I had my first Fantasy Football draft of the year last week for my favorite league, the OFFL. We held it a tad early this season as my son is off to college and wanted to draft in person. A shoutout to Emily of Sun Tavern in Roselle Park, N.J., for putting up with our ravenous calls for pizza, wings, beer and bourbon. We failed to keep our sticky fingers from staining the draft board, but smeared buffalo sauce on Josh Allen seemed somehow appropriate. Even so, my first draft day tip is to wash your hands after you eat. The following are a few more Fantasy Billboard tips to make your draft a success.
CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF AIYUK — It’s just too good to be true if Brandon Aiyuk stays in San Francisco. He’s a borderline WR1 if he does. But should he get shipped to Siberia (aka Pittsburgh), you won’t want to hold him so much. Wait until the 10th round.
LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER — Don’t be one of the hundreds of buffoons that draft from a Fantasy Football magazine printed in late May. With no up-to-date info or current player status, it’s an accident waiting to happen. You need to know that Nick Chubb, T.J. Hockenson, and Jonathan Brooks are on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Check before you draft.
WE GOT THE CHEATS — Current cheat sheets are a must. There are plenty available on the web (FantasyGuru.com is the best, of course). Just make sure you are looking at the appropriate cheat sheet for your league. A standard scoring league ranks players much differently than a point per reception league. For example, Derrick Henry is ranked the third-best RB in standard leagues but falls to seventh in PPR because he doesn’t catch many balls. Know the difference.
HERE COMES THE RUN — After the first QB is drafted, you can bet a run on the position will be here, there and everywhere. So, if you can’t live without Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes as your QB, don’t wait. Yes, picking a QB too soon is taboo, but if it makes your Fantasy Football experience more fun, let it be.
DAYS OF FUTURES PAST — Before you start your 2024 draft, have every team pick a number out of a hat (1-10 in 10 team leagues, 1-12 in 12 team leagues, etc.). The number they draw is their draft position for next year. By doing this, every team knows where they stand and can start mock drafting in June.
I WANT YOU TO WANT ME — If you’re sitting five slots away from your upcoming pick and it looks like the player you covet will get drafted soon, make a trade. Offer your next two picks for another owner’s next two. You’ll move up in the current round, and move down in the ensuing one, but you’ll have your man.
YOU CAN LOOK (BUT BETTER NOT TOUCH) — Every year there are specific players I swear I will never have on my team. I make a list of these “untouchable” players and promise that no matter where they fall in the draft, even if they are the steal of the century, I will not select them. I’m looking at you, Odell Beckham Jr.
MY SWEET FORD — Draft RB Jerome Ford. He was terrific as Nick Chubb’s replacement last year (219 Fantasy points), and enters the 2024 season as the Browns’ starter. With the 29-year-old Chubb on the PUP list (torn MCL, damaged ACL), the Browns are not sure when he’ll return, or in what capacity. His knee injury was the most devastating thing I’ve ever witnessed.
ONE BOURBON, ONE SCOTCH, ONE BEER — Having a libation at your draft is a rite of passage. But avoid a DUI at all costs (Drafting Under the Influence). You can recover from a hangover in about 24 hours, but an alcohol-infused draft full of drunken miscues can last an entire NFL season.
THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART — Be patient and always keep an eye on your competition’s draft. If every team but yours took a starting QB, you have the luxury of waiting a few rounds, stocking up on valuable RBs and WRs. Last year’s champion, the Kardiac Kids, did just that and scored QB Kyler Murray in the 11th round.
ONLY THE GOOD DRAFT YOUNG — RBs Eric Gray of the Giants and Jaylen Wright of the Dolphins both had smash performances last week. It’s going to be hard to keep them off the field. Draft them late and stash them on your roster. You’re welcome.
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ONE MANS OPINION — “Waiting on RB is fashionable this year, but don’t be ridiculous about it. The Zero RB theory is a scam. It should be called the ‘get lucky’ or ‘hope this works’ theory instead.”- Jeff Mans, FantasyGuru.com. Get 30% off the subscription price from FantasyGuru.com, the finest source for Seasonal, DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) and Sports Gaming advice. Just go to FantasyGuru.com and enter the code NEW30 for instant savings.
Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, a columnist and artist for FantasyGuru.com, and author of Jets legend Joe Klecko’s Hall of Fame acceptance speech.