NEWSLETTER
In this article, Fantasy Football expert Ken Kelly explores the ins and outs of the fantasy football snake draft strategy and how it can help you build a winning roster and win your league.
What is a snake draft in Fantasy Football?
Fantasy football is an exciting and competitive game that requires strategic thinking and careful planning. One of the most crucial aspects of fantasy football is the draft, where managers select players to form their teams.
A snake draft is a common draft format used in fantasy football leagues. In this format, the draft order reverses with each round, giving each team an equal chance to select a player.
For example, the team that picks No. 1 in the first round will pick last in the second round and vice versa.
In that respect, late-round picks don’t hold lesser value than others, as you may be able to get a stud player at the end of one round and the beginning of the next round – this is true with QBs, WRs, RBs, and TEs, regardless of ppr or non-ppr format.
How does a snake draft work in fantasy football?
The draft order is typically determined randomly or based on predetermined criteria in a snake draft. Each team takes turns selecting players until all the roster spots are filled. The order of draft picks reverses from one round to the next, creating a fair and balanced system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Snake Draft in Fantasy Football
Here’s why the snake draft might be your best bet. But, like anything, it has its downsides, too.
Advantages of Snake Draft
Potential Disadvantages of the Fantasy Football Snake Draft
Other Fantasy Football Draft Strategies to Consider
Regarding fantasy football draft strategies, numerous approaches can lead to success.
The key is to develop a strategy that aligns with your goals and league settings.
Some popular strategies include targeting high-scoring positions early, prioritizing running backs in the first few rounds, or employing the “zero RB” strategy, which involves waiting to draft running backs until later rounds.
How can I dominate my fantasy football league through drafting?
To dominate your fantasy football league through drafting, it’s important to research player rankings, statistics, and projections thoroughly.
By identifying value picks and sleepers, you can maximize your roster’s potential. Additionally, understanding your league’s scoring system and format can help you make informed decisions when selecting players.
What is the best approach to drafting a quarterback?
The quarterback drafting approach depends on your league’s scoring system and settings. In leagues that award more points to quarterbacks for passing touchdowns or rushing yards, it may be advantageous to prioritize the position early in the draft.
However, in standard leagues, waiting until the middle rounds to draft a quarterback is often a viable strategy, as there tends to be depth and value available at the position. If you’re in a 2QB or Superflex league where you can start two quarterbacks, they also represent the premium position.
How do rankings impact draft decisions?
Player rankings are an essential tool for fantasy football managers during the draft. Rankings provide a framework for evaluating players’ expected performance and can help guide draft decisions.
By considering expert rankings, average draft positions, and your own assessments, you can prioritize players based on their projected value.
Which positions should I prioritize in the early rounds?
In the early rounds of the draft, it is generally recommended to prioritize positions that have a scarcity of elite talent or offer the most consistent scoring potential.
Running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks are often the positions targeted early, as they tend to accumulate the most fantasy points.
Securing top-tier players at these positions can establish a strong foundation for your roster.
What are the key statistics and factors to consider when ranking running backs?
When ranking running backs for the draft, several key statistics and factors should be considered.
These include rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, and the player’s role within their team’s offense.
Additionally, factors such as injury history, offensive line strength, and the team’s overall offensive efficiency should also be taken into account.
Popular snake draft strategy
Various popular strategies fantasy football managers employ in snake drafts. These include strategies like the “zero RB” strategy, the “late-round QB” strategy, or the strategy of taking the best player available regardless of position.
The “zero RB” strategy
The “zero RB” strategy involves waiting until the later rounds to draft running backs, instead focusing on other positions early in the draft.
This strategy is typically used when there is a scarcity of elite running backs or when targeting higher-scoring positions in the early rounds.
By relying on wide receivers or tight ends early, managers adopting this strategy aim to accumulate depth at other positions before addressing their running back needs.
How can I leverage the snake draft format to build a strong roster?
To leverage the snake draft format and build a strong roster, it’s important to capitalize on favorable draft positions and draft capital.
Understanding players’ average draft position (ADP) can help determine when to target specific positions and maximize value.
Additionally, monitoring the waivers and identifying late-round sleepers can provide opportunities to strengthen your roster throughout the season.
Tight End Strategy in Fantasy Football
When should I draft a tight end in fantasy football?
The timing of drafting a tight end in fantasy football depends on several factors, including the depth of the position and individual player preferences.
Generally, most managers tend to select a tight end in the early to middle rounds, as the position offers a unique combination of receiving skills and touchdown potential. However, some managers may choose to wait until the later rounds and focus on other positions before addressing the tight-end position.
Who are some top tight end options for the snake draft?
There are several top tight end options to consider in the snake draft. Players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Darren Waller, and Mark Andrews have consistently produced strong fantasy numbers and are often selected early due to their high ceilings and reliability.
However, be sure to consider your league’s scoring system and your team’s overall strategy when evaluating and selecting tight ends.
How can I maximize value at the tight end position?
To maximize value at the tight end position, it is crucial to do thorough research and identify potential breakout candidates or under-the-radar options.
Keep an eye on players like Greg Dulcich, Sam LaPorta, and Dalton Kincaid, who may offer significant upside at a lower draft cost.
Additionally, monitoring news and training camp reports can help gauge the potential impact of certain tight ends and identify valuable options.
Using the Fantasy Football Snake Draft Strategy
You’ve just learned everything you need to know about the snake draft in fantasy football. We’ve explored the benefits, like giving every manager a fair shot at top-tier players. We’ve also highlighted the downsides, such as missing out on high-demand players or waiting a long time between picks. You’ve even learned various strategies like “zero RB” and tips on when to draft a quarterback or a tight end.
So what’s next?
- Study your league’s scoring system to tailor your strategy.
- Use player rankings to draft efficiently.
- Keep an eye on the waiver wire throughout the season.
Winning at fantasy football isn’t just luck. It’s strategy, preparation, and execution. So apply what you’ve learned, and dominate your 2023 fantasy football snake draft!
