First three picks – Syndication Server

First 3 Picks: 10-team league

Your first three picks define your fantasy team.

This is the companion piece to the 12-team version. The difference between a 10-team and 12-team league is that those two fewer players per position make a big difference the further you get in your draft.

A 10-team league means positional quality lasts longer. Everyone has a “good” team, so you need less depth and more difference-makers. Simply enough, to reach your championship you have to own elite players in their position. Depth matters less – there’s always something on the waiver wire. You are much better off building an optimal starting lineup first and foremost and not playing games with loading up on wideouts or running backs before you’ve reached that best possible lineup.

To follow are the first three-rounds 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 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.

Reception-point league

This style of scoring boosts the value of wide receivers and elite tight ends and slightly devalues quarterbacks relative to other positions. Running backs are popular in any scoring scenario but the added reception point means the position becomes deeper with third-down backs able to offer “start-able” fantasy value. The consistency of an above-average running back is also a very valuable contributor to the weekly fantasy score.

With a reception point and only ten teams, your roster should look very strong after three picks. All positions are deep in this format so think about “star power.”

Team 1: RB C. McCaffrey, WR Davante Adams, TE Sam LaPorta
The first pick of the draft is also the first pick of the third round – that is always an advantage as talent drains in your draft. McCaffrey is the consensus best pick this year and he’s been as productive and consistent as any player while healthy. That 2-3 turn could be RB10 or WR11 so they opted for Adams at wideout and then took LaPorta which combines as the best running back, best tight end, and a lower-end WR1. Will need at least one running back and wideout in the next three picks but can go anywhere.
Team 2: WR Tyreek Hill, WR DK Metcalf, RB James Cook
Starting with the best wideout is strong in this format, and then doubled up with Metcalf for two Top-10 wideouts. Opted to take Cook as their RB1 and can ignore wideout for many rounds since they likely need just one more to complete their starting requirement. Knowing that running back won’t be a strength, should consider quarterback or tight end immediately to net an advantage and scoop on running backs while paying attention to how late they can still get acceptable quality at their WR3.
Team 3: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB De’Von Achane, WR Nico Collins
This is an upside sort of plan, taking two wideouts and sandwiching their RB1 of Achane who is boom-or-bust. Will need address RB2 and even RB3 early given the chance of Achane getting hurt. This is a solid start in the format if they all deliver.
Team 4: RB Breece Hall, RB Isiah Pacheco, WR Mike Evans
Pretty standard at this spot to shore up the backfield first with two of the Top-8 and then start to work on wideouts which are deeper in quality. Should consider quarterback and even tight end soon, while seeding their WR2 and WR3 along the way.
Team 5: RB Bijan Robinson, WR Brandon Aiyuk, QB Josh Allen
Middle-round drafters have it tough in the way that there is always a lot of picks between every turn and runs can develop right after they pick. Robinson at RB1 is a healthy choice and Aiyuk was as the ninth wideout was a way to avoid a hole in wideouts. Taking Allen always feels really early (and it is) but he’s been no worse than the No. 2 quarterback for the last four years. Filling one each for the highest-scoring positions means it can be best value for the rest of the draft.
Team 6: WR A. St. Brown, WR Garrett Wilson, RB Kyren Williams
Another middle-of-the-draft pick opts to go WR-WR to start with two of the Top-8 wideouts – always a strength in this scoring. Switched to Kyren Williams for RB1. Even in a 10-team league, getting two running backs from the first five rounds is usually best. Should take their RB2 in the next round or so but can value pick from any position other than wideout that only needs one more decent starter from the deepest position.
Team 7: WR CeeDee Lamb, RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Josh Jacobs
This is actually a solid plan. Snap up a difference-making wideout, then double on running backs for two of the Top-11 in that position. Must have WR2 in the next two picks to maintain quality, but can consider quarterback soon as well. Solid start and can wait on running backs for a while.
Team 8: RB Saquon Barkley, WR Puka Nacua, WR Drake London
This is the reverse of Team 7, where they started with Barkley as the fourth back taken, and then doubled on wideouts to net the WR7 and WR14. That makes a strong set of wideouts though it is the deepest position. Can explore running backs very soon but also consider quarterback and tight end since only need one more starting wideout.
Team 9: WR A.J. Brown, WR Justin Jefferson, RB Derrick Henry
Nearing the end of the first round, very common to double up wideouts and have the WR5 and WR6 – that’s an advantage. Henry at RB1 prevents any weakness and selects again in just two picks. Could reach a great running back like Joe Mixon or Rhamondre Stevenson for their fourth pick for a solid set of starters but needs to consider an earlier quarterback or tight end to gain an advantage somewhere instead of chasing runs.
Team 10: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Travis Etienne, QB Jalen Hurts
Final pick of Round 1 often will double on either wideout or running backs, and they opted wideout which netted the RB5 and RB6. Went with Hurts as the second quarterback selected for a nice advantage but will need to strongly consider wideouts for at least the next two picks if not three.

Performance scoring league

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

Unlike other scoring formats that offer greater parity in fantasy scoring between positions, this one still covets running backs. There could be up to 18 or 20 backs taken over the first three rounds even in this smaller league size.

Team 1: RB Breece Hall, WR CeeDee Lamb, QB Josh Allen
This format makes running backs very valuable and that means while Team 1 got the best running back, the best fifteen are gone by their second pick. Armed with the top back, they abandon the RB-train and get the WR5 and QB1 of the draft. That’s a very strong start but will need to go with at least one more back at their 4-5 wrap-around, even though the value will be low by then. Likely Tony Pollard or Devin Singletary at best.
Team 2: RB Christian McCaffrey, RB R. Stevenson, WR Puka Nacua
After McCaffrey, still went with Stevenson to lock up the backfield. Opted to get the sixth wideout to ensure a no liability at WR1. Can take best available regardless of position for many rounds with that RB-RB start.
Team 3: RB Bijan Robinson, RB Josh Jacobs, WR Justin Jefferson
Same plan as Team 2, RB-RB and then a Top-5 wideout. Nothing splashy with this safe route and the deeper the RB-RB starts in Round 1 means the better back for their RB2. Can pick for value and not need for the next several critical rounds.
Team 4: RB Saquon Barkley, WR A.J. Brown, RB Najee Harris
Leaving the RB2 until their third round netted the fourth-best wideout and still found acceptable value at running back though the quality/risk is on the decline.
Team 5: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Kenneth Walker III, QB Jalen Hurts
For a mid-round drafter, this plan works admirably in most cases. Takes the standard RB-RB and then opts for the QB2 on the board for an advantage in a high-scoring position. Wideouts will be a disadvantage but their scoring is significantly less in this format. Need to get at least two wideouts over the next four rounds if not three. Smaller league size does make wideouts deeper.
Team 6: WR Tyreek Hill, RB Joe Mixon, RB Rachaad White
Starting out with wideout, even the best one, made the next rounds picks feel like need-picks with running backs and it is somewhat reasonable given that the fourth round is a major step down in quality. Free to value pick the next several rounds and an early quarterback would look good on this roster.
Team 7: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, RB D’Andre Swift
This plan looks solid enough, using Round 2 for a Top-3 wideout and scraping up Swift at RB2. Free to roam the draft board and the strength with their WR1 means they can look at other positions even for three or four rounds if desired. The depth of quality for receivers always last with the smaller league and scoring format.
Team 8: RB Travis Etienne, RB Isiah Pacheco, WR DK Metcalf
More of the same with a very safe and effective start. While he ends up with the seventh-best running back to start, he reached the eleventh-best back in Pacheco to wrap up their backfield. Metcalf was the WR8 from the draft board, so there’s safety in making him the WR1 for the team. Free to choose from here on out.
Team 9: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Kyren Williams, TE Sam LaPorta
Drafting at the end of the first round in any sort of league always prompts strategic selections to avoid just following runs and building an average team. Starting with Chase as the second wideout of the draft is a value even in this scoring, and Kyren Williams may be a lower-end RB1 but not a disadvantage. Taking LaPorta in this scoring format doesn’t feel as great, but looking for an advantage in other positions can help make up ground. Probably needs to take running backs in two of the next three rounds.
Team 10: RB Derrick Henry, RB De’Von Achane, WR Nico Collins
This scoring makes the final pick of Round 1 more valuable than any other scoring format because one position – running back – still reigns supreme for the first few rounds and Team 10 owns two Top-8 running backs. Reached Collins for his WR1 and he’s still just the ninth-wideout selected. Can value pick every round now and should consider quarterback in the next few rounds while an advantage still exists in available players.

QB-heavy/Super-Flex league

This league starts two quarterbacks. That pushes value in other positions deeper into the draft since quarterbacks take up far 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.

This assumes super-flex, where two quarterbacks may be started. Some leagues may see six or seven quarterbacks in the first round and five or six more in the second round.

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. Virtually no one drafts with that in mind.

In a smaller 10-team league with additional valuable players from the quarterback boost, almost every fantasy team looks great so taking elite players is paramount to winning – get your starters before worrying about depth.

Team 1: QB Josh Allen, QB Brock Purdy, WR Justin Jefferson
The smaller league size helps make this plan for the first pick work well, since quarterbacks are very valuable and that second pick still reached the twelfth quarterback. That’s a nice 1-2 punch paired with Allen. Opted for Jefferson as a Top-5 wideout. Will need to address running back likely with the next two picks but the core is set with those quarterbacks.
Team 2: QB Jalen Hurts, RB Saquon Barkley, WR A.J. Brown
This plan takes the second-best quarterback but then could not resist owning a Top-4 running back and a Top-5 receiver. That’s nice firepower at quarterback, running back and wideout – the three best-scoring positions. That 4-5 turn coming up almost has to take a quarterback and by then it’ll be Bryce Young or Derek Carr quality. But there won’t be a way to cover a bye week if a quarterback is delayed any further.
Team 3: QB Patrick Mahomes, WR CeeDee Lamb, QB Jayden Daniels
Solid plan takes the two quarterbacks wrapping around Lamb for an advantage at wideout. Daniels is a riskier pick, but also with much upside which is balanced by starting with the rock-solid Mahomes. The core is established and two running backs need to be considered over the next three picks.
Team 4: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Bijan Robinson, QB Tua Tagovailoa
Same plan as Team 3, only with Robinson at RB1. The later that first-round pick, the better options for QB2 are in the third round. Can go anywhere now and should consider at least one wideout in the next two picks.
Team 5: QB C.J. Stroud, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, QB Trevor Lawrence
Again – taking two quarterbacks in the first three picks is always reasonable and the results just get better the later that the drafter goes in the first round. Running backs for the next two picks would be prudent, unless an irresistible wideout falls.
Team 6: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Kyler Murray, RB Jahmyr Gibbs
After five straight quarterbacks, the available pool hits a lower tier and taking McCaffrey for their RB1 is a true advantage. Going with Murray at QB1 in Round 2 was sort of a need pick but taking Gibbs for RB2 forces the next two picks to be quarterback and then wideout before a liability happens.
Team 7: QB Anthony Richardson, QB Jared Goff, WR Puka Nacua
Standard opening of QB-QB nets two Top-10 quarterbacks for an advantage and leaning into Nacua as the WR6 drafted is solid given the reception point. Running backs have to follow in two of the next three rounds but this is a safe and usually favorable opening.
Team 8: WR Tyreek Hill, WR Ja’Marr Chase, QB Caleb Williams
Opting for WR-WR makes sense in a reception-point format but that only left the rookie Williams as the QB16 selected. If next pick is quarterback, and not a bad consideration, likely lands Deshaun Watson, Justin Herbert, or Kirk Cousins which isn’t that painful considering Team 8 owns the two best wideouts. Round 5, Round 6, and Round 7 should all strongly consider running back.
Team 9: RB Breece Hall, QB Jordan Love, QB Baker Mayfield
Taking that second quarterback in the third round is getting much thinner after this late pick in Round 1. Hall is a great RB1 and Jordan Love prevents any hole at quarterback. Taking Mayfield for his QB2 is certainly the safest play and drafter goes again in just two more picks. Should consider wideout there but could also go for a top tight end to gain an advantage at one position at least.
Team 10: QB Dak Prescott, QB Joe Burrow, RB Travis Etienne
Certainly feels good getting two of the Top-8 quarterbacks and in the smaller league size, could still get a Top-8 wideout with their fourth pick and be free to value pick in every round.

First 3 Picks: 10-team league

Your first three picks define your fantasy team.

The first three picks define your team and set up the rest of your draft. The optimal team is built by understanding the nuances of a scoring system and how it fits into your league rules.

A 10-team league means positional quality lasts longer. Everyone has a “good” team, so you need less depth and more difference-makers.

To follow are sample three-round drafts for 10-team fantasy football leagues. They use either standard performance scoring, performance plus a point per reception, or “2QB/Super Flex” leagues where you can start two of any position. Those three formats cover almost all leagues.

The names are less important than the positions because each draft slot has its own unique situation. Just as important are your future picks and what you need after three rounds. Rankings can change daily so these may not exactly match rankings.

Performance scoring league

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

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Jalen Hurts, WR Tyreek Hill
Top running back counts huge in this format but thirteen are gone by the 2.12 so tabbed the Top-3 QB1 Hurts and still reached the fourth-best wideout for a nice advantage even without a reception point. Doubling up on running backs has to be considered next or the team backfield will ride too heavily on just what McCaffrey does – and drop badly if he is injured.
Team 2: RB Austin Ekeler, WR A.J. Brown, WR Davante Adams
Not unlike Team 1, Opened with RB1 Ekeler and then opted to double on wideouts for two of the Top-5. Not as great without a reception point, but still an advantage. And also needs to consider running backs heavily for at least two of next three rounds.
Team 3: RB Bijan Robinson, RB Aaron Jones, RB Miles Sanders
Strength of the team is the backfield to be sure, but will miss out on difference-makers in any other position. Given the scoring format, next pick should consider the highest-scoring available QB1 and then just accept that the wideouts and tight end are not going to be any advantage and may be a liability.
Team 4: RB Nick Chubb, QB Josh Allen, RB Joe Mixon
Solid start with the fourth running back selected and then adding QB1 Allen for an advantage. Found RB2 Mixon in the third instead of a wideout like Cooper Kupp which offers a solid base for their backfield but has to consider wideouts in two of the next three rounds before that quality drops too far to not be a problem. This is a very safe start and a likely contender.
Team 5: RB Derrick Henry, RB R. Stevenson, WR Cooper Kupp
Double downed on RB1 Henry and RB2 Stevenson who round out the positional Top-12. Opted for a minor advantage with WR1 Kupp which means should look at quarterback next. Solid running backs allows them to cherry pick if anyone falls but the main aim is to make a balanced team.
Team 6: WR Justin Jefferson, RB Josh Jacobs, RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Rather than just follow the run on running backs, zagged to take WR1 Jefferson and then doubled on running backs with RB1 Jacobs and RB2 Gibbs. There is plenty of upside with those backs, but also risk until the season starts and team can know exactly what they have for a backfield. But probably should consider a third running back earlier than later just for insurance. Quarterback is a reasonable fourth-round consideration.
Team 7: RB Saquon Barkley, QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Breece Hall
Barkley falls without reception points but still prevents any liability with their RB1. Tabbing QB1 Mahomes could make this team with firepower in the highest scoring position. Opted for RB2 Hall as the seventeenth back taken which was a safe move but risky all the same given his return from knee surgery. Wideouts need to show up soon but also need a decent third running back just to cover the “what if” from Hall.
Team 8: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Travis Etienne, RB David Montgomery
Here’s a standard and effective start from this slot. Grabbed WR1 Chase for a solid advantage in the position and then felt obligated to double down with RB1 Etienne and RB2 Montgomery who feels a bit weak given the committee backfield in Detroit. Could have gone with Stefon Diggs and likely not sacrificed much taking RB2 with the 4.03 in five picks. But at least Chase counts as more than just one wideout with his potential.
Team 9: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Najee Harris, WR Stefon Diggs
Drafting this late made RB-RB as a safe move and does own two Top-10 running backs with RB1 Taylor and RB2 Harris. WR1 Diggs best pick at the 3.09 to grab a consistent wideout and still could reach a Top-5 quarterback next. This is a standard plan that may not spark great optimism but doesn’t feel bad either. Can look at non-RB for the next three rounds though RB3 shouldn’t wait any longer than that.
Team 10: TE Travis Kelce, RB Tony Pollard, WR CeeDee Lamb
Drafting at the end always means looking for best value while everything gets wiped out in front of the pick. Starting out with TE1 Kelce is an advantage, less in this format, and will make all other positions wait an extra round to get any attention. Taking RB1 Pollard with the 2.01 was prudent to avoid a glaring hole at running back that would be very hard to compensate. WR1 Lamb as the 3.12 is solid but has to use the 4.01 on running back.

Reception-point league

With a reception point and only ten teams, your roster should look very strong after three picks. All positions are deep in this format so think about “star power.”

Team 1: WR Justin Jefferson, RB Aaron Jones, QB Josh Allen
Early picks work out well in this format, more so than others. Start out with WR1 Jefferson for a great advantage, then still reached the tenth-best running back to prevent any holes in the position and still added the second-best quarterback. The quality will be lower on everything by the 4.10, but this starts out with a top wideout and quarterback, plus a decent RB1.
Team 2: RB Christian McCaffrey, RB Najee Harris, WR A. St. Brown
Opted for the best RB1 with McCaffrey and then used the back-end picks at 2.09 and 3.02 to double down with RB2 Najee Harris and only managed WR1 St. Brown as the ninth wideout. This format will raid the position harder than any other, but by the 4.09 pick there won’t be any top-tier players left. This is a safe start, but doesn’t do as much to obtain any advantages in any position other than the McCaffrey start.
Team 3: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Jonathan Taylor, TE Mark Andrews
Nice value play that can work in this format. Opened with WR1 Chase and then grabbed RB1 Taylor as the eighth back taken – could have been Najee Harris or Aaron Jones given the current questions surrounding Taylor. Went with TE1 Andrews in the third for an advantage in two positions. Can go anywhere with the next picks though it will be alternating running backs and wideouts other than seeding a QB1 where the best value lies.
Team 4: RB Austin Ekeler, QB Patrick Mahomes, WR Garrett Wilson
This plan is effective allowing RB1 Ekeler, grabs the top QB1 Mahomes and then still reaches WR1 Wilson as the tenth-best wideout. Now just consider wideout and running back for the next three or four rounds for a solid start.
Team 5: RB Saquon Barkley, WR CeeDee Lamb, WR Jaylen Waddle
Opted for RB1 Barkley as a Top-3 running back and then double downed with WR1 Lamb and WR2 Waddle. Great start considering the scoring format and allows the team to ignore wideout for three rounds or so since they only need a WR3 and can load up on running backs before their quality experiences that steep decline after Round 6.
Team 6: WR Tyreek Hill, WR Davante Adams, QB Jalen Hurts
Middle slots are always tough since so many players are taken on either side of every pick. Opened with WR1 Hill and then nabbed WR2 Adams for two of the Top-7 wideouts in a reception point league. Then still reached QB1 Hurts for a Top-3 at quarterback. Obviously has to mine running backs for at least two of the next three rounds, and maybe all three.
Team 7: TE Travis Kelce, RB Derrick Henry, RB Travis Etienne
Mr. 7th pick is TE1 Kelce who is most commonly taken right after the Top-3 wideouts and running backs are gone. Huge positional advantage but setting back all other positions by a round, it led to tabbing RB1 Henry and RB2 Etienne to feel safe. Wideouts are the deepest position and has to consider at least three of the next five picks for the position. But if you have to make up ground in any single position, wideout is where it is most possible.
Team 8: WR Cooper Kupp, RB Tony Pollard, RB Josh Jacobs
Went with WR1 Kupp before doubling on RB1 Pollard and RB2 Jacobs. That sews up two Top-12 running backs and an elite WR1. Need to address tight end and quarterback soon with an eye to getting a difference-maker because the safe start will turn into a very average team if anything happens to Kupp. Can hold off on running backs for at least three rounds.
Team 9: RB Bijan Robinson, RB Nick Chubb, WR Amari Cooper
Found the exciting RB1 Robinson and opted to get RB2 Chubb since six wideouts were gone. Reached WR1 Cooper as a Top-12 choice and needs to consider another wideout with next pick in just two more turns. Top-3 quarterbacks are gone and the best two tight ends. Needs a wideout and maybe two and can still reach a very serviceable quarterback in a few rounds.
Team 10: WR Stefon Diggs, WR A.J. Brown, RB Joe Mixon
That back-end turn is always interesting. In this format, even with just ten teams, the four best wideouts and running backs are gone, plus Travis Kelce. Very common and workable taking WR1 Diggs and WR2 Brown for two of the Top-7 wideouts. That position can wait for another four rounds while running backs and a quarterback are taken. Goes next with the 4.01 which means either the fourteenth-best running back for RB2 which is likely the best choice since there could be another ten gone by their 5.12 pick.

QB-heavy/Super-Flex league

This assumes super-flex, where the option to start a second quarterback in a flex position exists. Some leagues may see six or seven quarterbacks in the first round and five or six more in the second round.

Team 1: QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Bijan Robinson, WR Stefon Diggs
No question who that first pick is. QB1 Mahomes (occasionally Josh Allen) is the most coveted player in this format but picking first meant that eleven quarterbacks were gone by the 2.10. But top values still there for RB1 Robinson and WR1 Diggs. It’s a solid start with firepower. Next pick at 4.10 should evaluate what is left at quarterback and decide if not starting a second quarterback may make most sense. Balanced opening allows cherry picking best values.
Team 2: QB Josh Allen, RB Saquon Barkley, RB Nick Chubb
Opened with QB1 Allen and like Team 1 noticed the quarterback shelves had been deeply raided and opted to assemble a very strong backfield with RB1 Barkley and RB2 Chubb for two of the Top-5 backs. Even in this smaller sized league, has to consider wideout for at least two of the next three picks and maybe all three. Solid backfield can let RB3 wait but wideout and tight end are trending to be weak.
Team 3: RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Cooper Kupp, QB Jared Goff
This year, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are almost always the Top-2 quarterbacks, with Jalen Hurts coming in a very strong third. Hurts would be a fine pick here as well, but opted for RB1 McCaffrey. That left the 2.08 pick already 11 deep in missing quarterbacks. So snapped up WR1 Kupp as the fourth-best wideout and then finally went with QB1 Goff without any real cost since no other quarterbacks were taken behind him. Can accept that two quarterbacks will not start and raid wideout or running back next. The next round quarterback will likely come with plenty of question marks.
Team 4: QB Jalen Hurts, QB Deshaun Watson, RB Tony Pollard
This plan is a safe approach with decent results. QB1 Hurts is a great pick and then QB2 Watson carries upside at least as the eleventh quarterback taken. Opted for RB1 Pollard over the sixth wideout (A.J. Brown or Davante Adams likely). Common approach should work but has to shuffle back and forth between running backs and wideouts for at least the next five or six rounds.
Team 5: WR Justin Jefferson, QB Dak Prescott, WR A.J. Brown
The use of reception points makes this work – it would not if it were just performance scoring. Opened with WR1 Jefferson for a distinct advantage and then still reached QB1 Prescott at the 2.06 pick. Doubled on wideouts with WR2 Brown. Leave the wideouts alone for at least four or five rounds and work on running backs while keeping an eye on when to still reach a QB2 before there is no value there. Can compete in this scoring format with that start, but even getting a bye-week cover at QB2 cannot wait long.
Team 6: QB Joe Burrow, WR Tyreek Hill, QB Russell Wilson
Middle of the draft but still opened with QB1 Burrow and then third-best wideout of WR1 Hill for an advantage. QB2 Wilson is a steal if he returns to form but risky with the chance that his 2022 performance shows up again. But this start leaves the team with a solid start and can raid running backs for the next two rounds before thinking of more wideouts.
Team 7: QB Lamar Jackson, TE Travis Kelce, WR Davante Adams
Have to like how this unfolds. Reached QB1 Jackson which felt good, and then TE1 Kelce for a big advantage at a small position. Then WR1 Adams as a Top-8 wideout. The next pick (just six turns away) can look at a QB2, but two running backs are in order in the next three rounds. The reception point helps this to make sense.
Team 8: QB Trevor Lawrence, QB Justin Fields, RB Derrick Henry
With a super flex and a reception point, high-value players exist much deeper in drafts and allow for end-of-the-round teams to actually gain an advantage. QB1 Lawrence and QB2 Fields wrap up two Top-8 quarterbacks to take advantage of the starting rules, and then still found RB1 Derrick Henry at the 3.08 pick. Solid start that goes again in four turns and can either balance with a wideout or solidify a good backfield with another running back.
Team 9: WR Ja’Marr Chase, QB Kirk Cousins, RB Jonathan Taylor
The question the next-to-last pick has to ask is which player can I live without. Going with WR2 Chase is a strong play and then still found QB1 Kirk Cousins there at his 2.02. The positions were drained by the 3.09 but went with RB1 Taylor to start the backfield and goes again in two picks where they decide if they want a running back or a wideout. That question will persist for the next several rounds.
Team 10: RB Austin Ekeler, QB Justin Herbert, WR CeeDee Lamb
Hard to imagine, but in this format the second-best running back can still be there at the 1.10 and RB1 Ekeler made sense. QB1 Herbert was an obvious pick knowing that their 3.10 pick will be looking at the scraps at quarterback. Went with WR1 Lamb for a balanced start that opens up all positions for best value over the next four rounds or more.

First 3 Picks: 12-team league

Your first three picks define your fantasy team.

Your first three picks define your fantasy football team. Each one 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 still need after three rounds. Rankings 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

Performance scoring without reception points means that top running backs are a premium, and quarterbacks are comparatively more valuable. Wide receivers and tight ends are devalued but still total four starters in most fantasy football leagues. Most teams take two running backs over their first three picks and it’s hard to argue against the logic because the supply is very low by Round 4.

The above three rounds are an optimal way to start the draft for all twelve draft slots. Let’s consider where each should be looking next after the three-pick start:

Team 1: RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Stefon Diggs, QB Josh Allen
First pick gets that great top running back, but then 15 are gone by the second pick. Scooped up a Top-3 quarterback and wideout for a great start but has to spend on running backs probably in both Rounds 4 and 5. Rather than follow the run on depleted running backs, tried to gather highly rated starters though the bang for the buck is lower with no reception points.
Team 2: RB Austin Ekeler, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR CeeDee Lamb
Plenty of upside on Gibbs, and then opted for the best wideout. Fairly standard opening and owning Ekeler will be an absolute advantage with reception points. Threw away the chance to start two quarterbacks with WR1 of Lamb and needs to address QB1 next just to have a suitable starter from a position that drains quickly. This is the start that ends up taking rookie quarterbacks and others that have a less clear path to starting every week. It is possible to get lucky, but pretty much every other team is hunting for quarterback scraps as well.
Team 3: RB Bijan Robinson, WR Cooper Kupp, RB Breece Hall
Hard to pass by Kupp in the second round with running backs draining fast and leaving a riskier Breece Hall in the third round. That’ll work out better later in the year when Hall should be back to form but means getting another running back soon is in order just in case Hall is slower to return. But a safe start that opens up best available players from all positions.
Team 4: RB Nick Chubb, RB Joe Mixon, RB David Montgomery
This plan feels great so far loading up on running backs but that means there will be minimal advantage left in any other position and if either Chubb or Mixon was to miss time, it ensures the entire team takes a step down without stars in other positions to compensate.
Team 5: RB Derrick Henry, WR Davante Adams, WR Jaylen Waddle
Mid-draft is always a challenge to avoid building an average team. Opting for two wideouts does offer value in those positions, but realistically team must raid running backs for whatever is left for a few rounds and keep an eye out for when to seed in a quarterback.
Team 6: RB Saquon Barkley, WR Tyreek Hill, RB Isiah Pacheco
Similar to Team 5, only opted for running back in the third round with Pacheco. Solid start, nothing flashy in this format, but reaching Pacheco quality in the third was likely lucky. Now situated to take best available for the next couple of round from any position. May be heading toward being an average team.
Team 7: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Miles Sanders, WR Amari Cooper
Definitely a safe start and could work out, assuming a healthy and happy Taylor eventually agrees to play and Sanders makes the transition to Carolina. Cooper avoids a weak WR1 just in time. Free to go anywhere that value lies with this core.
Team 8: WR Justin Jefferson, QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Ken Walker
Hard not to like the best wideout and quarterback on the same team, but the scoring doesn’t make it as advantageous and picking Walker in the third was a need, along with probably the next two rounds hunting for running backs.
Team 9: RB Tony Pollard, WR A.J. Brown, RB Rachaad White
Started with Pollard since the next three teams could have totaled six more running backs and still ended up with Brown for a solid WR1. The White pick is strong enough that the fourth round can consider any position but a running back needs to be taken in the next two rounds.
Team 10: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Aaron Jones, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
The loss of reception points in this format makes these wideouts possible, but with lesser impact. But starts out with potentially two Top-10 wideouts and a solid pick for running back. Doesn’t have to consider wideouts for four or more rounds and can raid more running backs along with a quarterback thrown in.
Team 11: TE Travis Kelce, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, QB Jalen Hurts
Kelce may offer less without the reception points, but he is still a big advantage at the otherwise lowest-scoring position in this format. Still was able to reach the No. 3 quarterback for a nice job of seeking advantages where possible in this late-round spot. Probably use the next six or eight rounds to just gather wideouts and more running backs.
Team 12: RB Travis Etienne, RB Josh Jacobs, WR Garrett Wilson
Picking last without reception points means nothing feels great, especially with Kelce and the Top-2 wideout gone. Doubling down on RB1 and RB2 is a safe play for an average team, but at least owns the best RB2 in the league and has an upside wideout in the third. Will need to swing for the fence in search of a sleeper to upgrade the firepower.

Reception-point league

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

Wideouts are drafted faster than recent years, and there are so many question marks at running backs that there are reasonable risks out until the sixth round or later. Top-3 quarterbacks and tight ends are often gone by the third round, no later than the fourth in most PPR leagues.

Team 1: WR Justin Jefferson, WR Jaylen Waddle, TE Mark Andrews
Certainly a strong start in a reception-point league. The best WR1 in the league adds the eleventh wideout drafted for maybe the top set of two wideouts in the league. Adding Andrews sews up that advantage at tight end but also means the RB1- which needs to come next – may only be the 20th-best running back. At least make running back the next two picks or plan on getting lucky with a sleeper since running backs still offer the most consistent points.
Team 2: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Josh Allen, RB Travis Etienne
This start feels very safe, even if it doesn’t pay homage to the reception point. The backfield is set by Round 3, and adding the No. 2 quarterback is a big advantage at the highest-scoring position. Next four rounds have to consider wideouts and maybe a tight end.
Team 3: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Aaron Jones, WR Amari Cooper
Standard sort of start with elite Chase for WR1 and then filling RB1 with the tenth back drafted. Cooper at WR2 means the position can wait without much harm while getting another running back and a quarterback, possibly a tight end if the value is there.
Team 4: RB Austin Ekeler, WR Garrett Wilson, WR DeVonta Smith
Strong start with an elite running back and then doubled on wideouts for plenty of reception points every week. Has to consider running back next before the position becomes risky. Can hold off on WR3 for a while addressing the other positions. Ekeler strong enough that it’s okay to accept some risk on RB2.
Team 5: RB Saquon Barkley, QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Josh Jacobs
Barkley nails down the RB1 and Jacobs made for a risky RB2 but with potential great upside. Wedging in Mahomes is an advantage at the highest-scoring position but now has to respect those reception points that were ignored and mine wideouts and an eventual tight end for maybe all of the first half of the draft.
Team 6: WR Tyreek Hill, RB Najee Harris, WR Chris Olave
Started with a Top-3 wideout and then still reached the ninth running back taken for a balanced start. Added upside Olave for WR2 so should throw more wideouts on the back burner at least until securing a couple of running backs and a quarterback. Solid start at the middle of the round and should watch out for any players that fall.
Team 7: TE Travis Kelce, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, QB Jalen Hurts
Kelce is the natural No. 7 once the top running backs and wideouts are missing. Middle teams can easily end up average but this start yielded the top tight end, a decent WR1 to prevent a liability, and then just managed to land a Top-3 quarterback. The next six to eight rounds have to be alternating running backs and wideouts, with running backs at least next round if not two.
Team 8: WR Cooper Kupp, RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Drake London
Tough spot since Top-3 running backs and wideouts are gone, along with the only tight end guarantees an advantage. Opted to start WR-RB-WR with a solid effect. Kupp is a lock to be a pass sponge and London offers upside. The Taylor pick is risky and yet high upside – something that middle-round teams have to consider to create some advantage at a position while following runs on most all positions.
Team 9: RB Bijan Robinson, WR CeeDee Lamb, WR DK Metcalf
Always a tougher spot to draft from and yet this worked out very well. Landed the hot rookie Robinson which feels great from his upside and then doubled down on wideouts for a stronger set of WR1/WR2. Can consider any position next, but has to revisit running backs at least once in the next two rounds.
Team 10: WR Stefon Diggs, RB Derrick Henry, RB Joe Mixon
Opened with wideout before the tier emptied and then opted for two running backs for a strong backfield. Needs to mine the wideouts for the next several rounds while stopping for a quarterback at some point. Upside tight end later can make up some ground.
Team 11: WR A.J. Brown, WR Davante Adams, RB R. Stevenson
Scooped two wideouts to start and in this format it makes sense. Took Stevenson as a need pick in the third round. Some advantage at WR1/WR2 and can look at any position for a round or two that offers best value. Strong start at wideout means can wait on WR3 and go for quarterback and more running backs.
Team 12: RB Nick Chubb, RB Tony Pollard, TE T.J. Hockenson
Final pick doubled down with running backs after seven wideouts and Kelce was taken – one was in order and two backs means they can ignore the position for the next three rounds or more while loading up on the wideouts and seeding in a quarterback. Hockenson offers a Top-3 tight end for an advantage in one position.

Super Flex / QB-heavy league

This assumes super-flex, where the option to start a second quarterback in a flex position exists and is used by most if not nearly all team owners. Some leagues can have eight quarterbacks in the first round and six in the second round. In others, maybe half as many. So pay attention and assume the worst when the quarterbacks start flying off the shelf. And, guaranteed, they will be heavily represented in those first two rounds.

Team 1: QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Nick Chubb, QB Jared Goff
No question where the first pick goes – only which quarterback you consider the top player. QB1 Mahomes feels very good in this format and allowed a Top-5 RB1 to fall. That third pick of QB2 Goff was the twelfth quarterback taken and while that’s probably doable in most leagues, there are others where the position is raided even harder. This start feels good but that 4.12 pick better look at wideout. It is a deep position but about to become a liability.
Team 2: QB Josh Allen, WR Davante Adams, WR CeeDee Lamb
Drafting at the early part of the first round is still an advantage, though not so much for starting two quarterbacks. QB1 Allen is a huge advantage and opting for WR1 Adams and WR2 Lamb yields two Top-8 wideouts to offer high-point consistency in a position that tends towards hot and cold weeks for most. WR3 can wait while the next four picks should consider running backs. If QB2 waits at all, they should go RB-RB next and then assess the board for quarterback and tight end.
Team 3: RB Christian McCaffrey, WR A.J. Brown, QB Russell Wilson
There are super-flex drafts that are nothing but quarterbacks for the first eight picks, but usually a few teams opt for top players in other positions and it can happen this early. The best RB1 is always a source of consistently high weekly points, and then team went for a Top-6 WR1 since eleven quarterbacks were already taken. Ended up with QB1 Wilson because waiting until the fourth round would produce a below-average QB1. If QB2 is to be a starter, then he has to happen next. But a balanced approach opens up best available opportunities.
Team 4: QB Jalen Hurts, RB Bijan Robinson, RB Tony Pollard
This start yielded a Top-3 QB1 in Hurts for a nice advantage, then doubled down with RB1 Robinson and RB2 Pollard. Backfield is set so next picks are either the QB2 or wide receivers. Could consider a Top-3 tight end, but then wideouts would become a liability unless a sleeper was landed. This start will produce solid and consistent points from those first three picks.
Team 5: WR Justin Jefferson, QB Deshaun Watson, RB Derrick Henry
Top-3 quarterbacks were gone so opted with WR1 of Jefferson and then settled on QB1 Watson. RB1 was Henry as the seventh back taken. Jefferson is the star of the team so far, but balanced start means can search for best value players regardless of position. QB2 is a need pick next round only if two quarterbacks will start and Jefferson is so strong that WR2 and WR3 can wait a little longer.
Team 6: QB Joe Burrow, WR Stefon Diggs, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
After QB1 Burrow, opted for Top-5 WR1 Diggs and sewed up WR2 with St. Brown to give them two Top-10 wideouts. Taking a quarterback in the fourth may still reach someone worth starting but leaves running back as a liability short of landing a sleeper. Over next four rounds, at least two must be running back and likely three to address since at least two will be starters.
Team 7: QB Lamar Jackson, TE Travis Kelce, RB Jonathan Taylor
Grabbed the fifth-best quarterback for a minor advantage at QB1 and then snapped up TE1 Kelce for a nice boost even though he’ll impact all other positions even more in this format – but at least he lasts until the second round. RB1 Taylor is a risk that could pay off. But QB2 will be weaker and has to pursue wideouts in at least two of the next three rounds before they have a liability in a position that may start three players.
Team 8: WR Ja’Marr Chase, RB Saquon Barkley, QB Tua Tagovailoa
This draft slot is a challenge, even in this format. Five quarterbacks are gone as well as the top running back and wideout. Opted for WR1 Chase, then found the third-best running back instead of just taking the twelfth quarterback. QB1 weaker with Tagovailoa but this team opts to compete on non-quarterback value. And can go anywhere in future rounds with a solid start. If better value is in an other position, can wait two or three rounds before their QB2 and accept only one will be a starter.
Team 9: QB Trevor Lawrence, WR Cooper Kupp, WR Garrett Wilson
Another tough spot even in this format, started with great pick of Lawrence for QB1 and then respects the reception point to double on WR1/WR2 with Kupp and Wilson. This is a strong start for this spot. Wideouts can be ignored for another four rounds while they raid running backs and consider a second quarterback. This start can compete in this format.
Team 10: RB Austin Ekeler, QB Dak Prescott, WR Jaylen Waddle
Couldn’t resist RB1 of Ekeler at the 1.10 but then went with Prescott for QB1 not wanting any liability at quarterback. Balanced approach with WR1 in Waddle. There is no particular glaring need in the fourth round but should at least consider quarterback or an elite tight end to sew up the top spot for the main positions and then cherry-pick value the rest of the way.
Team 11: QB Justin Herbert, WR Tyreek Hill, RB Najee Harris
Took Herbert while the getting was still good, and the No. 3 wideout next is an advantage as well. Went for balance with RB1 in the third round and that means all positions are open for the next many rounds. Either a quarterback has to come in the fourth round or plan on not starting two of them. Which can be still effective.
Team 12: QB Kirk Cousins, QB Justin Fields, RB Aaron Jones
The beauty in super-flex leagues is that the penalty for going last in the first round is no longer as severe because mixing in all those quarterbacks extend the available quality of all non-QB positions, and while the first round may consume up to eight quarterbacks, owning both the eighth and ninth best is still an advantage from the highest-scoring position and those other positions will still have quality. Can do anything with this start.