Fantasy football is a game of strategy, and identifying good keepers is crucial for building a championship-caliber team. Keeping the right players can provide a significant advantage, allowing you to draft stronger players in subsequent rounds and potentially dominate your league. This guide dives deep into the art of choosing good keepers, exploring various strategies and factors to consider.
What Makes a Good Keeper in Fantasy Football?
Before we delve into specific strategies, let's define what makes a player a good keeper candidate. It goes beyond simply having a good season; it's about projecting future performance and understanding your league's scoring system. A good keeper is someone who:
- Consistently outperforms their ADP (Average Draft Position): A player consistently drafted lower than their production warrants is a prime keeper candidate.
- Possesses a high ceiling and relatively low floor: While consistency is key, a player with the potential for explosive performances offers more upside.
- Is on a team with a favorable situation: A player on a strong offense with a promising outlook is more likely to maintain or improve their performance.
- Is young and has room to grow: Younger players often have more potential for improvement than veteran players nearing the end of their careers.
- Fits your league's scoring system: If your league heavily emphasizes rushing yards, a high-volume running back is a better keeper than a high-volume receiver in a passing league.
How to Identify Good Keeper Candidates
Identifying good keepers involves analyzing various factors. Here's a breakdown of key considerations:
1. Past Performance and Future Projections:
Don't just look at a player's single-season stats. Examine their performance over multiple seasons, noting any trends and improvements. Websites like ESPN, FantasyPros, and others offer projections based on various statistical models. Cross-referencing these projections with your own analysis will refine your decision-making.
2. Age and Injury History:
Age is a significant factor. While some players age gracefully, most experience a decline in performance at some point. Similarly, a history of significant injuries can raise concerns about future availability and performance.
3. Team Context and Coaching Staff:
A player's team situation plays a crucial role. A change in coaching staff, offensive scheme, or the addition/loss of key players can dramatically impact a player's performance. Research your keeper candidates' team situations thoroughly.
4. Contractual Status and Off-Field Issues:
Contractual disputes or off-field issues can impact a player's performance and availability. Stay updated on the news related to your keeper candidates to assess any potential risks.
Common Keeper Strategies
Several strategies are employed for selecting keepers:
The "Steal" Strategy:
This strategy focuses on keeping players significantly undervalued by their ADP. This allows you to acquire a high-performing player at a lower keeper cost, giving you a competitive advantage in the draft.
The "High-Ceiling" Strategy:
This strategy prioritizes players with the potential for explosive seasons, even if their consistency isn't guaranteed. This is a higher-risk, higher-reward approach.
The "Best Available" Strategy:
This is a more straightforward approach, simply choosing the best available player regardless of their ADP or risk. It's generally suitable for leagues with simpler keeper rules.
The "Positional Need" Strategy:
This strategy focuses on filling specific positional needs within your team with your keeper selection. If you lack a strong running back, for instance, you might prioritize keeping a high-performing running back, even if other players have better projected fantasy points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best keeper strategy?
There isn't a single "best" strategy. The optimal approach depends on your league's rules, scoring system, your risk tolerance, and the available players. Experimentation and analysis of your past drafts and seasons will help you refine your approach.
How do I determine the value of a keeper?
Keeper value is typically determined by comparing a player's projected points to their keeper cost (the draft pick you surrender to keep them). Several online tools and resources can assist with this calculation.
When should I make my keeper decision?
The ideal time to make your keeper decision varies depending on your league's rules. However, it's generally wise to make the decision well before your draft to thoroughly assess your options and strategies.
Should I always keep a player who had a great season?
Not necessarily. Consider all the factors mentioned earlier – age, injury history, team context – before making a decision. Past performance doesn't guarantee future success.
By carefully considering these factors and employing a strategic approach, you can significantly increase your chances of winning your fantasy football league through the smart selection of keepers. Remember that continuous learning and adaptation are essential to long-term success in fantasy football.
