Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

I have been playing fantasy sporting games since many of our members were in diapers. In the early days most players were uber fans. They were all extremely knowledgeable in the sport of choice. It is understandable that with the popularity of the genre that this is no longer the case with the average player.

But what I find shocking is that the so called fantasy experts on TV and radio (I know, they are hacks) are all saying things such as "starting Sam Bradford is a must because the Saints' defense was one of the worst last season, blah, blah, blah."

Or "it is time to sit Drew Brees because their offensive line is missing several key pieces and he is missing most of his targets."

Or "you have to start any receiver you have facing the Saints because they were the worst defense facing the pass last season."

What? What a bunch of idiots. I do have to admit that more of the "real" football people are beginning to respect the defense. I heard today on NFL Radio Pat Kirwan say that he is impressed with what Dennis Allen has put together with the young New Orleans defense.

I guess what I am saying is use your own "educated" view if you are in a fantasy league. Most of the "expert" community are out of touch concerning the Saints today.

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

I wonder how many games it will take before they get respect; assuming they keep playing like they did in the preseason... :doh:

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

I'd say two games. If the Saints defense looks respectable week one against the Viqueens the fantasy world will remain oblivious while the educated press will note, but be hesitant upon actually expressing respect. But, when the Saints' defense produces enough resistance to allow the "weakened" Saints offense to pull out the win there may be much more respect. We'll see.

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

What's the vegas line saying today? Those guys usually have a good feel for the season.

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

Vegas lines are always driven by people's perceptions. Book makers' primary job is to balance the incoming money. They set the line so they are not over leveraged no matter the outcome.

So lines are always about how bettors feel about a game, not reality.

Of course this is great if you're a Saints fan and a gambler. Lots of bettors are going to be thinking exactly the same way that Guido's FF friends are.

BTW the current line looks like the Saints +3.5.

SFIAH

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

Being a small market team with 3 consecutive losing seasons will do that to ya.

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

True.... BuddyD used to always sprinkle in Vegas as part of his analysis. I remember his saying those guys were not the dullest tools in the shed and did not want to lose $.

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

I haven't bothered with fantasy football in a couple of years, but I never paid much attention to the "experts". The only thing I needed were the injury reports.

All the matchups are obvious and don't require expert analysis. But it's mostly luck involved, and you just have to go with your best hunch and hope it works out. I hate what fantasy football has done to the real sport. Just about all anyone talks about on TV, radio, or even in person is fantasy football now. There are 2 and 3 hour shows of networks picking their fantasy teams. Why do they think anyone cares about their dumb fantasy teams? It's absurd.

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

Because there is an estimated 44 million people in North America that play Fantasy Football so there's an audience for that kind of stuff

Re: Lack of respect for the Saints out there in some venues
 

Fact is, the last 3 years, the Saints defense has been at the bottom of the league in just about everything.

The other fact is, until you don't prove it on the field when it counts, everything is just speculation.

And third, it's freaking fantasy.