Season 3’s New Fantasy Format

There are a few big changes this season that will impact how we draft players.

1. Fantasy managers now begin with $9 instead of $12.
   • This is a big dip (25%) from the starting salaries last year and will force managers away from going all-in on the highest-cost players. Spending more than half your salary on one player is too expensive. I expect these top-shelf players to become streaming options for weeks where backups and attractive low-cost players might start.
2. If the players you choose one week perform well and cost more the next week then your max salary for that week increases as well. Likewise, if the players you choose perform poorly and cost less then your salary next week will be less.
   • This is the most interesting change and adds scalability to the players you choose. It also makes it more like a fantasy team where you can take the players you choose with you across a span of games. It’s another factor that creates huge downside for picking any of the highest-cost players, especially week 1, because they do not scale so when you pick them you are literally risking everything on their performance that week. On the flip side, this addition creates very attractive upside for the lower-cost players who theoretically will help build your salary up over time if they perform well. $1 players will become very attractive streaming options when they are slated to start. It is more likely for a $2 player to move up than down. $3 players are safe picks that are most likely to remain $3 but have good upside. $4 are riskier, and $5 picks are all risk.
3. Defenses are optional
   • As well as being optional they do not scale but picking the best defense will be essential to most strategies. They help you avoid picking expensive players and are another part of why picking lower-cost players this season, especially in early weeks, is the way to go.

Pick low early. Farm salary. Spend wisely later.

7.

Pros
+ Wily veteran capable of making big plays.
+ Paired with two of the game’s most legendary masterminds.
+ Prism may be calling plays with Young.

Cons
– He might not play a full game.
– Young might not have a good game.

6.

Pros
+ TO
+ Big upside and scalability at only $2.
+ PRO

Cons
– Kite’s quarterback play might be inconsistent.
– The playbook might be predictable.

5.

Pros
+ Paired up with Wayne.
+ Old-head.
+ Big upside and scalability at only $2.

Cons
– Might not have the necessary explosiveness on offense.
– Might need to shake off some rust.

4.

Pros
+ Reassembling Wayne and Turkey from the SCBL1 Championship team.
+ Turkey may be able to affect Lem’s rhythm.
+ Wayne may be able to make effective defensive calls.

Cons
– Crusty might be tested.
– Turkey might be rusty.

3.

Pros
+ Paired up his BFF and championship teammate.
+ Rising star.
+ Explosive!

Cons
– Their opponent might call exotic defenses that test Squid’s mettle.
– He might not be as explosive without a T1 quarterback to carry him.

2.

Pros
+ Known for putting up solid fantasy floors.
+ Has an opportunity to show off in a run-friendly offense.
+ Veteran who may make game-changing plays.

Cons
– He might not be the most communicative.
– There might be a lack of chemistry between him and C.J.

1.

Pros
+ Has a great team around him.
+ May have something to prove (again).
+ May have been runner-up last season in fantasy points.

Cons
– Might crumble against good defense.
– Might not feel as prepared to play without team practice.