As the 2024 NFL season approaches, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out strategy to maximize your chances of success. Today I present you with 14 fantasy football draft tips to help you dominate your upcoming drafts and set yourself up for a winning season.
Fantasy Football Draft Tips to Maximize Your Success in 2024
1. Know Your League Settings
Understand your league’s scoring system and roster settings before entering any draft. PPR (points per reception), standard, and half-PPR leagues value players differently. Familiarize yourself with these nuances to tailor your draft strategy.
2. Use Tier-Based Drafting
Instead of focusing solely on player rankings and ADP, group players with similar projected outcomes into tiers. This approach helps you identify value and make informed decisions during the draft. Tiers also prevent you from fixating on a single player, keeping you emotionally in check.
3. Mitigate Risk in the Early Rounds
In the early rounds, select players who provide consistent, high value. Avoid reaching for high-upside players who haven’t proven themselves. Remember, “The draft won’t win you a championship, but it could lose it for you.” Stick to reliable performers early on.
4. Increase Risk in the Middle Rounds
In the middle rounds, balance filling your starting lineup with drafting higher-upside bench players. This is the time to take calculated risks on players who can break out.
5. High Risk/High Reward in Late Rounds
The late rounds are for taking upside swings on players who could produce big if given the opportunity. Look for players with a path to significant touches. If they don’t pan out, they can be your first drops for waiver wire pickups.
6. Prioritize Running Backs Early
Running backs have the highest positional scarcity. Prioritize them early to build a strong foundation, as the talent drop-off is steep. Despite the popularity of ZeroRB strategies, securing top-tier RBs like Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, or Jahmyr Gibbs early can be beneficial.
7. Target Wide Receivers with High Target Shares
In PPR leagues, wide receivers with high target shares are invaluable. Players like Puka Nacua, who had a 28.6% target share in 2023, provide consistent points. Focus on teams with a concentrated passing tree for additional value.
8. Don’t Overlook Tight Ends
The tight end position can provide a significant advantage. Top options like Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta, and Trey McBride offer a weekly edge. If you miss out on the elite tier, look for high-upside players later.
9. Wait on Quarterbacks
Unless targeting a top-tier QB like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, wait on drafting a QB. The point difference between top QBs and mid-tier QBs is usually smaller than at other positions. This allows you to build depth at RB and WR before selecting a QB.
10. Monitor Offseason Changes
Keep an eye on trades, free-agent signings, and coaching changes. These moves can significantly impact player values. Pay attention during training camp to see how these changes affect player roles.
11. Pay Attention to Injuries
Injuries create value opportunities. Stay updated on player injuries and recovery timelines. Drafting players returning from injury can be high-risk but high-reward. Be aware of players like Kyler Murray, who are a year removed from major injuries.
12. Handcuff Top Running Backs
Consider drafting the backup (handcuff) to your top-tier running backs in later rounds. This strategy protects your team’s production if your starter gets injured. Additionally, drafting someone else’s handcuff can provide a boost if the starter gets hurt.
13. Look for Late-Round Sleepers
Late-round picks can differentiate between a good team and a championship team. Target players with upside, such as rookies or players in new situations with increased roles. Monitor training camp and preseason for emerging talents.
14. Stay Flexible
Have a draft plan but be ready to adapt. Drafts rarely go as planned, so be prepared to pivot. If a high-value player falls to you, adjust your strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
Drafting a successful fantasy football team requires you to be prepared, adaptive, and a have keen understanding of player values and league settings. By following these tips and staying informed throughout the offseason, you can maximize your chances of drafting a winning team in 2024.
Got a few fantasy football draft tips of your own? Drop some knowledge in the comments below and then make sure to check out our 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit for more great rankings and analysis.