Top 10 Percenters (Or Less) That Will Make Biggest Fantasy Impact

Fantasy leagues should already be drafted, so chances are, you haven't drafted any of the guys below. I say this because these are all gentlemen who are owned in less than 10% of Yahoo fantasy leagues.

In the main Yahoo league I am in, we have a bidding system for free agents (you get $100 for the year), so if you happen to be in a similar league, you might want to try getting some of these guys on the cheap end before they have a chance to shine some of their talents.

In no particular order, here are 10 guys owned in less than 10 percent of leagues who you should keep your eye on and be quick to snatch up when the time is right.

Note that I'd only advocate ownership of these guys in 12+ team leagues in any situation, unless one of these guys is just too good to ignore.

1. Quinton Patton (WR - San Francisco) - Kaepernick is already speaking highly of the rookie, who shined as the preseason went on. And with the receiver position thinned out with the loss of Crabtree and Manningham, Patton has a chance to shine in this versatile offense.

2. Marcel Reese (RB - Oakland) - This is a good guy to own if you have Darren McFadden, who has had his share of injury problems in the NFL so far. Reese is not so much known for his rushing abilities (he's caught as many balls in his career as he has career carries - 106), but in a running back pinch one week (provided McFadden misses a game or two), Reese (9% owned) might prove to be a very valuable secret. He caught 52 passes last year out of the backfield, so I expect he will still see the field in 3rd down passing situations.

3. Robert Woods (WR - Buffalo) - I expect Buffalo to be playing from behind quite a bit this year, so there should be a few beneficiaries to the fantasy world with this situation - Woods being the ultimate sleeper (owned in 9% of leagues). Woods' production will likely be tied into the effectiveness of his fellow rookie E. J. Manuel, the top QB selected in the 2013 NFL Draft. I could see Woods having a few big games (100+ yards), settling around 850-900 yards for the year and about 5 touchdowns.

4. Terrelle Pryor (QB - Oakland) - Much like the Raiders last year, I expect a lot of opportunities for garbage-time fantasy points (remember: fantasy points are all created equal - points accumulated in a close game count all the same as ones in a blowout). Pryor (8 percent owned) took the reigns (or Matt Flynn handed them to him), and if he is able to start a good chunk of this season, he may be able to be a lower-end fantasy back-up who you can count on for a spot-start. In his only start last year (Week 17 against SD), he threw for 2 touchdowns (150 yards) and rushed for another (49 yards on 5 carries) - so he has the capability for a shocking game given the right match-up.

5. Scott Chandler (TE - Buffalo) - Already seeing a lot of repeat teams here, and there's a reason. There's a certain uneasiness with owning a lot of these guys from bad teams, especially when the stats aren't always as consistent as fantasy owners would like. Chandler is owned in about 5 percent of Yahoo leagues, in part due to the offense he is in and also due to the ACL injury that he suffered towards the end of 2012. He appears to be ready to start 2013, and I consider him a sleeper given the fact that a rookie's best friend for check-downs is often a good tight end. Chandler grabbed 43 catches (6 touchdowns) for 571 yards last year.

6. Stepfan Taylor (RB - Arizona) - While I wouldn't recommend an endorsement on any running back on Arizona, it's possible that Taylor (3 percent owned) could eventually get plenty of carries and take the starting job. I don't trust Mendenhall to stay healthy, and based on everything I've read, his current back-up (Ryan Williams) is still failing to make an impression. Taylor may not make a huge splash, but as fantasy owners this year know, the running back position is one that relies mostly on opportunities. If Taylor can get the opportunity, I expect him to be owned in way more than 3% of leagues.

7. Joseph Randle (RB - Dallas) - Like Taylor above, I don't expect Randle (owned in 4 percent of leagues) to stay this little owned for the most desperate of fantasy football owners. Unlike Taylor, Randle has a much better offensive system around him should he ever get the chance to shed his back-up status (by way of Demarco Murray injury most likely). Murray has had his share of injuries in his college/pro lifespan, so don't be surprised if Randle gets a start or two this season.

8. Denard Robinson (WR/RB - Jacksonville) - Robinson (owned in 4 percent of leagues) is listed on the Jaguars' roster as "Offensive Weapon", but it looks as those the former Michigan QB-turned-Whatever-Offense-Weapon-Means will likely be used more out of the backfield and in Wildcat formations. Another appeal to Robinson is that he has multiple position possibilities, which could be an asset that fantasy owners could use to their advantage if Robinson eventually makes contributions that warrant a look in fantasy football.

9. Kirk Cousins (QB - Washington) - Cousins is likely the only back-up quarterback who I'd highly consider picking up if he is forced into action due to injury. While he is owned in only 1 percent of leagues, Cousins would be a valuable asset if he is able to do what he did in limited playing time, including a 26-for-37, 329 yard, 2 TD performance in his only start last year. And call me pessimistic, but I find it hard to believe that RG3 will limit his rushes if the opportunities present themselves, in turn making him more likely to get hurt.

10. NYJ Defense - While this is somewhat cheating, it seems weird to me that their defense is owned in less than 10 percent of leagues. Rex Ryan's squad allowed the 6th-least yards per play last year (5.1). And before you say Revis is gone, remember that he was missing due to injury for the majority of the year. You can pick your spots with their defense and find fantasy success. When December comes around, you may consider them for fantasy playoff time (Week 13 vs. Miami, 14 vs. Oakland, 16 vs. Cleveland).

Football Twitter Guide - from A thru Z

Since I'm at that point where I can't get enough of football items, I figured I would go through all the people I follow on Twitter and offer some names of folks whose tweets I will be looking forward to reading throughout the season by group. I will amend/add names to this as the season goes. Please provide your own folks for these subjects. Also, if I forgot your name, don't be afraid to tell me and I'll use my discretion on recommending you!

Fantasy Sports:

@CDCarter13 - Just started following him, but based on the few days I have, will be a valuable resource for those looking for fantasy football thoughts/advice. His affiliation with XNSports (formerly SportsJerks) is enough for me to recommend him.

@LordReebs - Originally started conversing w/ Rich last year through our 49ers affiliation, but soon grew to learn of his fantasy football knowledge. Writes for XNSports (formerly SportsJerks), which has a much different take on fantasy football than your average fantasy sports site.

Investors (Most of these people I've followed thru at least one NFL season - at the very least thru one or two betting seasons):

@andrewssports - Offers a bookmaker's perspective, which is something I enjoy hearing. Will occasionally tweet out some of his picks.

@behindthebets - If you are looking for a good capper who uses his powers for good (accessing most of his picks @BTBPicks requires proof of donation to charity), you'd be hard-pressed to get a better one.

@beatingthebook - His weekly podcast (released on Fridays) is worth the follow alone. While his actual picks are on a site which requires paid membership, Gill usually has some good guests on the NFL podcast which get you thinking about different aspects of NFL betting.

@bettingtalk_ - While I'm not sure how their new site will be, their old site/handle (Beyond The Bets) was a great window into the Vegas community - information galore. This recommendation is based on reputation of old site.

@Big_East - Not sure how his tweets will be now that he has joined forces with a site that requires paid membership for picks, but anyone who has followed his history knows that Big_East is the real deal.

@DavidPurdum - Solid writer who covers Vegas/gambling biz. Provides useful information that can help with your wagers.

@ESPN_Colin - One of the strongest public advocates for sports wagering. His Blazing Five picks were "Off The Charts" hot last year. You may find his radio show annoying, but don't take his takes on Vegas lightly.

@FlopFlippity - Doesn't tweet as much as he should, but does offer occasional picks. Unofficial member of #BolekMadness

@HeHaithMe - One of the few guys recently who has gone the way of paid services for picks. He was absolute money on MAC games last year.

@hustledouble - well-rounded capper who has a writing itch that needs to be scratched like yours truly. Offers good insight on his picks. Becoming one of my more frequent daily conversationalists on Twitter.

@JoeFortenbaugh - A writer for the National Football Post, provides solid capping and fantasy football thoughts. A frequent contributor to the @beatingthebook podcast.

@kalind_totals - the master of the totals (NFL/NCAA). Kalind & I will occasionally appear this season on @SportsMula, an up-and-coming sports site for sports fans.

@KegsNEggs - Head college writer for Bleacher Report. He always has a few bets going on any given Saturday.

@lindetrain - Another guy in Vegas who tweets a lot about the industry. I don't recall him tweeting much about his picks, but does provide good gambling info.

@NotTheFakeBruce - Just started following him, but based on who recommended him to me, I can put my recommendation on him. Look for Bruce and myself to provide some NFL picks on @SportsMula.

@notthefakeSVP - Along w/ Cowherd, the voice of the gambler for ESPN. Frequently discusses gambling angles through Twitter as well as his nationally syndicated show.

@ScottinVAN - Frequent tweeter who often posts about his gambling goings-on. Wears his wager on his sleeve as his bets are going on (not a bad thing).

@SheaInIrving - Known best for his calls into the DP Show, provides just as much entertainment with his tweets about gambling and sports.

@SportsInsights - While maximizing their site would require payment (which I haven't done), you should still get a lot out of following the occasional posting that they offer. Big proponents of reverse line movement.

@Stuckey2 - While many don't like him for his occasional brashness, Stuckey is a solid, steady capper. Almost always want to be on the same side of him when it comes to Baltimore Ravens games (p.s. he likes Denver in Week 1 & Baltimore Under 8.5 wins)

@ToddFuhrman - Vegas insider who knows his stuff. He provides solid gambling advice and thoughts on ToddsTake.com.

@tomf_18 - While he doesn't post picks, Tom does make me laugh my ass off with some of his takes on certain aspects of betting and life. The person who I've gone on the most Vegas trips with.

@twolf2123 - While he doesn't tweet all that often, I recommend him if and when he does tweet. Very good personal friend of mine.

@WagerMinds - My favorite WagerMinds tweets are ones where he tells people to "Tear Up Your Ticket". For the first time last year, one of those alerts ended up causing bettors to paste together their picks. Has a good site for those who want to dip their feet into gambling waters w/o actually gambling.

Just Football:

@AndrewPerloff - Dan Patrick's go-to guy for NFL matters and occasional writer for SI. Weekly segment on DP Show (usually on Fridays) of Against the Grain is almost always entertaining (especially when it involves props) and occasionally informative.

@Ben_Jones88 - Been following him since the Sandusky trial. Reports on Penn State matters. Provides different takes on matters; will be a future sports voice, whether it be in college sports or otherwise.

@BerserkHippo - A personal friend of mine. College football is his sport - a lot of tweets on Big Ten teams, especially his favorite team Michigan. Also, check out his podcast on his site of the same name, where he and co-host @LionEsquire will occasionally discuss football matters.

@Brad_Zoe - He changes his handle every now and then (this is what it is for right now). Loves tweeting up his thoughts on sports - definitely some interesting takes on certain things. Probably the most sporadic tweeter I know, so be ready for some tweets on other subjects that a male in their young 20s will tweet (you've been warned).

@HubbuchNYP - Has the NY/NE angle of sports covered. Never afraid to be critical, at the expense of people calling him a homer of (insert rival team here).

@JasonLaCanfora - Provides solid NFL news for CBS Sports.

@JayGlazer - If there's a scoop, Jay knows about it. Also handles Twitter trolls as well as anyone I know.

@LionEsquire - Another personal friend of mine. He doesn't tweet often, and pending marriage stuff will likely inhibit this further. You can catch his football thoughts on Berserk Hippo's podcast from time-to-time.

@LostLetterman - Frequent posts/news on college football matters.

@MikeFreemanNFL - Just moved from CBS Sports to Bleacher Report. I enjoy his posts/takes on NFL matters, and like Glazer, enjoy his handling of trolls.

@PFF - For the more sophisticated, analytical football fan. PFF grades every position on a +/- scale and are relied upon by just about every respected football expert.

@RichEisen - master of the NFL Network. Also has a highly-acclaimed podcast with high profile guests.

@SI_DougFarrar - Writes about NFL-related items for Sports Illustrated, with a long history of writing about the same subject for Yahoo. My favorite tweets of his involve hypocrisy of NCAA.

@SportsMula - A site I just started contributing to recently. The site has strong aspirations to give a different take on sports with writers who are looking to make a name for themselves.

Niner Nation (Grouping us all together - since it is a Nation, after all)

@AdrianPorterfi2

@GafflezMalone

@JedYork

@Kokopelli_49ers

@LordReebs

@TheDopeyOne

@Woods49ers

I Don't Care About Your Team: Tips for Making Your Fantasy Football Draft a Success

This is the awesomeness you are missing out on if you do your fantasy drafts online

This weekend marks the prime-time for adults to channel their inner-nerds as we embark on the start of fantasy football season. (Note: If you did your draft weeks/months ago, you're doing it wrong. Way, way wrong)

Many of you folks will participate in a league or two (some of you three or four or however many Steve entered), so you're probably in the same boat as me and doing a little bit of preparation for the draft - although my level of preparation being the commissioner is a little different and more time-consuming than just browsing magazines and hoping I get a few of my sleepers in the later rounds.

To make the most of your fantasy football drafting experience, here's what I recommend:

(1) Do It Live - Fantasy drafts were meant to be done in person. If your fantasy football crew lives within 20-30 miles radius of where you live, there's no reason to have everyone on their computers at home when a potential congregation of losers can come to life. While the in-person draft adds a little time to the draft, it is a lot more amusing with the banter and beer enjoyed with the group.

(2) Be Prepared - You don't need to be a Boy or Girl Scout to know this one. Being prepared (i.e. a minimal understanding of the league rules, who is hurt) is crucial to ensuring that you don't piss off the people in your league when the draft begins. Being prepared also includes having some sort of list or fantasy magazine that you can cross names off of as the players are picked throughout the draft. It may seem like common sense, but having done the in-person draft as a commissioner five times and as a participant in about 10 others, you're never surprised when a new surprise pops up.

(3) Be Ready To Pick - Online drafts usually have a 1:30 or 2 minute window between picks, so as you're doing these drafts, you should have a general idea of certain players or a certain position you may be targeting with your next pick(s). On many sites that I have used, there is a draft queue that allows you to click/drag names of players who you may be targeting with your next set of picks. Utilize this tool to help you decide your players quicker than you would by just slowly browsing up and down the position ranks. Yes, there will be times where a certain player you were eyeing gets snatched up right before your pick, so you may need a little time to regroup. Just don't make it a habit and make the draft drag out longer than need be. In my in-person league, I added a draft clock app to my phone last year, and it gives drafters a good amount of time to make their picks (a generous five minutes). If you're in my league, please, please heed my advice in these points above and below so I don't blow a gasket or deflate your tires.

(4) Have Fun With It- I'm probably way too involved and get way into fantasy football, particularly my own league. It was a problem I recognized recently, so like anyone who wants to solve a problem, I took some action and decided to leave two of my money leagues. When you're to the point where you've joined so many leagues that you can't keep track of what players you have on what teams, and you find yourself rooting for specific players to achieve specific results waaaay too much, you may want to take a step back and realize that you may be in too many leagues and you're taking it way too seriously. While the goal is to win them (especially the money leagues), have fun with the process. Loosen up, have a few drinks, and remember, you're playing FANTASY football. There's no concussions, torn ACLs or broken necks involved in fantasy football...unless (again) you're doing it wrong.

(5) Tip The Commissioner - Just kidding. (No seriously, tip). Well, no need to tip, but realize that if you got a good commissioner, he or she is busting ass, doing painful, tireless work to ensure that everything in the league is all set for the big draft day. I hope my fellas out there know how much of a pain this can be, but the rewards of draft night being finished make it all worth it (well, somewhat worth it). At the very least, tell the commissioner how awesome he or she is and how you will bow down to him or her for being so righteously awesome.

(6) And As Always...No One Except The Teams In Your League Gives A Shit About Your Team - This cannot be stressed enough. I could tell you about the bold moves I made in the offseason of the sixth installment of Super Bowlek, like trading Peyton Manning, my two first non-keeper round picks for 2013 and my 2014 first pick for Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster and a bunch of picks...but do you really care? Most of you stopped reading that previous sentence before I even got to my first verb. If you're in a bunch of fantasy leagues, I expect you to have at least 4 or 5 high quality players, especially if there's less than 14 teams in your league. So don't rattle off the names of all of your great players if I'm not in that league - because I'm not really that interested, just like I know you're not really that interested in mine.

Now that you have your fantasy tips, you can commence your draft process. Now go along, study up, and draft a good team.

Just don't tell me who's on it.