In this edition of the Dynasty Workshop, Shawn Siegele explains why first-round strategy will set your team up for a long string of title runs or doom it to dynasty purgatory.
The most recent lessons in the Dynasty Workshop focused on executing blockbuster trades and trade tactics within a rookie draft. Today, we’re going back to the beginning and looking at the startup.
The RV Triflex format over at the FFPC has become the go-to league for serious players, as the SF element and deep starting lineups create fair leagues that allow creative strategies. Leagues are available from $77 to $2500 and hit all of the price points along the way.
Last week I had a chance to discuss QB strategy in startups with Michael Leone on Establish the Edge. He and Drew Dinkmeyer had just teamed up in one of these leagues. Currently I’m drafting in startups with Patrick Kerrane, one of the top minds in dynasty, and Matt Jones of the must-read Fantasy Multiverse series. These leagues give us a framework for looking at startup strategy in depth.
Upcoming Superflex startup lessons:
- Round 1 Tactics Set the Tone
- The Importance of Building Future Year Pick Depth
- Maintaining Your Flexibility to Win in Year 1 . . . or Benefit from Losing
- Player Valuations and Philosophy
- Optimal Lineup Construction and When to Pivot
- Putting the Lessons Together for a Win Now/Win Later Juggernaut
The First Round Is Very Balanced, Right Up Until It Isn’t
Balance/Fairness: That’s probably the biggest advantage of a SF startup. Unlike a regular startup draft where value immediately falls off the table, SF drafts offer a deep Round 1. Up to a point.
We want to think of everything in dynasty in terms of trade value. That’s why our RotoViz Dynasty Rankings are set up in a tiered system where each step down in tier represents a shift in trade value. The top tier is worth three first-round picks.
A look at my Tier 1 players provides several insights into tactics for the opening round.
