The Ultimate Fantasy Football Draft Strategy for 2024
Fantasy football drafts are right around the corner, and I’ve got you covered with what I believe will be the number one draft strategy in fantasy football leagues this year. I’m going round by round to let you know who you should be targeting in each round of your fantasy football draft. Whether you have the first overall pick or are picking somewhere in the top four, this guide will help you build a championship-caliber team. So grab your fantasy football draft board, your Commish Kit, and let’s dive in!
The 101: Christian McCaffrey
If you have the number one pick, you’re probably drafting Christian McCaffrey. I know some of you might be tempted to go with a wide receiver, and others might worry about McCaffrey’s injury history. But let me tell you, if Christian McCaffrey stays healthy for a full 17 games, he’s an absolute league-winner and a stud. You’ve got to pull the trigger at the 101 and hope he stays healthy.
With McCaffrey as your anchor running back (a strategy where you draft one early elite stud running back and then wait to draft your RB2), you can focus on other positions like wide receiver, tight end, and maybe quarterback. This strategy allows you to build a balanced team while still having a top-tier running back.
Rounds 2-3: Targeting Wide Receivers
After grabbing McCaffrey, it’s time to focus on wide receivers. When it comes back to you at the end of round two/start of round three, you’ll want to target wide receivers. My top targets here are Mike Evans, Michael Pittman, Jaylen Waddle, and DeVonta Smith. If you can pair two of these guys with McCaffrey, you’ll be feeling fantastic through the first three rounds.
Rounds 4-5: Wide Receiver and Tight End
In rounds four and five, the elite running backs are pretty much gone, so don’t feel the urge to grab your RB2 right away. Instead, focus on getting another wide receiver and a tight end. Targets like Terry McLaurin, Hollywood Brown, and Christian Kirk (if he falls) are great options for your WR3. For tight ends, look for Trey McBride, Mark Andrews, or Dalton Kincaid.
Rounds 6-7: RB2 and More Wide Receivers
Now, it’s time to think about your RB2. If Rhamondre Stevenson or Zamir White are still on the board, grab one of them. I slightly prefer Stevenson because of his pass-catching abilities. Then, get another wide receiver like Deontay Johnson, Rashee Rice, or Christian Watson. Taking a risk on Watson can be well worth it because of his upside.
Round 8: Quarterback Time
Waiting on a quarterback this year feels like a fantastic strategy. In round eight, you can often find great QB values like Dak Prescott. If he’s not available, consider guys like Jordan Love or rookie Jaden Daniels, who have rushing upside. Getting your QB in this round allows you to focus on other positions early.
Rounds 9-10: Running Back Depth
It’s time to build some running back depth. Look for players like DeAndre Swift, Raheem Mostert, or James Conner. Any of these guys can serve as your RB3 and provide solid depth to your roster.
Rounds 10+: Best Player Available
At this point, you already have your QB, tight end, three running backs, and four wide receivers. Now, you should focus on drafting the best player available with upside. Remember, in these later rounds, you want players with high upside. Avoid drafting a second QB or tight end; stick to wide receivers and running backs.
If you’re unsure who to draft in these rounds, check out our top 10 must-have sleepers video for some great options. This will give you an idea of who to target in the later rounds to maximize your team’s potential.
Picks 2-4: Elite Wide Receivers
If you don’t have the number one pick and Christian McCaffrey is taken, but you have picks two through four, here’s what you should do. Target an elite wide receiver. Guys like CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, or Justin Jefferson are great options. While Breece Hall and Bijan Robinson are tempting, this year, wide receivers are being drafted at a fair value, making it a great strategy to go WR-heavy early.
Rounds 2-3: More Wide Receivers
When it comes back to you, target more wide receivers. Players like Brandon Aiyuk, Michael Pittman, Mike Evans, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, DJ Moore, and DK Metcalf are excellent choices. Secure two of these guys to solidify your receiving corps.
Rounds 4-5: First Running Back and Tight End
In rounds four and five, it’s time to target your first running back. Look for Travis Etienne, Isaiah Pacheco, or Josh Jacobs. Any of these players can serve as your RB1. For tight ends, the same targets as before apply: Trey McBride, Mark Andrews, or Dalton Kincaid.
Rounds 6-7: Quarterback and Wide Receiver
In these rounds, target a quarterback like Kyler Murray, who has top-five upside. If he’s not available, Anthony Richardson is another great option. Then, get one or two more wide receivers like Deontay Johnson, Christian Watson, Rashee Rice, or Ladd McConkey.
Rounds 8+: Hammer Running Back
With only one running back so far, now is the time to hammer this position. Players like DeAndre Swift, James Conner, Raheem Mostert, Zach Moss, and Tony Pollard are great options. Secure two of these guys as your RB2 and RB3.
Final Thoughts
This fantasy football draft strategy 2024 is designed to help you build a well-rounded team with elite players at every position. Whether you have the first pick and draft Christian McCaffrey or you’re picking in the top four and go wide receiver-heavy, this approach gives you a balanced roster with high upside.
Remember, once you have your core players, focus on drafting the best player available with upside in the later rounds. This strategy will set you up for a successful fantasy football season and, hopefully, a championship win.
So, grab your fantasy football draft board, set up your Commish Kit, and get ready to dominate your live draft or mock draft. Good luck, and may your fantasy football dreams come true!
When preparing for your fantasy football draft, consider using tools like the fantasy football draft board and the Commish Kit to help you plan your strategy. These resources provide up-to-date information, optimal players to draft in each round, and strategies to help you win your league.
Remember, the key to success in fantasy football is to stay informed, think strategically, and be willing to take calculated risks on players who can provide high returns. Good luck with your drafts, and here’s to a successful fantasy football season!
For all your fantasy football draft needs, check out Commish Kit. They offer a variety of draft board options, including poster kits, corrugated kits, and their new, improved digital draft board to elevate your draft experience.
