Your First Draft: 10-Step Guide
Everything you need for draft day
Before the Draft: Preparation
Step 1: Know Your League Settings (2 days before)
Check if you're in Standard or PPR scoring. This changes everything! In PPR, pass-catching running backs are way more valuable.
Step 2: Find a Cheat Sheet (1 day before)
Google "fantasy football cheat sheet 2024 [your scoring format]". Print it out. This is your bible on draft day.
Step 3: Mock Draft Once (Optional)
Sites like ESPN and Yahoo let you do practice drafts. Do ONE mock draft just to understand how the draft board works. Don't overthink it.
The Golden Rules of Drafting
Rule #1: Running Backs First
In rounds 1-3, prioritize running backs. Why? There are only about 15-20 good fantasy RBs, but 30+ good wide receivers. Scarcity matters!
Rule #2: Don't Draft a QB or TE Early
Never draft a QB in the first 5 rounds. Never draft a TE before round 6 (unless it's Travis Kelce). There are plenty of serviceable options later.
Rule #3: Don't Draft a Kicker Until the Last Round
Kickers are unpredictable. Wait until the very last pick. Same with Defense – second-to-last round at earliest.
Rule #4: Best Player Available > Positional Need
If you planned to draft a WR but the best RB on the board is clearly better, take the RB. Value over everything.
Rule #5: Don't Draft Injured Players
If a player is listed as "Out" or "Doubtful", skip them. You're not smart enough yet to predict injury returns (none of us are).
Round-by-Round Strategy
Rounds 1-2: Elite Running Backs or WR1s
Go for Christian McCaffrey, Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, or similar top-tier players. These are the consistent studs.
Rounds 3-5: Fill RB and WR
Make sure you have at least 2 RBs and 2 WRs by the end of round 5. These are your every-week starters.
Rounds 6-8: WR Depth and Maybe a TE
Load up on wide receivers. If Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews is still available around round 6, consider grabbing them.
Rounds 9-11: Quarterback and Flex Depth
Finally grab your QB! Look for someone like Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson. Also add depth RBs/WRs.
Rounds 12-14: Bench Stashes
Upside picks. Rookies, injury recoveries, or players in new situations. These are lottery tickets.
Last 2 Rounds: Defense and Kicker
Pick a defense against a bad offense in Week 1. Pick any kicker on a good offense. Seriously, it doesn't matter.
Draft Day Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Drafting Your Favorite Team's Players
Draft the BEST players, not your favorite players. Bias kills fantasy teams.
❌ Reaching for Players
If your cheat sheet says a player is ranked #45 and it's only pick #20, don't draft them yet. Someone better is available.
❌ Drafting Based on Last Year
Players change teams, get older, lose targets. Use current year rankings.
❌ Panicking When Your Pick is Taken
Your target will get drafted by someone else. It's okay! Have a backup plan (your cheat sheet).
❌ Drafting Two QBs Early
You only start one QB per week. Don't waste a pick on a backup until very late.
During the Draft: What to Do
When It's Your Turn:
1. Look at the top 5 players on your cheat sheet who aren't drafted yet
2. Pick the highest-ranked one that fills a need (RB or WR early, QB/TE later)
3. Don't spend more than 30 seconds deciding
4. Cross them off your list
Between Your Picks:
1. Cross off players as they get drafted
2. Circle 3-5 players you want for your next pick
3. Don't stress – this isn't life or death
If You Mess Up:
It's fine! One bad pick won't ruin your season. The waiver wire exists for a reason.
Sample Draft for 12-Team League
Here's what a solid draft might look like from the 6th pick:
Round 1 (Pick 6): Bijan Robinson, RB
Round 2 (Pick 19): Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
Round 3 (Pick 30): Travis Etienne, RB
Round 4 (Pick 43): DeVonta Smith, WR
Round 5 (Pick 54): Rhamondre Stevenson, RB
Round 6 (Pick 67): Calvin Ridley, WR
Round 7 (Pick 78): Dallas Goedert, TE
Round 8 (Pick 91): Lamar Jackson, QB
Round 9 (Pick 102): Raheem Mostert, RB
Round 10 (Pick 115): Jordan Addison, WR
Round 11 (Pick 126): Gabe Davis, WR
Round 12 (Pick 139): Zack Moss, RB
Round 13 (Pick 150): Taysom Hill, TE (Flex/backup)
Round 14 (Pick 163): Baltimore Ravens, DST
Round 15 (Pick 174): Justin Tucker, K
Notice: 2 RBs in first 3 rounds, QB in round 8, defense and kicker last!
After the Draft
Don't Panic About Your Team
Everyone thinks they drafted badly. You probably did fine. Week 1 hasn't even happened yet!
Review Your Roster
Make sure you have: 2-3 RBs, 3-4 WRs, 1-2 QBs, 1-2 TEs, 1 K, 1 DST
Set Your Week 1 Lineup
Start your best players! Don't overthink it. We'll talk about lineup decisions in another guide.
Celebrate!
You survived your first draft! Grab a beer, talk trash to your league mates, and get ready for Week 1!