Fantasy football buffet: so many choices that look good upon first inspection, but with a slight twist - I have only 60 seconds to decide on a dish and once someone chooses a dish it’s gone. Actually sounds like a great way to spend an evening with a few drunken buddies on a Thursday night. “For my first pick I choose the smoked brisket”… “Hey, I’ll trade you the corned beef and twice baked potatoes for the fried chicken”… “NO DEAL! I already have mashed potatoes!” OK, sorry let me refocus here.

What can you do to make your fantasy buffet a productive experience that instead of gas pains and heartburn leads to championships, pride and maybe some cash? One very simple but highly effective tool is using a tier system to dominate your draft. For those new to the concept let me break down what I mean by tiers.

We all go into drafts with our top 200 sheets along with our rankings broken down by position. These are the basics - the must haves. When looking at the positional rankings there will be a point when the projected outcome of the players above that point is significantly better than those below that point. For example Steven Jackson is the fifth ranked running back on ESPN’s RB ratings, with Frank Gore coming at number six. That is where my tier 1 ends and tier 2 starts. I like both this year and I consider them both top running backs; however there will be a difference in output between the two. You continue this dividing through the rest of each position’s rankings. I generally have four tiers for running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks, three for tight ends, and two for Def/ST and kickers. But why go to all this trouble…well keep reading and I’ll make my case.

Reason #1: Planning ahead

While you could quickly and without much thought develop a tier system, to do it correctly, spend some time researching those fringe players. The difference between tier 1 and 2 is, in most cases, easy to see; however the difference between a tier 2 and 3 player may be much more subtle. Ask yourself these questions: what is the quality of their line; strength of the defensive schedule (both overall and playoff weeks); what is the emphasis of their offense; are they the primary back up; injury status (or risk of injury), are they more likely to play from behind; are they an every down player or a situational player. You will find that if researched appropriately, there will be a definite divide in your tiers. Just arming yourself with this information will make you a better draft manager.

Reason #2: Take a picture; Avoid the runs

Once you have your tiers in place you will have a snap shot of where the value is in the draft. You will see that some tiers and positions are extremely deep, while others lack depth. Let’s say you reach the fourth round and you went RB, RB, QB and consequently all of your tier 1 WR are gone. For the unprepared drafter panic will set in and drafts can be compromised. Take a breath and look at your tiers. What you will see is that tier 2 WR is an absolutely deep commodity with tons of great bargains. So if there is a RB you see as a great value in the fourth round and most likely won’t make it back to you in the fifth, don’t hesitate to pick him up.

An unfortunate side effect of draft panic is the dreaded runs (also a side effect of a bad buffet). When a run happens you see players drafted well ahead of their projected value. QBs and TEs tend to be the positions that incur this phenomenon most often. Runs are the playground of the frightened and weak; you’re not weak, are you?

By the way taking a picture of your runs (buffet style) is always a bad idea…unless you are showing them to said drunken buddies. 

Reason #3: Don’t play the name game; let the numbers do the talking

Tiers will force you to look at a player’s numbers rather than his names. If there was one thing I learned from GI Joe cartoons was that knowledge is power. Last year it was Shaun Alexander and this year it will be Larry Johnson. Guys who two years ago may have been draft 1 and 2 are now players that we need to be leery of. You have done the research and compiled your rankings, so trust yourself. Don’t feel pressured into a sloppy pick; let the ignorant draft LJ at number eight.

And finally…

Reason #4: Use ADP to enhance the tier system

This is where leagues are won and lost; where draft managers become draft experts. As part of my tier sheet I always add the most up to date Average Draft Position (ADP) for each player. Finding those hidden gems is all well and good, but drafting them three rounds too early effectively nullifies their value. I look at a guy like Vincent Jackson (Chargers WR) as a perfect example of this. I have him down as a tier 2 WR but his ADP is 139. I call that value…if he is taken in the 10th round or later. If he pans out and has a great year I’m a genius; if he flops, so what — I used a deep pick on him. As a reminder to myself I will highlight or bold print players that I view as sleepers.

Let’s say I am in the tenth round of my draft and I am trying to decide between a handcuff to my number one RB or adding depth at WR. With a quick glance at my tier sheet I can see how many tier 2 WR are available. If there are several whose ADP indicate that they will be available in the upcoming rounds I take the handcuff. However if the well of tier 2 wide receivers is about dried up and my running back’s ADP indicates he will be there in a later round I go WR.

Using tiers can only strengthen your drafting abilities. Let your buddies choose between the cold broiled chicken and the overcooked green beans while you enjoy your crab legs. Good Luck!

Check out my blog – ffbcommunity. I have just added my rankings and tiers for Quarterbacks along with their current ADP.

Fantasy owners believe in karma, or as I like to call it “The Fantasy Gods”, because one bad “karma” player can bring down your whole fantasy team. Every year on draft day I stay away from certain players because I do not want to upset these so-called “Fantasy Gods”. The recent trade of Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers sparked an age-old debate on whether team chemistry does indeed bring championships. This question has been routinely answered in many circles in the affirmative. One can simply look back at the recent success of the Boston Celtics and the back-to-back college basketball titles of the University of Florida Gators to see how team chemistry does indeed bring home the hardware.

After hours of diligent research, the Commish Report is proud to bring you the First Annual Karma Squad. The Karma Squad consists of players (in the last ten years) that one should never add to their fantasy roster for fear of destroying your team chemistry. One bad apple does destroy the bunch. In no particular order, without further ado:

Barry Bonds: He may be the homerun king but he comes with more baggage than Delta.

Travis Henry: Putting his marijuana issues aside, the man has fathered at least nine children among nine women. Just think about that little fact. Nine children with nine different women. NINE children with NINE different women. He is also reportedly in fiancial trouble which may explain his lack of funds to afford a box of condoms.

Chris Henry: This former Cincinnati Bengal’s rap sheet includes drunk driving, drug possession, assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. He has also been suspended more times than the combined number of fake knee injuries between Manny Ramirez and Paul Pierce.

Chad Johnson: His on the field antics will not sit well with your fantasy coach and for argument sake let’s just include the entire Cincinnati roster. You do not want Rudi Johnson on your team either. How can you trust anybody on your team that spells Rudi with an “i”?

The Portland Trailblazers of the late 90’s which was also known as the Jail-Blazers: See Cincinnati Bengals above.

Brett Favre: I do not want anybody on my fantasy team that cannot make up their mind about retiring. If somebody offers me 20 million dollars, to stay retired I would take the money faster than Terrell Owens took a bottle full Vicodin (don’t get me started on a player that tries to commit suicide on the middle of the season). Let’s include Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, Michael Strahan and Tiki Barber on this list.

Steve Smith: Punching your fellow teammate in the nose is no way to make friends. Maybe he should try and stay healthy for an entire season before he makes any more friends.

Gary Coleman: Whatchu talkin’ ’bout Commish? Just check out the video of his first at bat for the Madison Mallards minor league team. He gets ejected for corking his bat ala Sammy Sosa.

Coaches for my All Karma Team include Mark Richt, head football coach of the University of Georgia for his fine display of sportsmanship against the University of Florida last October in Jacksonville, Florida. Ordering a full team celebration in the end zone is a fantastic way to celebrate a touchdown and mold the young minds of his student athletes; Ozzie Guillen, current manager of the Chicago White Sox, for ordering his pitchers to bean certain opposing batters; and Bobby Bowden for wearing a Indiana Jones fedora and headsets, even though he has not coached in two decades

I would also like to include Howard Schultz as the team owner. Not only did he ruin the once storied Seattle Sonic franschise but his little coffee shop franschise seems to be in a little financial trouble.

Please forward me any additional players (past or present) that failed to make my First Annual All Karma Team roster.

The scoring format was based on a standard system other then the fact that QB’s will get 6 points per TD.

If you are wondering about my picks, they are in bold and I will provide a little insight as to why I chose them below (your thoughts are welcome encouraged).

Oh and one more thing, make sure you stop by each of these blogs and add them to your reader or sign up for email updates - links to the sites are in the first round. That way you will never, EVER miss even a morsel of fantasy football information from now until you are counting your first place cash.

Check it out!

Round 1

1. Curveballs 4 Jesus: L. Tomlinson
2. Sean McCall/Football Outsiders: A. Peterson
3. Football Burrito: J. Addai
4. Pancake Blocks: S. Jackson
5. West Coast Nonsense: B. Westbrook
6. Bruno Boys: T. Brady
7. The Hazean: M. Barber
8. Football Jabber: F. Gore
9. Fantasy Football Fools: C. Portis
10. Fantasy Football Geek Blog: M. Lynch
11. Fantasy Football Goat: Larry Johnson
12. Fantasy Football Librarian: Randy Moss

Round 2

1. Fantasy Football Librarian: Reggie Wayne
2. Fantasy Football Goat: Terrell Owens
3. FF Geek Blog: Ryan Grant
4. FF Fools: Braylon Edwards
5. Jabber: Peyton Manning
6. Hazean: Willis McGahee
7. Bruno Boys: Brandon Jacobs
8. West Coast Nonsense: Larry Fitzgerald
9. Pancake Blocks: Andre Johnson
10. Football Burrito: MJ Drew
11. Sean McCall/Football Outsiders: L. Mauroney
12. C4J: Drew Brees

Round 3

1. Curveballs 4 Jesus: Jamal Lewis
2. Sean McCall/Football Outsiders: Marques Colston
3. Football Burrito Tony Romo
4. Pancake Blocks: Chad Johnson
5. West Coast Nonsense: T.J. Housh
6. Bruno Boys: Steve Smith
7. The Hazean: Brandon Marshall
8. Football Jabber: Plaxico Burress
9. Fantasy Football Fools: Edgerrin James
10. Fantasy Football Geek Blog: Torry Holt
11. Fantasy Football Goat: Santonio Holmes
12. Fantasy Football Librarian: Reggie Brown

Round 4

1. Fantasy Football Librarian: Ronnie Brown
2. Fantasy Football Goat: Earnest Graham
3. FF Geek Blog: Anquan Boldin
4. FF Fools: Michael Turner
5. Jabber: LenDale White
6. Hazean: Carson Palmer
7. Bruno: Darren McFadden
8. West Coast Nonsense: Willie Parker
9. Pancake Blocks: Jonathan Stewart
10. Football Burrito: Wes Welker
11. Sean McCall/Football Outsiders: Jason Witten
12. Curveballs 4 Jesus: Lee Evans

My Round One Choice
I was all over Marshawn Lynch until Matt and Brandon over at FFGeeksBlog wisely picked him just before me (props to them) which led me to taking Larry Johnson.

I’m not crazy about taking him considering the laundry list of question marks surrounding his supporting staff; the line, the QB and experience in general. But he’s the best player on his team (equaling touches), an every down back (rare these days) and has a schedule filled with “projected” weak run D’s.

Add to that the fact that you gotta think he’ll be playing with a chip on his shoulder after a dismal 2007. I’ll take my chances.

My Round Two Choice
I took T.O. The running back pool drops of some right here and I think I can get some some decent value later. I was thinking QB with 6 points per TD but again, I think there will be some value in the later rounds. I am going to make sure I have a solid WR1 and take Terrell Owens before they get run on (long time until my next pick).

My Round Three Choice
I was not that excited about any of the running backs left and I think there is some good value at QB to be had in the later rounds. So, I am going to take Santonio Holmes.

He’s a number one on a fairly pass happy team and he seems to get a little better every year. In my opinion, he is a very solid WR2 (arguably even low end WR1).

My Round Four Choice
I took Ernest Graham. A potentially reduced workload with Warrick Dunn in town presents some risk but he is a good value in round 4. And I don’t think Cadillac will be a factor - at least until much later on in the season.

Bottom line, a very solid RB2 who runs behind a good offensive line and plays on a team that will run and play ball control against an accommodating schedule.

Again, I invite any comments or questions you might have.

There you have it. I want to thank all the bloggers and writers that participated. And most importantly, I want to thank you for reading this.

So here they are, a few players who are not getting a ton of respect… which is fine when they are falling to you.

Quarterbacks

Mark Bulger (STL) - Last year his line was hammered and then so was he. They Rams lost a few o-line starters for the entire season - including the All-Pro left tackle Orlando Pace - and there was only one man who started 16 games on the line - each at different position.

He has been the 12th QB taken which means people are forgetting that just a year ago - with a healthy line - he was considered top six. That equals value. You could stock up running backs and receivers when you can get a QB like this later in the draft.

With a healthy line and a suspect defense expect the Rams offense to bounce back and be required to score often.

Jake Delhomme (CAR) - If his shoulder holds up - and there is no reason to think it won’t at this point - Jake offers tremendous value being the 14th QB taken on average. His line will be healthy, he has Steve Smith, old reliable Moose and newcomer D.J. Hackett. All of which should be able to help him get into the swing of things.

Running backs

Thomas Jones (NYJ) - An upgraded line and weak schedule versus the run could equal a return to the top ten for Thomas Jones this year. He is getting up there in age but the man has some pride. I don’t think it is a stretch for him to go over 1000 yards and pick up 10+ TD’s this year and getting production like that in the 4th or 5th round is a pretty good deal.

Ernest Graham (TB) - Ernest also has a good line, will be the primary runner and yet he is getting no respect. On average, he has been the 22nd running back taken. Even if Warrick Dunn steals a few carries it won’t be in the red zone. And what about the Cadillac? I for one won’t be holding my breath. He shouldn’t be a factor until late in the season if at all.

Ricky Williams (MIA) - I see Ronnie Brown getting the love everywhere but last time I checked, he isn’t even on the practice field and has admitted that “I have a long way to go.” Ricky has been looking great in practice and is on a mission to shake his past. Don’t believe me, read this Miami Herald article. Bottom line, he will come very cheap and you could do a lot worse with some of your late round picks.

Wide Receivers

Bobby Engram (SEA) - With Deion Branch in serious doubt until late in the season and D.J. Hackett catching balls in Carolina, someone has to get the ball in a very pass happy offense. Why not Mr. Old Reliable? Sure he wants more cash but he’s old school, a gamer and most importantly in camp. You could get him late and have a very solid WR2 or WR3 on your hand hands (maybe even better in PPR leagues).

Chad Jackson (NE) - I am not completely sold on this myself but I think that Doug at Football Burrito made a compelling case in our bloggers mock draft.

In week 12 of the 2007 season the Eagles decided to get physical with Randy Moss bumping him at the line with help over the top. Moss was shut down, and from week 12 through the play-offs other teams copied the Eagles approach. With Moss shut down, Welker got 143 yards receiving against the Eagle and for the rest of the year Moss hardly did anything while Welker flourished. This is not a small sample size either we are talking about 9 games! While one of your friends grabs Randy Moss in the first round, grab Welker in the 4th and remind them every week when Welker outperforms Moss.

Tight ends

Ben Utecht (CIN) - The former Colt is now with the Bengals. The word is that he should be in line to pick up Chris Henry’s work. You and I both know that their offense can get it done and we both know that their defense can’t get it done. Sooo there should be plenty of balls to go around in Cinci right? I’d give you his ADP but I can’t find it. Now how’s that for a sleeper.

Defenses

Baltimore D - Think about it, last year at this time they were considered an elite fantasy defense but then the injury bug hit, their offense barely helped and the slowly faded. Now they are healthy. So once the run on defenses starts, don’t worry. Chances are you’ll be able to snap up the Ravens a little later than usual this year. They have been the 10th defense taken on average in mock drafts according to Fantasy Football Calculator’s ADP tool.

So do you agree or disagree?

Or did I miss anyone? Feel free to offer up your opinion in the comments below.

Oh, and stay tuned. This list is only about half complete right now. I am sure I will come up with more and more as training camps progress.

Currently Brady is the fourth player being taken off the boards on ESPN’s live drafts. His Average Draft Position (ADP) is a 4.8 and he is the #6 ranked player overall. So if you are sitting there with the number 4 pick — do you take him? Let’s break down the numbers and take a look at what drafting Brady early (or any QB for that matter) can do to the overall landscape of your draft. I will be using ESPN ADP player list and their project point values according to ESPN’s standard scoring system.

Let’s say we are in a standard 12 team league, you are Team D and have the fourth pick and I am Team E and have the fifth pick. To simplify matters I went to the fourth round for both teams whereby at the end of that round both teams would have a QB, two RB’s and WR. I will use the ADP list to determine which player each team will draft. So let’s start the draft.

Team D’s fist pick is Brady, Team E gets Joseph Addai. The second round sees Team E pick up Braylon Edwards and Team D get MJD. In the third round Team D selects Laurence Maroney and team E gets Drew Brees. In the fourth round Team E gets Thomas Jones and Team D gets Santonio Holmes. (Actually according to the ADP list team D would have chosen Derek Anderson so I had them choose the best available WR on the list). Using ESPN scoring system Team D projected points would be 808 for the 4 starter and Team E 865 points. Advantage ME.

Obviously a productive draft is not decided after 4 rounds; however, these first few picks can get things going in the right direction. What it comes down to is that in most cases a championship fantasy team has to have depth at RB. Of the top 10 projected QBs, eight of them started all 16 games with an average of 15.7 games played while the top 10 RBs only had three players start all 16 games averaging only 13.9 games. Fact is you can go the whole season using one QB plus a bye-week fill in, whereas more than likely you will need to replace your stud RB with a capable fill-in at least one week during the season. Add to that the fact that you will need at least two RBs in your starting line up and the lack of depth is compounded.

I have participated in a couple of mock drafts recently and noticed a disturbing trend for those teams that drafted Brady. In one draft Brady was selected seventh and in another he was selected fourth. Both teams were very similar in make up, even aside from them drafting Brady. In rounds two and three they both chose big name WRs even though there were some high end tier two backs left on the board. Finally in the fourth round they chose their first running backs. Both teams top RB’s (Rudi Johnson and Earnest Graham) are lower end tier two type players that have some significant question marks to their fantasy values. Both owners knew after round one that running backs were going to be a weakness on their team and tried to make up for it by making the strength of their team at WR. They both went on to choose a TE in the fifth round. Once again, they went after a big name instead of adding depth at RB causing both of their number two RB’s (both chosen in the sixth round) to be of tier three-type quality (Joseph Forte of the Bears and Julius Jones of the Seahawks).

Skipping Brady early will allow for more flexibility in your draft and depth at your running back positions. Both of the owners who selected Brady in the live drafts were forced to build their drafts through WRs, a position that traditionally has a lot of value late into drafts. Consequently the value of their running backs is based upon the need for other teams’ first and second stringers to get hurt and taking flyers through the wavier wires. There is value to be had in rounds three and four at the quarterback position. Brees (29.7 ADP), Ben Rothlisberger (34.1), Carson Palmer (36.2), and Anderson (47.4) are all available after the second round.

I say let the rookie gloat over taking Brady at number four and watch him cry while trying to decide if Fred Taylor or LenDale White should be his number one RB.

Carolina Panthers (1st in NFC South, 9th in Conference)
Without Jack Delhomme at quarterback last year, this group struggled. The return of Delhomme and the additions of first-round pick Jeff Otah up front and wide receivers Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett should help this group buy time for Steve Smith to be the centerpiece of the team once again.

LT Jordan Gross
LG Travelle Wharton
C Ryan Kalil
RG Keydrick Vincent
RT Jeff Otah

New Orleans Saints (2nd in NFC South, 11th in Conference)
This team was dynamic two seasons ago, so the question is can they return to form or was that just a flash in the pan? They certainly have plenty of weapons on offense, but they’re going to have to be a lot meaner up front and control the line of scrimmage for the Saints to have success.

LT Jammal Brown
LG Jamar Nesbit
C Jonathan Goodwin
RG Jahri Evans
RT Jon Stinchcomb

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3rd in NFC South, 12th in Conference)
This group was battered by injuries and inconsistent play last year. The signing of Jeff Faine last year should help, but if Jon Gruden spent half the time finding offensive linemen as he does finding quarterbacks, the Bucs would be perennial contenders. With time to throw, even an average quarterback can be productive.

LT Luke Petitgout
LG Arron Sears
C Jeff Faine
RG Davin Joseph
RT Jeremy Trueblood

Atlanta Falcons (4th in NFC South, 16th in Conference)
The Falcons have a lot of rebuilding to do, and their offensive line is in as much need of help as any other part of the team. Don’t spend big or draft high on Atlanta skill players, because top pick Matt Ryan is going to be running for his life.

LT Renardo Foster
LG Justin Blalock
C Todd McClure
RG Kynan Forney
RT Todd Weiner

This is the last post in a series in which we went division by division looking at and ranking the most overlooked factor in the success of your fantasy football squad, the offensive line. Here’s a quick recap;

AFC North
AFC South
AFC East
AFC West
NFC North
NFC East
NFC West

Now don’t you let the fact that this series is over stop you from hanging around. Go ahead and subscribe now (see below) because I’ll be back soon with some information on sleeper and value picks that you won’t want to miss. See you then.

In case you didn’t know, subscribing to the Goat is at the all time low price of free. You can subscribe to The Fantasy Football Goat by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get the info fast and easy. Don’t understand this whole subscribing thing? Check out this short video on RSS. Isn’t technology great?

Minnesota Vikings (1st in NFC North, 1st in Conference)
As stated above, the combination of Bryant McKinnie, Steve Hutchinson and Matt Birk give the Vikings the best left side in the NFL. That shady free agent signing of Hutchinson with the poison pill added to the contract looks huge now.

LT Bryant McKinnie
LG Steve Hutchinson
C Matt Birk
RG Anthony Herrera
RT Ryan Cook

Green Bay Packers (2nd in NFC North, 4th in Conference)
A few years ago Brett Favre was going to retire because this line didn’t have enough talent to compete. Well, last year they dominated, giving Favre plenty of time to operation while opening holes for little-known running back Ryan Grant as he burst on the scene.

LT Chad Clifton
LG Junius Coston
C Scott Wells
RG Jason Spitz
RT Mark Tauscher

Chicago Bears (3rd in NFC North, 6th in Conference)
This is a gritty but aging group up front, but the addition of first-rounder Chris Williams (14th overall) should help ease the pain. Now if only they could find a quarterback, and a running back.

LT Chris Williams
LG Terrence Metcalf
C Olin Kreutz
RG Roberto Garza
RT John Tait

Detroit Lions (4th in NFC North, 14th in Conference)
This group looked good in the first half of 2007, but they faded badly down the stretch to ensure quarterback Jon Kitna’s promise of 10 wins went unfulfilled. The addition of first-round pick Gosder Cherilus (17th overall) should help.

LT Jeff Backus
LG Edwin Mulitalo
C Dominic Raiola
RG Stephen Peterman
RT Gosder Cherilus

Well we are almost home, just one more division left before we round out the series. But hey don’t let that stop you from becoming a regular Goat reader - which by the way is very easy - and almost effortless - for you to do because…

In case you didn’t know, subscribing to the Goat is at the all time low price of free. You can subscribe to The Fantasy Football Goat by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get the info fast and easy. Don’t understand this whole subscribing thing? Check out this short video on RSS. Isn’t technology great?

So far, not many surprises but round two is a pick away and there are usually a few head turners to be had. Check it out.

Oh, and before I forget, make sure you stop by each of these blogs and add them to your reader (or sign up for email updates). That way you will never, ever miss even a morsel of fantasy football information from now until you are counting your first place cash.

Here ya go:

1. Curveballs 4 Jesus: L. Tomlinson

2. Sean McCall: A. Peterson

3. Football Burrito: J. Addai

4. Pancake Blocks: S. Jackson

5. West Coast Nonsense: B. Westbrook

6. Bruno Boys: T. Brady

7. The Hazean: M. Barber

8. Football Jabber: F. Gore

9. Fantasy Football Fools: C. Portis

10. Fantasy Football Geek Blog: M. Lynch

11. Fantasy Football Goat: Larry Johnson

12. Fantasy Football Librarian: Randy Moss

I was all over Marshawn Lynch until Matt and Brandon over at FFGeeksBlog wisely picked him just before me (props to them) which led me to taking Larry Johnson.

I’m not crazy about taking him considering the laundry list of question marks surrounding his supporting staff: the line, the QB and experience in general. But he’s the best player on his team (equaling touches), an every down back (rare these days) and has a schedule filled with “projected” weak run d’s.

Add to that the fact that you gotta think he’ll be playing with a chip on his shoulder after a dismal 2007. I’ll take my chances.

Seattle Seahawks (1st in NFC West, 7th in Conference)
If you want a safe bet on draft day, then grab whoever emerges as the lead runner for the Seahawks. The lack of production last year had more to do with the decline of Shaun Alexander than it had to do with the linemen.

LT Walter Jones
LG Mike Wahle
C Chris Spencer
RG Ray Sims
RT Sean Locklear

St. Louis Rams (2nd in NFC West, 8th in Conference)
Obviously a healthy Orlando Pace will go a long way toward improving the play of his unit from a year ago, but a healthy quarterback (Marc Bulger) and running back (Steven Jackson) need to return to form this year for the team to turn the corner on offense.

LT Orlando Pace
LG Mark Setterstrom
C Brett Romberg
RG Richie Incognito
RT Alex Barron

Arizona Cardinals (3rd in NFC West, 13th in Conference)
This group is still finding his way as they try to build around Levi Brown, but expect marked improvement from this unit in 2008 with Russ Grimm leading the way.

LT Mike Gandy
LG Reggie Wells
C Al Johnson
RG Deuce Lutui
RT Levi Brown

San Francisco (4th in NFC West, 15th in Conference)
They seem to have solid tackles in Joe Staley and Jonas Jennings, though Jennings has had a hard time staying on the field due to injury. They should improve from another year of playing together as a unit, but who they will be blocking for is a guess with quarterback Alex Smith and running back Frank Gore both needing to prove they can stay healthy.

LT Joe Staley
LG Adam Snyder
C Eric Heitmann
RG Daavid Baas
RT Jonas Jennings

This is another post in a series in which we go division by division looking at and ranking the most overlooked factor in the success of your fantasy football squad, the offensive line. So you might want to keep an eye out over the next few weeks - which by the way, I have made it easy for you to do because…

In case you didn’t know, subscribing to the Goat is at the all time low price of free. You can subscribe to The Fantasy Football Goat by email and have this stuff in your inbox seconds after I post it or you can subscribe in your feed reader or on your home page. Either way you get the info fast and easy. Don’t understand this whole subscribing thing? Check out this short video on RSS. Isn’t technology great?

Whether it’s amusement parks or sin city, one universal problem exists. That age old dilemma of keeping up with the daily grind of following your fantasy squads and making the daily roster changes or even checking the nightly statistics of those men you have grown to love, honour and obey until they go on an 0-26 slump. And then you dump them quicker than Mosies Alou goes on the disabled list.

I faced this very same problem as I packed the family minivan, this past Fourth of July weekend. The Commish household crammed the family minivan (special award of gratitude to the inventors of those earphones that block out the sound from those mesmerizing child DVD’s which included the latest Barbie movie and a Care Bears flick which enabled the wife and I to actually listen to some music that did not involve Raffi or a singing chipmunk) and headed across the great state of Florida to the relaxed west coast beaches.

I know, I know, you’re probably saying to yourself, “Why is the Commish driving two hours in a packed minivan while the Care Bears movie is on continuous play and gas is more than $4.00 a gallon? He is just a Jeff Francoeur throw from the beaches on the southeast coast of Florida.” To which I respond that is a very valid point, but I compare the two coasts of Florida to a night of partying with Cedric Benson on his house boat to a relaxed evening sitting in a rocking chair listening to Vince Scully on the radio while sipping on your favourite cocktail, enjoying the gentle summer breezes and bugs crackling in the distant bug zapper.

Upon finally reaching the remote timeshare/condominium and after unpacking the overstuffed minivan, I realized that my latest residence for the next three days was rather archaic compared to the Commish Headquarters back at Fantasy Sportsland, USA. Let’s just say the humble abode was not “fantasy friendly”. Absent from my new friendly confines was the MLB Ticket (which broadcasts just about every game every night) and wi-fi capability which enables one “stat tracker” to well track your players stats with up to the minute results.

The icing on the cake was that the one television, in this particular unit, was capable of broadcasting four channels and FOX was in black and white and faded when the clouds blocked the sun. I did not realize that my 90-mile journey took me across the southern portion of Florida but it also transported me back in time. As I already mentioned earlier, I was driving a minivan not a DeLorean, and I am the Commish not Michael J. Fox.

My only saving grace was my handheld pocket device, which was capable of surfing the Internet. That is, surfing the Internet when you are able to get a signal. The only place I was able to obtain the elusive signal was in the bathroom. I am not making this up, the only place I was able to check my teams statistics or make a roster change was on the proverbial “crapper.” The crapper was literally the same size of Barry Bond’s head and not while he played in San Francisco, but when he played in Pittsburgh (compare and be amazed).

The ultimate fantasy crisis was now in full bloom and I faced the task to either let my numerous fantasy squads take a holiday nose-dive or fake Montezuma’s Revenge all weekend. Before I get to the conclusion of my fantasy dilemma let me touch upon the top tips to make your summer travels coincide with fantasy bliss (in no particular order of importance). Read them, devour them, digest them and hopefully you are able to learn from my weekend technology foibles:

1. Plan you trip during Major League Baseball All-Star Break. This method worked to perfection in the past but for those years when the fourth falls on a Friday or Monday, it’s hard to avoid the inevitable three-day weekend.

2. If you are staying at a hotel/resort make sure they have Internet access capability in the room (you would be surprised at the number of hotels that do not offer this or offer this at a price that exceeds any winnings that you may obtain if you win the league). At the very least have a business room with free Internet access in the lobby.

3. If you are not staying at a hotel/resort make sure where you are going has at least cable television. ESPN News is the ultimate tool in following your team’s success or failures. You can always seek out the local sports bar.

4. If you are staying somewhere with no Internet access you should be able to find an Internet café within a short driving or walking distance. This tip is most helpful for those overseas ventures.

5. This tip can also save you from fantasy meltdown by knowing which of your trustworthy friends are home and have computer access. You can always call them for your team updates or even to make some roster changes.

6. This last fantasy travel tip comes from a friend of mine (who shall remain nameless) whose engagement was derailed because he forgot to follow this very important rule. When in route to your travel destination forewarn your significant other about your need to keep tabs on your fantasy teams. The last thing you need is for your vacation and your fantasy teams to both go down faster than the Hindenburg.

To conclude my Fourth of July adventure, I did raise suspicions when I would disappear to the bathroom every morning for long periods of time without any reading materials. I was able to get the top baseball news the next morning via my handheld device (which ran slower than Major League Baseball rules committee). In the end, I was able to win my weekly fantasy baseball matchups and spend some quality time with the family. It was a win-win situation, but the most surprising event occurred upon the return to the Commish Headquarters only to find the whole neighborhood was without power due a down wire. Now that’s irony!

If you have any further tips, suggests or comments you can email me at lernerm@juno.com.