Monday, June 6, 2011

Yahoo unveils Fantasy Football Leagues for 2011 and some needed upgrades

Finally, another thing to help get you in the mood for Fantasy Football. What with all the pessimism floating in the air (Lockout talk and lost season malaise) it is good to have another motivator. The first was the release of Fantasy Football Almanac 2011 last month. There may not be any FF magazines coming out this year folks!

June started with YAHOO starting signups for their 2011 leagues. I know, I know, YAHOO leagues are not for everyone. But to be fair the price is right. Free...so if you are running a local league they are the best no-cost option and they have made some upgrades for 2011.

Here are the most significant:

1) ADDED Scoring categories-One of my biggest beefs with YAHOO was their limited scoring options with the free leagues. That is improving. This year they added such categories as PICK 6, tackles for a loss, long TD bonuses, 4th down stops and Defensive yards allowed. Personally I hate the long TD bonuses but a 4th down stop should be as good as a safety (2 pts) in most leagues and a sliding point scale for DEF yds allowed can improve the DEF scoring too. PICK 6 is a INT that goes back for a TD by the defenders. These interceptions should be worth twice as many negative points in my opinion (so -1 for a INT, -2 for a Pick 6 INT)

2) Yahoo allows franchises so new owners can take over an existing team and its keepers and any past draft picks gained or lost from trades. Think Dynasty and keeper leagues.

3) Co-managers can now exist

4) Draft picks can be traded now

All in all good improvements. Lets hope we have a 2011 season to try them out.

Fantasy Football Almanac 2011: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide (10.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936635003

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95)
www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook
(2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95)
www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Fantasy Football (Soccer to Yanks): The Ultimate "How-to" Guide for Fantasy Football/Fantasy Soccer ($14.95) Now 32% off at $10.08.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fantasy-Football-for-Beginners/Sam-Hendricks/e/9781936635016/?itm=12

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