touchdowns over their last five games. Morris is a strong RB2 option in Week 12 despite his recent scoring draught.

--WR Dez Bryant (DAL): Bryant appears locked in over the past few weeks and it resulted in his career-best 145 yards on 12 catches in Week 11’s win over the Browns. He scored for the second straight week and is heating up at the right time for owners who have waited patiently his talent to outshine his baggage. Now he gets to face a Redskins’ secondary that has been torched by opposing wideouts to the tune of 27.3 fantasy points per game this season.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Felix Jones (knee): Jones suffered a knee injury in Week 11’s win over Cleveland and has not been able to practice all week leaving him as a game-time decision for Thursday’s tilt with the Redskins. Demarco Murray is still sidelined with a foot and will not play. If Jones can’t go look for Lance Dunbar to get the starting nod and Phillip Tanner to get some work as well. Neither are very appealing fantasy plays.

--LeSean McCoy (concussion): It’s looking more likely that McCoy will not be able to suit up for Monday’s matchup with the Panthers. He suffered a concussion last week and is still dealing with headaches three days later and has not been cleared yet to resume football activities. It makes no sense for the 3-7 Eagles to rush him back so expect him to sit in favor of Bryce Brown, who is a must-add filler if available.

--Willis McGahee (knee): Denver put Willis McGahee (knee, leg) on injured reserve with a designation to return. Though he could return during the postseason, he won’t be back in time to help fantasy owners again in 2012. Ronnie Hillman, Lance Ball and Knowshon Moreno will share carries in his absence. Hillman is the best playmaker in the bunch and possesses the most upside. Ball will get the short-yardage and goal line touches while Moreno will see spotted looks.

--Darren McFadden (ankle): McFadden didn’t return to practice on Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s trip to Cincinnati. It is not a good sign for his chances to return in Week 12 and with Mike Goodson also still nursing his bad ankle Marcel Reece is in line to handle the load once again. Reece is low-end RB2 play with added upside in PPR formats.

--Rob Gronkowski (arm): The Patriots tight end will be sidelined 4-8 weeks after undergoing surgery Monday for a broken left forearm. Teammate Aaron Hernandez (ankle) is going to return to the lineup after missing four games of his due to injury, but he could be limited Thursday versus the Jets.

Injuries to Watch: Percy Harvin (ankle), Brandon Marshall (shoulder), Jay Cutler (concussion) and Alex Smith (concussion)

TOUGH ROAD AHEAD
(Here’s a quick glance at teams with the top 5 most difficult matchups in fantasy for Weeks 14-16)

--QB: Cardinals, Chargers, Bengals, Vikings, Patriots

--RB: Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, Ravens, Bills

--WR: Chargers, Cardinals, Vikings, Raiders, Patriots

--TE: Chiefs, Raiders, Bengals, Redskins, Dolphins

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy playbook, week 12, fantasy 101, fantasy strength of schedule, injury report, fantasy injuries.

FANTASY 101
--NOW OR NEVER: There’s only a few weeks of regular season action left in 2012 fantasy football. For some now is the time for drastic measures. If you are sitting at the top of your league’s standings you don’t want to mess too much with your nucleus, but some final tweaking and adding insurance to your roster is not a bad idea. However, if you are a bubble team you may need to something more. Taking a chance on high-risk, high-reward scenarios may be your only chance for success. Bottom line, the further you are from the top at this point of the season the more chances you need to be taking.


TRENDING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
(Looking at some trends that indicate good things for this week and beyond)

--QB  Josh Freeman (TB): When the Bucs hit their bye in Week 5 Freeman had five TD passes, four interceptions and zero 300-yard games. In the five games since he’s thrown for multiple TD’s in every game, averaged 293.4 yards per game and been picked off just once.  His remaining schedule lacks a lock down defense and includes matchups with the Panthers, Saints and two with the Falcons, all of which could be shootouts. Freeman enters Week 11 as the 12th ranked fantasy quarterback in total points. If he keeps this pace up there’s no doubt he’ll finish a top 10 fantasy quarterback by year’s end, especially given all the injuries.

--QB Peyton Manning (DEN): Denver has been friendly thus far to Manning. In four games played in the Mile High City, the Broncos’ signal caller has tallied 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns with no interceptions playing in front of the home crowd. The Chargers, who are paying a visit this week, have been stringy to quarterbacks most of the year as they’ve allowed the fifth fewest points to fantasy quarterbacks. However, Manning broke 300 yards and threw for three TD’s against them in San Diego earlier this year and appears to be poised for another big day.

--RB Daniel Thomas (MIA): With Reggie Bush struggling, Thomas has seen his role increasingly grow with the Dolphins’ offense. Thomas possesses a 2:1 advantage in snaps over the last three games and seeing an increase in his targets out of the backfield. In the past two games alone he’s caught seven passes, making him a viable PPR lineup option. Now this week he faces a Buffalo defense that has watched running backs hit the end zone 16 times in nine games this season. Bush remains the superior fantasy option, but Thomas is a low-end RB2 versus the Bills in Week 11.

--WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (OAK): DHB has come alive of late, becoming a deep threat for quarterback Carson Palmer. He has been targeted 24 times over the past four games and has reached 74 yards and/or squad in each of those outings, including a five-catch, 82-yard performance last week. Owners could look for him for flex help this week if he is able to go versus a New Orleans secondary that allows 31.8 fantasy points per game to the position.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs): Pittsburgh will be without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger this week and likely much longer. Doctors have advised him not to play until his rib is completely healed which could be as long as six weeks. Roethlisberger has a history of playing through injuries, but unlike some of his ankle and leg injuries of the past this injury appears to be a bit more debilitating. Byron Leftwich is in line to start for the Steelers with Charlie Batch serving as his backup in Roethlisberger’s absence.

--Alex Smith (concussion): San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith has passed his concussion tests and has been cleared for non-contact drills. He should return to the practice field on Thursday and barring setbacks should be able to start in Monday night’s game versus the Bears. With one TD pass or less in five of his last seven contests Smith shouldn’t be counted on as fantasy option in this tough matchup even if he plays.

--Jay Cutler (concussion): Although head coach Lovie Smith indicated that quarterback Jay Cutler is “getting better” the Bears are not optimistic that they will have Cutler available for Monday night’s game with the 49ers. Cutler has a long history of concussion issues dating back to his playing days at Vanderbilt which raises additional concern. Former Redskins and Raiders’ signal caller Jason Campbell will get the nod if Cutler can’t go.

--Darren McFadden (ankle): Though the team has still not clearly defined a time frame for injured running back Darren McFadden, FOXSports.com’s Jay Glazer tweeted Wednesday that the team originally viewed the ankle injury as a 2-4 week issue.  It is unlikely that McFadden will play in Week 11 and it appears as if Week 12 is far from a lock either. Marcel Reece will continue to serve as the team’s primary running back in DMC’s absence. Owners should continue to stash McFadden away in hopes of him providing a playoff spark against what is a very favorable slate of games. 

--Greg Jennings (groin, abdomen): The Packers have already ruled Jennings out for Week 11, but the head coach Mike McCarthy did offer some reason for hope for his fantasy owners on Wednesday. He is "a lost closer than any of us thought he'd be at this time," McCarthy said during his weekly press conference. Jennings has been limited to just three games in 2012 due to injuries. Look for James Jones and Randall Cobb to continue to see increased workloads with Jennings sidelined.  

Injuries to Watch: Wes Welker (ankle), Aaron Hernandez (ankle), Antonio Brown (ankle), Pierre Garcon (foot), Darren Sproles (hand)


FRIENDLY SCHEDULES AHEAD
(Here’s a quick glance at teams with the top 5 most favorable matchups in fantasy for Weeks 14-16)

--QB: Rams, Texans, Eagles, Bucs, and Baltimore

--RB: Giants, Jets, Dolphins, Broncos, Chiefs

--WR: Eagles, Chiefs, Saints, Ravens, Rams

--TE: Ravens, Browns, Eagels, Jaguars, Packers

Fantasy Football fantasy playbook, fantasy advice, week 11, fantasy 101, fantasy injuries, trends, schedule analysis

FANTASY 101
--GETTING DEFENSIVE: What should fantasy owners look for when rating a fantasy defense? Knowing your scoring system is a must. The most important thing is the matchup. Consider that aside from the Bears who have an unmatched seven defensive touchdowns, the difference in fantasy points per game so far this year in the 2nd ranked defense (DEN) and 12th ranked defense (ARZ) is less than two points per game. So accurately gauging the week they are going to break out is important. Are sacks and turnovers are scored highly in your league? If so, look for offenses with terrible or injured offensive lines or quarterbacks that turn the ball over at a high rate. If you league rewards units for points allowed, try to avoid defenses whose team often airs it out on offense or play in frequent shootouts.


FANTASY FUNK
(Let’s look at some players struggling right now and assess whether or not they are going to turn things around)

--QB Eli Manning (NYG): The Giants are still in the thick of a playoff hunt, but it’s not because of the recent play of their quarterback. Fantasy owners of Manning may not fare as well. He hasn’t thrown multiple TD passes in a game since Week 5 and has only eclipsed 200 yards once in that span. Even though he still has a bye, Manning should still help owners down the stretch with favorable matchups against the Bengals, Packers, Redskins and Saints over his next four.

--RB Jamaal Charles (KC): Charles hasn’t reached double digits in fantasy points in over a month and hasn’t made his way into the end zone since Week 4. Over his past two games the Chiefs’ runner has hit rock bottom, rushing for only 43 yards on just 17 attempts for a 2.5 yard per carry average. With Kansas City’s quarterback situation a mess and the coaches’ play calling leaving us all scratching the explosive playmaker is becoming a risky option for fantasy lineups.

--WR Dez Bryant (DAL): The Cowboys’ wideout is the ultimate “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” fantasy football player. He’s great one week and nearly invisible the next. The fact remains that over his past four outings he’s had two games where he failed to break the 15-yard receiving mark and he’s only score in one of eight games this year. Part of his problem has been nagging injuries, but the bigger issue is his inconsistent effort. Look for big days ahead and some duds thrown in there too.

--TE Vernon Davis (SF): After making the Pro Bowl and playing a big part in the 49ers’ playoff run in 2011, Davis has disappointed in the first half of the season. He scored four time in the season’s first three weeks but hasn’t hit paydirt since. Over his last three games the struggling tight end has totaled only 73 yards on five catches. Coming out of the bye look for the team to try to get Davis more involved. That, along with a friendly schedule, suggests a second-half turnaround.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Darren McFadden (ankle): Though the team has yet rule McFadden out for Week 10’s tilt with the Ravens, he missed practice for a second straight day along with backup Mike Goodson, who both suffered high-ankle sprains in last week’s loss to Tampa Bay. Look for Marcel Reece and Taiwan Jones to split carries while the top two backs on the depth chart are sidelined.

--Percy Harvin (ankle): The Vikings receiver said earlier in the week he’d be a long shot to play Sunday against the Lions and after missing two straight practices it appears the Vikings are going to opt to sit him a bye week looming. Without Harvin the struggling Minnesota passing game is going to struggle so aside from Adrian Peterson avoid all Vikings in the week ahead.

--Antonio Brown (ankle): The Steelers wideout did not practice for the second straight day on Thursday after suffering mild high-ankle sprain in Week 9. He’s not expected to suit up Monday Night against Kansas City and may miss multiple weeks. Look for Emmanuel Sanders to see increased looks in Pittsburgh’s passing attack, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be enough to make him fantasy relevant.

--Aaron Hernandez (ankle):  All signs point to Hernandez returning this weekend as the Bills come to town. He didn’t make the trip to London two weeks ago and used the extra time with the bye to get his ailing ankle healed. Expect him to play in Week 10 and be an elite option at a position that offers few playmakers.

--Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Jonathan Dwyer (quad):  Mendenhall was limited in practice on Thursday and reports suggest he’ll sit in Week 10 and target at Week 11 return. After missing last week’s game, Dwyer returned to a full practice Thursday and should play Monday night versus the Chiefs. Isaac Redman had a big game and will start, but Dwyer will get some carries too and is not a bad flex option.

Others of injuries note: Marshawn Lynch (wrist), Calvin Johnson (knee), Hakeem Nicks (knee), Danny Amendola (shoulder), Owen Daniels (hip)


KEEPER LEAGUE TRADE TARGETS
(Here are some guys you should try to lock up on the cheap long term in keeper leagues)

--QB Sam Bradford (STL): Year number one under head coach Jeff Fisher hasn’t brought a huge turnaround in Bradford’s numbers. Yet he’s still on pace to set a career-high in passing yards and come close to matching his TD totals. The team has slowly started to put some young weapons around him and another offseason with Fisher should only lead to more pieces being put in place. At 25 Bradford still has room to grown and continues to possess top 15 and low-end QB1 potential moving into the future.

--RB David Wilson (NYG): With Wilson getting so few looks right now in the Giants’ offense many of the owners that have held onto him may have started to grow impatient. Yet if you have an extra spot for him or have already slipped out of the playoff picture in your league he’s a nice grab and stash candidate. Remember New York thought enough of him to take him over Doug Martin and that talent is going to eventually lead to an opportunity. We are still banking on success, even if doesn’t come to 2013.

--WR Kendall Wright (TEN): The Titans offense is loaded with young and raw talent. Topping that list is the rookie wideout. Unlike my other two names on this list, Wright is actually proving to be quietly productive right now. His ability to stretch the field is going to lead some monster plays. Right now he’s helping out on third downs and has managed to score three times despite inconsistent play at quarterback. Expect him to improve in the season’s second half and be ready to breakout next year for the Titans and fantasy owners alike.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy playbook, fantasy 101, injury report, 2013 keeper leagues