BALLHAWKS 2005 FANTASY FOOTBALL HOME PAGE

by Alan W. Harwood xfactor.html

aharwood@prodigy.net

CALCULATING THE "X" FACTOR

What is the so called, "X Factor" (xf) as utilized by fantasy football (ffb) experts when comparing different postions in their respective overall cheat sheets?  Why is the xf superior to other systems when preparing your ffb draft list?  Does the xf change with different league rules; such as the number of players at each starting position and scoring points allowed for different statistical activities? 

I'll answer the last question first with a definite, "YES".  The reasons will become very clear with the following detailed description of the xf.

The xf is a system that attempts to compare the relative values of different athletes even though they may play at different positions. This also holds true when the number of required starters and scoring varies from position to position and from league to league.  

Some leagues only give points for rushing, receiving, and passing touchdowns (tds) and kicking points. Others give additional points for yardage and defensive activities. The amount of points per activity also vary from league to league. For instance, a QB may get 3, 4, or 6 points per td pass. Also, the point range for yardage gained varies greatly from league to league.

PREPARING YOUR CHEAT SHEET USING THE "X" FACTOR

Prepare a personalized cheat sheet for each position projecting the points you expect each player to gain for the upcoming season. Arrange the players on each list from best (highest pts) to worst (lowest pts).

Determine how many starting players are required per position and how many teams are in your fantasy football league. Draw a line between each respective position.  For instance, if you are in a ten team league that requires 1 qb, 2 rbs, 3 wrs, 1 pk, 1 te, and 1def/st you would draw a line on the qb list between numbers 10 & 11; for the rbs btwn 20 & 21; the wrs btwn 30 & 31; etc.

All players above each line are projected to be starters in your respective league; all below are either reserves or free agents.

Next, subtract the point number given for the person immediately above the respective line at position 10, 20, or 30 (qbs, rbs, or wrs in above example) from the points for the number 1 person on that respective list.  Then, the 10th person receives a 0 (his pts subtracted from his pts always = 0) and the number one gets the difference between the two numbers (see QB chart below).  Continue by subtracting the same points (220 in example) from every person on that specific list.  Everyone at 0 and above is a projected starter in your league.  


                    QB CHART (partial)

Quarterback
Proj Pts
Subtract
X Factor Pts
1
350
220
130
2
325
220
115
3
300
220
80
4
275
220
55
5
270
220
50
6
260
220
40
7
250
220
30
8
230
220
10
9
225
220
15
10
220
220
0
11
200
220
-20
12
190
220
-30
13
185
220
-35
 
By reviewing the two partial charts below, one can equate one position to another.  The numbers in each chart are not intended to be actual raw numbers.  But, by just reviewing the three playing positions one can readily see the importance of most rbs as compared to qbs and def/sts.

Defense/SpTm CHART (Partial)

Defense/ST
Proj Pts
Substract
X Factor Pts
1
320
260
60
2
310
260 50
3
300
260 40
4
290
260 30
5
285
260 25
6
280
260 20
7
275
260 15
8
270
260 10
9
265
260 5
10
260
260 0
11
250
260 -10
12
240
260 -20
13
230
260 -30


Running Back CHART (Partial)

Run. Backs
Proj Pts
Subtract
X Factor Pts
1
320
190
130
2
315
190 125
3
310
190 120
4
300
190 110
5
295
190 105
6
280
190 90
7
275
190 85
8
265
190 75
9
250
190 60
10
240
190 50
11
235
190 45
12
230
190 40
13
230
190 40
14
225
190 35
15
220
190 30
16
220
190 30
17
215
190 25
18
205
190 15
19
195
190 5
20
190
190 0
21
180
190 -10
22
170
190 -20


CONCLUSION:

After preparing a cheat sheet for each postion, you are now ready to merge them into one list, based on your x-factor quantities.  This method is far superior to various fantasy experts' lists which probably do not depend on the exact conditions required in your league.  

While  the x-factor is no panacea to all of your drafting strategies, it defintely adds to your tools and allows you to be on a solid foundation prior to making your final drafting choices.

If you have comments or corrections, please email me by clicking COMMENTS .


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Alan W. Harwood
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