Fantasy Football Notebook - Draft Players on Winning Teams

This is the third article in a series of articles that I am writing on Fantasy Football.

The first article detailed a basic draft strategy—Fantasy Football Notebook - Draft Strategy.

The second article featured my opinions on Fantasy Football Keeper/Dynasty leagues—Fantasy Football Notebook - Keeper Leagues Love them or Hate Them.

The third article deals with Fantasy Football Draft Tools—Fantasy Football Notebook - Draft Tools.

Today’s article revisits draft strategies or just picking up players in general. My advice is to pick up players on winning teams.

Think about it, this is common sense, if a team is doing great—look for players on their teams. If it comes down to drafting a player on a team with playoff possibilities vs. a team that is rebuilding, take the player on the winning team. The winning team will most likely score more and go on streaks. If you need a player on the waiver wire, look for a player on a winning or successful team.

Let’s say you are looking to pick up a second tier running back. Available are Rudi Johnson of Cincinnati and Ronnie Brown of Miami. Its a no-brainer, Rudi Johnson of the Bengals. Purely based on the success rate of the Bengals. It can mean a difference of 5-8 points per game—I don't see the Miami Dolphins going to far this season.

Let’s say you are looking to draft a QB in the later rounds and John Kitna of Detroit is available. According to fantasyfootball.com, Kitna is the 14th ranked QB, and Eli Manning is ranked No.15. Who do you choose? Based on the success rate of the Giants, you have to choose Eli Manning. This season the Giants could bomb, but at least you know that the Giants can be a contender, as opposed to the unpredictable Lions.

Again, it could be a difference of 6-8 points a week. Kitna may get hot a couple of weeks, but he may have one of those games and get under 10 points. But you know Eli Manning will at least give you at least 15 points based on his team's win rate.

That is my advice for today. Stay tuned for more. As always feel free to leave me feedback. Good or bad, it is always appreciated.