Setting the Table

(Also, Pre-Season Rankings Updated 8/26)

PPR, 2 QBs, flex position, rotisserie, head-to-head, auction, snake, and on we go. Anyone familiar with fantasy football recognizes these terms and their meanings. The problem is the use of each differs from league to league. That is why 9 out of 10 times when I am asked advice for someone’s team my first response is, “What is your league’s setup?” I think it’s about time we change that.

Not only would we be able to better compare teams and players, but leagues would also be more fun. Yes, I fully believe there are a solid set of rules each league should implement that would make things more enjoyable for all involved. Now let’s review these piece by piece.

League Size: 12-teams

In no way should anyone ever play in an 8-team league. There is simply too much talent available, which results in everyone having a super-squad. Unless you make rosters 20 players deep, you will have solid talent sitting on the waiver wire. A 10-team league is pretty standard, but a 12-team setup is truly the best balance of team talent and strategy to fill out a roster. There is nothing like finding a sleeper late who carries your team during playoff time.

Roster Setup: 16 players and 10 starters

This again relates to ensuring a good balance between sharing talent and needing draft intelligence for a successful team. The 10 starters should work like this: 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 RB/WR flex, 1 WR/TE flex, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 DEF. The RB/WR and WR/TE flex enables owners to add their own intricate strategies of building depth where they see fit. Having 6 bench spots allows for adequate sleeper picks and by week fill-ins. It also prevents teams from having too many players thereby resulting in few moves during the season. That brings me to my next point, trades.

Trades: Every team must make one

When I say there is nothing like finding a sleeper who helps your team significantly, that’s not entirely true. There is one thing better, and until you’ve done it, you won’t know the feeling. Making trades is the most enjoyable aspect of fantasy sports there is. This is the one area that genuinely allows the owner to put on his GM hat. Yes, drafting a team, picking up players, etc., are all GM duties. However, negotiating a trade, and feeling like you got the better end of one, is the ultimate owner satisfaction. I’ve seen too many teams sit on their same players throughout the entire season and miss out on the fun. A certain site says, “If you haven’t bid, you haven’t lived.” On the contrary, I say, “If you haven’t traded, you haven’t lived.” Okay, mine doesn’t rhyme, but it’s more accurate.

Veto Process: None, unless…

The veto process for trades never works out well…and I mean never. Someone is always going to be upset at the result. We are all adults; we can make our own decisions, and as a result should be allowed to make whatever moves we want for any reason (almost). In the few instances of assumed collusion, a veto may be called for. In these cases, take it to an impartial source. That is to say, take it to someone outside of the league. As I said, if you have full commissioner veto power, he will get the anger directed at him. If it’s a league vote, be prepared to never see trades happen. Owners will always vote “no” to trades because they are mad they missed out on the deal, or they don’t want someone to get better. All trades go through, unless collusion, the end.

Scheduling and Playoffs: 13-week season, with 6 playoff teams

I don’t think I need to go into detail on why the championship game should be week 16 and not 17...no one wants half their team resting for the playoffs and unavailable. As for the fantasy playoffs, in a 12-team league 4 playoff teams are too few and 8 are too many. What’s the perfect solution? 6 teams make it in the playoffs with the top two seeds getting byes. This way, not only do you have a fair amount moving on, but the top two teams are rewarded for their good season. We all know that on “any given week” no-names can beat a squad of super-stars. By giving byes, it helps alleviate some of the risk of a quick exit after a year of good results.

Draft Format: Auction

Snake drafts are so 2001. With how far technology has come and the available devices to manage your draft and leagues, everyone should be in an auction league. Auction drafts have several advantages over snake drafts. Everyone stays involved the entire time. There is no waiting between your decisions. Every player requires you to pay attention, evaluate, and take action. Do you outbid everyone, drive up the price, or save your money? In snake drafts it’s simply, “I take player X,” and then you cross off names for however long until your next pick. There is much more strategy and gamesmanship involved with deciding how to spend your budget than just announcing you’re drafting Ryan Grant.

Scoring: PPR and more

· 1/3 Points per Reception

· 4 points passing TD; 1 point for 20 yards passing; additional point bonus at 300 yards passing and again at 400 yards

· 5 points rushing and receiving TD; 1.5 points for 10 yards rushing or receiving; additional point bonus at 100 yards rushing or receiving and again at 200 yards

· 4 points defensive TD; 1 point for sack; 2 for interceptions, fumbles recovered, safeties and blocked punts/kicks; 8 points for a shutout, 6 points for 1-6 points allowed, and 2 less points for every additional 7 points allowed

· 3 points per FG; 1 point for PAT; -1 point for missed PAT or FG under 40 yards

In this format your average scoring would have these results:

· Top 10 QB: 21-27 points per week

· Top 10 RB: 15-22 ppw

· Top 10 WR: 14-18 ppw

· Top 10 TE: 8-14 ppw

· Top 10 K: 7-8.5 ppw

· Top 10 DST: 8-10.5

With the 10-player starting lineup, teams would average in the 120 point ranger per week. There is something psychologically exciting about seeing teams score over 100. More points equals more fun, it’s as simple as that. Plus, it’s easy to see when a team really tanks a week and scores under 100 points, or when a team has a stellar week reaching 150 or more.

This setup also finds a nice balance between the 3 major positions while still rewarding elite performances. In addition, it lessens the chance of having a defense or kicker determine the outcome for a week. No one enjoys Rob Bironas guaranteeing a win because his team couldn’t put the ball in the endzone 6 times. And, no one enjoys losing because the Packers defense scored on a kickoff return, a punt return, and two turnovers. Kickers and defenses should play a part, but as they are both inconsistent and near impossible to predict. As a result, they should not single-handedly decide a match-up.

Now, you can implement some of these and ignore others as you please. However, if you want to get the most fun out of your experience (and really, isn’t that what we all play for…well, sometimes the money too), you should follow these rules.

There are more detailed pieces about leagues setups and scoring I could include. In fact, if I explained everything, it would be constitution-like in style AND length. That being said, I’d be more than happy to submit mine for all fantasy football use. Why not? We can call it the Fantasy Football Constitution…or something less boring…you tell me.

Rankings Time!

QBs

Rank - Player - Team ( Bye ) Price

1 - Drew Brees - NO ( 10 ) $19

2 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( 10 ) $19

3 - Peyton Manning - IND ( 7 ) $18

4 - Tom Brady - NE ( 5 ) $15

5 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( 7 ) $15

6 - Tony Romo - DAL ( 4 ) $15

7 - Philip Rivers - SD ( 10 ) $11

8 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( 8 ) $7

9 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( 8 ) $7

10 - Brett Favre - MIN ( 4 ) $7

11 - Kevin Kolb - PHI ( 8 ) $6

12 - Eli Manning - NYG ( 8 ) $6

13 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( 8 ) $5

14 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( 9 ) $4

15 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( 6 ) $4

16 - Matthew Stafford - DET ( 7 ) $3

17 - David Garrard - JAC ( 9 ) $3

18 - Vince Young - TEN ( 9 ) $3

19 - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT ( 5 ) $3

20 - Chad Henne - MIA ( 5 ) $2

21 - Matt Cassel - KC ( 4 ) $2

22 - Mark Sanchez - NYJ ( 7 ) $2

23 - Jason Campbell - OAK ( 10 ) $2

24 - Alex Smith - SF ( 9 ) $2

25 - Josh Freeman - TB ( 4 ) $1

26 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( 9 ) $1

27 - Matt Moore - CAR ( 6 ) $1

28 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( 5 ) $1

29 - Derek Anderson - ARZ ( 6 ) $1

30 - Sam Bradford - STL ( 9 ) $1

31 - Trent Edwards - BUF ( 6 ) $1

32 - Jake Delhomme - CLE ( 8 ) $1

33 - Michael Vick - PHI ( 8 ) $1

34 - Seneca Wallace - CLE ( 8 ) $1

35 - Byron Leftwich - PIT ( 5 ) $1

36 - Jimmy Clausen - CAR ( 6 ) $1

RBs

Rank - Player - Team ( Bye ) Price

1 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( 9 ) $35

2 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( 4 ) $33

3 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( 9 ) $31

4 - Ray Rice - BAL ( 8 ) $27

5 - Frank Gore - SF ( 9 ) $23

6 - Steven Jackson - STL ( 9 ) $23

7 - Michael Turner - ATL ( 8 ) $22

8 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( 5 ) $17

9 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( 6 ) $17

10 - Ryan Mathews - SD ( 10 ) $15

11 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( 4 ) $13

12 - Ryan Grant - GB ( 10 ) $13

13 - Shonn Greene - NYJ ( 7 ) $13

14 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( 6 ) $12

15 - Pierre Thomas - NO ( 10 ) $12

16 - Jahvid Best - DET ( 7 ) $11

17 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( 8 ) $10

18 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( 9 ) $9

19 - Beanie Wells - ARZ ( 6 ) $9

20 - Matt Forte - CHI ( 8 ) $8

21 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR ( 6 ) $8

22 - Joseph Addai - IND ( 7 ) $8

23 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( 5 ) $8

24 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( 8 ) $6

25 - Felix Jones - DAL ( 4 ) $6

26 - Arian Foster - HOU ( 7 ) $6

27 - C.J. Spiller - BUF ( 6 ) $6

28 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( 5 ) $5

29 - Clinton Portis - WAS ( 9 ) $5

30 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( 5 ) $5

31 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( 8 ) $5

32 - Marion Barber - DAL ( 4 ) $5

33 - Jerome Harrison - CLE ( 8 ) $4

34 - Michael Bush - OAK ( 10 ) $4

35 - Carnell Williams - TB ( 4 ) $4

36 - Reggie Bush - NO ( 10 ) $4

37 - Darren McFadden - OAK ( 10 ) $3

38 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( 6 ) $3

39 - Tim Hightower - ARZ ( 6 ) $3

40 - Steve Slaton - HOU ( 7 ) $3

41 - LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ ( 7 ) $3

42 - Donald Brown - IND ( 7 ) $3

43 - Laurence Maroney - NE ( 5 ) $3

44 - Thomas Jones - KC ( 4 ) $3

45 - Darren Sproles - SD ( 10 ) $2

46 - Chester Taylor - CHI ( 8 ) $2

47 - Montario Hardesty - CLE ( 8 ) $2

48 - Willis McGahee - BAL ( 8 ) $2

49 - Correll Buckhalter - DEN ( 9 ) $1

50 - Leon Washington - SEA ( 5 ) $1

51 - Kevin Smith - DET ( 7 ) $1

52 - Bernard Scott - CIN ( 6 ) $1

53 - Derrick Ward - TB ( 4 ) $1

54 - Toby Gerhart - MIN ( 4 ) $1

55 - Larry Johnson - WAS ( 9 ) $2

56 - Jason Snelling - ATL ( 8 ) $1

57 - Marshawn Lynch - BUF ( 6 ) $1

58 - Kevin Faulk - NE ( 5 ) $1

59 - Tashard Choice - DAL ( 4 ) $1

60 - Jerious Norwood - ATL ( 8 ) $1

61 - Mike Bell - PHI ( 8 ) $1

62 - Fred Taylor - NE ( 5 ) $1

63 - Sammy Morris - NE ( 5 ) $1

64 - Javon Ringer - TEN ( 9 ) $1

65 - Brandon Jackson - GB ( 10 ) $1

66 - Brian Westbrook - SF ( 9 ) $1

67 - Rashad Jennings - JAC ( 9 ) $1

68 - Julius Jones - SEA ( 5 ) $1

69 - Mewelde Moore - PIT ( 5 ) $1

70 - Lex Hilliard - MIA ( 5 ) $1

WRs

Rank - Player - Team ( Bye ) Price

1 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( 7 ) $22

2 - Randy Moss - NE ( 5 ) $19

3 - Miles Austin - DAL ( 4 ) $16

4 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( 7 ) $16

5 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( 7 ) $15

6 - Roddy White - ATL ( 8 ) $15

7 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARZ ( 6 ) $15

8 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( 5 ) $14

9 - Greg Jennings - GB ( 10 ) $13

10 - DeSean Jackson - PHI ( 8 ) $12

11 - Marques Colston - NO ( 10 ) $12

12 - Steve Smith - CAR ( 6 ) $11

13 - Steve Smith - NYG ( 8 ) $11

14 - Anquan Boldin - BAL ( 8 ) $11

15 - Wes Welker - NE ( 5 ) $9

16 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( 6 ) $9

17 - Hines Ward - PIT ( 5 ) $8

18 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( 9 ) $8

19 - Dwayne Bowe - KC ( 4 ) $8

20 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( 9 ) $7

21 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( 4 ) $7

22 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( 8 ) $6

23 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( 5 ) $6

24 - Santana Moss - WAS ( 9 ) $5

25 - Malcom Floyd - SD ( 10 ) $5

26 - Donald Driver - GB ( 10 ) $5

27 - T.J. Houshmandzadeh - SEA ( 5 ) $4

28 - Robert Meachem - NO ( 10 ) $4

29 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( 7 ) $4

30 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( 8 ) $4

31 - Steve Breaston - ARZ ( 6 ) $4

32 - Lee Evans - BUF ( 6 ) $3

33 - Terrell Owens - CIN ( 6 ) $3

34 - Johnny Knox - CHI ( 8 ) $3

35 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( 8 ) $3

36 - Bernard Berrian - MIN ( 4 ) $3

37 - Vincent Jackson - SD ( 10 ) $2

38 - Dez Bryant - DAL ( 4 ) $2

39 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ ( 7 ) $2

40 - Kenny Britt - TEN ( 9 ) $2

41 - Santonio Holmes - NYJ ( 7 ) $2

42 - Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ ( 7 ) $2

43 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( 9 ) $2

44 - Devin Aromashodu - CHI ( 8 ) $2

45 - Devin Hester - CHI ( 8 ) $2

46 - Mohamed Massaquoi - CLE ( 8 ) $1

47 - Mike Williams - TB ( 4 ) $1

48 - Nate Burleson - DET ( 7 ) $1

49 - Chris Chambers - KC ( 4 ) $1

50 - Louis Murphy - OAK ( 10 ) $1

51 - Donnie Avery - STL ( 9 ) $1

52 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( 9 ) $1

53 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( 8 ) $1

54 - Jacoby Jones - HOU ( 7 ) $1

55 - Early Doucet - ARZ ( 6 ) $1

56 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( 7 ) $1

57 - Devery Henderson - NO ( 10 ) $1

58 - Austin Collie - IND ( 7 ) $1

59 - Nate Washington - TEN ( 9 ) $1

60 - Laurent Robinson - STL ( 9 ) $1

61 - Josh Morgan - SF ( 9 ) $1

62 - Julian Edelman - NE ( 5 ) $1

63 - Sidney Rice - MIN ( 4 ) $1

64 - Dexter McCluster - KC ( 4 ) $1

65 - Legedu Naanee - SD ( 10 ) $1

66 - Roy Williams - DAL ( 4 ) $1

67 - Mike Thomas - JAC ( 9 ) $1

68 - James Jones - GB ( 10 ) $1

69 - Anthony Gonzalez - IND ( 7 ) $1

70 - Golden Tate - SEA ( 5 ) $1

71 - Brian Hartline - MIA ( 5 ) $1

72 - Davone Bess - MIA ( 5 ) $1

73 - Harry Douglas - ATL ( 8 ) $1

74 - Darrius Heyward-Bey - OAK ( 10 ) $1

75 - Demaryius Thomas - DEN ( 9 ) $1

76 - Chaz Schilens - OAK ( 10 ) $1

77 - Devin Thomas - WAS ( 9 ) $1

78 - Joshua Cribbs - CLE ( 8 ) $1

79 - Jordy Nelson - GB ( 10 ) $1

80 - Jason Avant - PHI ( 8 ) $1

TEs

Rank - Player - Team ( Bye ) Price

1 - Antonio Gates - SD ( 10 ) $10

2 - Dallas Clark - IND ( 7 ) $10

3 - Vernon Davis - SF ( 9 ) $9

4 - Jason Witten - DAL ( 4 ) $7

5 - Jermichael Finley - GB ( 10 ) $6

6 - Brent Celek - PHI ( 8 ) $6

7 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( 8 ) $5

8 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( 4 ) $3

9 - Zach Miller - OAK ( 10 ) $3

10 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( 9 ) $3

11 - Owen Daniels - HOU ( 7 ) $3

12 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( 4 ) $3

13 - Heath Miller - PIT ( 5 ) $2

14 - John Carlson - SEA ( 5 ) $2

15 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( 8 ) $2

16 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( 7 ) $1

17 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( 10 ) $1

18 - Kevin Boss - NYG ( 8 ) $1

19 - Tony Scheffler - DET ( 7 ) $1

20 - Fred Davis - WAS ( 9 ) $1

21 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( 9 ) $1

22 - Todd Heap - BAL ( 8 ) $1

23 - Ben Watson - CLE ( 8 ) $1

24 - Bo Scaife - TEN ( 9 ) $1

25 - Anthony Fasano - MIA ( 5 ) $1

26 - Jermaine Gresham - CIN ( 6 ) $1

27 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( 5 ) $1

28 - Brandon Pettigrew - DET ( 7 ) $1

29 - Rob Gronkowski - NE ( 5 ) $1

30 - Jared Cook - TEN ( 9 ) $1

Ks

Rank - Player - Team ( Bye )

1 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( 5 )

2 - Garrett Hartley - NO ( 10 )

3 - Nate Kaeding - SD ( 10 )

4 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( 4 )

5 - David Akers - PHI ( 8 )

6 - Mason Crosby - GB ( 10 )

7 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( 9 )

8 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( 8 )

9 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( 8 )

10 - Jay Feely - ARZ ( 6 )

11 - Matt Prater - DEN ( 9 )

12 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( 5 )

13 - Neil Rackers - HOU ( 7 )

14 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( 5 )

15 - Shayne Graham - BAL ( 8 )

16 - Adam Vinatieri - IND ( 7 )

17 - Matt Bryant - ATL ( 8 )

18 - David Buehler - DAL ( 4 )

19 - Sebastian Janikowski - OAK ( 10 )

20 - Joe Nedney - SF ( 9 )

21 - Nick Folk - NYJ ( 7 )

22 - Ryan Succop - KC ( 4 )

23 - John Kasay - CAR ( 6 )

24 - Olindo Mare - SEA ( 5 )

25 - Rian Lindell - BUF ( 6 )

26 - Jason Hanson - DET ( 7 )

27 - Josh Brown - STL ( 9 )

28 - Josh Scobee - JAC ( 9 )

29 - Phil Dawson - CLE ( 8 )

30 - Graham Gano - WAS ( 9 )

31 - Mike Nugent - CIN ( 6 )

32 - Connor Barth - TB ( 4 )

DEF

Rank - Team ( Bye )

1 - Jets ( 7 )

2 - Eagles ( 8 )

3 - Packers ( 10 )

4 - Vikings ( 4 )

5 - Ravens ( 8 )

6 - Cowboys ( 4 )

7 - 49ers ( 9 )

8 - Steelers ( 5 )

9 - Saints ( 10 )

10 - Giants ( 8 )

11 - Bengals ( 6 )

12 - Patriots ( 5 )

13 - Bears ( 8 )

14 - Chargers ( 10 )

15 - Texans ( 7 )

16 - Dolphins ( 5 )

17 - Broncos ( 9 )

18 - Cardinals ( 6 )

19 - Colts ( 7 )

20 - Falcons ( 8 )

21 - Titans ( 9 )

22 - Bills ( 6 )

23 - Browns ( 8 )

24 - Redskins ( 9 )

25 - Buccaneers ( 4 )

26 - Panthers ( 6 )

27 - Chiefs ( 4 )

28 - Lions ( 7 )

29 - Seahawks ( 5 )

30 - Raiders ( 10 )

31 - Jaguars ( 9 )

32 - Rams ( 9 )