RealGM

In the standard 9-Category ( with TO ) / H2H format with 10 Teams, I've had a mindset to try to be strong in 5 categories and slightly above average in a 6th catagory.

The problem is that with every Mock draft that I go through, I can only build a fairly strong 5 Category Team but it always ends up being below average in the 6th category.

The question is; if you end up winning the majority of your matchups with a 5 to 4 win from week to week, can you make it to the Playoffs?

NOTE - this assumes that you are in a fairly competitive league.

yes it is possible and you are certainly not the only person with this strategy.
the reason it doesn't work out more often is that chances are in the playoffs and the finals you will face someone with overlapping strengths. and if you really are only good in 5 cats and you punt 4, then you are SOL unless every thing falls your way. it only takes one star player with a weak game or 2 to really mess you up.
the draft is pretty dynamic and what you might think you're going after may end up changing. you might end up picking a best player available in round 2 or 3 that will force your strategy to punt a different category than you were originally planning.

have fun with it and don't sweat it. that being said, the best way to avoid deviating from your strategy is basically just picking a list of guys that fit what you want and stick to the script (this includes passing up better players). it'll be easy once you get your first 3 picks.

It can definitely work but there's some risk involved. In my main league someone did this a couple years ago. They ended up with the third most matchup victories and missed the playoffs by a handful of games. If you have injuries or busts you can get in trouble fast. I don't love the idea because I like having flexibility, especially in the fantasy playoffs. Crazy stuff happens the last couple of weeks and I like being able to react to random sits, under/overachieving early in the weeks. Only going for 5 cats doesn't really allow that.

Thanks for the response.

What about being strong in 5 categories but average in the 6th Category while streaming in Player to bolster that stat?

I am hoping that I can build a team around 5 categories and then with the last roster spot, use it as a spot to stream in Players that I can use to bolster the stats for the 6th category ( like 3pt shooting or Steals ) on a regular basis.

Between the Steals and 3pt Category stat, which one is easier to stream Player on an open roster spot?

I suspect that it's 3pt shooting.

Thoughts anyone?