Football Draft Strategy
Obviously most fantasy football drafts revolve around a little bit of luck, unless of course you are surrounded by enough forward thinking minds to institute an auction draft, otherwise you are subject to the classic snaking system that semi-evenly distributes the fantasy football wealth. Still, regardless of your system there are a few basic principles that should apply across almost all formats. Strict adherence to these basic principles will help take you deep into the post-season, whether you picked 1st, 12th or 6th.RBs and WRs 1st If you want to get literal with it, RBs and WRs should actually be picked 1st through 5th, and no not picks 1 through 5, rounds 1 through 5. Obviously, everyone in your league isn’t going to be lucky enough stumble across this handy advice guide, thus the top quarterbacks will certainly be selected in the first 3 rounds or so. Don’t bend to the temptation. Just because quarterback is the most important position on a real football team doesn’t make it any more important to your fantasy roster, unless of course you want to create your teams on Madden and pummel your friends. QB’s should actually only be drafted from round 6 or 7 on, depending on whether your league starts 5 or 6 combined WR/RBs. Assuming you are in a 12 team league, there are still plenty of serviceable fantasy QBs to go around, unless you truly believe at least 18 NFL signal callers will throw up chunkers this year. Furthermore, QBs are also susceptible to matchups. For example, QB rotation between Carson Palmer and Kyle Orton, both of whom are available in later rounds could yield similar results to a top end QB at 1/10th the price. Running backs and wide receivers are simple more scarce, at least in terms of true impact players, thus making it a priority to fill out all your starting spots at these positions. Exceptions to this principle include 2 QB leagues and equal QB/RB/WR scoring leagues (standard leagues score passing TDs as 4 and rushing receiving TDs as 6). In a 12 team 2 QB league for example, it gives you a distinct advantage to have two top QBs as some players will be stuck with one bottom 10 QBs in the league, who could all be legitimately terrible.Wait on Kicker and Defenses Honestly there is no way to tell which kicker is going to have a great week. Even those on potent offenses are more likely to be lining up for 1 than 3. The difference between kickers 1 and 15 isn’t enough to warrant an early round suggestion. The third from last round may be justifiable for the top leg in the league, but even that may be a reach. Defense, like QB, can be played on a matchup basis, thus no need to panic if you miss out on the Jets or Steelers, just wait until Kicker territory to make your pick.Save One Spot Pick a player with the intention to cut him. Not for intimidation and motivation for your fantasy squat, rather because someone will emerge out of the blue just before the season starts in a position battle or due to injury. It happens every year. Save yourself the mental agony of cutting a sleeper and just be prepared to let your last draft day selection go.