Fantasy Football Magazines: Ranking The Best

The count down to the NF kickoff is officially on and it’s time to really start gearing up for the fantasy season.  There are many outlets to get fantasy football information, and as such, this article will examine seven popular fantasy football magazines currently in circulation. All these magazines are first-class, but we’ll tell you which one we think is the BEST!

1. ESPN Fantasy Football 2010 – Price $7.99

(Cover – C. Johnson)

One of the first magazines published, it has very solid articles on an array of topics.  One of my favorite articles is called The Inquisitive Owner’s 12 Step Guide To Fantasy Enlightenment , which covers multiple topics like hand cuffing info, draft strategy, when to take a TE, auction draft tips, and much more.  As you would expect from ESPN, the magazine has a great expert’s mock draft with commentary. 

There are excellent in depth player rankings with three year stats and 2010 projections.  IDP rankings are also featured.  The team-by-team information is detailed and has an analysis of what teams do in the red zone.  ESPN is a fantasy leader for good reason; they really know their stuff and are deserving of the number one spot.

2. 2010 Fox Fantasy Football Guide/Scout.com Pro Football Preview—Price $4.95

(Cover – C. Johnson, D. Brees, A. Johnson)

The magazine features fantastic strategy articles on multiple topics (QB, Playoff, Sleeper, Rookie, Trade Strategies and much more).  It also has the lowest price tag of the bunch. The 16 round mock draft has some interesting picks.  Good player rankings, but very little player specific information.  Sadly, there are no 2010 projections.  It contains team-by-team profiles with Offense/Defense/Special Teams info.  It gets the second spot because of its lower price tag and killer opening articles.

3. NFL.com 2010 Fantasy Football Preview—Price $8.99

(Cover – P. Manning, D. Brees)

This magazine has a new stat called “Fantasy Points Against”, which helps you look at which team defenses are most vulnerable (or formidable), to assist you with setting your lineup.  If I read correctly, this seems to be something that NFL.com will keep updated throughout the season.  It has solid articles on the rise of the elite fantasy QB/decline of the RB, and doing four things that make fielding multiple fantasy football teams easy (tips we can all use). 

There is a good mock draft with their experts.  The player rankings are solid and have player information capsules with 2009 stats and projections for 2010.  There are team-by-team previews that have info on “when they run” and “when they pass”.

4. Fanball.com Fantasy Football 2010 Annual Guide—Price $7.99

(Cover – C. Johnson)

There is a really cool interview with Chris Johnson inside this edition.  We really liked the article on NFL passing trends in regards to fantasy.  They also stand out in regards to mock drafts with multiple drafts for different sized leagues, and even one for an auction draft. 

The player’s rankings have good capsule information with three-year player info and 2010 projections. You can also find  IDP information in the magazine.  The detailed team-by-team information was helpful; it features play call distribution and scoring distribution info.  If reviewing mock drafts is your thing, this magazine is for you.

5. Sports Illustrated Fantasy Football Guide 2010—Price $7.99

(Cover – multiple players)

There are articles on Sleepers, Busts, and Rookie Value.  We agree with most of the “Bust” picks as well.  There is a fine article on things to consider heading into the fantasy football season.  Our favorite article was their Draft Strategy:  Follow the Ten Commandments.  

SI has player rankings with three year stats, but no projections.  The magazine features the most “unique” player rankings of all the magazines we evaluated.  They really go out on a limb with some ranks!  There is also a mock draft.  IDP information is in-depth (160 players ranked).  The team by team analysis features per team “sleepers” and “busts”.

6. Lindy’s Fantasy Football 2010—Price $7.99

(Cover – A. Rogers, A. Johnson, C. Johnson)

The magazine starts off with a good “20 questions” article.  Next is an article that looks at why stud RB’s are still the most important fantasy players.  Their mock draft concludes with an interesting Q&A session with team owners. 

The player rankings are in depth and have three-year stats, but no 2010 projections.  Our favorite part of the magazine is the offensive line rankings.  They’re concise and helpful.  However, the magazine ranks only 11 IDP (no team defenses, unless I just totally missed it).  Team by team information is limited and mainly focused on arriving and departed players.  The magazine is only this low because of the lack of defensive info.

7. Fantasy League Football 2010—Price $9.95

(Cover – C. Johnson)

This magazine is a little light on articles and has the highest price tag.  There is a nice one-pager on Auction Analysis.  The player rankings have five year historical info (most of any magazine) with 2010 projections.  Prior to player rankings they have a 10 Burning Questions section, which was informative and different from other magazines.  IDP information is covered.  The team by team capsules have running, passing and red zone information.

Article written by: Rick Coeburn

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