The draft for your fantasy football league is one of the most exciting parts of the season. For those who play in a single league, this can be the most important day of their fantasy football season, unless they make it to the championship. However, it is also a time when mistakes can be made that will impact your team’s success. Below are some common fantasy football draft mistakes to avoid so you come away from the draft feeling confident and prepared for the season.
1. Ignore league settings
Before entering the draft, make sure you have a good understanding of your league’s scoring system and roster setup. Different formats, such as PPR (points per reception), standard leagues, and half PPR, generate different values for players. Also, be aware of flexible positions, Superflex positions, or unique scoring rules, such as Premium TE. Familiarizing yourself with these nuances will help you adapt your draft strategy accordingly.
2. Overvaluation of recent results
Recency bias can be a trap. Just because a player had a breakout season or some great games last year doesn’t mean he’ll repeat that performance. You have to consider the bigger picture, including career trends and where the player stands heading into the new season. Things like coaching and staff changes will affect many players’ values for the upcoming fantasy season.
3. Neglecting rest weeks
If you select too many players on the same bye week, you may have difficulty filling out your roster for that week. Balance your team to avoid having multiple key players on rest at the same time.
NOTE: I personally never pay attention to rest weeks and yes, I’m sure this will become an issue for me at some point. I’m not saying “do as I say, not as I do.”
4. Writing for name recognition
Big name players who rely on past glory are often overrated. Focus on the player’s current value, projections, and situation rather than relying on his name and past performances.
Many fantasy players, both rookies and veterans, fall into the “name recognition” trap. Some big names fall through the cracks and should be taken in later rounds of the draft each season.
5. Ignoring injury history
Players with a history of injuries carry a higher risk. While they can offer great potential, it is crucial to balance the squad with more resilient players to avoid potential headaches down the road.
Most fantasy analysts will tell you that injury-proneness isn’t real, but players recovering from significant knee injuries typically need a year or more to get strong and confident. Also, I tend to avoid players who get injured in the preseason, even if it doesn’t seem serious, sometimes these injuries linger throughout the season, making that player less effective for fantasy purposes.
6. Don’t use level-based drafting
Instead of focusing solely on rankings and average draft position (ADP), use tier-based drafting. Group players with similar projected outcomes into tiers to identify value during the draft and make more informed decisions when choosing between players.
7. Achieve positional needs
Selecting a player too early just to fill a positional need can result in losing value. Stick to your draft strategy and be willing to make adjustments as needed based on how the draft plays out. You may be able to select the same player two rounds later.
8. Overlooking newbies
While rookies can be risky, some have the potential to be league champions. Don’t write them off completely. Evaluate their situation, potential role, and upside before making a decision. Look for rookies who have a clear path to playing time. I know the common theme in fantasy circles is “Talent wins,” but that may not be the case this season. The opportunity to play is what wins in the near future – that’s what you want in a redraft.
9. Selecting quarterbacks too early
Unless you’re targeting a top-tier quarterback like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, it’s generally wise to wait to draft a quarterback. The point differential between top-tier quarterbacks and mid-tier quarterbacks is generally smaller than at other positions, allowing you to build depth at running back and receiver early on.
10. Ignore the handcuffs
If you’re investing heavily in a top tier running back, consider drafting his backup (handcuff) in the later rounds. This strategy protects you from losing a significant portion of your team’s production if your starter gets injured. You can also consider drafting the primary backup of any top tier running back. It’s always good to have the handcuff of another team’s top player – this will give you another option and strengthen your lineup if things go your way.
11. Not adapting
The draft rarely goes exactly as planned, so be prepared to make changes based on how the draft unfolds. If a high-value player falls into your hands, don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy.
NOTE: You can read about the adaptive draft strategy here: Adaptive Draft Strategy
12. Overrating the home team players
Letting personal biases towards your favorite team influence your draft choices can lead to overvaluing players on that team. Stay objective and select players based on value. This is a common mistake in any and all local leagues. It’s all about overvaluing players you know.
13. Ignoring off-season changes
Off-season moves such as trades, free agent signings and coaching changes can significantly impact a player’s value. These changes can alter a player’s performance and opportunities, so keep an eye on them.
Coaching changes tend to affect players in ways that not many people take into account. If you know that a new coach or offensive coordinator is more focused on passing than the old coaching staff, this will likely increase the fantasy value of that team’s passing offense.
14. Selecting too many substitute players at the beginning
Using early picks on players who will sit on your bench instead of starting can weaken your overall lineup. Focus on building a solid starting roster first before filling out your bench. This is something I tend to do. I like to have my starters in place during the middle rounds of a draft instead of hoping a late-round player will pan out.
15. Not supervising the preseason and training camp
Player performance, injuries, and role changes during the preseason can provide valuable insights. Stay up to date on pre-draft news and reports to make informed decisions.
Putting it all together
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set yourself up for a successful fantasy football draft and a competitive season. The most important thing is to have fun, choose your players, and make sure you have a good starting lineup.
What do you think are the biggest mistakes in fantasy football drafting? Share your thoughts in the comments below and then be sure to check out our 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit for more great rankings and analysis.
