Fantasy Football 2006: Draft Tip #2

Tip #2 is one of our recurrent themes. In fact, it is one of the cornerstones of our player performance analyses and projections we provide for your draft and for every week of the season. (And that would be?.......)

Know your scoring system.

Each game provider has subtle differences (and sometimes not so subtle ones) in their scoring systems as compared to the other game providers. Even within the same provider there are frequently different scoring options. (ESPN Traditional vs ESPN Performance vs ESPN Scoring vs ESPN Yardage). To complicate matters further, add in a commish who decides to customize.

Here is an example, a few years ago Mister2, Rocket Man, and I were in a league where the Commish used the Yahoo Default scoring system with one customization, he had Running Backs earn one point per carry.

Now, under the Yahoo default system, a RB earns one point for every 20 yards gained. Frankly, to most of us, this point per carry customization didn't seem like too much of a factor, at least not at first.

It didn't take Rocket Man long to figure out that a RB with 15 carries for 118 yards couldn't keep up with a RB with 28 carries for only 61 yards. (20 points for the former vs 31 points for the latter). So, Rocket Man stacked his RB position with guys that got lots of carries. The result, a 13-1 regular season (second place was at 10-4) and a playoff championship.

Even under default scoring understanding you system is critical. Here are just a few of the questions you need to be able to answer:

• Does your Defense lose points for all points scored by the other team, or only those actually scored against the defense (i.e. does not include such things as interceptions and fumbles returned for a TD by the other teams D)?
  
• Do Special Teams TDs go to the individual or the Defense?
  
• Does your scoring system favor a running QB or a passing one? Look at not only yardage points but also points awarded for a rushing TD (usually 6) vs. a passing TD (3, 4, or 6?).
  

Make sure you go in to your draft understanding every aspect of the scoring system and it's implication. And remember, we are here to help you.

Not only will we be providing our unique and highly accurate league specific projections and analysis for your draft and regular season, we'll give you more information throughout the season on many of the more subtle aspects of Fantasy Football. Plus, we'll have our forum available for questions, opinions, and information exchange. So stick with StatLeader all season long.