I Prefer Fantasy Drafts after the Preseason

I prefer late fantasy drafts over early ones.

So many players get injured, lose their starting jobs, or get cut during the preseason, that it makes a first week in August draft, too much of a crap-shoot for me.

For instance, I liked Matt Flynn as a late-round back-up QB--depending on my starter (like if I draft Michael Vick, I'd will certainly grab a decent second QB).

But today, it was announced that rookie Russell Wilson earned the starting QB job for the Seahawks, and Flynn will be holding a clipboard (an expensive clipboard holder at that with his $10 million guranteed).

Also, I don't go after a kicker until the end of a draft. As such, I take whomever is left--as other owners have grabbed the top rated guys.

Going into camp, I liked Texans' rookie K Randy Bullock. He was a 4th round draft pick, was almost certain to win the job, and Houston is a high-scoring offense that would give him plenty of opportunities to score (the experts had him rated anywhere from the 10th to 15th best fantasy kicker).

But also today, the Texans placed Bullock on Injured Reserve for the season due to a groin injury.

Thus, an early draft of Bullock would have left me scrambling the waiver wire for an emergency replacement (if I stay Texans then Shayne Graham may be that kicker).

In any event, fantasy drafts that are held at the end of the preseason are the best in my opinion--at least you have a clear picture of players that will compete in Week 1.

Back and Watch for Sliders

Back from the beach, and I am ready for football season to start.

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I noticed a couple of players sliding some on the NFL.com fantasy draft board.

Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego (from #9 to #26)

I was watching the first Charger preseason game when Mathews took a handoff, gained a few yards, and looked like he fell awkwardly.

He went to the sideline, showed no sign of being in pain, but never reentered the game. I was surprised to learn that he had broken his clavicle and may miss a few regular season contests.

Fantasy seasons are not won in week one or two. Getting Mathews at a bargain price and having him available for the bulk of your games is a plus.

Health has always been a concern for him, but he runs, he catches, his primary backup is now in Carolina, and Coach Turner wants him to be a workhorse this year.

I say take Mathews and enjoy the value selection

Isaac Redman, RB Pittsburgh (from low #70s to #84)

Redman has a hip injury and missed the last preseason game. Regular starter Rashard Mendenhall was recently activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

What does this mean?

I say not too much.

Well, I am not high on Mendenhall this year--rehabbing his torn ACL is going to take time and I don't expect Steelers management to rush him. Redman's injury does not appear serious and he showed he has talent with the 142 total yards in last year's playoff loss (plus over 500 total yards and 3 TDs in limited regular season action).

Also, with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, they will want to run the ball consistently and will pull the plug on QB Big Ben trying to throw for 400 yards per game--last season's predominant game plan.

I am expecting Redman to carry the ball plenty of times per contest.

So, don't get distracted with the Mendenhall or Redman news, taking him as a mid-round RB has plenty of upside.

Interested in Joining My Fantasy Football League?

Is anyone interested in joining my fantasy football league for the upcoming season?

I have one opening for a team.

The league is ten teams, we compete for free at NFL.com, and new players are welcome (I think we currently have two first-time players).

If you are interested or have questions, just send me an email at theslamdunktrove@gmail.com .