Flexibility, tiering and a clear Do Not Draft list are shaping fantasy football draft strategy this season. The approach centers on adapting to how the draft unfolds and optimizing each choice based on value, not reputation.
Key ideas from this strategy
– Be flexible with position picks. The author notes a willingness to grab a top-tier quarterback in a pinch, but only if it makes sense in context—such as when a coveted QB slides to Round 4 and other positions have dried up. This highlights the core principle: value over rigid tier targets.
– Do Not Draft list as a guiding tool. The writer maintains a personal list of players they won’t draft at standard prices this year. The list spans rounds, including two first-round selections and two players ranked No. 1, plus a broader set of names avoided across multiple rounds. The rationale is consistency: if the cost isn’t justified by upside or reliability, those players won’t appear on their rosters, whether in real leagues or mock drafts.
– Balance and alternatives. By identifying who to avoid, the strategy encourages finding safer or more upside-filled alternatives at each tier. The idea is to replace overvalued targets with players who provide steadier production or greater format-driven upside.
What this means for your draft
– Build around tiers, not strict rankings. When a top option becomes available at a later round due to the unpredictable nature of drafts, it may be worth pouncing if it fills a critical gap and the price remains reasonable.
– Don’t chase scarcity at the expense of value. If a player is overvalued due to hype but offers little reliable upside, the Do Not Draft mindset can help you pass and invest in more impactful assets instead.
– Use a clear, repeatable framework. Having a defined Do Not Draft list and a plan for how you’ll pivot when your targets dry up enables quicker decisions on draft day and reduces decision fatigue.
Additional considerations to add value
– Adapt to your league settings. PPR, half-PPR, or standard scoring can shift which players land on your Do Not Draft list and when certain players become affordable or overpriced. Tailor your thresholds accordingly.
– Consider upside vs. reliability. In some cases, a high-variance player with ceiling potential could be worth a flyer in specific rounds, while in other formats or leagues, it might be wiser to stick to steadier producers.
– Prepare multiple scenarios. Have a fallback plan for every round: a best-case scenario if top targets fall, a middle-ground if the draft moves quickly, and a worst-case plan for runs on certain positions.
Summary
The strategy centers on drafting with a flexible mindset, guided by a personal Do Not Draft list that helps avoid overpaying for players whose cost outweighs their floor and ceiling. By focusing on value, tiers, and context-specific decisions, fantasy players can build balanced rosters that adapt to the twists and turns of draft day.
Takeaway
– Value-driven drafting requires discipline and a clear plan. Use your Do Not Draft list to steer away from overpriced targets and pivot toward players who offer better day-to-day reliability or higher upside, especially when other positions become thin. A disciplined, adaptable approach increases the chance of a strong season regardless of initial surprise picks.