Best Ball fantasy football has gained significant popularity among fantasy enthusiasts, offering a unique and exciting twist on traditional fantasy football. The set-it-and-forget-it format means you draft your team and then watch the season unfold without making weekly roster changes. However, this format requires a strategic approach to ensure success. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you dominate your Best Ball draft.
Dos
Do Research Player Depth
Unlike traditional fantasy football, you won’t have the opportunity to make waiver wire moves or trades in Best Ball. This makes depth crucial. Ensure you have a thorough understanding of not just the starters, but also the backups and potential breakout players.
Do Prioritize Versatile Players
Versatility is key in Best Ball. Target players who can contribute in multiple ways, such as dual-threat running backs and wide receivers who also get rushing attempts. This increases your chances of having consistent point contributions throughout the season.
Do Utilize Stacking
Stacking involves drafting multiple players from the same NFL team, particularly a quarterback and his primary receiving targets. This strategy can maximize your points if the team’s offense performs well. For example, drafting Patrick Mahomes and pairing him with Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill can lead to massive point totals when the Chiefs’ offense excels.
Do Draft for Upside
In Best Ball, you need players who can have explosive weeks. While consistency is valuable, having a few boom-or-bust players can make the difference in winning a week. Target players known for their high ceilings, even if they have lower floors.
Don’ts
Don’t Ignore Bye Weeks
While you don’t need to meticulously plan around bye weeks, ignoring them completely can leave you vulnerable. Ensure you don’t have too many key players off in the same week, which could cost you valuable points.
Don’t Draft Too Many Players from the Same Team
While stacking is beneficial, overloading on players from one team can be risky. If that team has an off week or faces a tough defense, your entire roster can suffer. Balance is crucial.
Don’t Overlook Late-Round Sleepers
Late-round picks can be the difference-makers in Best Ball. Don’t just draft fillers; look for players with potential upside who could emerge due to injuries or changing team dynamics. Identifying these gems can give you a competitive edge.
Don’t Overdraft Tight Ends and Quarterbacks
While having a solid quarterback and tight end is important, don’t reach too early for them. Focus on building depth at running back and wide receiver first, as these positions often have more variability and higher injury risks.
How to Construct the Perfect Best Ball Roster
Constructing a perfect Best Ball roster requires a balance of positions and player types to maximize potential points. Here’s a guide to help you build a well-rounded team:
Optimal Balance of Positions
- Quarterbacks (2-3): Aim for one elite QB and one or two high-upside backups.
- Running Backs (5-7): Focus on a mix of reliable starters and high-upside backups.
- Wide Receivers (7-9): Prioritize depth here, as wide receivers can be volatile. Target a mix of consistent performers and big-play threats.
- Tight Ends (2-3): Similar to quarterbacks, aim for one reliable starter and one or two upside picks.
- Defenses (0-1, if applicable): Some Best Ball formats include defenses. If so, aim for one with a favorable schedule and high turnover potential.
Key Player Types
- Consistent Performers: Players who provide steady points each week, forming the backbone of your roster.
- High-Upside Players: Boom-or-bust players who can win you weeks with their explosive potential.
- Handcuffs and Backups: Running back handcuffs and backup wide receivers who can step up if the starters get injured.
Late-Round Sleepers in Best Ball Drafts
Finding undervalued players in the later rounds can significantly boost your Best Ball roster. Here are some sleeper candidates to consider:
- Running Backs:
- Alexander Mattison (MIN): If Dalvin Cook misses time, Mattison becomes an immediate RB1.
- Tony Pollard (DAL): Offers standalone value and elite upside if Ezekiel Elliott were to miss games.
- Wide Receivers:
- Darnell Mooney (CHI): Emerging talent with big-play ability, especially if the Bears’ offense improves.
- Gabriel Davis (BUF): Showed flashes of potential and could see an increased role.
- Tight Ends:
- Adam Trautman (NO): Potential to become a primary target in the Saints’ offense.
- Gerald Everett (SEA): Now in a new offense that could utilize his athleticism.
Stacking Strategies in Best Ball
What is Stacking?
Stacking involves drafting multiple players from the same team, typically a quarterback and his key receivers. This strategy aims to capitalize on the correlation of points between these players.
Benefits of Stacking
- Maximizes Ceiling: If the offense has a big week, multiple players on your roster benefit simultaneously.
- Simplifies Draft Strategy: Targeting specific teams can simplify decision-making during the draft.
- Reduces Weekly Variability: High-scoring offenses provide more consistent opportunities for big weeks.
How to Implement Stacking
- Identify High-Powered Offenses: Target teams with potent offenses and reliable quarterbacks.
- Pair QB with Top Targets: Draft the quarterback along with one or two of his primary receiving options.
- Avoid Overstacking: Balance your roster by not relying too heavily on one team, as this can backfire if the team underperforms.
Examples of Effective Stacks
- Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill.
- Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis.
- Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb.
By following these dos and don’ts, understanding how to construct a balanced roster, identifying late-round sleepers, and implementing stacking strategies, you can maximize your chances of success in Best Ball fantasy football. Happy drafting!
