Top 10 Players Not to Keep
I started playing fantasy football back in the mid 90's. After participating in my league at work for about 10 years I decided to spice things up a little and start a dynasty league. I wasn't sure I would find enough people to participate but I figured why not give it a shot and see what happens. So I set up a league, put together the rules and about 3 weeks later I was able to convince 11 of my 'friends' to join.
Seeing as this would be my first attempt at owning a dynasty team, I figured some research would be helpful. I looked around on the web, got some ideas on what to do and a few on what not to do. Unfortunately for me, the what not to do list was not as extensive it should have been.
After the draft I took a look at my team and the others in my division. At first glance I thought my team would do well. Then a few injuries, a dog fighting ring and some prospects that didn't pan out and my team is in the basement. Looking back I think the biggest mistake I made was selecting players I thought had a lot of potential. I should have gone with the more proven veterans and worked the waiver wire. Instead, I went with youth in the hopes that a few years later my team would be awesome.
While youth is nice, you have to rely more on potential and less on proven ability. Take DeAngelo Williams for example. I selected Williams in our rookie draft three years ago and just when it looked like he would become the primary option in Carolina, who do they draft, Jonathan Stewart. Now there's no telling what will happen to Williams.
On the flip side, you could go with aged veterans and hope that they don't fall apart on the field and retire at the same time. With this approach you at least know your team will be good for a year or two. If the league folds before it really gets started, then at least you had a shot at winning your money back.
Ideally of course, you're going to draft a good mix of young and old players. In hopes the young guys pan out in time to replace those aging veterans. When you think of old, how old is too old to play in the NFL and is age really the issue? Obviously there comes a point where age does play a part, but for most players it's more about the physical beating their bodies take week after week. So when considering players for your fantasy roster, take a close look at their position and how often they get hit. Players that get hit more often will likely retire at a younger age.QB Jake Delhomme, CLE (QB - #30)
The nice thing about quarterbacks is that typically age doesn't play a factor. Good quarterbacks can play in the NFL well into their late 30's and even early 40's. Take Brett Favre for example, had he decided to play this season he would celebrated his 39th birthday in October. That being said, you're probably wondering why 33 year old Jake Delhomme is on the list. Simply put, lack of performance and a questionable arm. In 2005 Delhomme played in all 16 games, completing 262 passes for 3,421 yards with 24 touchdowns. Then in 2006 he played in just 13 games, but still managed to complete 263 pass. This time however, those completions only netted 2,805 yards and 17 touchdowns. Then in 2007 Delhomme suffered an elbow injury after just 3 games. During the off season he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair that elbow. While Delhomme may well have 5 or 6 more years in the NFL, his decline in performance and then injury to his throwing arm leaves too many questions.
QB Donovan McNabb, WAS (QB - #12)
Growing up as a kid I was, and still am, a HUGE Syracuse fan. My dad grew up in the Syracuse area so as kids my brother and I got to see a lot of the Orange. This is why for me adding McNabb to this list is hard. But numbers don't lie and if you ignore them and play with your heart, your fantasy team is doomed. Donovan will be 32 this season and playing in his 10th season in the NFL. Over this stretch he has only managed to play 16 games in a season just 3 times. While his ability to scramble from the pocket and create openings has been a major reason for his success, it is also the cause to what very well may be a shortened career. If McNabb were a pocket passer then his name wouldn't be on this list. I'm just not confident he can take too many more hits before calling it a career, whether on his own or due to injury.
RB Warrick Dunn, ---
This off season Dunn returned to the club that gave this 5' 9" 180 pound back an opportunity in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Dunn was a rookie many questioned whether he could make it in the NFL. Backs Dunn's size typically don't last long in the NFL due to the constant pounding. I think the split back offense used in Tampa during Dunn's early years is what allowed him to be as successful as he has been. Now at age 33 with 12 years in the league and 10,000 yards under his belt, it's time for dynasty fantasy owners to say good bye. Couple all this with an already stacked Bucs backfield and you have to wonder how much playing time Dunn will see.
RB Edgerrin James, ---
2008 will be James' 10th season in the NFL and on August 1st he will hit the dreaded 30 year mark. We all know backs in the age range 24 to 29 are pretty safe selections and when they turn 30 it's time to start paying attention. While James' career thus far doesn't lead us to believe we'll see a major decline in performance this season, that doesn't mean we won't see a big decline in numbers for 2009. In short, don't make Edge the centerpiece of your dynasty team; he's past the prime years of his career.
RB Deuce McAllister, ---
I don't think there's a doubt in anyone's mind that McAllister can be a stud running back in the NFL. In years he has not suffered an injury, Deuce has rushed for 1,000 yards every time with the exception of his rookie year. Add into the equation his age, 29, and you may be asking why he's on this list? The answer to this question is durability. McAllister has suffered torn ligament injuries in both knees over the past few years. How many more years will his knees hold up? In addition, the presence of Reggie Bush in the backfield makes Deuce even less desirable. Unless you're trying to handcuff Bush, McAllister shouldn't be on your fantasy team.
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