#SFB9 - Elevating an Industry Through Competition and Caring

June 23, 2019

The ninth Scott Fish Bowl (#SFB9) is set to pit some of the fantasy football industry's best experts against each other in the name of charity for Fantasy Cares. Phil Clark explains the history behind this competitive tournament and draft strategy that could apply to leagues with unique scoring systems.

Even if you have not been actively searching for information regarding the ninth annual Scott Fish Bowl, discussion surrounding this topic has become increasingly rampant. You may already be familiar with it, you might have seen it trending on twitter, and it is possible that you are among the extremely fortunate individuals who have been invited to participate in this year’s event. 

SFB9 is an acronym for the ninth edition of the Scott Fish Bowl, which is not only the largest league in the fantasy industry but is also an event that has transformed into an incomparable experience for anyone who develops a passion for the intricacies of participating in fantasy football.

#SFB9 is also the signature resource by which Scott Fish has adeptly and selflessly elevated an entire industry into an unprecedented level of competition, cohesiveness and caring. His trailblazing event was originally referred to as the FFOasis Invitational in 2010, evolved into its current name in 2013, and now provides a blueprint for building a difference-making event.

How The Scott Fish Bowl Began

Scott initially became involved with fantasy football in 1992, then garnered his first job inside the industry during 2005. He is currently a fantasy analyst for Sportshub Games Network and his responsibilities include spearheading the SafeLeagues Commissioner Service along with the MFL10s (Best Ball) leagues. He also serves as co-host of multiple radio programs and podcasts.

In addition to his collection of projects, he has somehow managed to unearth the time that is required to create and build Fantasy Cares, which is a charitable endeavor that deserves limitless accolades for the way in which it has generated money and enhanced the lives of others  - all in coordination with members of the fantasy sports community.

What It Has Accomplished 

Through Scott’s direction, enduring energy, and immeasurable hours, Fantasy Cares has annually provided children with toys during the holiday seasons, while also assembling donations for Coats For Kids and those in need of assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Erma. This is the fifth season in which donations have been accrued through the Scott Fish Bowl tournament and the $1,500 that was generated in 2015 steadily expanded to $44,500 one year ago.

The promise of achieving an even greater total in 2019 is just one factor that fuels the anticipation that surrounds this year's event, which will contain a total of 1,200 analysts and knowledgeable fans. The participants are the beneficiaries of coveted invitations that are a necessity for involvement with SFB9. While that might appear to be a massive number of contestants it only represents a small percentage of the 12,000+ individuals who signed up for an opportunity to participate, then found themselves in a perpetual state of obsession concerning the prospects that an invitation would eventually arrive.

Unique Scoring Leads To New Strategies

All 1,200 competitors who have attained the elusive beckoning from Scott now have the privilege of creating teams that will be separated into 100 divisions, each of which will be constructed with a thematic tribute to memorable video games. But even before the composition of these divisions began to unfold, the immediate euphoria that had been experienced by participants due to their inclusion in the event had transitioned toward extensive research in an attempt to determine how to build potent rosters. This challenge is dramatically enhanced by the unique scoring system that has become one of the trademarks for this annual event.

The scoring mechanism by which team owners can accumulate points contains nuances which place yet another degree of separation between participation in the annual SFB9 competition from involvement in all other leagues within the fantasy landscape. Because Scott’s penchant for ushering participants outside the usual framework for scoring parameters will necessitate the formation of draft strategies that are customized for the singular requirements of SFB9.

The 1/2 point-per-reception scoring is blended with premium components for the tight end, as players at this position can double the normal amount of points that are usually received for every first down and for every reception. This is consistent with Scott's preference for a points-per-first down scoring approach.

Points can also be accumulated through milestone scoring, which supplies a thread of consistency with the video game theme. This includes bonuses for every 300-yard passing performance by quarterbacks, along with every 50 yards rushing or receiving by players any position. All lineups will consist of 11 starters, including four Superflex positions – one of which can be designated for a quarterback. To the delight of many, defenses and kickers are not included in the composition of rosters.

When all of the scoring elements are considered, the appeal of confiscating the select group of tight ends who provide the greatest potential to stockpile receptions, first downs, and bonus points becomes enormous. That will entail aggressively targeting Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Zach Ertz at the onset of drafts - which might compel participants to seize any member of this trio in Round 1.

The quarterback position also remains essential due to the Superflex nature of the league. However, the disparity between quarterbacks and both running backs and wide receivers appears to have diminished due to the scoring bonuses that will enable more backs and receivers to attain bonus or milestone points. Many participants will still target quarterbacks earlier than they would in Beat Ball or redraft leagues, in order to avoid having their competitors confiscate the vast majority of signal callers that will accumulate valuable yardage and points. But the enticement of bonus scoring will lead other participants to focus on the top tier runners and receivers in early rounds since they provide the potential of delivering high-quality performances with the greatest frequency at their positions.  

There will be divergent strategies, which will increase the need for flexibility as drafts develop, and priorities are altered. But regardless of how each individual ultimately decides to build his or her roster, Scott has stated that the exclusive aspects of #SFB9 scoring are partially designed to create balance and fairness, with the goal that the exclusive settings will enable multiple strategies to win. For the owners whose rosters survive the challenges of relentless competition, devastating injuries and inexplicably timed futility from their most trusted performers, the ability to embrace a highly successful finish is priceless.

An Extraordinary Event Will Soon Begin

#SFB9 is destined to be an extraordinary event that will continue to cultivate charitable achievements, build relationships and create sleep deprivation for participants who zealously attempt to build strategies that embrace the distinctive scoring. If you are interested in learning more about #SFB9, you can go to scottfishbowl.com. Information about fantasycares.net is also readily available at the site whenever you make your visit.