How to draft successfully in Fantasy NFL

The draft is the most important part of your NFL Fantasy season. A good strategy at this stage can make the difference between a successful year and one filled with frustration.

1. Know the rules and scoring system

Check if your league is PPR (Points Per Reception), standard, or half-PPR.

Check if there are extra points for long plays, bonuses for reaching certain yards, etc.

Understanding the scoring system will help you prioritize certain positions or types of players.

2. Conduct a mock draft

Use platforms like NFL Fantasy, ESPN, Yahoo, or Sleeper to practice.

This will give you an idea of how other managers behave and in which rounds certain players typically come.

3. Choose a starting strategy

"RB-RB": Go for two elite running backs in the early rounds.

"Zero RB": Prioritize wide receivers and top tight ends, leaving RBs for the middle rounds.

Balanced: Combine a RB and a WR in the first two rounds.

4. Look for value in every round

In the early rounds: safe and consistent players.

In the middle rounds: solid starters and potential breakouts.

In the later rounds: sleepers or quality backups who could excel if a starter gets injured.

5. Don't ignore the quarterback or tight end

In standard leagues, wait to take a QB, unless a top pick like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Jalen Hurts falls more than expected.

At TE, it's only worth going early for superstars (Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews) or waiting and looking for value in the later rounds.

6. Consider the schedule and bye weeks

Avoid having your best players all have the same bye week.

Look at the first games of the year: an easy start can give you an advantage.

7. Be flexible during the draft

Don't get tied to a rigid plan. If a high-value player falls, take advantage of him even if he's not your initial priority.

Observe what others are doing to anticipate their needs.