Best Ball Fantasy Football: A Beginners Guide

Fantasy football continues to evolve, and one of the fastest-growing formats is Best Ball. Unlike traditional fantasy football leagues, Best Ball emphasizes draft strategy over in-season management, making it a unique and exciting way to play. In Best Ball leagues, your optimal lineup is automatically set each week, which means there’s no need for weekly waivers, trades, or lineup decisions. Here’s an in-depth look at some strategies to help you dominate your Best Ball league.

Once you’re up to speed, check out all of our Best Ball Fantasy Football Strategy Articles!

Understanding the Best Ball Format

Before diving into strategies, it’s essential to understand the Best Ball format. Typically, Best Ball leagues have a larger roster size (usually 18-20 players) and do not allow for in-season roster changes. Your best possible lineup is set each week based on your drafted players’ performances.

1. Draft for Upside

Since there are no in-season moves, targeting players with high upside is crucial. High-ceiling players can swing weeks in your favor with big performances. This strategy involves selecting players who may not be consistent but can deliver league-winning weeks. Historically players that are boom-or-bust can significantly benefit a Best Ball team.

2. Roster Construction

A balanced roster construction is key in Best Ball leagues. Here’s a typical structure to consider:

Quarterbacks (2-3)

Aim for stability and upside. Draft a solid QB1 and complement them with high-upside backups.

Running Backs (5-7)

Focus on depth and variability. Mix stable, high-floor backs with potential breakout candidates.

Wide Receivers (7-9)

This position benefits the most from depth. Wide receivers are more volatile, so having more options increases your chances of hitting on high-scoring weeks.

Tight Ends (2-3)

If you miss out on an elite TE, draft multiple mid-to-late-round options.

Defenses (0-2, if applicable)

Some Best Ball leagues include defenses. If so, treat them similarly to quarterbacks—draft one solid option and one with high upside.

My typical lineup is

• 2 Quarterback
• 5-6 Running Backs
• 8-9 Wide Receivers
• 2 Tight Ends

3. Stack Your Lineups

Stacking involves drafting multiple players from the same NFL team, particularly a quarterback with one or more of their receivers. This strategy can create high scores, especially if the team has a potent offense.

4. Target Late-Round Sleepers

Identifying and drafting late-round sleepers can provide a significant edge. These players often have the potential to outperform their draft position and can become valuable assets. Research players who are in good situations or have shown flashes of potential but are being overlooked due to injuries, coaching changes, or buried on the depth chart.

5. Avoid Overvaluing Consistency

While consistency is crucial in traditional fantasy formats, Best Ball rewards peak performances. Don’t shy away from drafting players with a high weekly variance. A player like Gabe Davis, who has a history of sporadic big games, is more valuable in Best Ball than a more consistent but lower-ceiling player.

6. Monitor Bye Weeks

In traditional leagues, you can adjust your lineup to cover bye weeks, but in Best Ball, your roster needs to be prepared to handle them automatically. Ensure that your roster construction considers bye weeks, especially at critical positions like quarterback and tight end.

7. Emphasize Injury-Prone Handcuffs

“Injury-prone” players often fall in drafts, but they can provide tremendous value in Best Ball formats. Their backups, or “handcuffs,” can also become league winners if the starter goes down.

8. Diversify Your Portfolio

If you’re playing in multiple Best Ball leagues, diversify your player selections to spread risk. Avoid drafting the same players across all your teams. This way, if certain players underperform or get injured, it won’t torpedo all your leagues. This is also known as exposure.

Best Ball leagues offer a distinct and engaging challenge for fantasy football enthusiasts. By focusing on upside, constructing a balanced roster, and utilizing strategic drafting techniques, you can build a competitive team that performs well throughout the season. Embrace the variance, draft smart, and enjoy the ride, as your best lineup is automatically set each week.

Happy Drafting!

Ready for your next Best Ball Lesson? Check out Part 2 now!

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