Fantasy football really isn't that difficult. People make it sound complicated, but once you get the hang of things it's easy. It's a great way to bring people together and it's free! My church youth group does one every year and I do one with my cousin and his friends. It's a way to entertain yourself and gives a topic of conversation with friends. But for a lot of people, their first fantasy draft can be stressful because they don't know what to look for. That's the purpose of this article. Understanding what to look for in each round of the draft is important to build a competitive team and this guide will help you build a playoff team.
ROUND 1
Certain people have preferences for what position to choose in the first round of the draft. Some people prefer receivers, others prefer running backs. The important thing to take from this guide is that you can never have too many good skill positions players. The clear top 3 players this year are Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, and Odell Beckham Jr. After the big 3, there is no certain 4th best player. An argument could be made for Deandre Hopkins, Todd Gurley, or any other top talent. Just take whoever you have the most confidence in to have a big season because this pick is essential to a winning season.
ROUND 2
Round 2 is often a time for "sure thing" players. If a first round talent doesn't fall into your lap, the best thing you can do is pick a player who is consistent. This means guys like Mark Ingram. These kinds of players are a good way to ensure quality production if your elite player from the first round goes down with an injury during the season. Week to week production is the key to a title. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
ROUND 3
Another round, another opportunity to take the best available player. In the third round of a standard 10-team league, there should still be capable skill players at both major positions, especially running back because of the number of star wide receivers going in the first couple of rounds. My best advice is to start caring more about possible production than injury risk. It takes breakout players to win a title and this is one of the best rounds to find that linchpin to a championship.
REST OF THE DRAFT
I know that quarterback is the most important position on the field, but not in fantasy. You don't need Cam Newton or Aaron Rodgers to win games. Wait for other teams to make a run on quarterbacks and grab a guy after the stars come off of the board. Guys like Tyrod Taylor and Blake Bortles are a few of my favorites because of their high-floor skillsets. In the middle rounds, look for high floor skill players and guys with breakout potential. There's no better feeling than coming back from a blowout because some no name receiver goes off for 3 touchdowns Some guy who goes undrafted is going to be a top-15 player, I guarantee it.
Look for a reliable tight end who has a close connection with their quarterback in the later rounds. Or take Gronk in the first round, because the guy is a freak of nature. In the second-to-last round draft a kicker who you like and has a capable offense, and in the last round draft a defense. I prefer to stream defenses and pick one up every week based on matchups, but if you can get an elite unit, jump on the opportunity and watch them swing games in your favor.
But the most important rule of fantasy sports is to have a good time. That's why we do it. Not for the cash prize or the bragging rights. Well, maybe a little bit for those things. But to enjoy sports and make each game and performance mean that much more to you and your friends. Good luck and Godspeed.
