Tag: fantasy football strategy

Targets, Touches and TDs: Week 10

Making sense of recent fantasy football performances.

Week 9 was the crazy, unpredictable, off-the-rails week we see every NFL season.

Ten of 14 pointspread underdogs covered and four touchdown-plus favorites lost outright.

The fantasy realm certainly wasn’t spared from the wackiness:

  • Journeyman New York Jets backup Josh Johnson was pressed into action Thursday night and wound up scoring more fantasy points (29.6) than Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow combined (26.3).
  • Arizona Cardinals No. 2 running back James Conner paced all players, regardless of position, with a career-high 40.3 fantasy points.
  • Elijah Moore, Olamide Zaccheus and Malik Turner were three of the eight wide receivers who finished the week with 20 or more fantasy points.
  • The top 10 highest-scoring fantasy tight ends of the week included a trio of Los Angeles Chargers in Stephen Anderson, Donald Parham Jr. and Jared Cook.

Like we said, unforeseeable unruliness.

But which of the eye-catching (or eyesore) Week 9 fantasy performances are we buying as indicators for the rest of the season, and which are we brushing off as one-week abnormalities?

Let us delve deeper into five of the more notable fantasy performances from the wild and wacky Week 9 …

Patrick Mahomes finished 24th among quarterbacks on the week with 12.1 fantasy points (Huddle Performance scoring).

Mahomes somehow got outscored by his quarterback counterpart in the same game, and that was Green Bay Packers second-year QB Jordan Love, who completed only 19-of-34 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown for 15.8 fantasy points himself.

Over the last four seasons, Mahomes’ 12.1 fantasy points Sunday marked his regular-season, full-game low point and only the fifth time in 62 career complete games, including the postseason, in which he’s failed to total at least 15 points.

BUYING or brushing off: Stunningly, two of those five aforementioned sub-15-point outings have come in the last three weeks and were sandwiched around an 18.75-point game in Week 8.

[lawrence-related id=461916]

Mahomes has thrown for two TDs and two interceptions in those three games and has averaged fewer than 5.89 yards per attempt. His career average is 8.1 yards per attempt.

Mahomes, obviously hasn’t been connecting for nearly as many big plays, but even the rest of the Chiefs’ aerial game is off as he’s completed 60.4 percent or fewer of his passes in each of the last three weeks — again well below his 65.9 career completion percentage.

Even more alarming, Mahomes and the Chiefs have the toughest remaining fantasy QB schedule in the league, according to The Huddle’s nifty Strength of Schedule tool.

Add it all up, and we’ve come to the shocking conclusion that Mahomes is no longer a set-it-and-forget-it, locked-in QB1 every week, depending on the week and your other options.

Joe Burrow scored 14.2 fantasy points in Sunday’s 41-16 loss to the Cleveland Browns, coming in 23rd at the position for the week.

It was a season-worst showing for the second-year Cincy QB, who posted only his second sub-20-point outing of the campaign.

Burrow entered the game on a serious fantasy roll, having thrown for three touchdowns and posted at least 24.85 fantasy points in three straight games. But even though the Bengals defense surrendered a season-high 41 points and the opposing Browns came into the contest allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, Burrow couldn’t keep up. He failed to throw a TD pass for the first time in his last 12 games, dating back to last season, while tossing a pair of interceptions.

In eight previous games this season, Burrow had at thrown for at least two TDs.

Buying or BRUSHING OFF: The Browns, fresh off a division home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and dealing with the Odell Beckham Jr. distraction last week, clearly entered Sunday’s game as a team on a mission and played like it.

Burrow was sacked a season-high-matching five times and was hit 12 times while completing 28-of-40 pass attempts for 282 yards.

Go-to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was targeted a game-high 13 times, but they only netted six completions for 49 yards and his third touchdown-less outing of the season.

In reality, though, Burrow is going to endure some ups and downs. He’s a second-year QB, who’s made 19 total starts with last season’s knee injury, and even with Sunday’s poor showing, he remains fantasy’s 10th-best quarterback with an average of 23.2 points per game.

And pairing Burrow’s talent with that of his young supporting cast, there’s simply too much upside to be had with the second-year passer.

James Conner scored a trio of TDs en route to 40.3 fantasy points — three more than any other player in Week 9, quarterbacks included.

Conner has now played in 59 career games, but Sunday’s showing produced a career pinnacle in fantasy points (point-per-reception scoring) as he topped 30 points for only the fifth time in five seasons.

To get there, it took 21 rushes for 96 yards and two TDs and five catches on five targets for 77 yards and another score to power the Cards’ 31-17 road upset win of the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Starting QB Kyler Murray and leading wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green were all absent Sunday due to injury/illness while — more significantly for Conner — starting running back Chase Edmonds left after only one 3-yard carry with what was later diagnosed as a high-ankle sprain.

That left Conner to shoulder the backfield load and he wound up accounting for 26 of Arizona’s 36 running back touches. Conner entered the contest averaging 12.4 touches, 49 total yards and 11.5 fantasy points per game.

BUYING or brushing off: With his three TDs Sunday, Conner leapfrogged the injured and idle Derrick Henry and standout wideout Cooper Kupp for the league touchdown lead with 11.

On Monday, word then came down that Edmonds would miss multiple games — likely to include an injured reserve stint — with his high-ankle sprain. Prior to Sunday’s one-carry game, Edmonds averaged 13.1 touches and 79.8 yards from scrimmage over the Cards’ first eight contests.

Now Conner moves into the lead role on the league’s second-highest scoring offense (32.8 points per game) with Eno Benjamin in relief. And if Sunday’s explosion is any kind of indication, Conner will be a weekly RB1 start as long as Edmonds remains sidelined.

Conner hasn’t been in that role since 2018 in his second season with the Steelers when he finished sixth among running backs with 280 total PPR points (21.5 per game).

L.A. Chargers WR Mike Williams totaled 7.8 fantasy points Sunday and wound up 46th in Week 9 scoring at the position.

In the Bolts’ 27-24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Philly, Williams caught two of his five targets for 58 yards and no TDs. One of his catches went for 49 yards, and he did finish second on the team in receiving yards and targets, but four other L.A. pass-catchers finished with more fantasy points, including the three aforementioned tight ends.

And if Williams’ five-target, two-reception stat line sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Those have been his exact totals from each of his last three games, totaling six catches, 104 yards, no scores and 16.4 fantasy points during that span.

In four of his first five games (Weeks 1-3 and 5), Williams had at least nine targets, seven receptions, 82 receiving yards and 22.1 PPR points while totaling six TD grabs in those four contests.

But in his other four outings (Weeks 4 and 7-9), Williams hasn’t more than five targets, two receptions, 58 receiving yards or 7.8 fantasy points while failing to score.

Buying or BRUSHING OFF: Just barely as we’re holding off for another game or so to see if things turn around.

Williams’ numbers certainly are trending in the wrong direction, and there have been reports that a nagging knee issue has helped slow him down in recent weeks.

But we remain big believers in the Chargers’ passing game. QB Justin Herbert ranks fourth with 211 total completions and fifth at the position with an average of 26.4 fantasy points per outing — and the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Williams looked way too good over the first five games of the season to believe he’s now only a WR 3/4.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth totaled 21.4 fantasy points Monday night to wind up pacing all Week 9 tight ends.

The rookie tight end reeled in five of his team high-matching six targets for 43 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Steelers’ 29-27 win over the Bears.

It was the third straight game with at least 12.8 fantasy points for Freiermuth, who has totaled 16 receptions for 145 yards and three TDs during that span, which includes Pittsburgh’s Week 7 bye. It’s also an average of 16.2 fantasy points during that stretch, which is tops among tight ends who have played multiple games since Week 6.

BUYING or brushing off: Most definitely.

It’s the tight end position, first and foremost. Nothing more needs to be added there.

And it’s also the perfect offense for a tight end to thrive in.

Aging QB Ben Roethlisberger entered the week ranked 25th among passers with a 6.6-yard average per attempt, and one of his prime short-area targets of recent seasons, WR JuJu Smith Schuster, was lost for the season in Week 5 with a shoulder injury.

Enter the Penn State rookie who has stepped up and showed out in the Steelers’ three straight wins.

Put it all together, and that makes Freiermuth a TE1 going forward.

Drafting a fantasy football team over the weekend? Take this with you.

Snapshot view of player value based on the latest ADP trends

Fantasy footballers drafting this weekend still can go through all of our in-depth coverage, but if you’re short on reading time, here’s a one-stop shop approach for player valuation to take into your draft based on the latest ADP trends in PPR scoring.

2021 fantasy football draft advice: Sleepers, busts, value buys

Table legend

Profit potential
Bust/overvalued
Risky ADP
Inconsistent but effective
Safer than most

2021 fantasy football ADP cheatsheet

Pick ADP Name Pos Team Bye Notes
1 1.01 Christian McCaffrey RB CAR 13 Risky by virtue of ADP investment a year after playing only 3   games
2 1.03 Dalvin Cook RB MIN 7 Slight injury risk but well worth the price
3 1.03 Alvin Kamara RB NO 6 Will see extreme defensive scrutiny early in the year. Does   that even matter?
4 1.05 Ezekiel Elliott RB DAL 7 About as safe as they come at RB
5 1.06 Davante Adams WR GB 13 Lock to be the top WR, barring unlikely injury
6 1.06 Derrick Henry RB TEN 13 Mild risk from extreme workload, but built for handling it.
7 1.07 Aaron Jones RB GB 13 Workhorse in an ideal offensive system for his skills. Make   sure to handcuff A.J. Dillon.
8 1.08 Austin Ekeler RB LAC 7 132 attempts single-year high; Kamara-like PPR role validates   this spot.
9 1.08 Travis Kelce TE KC 12 Seems high to draft a TE, but he was top four as WR the 2 years.
10 1.10 Nick Chubb RB CLE 13 Arguably the best pure runner in the NFL in committed offense.
11 1.10 Tyreek Hill WR KC 12 Hard to argue with Hill in any scoring format. He does it all and as well as anyone.
12 1.12 Saquon Barkley RB NYG 10 Too rich for the risk; elite talent, poor circumstances this year.
13 2.01 Najee Harris RB PIT 7 Suspect OL, tons of weapons in passing game could negate large role.
14 2.02 Stefon Diggs WR BUF 7 Has fought through a knee issue of late but should be fine. Supremely consistent in 2020.
15 2.02 Jonathan Taylor RB IND 14 Tougher schedule, more defensive attention. Great OL, QB still a question mark.
16 2.03 Antonio Gibson RB WAS 9 Elite potential; could be top-five back if healthy as three-down guy.
17 2.05 DeAndre Hopkins WR ARI 12 2 missed games ever, 150+ targets six straight years.
18 2.06 Calvin Ridley WR ATL 6 WR1 in offense with few proven weapons on a team w/ weak defense.
19 2.07 Joe Mixon RB CIN 10 Durability concerns and suspect OL. Poor defense may limit rushing attempts.
20 2.07 D.K. Metcalf WR SEA 9 Freakish measurables, premium skill set, and excellent QB.
21 2.08 Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB KC 12 Year 2 breakout potential if offensive line holds up.
22 2.09 Darren Waller TE LV 8 Focal point of an offense that lacks proven playmakers.
23 2.10 Justin Jefferson WR MIN 7 Tough to see him being much better than 2020, but this is a reasonable price to find out.
24 2.11 Pat Mahomes QB KC 12 It’s hard to consider any QB being a safer bet. Just don’t reach above this ADP.
25 3.01 A.J. Brown WR TEN 13 Should be healthier and now has Julio Jones running interference. Awesome talent.
26 3.02 Keenan Allen WR LAC 7 Only 2 missed games in last 4 years; WR1 w/ great QB; yardage rebound coming.
27 3.02 David Montgomery RB CHI 10 Safe, fits the offense. Could lose TD chances if Justin Fields starts at QB.
28 3.04 James Robinson RB JAX 7 Back to RB1/RB2 borderline utility after the loss of rookie Travis Etienne.
29 3.04 Chris Carson RB SEA 9 Last of the possible RB1 workhorses with a track record of success.
30 3.05 George Kittle TE SF 6 Injury risk, QB concerns. Could live up to TE3, but safer bets in Hockenson & Andrews.
31 3.06 CeeDee Lamb WR DAL 7 Certainly has upside, but scoring more than 250 points to justify this ADP is a stretch.
32 3.06 Terry McLaurin WR WAS 9 Slight room for profit here; better value than Lamb, Kittle. No. 26 is ceiling.
33 3.09 Allen Robinson WR CHI 10 Possible QB change in the season is irrelevant after he thrived despite Trubisky/Foles in 2020.
34 3.09 Josh Allen QB BUF 7 Just far too good in ’20 to confidently say anything negative about him. Don’t reach above this spot.
35 3.10 D’Andre Swift RB DET 9 Injury risk but has serious upside in an offense starving for playmakers.
36 3.11 Robert Woods WR LAR 11 Rock-solid play over past few years and has a QB upgrade.
37 3.12 Josh Jacobs RB LV 8 Inconsistent, TD-dependent, has to share touches, OL overhaul a concern.
38 4.02 Miles Sanders RB PHI 14 Shaky OL, WRs may not scare defenders, QB who can steal TDs. Not encouraging.
39 4.02 Mike Evans WR TB 9 TD dependency, full season of Antonio Brown could eat into numbers.
40 4.04 Amari Cooper WR DAL 7 Injury risk, CeeDee Lamb is ascending … saving grace is Dak loves Cooper.
41 4.04 Kyle Pitts TE ATL 6 Extremely high placement for a rookie TE, but he’s not like any other rookie TE.
42 4.05 Kyler Murray QB ARI 12 Guaranteed volume and offers bonus points on the ground; QB1 overall upside.
43 4.06 Cooper Kupp WR LAR 11 Room for slight profit after WR4 overall in 2019; no worse than mid-WR2 in PPR.
44 4.07 Mike Davis RB ATL 6 Can he do it for a full year basically by himself?
45 4.08 Diontae Johnson WR PIT 7 Poised to repeat strong showing from a year ago. Arguably the safest of all PIT WRs.
46 4.08 Darrell Henderson RB LAR 11 Talented, but will lose touches to Sony Michel & has durability concerns of his own.
47 4.10 Myles Gaskin RB MIA 14 Don’t worry much about other RBs on MIA. Gaskin is easily the most gifted.
48 4.11 Julio Jones WR TEN 13 If healthy, possibly a top-20 overall player. Slight risk, but crazy potential.
49 4.12 Chris Godwin WR TB 9 Injuries in 2020 robbed him, but will Evans, AB, Gronk, Gio Bernard, etc. do it this year?
50 5.01 Tyler Lockett WR SEA 9 Elite WR in D.K. Metcalf protects Lockett and helps his odds of thriving. Strong value here.
51 5.02 Lamar Jackson QB BAL 8 Should be better than last year. Mid-tier QB1 is an appropriate value.
52 5.03 Gus Edwards RB BAL 8 Benefits greatly from the unfortunate injury suffered by J.K. Dobbins.
53 5.03 Mark Andrews TE BAL 8 Lamar Jackson’s BFF and has double-digit TD upside. Super safe with upside = win.
54 5.04 Javonte Williams RB DEN 11 Melvin Gordon is just a dude. Williams steals the job at some point this year.
55 5.05 Adam Thielen WR MIN 7 Way too dependent on TDs last year. Now 31 years old, No. 2 behind Jefferson.
56 5.06 Kareem Hunt RB CLE 13 Instant RB1 if Nick Chubb misses time again. Still has flex role if not. Handcuffing pair is advised.
57 5.07 Damien Harris RB NE 14 Has struggled to stay healthy even as a backup; great opportunity, but not a lock.
58 5.07 Brandon Aiyuk WR SF 6 Wildly talented. Will QB situation hold him back? Doubtful, since he is money after the catch.
59 5.08 T.J. Hockenson TE DET 9 One of the surest bets in fantasy for leading his team in targets.
60 5.10 D.J. Moore WR CAR 13 QB change shouldn’t make much of a difference. If Bridgewater kept him relevant, Darnold can, too.
61 5.11 Aaron Rodgers QB GB 13 Last ride in the green and gold? Rodgers has incentive to be close to as good as last year.
62 6.01 Tee Higgins WR CIN 10 Joe Burrow keyed in on him in 2020. Defense is weak, which promotes passing volume. Nice WR2.
63 6.01 Chase Edmonds RB ARI 12 RB plays 2nd fiddle to ARI WRs; Murray & Conner will steal TDs; PPR upside, though.
64 6.02 Raheem Mostert RB SF 6 Major durability questions; studly rookie waiting to take over.
65 6.02 Chase Claypool WR PIT 7 Huge play can happen on any touch, but so many mouths to feed, plus more running expected.
66 6.04 Jerry Jeudy WR DEN 11 Ideal skill set for Teddy Bridgewater’s deliberate ways and   precision accuracy.
67 6.05 Dak Prescott QB DAL 7 No worries about his ankle. Bombs away! Great value placement, too.
68 6.07 Trey Sermon RB SF 6 Should overtake starting job at some point in 2021. Perfect fit for system.
69 6.08 Russell Wilson QB SEA 9 Ignore last year’s second half. Too talented, too many weapons.
70 6.08 Odell Beckham Jr WR CLE 13 ACL tear not as much of a concern for a WR, but run-first offense, lacks QB chemistry.
71 6.10 Logan Thomas TE WAS 9 Broke out at age 29 after a position change. Curtis Samuel should interfere with targets.
72 6.10 Justin Herbert QB LAC 7 Fantasy darling, but he does have a new offense, so don’t get too overzealous. Fair value here.
73 6.11 Michael Thomas WR NO 6 Misses first 5 games, may return after Week 6 bye. Too much uncertainty in 1st half of drafts.
74 6.12 Antonio Brown WR TB 9 Soaring stock right now; was on pace for 90 catches last year; Tom Brady loves him.
75 7.02 Melvin Gordon RB DEN 11 Only a matter of time before rookie Javonte Williams replaces him.
76 7.02 Robby Anderson WR CAR 13 Sound value. Sam Darnold loved him in New York.
77 7.04 Michael Carter RB NYJ 6 Undersized rookie RB in a time share on a team with a terrible defense. Iffy.
78 7.06 DeVonta Smith WR PHI 14 WR1 talent. QB question marks. Durability may be an issue for  slender build.
79 7.06 Ronald Jones II RB TB 9 A billion receiving targets, Leonard Fournette & Gio Bernard to fight with for touches. No thanks.
80 7.07 Tom Brady QB TB 9 Despite his body ignoring Father Time, there is risk. The ADP is fair, but nab a quality backup.
81 7.07 A.J. Dillon RB GB 13 Might be inconsistent; has enormous TD potential. Becomes RB1 if something happens to Jones.
82 7.07 Ja’Marr Chase WR CIN 10 Has battled drops after taking a year off in 2020 FBS season. Good situation but could take time.
83 7.08 Noah Fant TE DEN 11 If healthy, look for chemistry with his accurate QB. Volume may be inconsistent.
84 7.10 JuJu Smith-Schuster WR PIT 7 Role change has yielded high-volume, low-yardage results.
85 7.12 Laviska Shenault Jr. WR JAX 7 Serious upside here. Came on strong late last year, has a legit QB1 now.
86 7.12 Courtland Sutton WR DEN 11 ACL recovery is 100%. Looking like former self. Will benefit from Bridgewater’s ball placement.
87 7.12 Zack Moss RB BUF 7 Will pop off a few big games in 2021. Fights QB for TDs, loses 3rd-down work.
88 7.12 Kenny Golladay WR NYG 10 Already a question mark for Week 1 with a hamstring issue. Terrible QB situation. Avoid.
89 8.01 Matthew Stafford QB LAR 11 Ideal offensive fit, great weaponry; may not be a 5k volume guy but has high floor.
90 8.02 Robert Tonyan Jr. TE GB 13 Way too reliant on TDs last year; disappeared when not in the end zone. But, worth the pick.
91 8.04 Marquez Callaway WR NO 6 Jameis Winston’s WR1 while Michael Thomas is out first 5 games has season-long utility.
92 8.05 Corey Davis WR NYJ 6 Zach Wilson loved him in the preseason. Fair market value here.
93 8.06 Leonard Fournette RB TB 9 Lombardi Lenny will be more comfy in offense now, but so many mouths to feed.
94 8.07 Jamaal Williams RB DET 9 D’Andre Swift (groin) still isn’t 100%. Williams will return on this ADP and then some.
95 8.07 Sony Michel RB LAR 11 Has to learn offense quickly; could be slow to start, but nice depth for 2nd half of season.
96 8.08 Deebo Samuel WR SF 6 Could be considered an injury liability. QB situation is disconcerting to a degree. Risk-reward WR3.
97 8.09 Tyler Higbee TE LAR 11 Huge upgrade at QB; not a volume TE, but could see starting-worthy spurts during the year.
98 8.10 Devin Singletary RB BUF 7 Zack Moss & Josh Allen damper his upside. Best drafted as an RB4 in PPR.
99 8.11 Ryan Tannehill QB TEN 13 Nice consolation if you choose to wait on the position.
100 9.01 James Conner RB ARI 12 Flex upside if he stays on the field. Will be reliant on TDs more than most RBs.
101 9.02 Tyler Boyd WR CIN 10 Could be a strong PPR guy early in the year while Ja’Marr Chase gets up to speed.
102 9.03 Dallas Goedert TE PHI 14 Zach Ertz remains on the team & likely isn’t going anywhere. Goedert isn’t as appealing as in June.
103 9.04 Jaylen Waddle WR MIA 14 Elite physical traits but undersized rookie who may need time. QB is still a work-in-progress.
104 9.04 Jalen Hurts QB PHI 14 Rushing ability should be his defining characteristic
105 9.05 Mecole Hardman WR KC 12 Even in Round 9, it’s tough to see him making a dent outside of a few splash plays.
106 9.07 Kenyan Drake RB LV 8 Could be a hot-hand scenario. Josh Jacobs has durability issues. Drake is intriguing depth.
107 9.07 Michael Pittman Jr. WR IND 14 Huge profit potential if Carson Wentz stays healthy. No T.Y. Hilton (neck) is a huge W for Pittman.
108 9.08 Tony Pollard RB DAL 7 Will be a top-5 back if something happens to Zeke. Pollard does it all and really well.
109 9.09 Brandin Cooks WR HOU 10 Assuming no Deshaun Watson, Cooks still can outdo this ADP. He has performed at every stop.
110 9.10 Phillip Lindsay RB HOU 10 One of three, maybe four, RBs in a rotation. Shaky OL, uncertain QB situation. Fade.
111 9.12 Alexander Mattison RB MIN 7 Handcuff to Dalvin Cook. Speculative buy as an RB4/5.
112 9.12 Pittsburgh Defense DEF PIT 7 No valid reason to draft any defense this early.
113 10.01 Darnell Mooney WR CHI 10 WR2 gets shielded behind Allen Robinson. QB situation is so-so, but Mooney is legit.
114 10.03 LA Rams Defense DEF LAR 11 No valid reason to draft any defense this early.
115 10.04 Jakobi Meyers WR NE 14 Could emerge as a sneaky PPR guy, but there’s as much upside as downside.
116 10.05 Joe Burrow QB CIN 10 ACL is behind him. Awful defense will lead to huge passing volume. Has the WRs to shine.
117 10.05 D.J. Chark WR JAX 7 Already looking like an injury waiting to happen with persistent dings and dents.
118 10.07 Mike Gesicki TE MIA 14 Consistent, has chemistry with QB. The last of the TE1s to be confident about drafting.
119 10.07 J.D. McKissic RB WAS 9 Won’t be RB17 again, but this late he’s all profit, even with Curtis Samuel here.
120 10.09 Tampa Bay Defense DEF TB 9 No valid reason to draft any defense this early.
121 10.09 Mike Williams WR LAC 7 The nature of Williams is inconsistency. Effective when he hits, but good luck guessing when that is.
122 10.11 Trey Lance QB SF 6 Polarizing, but legs will keep him afloat if he enters the lineup. Don’t reach for him.
123 10.11 Jarvis Landry WR CLE 13 About as safe and solid as you’ll find in PPR. Baker Mayfield gravitates toward Juice.
124 10.12 Nyheim Hines RB IND 14 Nice PPR buy for the occasional start to cover byes or injuries.
125 10.12 David Johnson RB HOU 10 Too many RBs. Poor QB outlook. WRs are sketchy. OL is worse. Don’t bother.
126 11.01 Rhamondre Stevenson RB NE 14 Rookie phenom in the preseason is a Damien Harris injury away from fantasy stardom.
127 11.01 Giovani Bernard RB TB 9 Already nicked up (ankle). Pigeon-holed as a 3rd-down back. So many other targets. Yuck.
128 11.02 Washington Defense DEF WAS 9 No valid reason to draft any defense this early.
129 11.03 Henry Ruggs III WR LV 8 Miserable rookie year, but is an incredible athlete who is still learning. Give him a WR4 stab.
130 11.04 Justin Fields QB CHI 10 Will struggle to maintain consistency. Legs are his best weapon as he learns the ropes. Don’t reach.
131 11.05 Marvin Jones WR JAX 7 Shoulder injury has his stock down. Will play in Week 1. Awesome QB, terrible defense. Big value.
132 11.08 Jonnu Smith TE NE 14 Can score from anywhere as a TE. Rookie QBs like the position. Smith will be erratically productive.
133 11.08 Will Fuller WR MIA 14 Suspended 1 game. New offense, QB. One-trick pony as a deep threat. Meh.
134 11.09 Chuba Hubbard RB CAR 13 Even with Royce Freeman’s signing, the rookie could thrive if McCaffrey gets hurt again. Handcuff.
135 11.09 James White RB NE 14 Arrow points north now that Cam Newton is gone. White will be a PPR specialist again.
136 11.10 Baltimore Defense DEF BAL 8 No valid reason to draft any defense this early.
137 11.11 Irv Smith Jr. TE MIN 7 DO NOT DRAFT — Likely out for the season. TE Chris Herndon replaces, worth a late-round gamble.
138 11.11 Elijah Moore WR NYJ 6 May eventually take over as the primary slot guy, but there’s no worthwhile profit, even this late.
139 11.11 Matt Ryan QB ATL 6 Loses Julio Jones, gains Kyle Pitts. Ryan will take a step back but volume is on his side.
140 12.01 Latavius Murray RB NO 6 Should fend him off Tony Jones. Fantasy value solely linked to scoring TDs.
141 12.01 Baker Mayfield QB CLE 13 Run-heavy offense. Tons of weapons, but chemistry with TEs & OBJ has yet to materialize.
142 12.01 Russell Gage WR ATL 6 Stepped up after Julio went down last year. Kyle Pitts will steal looks, but nice PPR value here.
143 12.03 Justin Tucker PK BAL 8 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
144 12.03 Michael Gallup WR DAL 7 Say something happens to Amari Cooper (ankle) or CeeDee Lamb. Instant WR2 option.
145 12.03 San Francisco Defense DEF SF 6 No valid reason to draft any defense this early.
146 12.05 Jameis Winston QB NO 6 Needs to get the most out of unproven WRs w/o Michael Thomas. Improves in 2nd-half of year.
147 12.06 Rob Gronkowski TE TB 9 Should be better in than in ’20. May not be any more consistent, however.
148 12.07 Harrison Butker PK KC 12 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
149 12.07 Indianapolis Defense DEF IND 14 No valid reason to draft any defense this early
150 12.07 Marquise Brown WR BAL 8 Injury risk, sure, but few receivers have his wheels, and Lamar has a cannon.
151 12.08 Tevin Coleman RB NYJ 6 Chance to resurrect his career behind a beefy OL. Porous defense & rookie QB working against him.
152 12.08 Younghoe Koo PK ATL 6 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
153 12.09 Curtis Samuel WR WAS 9 Coaching staff couldn’t get anything out of him in CAR, so little confidence they can in WAS.
154 12.09 Trevor Lawrence QB JAX 7 Awesome QB2 target for upside. Even could be a rotational starter if that’s your thing.
155 12.10 Rashaad Penny RB SEA 9 Injuries up the wazoo for the former first-rounder. He’s a fringe backup target at this point.
156 12.11 Greg Zuerlein PK DAL 7 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
157 13.01 Jason Sanders PK MIA 14 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
158 13.01 New England Defense DEF NE 14 Should improve at getting to the QB from last year’s weak showing.
159 13.02 Ben Roethlisberger QB PIT 7 Arm didn’t fall off in 2020 after elbow surgery. So many weapons. Solid value buy as QB2.
160 13.03 Tyler Bass PK BUF 7 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
161 13.04 Rondale Moore WR ARI 12 Talented rookie but undersized and need help for enough PT to consistently matter.
162 13.04 Ryan Succop PK TB 9 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
163 13.04 Gabriel Davis WR BUF 7 Could thrive once again after strong rookie season. Likely top WR if Stefon Diggs got hurt.
164 13.06 Terrace Marshall Jr. WR CAR 13 Up-and-coming fantasy stud; rookie outplayed veteran David Moore and will matter some weeks.
165 13.06 Rodrigo Blankenship PK IND 14 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
166 13.07 Matt Prater PK ARI 12 No valid reason to draft any kicker this early.
167 13.07 Jared Cook TE LAC 7 Reunited with Joe Lombardi, a Sean Payton disciple. Excellent QB, good but not great WRs.
168 13.07 Darrel Williams RB KC 12 Nice handcuff for CEH and at a bargain price, too.
169 13.08 Zach Wilson QB NYJ 6 Showed promise as to why he was the No. 2 pick in the draft. At best, QB3 in deep leagues.
170 13.09 Hunter Henry TE NE 14 Like Jonnu Smith, Henry benefits from Mac Jones starting. But this will be a bumpy ride some weeks.
171 13.09 Kenneth Gainwell RB PHI 14 Strong preseason won him the top backup job to Miles Sanders. Handcuff and upside for more.
172 13.10 Cole Beasley WR BUF 7 Has his QB’s eye but also could be a liability based on COVID protocols.
173 13.10 Bryan Edwards WR LV 8 Love the upside here for a 6-foot-3, 4.45-second 40 guy. LV desperately needs a WR to make plays.
174 13.10 Denver Defense DEF DEN 11 Awesome schedule, could surprise
175 13.11 Cleveland Defense DEF CLE 13 Has the front line to get there and mask question marks elsewhere on this defense.
176 13.12 Tony Jones Jr. RB NO 6 Intriguing late-round flier as RB5/6
177 13.12 Buffalo Defense DEF BUF 7 Sound buy at an appropriate price if the rest of your league is foolishly reaching for defenses.
178 14.01 Tua Tagovailoa QB MIA 14 Slowly showing he is figuring it all out. Has the weapons to be a spot-starter.
179 14.01 Evan Engram TE NYG 10 Injured already (again). Even when healthy, struggled to make a difference in 2020.
180 14.01 Pat Freiermuth TE PIT 7 Tough not to like him, but Eric Ebron is the starter, and this offense is loaded.
181 14.01 Gerald Everett TE SEA 9 Has Russ’ eye already. Knows offense from LAR, and could emerge with an injury at WR.
182 14.02 Mark Ingram RB HOU 10 Probably washed up. Either way, the situation is dreadful.
183 14.03 Zach Ertz TE PHI 14 Wants to stay in Philly. Still could get traded at some point, but he’s shaping up to be a value.
184 14.03 Devontae Booker RB NYG 10 Handcuff for Saquon Barkley owners
185 14.03 Amon-Ra St. Brown WR DET 9 Polished rookie with a tremendous opportunity on a bad team. Love him as a WR5. Flex upside.
186 14.03 Mac Jones QB NE 14 Beat out Cam Newton for the starting gig. Improves players around him. Iffy fantasy value, though.
187 14.04 Damien Williams RB CHI 10 Handcuff for David Montgomery. Knows the offense and fresh after sitting out 2020.
188 14.04 Mason Crosby PK GB 13 A kicker behind a prolific offense … so there’s that going for the veteran.
189 14.06 Randall Cobb WR GB 13 While Aaron Rodgers begged for him, it doesn’t mean he has weekly use in fantasy.
190 14.06 A.J. Green WR ARI 12 Hall-of-Fame talent, career decimated by injuries. Worthwhile flier at this stage, but may be toast.
191 14.07 Kirk Cousins QB MIN 7 Gets a bad rap but has finished outside of top-11 QBs once in last five years.
192 14.07 Robbie Gould PK SF 6 Veteran kicker, so-so offense = recipe for field goal tries.
193 14.08 Matt Gay PK LAR 11 LAR’s 3 kickers in 2020 combined for the 11th-most FGAs.
194 14.09 DeVante Parker WR MIA 14 All comes down to staying healthy and showing he’s on the same page as Tua. Worth the risk.
195 14.10 Miami Defense DEF MIA 14 Loaded with talent but playing in a division that has improved.
196 14.12 Tyrell Williams WR DET 9 Sat out all of 2020 w/ shoulder injury. Play-action deep threat on a team w/o a defense.
197 14.12 Justin Jackson RB LAC 7 Could be a nice pickup this late if something happens to Austin Ekeler.
198 15.03 Jason Myers PK SEA 9 Finished PK12 last year despite kicking the 22nd-most FGAs. XPAs kept him alive.
199 15.08 Wil Lutz PK NO 6 Injured, shouldn’t be drafted, but he’s a waiver target upon his return.
200 15.11 Daniel Carlson PK LV 8 Tied for PK1 in most scoring formats last year. Great value for a PK, if there is such a thing.

First 3 Picks: 10-team league

Your first three picks define your fantasy team.

The first three picks are going to 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. You don’t need depth, you need difference-makers. Depth is less important and owning elite players are even more critical.

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 league

Pick Round 1 Pick Round 2 (reverse) Pick Round 3
1.01 RB Christian McCaffrey 2.10 QB Patrick Mahomes 3.01 WR Justin Jefferson
1.02 RB Dalvin Cook 2.09 RB Saquon Barkley 3.02 WR DK Metcalf
1.03 RB Derrick Henry 2.08 WR Calvin Ridley 3.03 RB Clyde   Edwards-Helaire
1.04 RB Alvin Kamara 2.07 RB Aaron Jones 3.04 RB Josh Jacobs
1.05 RB Nick Chubb 2.06 RB Chris Carson 3.05 QB Josh Allen
1.06 RB Jonathan Taylor 2.05 WR Davante Adams 3.06 RB J.K. Dobbins
1.07 RB Ezekiel Elliott 2.04 RB David Montgomery 3.07 WR DeAndre Hopkins
1.08 TE Travis Kelce 2.03 RB Antonio Gibson 3.08 RB D’Andre Swift
1.09 RB Joe Mixon 2.02 WR Tyreek Hill 3.09 TE Darren Waller
1.10 WR Stefon Diggs 2.01 RB Najee Harris 3.10 QB Kyler Murray

Performance scoring without reception points means that running backs are a premium and quarterbacks are a bit more valuable as well. Wide receivers and tight ends are devalued but are still usually four starters in a fantasy football league.  Almost all teams will look to get two running backs in their first three picks and it’s hard to argue against the logic.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Patrick Mahomes, WR Justin Jefferson

The first team started with a standard Christian McCaffrey and then used the next two picks to snap up the best quarterback and a Top-5 wideout. Certainly a star-filled roster so far, and owning McCaffrey makes delaying running backs feel better. Next up – that all said, has to look at a running back in the next two picks and maybe two of the next four. But a fast start in a smaller league size.

Team 2: RB Dalvin Cook, RB Saquon Barkley, WR DK Metcalf

Start with Dalvin Cook was solid, then opted to control the running back at RB2 of Saquon Barkley not knowing what Team 1 would take. DK Metcalf at WR1 allowed a balanced start. Next Up – the Barkley owner needs to shore up his backfield in case he is slow to start. But the reality is that even if he is eased back into a heavy load, there is never a time that he should be benched if the Giants are starting him. So a running back next is not as big of a need as it may seem. Balanced start means can go anywhere.

Team 3: RB Derrick Henry, WR Calvin Ridley, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Derrick Henry offers even more in this scoring format that it affords the luxury of taking a wideout in the second round (Top-4), and then went back to the well for his RB2 in the third round.  Strong enough start and owns two difference-makers so far. Next up – could consider a quarterback soon for some firepower there. Ridley anchors the wideouts that can wait a few rounds while quarterback and a third running back are valuable options.

Team 4: RB Alvin Kamara, RB Aaron Jones, RB Josh Jacobs

Team went for three straight running backs – it always happens in this format and it can be effective with the right players. It netted the No. 4, No. 13, and the No. 16 running backs. And in this scoring format with smaller rosters, you can still access relatively highly ranked players in other positions. Next up – can go anywhere. Next three picks could be quarterback, tight end, wideout, whatever. Probably should not wait too long on wideout since high-quality players drain quickly even in this format.

Team 5: RB Nick Chubb, RB Chris Carson, QB Josh Allen

Nick Chubb is a beast without reception points an issue and opting to add Chris Carson as the No. 12 running back selected means a very solid backfield core. Love adding the No. 2 quarterback in the third round. No reception points? Starting RB-RB-QB is hard to fault in a ten-team league regardless of the draft slot. Next up – should consider wideouts in two of the next three picks to avoid a liability.  Could even think about tight end though the true difference-makers would already be gone.

Team 6: RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Davante Adams, RB J.K. Dobbins

Still started with a running back, but then went with the No. 3 wideout in Davante Adams for a spark at that position. Safe play going with J.K. Dobbins in the third and he offers some upside without any penalty for his lack of receptions in this format. Next Up – balanced start means can go anywhere. Next three picks should include another wideout, running back, and at least consider a quarterback or tight end if the quality is still high.

Team 7: RB Ezekiel Elliott, RB David Montgomery, WR DeAndre Hopkins

The smaller size of the league makes this more workable. Ezekiel Elliott is the seventh-straight running back, and that seems excessive, but Team 7 also knows that the next three teams are going to mine running backs, and there is a ton of talent in non-running back positions in the second round. Opted for David Montgomery instead of a different position, but hard to argue with the backfield. Went with DeAndre Hopkins for WR1 in the third to lock down a Top-8 wideout. Next up – can be anything but needs to weigh the fourth pick heavily because the fifth will see all the top players from all the positions already gone. Quarterback like Lamar Jackson or Dak Prescott could be difference-makers.

Team 8: TE Travis Kelce, RB Antonio Gibson, RB D’Andre Swift

Travis Kelce could go anywhere in  the first round as the only tight end with such a high reward-to-risk ratio. And following the run on running backs seems counterproductive with Kelce on the board. But taking a tight end with the first pick led Team 8 to grabbing running backs for the next two rounds. Next up – wideouts need to be on tap in two of the next three or four rounds. Kelce is a difference-maker in this format, but this plan (which is very common when Kelce is involved) could end up with him as the only difference-maker.

Team 9: RB Joe Mixon, WR Tyreek Hill, TE Darren Waller

Opted to start with running back even though Joe Mixon was the eighth back taken in the first round of a 10-team league.  The reasoning is that Team 9 knows he wants a running back in the first two picks or they’ll have a hole in a very important position in a non-reception point league. But almost all non-running backs are on the board and only one team go next. Still added Tyreek Hill and then went with Darren Waller at tight end in the third. That’s harder to do in this format, but he is a difference-maker and the team owner picks again in just two more picks. Next up – almost has to be a running back in the fourth. The fifth and sixth picks can look at best available since the core of the starters are taken aside from quarterback.

Team 10: WR Stefon Diggs, RB Najee Harris, QB Kyler Murray

Final pick in the first round comes away with a very nice start. First swing picks netted the best wideout and then high-upside running back with Najee Harris. Had he not taken Harris, his RB1 would have been the No. 18 back for a sure disadvantage. His second wrap-around pair of picks starts with Kyler Murray at quarterback. A top quarterback and wideout offer difference makers and if Harris meets expectations, this is a hot start. Next up – the next pick should consider running back (Mike Davis, Kareem Hunt, Myles Gaskin) that should be good enough to prevent a liability.  The third swing at rounds 5 and 6 can consider best available but likely wideout and running back.

Reception-point league

Pick Round 1 Pick Round 2 (reverse) Pick Round 3
1.01 RB Christian McCaffrey 2.10 TE Darren Waller 3.01 WR DK Metcalf
1.02 RB Alvin Kamara 2.09 RB Saquon Barkley 3.02 QB Patrick Mahomes
1.03 RB Dalvin Cook 2.08 WR Justin Jefferson 3.03 RB Antonio Gibson
1.04 RB Jonathan Taylor 2.07 RB Clyde   Edwards-Helaire 3.04 WR Keenan Allen
1.05 RB Ezekiel Elliott 2.06 WR Calvin Ridley 3.05 RB David Montgomery
1.06 RB Derrick Henry 2.05 RB Najee Harris 3.06 WR Terry McLaurin
1.07 TE Travis Kelce 2.04 RB Aaron Jones 3.07 RB Austin Ekeler
1.08 WR Stefon Diggs 2.03 WR DeAndre Hopkins 3.08 RB D’Andre Swift
1.09 WR Davante Adams 2.02 RB Joe Mixon 3.09 TE George Kittle
1.10 RB Nick Chubb 2.01 WR Tyreek Hill 3.10 WR CeeDee Lamb

This style of scoring boosts the value of wide receivers and elite tight ends but devalues quarterbacks relative to other positions. Running backs are going to be 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.

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 Christian McCaffrey, TE Darren Waller, WR DK Metcalf

Started with Christian McCaffrey, then opted for the No. 2 tight end (Darren Waller) and No. 7 wideout in DK Metcalf. Opened with a balanced approach but will find a riskier (or weaker) RB2 when picking at the end of the fourth round. Next up – has to pick up a running back at their next turn in rounds four and five. Also should consider wideout at that turn.

Team 2: RB Alvin Kamara, RB Saquon Barkley, QB Patrick Mahomes

Alvin Kamara was a great start and then opted to take the No. 12 running back for a solid and safe beginning. Went with Patrick Mahomes for the top dog at the highest scoring position. First three picks addressed the reality of the rapid decline in running back value and the best bet for the highest-scoring player in the fantasy league. Next up – starting RB-RB-QB felt good but now all wideouts and tight ends are not going to be difference-makers and could be a liability. This plan means using most of the next picks on wideouts and adding another running back when the value merits delaying the wideouts.

Team 3: RB Dalvin Cook, WR Justin Jefferson, RB Antonio Gibson

Standard start in this format with a Top-3 running back, then a Top-6 wideout. Followed with a return to running backs to feel safe about the backfield. Decent plan no matter where it is used. Next up – can go anywhere for best available. Top tight ends will be hard to reach, so mostly switching up running back and wideout while deciding where the quarterback makes sense.

Team 4: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, WR Keenan Allen

In a reception-points league, this is the safest plan even though it doesn’t so far produce any real difference makers and could end up with an average team. In the end, it is always about picking the best players and avoiding the busts. This is the most risk-adverse plan. Next up – can go anywhere with a balanced start. Would have to overpay for any difference-making tight ends, so wideouts need to be two of the next three or four picks. Can wait a little on RB3, but those using this plan rarely do.

Team 5: RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Calvin Ridley, RB David Montgomery

This is just Team No. 3 with a better wideout and a slightly worse running back.  In a reception-points league, this is safe and yet yields slightly better results than starting RB-RB-WR. Next up – balanced team probably better off with taking a wideout next before the value starts to decline more rapidly. Solid enough start but needs to keep an eye out for players that are falling in the draft or take some later chances to find difference-makers.

Team 6: RB Derrick Henry, RB Najee Harris, WR Terry McLaurin

The middle of a 10-team league can lead to this sort of plan that doesn’t quite work as well as it seems it will. This year, one of the middle teams is likely to go for Travis Kelce to shake up the run on running backs. Not doing so led to this team with the No. 6 running back (meaning lesser half of the RB1’s in a ten team league), and then the No. 10 running back. Next up – more wideouts and a quarterback should take up the next three rounds.

Team 7: TE Travis Kelce, RB Aaron Jones, RB Austin Ekeler

Finally, Kelce is taken. He goes between the No. 4 and No. 10 picks, it just depends on the league. With reception points, he’s a major difference-maker but still delays all other positions. That led to this plan that doubles down on running backs to prevent any liability in the backfield. Next up – a couple of wideouts are in order and likely two in the next three picks. Could swerve and get a top quarterback in the fourth or fifth but then the wideouts would start to suffer.

Team 8: WR Stefon Diggs, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB D’Andre Swift

This is a great plan here nearing the end of the first round. Ignoring wideouts makes no sense in the first round and accessed the top receiver. Starting out with two of the top four wide receivers is a huge advantage at the position and there is none to be had with running backs already drained. D’Andre Swift was a need pick in the third but overall this is an exciting to start to the draft. Next up – could accept that running backs are not going to be a strength and opt for quarterback and tight end, then scramble for whatever running back crumbs are left but would have fireworks at all position besides running back. It works better in the ten-team league where running backs last a bit longer.

Team 9: WR Davante Adams, RB Joe Mixon, TE George Kittle

Starting with wideout makes sense since it is better to control the No. 2 wideout than the No. 7 running back. After Davante Adams and Joe Mixon, went for George Kittle who should be the No. 3 tight end and a difference maker as well. It is usually a three-man race for elite tight ends, and Kittle brings some risk but considerable upside. Next up – has to consider running backs one or twice in the next three rounds but otherwise free to take best available regardless of position.

Team 10: RB Nick Chubb, WR Tyreek Hill, WR CeeDee Lamb

This is normally the team that starts WR-WR, but this plan went for RB1 with Nick Chubb before doubling on wideouts with Tyreek Hill and CeeDee Lamb. And it works better in this size league because the running back is slightly better than in a 12-team league, and the wideout in the third round is still the No. 10 wide receiver taken, right before a natural tier-break. Next up – the next pick in the draft belongs to Team 10 who could use that for Josh Allen at quarterback for an advantage at the highest scoring position. That takes some guts though, since anything other than a running back at the 4.01 pick means the RB1 would be no better than the No. 18 to No. 20 taken.

QB-heavy league

Pick Round 1 Pick Round 2 (reverse) Pick Round 3
1.01 RB Christian McCaffrey 2.10 QB Russell Wilson 3.01 RB Aaron Jones
1.02 RB Alvin Kamara 2.09 TE Darren Waller 3.02 WR Calvin Ridley
1.03 QB Patrick Mahomes 2.08 RB Joe Mixon 3.03 RB Najee Harris
1.04 RB Dalvin Cook 2.07 WR DeAndre Hopkins 3.04 WR Justin Jefferson
1.05 RB Jonathan Taylor 2.06 QB Dak Prescott 3.05 WR DK Metcalf
1.06 QB Josh Allen 2.05 WR Tyreek Hill 3.06 RB Clyde   Edwards-Helaire
1.07 RB Ezekiel Elliott 2.04 WR Davante Adams 3.07 QB Aaron Rodgers
1.08 TE Travis Kelce 2.03 QB Lamar Jackson 3.08 RB Saquon Barkley
1.09 WR Stefon Diggs 2.02 RB Nick Chubb 3.09 RB Antonio Gibson
1.10 QB Kyler Murray 2.01 RB Derrick Henry 3.10 TE George Kittle

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 will go far earlier than the mid-draft than is common in other sorts of leagues. This run-through assumes two quarterbacks and that well over half of the 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 is going to look great so taking elite players is paramount to winning – get starters before worrying about depth.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Russell Wilson, RB Aaron Jones

After starting with Christian McCaffrey, was able to reach Russell Wilson as the No. 6 quarterback and then played it safer going RB1 with Aaron Jones. In this format, a Top-10 running back can reach the start of the third round. While not taking advantage as much of the reception point aspect, this plan is a solid one in this format regardless of draft slot. Next up – the next two picks should at least consider wideout. Elite tight ends are gone, and there will be a run on the position already started by the 4.12 pick.

Team 2: RB Alvin Kamara, TE Darren Waller, WR Calvin Ridley

Opened with Alvin Kamara and then opted for the No. 2 tight end for an advantage in a position that  nosedives in value after two or three are gone. Was able to take Calvin Ridley as the No. 5 wideout in the third round. Balanced and strong start. Next up – the tight ends are already sewn up. Can go anywhere but more likely to weigh the RB2 and then the quarterback next.

Team 3: QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Joe Mixon, RB Najee Harris

Why not? Patrick Mahomes is scraped off the heap with the 1.03 pick as the top quarterback in a league where elite players make a tremendous difference. Added two straight running backs but still reached the No. 8 and No. 10 players for a solid backfield. Splashy picks like a quarterback at the 1.03 usually prompt team owners to go a little more conservative for the next few picks. Next up – difference making tight ends are gone, but only seven wideouts were taken in the first three rounds. Should strongly consider two or even three in a row.

Team 4: RB Dalvin Cook, WR DeAndre Hopkins, WR Justin Jefferson

After getting Dalvin Cook in the first round, went to double up on wideouts.  The pick before him (2.06) tabbed Dak Prescott as the No. 5 quarterback so there was less advantage in the position since it hits a lower tier. DeAndre Hopkins and Justin Jefferson provide him two of the Top-6 wideouts for a strong start. Next up – The double wideouts means team can ignore the position for several rounds as the other core starters are secured. Should consider RB2 and two quarterbacks over the next four picks.

Team 5: RB Jonathan Taylor, QB Dak Prescott, WR DK Metcalf

Strong opening for a middle pick drafter. Opted for the No. 4 running back and then still reached Dak Prescott in the second. Landed DK Metcalf as WR1 in the third. All top tier players and yet none of the Top-3 in their position. Next up – can go anywhere and will include running back in the next few picks to be sure. But a run on wideouts is coming, so that is more prudent in the fourth and switch back to running back for the fifth.

Team 6: QB Josh Allen, WR Tyreek Hill, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Josh Allen is usually more of a third round pick in the other formats, but he makes sense in the first round in a QB-heavy league. Was still able to grab Tyreek Hill in the second for a Top-3 wideout and then brought on Clyde Edwards-Helaire as a need pick from the declining stock of running backs. Next up – Balanced start allows freedom to take best available. Mixing in running backs and wideouts for the next three rounds is most prudent.

Team 7: RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Davante Adams, QB Aaron Rodgers

Ezekiel Elliott is a Top-5 running back, but doesn’t offer enough bang for the buck in this format as it is unlikely the next three teams are all going to load up on running backs. Was able to reach Davante Adams as the No. 2 wideout and then opted for Aaron Rodgers since the risk/reward ratio declines for the position.  The Rodgers pick is interesting in that of the next three teams, two already took a quarterback and would be less likely to double down on the position in the third or fourth rounds before it wraps back Next up – Running backs and wideouts over the next several round but seeding an earlier  second quarterback would make up ground from starting the No. 7 as their QB1.

Team 8: TE Travis Kelce, QB Lamar Jackson, RB Saquon Barkley

This plan is a little scary. But if Saquon Barkley returns to form, this plan could be highly effective. Started with Travis Kelce as the ultimate difference-maker of the last four years. Was still able to take Lamar Jackson even though that delayed both running backs and wide receivers. Went with the risky but upside pick of Barkley who could have been Antonio Gibson or David Montgomery. The smaller the league, the more using a first round pick on Kelsey doesn’t hurt you. Next up – next pick is only four turns away and could still reach Allen Robinson, A.J. Brown, Keenan Allen, and the like. That makes this plan start with a great core (assuming Barkley is returns to form, at least eventually). Waiting until the fifth round for that RB2 could still access a starting running back, though obviously a lower tier player.

Team 9: WR Stefon Diggs, RB Nick Chubb, RB Antonio Gibson

The ninth team finally opts for the best wideout on the board, then doubles down on running backs which feels very safe and netted the No. 7 and No. 13 running backs for a solid but unspectacular backfield. At least this plan gives the team freedom with his remaining picks. Next up – quarterback should be on tap in the fourth which is only three picks away. It won’t be an elite fantasy quarterback but still can draw from either Justin Herbert or Tom Brady. Otherwise, the 5.9 pick is 15 selections away and that most likely dips deeply enough into quarterbacks that the team will have one of the weakest QB1’s. Wideouts are a need as well, but can wait a bit for that quarterback and even another running back if the value is there.

Team 10: QB Kyler Murray, RB Derrick Henry, TE George Kittle

The smaller league size and QB-heavy format is kinder to the final team in the first round than usual. Top-3 quarterback with Kyler Murray paired with Derrick Henry at the turn, then in the third added George Kittle for another Top-3 player. Granted – Kittle carries risk after last year, but this is a formidable start. Next up – has to consider wideouts in two of the next three picks while wedging in the best value in running backs.

First 3 Picks: 12-team league

Your first three picks define your fantasy team.

Your first three picks define your fantasy football team. Each pick is critical because the player pool is ever-shrinking, and you have to select a mixture of available players to produce an optimal team. And those initial rounds determine what you’ll do in the later rounds of the draft. Get them wrong and you may not be able to recover.

To follow are sample three-round drafts for 12-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 virtually 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 site rankings. Pay the most attention to the positions and how they work together for an optimal start.

Performance scoring league

Round 1 Round 2 (reverse) Round 3
1.01 RB Christian McCaffrey 2.12 RB Josh Jacobs 3.01 WR DeAndre Hopkins
1.02 RB Dalvin Cook 2.11 QB Patrick Mahomes 3.02 RB J.K. Dobbins
1.03 RB Derrick Henry 2.10 WR DK Metcalf 3.03 RB D’Andre Swift
1.04 RB Alvin Kamara 2.09 RB Clyde   Edwards-Helaire 3.04 QB Josh Allen
1.05 RB Nick Chubb 2.08 WR Justin Jefferson 3.05 WR CeeDee Lamb
1.06 RB Jonathan Taylor 2.07 RB Saquon Barkley 3.06 WR A.J. Brown
1.07 RB Ezekiel Elliott 2.06 WR Calvin Ridley 3.07 TE Darren Waller
1.08 TE Travis Kelce 2.05 RB Aaron Jones 3.08 RB Mike Davis
1.09 RB Joe Mixon 2.04 RB Chris Carson 3.09 WR Keenan Allen
1.10 WR Stefon Diggs 2.03 RB David Montgomery 3.10 RB Kareem Hunt
1.11 RB Najee Harris 2.02 WR Davante Adams 3.11 RB Myles Gaskin
1.12 WR Tyreek Hill 2.01 RB Antonio Gibson 3.12 QB Kyler Murray

Performance scoring without reception points means that running backs are 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.  Almost all teams will look to get two running backs in their first three picks and it’s hard to argue against the logic because the supply is very low by round four.

 Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, RB Josh Jacobs, WR DeAndre Hopkins

Starting with the top player in the draft usually means having more freedom with the next picks since you already have an advantage and are not locked into a need pick. In this case, team opted to pair McCaffrey with  the best available rusher and receiver for a solid and safe start. Next up –  is likely a quarterback, but the base has been set and wideouts can wait in this format.

Team 2: RB Dalvin Cook, QB Patrick Mahomes, RB J.K. Dobbins

This plan better addresses the realities of player value with no reception points. Obvious pick with Cook turned into scooping the top quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. Grabbed RB2 in the third round for a very effective start. Quarterbacks are more valuable in this format, so reaching the top player at the end of the second round makes sense. Next up – consider a wideout before the position becomes a liability.

Team 3: RB Derrick Henry, WR DK Metcalf, RB D’Andre Swift

Started with Derrick Henry who is a beast in this scoring format, then opted for DK Metcalf in the second. That let him control which wideout he took as the sixth overall and then address RB2 with upside pick of J.K. Dobbins. Next up – probably looking at quarterback or another running back.

Team 4: RB Alvin Kamara, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, QB Josh Allen

Nice start in this scoring format that needed a top running back, high upside with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and then opted for the No. 2 quarterback in Josh Allen. Solid start to be sure. Next up – look at wideouts or a third running back if one has fallen in the draft.

Team 5: RB Nick Chubb, WR Justin Jefferson, WR CeeDee Lamb

While this plan doesn’t appear to honor the scoring format as much, it really sort of does. Solid start at running back was joined by two wideouts even without reception points. The plus here is that while wideouts do not score as much in this format, they still matter and the team now owns two Top-10 players in that position. That is an advantage in a position he can now leave alone for several rounds while searching for value picks. Up next – should consider two running backs and a quarterback in the next three rounds.

Team 6: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Saquon Barkley, WR A.J. Brown

Standard “middle of the draft” path that is safe. Start with two backs that mean the position may be a strength and should not be a liability. Then opting for a difference-making wide receiver before that quality wanes. This is very safe in this format. Next up – Can go anywhere, should consider running back in the fourth before value evaporates but can consider quarterbacks along the way as well.

Team 7: RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Calvin Ridley, TE Darren Waller

Continued the run on running backs and still ended up with Ezekiel Elliott. Then they reached a Top-5 wide receiver in Calvin Ridley and the No. 2 tight end with Darren Waller. No reception points depress their contributions, but they still represent an advantage in points against other fantasy teams. Next up – have to consider running backs the next two rounds unless someone else falls. Quarterback is down the road in this one. Has to catch up with running backs before the position is a liability which is more damaging in this scoring format.

Team 8: TE Travis Kelce, RB Aaron Jones, RB Mike Davis

Finally, a team doesn’t take a running back. Travis Kelce has been an advantage for the last four years and a season-winner with reception points. Even in this format, he represents a major advantage in a position that nearly doesn’t matter without reception points. Taking running backs the next two picks was almost a need and not a choice. Next up – wideouts and a quarterback need to happen in the next rounds, but grabbing an RB3 always makes sense if a good value is there in the next couple of rounds.

Team 9: RB Joe Mixon, RB Chris Carson, WR Keenan Allen

Always a tough spot. Starting with two running backs certainly feels safe. And the three teams behind could have potentially sucked up six backs before their second pick. This is a draft slot that can be a challenge and this team certainly played it safe. But there is no real advantage in any of the players other than minor having Chris Carson as an RB2. Next up – has to start looking for difference-makers. Should consider quarterback next and maybe even think about an earlier tight end because so far the plan is building an average team.

Team 10: WR Stefon Diggs, RB David Montgomery, RB Kareem Hunt

With the running backs risk going up and value in decline, opted for the top wideout to start, and then went with running backs for the next two to keep up with that run. This is more normal for a reception points league, but owning the best wideout is still an advantage in this scoring format. Next up – should consider running back again over the next pick or two since that all-important position is only average so far. Quarterback and another wideout can be weighed over the next four rounds as well.

Team 11: RB Najee Harris, WR Davante Adams, RB Myles Gaskin

The rookie Harris dips into the first round with no reception points and then the team selected Davante Adams as a Top-3 wideout with plenty of touchdowns. By the time the third round rolled back around, went with Myles Gaskin as RB2 with his fingers crossed. Next up – picks in only two more spots and can consider another running back like Austin Ekeler or Chase Edmonds. But a quarterback and a second wideout still offer very good values. Adding a Lamar Jackson or Dak Prescott in the fourth may force a running back in the fifth, but it is a nice start to be sure.

Team 12: WR Tyreek Hill, RB Antonio Gibson, QB Kyler Murray

Drafting at the end of the round in any format always forces some outside-of-the-box thinking, and this plan works about as well as any other this deeply in the draft in this format. Tyreek Hill is always an advantage at wideout, then nabbed Antonio Gibson at RB1 to prevent a disadvantage. Then taking Kyler Murray makes for a very nice start. That’s a Top-3 wideout, a running back, and a Top-3 quarterback. Next up – must look at running back and maybe again in the fifth round as well. Great start if running backs can cobble together at least average production.

Reception-point league 

Round 1 Round 2 (reverse) Round 3
1.01 RB Christian McCaffrey 2.12 QB Patrick Mahomes 3.01 TE Darren Waller
1.02 RB Alvin Kamara 2.11 WR DK Metcalf 3.02 RB D’Andre Swift
1.03 RB Dalvin Cook 2.10 RB Austin Ekeler 3.03 WR Keenan Allen
1.04 RB Jonathan Taylor 2.09 RB David Montgomery 3.04 WR Terry McLaurin
1.05 RB Ezekiel Elliott 2.08 WR Justin Jefferson 3.05 RB Chris Carson
1.06 RB Derrick Henry 2.07 WR Calvin Ridley 3.06 TE George Kittle
1.07 TE Travis Kelce 2.06 RB Antonio Gibson 3.07 RB J.K. Dobbins
1.08 RB Nick Chubb 2.05 RB Clyde   Edwards-Helaire 3.08 WR CeeDee Lamb
1.09 WR Stefon Diggs 2.04 RB Najee Harris 3.09 WR Allen Robinson II
1.10 WR Davante Adams 2.03 RB Aaron Jones 3.10 WR Robert Woods
1.11 WR Tyreek Hill 2.02 WR DeAndre Hopkins 3.11 RB Mike Davis
1.12 RB Joe Mixon 2.01 RB Saquon Barkley 3.12 WR A.J. Brown

This scoring style boosts the value of wide receivers and elite tight ends but devalues quarterbacks a bit. 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.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Patrick Mahomes, TE Darren Waller

This is why everyone hates the first pick. And this absolutely can happen. Starts with the best running back, then the best quarterback, then the No. 2 tight end. There’s tons of advantage there and the position that will be a potential weakness is wideout that is the deepest and easiest to find values and free agents. Next up – the 4.12 is 22 spots away, so not a lot left but has to consider running back and maybe the next two picks if there is a flex.

Team 2: RB Alvin Kamara, WR DK Metcalf, RB D’Andre Swift

Solid start that honors the scoring formant and in this case, with either rock-solid choices or an upside player. Starting RB-WR-RB is a proven solid start for early draft slots that prevent your roster from holes. Next up – can go anywhere. Likely wideouts and another running back in play for the next three rounds.

Team 3: RB Dalvin Cook, RB Austin Ekeler, WR Keenan Allen

This is the flip side of Team 2. Controlled his RB2 instead of his WR1 and came away with a solid start. Again – proven plan that honors the scoring system from this draft slot. Next up – probably a wideout and another running back. Solid but needs upside players or the team can end up average.

Team 4: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB David Montgomery, WR Terry McLaurin

First five draft slots all go running back this year, so the normal plan is to go RB-WR or WR-RB. This plan feels good in the first three rounds but looking back afterward can appear less exciting since no top players. Next up – drifting further from the start of the draft means lesser quality running backs. Should look for some difference makers in other positions to prevent a liability. While it lacks “pizzazz”, it also doesn’t have any holes.

Team 5: RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Justin Jefferson, RB Chris Carson

Heading into the middle of the draft, the RB1 is good but the WR1 may be great in this format. Opting for Chris Carson in the third means a solid set of running backs, but safe doesn’t usually win championships. Next up – Like Team 4, need something to punch up the roster from another position. Solid teams can reach the playoffs but all too often are not in the championship.

Team 6: RB Derrick Henry, WR Calvin Ridley, TE George Kittle

This may be a middle of the draft team, but so far, the plan looks impressive. Started with the obligatory running back for a good RB1, and then was able to still access a  Top-5 wideout with Calvin Ridley, and found George Kittle in the third.  In this scoring format, drafting from the middle, this is a great start with three players near the top of their positions. Next up – has to consider an RB2 in the next round or round five at the latest or will have a hole that is very hard to fill.

Team 7: TE Travis Kelce, RB Antonio Gibson, RB J.K. Dobbins

Travis Kelce is the most intriguing first-round pick in this format. He’s taken between No. 4 and No. 12, but usually around picks seven to nine. He’s been a tremendous advantage for four years which is good, because using a first-round pick on a tight end sets a team back in everything else. This team went the safe route with double running backs which feels better after spending the first rounder on a tight end. Next up – can go anywhere. Wideouts are an obvious need now and should be heavily considered over the next several rounds.  Can sneak a quarterback in as well, but even wideouts significantly decline in value if waited on too long.

Team 8: RB Nick Chubb, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, WR CeeDee  Lamb

Doubling up on running backs is safe and a good base. In this scenario, started with the No. 7 and No. 12 running backs which is solid though without difference-making. Adding on upside wideout CeeDee Lamb as the No. 10 wideout selected is still following the runs. Safe start that needs some lucky picks later on to compete. Next up – can go anywhere, but should think about adding an earlier quarterback for some advantage. Otherwise, next three picks should probably provide two wideouts and a third running back.

Team 9: WR Stefon Diggs, RB Najee Harris, WR Allen Robinson II

The first wideout appears in this RB-hungry fantasy world, and that’s an immediate advantage. Tacked on the high-upside rookie of Najee Harris, then added the No. 12 wideout in Allen Robinson. That’s two Top-12 wideouts, and a rookie running back that, at least for now, offers exciting potential.  The nine-spot is always tough, but this plan worked what was available well. Could have taken a running back in the third, but better off controlling which wideout that was available since the run on them is about to start in a major way. Next up – certainly much consider running back in maybe two of the next three picks. But a fun start that honors the scoring format.

Team 10: WR Davante Adams, RB Aaron Jones, WR Robert Woods

The same plan works for Team 10 as it did for Team 9. He gets the better running back and about the same at wideout. Taking two players from the same team for the first two picks scare some, so a different running back could make some drafters feel more comfortable. Next up – Same as Team 9. Consider two running backs over the next three picks and can take a quarterback if wanted.

Team 11: WR Tyreek Hill, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB Mike Davis

At the end of the first round, usually at least one team will play contrarian and start with two wideouts. With reception points, owning Tyreek Hill and DeAndre Hopkins means two of the Top-5 receivers are cranking out difference-making fantasy points. But, doing so left team with 18 running backs already off the board and Mike Davis was best available here. Bottle up the feeling after two rounds because it won’t taste quite as sweet with below average players making up much of the remaining starters. Next up – running back is a need, so two more in a row is not a terrible idea. Already team is into the Josh Jacobs, Myles Gaskins, or Chase Edmonds area for RB2. This plan can work – absolutely. But the next three or four draft picks need to all hit to compensate for the initial disadvantage at running back.

Team 12: RB Joe Mixon, RB Saquon Barkley, WR A.J. Brown

This plan seems too safe. Most Team 12’s will consider WR-WR or sneaking in a quarterback or tight end in their first two picks but the way that 2021 plays out, no available tight end or quarterback merit a pick here. So that leaves just running backs and wideouts. Could have started with two wideouts like Team 11 and likely had the same effect. But went safe with Joe Mixon  as the eighth running back drafted for their RB1, and then picked up the constantly falling Saquon Barkley.  Tacked on A.J. Brown at WR1 to prevent a liability. If Barkley can return to past form, then this team got a bargain. If not, it is hard to make up that ground. Next up – need wideouts and should consider reaching for a higher tight end or quarterback to make up some advantage. This is a safe start, and it can work, but needs to hit on later value picks.

 

Super Flex / QB-heavy league 

Round 1 Round 2 (reverse) Round 3
1.01 RB Christian McCaffrey 2.12 QB Aaron Rodgers 3.01 WR Calvin Ridley
1.02 RB Alvin Kamara 2.11 WR DeAndre Hopkins 3.02 RB Antonio Gibson
1.03 QB Patrick Mahomes 2.10 RB Clyde   Edwards-Helaire 3.03 RB David Montgomery
1.04 RB Dalvin Cook 2.09 RB Najee Harris 3.04 TE Darren Waller
1.05 RB Jonathan Taylor 2.08 WR Tyreek Hill 3.05 QB Tom Brady
1.06 QB Josh Allen 2.07 RB Aaron Jones 3.06 RB Austin Ekeler
1.07 RB Ezekiel Elliott 2.06 TE Travis Kelce 3.07 WR Justin Jefferson
1.08 WR Stefon Diggs 2.05 RB Saquon Barkley 3.08 QB Justin Herbert
1.09 QB Kyler Murray 2.04 RB Joe Mixon 3.09 WR DK Metcalf
1.10 RB Derrick Henry 2.03 QB Russell Wilson 3.10 RB D’Andre Swift
1.11 QB Lamar Jackson 2.02 RB Nick Chubb 3.11 RB Chris Carson
1.12 WR Davante Adams 2.01 QB Dak Prescott 3.12 RB J.K. Dobbins

This league seeds in quarterbacks depending on how and why quarterbacks are so valuable. The most common is the ability to start two quarterbacks. That extends  value in other positions deeper into the draft since quarterbacks take up more of the early picks.  Each 2QB or super-flex league can use different scoring and other aspects that impact player value, so consider the nuances of your league.

There are a definite Top-6 in quarterbacks this year. After those are taken,  the perceived positional value becomes less consistent and predictable.

It is also assumed that there are reception points. That is by far the most common in that type of league. It is also notable that a team can win without automatically starting two quarterbacks even when allowed.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Calvin Ridley

Owning the No. 1 pick is also an advantage, but it plays out differently in this format. Started with Christian McCaffery, but then  six quarterbacks had been taken by the 2.12. Still went with Aaron Rodgers and then accessed the No. 5 wideout with Calvin Ridley. Same plan as Team 1 in the reception points league, but not quite as shiny and impressive. Next up – owning McCaffrey gives confidence that often leaves owners putting off their RB2. That’s still not that prudent and the next picks are the 48th and 49th of the draft. One of those must be running back, if not both.

Team 2: RB Alvin Kamara, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB Antonio Gibson

Though two quarterbacks may be started, not every team will scramble to get “a quarterback, any quarterback.” Started with Alvin Kamara but went with the No. 3 wideout in DeAndre Hopkins since the Top-5 quarterbacks were already gone. Antonio Gibson in the third starts the team on solid footing with some firepower in those first two picks. Next up – free to go anywhere. Obviously quarterback needs to be address since the position will get drained much faster in this format. Could be fine with a couple of younger, upside quarterbacks.

Team 3: QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB David Montgomery

The most interesting part of the first round is when Patrick Mahomes is taken (or Josh Allen). That feels really good and yields an obvious advantage. But that also left the team doubling up on running backs. Clyde Edwards-Helaire could have been Antonio Gibson or David Montgomery if owning two players on the same team is an issue. Next up – solid start to be sure and allows next few picks to go anywhere. More likely wideouts and a second quarterback by the sixth round.

Team 4: RB Dalvin Cook, RB Najee Harris, TE Darren Waller

While this plan doesn’t include any quarterbacks, it is very workable in this format. If the rookie Najee Harris comes through as expected, then a great 1-2 punch with running backs adds the No. 2 tight end in the third which is possible in this style of league play. The Waller pick gains an advantage at tight end for a solid core. Next up – must mine the wideouts and quarterbacks over the next three or four picks for a balanced team without any holes.

Team 5: RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Tyreek Hill, QB Tom Brady

Started with Jonathan Taylor for a solid RB1 and reached Tyreek Hill as the No. 3 wideout which is possible with five or six quarterbacks showing up in the initial 15 or so picks. The Tom Brady pick (or No. 8 quarterback) was a reasonable attempt to get a Top-10 quarterback since anywhere from two to six more may be gone by the 4.08 when they go again. Next up – free to go any direction, but another running back in the next two rounds is prudent, along with a wideout. Balanced start allows freedom to go at value instead of need.

Team 6: QB Josh Allen, RB Aaron Jones, RB Austin Ekeler

This format encourages taking an elite quarterback this early.  Followed up with safe picks of Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler. Running backs are not going to be an advantage so far, but every other position may still be. Next up – wideouts and a second quarterback make the most sense. Probably won’t have much at tight end but that is okay.

Team 7: RB Ezekiel Elliott, TE Travis Kelce, WR Justin Jefferson

Maybe there are no quarterbacks here, but this would kill in a reception-points league and can be just as good in a Super-Flex.  Started out with Ezekiel Elliott for a solid RB1 and then added the No. 1 tight end that could fall this far in this format. Added Justin Jefferson as the No. 6 wideout taken. Balanced start with some firepower at three positions so far. Next up – running back and quarterback are needed over the next three or four picks. If a wideout with higher value fell, he could be considered, but loading up on quarterback and running back needs to happen while it still can.

Team 8: WR Stefon Diggs, RB Saquon Barkley, QB Justin Herbert

Opted to start with the No. 1 wideout, then settled for the No. 9 running back in Saquon Barkley, who may become the No. 1 again (or No. 119 again, depending). Went with Justin Herbert as the No. 9 quarterback to ensure no liability at the position. Balanced start though a little risky. Next up – with Barkley, need to load up on other running backs sooner than later in case he has a slow start. But aside from running backs, the balanced start means picking for value in any position.

Team 9: QB Kyler Murray, RB Joe Mixon, WR DK Metcalf

The No. 9 team is not disadvantaged as they might be in other league formats. Missed out on a Top-5 running back but was able to add a Top-3 quarterback. Joined him with Joe Mixon at RB1 and still reached DK Metcalf as a Top-7 wideout thanks to all those other quarterbacks taking up space in the initial rounds. Next up – Like Team 8, balanced start means being able to hunt for best value in any position. The RB2 needs to be added without the next couple of rounds, but a good looking start from a normally tougher draft slot.

Team 10: RB Derrick Henry, QB Russell Wilson, RB D’Andre Swift

The sixth running back comes off the board knowing that the two teams waiting to draft will consider them and the drop-off in running back quality could fall into a lower tier.  Added Russell Wilson as the sixth quarterback taken over the first fourteen picks and the final one from the initial quarterback tier. Went with RB2 of D’Andre Swift for upside. Good core to start but needs firepower from other positions. Next up – wide receivers are an obvious need and should be addressed a couple of times over the next three or four rounds. But the start was solid enough to allow grabbing anyone that seems a great value.

Team 11: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Nick Chubb, RB Chris Carson

The fourth quarterback taken in the first round says this is not your normal league format. But the initial six quarterbacks are almost universally considered as the elite in their position this year. Tacked on Nick Chubb as RB1 and then opted for Chris Carson as RB2 since the elite players were gone from the four main positions.  Since Team 12 had no running backs in their first two picks, it’s a lock they will take one or even two before the 4.02 rolls back. Next up – looking for wideouts has to happen soon, but taking another quarterback or running back works as well if the value is there.

Team 12: WR Davante Adams, QB Dak Prescott, RB J.K. Dobbins

The back-end of the first round is not nearly so bad in this format that adds more valuable players to the pile. Went with the No. 2 wideout and grabbed Dak Prescott  for what could be spectacular results (health willing). Final pick of J.K. Dobbins was prudent and yielded a balanced start. There is firepower at WR1 and QB1, and waiting until the end of the third round still reaches the No. 18 running back. Next up – certainly running back is in order and likely this next pick at the 4.01. But balanced start allows more strategy in how the team comes together in this format over others.

Fantasy football draft prep: When to take a quarterback

What is the best strategy for selecting a quarterback?

It’s not a question. It is a directive.

There are many ways to address the selection of your first quarterback in a fantasy football draft, but there also is the best way to do it.

And that is waiting on the position.

Time after time, inexperienced players draft a quarterback too early, or they draft two stud quarterbacks. These inexcusable errors at least make sense … the name value is what jumps out at people. It’s a quarterback-driven league, and most casual gamers recognize the top passers over lesser known running backs and receivers.

[lawrence-related id=459461]

This is not to say it is impossible to win drafting an early-round quarterback. It definitely is doable, but that pick, along with all of the other core positional choices in the first half of the draft need to be on the mark. That rarely happens for a novice player.

Recent trends

Looking back at the last five years, the table below illustrates how the first five drafted quarterbacks, in terms of ADP, fared in relation to their fantasy ranking at that season’s end.

The “fantasy ranking” columns represent where in the order the player finished and is then correlated to his respective draft placement. For example, the first quarterback chosen each of the past five seasons has not finished as QB1. Or QB2. Not even QB3. Twice as many finished as fantasy backups as they did even being within in the top six quarterbacks.

The results were substantially better for the second quarterback chosen, but the third player picked barely qualified as as starting fantasy passer.

The median finish for the first chosen QB was 10th, whereas the fifth quarterback drafted finished as the median QB2. Each one of the five were better than QB10. Among the 60 quarterbacks selected in the top 12 over the past five seasons, 38 percent finished the year as backups in fantasy points generated. That said, 35 percent ended up as solid QB1s, finishing in the top six at the position.

  • The first quarterback was drafted at an average of 25th overall in the past five years.
  • Eight of the 10 quarterbacks chosen between Rounds 6 and 7 turned out to be fantasy starters, proving to be the sweet spot in recent times.
  • Twenty-one of 30 QBs drafted in the first half of perceived starters proved to be top-12 quarterbacks.
  • Sixteen of the 30 QBs drafted in the back half of perceived starters proved to be top-12 passers.

Those final two points tell an interesting tale. Quarterbacks drafted inside of the top six players at the position per ADP more frequently finished as starters, showing gamers tend to get the names right, but not necessarily in the correct order. Twenty-three percent of those picks fell within the tier of QB10-12 in actual results. But a drafter is 1.5 times more likely to pick a top-three QB in ADP and get a QB10 or worse than a QB9 or better.

The takeaway from the final bullet should be waiting gives nearly a coin flip odds that the player will finish in the top nine at his position. Granted, the same 47 percent were backups, but this should be a lesson in perceived vs. relative value. Waiting longer offers a better chance to pick up value elsewhere and mitigate inflated risk of blowing it in the early rounds.

Furthermore, any quarterback drafted between the QB10-12 slots often is chosen with greatly depreciated expectations of being a plug-n-play starter. If a QB is chosen as the QB10 and finishes QB15, big whoop … this is far less punitive than choosing a player at QB2 and getting a QB7. We’re talking some 70 picks elapsed in between, whereas only 29 picks separate 10 and 15, on average.

Median
fantasy
rank		 ADP Order
drafted		 Fantasy
ranking		 Percentage of
fantasy ranking
1-3 4-6 7-9 10-12 13+ 1-3 4-6 7-9 10-12 13+
QB10 25 1st 0 1 1 1 2 0% 20% 20% 20% 40%
QB5 35 2nd 2 2 0 1 0 40% 40% 0% 20% 0%
QB11 61 3rd 0 0 0 4 1 0% 0% 0% 80% 20%
QB10 70 4th 0 2 0 1 2 0% 40% 20% 20% 40%
QB2 77 5th 3 1 1 0 0 60% 20% 20% 0% 0%
QB1-3 2 3 1 6 3 13% 20% 7% 40% 20%
QB4-6 3 4 1 1 6 20% 27% 7% 7% 40%
QB7-9 0 3 4 2 6 0% 20% 27% 13% 40%
QB10-12 5 1 1 0 8 33% 7% 7% 0% 53%
Summary 10 11 7 9 23 17% 18% 12% 15% 38%

Looking at it from a different perspective, what is the “return on investment” (ROI) for early-, mid-, and late-round quarterbacks?

Order
drafted		 ADP Median
fantasy rank		 Fantasy
ROI		 Order
drafted		 ADP Median
fantasy rank		 Fantasy
ROI
1 25 10 -9 12 117 13 -1
2 35 5 -3 13 121 7 6
3 61 11 -8 14 127 10 4
4 70 10 -6 15 129 7 8
5 77 2 3 16 134 13 3
6 83 19 -13 17 145 12 5
7 87 17 -10 18 149 19 -1
8 94 14 -6 19 153 18 1
9 99 4 5 20 163 9 11
10 102 20 -10 21 171 25 -4
11 111 6 5

This data from the same time period shows the top four quarterbacks by ADP actually returned negatively on investment. Only three of the top 12 quarterbacks per ADP even turned a fantasy profit. Between QB13-21 selected, seven of the nine paid dividends. In a nutshell, the majority of quarterbacks drafted after Round 8 lived up to and/or exceeded expectations. Only 12.5 percent of QBs chosen before that exceeded their perceived value.

Now this isn’t a perfect way of evaluating the situation, because injuries cannot be predicted. It is a sound baseline to depict that early-round quarterbacks generate a greater loss on profit potential. Again, none of this is saying you cannot win your league with an top-three quarterback, but it does mean your other picks must be more accurate.

QB1-3 produced an average of -7 ROI
QB4-6 produced an average of -5 ROI
QB7-9 produced an average of -4 ROI
QB10-12 produced an average of -2 ROI
QB13-15 produced an average of +6 ROI
QB16-18 produced an average of +2 ROI
QB19-21 produced an average of +3 ROI

To be fair, the bar is lower for anyone drafted as a perceived backup, and the trends show the later the player is chosen, the less likely they are to return QB1 results. There’s a middle ground to be understood. If the QB13 gains an average of six spots in actual results, he is a QB7 — nice win for fantasy value. If he’s a QB3 and finishes as a QB10, while he is indeed a top-10 fantasy quarterback, gamers need to recognize the loss they experience in profit from other positions between those 60 average draft spots in between those specific placements. Sensing a theme?

Two-quarterback leagues

This format radically changes the valuation of the position. A good rule of thumb is taking your first quarterback target in the two rounds and then coming back for a second in the next four rounds.

Presuming the league is a 12-teamer, you have 24 quarterbacks being used each week. It’s improbable to find 24 NFL starting quarterbacks worthy of a typical fantasy play on a given week, so there’s often “plug your nose” decisions to be made if you indeed wait it out to the latter stages before securing your No. 2 and 3 passers.

2021 prediction for traditional leagues

Which quarterbacks should meet or exceed their draft placement in 2021?

No. Name Team ADP
1 Pat Mahomes KC 2.09
2 Josh Allen BUF 3.12
3 Kyler Murray ARI 4.06
4 Lamar Jackson BAL 5.01
5 Dak Prescott DAL 5.07
6 Justin Herbert LAC 6.01
7 Aaron Rodgers GB 6.03
8 Russell Wilson SEA 6.09
9 Tom Brady TB 7.06
10 Matthew Stafford LAR 7.12
11 Jalen Hurts PHI 8.11
12 Ryan Tannehill TEN 8.12
13 Joe Burrow CIN 9.08
14 Matt Ryan ATL 10.11
15 Trevor Lawrence JAX 11.03
16 Deshaun Watson HOU 11.06
17 Baker Mayfield CLE 11.12
18 Trey Lance SF 12.1
19 Kirk Cousins MIN 13.02
20 Ben Roethlisberger PIT 13.11
21 Justin Fields CHI 14.02
22 Jameis Winston NO 14.07
23 Ryan Fitzpatrick WAS 14.07
24 Tua Tagovailoa MIA 14.08
25 Cam Newton NE 14.09
26 Derek Carr LV 14.11

The players highlighted in green stand the best chance of substantially exceeding their draft placement. One can argue until the end of time over which players in what order and why, so understand this is an exercise in identifying profit potential and not a rule. It’s not saying QB26 Derek Carr will outplay QB2 Josh Allen. It’s saying Josh Allen has to outplay all other QBs not named Patrick Mahomes to live up to the investment. It is more likely Carr plays like, oh, say, QB16 (spot starter) than QB26 (likely remains on waivers all year) is all.

Join The Huddle today to get award-winning fantasy football insight

The most important take away from this year’s review of ADP vs. projected results is that fantasy footballers must realize the drop-off in statistical returns is so small. The difference typically is the elite fantasy players post more huge games, while the low-end starters often plod along with serviceable but unsexy results.

Look at it like this … the average loss in fantasy points per game from QB1-3 to QB4-6 last year was 1.1 points per game. From QB4-6 to QB7-9 was 2.2 point per contest, and following that trend downward is an average loss of only 1.7 points from the last grouping of starting QBs to the previous tier. From QB1-3 to QB10-12 is only 3.9 fantasy points, on average. Odds are you’ll be able to make that up, especially in PPR leagues, at running back, receiver and tight end by waiting on quarterback.

Fantasy football draft prep: 12 common mistakes to avoid

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.

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 party of hard boozing affect an entire season of fantasy football. Party it up after the draft and celebrate your soon-to-be championship roster.

[lawrence-related id=452076]

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 Monday 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.

5) Stretch it out: Flexibility in fantasy drafts is essential. Gamers with a rigid strategy miss out on key value due to their inability to zig when others are zagging.

6) No F.O.M.O.: All too often owners will see or sense a miniature run at a position and overreact out of the fear of missing out. Always having a sound backup plan alleviates concern in this area.

7) Mocking mock drafters: “I don’t need preparation!” declares the eventual last-place owner on draft day. Everyone needs practice. Look back at all of the things in life that required some repetitions before you improved. Don’t take my word for it … ask your significant other.

8) Bye week blues: This cuts both ways — getting caught up in not paying attention to bye weeks as well as outright passing on talent because it would create multiple players at the position on bye. Later in the year, bye weeks are easier — not harder — to overcome due to months of roster manipulation.

9) Leaving money on the table: Specifically for those who participate in auctions, leaving any amount of money on the table is inexcusable. Spend it all, even if you have to pay up at the end of the auction on an inconsequential player.

[lawrence-related id=458615]

10) Peer pressure: Let’s face it, even seasoned veterans of fantasy don’t enjoy being ridiculed by 11 mates after making a questionable pick. There’s a major difference between being laughed at for taking a kicker in Round 1 and reaching a round or two for a sleeper at a skilled position.

11) ADP obsession: Time after time, owners get hung up on what the average draft placement suggests. It is merely a guideline, and whenever a service offering ADP compiles the data, it is impossible to completely weed out all variations and nuance. Look for ADP charts that offer date ranges and flexible sorting. Use it for nothing more than a ballpark idea of when positional trends typically begin.

12) Drafting to trade: For some unknown reason, every year I have gamers asking me about which players to target solely for trading purposes. Drafting players for a potential trade bargaining piece down the line is unwise. Way too much can (and usually does) go wrong in this scenario. This is where strictly choosing the “best player available” can lead to unwanted consequences.

Fantasy Football Market Report: Week 5

One month into the NFL and fantasy football season, some players are moving up the charts quickly while others are near rock bottom.

We are in a transition season in the NFL. Whether it was COVID-19 that kept teams from building up to the regular season or simply the tipping point of games being predominantly high-scoring, what has happened through four weeks in the 2020 NFL is startling and unprecedented.

Teams are routinely scoring 30 points or more – at a record-setting pace.

To put it in perspective, in the previous five seasons – four of those consisting of 63 games because of the start of bye season and one with 64 – there was a consistency to how many teams would have a high-scoring game of 30+ points. From 2015-19, through four weeks of the season, the numbers of teams who scored 30 or more in a game was a near-flat line (30-32-28-33-28). That’s crazy consistent.

Heading into Monday’s Atlanta-Green Bay game, there had been 62 games played. In those games, 51 teams scored 30 or more points in a game. Green Bay became the 52nd when they dropped 30 points on Atlanta.

In the previous five years, it tended to be only one team that scored 30+. Of the 151 teams that scored 30 or more, they won 85 percent of the games (128-23).

Last year, if you scored 30 in Weeks 1-4, you had a winning percentage of more than 89 percent (25-3). This year? Teams scoring 30 or more points won 39 games, but 12 who also scored 30 have lost. That’s an average of three games a week in which both teams hit that lofty number and they combined to have a winning percentage of 76.5 percent.

Is it a sign of the times? Is it a sign of no training camp or preseason that has given offenses the clear edge to move the ball? All fantasy players know is that points are up and they like it that way…unless the bomb drops on them.

Here is the Week 5 Fantasy Market Report:

Fantasy Football Risers

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

There’s a strange simpatico fantasy owners have with Dallas quarterbacks. Guys didn’t love Tony Romo, but drafted him every year because they wished for Dallas to fall behind by double digits early and it was game-on for garbage points trying to come back.

Over the last three weeks, Prescott has thrown for an ungodly 1,424 yards with eight touchdown passes and three TD runs. His pass-yardage total has been 450, 472 and 502. Who cares if his team sucks. He’s taking fantasy owners to the pay window all by himself.

Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns

Sometimes Dame Fortune smiles on a guy. In 2017, I was in three leagues. The only player I had in all of them was Hunt. He was incredible. His career took a major backward step, but, as the clear No. 2 guy in Cleveland – he hasn’t had more than 17 touches in a game – he has managed to rush for 275 yards and has scored five touchdowns in his last three games.

With Nick Chubb down for a month or more, Hunt has every chance to relive his eye-popping rookie season.

Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The word, as it has been every time Brady has struggled in the first couple of games, was that he was washed up. He’s hit the wall. In his first two games with the Bucs, he didn’t hit 240 yards, had as many interceptions (3) as touchdowns and had a passer rating under 80.0.

In the last two games? 666 passing yards (make what you want out of that) with eight touchdowns, one pick and a passer rating over 116.0. Seems like the Brady we remember…again.

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks

If consistency is what you’re looking for, look no further. In four games, he has caught four passes in each. That would be reason for benching in a lot of leagues. But, he has yardage totals of 95, 92, 110 and 106. He has averaged 23 yards a catch or better in every game (25.2 overall) and has scored a touchdown in three of four games.

Metcalf is going to be a superstar and won’t be had as reasonably as he has been his first two season on fantasy draft day. Russ is going to get him paid – whether with Seattle or somewhere else.

Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team

This is a sneaky play designed for being an option when bye weeks hit. He hasn’t rushed for more than 55 yards in any game, but his carry-share has been going up significantly. He has scored a rushing touchdown in each of the last three games and his competition in the Washington backfield is quickly disappearing, while his is stock is going up.

Nobody with other viable options will start Gibson, but he could be nice to have on your roster as a throw-in on a trade to stash in case COVID times get desperate.

Fantasy Football Fallers

Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders

Jacobs was selected on fantasy rosters to be that owner’s No. 1 running back. When he rushed for three touchdowns in Week 1, he was locked into lineups regardless of what followed. Since then, his rushing attempts have dropped (27-16-15), his yardage has dropped (88-71-48), he is little more than a check-down receiver and he hasn’t scored a touchdown. You can’t bench him because of his role in the Vegas offense. You may want to. You just can’t.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Jackson is a polarizing player. By any measure, he should have Julian Edelman-style reception numbers, yet he has never been able to be anything more than a one-trick pony. And, in his second run in Philadelphia, he’s been cashing checks and showing nothing. A quarter of the way through the season, he has 10 catches for 121 yards, no touchdowns and is nursing an injury. If you have him on your roster, cut him or trade him immediately. He’s taking up space that could be better utilized by someone else.

Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants

In leagues in which tight ends are mandatory, there have been a lot of big days posted along the way. Not by Engram. He is the Giants leading receiver in terms of targets (30) and catches (17), but he’s Marcedes Lewis 2.0.

For all his athleticism and talent, he averaged 7.7 yards a catch with only one of more than 12 yards and has no touchdowns. Those in TE-required leagues likely aren’t benching him, but they’re getting beat in their weekly position battles by their opponents because Engram is giving them scraps.

David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears

Montgomery was one of those guys in draft rankings that was expected to become an elite fantasy back. You shook the Magic 8-Ball. “All Signs Point to Yes.”

The Bears have been playing light’s out defense, which typically gets a running back a lot of play. But, through four games, Montgomery has just 53 carries for 218 yards and no touchdowns – and 24-72-0 rushing numbers over the last two – and his only touchdown was on a check-down pass that broke wide open. He was drafted to be an NFL RB1, but hasn’t showed it.

Irv Smith, TE, Minnesota Vikings

When Minnesota drafted Smith last year, the thought was that he would take over the role Kyle Rudolph has as one of the most potent Red Zone tight ends in the league. Instead, through four games, Smith has been healthy, but targeted just six times, catching two passes for 14 yards and no touchdowns. He’s rendered himself unplayable and, at this point, most people who took a flyer on him have bailed.

Last-minute tips for your fantasy football draft

Get ready for your fantasy football draft

“Wait, the draft is tomorrow?”

No matter if you studied the NFL daily or just realized that your fantasy football draft is just about to happen, keeping up to date is more challenging than ever. Without the benefit of preseason games, it doesn’t feel like draft time. Water-cooler football banter has suffered from a lack of seeing helmets, scoreboards, rookie fumbles, or anyone “catching everything in sight.”

Not to worry. Armed with a high-quality cheatsheet from TheHuddle.com and the following tips, we’ll get you through that draft, this season, and eventually, your playoffs.

The First Half of the Draft

The reality of 2020 is that running backs are king, wide receivers are a strong second, and the rest can probably wait. Unless your league allows for two starting quarterbacks, that position can wait. Both Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes usually end up as second or third-round picks, but the overall difference is not that great between quarterbacks. Wait until the first ten or so are gone and then snap up Matthew Stafford, Daniel Jones, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Jared Goff, or Baker Mayfield. That fills your starting quarterback in the seventh or eighth round and allows you to pursue the other positions that will drain much quicker.

If there is a default pick in any round, it is running back. Expect all starting running backs to be gone after the fourth round. Grab at least two in your first four picks, or you’ll likely have a liability at a high-scoring position. If you get flustered because “your guy” was taken right before your turn – just pick a running back.

Opting where to take your tight end should depend on your scoring rules. If there are points for receptions, then decide if you want a difference-maker in the position or just accept it’s not going to contribute much to your weekly score. Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Zach Ertz, and Mark Andrews will be the first four to go and usually by the fourth round. Kelce and Kittle could be second-round picks. They provide an advantage at the position that is almost impossible to obtain by landing a sleeper tight end.

If your league doesn’t use reception points, or if you miss out on those four players, then just wait. The difference between the fifth and twelfth-best tight ends is just a couple of points per game if you could even successfully guess the order after the first four are gone.

Wide receivers are the deepest position. There are quality players to be had through the sixth round or even longer in most drafts. You can delay them more than any other position, and not suffer a liability. But, you also won’t get any advantage and the important reality is that your league likely starts more wide receivers than any other position.

The tradeoff on waiting for starting wideouts is that not only do you lose their potential fantasy points, but more importantly, their consistency. Owning at least one of the Top-20 wide receivers will help your weekly score remain high and not suffer as many flop weeks.

Putting this all together, make a plan on how you intend to seed in your starting quarterback and tight end. I’m typically a fan of filling out the starting running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks before I worry about backing up any position… except maybe running back that would usually be my preferred flex position.

Most common drafting plans for 2020:

RB-RB-WR-TE-WR-RB-WR-QB
RB-WR-RB-RB-WR-WR-QB-TE
WR-RB-RB-WR-WR-RB-QB-TE

Having three running backs after your fourth pick is hard to fault, and taking an elite wideout makes more sense the deeper in the first round you are slotted. The first half of the draft is all about your starters. Make the decision going in if an elite quarterback or tight end makes sense, otherwise, pick the best available running back or wide receiver.

The Second Half of the Draft

The latter part of your fantasy draft will provide a starting kicker and defense, and fill out the depth for the other positions. Granted, short of landing a sleeper, these are not going to be the players that deliver your team to the championship. But they can be the ones that keep you out.

Every year, the top defenses from the previous season are taken far earlier than the rest which is in the final two or three rounds. Of the Top-5 from 2018, none ended up better than No. 9 last year and three were No. 24 or worse. Defenses are reactive and their production relies heavily on their weekly schedule and what situation their own offense places on their opponent. There is nothing wrong with streaming defenses by taking the best matchup from the free-agent pile each week.

Kickers always end up at the bottom of the draft for good reason. There is usually a minimal difference between kickers, and they are notoriously difficult to predict. But, Harrison Butker, Wil Lutz, Justin Tucker, Robbie Gould and whatever kicker the Patriot use always remain Top-10 for the last three years. Beyond them, there is nearly no way to discern who else rounds out the better kickers each year. Three rounds from the end of your draft, consider one of those and gain a small but reasonably safe advantage.

Fantasy Depth

The reality is that we cannot know the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and how it could impact NFL rosters and games. But it is prudent to prepare for the possibility by focusing more on backing up your best players. Definitely your best running backs, but even your wide receivers if it makes sense. And just because you selected a top quarterback doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to ride him all 16 weeks.

That goes back to investing in running backs. You can be certain a backup can step up should the need arise. Rounding out your depth with running backs from other teams is riskier this year – what if they too are out? This is also a year where owning wide receivers from the same team suddenly makes more sense. This will be a memorable year and the most important tip of all – just have fun within the chaos that has become 2020.

 

First 3 Picks: 10-team league

Your first three picks define your fantasy team.

Your first three picks define your fantasy football team. Aside from taking productive players, each pick is critical because the player pool is ever-shrinking. You could build entirely different teams based on what positions you take and in what order. Respecting how drafts typically raid positions improves your chance to build an optimal team. The difference between a 12-team and a 10-team league is that with more fantasy relevant available in a smaller league, the more important to get difference-makers in as many positions as possible. Everyone has a “good” team.

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 league

Performance scoring without reception points means that running backs are a premium and quarterbacks are a bit more valuable as well. Wide receivers and tight ends are devalued but are still usually four starters in a fantasy football league.  Almost all teams will look to get two running backs in their first three picks and it’s hard to argue against the logic.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, TE Travis Kelce, RB Chris Carson

After the obvious first pick, opted for the best tight end for some advantage though less in this scoring format. The No. 13 running back became his RB2 for a safe feel. With 18 picks before he goes again, will need to strongly consider quarterback and wide receiver at the 4.12/5.01 turn.

Team 2: RB Ezekiel Elliott, QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Josh Jacobs

A solid start with elite running back and then a top quarterback as well. That made running back feel like a need pick in the third round but sets the team up to go for any position from Round 4 onward. This most honors the scoring scenario. Waiting on a wideout hurts less in this scoring format.

Team 3: RB Saquon Barkley, WR Kenny Golladay, RB Leonard Fournette

Like Team No. 2, opted for that second-round non-running back. Going with the No. 5 wideout is an advantage but less so without the reception point. Picking up the running back in the third completed the backfield, but Barkley is still the only difference maker each week. Has to consider wideout and quarterback soon, while seeding in the occasional running back for depth.

Team 4: RB Derrick Henry, RB Nick Chubb, WR Mike Evans

Went with RB-RB to start and owns one of the better backfields in the league. Still reached the No. 6 wideout in the third so controlling which running back made more sense than worrying about a wideout. Solid start means picking the best player available from here on out.

Team 5: RB Dalvin Cook, WR Julio Jones, RB Austin Ekeler

Continuing the run on running backs, went with an advantage with the No. 4 wideout and then selected his RB2 in the third round for a solid start.  While the best advantage is in a lower scoring position with no reception points, this is a solid start and should consider going with more upside picks starting in the fourth round since can go anywhere.

Team 6: WR Michael Thomas, RB Aaron Jones, WR Allen Robinson II

After five straight running backs, went for the best wideout and then had to go with running back before the position would become a big liability. Opting for the No. 6 wideout isn’t nearly as advantageous in this scoring, but can leave that position alone while filling up on running backs, a quarterback, and maybe even a tight end before worrying about his WR3. A lack of reception points devalues receivers, but they still count as starters and this team can milk more points from the position than most while running backs last longer in smaller leagues.

Team 7: RB Miles Sanders, QB Lamar Jackson, WR A.J. Brown

Starting with a running back was safe and then grabbing the best quarterback will yield an advantage. Opted for WR1 with the No. 8 wideout which certainly gives a balanced beginning and running backs are deeper in a ten-team league. Likely would have been a better net effect with taking a second running back but has a huge advantage at quarterback.

Team 8: RB Kenyan Drake, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB Melvin Gordon III

Someone always takes this tact which makes sense only if there is a flex position that allows for three running backs to start. Starting it this late in the first round means that there are no elite players on the roster without getting lucky and landing sleepers. This is better when there are no reception points and it always feels great to have a top backfield. But in a ten-team league, everyone has a good team so the lack of apparent difference-makers will be hard to compensate.

Team 9: WR Tyreek Hill, RB Alvin Kamara, WR Chris Godwin

Opening with the second-best wideout makes sense this late in the first round even without reception points. Reaching the No. 9 running back prevents a liability there but grabbing the No. 9 wideout loads up on a position with lower-scoring due to the lack of reception point. Goes again in two picks so should consider running back there.

Team 10: WR Davante Adams, RB Joe Mixon, RB James Conner

This is standard for the final pick in a ten-team draft. Ending up with two running backs and a wideout is always solid and gains some advantage with No. 3 wideout than the No. 8 running back in the first but then next pick gets the running back anyway. Also has the next pick up in this league at the 4.01 and can consider any position that stands out and another wideout is likely the biggest value but that third running back is an option if there is a flex position.

 

Reception-point league

This style of scoring boosts the value of wide receivers and elite tight ends but devalues quarterbacks relative to other positions. Running backs are going to be 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.

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 Christian McCaffrey, RB Austin Ekeler, TE George Kittle

Opened with RB-RB and added the No. 2 tight end for elite players in two positions and a solid backfield. A great start leaves the rest of the way for the best available. This is never a bad path though a smaller league means RB2 quality still exists for another round or so and passed on the  No. 6 wideout for the No. 12 running back. Safe pick at the worst.

Team 2:RB Saquon Barkley, QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Nick Chubb

This could happen in a ten-man league and the path yielded great results with elite players in the two highest-scoring positions. Adding the No. 13 running back also skipped what could have been a difference-making wideout but that position is deep anyway.

Team 3: RB Ezekiel Elliott, RB Joe Mixon, WR Allen Robinson II

Solid start with two running backs which leaves the rest of the draft to address other positions. By this point, the top tight ends and quarterbacks are likely gone, so taking a wideout gives good bang for the buck at WR1 even in the third round. Could look to add a Top-4 tight end in the fourth to bolster the positions or at least take another wide receiver.

Team 4: RB Dalvin Cook, WR Kenny Golladay, RB Chris Carson

Standard approach that works well at this slot. The No. 4 running back is followed by the No. 5 wide receiver and then back to running back to complete the backfield. This plan hasn’t yet looked like a top team, but it is not a liability either. A solid start that needs to be followed by strategic choices for the rest of the starters and with an eye for sleeper types.

Team 5: WR Michael Thomas, RB Aaron Jones, WR Mike Evans

Finally, a team stepped outside running back with an obvious choice and then went with the No. 10 running back for his RB1 to prevent liability and then opted to go back and pick up the No. 7 wideout. Strong start for the wide receivers and probably has to consider running back for at least two of the next three rounds but can skip WR3 for many rounds knowing they only need one more starter quality player.

Team 6: RB Alvin Kamara, TE Travis Kelce, RB Leonard Fournette

While they started with yet another running back, was able to land the best tight end for a nice advantage there, and then went the safe route with the No. 15 running back for RB2. The next few rounds should be chasing wideouts with maybe a third running back mixed in along the way.

Team 7: RB Derrick Henry, QB Lamar Jackson, WR DeAndre Hopkins

Yet another running back pick but followed that up with the best quarterback and instead of dipping back into running back like most drafters, opted for the No. 8 wideout instead of the No. 16 rusher.  While RB1 isn’t an advantage, he is not a liability either, and taking the quarterback addresses the highest scoring position. For the next many rounds, has to consider wideout and running back and lean more heavily on the rushers before the quality is gone there.

Team 8: RB Miles Sanders, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, WR Chris Godwin

This team looks better than it the plan of RB-RB may work out in this format and league size since both players are high-upside picks. This can work out and adding the No. 9 wideout prevents a hole in the starters. This is a safe route to take and filling it with high upside picks is riskier but the payoff can significant and makes more sense the deeper into the draft they go. Free to pick from any position for the next several rounds.


Team 9: WR Davante Adams, RB Kenyan Drake, WR DJ Moore

Going into the end of the first round, it was a better idea to control their wideout in the first round than to just repeat another running back and let Team 10 take the better receiver.  Still reached the No. 8 running back and then opted to fill the core wideouts with No. 10 player knowing that they go again in two picks and will likely address their RB2 then. Just like their first pick, they have to evaluate what Team 10 is likely to do in order to optimize the position they take.

Team 10: WR Julio Jones, WR Tyreek Hill, RB Le’ Veon Bell

Have to love the WR-WR plan at the end of the first round, even more so with reception points that yield a major advantage at wideouts.  Going with a running back is needed as well as the 4.01 pick to be prudent. This plan is always a way to counteract the strong showings of early-round drafters by taking the best point producers on the board. Can wait on wideouts a long time with just one more starter needed.

 

QB-heavy league

This sort of league will seed in 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 will go far earlier than the mid-draft that is common in other sorts of leagues. This run-through assumes two quarterbacks and that well over half of the 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.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Russell Wilson, TE George Kittle

This is a masterful start and one that is why people hate the first pick teams. Best running back and then the No. 5 quarterback. Instead of a safer pick of running back or wideout, went with the No. 2 tight end for difference-makers in all three selections. Has to chase running backs and wideouts for at least the next five rounds, but has a great core to build upon.

Team 2: RB Saquon Barkley, WR Kenny Golladay, RB Aaron Jones

Started with the elite running back and then grabbed the No. 5 wideout for a great WR1. Opted to play it safe with the No. 10 running back but it gives a good base for a team that can seek to add any position for the next several rounds.

Team 3: RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Tyreek Hill, QB Deshaun Watson

Another strong start that honors the format and scoring rules. Elite running back was followed by the No. 4 wideout as WR1 and still reached the No. 6 quarterback in the upper tier. Has to address running backs in at least two of the next three rounds but a balanced start to a formidable team.

Team 4: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB Joe Mixon

In this format, taking the No. 1 quarterback at any point is a good pick. That left the team feeling like they had to take running backs to avoid a hole in their starters. This is the most common plan for taking a quarterback first and a reasonable way to build a team in the order of higher scoring positions.

Team 5: RB Dalvin Cook, QB Kyler Murray, RB Austin Ekeler

Sandwiching the No. 4 quarterback between running backs is a safe and effective start even if both backs are likely to be average scorers for their RB1 and RB2 positions as starters. This page homage to the format with that quarterback. The next three rounds have to lean towards wideouts and possibly a tight end.

Team 6: QB Patrick Mahomes, TE Travis Kelce, RB Nick Chubb

This would be hard to pull off in a larger league but can happen in the ten-man league size. Started with big advantage at quarterback, then went with the best tight end on the board (or in the world, to be realistic). That left the Round 3 pick a need for running back and two of the next three or four rounds should grab more rushers with a wideout or two added in as well. But owning top players in two positions is always an advantage and even more so with tight end since the quality plummets so quickly.

Team 7: WR Michael Thomas, RB Kenyan Drake, QB Matthew Stafford

Finally, the first wideout comes off the board and yields more value than just following the running back or quarterback run. Was able to land the No. 8 running back just to be safe and then took the No. 7 quarterback. This is a balanced start for this format and will need to address running back in the next few rounds. But an even start that leaves the team able to go for best available players.


Team 8: RB Alvin Kamara, WR Julio Jones, WR Allen Robinson II

Opted to start with running back knowing that between two and four will be taken before the 2.03 pick rolls back to them. Then went with the No. 3 and No. 6 wideouts that pay off with receptions points. Strong start for this deep in the first round but now has to use the next three or four rounds for only running backs and quarterbacks. Will need to look more for upside to make up ground in the non-running back positions.

Team 9: RB Derrick Henry, WR Davante Adams, WR Mike Evans

Followed the same path as Team 8 with the same results. Great set of wideouts and a serviceable to good RB1. Team success depends on what they do with the next running backs and a quarterback.

Team 10: QB Dak Prescott, RB Miles Sanders, WR DeAndre Hopkins

For the final pick of the first round, taking a quarterback in this format makes a lot of sense, and opting for a running back just ensures no hole in the starting roster for RB1. That third pick is the defining one and went with the No. 8 wideout. Balanced start and the team owns the next pick that should lean towards running back or could be the No. 9 wideout.

 

First 3 Picks: 12-team league

Your first three picks define your fantasy team.

Your first three picks define your fantasy football team. Aside from taking productive players, each pick is critical because the player pool is ever-shrinking. You could build entirely different teams based on what positions you take and in what order. Respecting how drafts typically raid positions improves your chance to build an optimal team.

To follow are sample three-round drafts for 12-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 league

Performance scoring without reception points means that running backs are a premium and quarterbacks are a bit more valuable as well. Wide receivers and tight ends are devalued but are still usually four starters in a fantasy football league.  Almost all teams will look to get two running backs in their first three picks and it’s hard to argue against the logic.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Patrick Mahomes, WR Allen Robinson

Top running back and quarterback for a great start, then wide receiver with Robinson means a balanced approach and drafter is free to go for best available at least the next two or three rounds. Why take the No. 16 running back when he gets the No. 6 wideout instead? No reception points hurt the wideouts but that doesn’t mean to ignore usually three starting positions.

Team 2: RB Ezekiel Elliott, RB Leonard Fournette, WR A.J. Brown

Standard sort of Team 2 approach with a couple of running backs and then a wideout. A core of running backs means could go after other positions for several rounds and not give up too much. Next pick should be a wideout or a top tight end or quarterback if they are still there. Going running back will be tempting and make more sense in this non-PPR league, but again – field the best set of starters possible.

Team 3: RB Saquon Barkley, RB Josh Jacobs, WR Chris Godwin

Same pattern as Team 2 and probably the standard for this sort of scoring. Free to look at non-running back positions in round four and five unless a back falls in the draft.

Team 4: RB Derrick Henry, QB Lamar Jackson, RB Austin Ekeler

Strong start with a Top-4 running back and then the top quarterback. Went with a second running back in the third round for that comforting, solid feel but now will be chasing wideouts at the least. This scoring supports this sort of plan. Could consider tight end and quarterback next to get better than average players in both positions and then admit your wideouts are going to be weak – but they are the deepest position and produce the most waiver wire finds.

Team 5: RB Dalvin Cook, WR Mike Evans, WR Odell Beckham Jr.

This start would look great if there were reception points but even without them, there is a reason to do this.  Sewing up two elite wide receivers is an advantage and can now ignore that position for four or five rounds if they want. They only need one more starter from the rest of the draft and they will last longer in this format anyway. Obviously has to consider running backs in the next round if not two rounds.

Team 6: WR Michael Thomas, RB Chris Carson, RB Melvin Gordon III

This start is likely what will happen in most leagues for the team that selects Michael Thomas (always the first wideout). Great advantage (not as much as PPR but…) and then those two running backs feel more like need picks. But it does allow the next two rounds to consider any position.

Team 7: RB Miles Sanders, WR Kenny Golladay, RB James Conner

Deeper into the draft means while the first pick of a running back is only an average RB1, better-ranked wideouts are available. The price is not that high going running back first to ensure no disadvantage at RB1 and still reached the No. 5 wideout in the second round. Conner in the third round makes sense but so far, this team is starting out with an average RB1, an average WR1, and the No. 18 running back so just an average RB2. Needs to start thinking of getting any advantage at another position that they can.

Team 8: RB Kenyan Drake, RB Nick Chubb, WR Amari Cooper

Like Team 7, went for the safe route with the standard RB-RB-WR and ended up with mostly average players in all positions. Does free him to chase the best available players but there are no difference-makers on the team yet unless one exceeds expectations. And still has eight picks until his fourth-round selection, so has to avoid an average team.

Team 9: RB Joe Mixon, TE Travis Kelce, RB Le’ Veon Bell

This isn’t as deadly without reception points but secured a decent RB1 and then snapped up the best tight end. That will hurt the other positions but in a performance league, only the top two or three tight ends offer any real advantage. Went safe again in the third round and will have to consider a wideout in the next couple of rounds. While taking Kelce isn’t nearly the bang for the buck as he is in a PPR league,  delaying wideouts in this scoring hurts a lot less.

Team 10: WR Tyreek Hill, RB Aaron Jones, TE Mark Andrews

Certainly paid attention to their draft spot. Went with a top wideout, then still reached the No.11 best running back as a need pick. Went for a difference-maker with the second-best tight end in the third. Not a terrible start but has to consider running backs for the next two rounds and probably get a little lucky or they are at a disadvantage. But drafting later in the round means taking more risks to build an optimal team for that draft slot.

Team 11: RB Alvin Kamara, WR Julio Jones, RB Raheem Mostert

Opting for the No. 9 running back with the first pick felt safe and at least followed that up with an elite wideout. Went back to running back in the third but at least selected a back with more upside than most. And is now free to chase best available. Goes again in two picks and can reach for a great quarterback, tight end, or a good wideout.

Team 12: WR Davante Adams, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB Mark Ingram II

This is likely the most generic start at No. 12 in a performance league. Staring RB-RB equates to two average backs. Going with an elite wideout makes sense and then a high-upside running back like Edwards-Helaire is the exact sort of swing for the fence that makes sense (though the rookie is rising in drafts daily). Went back for an average running back but goes again with the next pick and can use that on the best available with a solid core.

 

Reception-point league

This style of scoring boosts the value of wide receivers and elite tight ends but devalues quarterbacks a bit. Running backs are going to be 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.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Mike Evans, WR DeAndre Hopkins

This is the very standard opening in a PPR league and with the interest in running backs so strong this year, opted for the No. 7 and No. 8 wideouts instead of the No. 15 running back. Can leave wideouts alone for a long time since likely just need one more as a starter. Should now consider running back at least twice in the next three rounds.

Team 2: RB Saquon Barkley, QB Patrick Mahomes, WR Chris Godwin

This is another strong opening in this scoring. Elite running back and then an elite quarterback. The third pick for a wideout means a shortage of running backs but like team No. 1, can just get two over the next three rounds. This is why the other drafters hate those with the few first picks.

Team 3: RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Allen Robinson II, TE George Kittle

Same variation as the first two teams. Locking up that top running back allows for more freedom and in this case, team went for the No. 6 wideout and then snapped up the second-best tight end. Has to mine for running backs but holds elite starters in both wideout and tight end.

Team 4: RB Dalvin Cook, QB Lamar Jackson, RB Leonard Fournette

Following on the running back craze still makes sense with Cook turning in receptions as well. Used the second round for the first quarterback taken which is a distinct advantage but always delays all other positions by one round instead of waiting like most teams. Still reached a solid RB2 in the third round. Has to consider at least two wideouts in the next three rounds.

Team 5: WR Michael Thomas, RB Chris Carson, WR DJ Moore

Opting for a wideout in the first round is always discomforting since running backs are all the rage, but Michael Thomas is always the top receiver this year and reception points make this very safe pick a no-brainer. Had to get a running back in the second round though he was the No. 14 rusher taken. Went back to wideout in the third to get better value than just another running back. Will need to look for the RB2 likely next round but can leave wideouts alone while securing more running backs, a quarterback, and maybe a tight end in the next four or five picks.

Team 6: RB Alvin Kamara, RB Nick Chubb, WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Doubled up on running back to start for a solid, if unspectacular, start. Still reached enough value in the second round for the No 13 running back to feel right but then went with wideout in the third. Taking a higher upside player there makes some sense to look for some advantage in the position that still matters a lot in the scoring scenario.

Team 7: RB Derrick Henry, RB Austin Ekeler, WR DJ Chark Jr.

Followed the same pattern as Team 6 and as a mid-round drafter, this is the safest feeling path. Locks up very good running backs for a sold fantasy backfield and then opts for a wideout because of the scoring rules and the dwindling supply of them. But free to mix-and-match picks among all positions from here on out.

Team 8: RB Miles Sanders, TE Travis Kelce, RB Le’ Veon Bell

This is very effective, more so with this scoring. Leaned more towards upside backs and sandwiched an absolute advantage with Travis Kelce who may not last this long in a PPR league. But the binge on running backs is causing other positions to fall. Two of the next three picks have to strongly consider wide receiver but if all three players hit as expected, the team has a very nice start from the eight-spot.

Team 9: WR Davante Adams, RB Joe Mixon, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

This is another effective plan this late in the first round. Grabs that elite wideout and then still reaches the No. 11 running back with the second pick.  Not an advantage but not a liability either. Taking that WR2 in the third round accesses a weaker WR2 than most but going with higher upside and more risk makes sense to make up some ground. Most likely should grab a couple of running backs next or at least over the next three rounds if a quarterback or tight end falls.

Team 10: RB Kenyan Drake, WR Kenny Golladay, RB Josh Jacobs

This is a safer route. Started out RB-WR at the 2.03 turn and then had to wait until the 3.10 for that second running back which works out to the No. 17 taken. This is a safe path to take and honors the scoring. That fourth-round pick coming in five turns can go anywhere and will more determine how the team will fare. Quarterback or tight end there will still yield advantage but at the expense of wideouts.

Team 11: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB Aaron Jones, WR A.J. Brown

Starting so deeply in the first round meant taking the No. 9 and then the No. 10 running back. And by this point, the much-hyped rookie may well be gone so the name won’t look nearly so sexy. Just following the running back run twice means that the position won’t be a liability, but it is not going to be an advantage. And in this scoring, only the No. 14 wideout was left to start that position.

Team 12:WR Julio Jones, WR Tyreek Hill, RB Melvin Gordon III

This is one of the most common plans for that final first-round pick. Doubling up on wideouts netted the No. 3 and 4 best players for a huge advantage in that position. Going with a running back in the third is a need pick and means the No. 18 back is your RB1. Should consider running back in the fourth as well and then again at the round 5-6 turn.

 

QB-heavy league

This sort of league will seed in 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 will go far earlier than the mid-draft that is common in other sorts of leagues. This run-through assumes two quarterbacks and that well over half of the 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.

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, RB Austin Ekeler, QB Deshaun Watson

The natural start is followed by the swing pick-ups of an RB2 and one of the top quarterbacks. The No. 6 quarterback is merely average in most leagues but scores like an elite running back – or better –  in this starting aspect. Long wait until Round 5 but can consider any position, including quarterback.

Team 2: RB Saquon Barkley, TE George Kittle, RB Nick Chubb

While this plan ignores the value of quarterbacks, it still starts out with an elite running back and tight end for a definite advantage. Went with running back for the third pick which was certainly a safe option and still netted the No. 13 back because the position falls a bit with these starting rules. Free to go anywhere in their next two picks but should at least consider a quarterback.

Team 3: RB Ezekiel Elliott, QB Russell Wilson, WR Allen Robinson II

This is a standard approach in a QB-heavy league with one of the first three picks. Started running back and then still accessed the No. 5 quarterback. Depending on your league, that may be hard to accomplish but any more attention to quarterbacks prior to this pick only means all other positions fall more. The third round was able to reach the No. 6 wide receiver for another advantage. Very solid opening but running backs have to be the focus for the next couple of rounds unless players fall in other positions.

Team 4: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Joe Mixon, WR Mike Evans

Here is where this league starts to differ. After the top three running backs are gone, a quarterback is a natural consideration. Both Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are likely first-round picks in this format and may even be in the Top-3 overall picks. This is similar to Team No. 3 only with running back and quarterback reversed. Because quarterbacks take up earlier picks in the first three rounds, quality running backs and wide receivers last longer.

Team 5: RB Dalvin Cook, RB Aaron Jones, QB Matthew Stafford

The plan looked great with two Top-10 running backs but by the third round, seven quarterbacks were gone. This should hold roughly true in most of these sorts of leagues. Waiting on a quarterback until the 4.08 would likely mean outside of the Top-10 for the position and potentially well out of that range. Starting with two Top-10 running backs is a solid start, and picking up a quarterback in the third was as much need as a strategy. The next several rounds have to consider wide receivers and a second quarterback.

Team 6: QB Patrick Mahomes, WR Kenny Golladay, WR DeAndre Hopkins

Middle-draft teams have to avoid building an average team and this certainly takes that to heart. Grabbing a quarterback to start is an advantage and then doubling-down on wide receivers netted two Top-8 players. From here until Round 8, running backs and a second quarterback have to be the focus.

Team 7: WR Michael Thomas, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, WR Chris Godwin

This plan does create formidable wide receivers and this format almost always involves reception points as well. While the drafter ignored quarterbacks, making that running back a high upside guy at least makes this feel like a good start. But the problem is that now QB1 and RB2 will be average at best. The team can still recover and build a fine team, but the margin for error is smaller.

Team 8: RB Alvin Kamara, QB Kyler Murray, RB Chris Carson

This is a safe start. Went with the No. 5 running back and managed to access the No. 4 quarterback. There are 15 picks until the team’s third-choice so getting that quarterback there ensures a difference-maker in the highest-scoring position. That third-round pick went with the No. 14 running back over the No. 8 wide receiver but the fourth round selection comes in just eight more turns and can consider wideout or quarterback.

Team 9: RB Derrick Henry, WR Tyreek Hill, RB Leonard Fournette

Opted for the No. 6 running back that fell with two quarterbacks taken. Then a Top-4 wide receiver felt good but delayed the quarterback. Still accessed a solid running back in the third round. This is a safe route, even if it doesn’t pay any homage to the format. Has to consider quarterbacks twice in the next few rounds or have a liability in the highest-scoring position.

Team 10: WR Davante Adams, RB Kenyan Drake, RB Le’ Veon Bell

Team 10 took a similar route as Team 9.  Elite wideout and two good running backs with upside will work but again – have to think about two quarterbacks by Round 5 or 6 or even average scoring will be a challenge. This feels safe but the only difference-maker is a wideout – the deepest position.

Team 11: RB Miles Sanders, TE Travis Kelce, QB Carson Wentz

Opting for the No. 7 running back feels safe and grabbing the best tight end is an advantage, even if it is the lowest scoring skill position. Turned to the No. 8 quarterback in the third round but could have also gone running back there and taken the quarterback in the fourth round. Wide receivers are going to be a liability unless team can land a sleeper or two.

Team 12: QB Dak Prescott, WR Julio Jones, WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Drafting last usually means taking a chance and this plan is solid. Gets that great quarterback and then doubles-up on wide receivers to get two Top-10 players. The next three rounds have to consider running back and even then, get lucky or have a hole in their starters. But if there are reception points, even running backs are deeper and this can work very well.