Overview
This segment provides a detailed 10-step strategy for winning fantasy football leagues in 2025, emphasizing prioritizing player selection over consensus ADP, running back-heavy drafts, and flexible, high-upside decision-making throughout the draft.
Step 1: F the ADP and Set the Queue
- Use ADP as a reference but prioritize personal player evaluations, drafting targets even one or two rounds ahead if needed.
- Set your draft queue with your preferred players to avoid missing out.
Step 2: Heavy Running Back Start
- Favor drafting running backs early due to their value and scarcity.
- Target six specific running backs in round one, with flexibility based on draft position and risk tolerance.
Step 3: Wide Receiver Strategy
- Aim for Drake London or Tyreek Hill as WR1 in rounds two or three.
- Evaluate London's upside and Hill's risk versus ADP; avoid using a first-round pick on high-risk wide receivers.
Team Build Adjustments (Rounds 1-4)
- Structure early rounds with two RBs and one WR before round four.
- If WR targets are unavailable, adjust by prioritizing other available high-value players.
Step 4: Secure Wide Receiver 2 in Round 5
- Prioritize DK Metcalf as WR2; consider Courtland Sutton if favored.
- In round six, potentially reach for T McMillan, George Pickens, or Calvin Ridley for upside or floor.
Step 5: Running Back Depth
- Draft Tony Pollard as RB4 in round six for high depth and upside.
- Adjust draft flow if favoring WRs by selecting a second or third WR earlier, then RB3/4 later.
Step 6: Quarterback Targeting
- Avoid QB before round seven; prioritize Bo Nix, then Dak Prescott (round 8), or late fliers like Drake May or Jordan Love.
- Consider high-upside risk plays like JJ McCarthy if willing to take a chance.
Step 7: Tight End Selection
- Target Evan Engram in round 8 or Jake Ferguson in round 11, depending on roster construction and upside preference.
Step 8: Backup Running Backs
- Handcuff primary RBs with their direct backups (e.g., Zach Charbonnet for Kenneth Walker) to protect against injury risk.
Step 9: Wide Receiver 3 and Depth
- Build WR depth in late rounds with high-upside (Matthew Golden, Cedric Tillman, Marvin Mims, Dante Thornton Jr.) or high-volume players (Emeka Egbuka, Demario Douglas, Wan’Dale Robinson).
- Use late picks for value, considering team needs and league structure.
Step 10: Ignore Early Defense and Kicker Picks
- Wait until the last rounds for defenses and kickers as there is high weekly variance and ample waiver options.
- Use early off-season picks for more skill position players and add K/DST just before season start.
Additional Recommendations
- Review previous strategies for accountability; acknowledge past hits and misses.
- Remain flexible to adapt to draft flow and trends.
- Engage with provided resources, such as the draft guide via Underdog, and participate in community feedback.