From today’s b the paper…

We’re midway through the preseason, which means it’s time for your annual fantasy football draft. You’ll have to explain to your friends and/or significant other that you can’t go out on a Saturday night because you’re too busy hanging out with a bunch of dudes in your buddy’s basement, but admit it, you’re excited.

Before you head into the man-cave on draft day, remember there is some etiquette involved when it comes to live drafts, so keep these tips in mind:

•••• Come prepared: Do your homework, bring your magazines and cheat sheets with you and show up on time. This should be bing-bang-boom, we’re out.
•••• Pay attention: Don’t be that guy — you know, the one who picks Thomas Jones two rounds after he was already selected or wastes five minutes of everybody’s time because he doesn’t know it’s his turn. I hate that guy. Everyone does.
•••• Forget the GF (or BF): There’s nothing worse than a guy who can’t go two rounds without ducking out to call his girlfriend, except for one who actually brings her to the draft. It’s OK to be off the leash for a few fours. You’ll survive.
•••• Don’t be a baby: Your peers are going to make fun of you for picking Joe Flacco or for that terrible trade you made last year. Deal with it. That’s why these drafts are so much fun. Get some thicker skin and learn to dish it right back.

He’s heating up: Ricky Williams claims his love for the game has been rekindled. Again. Still, he’s playing for a fat new deal (how many dime bags can you get with a million dollars?), and Ronnie Brown is brittle. Williams is worth a flier late.

He’s on fire: There are concerns about how Atlanta’s Michael Turner will respond to a full season’s worth of punishment, but there’s no doubt he can carry the rock. So far this preseason, Turner has nine carries for 135 yards — that’s 15 yards a pop.

Fantasy doghouse: Where do I begin with Javon Walker? He’s struggled with injuries his entire career. He had an abysmal ’07 season. He showed up out of shape at training camp this summer. He tried to retire as a result. Then, he stunk up the joint in his first two preseason games. Avoid him at all costs.

Trainer’s table: Forget about the injuries to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning; they’ll be fine. Derek Anderson’s recent concussion is something you should take note of, especially with a healthy and capable Brady Quinn waiting in the wings. And check the injury statuses of T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson before your draft.

This week’s reader question: Reader James James writes: “Is this a good team? And what do you suggest? [My team is] QB: Tom Brady and Jason Campbell; RB: Maurice Jones-Drew, Laurence Maroney, Justin Fargas and LenDale White; WR: Steve Smith, Wes Welker, Donald Driver, Chris Chambers and Donte Stallworth; TE: Heath Miller and Owen Daniels; DEF: Seattle and Tennessee; K: Robbie Gould.”

My response: James, there’s no doubt you’re set at every position, except the one that matters most: running back. That’s no reason to panic, though. You’re only a trade or a wire pickup away from having a championship-caliber team. My suggestion: use Driver and Fargas (or Maroney) as trade bait in the hopes of landing a steadier back.

Extra point: Ray Rice went undrafted in my first draft, but after his performance against the Vikings, that won’t be the case any longer. With Willis McGahee struggling with injuries, Rice could end up being a late-round steal. He doesn’t warrant a selection before the 10th round, though, unless you need to handcuff him to McGahee.

Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. His fantasy football column appears Wednesdays. E-mail your questions to matt@bthesite.com

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