Fantasy football strategy, rankings, and podcasts

Wes from Eagleton asks: Lots of guys are "poised" for breakout years, but who is actually going to have the best year: Montee Ball, Andre Ellington, Toby Gerhart or Rashad Jennings? Btw, I play in only PPR leagues!

Wes,
Montee Ball is my favorite from this list. The Broncos have made moves that indicate they are interested in taking advantage of the run this season. Orlando Franklin has moved to left guard and will pair with Louis Vasquez at right guard. Both of these men are 6’5" with a combined average weight of 325; they are people movers. Cody Latimer, the second round wide receiver pick for the Broncos, is regarded as one of the best run blocking wide outs in the game. That is yet to be seen, but you get the idea that Denver is focusing on taking advantage of their unique situation when it comes to Peyton Manning. Manning is really the key to Montee Ball breaking out this season. As teams go smaller to protect against the pass Ball will get more room to run. There are also reports that Montee Ball has impressed coaches this off season with his improvement in his receiving game. Considering your addiction to PPR leagues this is another huge positive that puts Ball on the top of this list.

Grant P, from Des Moines writes: Getting excited for the fantasy season - my buddies and have our draft scheduled for late August (12 team, PPR) and I'm picking 10th. Based on mock drafts that I've done it looks like I'll miss out on the major RB's and also Jimmy Graham. I'm thinking my strategy will be to take 2 WR's here.. assuming only Calvin Johnson is taken I really like Demariyus Thomas but should my second guy be Dez Bryant, A.J. Green or someone else?

Grant P,
12 teams leagues can be tricky. I understand that you have your strategies and you know your league better than I would, but I want to mention something to think about when drafting for a 12 team league. First, to answer your question if you are dead set on taking two WR’s with your first two picks. Dez Bryant and A.J. Green are both projected to be top 5 this fantasy year. While Calvin Johnson and Demariyus Thomas are favorites to be in the top 3 the question really is who is going to be the other top 3 wide out. It really is a toss-up based on past performances, but A.J. Green is the guy I would go with. Green is the go to guy for Andy Dalton and that offense is going to be built around him. He has that Calvin Johnson like ability to make plays even when teams know he is the guy to focus on. Dez Bryant is a play maker in his own right, but A.J. Green is going to take it to new heights this season.

Now a bit of advice, you can take it or leave it. I would highly recommend you grab an RB with your second pick. I am assuming your league uses a traditional snake draft and in that case you risk putting yourself out of serious RB contention if you wait until your third round. Keep an eye on guys like Giovani Bernard, Montee Ball, Le’Veon Bell and even Andre Ellington with your 15th overall pick. Once you get down into the 30th overall pick for your third rounder the talent pool has dropped off a lot. This is especially true considering you are in a PPR league.

Jason writes: As a fantasy football fanatic, do you think it's worth it to actually go to a live game on a Sunday, or would you rather the front row couch seat?

Jason,
Damn you for bringing this up! I feel a particular allegiance as a Bears fan and this question just tugs at my heart strings. Honestly though when you weigh the pros and cons the best seat in the house is at your house. From a fantasy perspective there is both excitement and strategy involved with this decision. The most apparent reason to stay home is obviously the variety of games you can watch. Going to a game on Sunday really does take you out of the entire Sunday when you add in tailgating, game time and postgame drunkenness. Missing that Sunday as a fantasy fanatic will put you at a disadvantage heading into the following week as you play catch up. You’re also going to risk missing late roster notices for the later games. Now, I know in the world of smart phones and constant internet connectivity you could argue you would have a firm grip on your team and what’s going on, BUT it is important to remember that the rest of the 70,000 fans in the stadium are attempting to do the same. Cell service tends to suck when humanity gets together in large groups. I don’t know if that is a testament to our technological advances or a sad fact that we aren’t truly social anymore. Either way do you really want to risk missing a roster move because the tweens next to you need to upload their “OMG Bears gameeee Selfie!”

Money is the other factor to consider when pondering this decision. Going to an NFL game, or any sporting event, these days is ridiculously expensive. I will save myself the $8.50 bud light and $10 nachos by visiting my local craft brew distributor and grocery chain. Then while I’m sucking down my IPA in all my beer snob glory I have access to multiple games and the ever important “Fantasy Command Post” (FCP). Every fantasy fanatic has his/her own version of the FCP. For me it’s my laptop streaming another game, my tablet updating my scores and news while my phone stands ready for shit talking, bitching and moaning and tweeting #fantasyslut.