"Have a plan. Follow the plan, and you'll be surprised how successful you can be. Most people don't have a plan. That's why it's easy to beat most folks." – Paul "Bear" Bryant, football coach, University of Alabama's Crimson Tide

Fantasy football draft season is a heady time — thinking about how the draft will unfold, who you'll target, and how you'll assemble your championship team in real time, pitted against a group of live minds.

You need to be prepared, but you also have to be flexible. The best way to do that is to understand the alternatives for filling each starting slot on your team.

First, familiarize yourself with your scoring and lineups. Know the landscape before you get dropped in to conquer it.

Next, create a list of players who are your guys. Using ADP, you can have a reasonable expectation of who will be there in which rounds and start to piece together a plan that will give your lineup balance and upside.

Then clear your mind, get in the moment, and draft.

Fantasy football is a diversion, an escape where we get to call the shots. Do it your way and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with getting lost in a puzzle and forgetting the pressures of everyday life.

Cliff's Notes

Overall Strategy
There will be multiple right answers at every position, and the right answers will change as the season unfolds. Have clarity on which players you like at each position so you can piece together a roster you want no matter how your opponents draft. In the first round, don't focus on running back vs. wide receiver. Take the player and situation you believe in the most.

Draft Slot Strategy
The dropoff from the top of the first round to the bottom is steeper than the dropoff in the second. You want to be in the early first; if having Christian McCaffrey as your first-round pick doesn't give you nightmares, the mid-first.

Quarterback Strategy
There's a case to take Josh Allen as QB1, but there's a better case to wait on quarterback, even in superflex. There are options outside the top 10 who can finish near the top of the position.

Running Back Strategy
There's a decent chance the best player available on your board will be a running back in each of the first three rounds, but the running back value in the 4th/5th-round dead zone is outstanding. Plan on taking at least one starter from that tier.

Wide Receiver Strategy
A wide receiver may be the best player available on your board in each of the first three rounds, especially if you are picking in the middle of the round. The quality of wide receivers in the 7th-10th rounds allows you to wait to fill your last receiver spot if you want.

Tight End Strategy
There are a couple of potential breakout tight ends you can pay a premium for, but there are also multiple tight ends available after the good RB/WR tiers are depleted who can give you top-five production at a discount because of injury worries.

Kicker Strategy
Take one with your last pick that's established in a good offense.

Defense Strategy
Take one with your next-to-last pick that has a good Week 1 matchup.

HOW TO USE THE DRAFT DAY GAME PLAN

I am telling you my preferred strategies and targets at each position, but there are many possible right answers. The way to get value out of this article is using it as a roadmap that changes as you make your picks. Be flexible and agile as the draft unfolds, confident that you can adjust on the fly as the draft differs from your expectations.

Think of it as a "choose your own adventure" story where each pick creates a different path forward at the positions you didn't take.

Quarterback Strategy - Take the Long Way Home

Know Your Scoring System and Lineups!

SCORING SYSTEM

• Non-PPR/.5 PPR - Increases value of quarterbacks
• 5 or 6 Point Pass TD - Increases value of passing quarterbacks (Burrow, Prescott, Stafford, Goff, Mayfield)
• 4 Point Pass TD - Increases value of running quarterbacks (Allen, Jackson, Willis, Murray, Herbert, Lawrence, Dart)
• 300-yard Bonus - Increases value of passing quarterbacks
• Long TD Bonus - Increases value of deep threats and quarterbacks in vertical passing offenses

LINEUPS

• Only 5 RB/WR Start - Quarterback is more valuable
• 7 or More RB/WR Start - Quarterback is less valuable

QB1 Plan A - Catch a Rising Star
Targets: Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, Jaxson Dart | Round: 7th-9th

There's a case for all three of these quarterbacks making the leap to elite fantasy quarterback in 2026. Herbert will now run an offense designed by Mike McDaniel. Lawrence was an elite fantasy quarterback down the stretch last year, and that was without Travis Hunter. Dart was an elite fantasy quarterback from Weeks 4-10 last year without Malik Nabers.

These quarterbacks usually go off the board one after another. If you want your choice of the three, take them once Caleb Williams and/or Dak Prescott are taken. If you're comfortable with any of them, wait for the run to begin.

QB Plan B - Take 2 or More QBs After the Top 10 Are Drafted (QBBC)

If you prefer paying less at quarterback than it costs to get Herbert, Lawrence, or Dart, take two later options and bank advantages at RB, WR, and TE.

Preferred QBBC Targets

• Patrick Mahomes II, KC (QB12)
• Brock Purdy, SF (QB13)
• Matthew Stafford, LAR (QB15) 6 Point Pass TD Special
• Jared Goff, DET (QB16) 6 Point Pass TD Special
• Kyler Murray, MIN (QB17)
• Tyler Shough, NO (QB19)
• Baker Mayfield, TB (QB20)
• Malik Willis, MIA (QB21)

Pair any two from this group and focus your early picks on building advantages at the other positions.

What if I wait and miss out on the QBBC targets?
All is not lost. Cam Ward, C.J. Stroud, Jacoby Brissett, Deshaun Watson, and Michael Penix Jr. are all capable of becoming usable fantasy starters. The depth at quarterback means there should also be viable waiver-wire options early in the season.

Are you saying I shouldn't draft a quarterback early?
Not necessarily. Josh Allen's team re-organized around him, promoting his offensive coordinator to head coach and trading a second-round pick for DJ Moore. Allen was also playing some (most? all?) of 2025 with a broken foot that required surgery after the season. He could be a league winner as a third-round pick if he sets career highs. Give him more consideration in leagues with fewer RB/WR in the starting lineup.

Do I need a QB2 if I don't go QBBC?
No, but options like Murray, Mayfield, and Willis all have top-five upside and come very cheap. If one hits, you'll have trade leverage and insurance at the position.

A note for Superflex/2QB players
You don't need to take a quarterback in the first round this year. You might not need to take one in the second round either. Taking two (or even three) quarterbacks in the QB9-QB21 range is the way to go in 2026.

Running Back Strategy - Go Your Own Way (in the early rounds)

Know Your Scoring System and Lineups!

SCORING SYSTEM

• Non-PPR/.5 PPR - Running back is king. Take two in the first four rounds; don't rule out a RB/RB/RB start.
• .25 or .5 per carry - Workhorse running backs dominate the top of the board.
• PPR - Receiving backs gain value, but it's easier to survive with weaker RB2 production.
• 100-yard Bonus - Another workhorse value enhancer.
• Long TD Bonus - Small bump for Gibbs, Robinson, Achane, Cook, Taylor, Walker, Henry, Barkley.

LINEUPS

• 2RB/2WR/0 or 1 Flex - Running back is more valuable.
• 2RB/3WR/1 or 2 Flex - Running back is less valuable.

Take Your RB1 in the First Round

Draft Slot: 1-2 | Targets: Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs

Both of these backs are set up for career years. Don't overthink it. Next step: You probably won't be taking a running back in the second unless Chase Brown is there. Brock Bowers is a viable swing-for-the-fences pick, while George Pickens and Josh Jacobs (watch for updates on ongoing legal issues) are top third-round considerations.

Draft Slot: 4-7 | Target: Christian McCaffrey

If you're comfortable with the age and injury risk, McCaffrey is a justified pick once Robinson, Gibbs, and Ja'Marr Chase are off the board. Next step: Bowers and Chase Brown are considerations in the second, but at least one of Rashee Rice (watch for updates on ongoing legal issues), Drake London, and Chris Olave should be available. A CMC-WR-WR start allows you to go best player available in the 4th and 5th.

Draft Slot: 8-12 | Targets: De'Von Achane, Ashton Jeanty, James Cook III

If you want your first two picks to include one wide receiver and one running back, the late first round often comes down to:

• Achane/Jeanty/Cook + Olave/London/Rice
• Lamb/St. Brown + Chase Brown/Ken Walker III

I prefer the Lamb/St. Brown plus second-round RB start, but both approaches work. Next step: Taking a wide receiver in the second is usually advisable, but Brown, Walker, or Bowers are all reasonable pivots depending on format and roster construction.

Take Your RB1 in the Second Round
Targets: Chase Brown, CIN; Ken Walker III, KC | Round: Early-Mid 2
Brown and Walker both offer RB1 upside and are worth targeting if you start with a wide receiver in Round 1. Taking either gives you maximum flexibility to take the best player available in Rounds 3-5.

Take Your RB1 in the Third Round
Target: Josh Jacobs, GB | Round: Early-Mid 3
There is a running back who should give you RB1 production available in the third round of almost every draft. Jacobs was RB6 before he hurt his knee in Week 11 and produced at a level that would have put him among the top backs in fantasy before the injury.

Go Upside Down/Do the Opposite/Zero RB - Be the Last to Take Your RB1
Running backs who are likely to lead their team in touches but have warts like age, injury history, offensive environment, or competition routinely fall into the 4th and 5th rounds. That makes it possible to neglect running back for the first three rounds and still build a strong lineup.

• 4th Round Targets: David Montgomery, Javonte Williams, Cam Skattebo
• 5th Round Targets: D'Andre Swift, Jadarian Price, Quinshon Judkins
• 7th Round Targets: Rhamondre Stevenson, Tony Pollard

If you wait this long to address running back, make sure you're building significant advantages elsewhere on your roster.

Should I take my RB2 in the first 3-5 rounds?
Yes. The running back value from the third through the fifth is too good to ignore. Use the upside-down drafting list for targets.

Should I take three running backs in the first five rounds (AKA Robust RB)?
In Non-PPR and .5 PPR, this should be your preferred strategy. It's also viable in PPR leagues because the depth at wide receiver from the 6th-10th rounds allows you to make up ground later.

What if I only take two running backs in the first seven rounds?
Target Kenneth Gainwell as your RB3 in the ninth round, especially in PPR leagues. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is another option later in drafts, particularly in .5 PPR and Non-PPR formats.

Running Back Bench - 11th Round and Later

Passing Game Skills: Aaron Jones Sr.. (MIN), Kimani Vidal (LAC)

Early Down Backups: Tyrone Tracy Jr.. (NYG), Isiah Pacheco (DET), Jordan James/Kaelon Black (SF), Jaydon Blue/Malik Davis (DAL)

Wild Cards: Jonathon Brooks (CAR), Kaytron Allen (WAS), Jonah Coleman (DEN), Keaton Mitchell (LAC), Emmett Johnson (KC), Emanuel Wilson (SEA), James Conner (ARI), Sean Tucker (TB), Demond Claiborne (MIN)

Wide Receiver Strategy - Help on the Way (in the mid rounds)

Know Your Scoring System and Lineups!

SCORING SYSTEM

• Non-PPR/.5 PPR - Wide receiver is a lesser priority early. Downfield and red-zone receivers gain value.
• PPR - Wide receivers become stronger early-round picks; plan on flexing one in many builds.
• 100-yard Bonus - Early-round receiver value enhancer.
• Long TD Bonus - Favors big-play receivers.
• .25 or more per target - Similar value boost to PPR.

LINEUPS

• 2RB/2WR/0 or 1 Flex - Wide receiver is less valuable.
• 2RB/3WR/1 or 2 Flex - Wide receiver is more valuable.

Taking your WR1 in the First Round

Target: Ja'Marr Chase | Slot: 3
Chase was actually more productive with Joe Flacco than Joe Burrow last year, which helps insulate his value from Burrow's injury risk. He's a slam dunk at No. 3 in PPR leagues.

Targets: Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Slot: 4-5
Whether you prefer Nacua, Smith-Njigba, or Christian McCaffrey in this range comes down to which questions you're most comfortable answering yes to. All have league-winning upside.

Targets: CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown | Slot: 6-12
Both are proven producers in strong offenses and represent lower-risk first-round picks. Taking one sets you up to take advantage of high-ceiling RB1s available in the second. Brock Bowers is also a consideration.

Taking your WR1 in the Second Round
Targets: Drake London, Rashee Rice, Chris Olave
All three demonstrated the ability to produce at a level worthy of a late first-round pick. Take the one you have the highest confidence in — there's a strong case for all three. Unless you're in a tight end premium league, this usually means you started RB in the first round and have maximum flexibility in Round 3.

Taking your WR1 in the Third Round

Targets: Chris Olave, George Pickens | Slot: Early Third
Both are often available here and can serve as viable WR1s if you started your draft with other positions.

Targets: Tee Higgins, Garrett Wilson, Emeka Egbuka | Round: Mid-Late Third
If you don't have a receiver yet, these are among the best bets likely to disappear before your next pick. Wide receiver depth is strong enough that you can still pass on the position in the fourth round if another player stands out.

Should I start WR/WR?
It can work if you get two top-five producers in a PPR league. If you can get Josh Jacobs in the third, it's one of my favorite starts because of the quality RB/WR options available around the 4/5 turn.

Ok, what about WR/WR/WR?
In a PPR league where three wide receivers and a flex start, I like it, especially if Chris Olave is the third receiver. Running back depth around the 4/5 turn is good enough to make the build work.

WR2 in the Fourth Round
Targets: Garrett Wilson, Emeka Egbuka, Jameson Williams, Ladd McConkey
There are compelling running backs on the board here too, but these receivers can outscore them in PPR formats. If you prefer the running backs, receiver depth later in the draft can still bail you out.

WR2 in the Fifth Round
Targets: Rome Odunze, DJ Moore
You shouldn't fear taking only one wide receiver in the first four rounds if this is the tier you're targeting.

The Sixth Round is Full of Meh in Most Drafts - Take a Wide Receiver
Targets: DJ Moore, Christian Watson, Alec Pierce
This is usually a better place to take a receiver than a quarterback or tight end. Watson and Pierce both offer meaningful upside relative to cost.

WR3/Flex in the 7th-10th

• Round 7: Alec Pierce, Jayden Reed, Parker Washington, Michael Wilson
• Round 8: Jayden Reed, Parker Washington, Michael Wilson, Chris Godwin Jr..
• Rounds 9-10: Josh Downs, Xavier Worthy, Matthew Golden, Jalen Coker

This is the rich vein of wide receiver value in 2026 drafts. You can bolster your starting lineup or bench here while other managers chase thinner positions.

Jayden Reed is a top target. He established himself as a productive receiver in a crowded Packers offense over his first two seasons and is often available well below that level of production. Godwin offers a high-floor WR3/Flex profile, while Downs, Worthy, Golden, and Coker all have the potential to become reliable weekly starters with spike-week upside.

Upside Bench Picks (11th-14th rounds)

• Travis Hunter (JAX)
• Calvin Ridley (TEN)

Hunter's talent could force a larger offensive role. Ridley remains a core piece of what should be an improved Titans passing game.

The Best of the Rest (15th Round or Later) Ryan Flournoy (DAL), De'Zhaun Stribling (SF), Malachi Fields (NYG), Tank Dell (HOU), Darnell Mooney (NYG) — all offer paths to larger roles than their draft cost suggests.

Tight End Strategy - Any Way You Want It

Know Your Scoring System and Lineups!

SCORING SYSTEM

• Non-PPR/.5 PPR - Tight end devalued; go late-round tight end.
• PPR - Tight end value increased at the top of the board.
• 1.5 PPR/TE Premium - Pushes the top tight ends into first-round consideration.
• .25 or more per target - Similar value boost to PPR.

LINEUPS

• No TE required - Bowers and McBride lose value.
• 2RB/3WR/1 or 2 Flex - Tight end is less important than RB/WR depth.

My preferred plan is to wait and scoop up proven talents available at a discount because of injuries.

Plan A - Late Round - The Injury Discount TE Strategy Targets: George Kittle, Dalton Kincaid, Travis Kelce, Isaiah Likely | Round: 9-12

Kittle is coming back from a postseason Achilles tear, but there is growing optimism that he will be ready early in the season. Kincaid could provide early-season production while healthy. If you miss on one or both, Kelce still offers TE1 production at a discount, and Likely could start fast while Malik Nabers is mending.

Plan B - Early Round - Get This Year's JSN, But at Tight End Target: Brock Bowers, LV | Round: 2

Bowers flashed elite upside before his knee injury limited him. Improved quarterback play and Klint Kubiak's offense could make him the focal point of the passing game. He has difference-making upside and should cost less than he did a year ago.

Plan C - Mid Round - Finding the Next Big Thing at TE

• Colston Loveland | Round: 4
• Tucker Kraft | Round: 7
• Kyle Pitts Sr. | Round: 8

Loveland is the upside swing if you believe his late-season surge was the start of something bigger. Kraft was producing at an elite level before his injury. Pitts remains frustrating, but the talent and opportunity are still there if Atlanta finally follows through on its plans for him.

Who is worth taking in late rounds as a TE2? Greg Dulcich (MIA), Chig Okonkwo (WAS), Oronde Gadsden/David Njoku (LAC) — all have paths to fantasy relevance if their receiving roles develop.

Kicker Strategy

Field Goal Distance Bonuses: Increase the value of kickers like Little, Boswell, and Butker and make Aubrey, Myers, and Fairbairn worth considering earlier than usual.

Wait until the last round and target: Chris Boswell (PIT), Cam Little (JAX), Harrison Butker (KC), Eddy Pineiro (SF), Chase McLaughlin (TB), Evan McPherson (CIN).

Defense/Special Teams Strategy

Scoring Points Allowed/Yardage Allowed: Increases the value of elite D/ST units and makes weekly matchups more important. Streaming remains the preferred approach.

Take your defense the round before you take your kicker. Targets:

• LA Chargers (vs ARI, LV Weeks 1-2)
• Pittsburgh
• Green Bay (@MIN, @NYJ, ATL Weeks 1-3)
• Tennessee (vs NYJ Week 1)

Happy drafting, all! I'll keep updating this as the preseason unfolds and continue to share everything I am digesting and processing that is changing my approach to drafts for the rest of the preseason and right up until the actual season begins. Always feel free to hit me on Twitter if you have any specific questions!