by Wayne Reeves

Created on: September 09, 2010

Every year, fantasy football drafts all reflect the changing trends of the real NFL game.  Potential players due for a breakout season, the up-and-coming rookies or another strong year from a seasoned veteran; all these factors have to be considered when making those vital draft picks.

In 2010, there is a growing belief that the featured back role is a diminishing one; where it wasn’t uncommon for the No.1 guy to receive close to 400 carries, those days appear to be over.  Running back ‘by committee’ is the catchphrase used by teams, where two or even three backs share the load over the course of a season.

With this philosophy in mind, drafting the No.1 back on any NFL team isn’t a guarantee he will be a reliable points-machine each and every week.  Many so-called fantasy experts have long-instructed the need to ‘handcuff’ the backup runners to the official starter.  

The current playing style of many teams now is to be more flexible with personnel and formations; taking a player who shares a tandem position with a backup (an equal starter in other words) isn’t so much a gamble, more a lower-risk pick to begin with.

It is still a vital position in fantasy to get locked-up early; if the quality is on the slim side (too many time-share backs in the draft pool) then taking a No.1 receiver or quarterback is a viable alternative in the first or second round.

Peyton Manning is capable of generating a healthy stat-line every week, so losing out on a solid No.1 or No.2 RB starter isn’t a great miss.  If other coaches are thinking along the same lines, then picking up a receiver like Andre Johnson should be the next best option.

There is little point trying to draft starters (in positions where a roster is lacking) if the talent level is fairly low.  It is better to draft for quality depth (where a team is already strong) than filling up holes with inferior players as starters.

By adding the best players available, it opens up the possibility of trades further into the season; there a team can patch-up a roster with better players than any dregs of a draft could fill.  

2010 offers some good value draft picks; although patience is the key here.  Sidney Rice, WR, was a sensation in ’09 - forming a deadly partnership with QB Brett Favre.  After knee surgery, he won’t play until at least mid-season - his draft stock has fallen heavily but could be very useful in the run-up to fantasy play-off football.

Another who is currently languishing in the NFL doghouse is QB Ben Roethlisberger, suspended for four games (reduced from six); he should return as the starter (despite words from coach Tomlin that backup Dennis Dixon could play himself into the permanent position) in October, making him a lower-round pick worthy of consideration.

This year’s fantasy football is more open than most, many questions surround position-battles; it will take a few weeks (after kick-off weekend) before the teams settle down and fantasy players will know who are the best players to have on their rosters.

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