What Positions Should You Draft First in Fantasy Football? Let's Dive In!

Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome to our ultimate guide on what positions to draft first in fantasy football. We're going to dive deep into this crucial topic, so grab a snack, get comfy, and let's make this draft season your best one yet! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what positions should you draft first in fantasy football.

Why Draft Order Matters

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why draft order is so important. In fantasy football, the draft order can significantly impact your team's success. The early rounds set the foundation for your squad, and drafting the right players at the right time can give you a serious edge over your league mates.

The Great RB vs. WR Debate

When it comes to what positions to draft first in fantasy football, the age-old debate between running backs (RBs) and wide receivers (WRs) rages on. So, let's tackle this head-on!

The Case for Drafting RBs Early

Running backs are often the workhorses of an offense, getting a significant number of touches per game. This increases their likelihood of scoring points.

Top-tier RBs can be game-changers, carrying your team to victory even on low-scoring weeks. Just look at the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, and Alvin Kamara – their fantasy points alone could win you a week!

Drafting an elite RB early can also help you secure a reliable RB2 later on, as the position tends to get thin fast. This strategy allows you to focus on other positions, like WRs and QBs, in the early and middle rounds.

The Case for Drafting WRs Early

Wide receivers are often more involved in their team's passing game, which can lead to more points, especially in PPR (points per reception) leagues.

Top WRs can be just as valuable as top RBs, with players like Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, and Tyreek Hill putting up monster numbers last season. Drafting a WR early can help you secure a high-volume pass-catcher who can rack up points week after week.

Plus, drafting a WR early can help you build a strong receiving corps. With more passing offenses in the NFL these days, having multiple WRs can be a significant advantage.

The Middle Rounds: Where Value Meets Need

Once you've drafted your RB or WR, it's time to turn your attention to other positions. The middle rounds (rounds 4-8) are where you'll want to focus on filling your team's biggest needs while also snagging value picks.

Snagging a QB

Unless you're in a superflex or 2QB league, you can afford to wait on drafting a quarterback. There's usually a clear tier of elite QBs, followed by a long list of solid, but unspectacular, options.

So, don't reach for a QB in the early rounds. Instead, wait until the middle rounds and snag a starter like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or Russell Wilson. Then, focus on other positions in the early and middle rounds.

Securing Your Tight End

Tight ends can be a bit of a wildcard in fantasy football. Some are heavily involved in their team's passing game, while others are more like blocking specialists.

If you're in a PPR league, you might want to prioritize tight ends who are heavily involved in the passing game, like Travis Kelce or George Kittle. But if you're in a standard league, you can probably wait until the middle rounds to draft a TE, as there are often sleepers and streamers available on the waiver wire.

Building Your D/ST and Kicker

Defense/Special Teams (D/ST) and kicker are often the least glamorous positions in fantasy football, but they can still win you weeks. In the middle rounds, keep an eye out for strong D/ST units and reliable kickers.

Just remember, you don't need to draft a D/ST or kicker until the middle rounds. There's usually plenty of value to be had at these positions, so don't reach for them early.

The Late Rounds: Where Dreams Are Made

Finally, we've reached the late rounds (rounds 9-14). This is where you'll want to focus on filling out your roster with depth and sleepers who could potentially break out.

Handcuffs and Sleepers

In the late rounds, it's a good idea to grab a handcuff – a backup RB or WR who would start if the starter gets injured. This can help you avoid a major setback in case of an injury.

You should also keep an eye out for sleepers – players who are flying under the radar but have the potential to explode onto the scene. These players can be real difference-makers in fantasy football, so don't be afraid to take a chance on them in the late rounds.

The Zero-RB Strategy

If you've drafted a top WR early and feel good about your receiving corps, you might consider the zero-RB strategy. This involves waiting until the late rounds to draft your first RB, focusing on WRs and other positions in the early and middle rounds.

The zero-RB strategy can be risky, but it can also pay off big if you hit on your late-round RBs. Just make sure you have a solid plan and are comfortable with the risk involved.

Draft Strategy Recap

So, there you have it – our ultimate guide on what positions to draft first in fantasy football. Here's a quick recap of our draft strategy:

1. 1. Early Rounds (1-3): Draft an elite RB or WR to set the foundation for your team.
2. 2. Middle Rounds (4-8): Focus on filling your team's biggest needs while snagging value picks, like a QB, TE, D/ST, and kicker.
3. 3. Late Rounds (9-14): Grab handcuffs, sleepers, and depth to complete your roster.

Final Thoughts

Drafting the right positions at the right time can make all the difference in fantasy football. So, do your research, trust your instincts, and most importantly, have fun!

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to what positions to draft first in fantasy football. The best draft strategy is the one that works for you, based on your league's settings, your team's needs, and your personal preferences.

Now that you're armed with this knowledge, it's time to go out there and dominate your fantasy football draft! Good luck, and happy drafting!