My Michael Crabtree Blog

Last year was definitely an off year for wide receivers, and while this year looks a little deeper, you do not want to pay too much for your WR's production. Follow the Do's and Dont's below, and you will greatly improve your chances of hefting your Fantasy Football League Championship Trophy.

Do...

...nab one of the big ones if you can, without disobeying the 2 RBs in the first 3 rounds rule. If you pick 10th, and the top 6 or 7 primary backs are off the board, picking Larry Fitzgerald with your first round pick may be the way to go. Kurt Warner is back, Boldin is signed, and the Cards face the most favorable matchups for a passing game in the NFL this year over 17 weeks. Same goes for Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, etc. Just make sure all the marquee RBs are off the board.

Do...

...check schedules! A quick look at Buffalo's schedule shows only one home game in freezing bad-weather December at home, and that is against the lowly Oakland Raiders, so maybe Trent Edwards to Terrell Owens will be okay. But do not overlook the fact that this game is a week 15 4:00pm game, meaning playoff time for us Fantasy Footballers. You would hate to end your championship run because there was a blizzard in Denver and the Broncos handed the ball off 40 times.

DON'T...

...draft teammates! Kurt Warner / Larry Fitzgerald or Michael Turner / Roddy White may seem enticing, as your mind starts extrapolating all the huge numbers they could put up any given Sunday, but the downside is too great. Stick with players on separate teams, and you will limit your downside, and bye weeks will not be so hard to manage.

DON'T...

...waste time on Rookie WRs unless you want to roll the dice in a late round! Yes, DeSean Jackson was great last year as a rookie WR for the Eagles, but seriously, do you want to risk a mid-round pick on Darrius Heyward-Bey just because he was the 1st overall receiver to go in the NFL draft in April? "Crazy Al" and the Oakland passing game can be counted on for one thing only ... inconsistency. If you do look to sneak a winner late, take a peak at Michael Crabtree in San Francisco. They have a very favorable schedule against week passing defenses, and Crabtree should start.

Remember, Wide Receivers can be the most up and down performers in the Fantasy game. All a QB has to do to get the RB the ball is turn around and hand it to him. A lot has to go right for a WR to get the ball. That is why it is so important to get consistent performers at this position. And when you are looking for great stats, head on over to the NFL website for all your stats, schedules, and info. Sporting News Fantasy Football guide is also indispensable. All the stats above, and all my research comes from these 2 resources. This is the second in a series of Draft Day Do's and Dont's you need to adhere to in 2009. Make sure to check out my other articles offering Draft Day Secrets and tips. When you put them all together, you will have a strong game plan for your Fantasy Football Draft. See you in the playoffs!

Patrick O'Neill is an 18 year Fantasy Football Veteran who has won countless local and internet Fantasy Football Championships.
"If you are serious about winning, instead of competing, I recommend the same software I use, catered to your League's rules and scoring system. Win In 2009. Get it now, and win in 2009."
Patrick ONeill