Drafting for your fantasy football league is one of the most exciting parts of the season. For people playing in only one league, this can be the biggest day of their fantasy football season, unless they make the championship. However, it’s also a time when mistakes can be made that will impact your team’s success. Here are some common fantasy football draft mistakes to avoid so that you leave your draft feeling confident and ready for the season.
1. Ignoring League Settings
Before you enter your draft, make sure you have a good understanding of your league’s scoring system and roster settings. Different formats like PPR (points per reception), standard leagues, and half-PPR create different values for players. Additionally, be aware of any flex positions, Superflex spots, or unique scoring rules like TE Premium. Familiarizing yourself with these nuances will help tailor your draft strategy accordingly.
2. Overvaluing Recent Performances
Recency bias can be a trap. Just because a player had a standout season or a few great games last year doesn’t mean they will repeat that performance. Look at the bigger picture, including career trends and the player’s situation heading into the new season. Things like coaching and personnel changes will impact many players’ values for the upcoming fantasy season.
3. Neglecting Bye Weeks
Drafting too many players with the same bye week can leave you scrambling to fill your roster for that week. Balance your team to avoid having multiple key players on bye simultaneously.
NOTE: I myself never pay attention to Bye Weeks, and yes, I am certain this will become a problem for me at some point in time. I am not saying “do as I say not as I do”.
4. Drafting for Name Recognition
Big-name players based on past glory can often be over-drafted. Focus on current value, projections, and the player’s situation rather than relying on their name and past performances.
Lots of novice and veteran fantasy players fall into the “name recognition” trap. Some big names fall off and should be later-round draft picks every season.
5. Ignoring Injury History
Players with a history of injuries carry more risk. While they may offer high upside, it’s crucial to balance your team with more durable players to avoid potential future headaches.
Most fantasy analysts will tell you that injury-prone is not actually real. But players coming off major knee injuries typically need a year or more to be strong and confident on the knee. Also, I tend to avoid players who get injured in preseason, even if it doesn’t seem major sometimes these injuries linger through the season. Making that player less effective for fantasy purposes.
6. Not Using Tier-Based Drafting
Instead of focusing solely on rankings and Average Draft Position (ADP), use tier-based drafting. Group players with similar projected outcomes into tiers to identify value during the draft and make more informed decisions when choosing between players.
7. Reaching for Positional Needs
Drafting a player too early just to fill a positional need can lead to missed value. Stick to your draft strategy and be willing to adjust as necessary based on how the draft unfolds. You may be able to draft the same player two rounds later.
8. Overlooking Rookies
While rookies can be risky, some have the potential to be league winners. Don’t dismiss them entirely. Assess their situation, potential role, and upside before making a decision. Look for rookies that have a clear path to playing time. I know that the common theme in fantasy circles is “Talent wins out”, but that might not be this season. Opportunity for touches wins out for the near future, this is what you want in redraft.
9. Drafting Quarterbacks Too Early
Unless you’re targeting a top-tier quarterback like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, it’s often wise to wait on drafting a QB. The point differential between top-tier QBs and mid-tier QBs is generally smaller than other positions, allowing you to build depth at RB and WR early.
10. Ignoring Handcuffs
If you invest heavily in a top-tier running back, consider drafting their backup (handcuff) in the later rounds. This strategy protects you from losing a significant portion of your team’s production if your starter gets injured. You also may want to consider drafting the primary back up to any top-tier running back. It is always great to have the handcuff of another teams top player, this will give you yet another option and strengthen you line up if things fall right for you.
11. Failing to Adapt
The draft rarely goes exactly as planned, so be prepared to pivot based on how the draft unfolds. If a high-value player falls to you, don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy.
NOTE: You can read up on the Adaptive draft strategy here: Adaptive Draft Strategy
12. Overvaluing Home Team Players
Letting personal bias toward your favorite team influence your draft choices can lead to overvaluing players from that team. Stay objective and draft based on value. This is a common mistake in each and every home league. It comes down to overvaluing the players you know.
13. Ignoring Offseason Changes
Offseason moves like trades, free-agent signings, and coaching changes can significantly impact a player’s value. These changes can alter player performance and opportunities, so keep an eye on them.
Coaching changes specifically tend to impact players in ways not many people take into account. If you know a new head coach or offensive coordinator is more pass-heavy than the old coaching staff this will probably increase the fantasy value of the passing offense on that team.
14. Drafting Too Many Bench Players Early
Using early picks on players who will sit on your bench rather than starting can weaken your overall lineup. Focus on building a strong starting roster first before filling your bench. This is something I typically do. I like to have my starters in place during the mid-rounds of a draft rather than hoping a late-round player will work out.
15. Not Monitoring Preseason and Training Camp
Player performance, injuries, and role changes during the preseason can provide valuable insights. Stay updated on news and reports leading up to the draft to make informed decisions.
Putting it all together
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set yourself up for a successful fantasy football draft and a competitive season. Most importantly have fun, draft your guys, and make sure you have a good starting lineup.
What do you think are the biggest fantasy football draft mistakes? Share your thoughts in the comments below and then make sure to check out our 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit for more great rankings and analysis.