Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
A dozen rules fantasy footballers must follow for consistent success.
Our annual “draft prep” series mostly caters to novice players, but every once in a while a veteran player requires a refresher on basics we may take for granted.
These rules are in no particular order, and they apply to all levels of experience among fantasy owners. Just as important as the “what you should do” to create a winner in fantasy drafting, avoiding simple pitfalls is a must.
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Changing backfields means hidden fantasy value and big opportunities
The changes to NFL backfields are always more than expected and offer the best source for preseason sleeper picks and in-season waiver wire gems. Heading into 2023, it appears no less dynamic than any year and maybe full of more transitions than usual. Let’s look at each NFL team and consider if their top two running backs from last season have a chance to offer reliable fantasy points. And see where opportunities most likely lie.
Those ratios hold true in all years, even back when they seemed to be the only reliable players. About half of all NFL backfields feature a different highest-scoring running back each year. It may be from injury, a new free agent, a rookie back, or just a guy climbing up the depth chart from the previous season, but the change from year to year is significant and can offer immense fantasy advantage.
Each team employs several running backs and averages five different players with at least one carry. Last year, the Cowboys and Giants were at the bottom using just three rushers, but the 49ers, Broncos, and Saints went through at least seven each. Nine other teams used six different players to carry the ball. That reflects both injuries and just the natural rise and fall of players, along with the reliance on committee backfields by most teams.
The tables blow show the total yards and touchdowns for each player, along with their fantasy rank in reception-point leagues. They are the two highest-scoring running backs for the team in 2022.
Any team could opt to make a surprise cut or trade. The internet comes alive with rumors and speculation for the next few months about even the best players – Derrick Henry to the Bills? He could be traded away from free agency next year and the Titans have a new offensive coordinator. Cam Akers may not be completely safe, and the Jets and Commanders will look to get more from their 2022 rookies of Breece Hall and Brian Robinson. But overall, these should be the more reliable situations. Until they are not.
Nine of the second-best running backs above are free agents this offseason. And when the No. 1 back misses a game, the No. 2 back has to step up.
And the above 17 teams are right around that yearly average for backfields that do not change.
These 15 teams all have at least potential changes to their backfield and could be very different for 2022. Each has a unique situation that won’t be clear until after the NFL draft and June 1st cuts. If even then. I include the team rank for total PPR-fantasy points as an overall measurement of backfield effectiveness.
All the free agents are available to change teams, and the NFL draft will always produce at least four to six backs with at least minor fantasy value. These are teams to track through the spring to see where backfields end up for the preseason.
Arizona Cardinals (No. 26) – James Conner may be in his final season since there is an out in his contract for next year. Conner is a pounder and dropped from 18 touchdowns in 2021 to only eight last year. Eno Benjamin wasn’t any upgrade to the departed Chase Edmonds, and there’s speculation that the Cards could use the NFL draft to secure a faster, more dynamic runner to pair with Conner. And that could end up being a rookie good enough to take over as the primary back and allow James Conner to assume the complementary short-yardage/goal line role. There’s a new coaching staff including OC Drew Petzing, who last coached the Browns’ quarterbacks.
Baltimore Ravens (No. 29) – This is a committee backfield with a new offensive coordinator Todd Monken who last ran the offense at Georgia so running the ball will be a priority. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards struggled to return from their respective ACL injuries last year and the backfield held very spotty and mostly unreliable fantasy value. Kenyan Drake was just a fill-in and is now a free agent. Both Dobbins and Edwards ran fewer than 90 times each. Dobbins and Edwards are in the final year of their contracts. Maybe Dobbins finally stays healthy and reclaims the primary role. Maybe Lamar Jackson steals all the touchdowns again. Maybe they bring in a new player with two functioning knees.
Buffalo Bills (No. 25) – Devin Singletary had never been better than the No. 20 fantasy running back playing in a prolific offense, and he’s a free agent that may not be re-signed. James Cook showed enough as a rookie to merit being the No. 1 back though there’s always an element of a committee approach and Josh Allen will steal most of the rushing scores. If Singletary moves on, the Bills will need a viable No. 2 back. Nyheim Hines was acquired last year in a trade but only played special teams which may continue. The primary rusher may be underfed in this pass-first offense, but he only needs to add a couple of catches to ensure every-week fantasy starts.
Carolina Panthers (No. 12) – Losing Christian McCaffrey obviously changed everything, and new HC Frank Reich brings his run-heavy sensibilities from the Colts. D’Onta Foreman stepped in front of Chuba Hubbard to become the new primary back to end last season. Foreman is a free agent but there is speculation that they may re-sign him after he averaged 4.5 yards per carry last year. With plenty of needs on the roster, it could make sense to rely on Foreman at least for the first season of a rebuilding offense. The Panthers will likely add a rookie or free agent back for depth, so training camp should clear up the backfield roles. Spending an early pick on a running back would devalue Foreman but could yield upside to a rookie rusher.
Chicago Bears (No. 28) – The Bears offense has sputtered plenty in the last two seasons, and the offensive line has been one of the worst for the last few years. Now David Montgomery is a free agent that may not be re-signed. This is the second season for HC Matt Eberflus’ offense and they could elect to promote up Khalil Herbert or bring in a new primary back. The early expectation is that Montgomery walks, Herbert steps up to start the year and the Bears add a Day 2 rookie or a free agent to the backfield that may compete for the primary role at least eventually.
Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10) – This could be the same returning backfield. After all, Joe Mixon was the No. 4 fantasy running back in 2021 and is signed for one more year. But he also has been oft-dinged in his six NFL seasons and there is speculation that Cincy releases him post-June 1 with a $10M saving, re-signs the capable free agent Samaje Perine and then acquires a promising Day 2 rookie running back to compete for playing time. This is another pass-first offense, but Mixon showed what a healthy primary back can do in this offense when he totaled 1,519 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2021.
Dallas Cowboys (No. 4) – The Cowboys love their running backs, maybe too much given that Ezekiel Elliott signed through 2026 with over $50 million in salary committed. But they also gave themselves an out this year where they can cut him and save a lot of money despite eating an $11.8 million dead cap hit. Or they can redo his contract and bring him back at a reduced price which is possible and most likely. Tony Pollard finished his rookie contract on a high note and will upgrade the $1.1 million he made last year. They could end up with Elliott and Pollard again. They could end up with Elliott and a rookie back like Bijan Robinson as the next potential Emmitt/Ezekiel. Whatever they do, there will be significant fantasy value attached.
Denver Broncos (No. 14) – Last year was a complete face-plant for the Broncos offense that lost the promising Javonte Williams to a torn ACL, dumped Melvin Gordon, acquired Chase Edmonds, who injured his ankle and landed on injured reserve and will likely be a cap casualty since it would save $5.9 million in cap space for the strapped Broncos. They ended up with Latavius Murray as the best available and Murray has history with new HC Sean Payton though he’s slated to be a free agent along with Marlon Mack and Mike Boone. There’s conjecture that Williams may not be ready by Week 1, which further complicates the picture. The 33-year-old Murray is not the long-term answer to be sure, so it all depends on how quickly and how well Williams recovers as to whether they stand pat with Murray as the fill-in, upgrade the No. 2 back in free agency, or mine the draft for a quality back to help out.
Detroit Lions (No. 2) – It doesn’t hurt that the Lions spent big on offensive linemen and have reaped the benefits of one of the elite units. Still, they cannot keep D’Andre Swift on the field and healthy. He enters the final year of his rookie contract and the expectation is that the Lions will let him walk in 2024 but he’s cheap enough to keep for this season. Jamaal Williams was the one with a magic year when he led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns and he hits free agency. Williams is key, but Swift remains for one more season to cloud the picture.
Kansas City Chiefs (No. 5) – The Chiefs’ backfield started out trying to get the former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire on track for the third season and ended with training camp hype monster Isiah Pacheco wresting away the primary rushing job. Jerick McKinnon finished 2021 on a hot streak in the playoffs that didn’t continue – at least not until Week 12 when he became a scoring machine and then all but disappeared in the playoffs. The Chiefs are expected to decline CEH’s fifth-year option so he’s in his final year. Pacheco should return as the $870K primary rusher, but the 30-year-old McKinnon is a free agent. The Chiefs may re-sign him or look elsewhere for a younger option that could step up more in 2024 when CEH is gone.
Las Vegas Raiders (No. 8) – That was a masterful piece of timing by Josh Jacobs who was denied a fifth-year option, “oops,” and ended his rookie contract as the No. 1 fantasy running back. All that in an offense thought to use a committee that wouldn’t be a great fit for him. Zamir White was a fourth-round pick that only rushed 17 times all year. There is no one else behind him with any experience or expectation, but Jacobs will command whatever the top of the mark is for running backs. He’s likely looking at a franchise tag that he may, or may not, play under. Maybe 2022 was just a magic year for Jacobs, but he wisely cashes in on the situation.
Miami Dolphins (No. 19) – The Dolphins enter 2023 with the entire backfield entering free agency – Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Myles Gaskin, and Salvon Ahmed. The 31-year-old Mostert was the top producer but he and everyone else was injured at some point, and the committee approach further drained potential from the crew. With a decent offensive line, a fearsome pass game, and a glaring need for a young and talented back to show up, the Fins’ foray into free agency and the NFL draft is worth tracking. There’s no reason to bring back the “49ers-East” backfield again this year.
New York Giants (No. 16) – Saquon Barkley was another back with nice timing when he turned in a No. 4 fantasy performance in his final contract year. The Giants aim to re-sign him and he will not be happy if they slap the franchise tag on him. The Giants have to keep him or entirely start over in their otherwise talent-starved backfield. Matt Breida is also a free agent but is no priority to re-sign. HC Brian Daboll’s first season was a rousing success, but the offense must have Barkley to at least match last year, let alone improve.
Philadelphia Eagles (No. 23) – The Eagles’ committee approach to their running backs already limits the primary back, and Miles Sanders emerged as their top option last year with 259 carries for 1,269 yards. But the Eagles are not expected to re-sign him and 27-year-old Boston Scott also becomes a free agent. That leaves Kenneth Gainwell apparently most likely to become the lead back despite never rushing more than 68 times in either previous season. The Eagles are another team rumored to consider taking the Bijan Robinson plunge, and they are a lock to upgrade their backfield if Sanders ends up gone. Between the passing and rushing of Jalen Hurts, it would be hard for any back to do much more than Sanders recently did. But that Philly offensive line is a significant advantage to anyone carrying the ball.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 13) – The Buccaneers are expected to part ways with Leonard Fournette and promote Rachaad White in his second season to become the primary runner. Ke’Shawn Vaughn hasn’t panned out in his three seasons, so the Buccaneers will be looking to at least upgrade the primary backup to White, if not a player that also adds weekly value to the rushing effort. The Bucs brought in new OC Dave Canales from the Seahawks to install a better run game which bodes well for White but also boosts the potential value of whichever back ends up as the No. 2.
Running backs have been devalued in the NFL and with good reason given their injury and burnout rate. This year’s draft is considered to be a deep one for running backs, and Day 2 and Day 3 picks can still offer value as a plug-in replacement or eventual starter. That means that any team can access a quality rookie back for depth – or more.
These players should be targets in all of your fantasy football drafts this year.
Because there’s so much talent at the top of fantasy football draft boards, I don’t sweat about my first-round pick.
Even if I’m at the bottom of the round and all of the workhorse running backs have been picked, I know there’s going to be a star wide receiver still available (don’t sleep on Stefon Diggs behind Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase).
After the first round or two, I do begin to game plan specific picks who could represent fantastic value during the season.
Here’s a quick look at seven players I try to target in every fantasy football draft leading up to the 2022 NFL season for you last-minute types.
Drafting this weekend? We have you covered for everything needed to dominate.
Drafting a fantasy football team this weekend? The Huddle has you covered for everything needed to dominate in the final weekend before the 2022 NFL season begins.
Week 1 is merely days away, but there’s still time to draft a winner, and this being The Huddle’s 26th season online is a testament to our dedication to making you a champion!
It’s not too late to sign up for The Huddle and dominate!
Let’s not waste any more time and get right into what you must know ahead of the big draft weekend.
Gamers can stay on top of the latest transactions, injury news, and more by following our Huddle newsfeed.
These rules are in no particular order, and they apply to all levels of experience among fantasy owners. Just as important as the “what you should do” to create a winner in fantasy drafting, avoiding simple pitfalls is a must.
1) Living in the past: Assuming successes and failures from last year automatically will carry over to this year’s results is a quick trip to Loserville. Each year is brand new and requires a reset of the old memory bank.
2) Stay sober: While it may seem silly, don’t let one draft of hard boozing affect an entire season of fantasy football. Party it up after the draft and celebrate your soon-to-be championship roster.
3) No one likes a homer: Well, except for that Homer. Heavily drafting players from your favorite team tends to lead to an entire season of hangover-filled mornings. This also includes taking a specific player over a better option just because that player is on your favorite team. Be objective.
4) Draft by the rules: Not knowing your league’s scoring structure, lineup composition, and/or bylaws generally results in utter failure. At a minimum, it translates into lost points.
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Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Receivers
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Come away from your draft with these late-round sleepers.
While fantasy football leagues can be won and lost in the early draft rounds, it tends to be the latter half of the selection process where savvy owners separate themselves from the pack.
Average draft position (ADP) figures can vary wildly from service to service, so we’re using an aggregate of four prominent sites to establish as close to a uniform valuation as possible.
Let’s dive into the top-12 targets for success after Round 8 in conventional PPR redraft leagues.
Alexander Mattison is the clear choice to top this list of running back handcuffs to target in fantasy football.
There are some NFL backfields with two fantasy-relevant running backs who have standalone value in fantasy football even if both RBs stay healthy.
And there are other backfields that feature a backup who doesn’t offer much standalone value but is still a must-roster player due to the workload he’d assume if the starter went down. That’s a handcuff running back, or an insurance running back, and these are five of the top candidates you should consider this season.
Stacking QBs and WRs from the same team can help you double up on points in fantasy football.
If you start Joe Burrow in fantasy football, a 25-yard touchdown pass could net you 5.25 points. If you also start Ja’Marr Chase and he catches Burrow’s TD pass, that could add 9.5 points for a total of 14.75 points on one play.
It’s called stacking, adding a quarterback and wide receiver from the same team hoping to double up on points when they connect for a completion or — even better — a touchdown.
Here are five QB-WR duos to consider stacking in fantasy football this season.
These tight ends could bolster fantasy rosters with little investment needed.
Injuries happen. It’s just the nature of the NFL, and the fallout has ruined many a fantasy season over the years. After all, there’s nothing quite like the sting of losing your first-round pick a month into the season. That’s the game, however, and it’s why finding good depth at the end of drafts is so vital. With that in mind, here are five tight ends to consider in the later rounds.
These 10 running backs are part of backfield committees, but they still offer standalone value in fantasy football.
Typically in fantasy football, drafting a workhorse is the best strategy at running back. But fewer and fewer teams are relying on one running back going into the 2022 NFL season.
Beyond the top options of backs, like Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry and Najee Harris, most RBs are part of some kind of backfield rotation. Fortunately, there are many backfield duos with each RB offering some standalone value in fantasy, even if both players stay healthy.
Here’s a look at five running back committees that feature a pair of RBs who are both worth drafting in your fantasy football league.
Your first three picks define your fantasy team.
The first three picks define your team and set up the rest of your draft. The optimal team is built by understanding the nuances of a scoring system and how it fits into your league rules.
A 10-team league means positional quality lasts longer. Everyone has a “good” team, so you need less depth and more difference-makers.
To follow are sample three-round drafts for 10-team fantasy football leagues. They use either standard performance scoring, performance plus a point per reception, or “2QB/Super Flex” leagues where you can start two of any position. Those three formats cover almost all leagues.
The names are less important than the positions because each draft slot has its own unique situation. Just as important are your future picks and what you need after three rounds. Rankings can change daily so these may not exactly match rankings.
Performance scoring without reception points means that running backs are at a premium, and quarterbacks are a bit more valuable. Wide receivers and tight ends are devalued but are still usually four starters in a fantasy football league. Most teams will look to get two running backs in their first three picks, and it’s hard to argue against that logic.
Team 1: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB D’Andre Swift, WR Davante Adams
Standard start for no reception points. Smaller league size allows D’Andre Swift to fall to the end of the second round, which was too tempting to let slide past. Still reached the No. 5 wideout for an advantage at WR1. A strong opening allows best-available picks regardless of position. Wide receiver, running back and quarterback are all considerations for the next handful of picks.
Team 2: RB Derrick Henry, WR Deebo Samuel, RB Travis Etienne
Like Team 1, this size league allows for a strong start of two running backs and a top wideout. Hunt for best value the rest of the way.
Team 3: RB Austin Ekeler, RB Leonard Fournette, WR Stefon Diggs
Slightly deeper than Team 2, it makes more sense to double up on running backs first, then take a higher-ranked wide receiver since, by this point, the top half of starting running backs are ending. Free to take from any position that appeals the most.
Team 4: RB Christian McCaffrey, TE Travis Kelce, RB Devin Singletary
Christian McCaffrey is less valuable without reception points but looks great on the roster, along with Travis Kelce who is less valuable in this format but still an advantage all the same. Two straight wideouts should get some balance for the starters.
Team 5: RB Nick Chubb, RB Alvin Kamara, RB Aaron Jones
This isn’t as risky as it may seem. Locked up starting running backs and the flex for the strength of the roster. Better quality wideouts and a quarterback last longer in this smaller draft and better quality players in later rounds compared to a 12-team league. But the next three picks have to consider two wideouts, and probably a quarterback or the non-RB positions will be a liability.
Team 6: RB Joe Mixon, RB Saquon Barkley, WR Mike Evans
The RB-RB start mid-draft works well when a Mike Evans or CeeDee Lamb last into the middle of the third round. But starting with the No. 6 RB, then the No. 12 RB misses out on a top-tier running back and settles for a riskier Barkley who has upside to be sure, but this team becomes very average if he repeats either of the last two years. Wideouts are up next, but prudent to take that RB3 earlier than later to cover the risk of the RB2.
Team 7: RB Dalvin Cook, WR Justin Jefferson, QB Josh Allen
With running backs so valuable and going so fast, it may seem to be just following the crowd with the seventh-straight taken as the RB1. But also prudent knowing that skipping the position would have likely left no better than the No. 12 running back for a RB1 which hurts. But went with the No. 3 wideout and even snapped up the best quarterback at the 3.07 for advantages in both positions. Should consider two running backs and a wideout over the next three picks.
Team 8: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR CeeDee Lamb
Opted to finally take a non-running back and went with a top receiver in the scoring system. Has the No. 11 running back for their RB, which isn’t ideal, but ends up with two of the Top-8 wideouts for an advantage at the position. Won’t need to bother with any more wide receivers for four to six rounds and must start mining for running backs and deciding when a quarterback is their best value.
Team 9: RB Najee Harris, RB James Conner, RB Antonio Gibson
The only real advantage with this plan is a strong RB2, and the other positions will have higher quality last longer in the ten-team league. But now wide receivers are a need pick in at least two of the next three rounds and needs to land a sleeper or two in order to remain above average.
Team 10: WR Cooper Kupp, RB J. Williams, QB Patrick Mahomes
That final pick of the first round grabbed the No. 2 wideout and the No. 9 running back, knowing that leaving RB1 to the end of the third-round would mean a weak spot in the starters. Grabbing Patrick Mahomes as the second quarterback taken offers a difference-maker in a high-scoring position. The running backs won’t be the best unit in the league to be sure, but at least quarterback and wide receiver are headed by top players. Probably should alternate running back and wideouts for the next four rounds.
This style of scoring boosts the value of wide receivers and elite tight ends and slightly devalues quarterbacks relative to other positions. Running backs are popular in any scoring scenario but the added reception point means the position becomes deeper with third-down backs able to offer “start-able” fantasy value. The consistency of an above-average running back is also a very valuable contributor to the weekly fantasy score.
With a reception point and only ten teams, your roster should look very strong after three picks. All positions are deep in this format.
Team 1: RB Jonathan Taylor, WR CeeDee Lamb, TE Mark Andrews
This is a good use of the first pick. Top running back, solid WR1 with upside and a top tight end. The running backs will be thinning in the fourth round but still offer up Antonio Gibson, Cam Akers, and maybe Breece Hall. Running back will be a need pick with two in the next four picks, but tight end is locked up, and high-quality wideouts remain.
Team 2: RB Austin Ekeler, RB Alvin Kamara, WR Tyreek Hill
Standard start for the No. 2 drafter and smaller rosters meant that Alvin Kamara, Saquon Barkley, James Conner and the like are still there in the fourth. Can still reach a Top-10 wideout with the third pick. A couple of wideouts and another running back make sense in the next three rounds.
Team 3: RB C. McCaffrey, RB Javonte Williams, RB James Conner
This plan feels so safe – and maybe too safe, but the higher quality later in the smaller draft means it can still work. There’s no pressing need to think about another running back for at least four to six more rounds while the core of the starters are taken.
Team 4: RB Derrick Henry, WR Mike Evans, RB Saquon Barkley
Went with the No. 4 running back, but Derrick Henry could be No. 1. Mike Evans offers a solid WR1 and still reached Saquon Barkley (or Leonard Fournette) with the third pick. That made more sense because the quality of wideout will be better at the 4.07 than would be running back. Upside start but the risk of Barkley would be best served by taking RB3 in the next couple of rounds.
Team 5: WR Cooper Kupp, WR Deebo Samuel, RB Leonard Fournette
This mid-draft plan works better in the smaller ten-team draft since it nets two Top-6 wideouts which is huge in this scoring format. And still allows for Leonard Fournette or Ezekiel Elliott at RB1. Need to consider running backs in two of the next three picks.
Team 6: RB Najee Harris, RB D’Andre Swift, RB Ezekiel Elliott
This is a workable plan like Team 3 that also went RB-RB-RB. It also looks like a drafter who is used to 12-Team drafts and are amazed at finding decent starting running backs in the third round. Mine those wideouts maybe the next three or four rounds and consider a quarterback starting in Round 7 or so.
Team 7: WR Justin Jefferson, RB Nick Chubb, WR Keenan Allen
The running backs are getting thinner, so this plan works with two top wideouts and a legitimate RB1 to start. Wide receivers can wait for several rounds while a couple more running backs are added, and the quarterback and tight end start to be taken. But the safest play remains taking two more running backs in the next two picks.
Team 8: RB Joe Mixon, WR Davante Adams, WR Michael Pittman Jr.
No different from Team 7 other than a better RB1 and a worse WR1. Has to consider running backs next and can wait on that WR3 for several rounds.
Team 9: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Dalvin Cook, RB David Montgomery
A Top-3 wideout is an advantage with reception points and then went RB-RB as a safe pick. That meant both running backs are Top-16 (so slightly above average). Not much splash after Chase was taken, but running backs are not a liability here. Should consider wide receivers mostly in the next three picks with a third running back or even a quarterback as an option.
Team 10: TE Travis Kelce, WR Stefon Diggs, RB Travis Etienne
That final pick of the first round always tries to make up ground in different ways and it is a brilliant plan rather than just following well-established runs. Top right end, top wideout, and high-upside Travis Etienne (or Breece Hall) takes a risk to make up ground. Next pick could go anywhere, but RB2 here would get Hall or Devin Singletary. About as strong as a start as the final pick can hope to create.
This sort of league will seed quarterbacks in varying measures depending on how and why quarterbacks are so valuable. The most common is the ability to start two quarterbacks, which change drafts significantly.
It will extend the quality of running backs and wideouts deeper into the draft since quarterbacks fly off the shelves far earlier than usual. This sample draft assumes two quarterbacks start and that about half of the available starters are taken by the third round.
Viewing the previous year’s results are best for this sort of starting rule because quarterbacks can go slower – or much faster – than what this draft assumes. Keep up with the other picks in the league to make sure you don’t get stuck at the end of a run on quarterbacks.
In a smaller 10-team league with additional valuable players from the quarterback boost, almost every fantasy team looks great so taking elite players is paramount to winning – get your starters before worrying about depth.
Team 1: QB Josh Allen, WR Ja’Marr Chase, QB Matthew Stafford
That first pick in the draft yet again gains a benefit. Has the best quarterback and second-best wide receiver. Then still reached the No. 11 quarterback to lock up the starting quarterbacks. Has to think running backs and maybe a wide receiver over the next three or four rounds.
Team 2: RB Jonathan Taylor, QB Tom Brady, RB Dalvin Cook
Strong start for running backs and Tom Brady is a decent QB1. By the time the 4.10 rolls around, WR1 might be Amon-Ra St. Brown or Adam Thielen. But has to take two wideouts in the next three or four rounds and still think quarterback before QB2 gets too risky.
Team 3: QB Patrick Mahomes, WR Justin Jefferson, RB Nick Chubb
This team went with a safer route – started with a great QB1, then still reached the No. 3 WR. Instead of taking Russell Wilson as a QB2, went safe with the No. 8 running back for RB1. Balanced opening, that should consider quarterback and running back next, and then just best available to fill out the other starters.
Team 4: QB Justin Herbert, RB Joe Mixon, QB Russell Wilson
Starting with QB1 makes sense at the 1.04, and the doubling down at the 3.04 created one of the better tandems of quarterbacks that sandwich the No. 6 running back as the RB1. Best path is likely three straight wideouts interrupted with an RB3 before the sixth round. But this plan honors the 2QB format without sacrificing other positions much.
Team 5: RB Austin Ekeler, QB Kirk Cousins, RB D’Andre Swift
Middle of the draft starts with the No. 2 running back and still reaches Kirk Cousins for QB1. Went with D’Andre Swift for two Top-10 running backs. The backfield can be ignored for the next few rounds that have to net a couple of wide receivers and a second quarterback. Strong start with RB1 but then average for the next two picks. Middle-round drafter needs to avoid an all-average team.
Team 6: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Jalen Hurts, WR Stefon Diggs
Have to like what this plan attempts. Christian McCaffrey is a Top-3 running back, and then a Top-8 quarterback to prevent a liability. Taking the No. 4 wideout is a solid WR4 though receivers tend to last far longer in this format. Has to consider running backs and a quarterback for the next three rounds or so, unless a wideout falls too far to ignore.
Team 7: WR Cooper Kupp, RB Najee Harris, QB Aaron Rodgers
This is what happens when a quarterback is not taken in the first two rounds. It can still work, so long as the early picks in other positions are elite performers. Certainly the top wide receiver and No. 5 running back are hot starts, but that only leaves the No. 13 quarterback as QB1. Must consider a QB2 in the next two picks which would be no better than Ryan Tannehill or Matt Ryan.
Team 8: QB Joe Burrow, RB Derrick Henry, QB Trey Lance
This looks promising. No. 4 quarterback at QB1 and the No. 4 running back for RB1. That critical third pick accessed Trey Lance in this draft for high upside and yet plenty of risk. Could have been Derek Carr or Trevor Lawrence. This is sort of a generic approach in Super Flex leagues, with that middle pick as the most enticing running back, tight end or wide receiver. The next four rounds or more have to consider either a running back or a wideout.
Team 9: TE Travis Kelce, QB Lamar Jackson, RB Javonte Williams
Started with a big advantage at tight end and still reached the No. 7 quarterback for QB1. Snapping up Javonte Williams (or Alvin Kamara or James Conner) provided a low-end at RB1 but the team also picks at the 4.02 in just two turns. Davante Adams or Deebo Samuel make a great WR1 and a very solid beginning. Wideouts and running backs should dominate the next five or six rounds.
Team 10: QB Dak Prescott, QB Kyler Murray, RB Alvin Kamara
Drafting at the end of the first round is far less challenging than in a regular league that only starts one quarterback. Those drafts typically wait for around the seventh or eighth round for team owners to recall they want a quarterback. In this, doubling down on the No. 5 and No. 6 quarterbacks made for a powerful start, and the No. 11 running back can still have upside. The 4.01 can be Saquon Barkley or Davante Adams or Mark Andrews. Certainly running back has to make up two of the next five picks, but two high-scoring quarterbacks spitting out weekly points allows for more risk-tolerance on the other starters.
