Here we are- our next Fantasy 101 article, this time Draft Strategy 1. This is maybe one of the most important (sub-series) articles that forms part of our Fantasy 101. If you’ve missed any of it, go back and take a look!
Now before we get started. The best strategy when it comes to the draft is- don’t have a fixed strategy! So what is this article about? Some things that you need to consider when you are making your picks. So here are our top tips and things to consider when going into your draft.
Draft Strategy 1: Know the Value of QB
What is the most important position in the game? Which scores the most points typically in (pretty much) every format? Quarterback. So surely you draft one early and build your team around that? Wrong!
There are some things that you need to consider in order to correctly value the position, but generally there are alot of options, so don’t over value it!
Scoring System
You need to know your scoring system for your league. If a player gets 3 points for a passing touchdown, or 6 can alter the types of QB that you want to draft & so, their value.
The scoring of rushing plays also is hugely important. The more points that are rewarded for rushing plays, the more important it is to take a player that runs the ball (think Cam Newton) and pocket passers lose value (for example Drew Brees).
Equally, PPR leagues add more value to positional players, removing value from the QB position in total.
League Size
There are 32 teams in the league, but how many in your league massively swings the value of the position. In a 12 team league with one starting QB, you are likely to find a few options on the waiver wire- making the position less important in the draft.
Equally, in a larger league, the position becomes more scarce with waiver wire options. That scarcity increases the value of the QBs in the draft- meaning that you want to leave with a solid player.
Number of QBs Started
As with league size, the number of QBs that can be started. If you have to start two QBs, or have the option to then the value of the position skyrockets. The reason being (obviously) there are fewer competent starting players to go around- making them more valuable.
Draft Strategy 1: Take What the Draft Gives You
One of the most common questions that you’ll find at the start of draft season is- what should I do with my first picks. The answer is, it’s complicated.
You should (likely) pick the best available RB or WR in the first two rounds, and then go from there. But any decision made early will have a consequence on your strategy later on.
RB/ RB
This selection is the one that you’ll see widely. The position scores more than receivers in a normal season, as they have more opportunities with higher touches. Their points are also generally more reliable as their workload is also more reliable week-to-week.
However, in opting to not take an elite receive you are looking to hit one further down the line. That might mean that you give up an advantage to your opponents each week at the position. Also, RBs are more likely to be injured in season, so you could easily lose your investment!
WR/ WR
Receivers are typically more durable than running backs, but they are generally limited in their ability to score. Most at the position will only touch the ball on passing plays- limiting their ability to be consistent week-to-week.
However, in the course of a season, the elite at the position are more reliable than others that can be picked up later. In picking one early, you avoid having to try and find a consistent player later which can be a struggle.
Instead you can load up in the middle rounds on running backs, which are more injury prone. If your pick wins the job in the midseason, then you have a more reliable player than a receiver taken in a similar area in drafts.
One of each (WR/ RB or RB/ WR)
This is a fine strategy, as it allows you to get the advantages of getting a top talent at each position and leaves you balanced for the rest of the draft.
Draft Strategy 1: Drafting a Tight End
The Tight End, like the Quarterback position is one that you are typically only required to draft one of. Meaning that there are like a lot of options on the waiver wire. So that should mean you avoid taking one early in the draft right?
Tight ends seem to have recently become de-valued for fantasy football. The reason being is that they are typically quite injury-prone, with the dual requirements of blocking and receiving on their body. That dual load also affects their fantasy value. They can’t catch the ball if they are blocking!
In selecting a tight end, unless you are able to get a fantastic value on one of the elite at the position, wait for the big talent at RB/ WR to disappear after a few rounds into your draft.
While a top talent like Travis Kelce or George Kittle could give you a great positional advantage, making sensible picks at RB/ WR instead and then getting the larger middle group of talent can help your team far more.
That’s it for now, check-in for Part 2! And remember you can always reach out on any of our social channels with any questions. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Image Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
