The NFL fantasy draft season is upon us, and it's time to get ready to dominate your league. With so many talented players to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide who to pick and when. That's where this cheat sheet comes in – to help you make informed decisions and snag the top picks and sleepers.
Understanding the Importance of a Solid Draft Strategy
A successful NFL fantasy draft requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and a little bit of luck. With the right approach, you can set yourself up for a championship season. A solid draft strategy involves understanding the scoring system, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each player, and being able to adapt to the draft as it unfolds.
Top Picks by Position
Here are the top picks by position, taking into account their average draft position (ADP) and overall value:
Quarterbacks
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) - ADP: 2.5
- Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) - ADP: 4.5
- Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans) - ADP: 6.5
- Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) - ADP: 8.5
- Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) - ADP: 10.5
Running Backs
- Christian McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers) - ADP: 1.5
- Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) - ADP: 3.5
- Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys) - ADP: 5.5
- Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) - ADP: 7.5
- Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings) - ADP: 9.5
Wide Receivers
- Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints) - ADP: 2.5
- DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals) - ADP: 4.5
- Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers) - ADP: 6.5
- Tyreek Hill (Kansas City Chiefs) - ADP: 8.5
- Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) - ADP: 10.5
Tight Ends
- Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) - ADP: 5.5
- George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) - ADP: 7.5
- Zach Ertz (Philadelphia Eagles) - ADP: 9.5
- Hunter Henry (Los Angeles Chargers) - ADP: 11.5
- T.J. Hockenson (Detroit Lions) - ADP: 13.5
Defenses/Special Teams
- New England Patriots - ADP: 10.5
- San Francisco 49ers - ADP: 12.5
- Chicago Bears - ADP: 14.5
- Pittsburgh Steelers - ADP: 16.5
- Los Angeles Rams - ADP: 18.5
**Sleeper Picks by Position**
Here are some sleeper picks by position, taking into account their ADP and potential for a breakout season:
Quarterbacks
- Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) - ADP: 12.5
- Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) - ADP: 14.5
- Daniel Jones (New York Giants) - ADP: 16.5
- Gardner Minshew (Jacksonville Jaguars) - ADP: 18.5
- Jimmy Garoppolo (San Francisco 49ers) - ADP: 20.5
Running Backs
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Kansas City Chiefs) - ADP: 10.5
- Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) - ADP: 12.5
- Cam Akers (Los Angeles Rams) - ADP: 14.5
- Zack Moss (Buffalo Bills) - ADP: 16.5
- A.J. Dillon (Green Bay Packers) - ADP: 18.5
Wide Receivers
- CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) - ADP: 8.5
- Henry Ruggs III (Las Vegas Raiders) - ADP: 10.5
- Jerry Jeudy (Denver Broncos) - ADP: 12.5
- Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers) - ADP: 14.5
- Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts) - ADP: 16.5
Tight Ends
- Jonnu Smith (Tennessee Titans) - ADP: 11.5
- Cole Kmet (Chicago Bears) - ADP: 13.5
- Will Dissly (Seattle Seahawks) - ADP: 15.5
- Albert Okwuegbunam (Denver Broncos) - ADP: 17.5
- Gerald Everett (Los Angeles Rams) - ADP: 19.5
Defenses/Special Teams
- Minnesota Vikings - ADP: 14.5
- Tennessee Titans - ADP: 16.5
- Indianapolis Colts - ADP: 18.5
- Cleveland Browns - ADP: 20.5
- Atlanta Falcons - ADP: 22.5
**Draft Strategy Tips**
Here are some draft strategy tips to help you dominate your league:
- Focus on consistency: Target players with a consistent track record of performance, rather than those with high upside but limited reliability.
- Build a strong running back corps: Running backs are often the foundation of a fantasy team, so prioritize them in the early rounds.
- Wide receiver depth is key: With the increasing importance of the passing game, having a deep and talented wide receiver corps is crucial.
- Tight end is a priority: Top-tier tight ends can be a game-changer, so don't hesitate to target them in the early rounds.
- Defense/Special Teams matters: A strong defense/special teams unit can make a significant difference in your fantasy team's performance.
**Conclusion**
The NFL fantasy draft is an exciting and unpredictable event, but with the right strategy and preparation, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to stay flexible, adapt to the draft as it unfolds, and target the top picks and sleepers. With this cheat sheet, you'll be well on your way to dominating your league and bringing home the championship.
Share your thoughts!
What's your favorite draft strategy? Who are your top picks and sleepers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the average draft position (ADP) and how is it calculated?
+The ADP is a measure of where a player is typically being drafted in fantasy football leagues. It's calculated by averaging the draft position of a player across multiple leagues and platforms.
How many rounds should I prioritize running backs in the draft?
+It's generally recommended to prioritize running backs in the first 2-3 rounds of the draft, depending on the scoring system and league settings.
What is the difference between a sleeper pick and a bust?
+A sleeper pick is a player who is expected to exceed their average draft position and have a breakout season. A bust, on the other hand, is a player who is expected to underperform and disappoint fantasy owners.