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Before we get started, here's a hearty welcome to the world of fantasy football. Like every other aspect of sports, this place is filled with joy and heartache. Let's do our best to reduce the heartache.
Since you're new to the hobby, you likely have some nervousness running through your veins right now. This is normal for almost everyone when starting something new. You don't know exactly what's going to happen, and you definitely don't want to do something stupid and embarrass yourself. This article can help with all of that.
First off, let's go over the basics of fantasy football:
- Simply put, you are going to act like the general manager of an NFL team.
- You and the other people in your league will take turns picking real-life NFL players. The players you pick will play for a variety of real-life teams, but they will all be on your fantasy team.
- Each week, your team will play a game against another team in your league. You'll each pick a starting lineup. When those players score in the NFL, they'll also score points for your teams. The team that scores the most points will win that game.
- After 13 or 14 weeks, the best teams - usually based on record but sometimes on points scored - in your league will have qualified for your fantasy playoffs.
- After Week 16 of the NFL season, your league will crown a champion.
Now, before we talk about how to pick players, we need to make some assumptions about your new league:
- Your league probably has 10 or 12 teams.
- Your draft probably has 16 or 18 rounds.
- Your starting lineup is probably 1 quarterback, 2 running backs, 3 wide receivers, 1 tight end, 1 kicker, and 1 defense.
- Your scoring system probably awards points for touchdowns and for yards. It may or may not award a point for each reception.
The majority of leagues out there are either exactly or very close to what is described above. The More your league deviates from these assumptions, the more research you'll need to do here.
Assumptions
But let's assume your league is generally normal. That means these things are also true:
- Quarterbacks Aren't That Important in Fantasy Football
In the real world, guys like Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Andrew Luck make all the difference to their team's fortunes. That's not the case in fantasy football. There are lots of quarterbacks who will make very good to great fantasy options for your team. And you probably only need one in your starting lineup. - Running Backs Are Important in Fantasy Football
This is the case for several reasons, but the biggest is a concept called positional scarcity. There simply aren't enough running backs who get significant carries and/or receptions to go around. And you probably have to have two in your team's starting lineup. - Wide Receivers Are Also Important
This position is a combination of quarterback and running back. Similar to quarterbacks, there are lots of wide receivers who are good options. But like running backs, you have to start multiple wide receivers - most likely three. - Tight Ends Are Either Awesome or Ho-Hum
The elite tight ends — Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and Zach Ertz — are difference-makers. The other guys at the position don't offer much separation. - Defenses and Kickers Are Pretty Much Afterthoughts
Defenses are more important than kickers but just barely.
Your Basic Draft Plan
The plan outlined below is easy to follow and will give you a solid, balanced team. With more research, you could do better. You'll have to invest the time, though. You'll need to dig deeper into Footballguys or one of the dozens of other quality fantasy football sites around the internet.
But if you are just looking to have a good time drafting and not worry about doing something stupid that would go viral on Twitter, this basic plan will certainly allow you to do that.
The First 6 Rounds
You should focus on running backs and wide receivers in these rounds. It's also acceptable to select Gronkowski, Kelce, or Ertz in this range as well.
Here's how many of each position you should have after six rounds:
- Quarterbacks - 0
- Running Backs - 2-4
- Wide Receivers - 2-4
- Tight Ends - 0-1
- Defenses - 0
- Kickers - 0
Rounds 7 through 10
This is the time to select your first quarterback. Picking a tight end is also a good option. Also, if you only selected two running backs or two wide receivers in the first six rounds, you need to focus on that position here as well.
Here's how many of each position you should have after 10 rounds:
- Quarterbacks - 1
- Running Backs - 4-5
- Wide Receivers - 4-5
- Tight Ends - 0-1
- Defenses - 0
- Kickers - 0
Rounds 11 through 13
You need to get a second quarterback here. Make sure your two quarterbacks have different bye weeks. If you don't have a tight end already, get one here. One of the top defenses is a nice option as well.
Here's how many of each position you should have after 13 rounds:
- Quarterbacks - 2
- Running Backs - 4-6
- Wide Receivers - 4-6
- Tight Ends - 1
- Defenses - 0-1
- Kickers - 0
Round 14 through the Second-to-Last Round
It's time to fill out your roster (except for a kicker). If you didn't get one earlier, take a defense. Get a backup tight end. Make sure your two tight ends have different bye weeks. Bolster your running backs and/or wide receivers here as well.
Here's how many of each position you should have after the next-to-last round:
- Quarterbacks - 2
- Running Backs - 5-6
- Wide Receivers - 5-7
- Tight Ends - 2
- Defenses - 1
- Kickers - 0
The Last Round
Easiest round ever: Get your kicker.
Here's how many of each position you should have after your draft is finished:
- Quarterbacks - 2
- Running Backs - 5-6
- Wide Receivers - 5-7
- Tight Ends - 2
- Defenses - 1
- Kickers - 1
Draft Plan Summary Points
- As mentioned earlier and evidenced in the draft plan, running backs and wide receivers are vital to your fantasy team and make up the bulk of your roster.
- You don't need a backup defense nor a backup kicker. If you need another one later in the season, your league will have plenty of free agents available at these positions.
- You should have a couple of nice options at quarterback and at tight end.
Who to Pick?
Your plan tells you which position to take and when to take them, but you also need to know who to take.
Before we give you a basic list of players, please take a moment to understand why having a custom cheatsheet is so important.
If you are a Season Long Pro at Footballguys, awesome. Here are two quick options for your cheatsheet:
- If your league awards a point for a catch, use this cheatsheet.
- If your league doesn't award a point for a catch, use this cheatsheet.
If you are a Season Long Pro and completely sold on the concept of a custom cheatsheet, get one here.
If you are not a Season Long Pro and are okay with a generic list of players, that's cool. Use the table below for your draft.
But please note the list below is not ranked based on Footballguys recommendations. It's simply a generic player list based on Average Draft Position or ADP. It shows you where players have been drafted on average in other leagues as of August 24, 2018.
If you want to have the best draft possible, click here to learn more, including how new DRAFT.com customers can get our Season Long Pro subscription for FREE.
Running Backs
|
|||||||||||
1
|
RB
|
Todd Gurley
|
LAR
|
27
|
RB
|
Ronald Jones
|
TB
|
53
|
RB
|
Latavius Murray
|
Min
|
2
|
RB
|
Le'Veon Bell
|
Pit
|
28
|
RB
|
Kerryon Johnson
|
Det
|
54
|
RB
|
Theo Riddick
|
Det
|
3
|
RB
|
David Johnson
|
Ari
|
29
|
RB
|
Rex Burkhead
|
NE
|
55
|
RB
|
Samaje Perine
|
Was
|
4
|
RB
|
Ezekiel Elliott
|
Dal
|
30
|
RB
|
Marshawn Lynch
|
Oak
|
56
|
RB
|
Rob Kelley
|
Was
|
5
|
RB
|
Alvin Kamara
|
NO
|
31
|
RB
|
Chris Thompson
|
Was
|
57
|
RB
|
Doug Martin
|
Oak
|
6
|
RB
|
Saquon Barkley
|
NYG
|
32
|
RB
|
Sony Michel
|
NE
|
58
|
RB
|
Jordan Wilkins
|
Ind
|
7
|
RB
|
Melvin Gordon
|
LAC
|
33
|
RB
|
Tarik Cohen
|
Chi
|
59
|
RB
|
Austin Ekeler
|
LAC
|
8
|
RB
|
Leonard Fournette
|
Jac
|
34
|
RB
|
Carlos Hyde
|
Cle
|
60
|
RB
|
LeGarrette Blount
|
Det
|
9
|
RB
|
Kareem Hunt
|
KC
|
35
|
RB
|
Isaiah Crowell
|
NYJ
|
61
|
RB
|
T.J. Yeldon
|
Jac
|
10
|
RB
|
Dalvin Cook
|
Min
|
36
|
RB
|
Jamaal Williams
|
GB
|
62
|
RB
|
Chris Ivory
|
Buf
|
11
|
RB
|
Christian McCaffrey
|
Car
|
37
|
RB
|
Marlon Mack
|
Ind
|
63
|
RB
|
Frank Gore
|
Mia
|
12
|
RB
|
Devonta Freeman
|
Atl
|
38
|
RB
|
Duke Johnson
|
Cle
|
64
|
RB
|
Spencer Ware
|
KC
|
13
|
RB
|
Jerick McKinnon
|
SF
|
39
|
RB
|
Chris Carson
|
Sea
|
65
|
RB
|
Javorious Allen
|
Bal
|
14
|
RB
|
Joe Mixon
|
Cin
|
40
|
RB
|
C.J. Anderson
|
Car
|
66
|
RB
|
Kalen Ballage
|
Mia
|
15
|
RB
|
Jordan Howard
|
Chi
|
41
|
RB
|
Aaron Jones
|
GB
|
67
|
RB
|
James Conner
|
Pit
|
16
|
RB
|
LeSean McCoy
|
Buf
|
42
|
RB
|
Nick Chubb
|
Cle
|
68
|
RB
|
Jeremy Hill
|
NE
|
17
|
RB
|
Alex Collins
|
Bal
|
43
|
RB
|
James White
|
NE
|
69
|
RB
|
Darren Sproles
|
Phi
|
18
|
RB
|
Kenyan Drake
|
Mia
|
44
|
RB
|
Ty Montgomery
|
GB
|
70
|
RB
|
Kenneth Dixon
|
Bal
|
19
|
RB
|
Derrick Henry
|
Ten
|
45
|
RB
|
Devontae Booker
|
Den
|
71
|
RB
|
John Kelly
|
LAR
|
20
|
RB
|
Jay Ajayi
|
Phi
|
46
|
RB
|
Giovani Bernard
|
Cin
|
72
|
RB
|
Jonathan Stewart
|
NYG
|
21
|
RB
|
Lamar Miller
|
Hou
|
47
|
RB
|
Nyheim Hines
|
Ind
|
73
|
RB
|
DeAngelo Henderson
|
Den
|
22
|
RB
|
Royce Freeman
|
Den
|
48
|
RB
|
Corey Clement
|
Phi
|
74
|
RB
|
Chase Edmonds
|
Ari
|
23
|
RB
|
Mark Ingram
|
NO
|
49
|
RB
|
Peyton Barber
|
TB
|
75
|
RB
|
Rod Smith
|
Dal
|
24
|
RB
|
Dion Lewis
|
Ten
|
50
|
RB
|
D'Onta Foreman
|
Hou
|
76
|
RB
|
Chris Warren II
|
Oak
|
25
|
RB
|
Tevin Coleman
|
Atl
|
51
|
RB
|
Matt Breida
|
SF
|
77
|
RB
|
Corey Grant
|
Jac
|
26
|
RB
|
Rashaad Penny
|
Sea
|
52
|
RB
|
Bilal Powell
|
NYJ
|
78
|
RB
|
Alfred Morris
|
SF
|
Wide Receivers
|
|||||||||||
1
|
WR
|
Antonio Brown
|
Pit
|
33
|
WR
|
Emmanuel Sanders
|
Den
|
65
|
WR
|
Christian Kirk
|
Ari
|
2
|
WR
|
DeAndre Hopkins
|
Hou
|
34
|
WR
|
Cooper Kupp
|
LAR
|
66
|
WR
|
Dede Westbrook
|
Jac
|
3
|
WR
|
Odell Beckham
|
NYG
|
35
|
WR
|
Jamison Crowder
|
Was
|
67
|
WR
|
John Brown
|
Bal
|
4
|
WR
|
Julio Jones
|
Atl
|
36
|
WR
|
Robert Woods
|
LAR
|
68
|
WR
|
Keelan Cole
|
Jac
|
5
|
WR
|
Michael Thomas
|
NO
|
37
|
WR
|
Devin Funchess
|
Car
|
69
|
WR
|
Ted Ginn
|
NO
|
6
|
WR
|
Keenan Allen
|
LAC
|
38
|
WR
|
Randall Cobb
|
GB
|
70
|
WR
|
Danny Amendola
|
Mia
|
7
|
WR
|
Davante Adams
|
GB
|
39
|
WR
|
Pierre Garcon
|
SF
|
71
|
WR
|
Geronimo Allison
|
GB
|
8
|
WR
|
A.J. Green
|
Cin
|
40
|
WR
|
Jordy Nelson
|
Oak
|
72
|
WR
|
John Ross
|
Cin
|
9
|
WR
|
Mike Evans
|
TB
|
41
|
WR
|
Robby Anderson
|
NYJ
|
73
|
WR
|
Courtland Sutton
|
Den
|
10
|
WR
|
T.Y. Hilton
|
Ind
|
42
|
WR
|
Nelson Agholor
|
Phi
|
74
|
WR
|
James Washington
|
Pit
|
11
|
WR
|
Tyreek Hill
|
KC
|
43
|
WR
|
DeVante Parker
|
Mia
|
75
|
WR
|
Antonio Callaway
|
Cle
|
12
|
WR
|
Stefon Diggs
|
Min
|
44
|
WR
|
Kelvin Benjamin
|
Buf
|
76
|
WR
|
Taywan Taylor
|
Ten
|
13
|
WR
|
Adam Thielen
|
Min
|
45
|
WR
|
Sterling Shepard
|
NYG
|
77
|
WR
|
Dez Bryant
|
FA
|
14
|
WR
|
Amari Cooper
|
Oak
|
46
|
WR
|
Kenny Stills
|
Mia
|
78
|
WR
|
Cole Beasley
|
Dal
|
15
|
WR
|
Doug Baldwin
|
Sea
|
47
|
WR
|
D.J. Moore
|
Car
|
79
|
WR
|
Tavon Austin
|
Dal
|
16
|
WR
|
Larry Fitzgerald
|
Ari
|
48
|
WR
|
Allen Hurns
|
Dal
|
80
|
WR
|
Donte Moncrief
|
Jac
|
17
|
WR
|
Jarvis Landry
|
Cle
|
49
|
WR
|
Calvin Ridley
|
Atl
|
81
|
WR
|
Ryan Grant
|
Ind
|
18
|
WR
|
JuJu Smith-Schuster
|
Pit
|
50
|
WR
|
Mike Williams
|
LAC
|
82
|
WR
|
Mike Wallace
|
Phi
|
19
|
WR
|
Demaryius Thomas
|
Den
|
51
|
WR
|
Marqise Lee
|
Jac
|
83
|
WR
|
Brandon Marshall
|
Sea
|
20
|
WR
|
Golden Tate
|
Det
|
52
|
WR
|
Cameron Meredith
|
NO
|
84
|
WR
|
Quincy Enunwa
|
NYJ
|
21
|
WR
|
Brandin Cooks
|
LAR
|
53
|
WR
|
Michael Gallup
|
Dal
|
85
|
WR
|
J'Mon Moore
|
GB
|
22
|
WR
|
Allen Robinson
|
Chi
|
54
|
WR
|
Kenny Golladay
|
Det
|
86
|
WR
|
Cordarrelle Patterson
|
NE
|
23
|
WR
|
Marvin Jones
|
Det
|
55
|
WR
|
Tyler Lockett
|
Sea
|
87
|
WR
|
Phillip Dorsett
|
NE
|
24
|
WR
|
Josh Gordon
|
Cle
|
56
|
WR
|
Josh Doctson
|
Was
|
88
|
WR
|
Terrelle Pryor
|
NYJ
|
25
|
WR
|
Alshon Jeffery
|
Phi
|
57
|
WR
|
Anthony Miller
|
Chi
|
89
|
WR
|
Corey Coleman
|
Buf
|
26
|
WR
|
Corey Davis
|
Ten
|
58
|
WR
|
Rishard Matthews
|
Ten
|
90
|
WR
|
Dante Pettis
|
SF
|
27
|
WR
|
Michael Crabtree
|
Oak
|
59
|
WR
|
Paul Richardson
|
Was
|
91
|
WR
|
Terrance Williams
|
Dal
|
28
|
WR
|
Chris Hogan
|
NE
|
60
|
WR
|
Tyrell Williams
|
LAC
|
92
|
WR
|
Albert Wilson
|
Mia
|
29
|
WR
|
Sammy Watkins
|
KC
|
61
|
WR
|
Mohamed Sanu
|
Atl
|
93
|
WR
|
Tre'Quan Smith
|
NO
|
30
|
WR
|
Marquise Goodwin
|
SF
|
62
|
WR
|
DeSean Jackson
|
TB
|
94
|
WR
|
Jermaine Kearse
|
NYJ
|
31
|
WR
|
Julian Edelman
|
NE
|
63
|
WR
|
Chris Godwin
|
TB
|
95
|
WR
|
Eric Decker
|
NE
|
32
|
WR
|
Will Fuller
|
Hou
|
64
|
WR
|
Martavis Bryant
|
Oak
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterbacks
|
|||||||||||
1
|
QB
|
Aaron Rodgers
|
GB
|
14
|
QB
|
Matt Ryan
|
Atl
|
27
|
QB
|
Tyrod Taylor
|
Cle
|
2
|
QB
|
Deshaun Watson
|
Hou
|
15
|
QB
|
Jared Goff
|
LAR
|
28
|
QB
|
Ryan Tannehill
|
Mia
|
3
|
QB
|
Tom Brady
|
NE
|
16
|
QB
|
Patrick Mahomes
|
KC
|
29
|
QB
|
Joe Flacco
|
Bal
|
4
|
QB
|
Russell Wilson
|
Sea
|
17
|
QB
|
Alex Smith
|
Was
|
30
|
QB
|
Baker Mayfield
|
Cle
|
5
|
QB
|
Cam Newton
|
Car
|
18
|
QB
|
Marcus Mariota
|
Ten
|
31
|
QB
|
Sam Darnold
|
NYJ
|
6
|
QB
|
Drew Brees
|
NO
|
19
|
QB
|
Dak Prescott
|
Dal
|
32
|
QB
|
Lamar Jackson
|
Bal
|
7
|
QB
|
Carson Wentz
|
Phi
|
20
|
QB
|
Derek Carr
|
Oak
|
33
|
QB
|
Josh Rosen
|
Ari
|
8
|
QB
|
Andrew Luck
|
Ind
|
21
|
QB
|
Jameis Winston
|
TB
|
34
|
QB
|
Sam Bradford
|
Min
|
9
|
QB
|
Kirk Cousins
|
Min
|
22
|
QB
|
Blake Bortles
|
Jac
|
35
|
QB
|
Josh Allen
|
Buf
|
10
|
QB
|
Matthew Stafford
|
Det
|
23
|
QB
|
Eli Manning
|
NYG
|
36
|
QB
|
Ryan Fitzpatrick
|
TB
|
11
|
QB
|
Ben Roethlisberger
|
Pit
|
24
|
QB
|
Mitchell Trubisky
|
Chi
|
37
|
QB
|
Josh McCown
|
NYJ
|
12
|
QB
|
Jimmy Garoppolo
|
SF
|
25
|
QB
|
Case Keenum
|
Den
|
38
|
QB
|
Nick Foles
|
Phi
|
13
|
QB
|
Philip Rivers
|
LAC
|
26
|
QB
|
Andy Dalton
|
Cin
|
|
|
|
|
Tight Ends
|
|||||||||||
1
|
TE
|
Rob Gronkowski
|
NE
|
15
|
TE
|
O.J. Howard
|
TB
|
29
|
TE
|
Vernon Davis
|
Was
|
2
|
TE
|
Travis Kelce
|
KC
|
16
|
TE
|
Cameron Brate
|
TB
|
30
|
TE
|
Luke Willson
|
Det
|
3
|
TE
|
Zach Ertz
|
Phi
|
17
|
TE
|
Eric Ebron
|
Ind
|
31
|
TE
|
Tyler Kroft
|
Cin
|
4
|
TE
|
Jimmy Graham
|
GB
|
18
|
TE
|
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
|
Jac
|
32
|
TE
|
Jonnu Smith
|
Ten
|
5
|
TE
|
Evan Engram
|
NYG
|
19
|
TE
|
Charles Clay
|
Buf
|
33
|
TE
|
Ed Dickson
|
Sea
|
6
|
TE
|
Greg Olsen
|
Car
|
20
|
TE
|
Hayden Hurst
|
Bal
|
34
|
TE
|
Virgil Green
|
LAC
|
7
|
TE
|
Delanie Walker
|
Ten
|
21
|
TE
|
Mike Gesicki
|
Mia
|
35
|
TE
|
Ryan Griffin
|
Hou
|
8
|
TE
|
Kyle Rudolph
|
Min
|
22
|
TE
|
Jared Cook
|
Oak
|
36
|
TE
|
Nick Vannett
|
Sea
|
9
|
TE
|
Jordan Reed
|
Was
|
23
|
TE
|
Austin Hooper
|
Atl
|
37
|
TE
|
Jesse James
|
Pit
|
10
|
TE
|
Trey Burton
|
Chi
|
24
|
TE
|
Vance McDonald
|
Pit
|
38
|
TE
|
Adam Shaheen
|
Chi
|
11
|
TE
|
David Njoku
|
Cle
|
25
|
TE
|
Ben Watson
|
NO
|
39
|
TE
|
Gerald Everett
|
LAR
|
12
|
TE
|
Jack Doyle
|
Ind
|
26
|
TE
|
Ricky Seals-Jones
|
Ari
|
40
|
TE
|
Tyler Higbee
|
LAR
|
13
|
TE
|
George Kittle
|
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