Draft Strategies

The main approaches fantasy players use to build a draft. Each one is a bet on how scarce certain positions will be and how injuries shake out.

Robust RB

Take running backs with your first two or three picks. The bet is that running back is the scarcest position and the position most likely to get hurt, so you want to lock in your two starting RBs early.

Works in standard and half-PPR formats. Less effective in full PPR because elite wide receivers catch up in value.

Zero RB

Take zero running backs in the first 5-6 rounds. Stack wide receivers and a tight end early, then fill running back with cheap upside guys late. The bet is that running backs get hurt at a higher rate than receivers, so you can find replacement-level production on the waiver wire all year.

Works best in PPR. Risky in standard.

Hero RB

Take one elite running back in the first round, then load up on wide receivers and a tight end for the next several rounds. A middle ground between Robust RB and Zero RB.

The most popular approach in modern PPR drafts.

Late-Round QB

Skip quarterback until round 10 or later. The bet is that there are 20+ startable quarterbacks every year so you don't need to spend an early pick on one. Use the early picks on RBs and WRs where the talent drop-off is steeper.

Doesn't work in superflex leagues where you need two starting QBs.

Onesie Strategy (TE / QB)

Pay up for ONE positional advantage. Pick the top tight end (Travis Kelce historically, Sam LaPorta more recently) or the top quarterback. The bet is that the gap between the #1 player at that position and the #10 player is huge, so the locked-in advantage is worth a high pick.

Stack and Bring-Back

For tournament best-ball formats and high-stakes leagues. Take a QB and one of his receivers from the same team (stack). Then take a player from an opposing team you expect them to play in a high-scoring game (bring-back). The bet is that shootout games produce stacked fantasy weeks.

Why This Matters

A player's value depends on the strategy your league is built around. A running back going in round 3 might be a steal for a Hero RB drafter and a reach for a Zero RB drafter. Every player page should note the strategies where the player fits best.