Draft day is the most exciting and nerve racking part of the fantasy football season. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the game, mastering your strategy is the difference between building a playoff roster and spending your Sundays frustrated.
In 2025 fantasy football, competition is tougher than ever, and preparation is key. Here are ten proven tips to help you dominate your draft and set yourself up for a championship run.
1. Know Your League Rules and Scoring
Every league is different, and the scoring format will dictate your strategy. In point per reception (PPR) leagues, wide receivers and pass catching running backs get a bump in value. In standard leagues, touchdown scorers become more important.
Understand roster settings, starting positions, and any bonuses your platform offers. For example, if your league awards six points for passing touchdowns instead of four, elite quarterbacks hold more value.
2. Draft a Top Four Quarterback or Wait Until the End
In 2025 fantasy football, the gap between the elite quarterbacks and the rest of the field is massive. Players like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, and Jalen Hurts offer weekly game breaking upside that can carry a roster.
If you cannot grab one of these four, it is better to wait until the late rounds and take a value pick. Mid-tier quarterbacks often post similar weekly numbers, and reaching for them early can cost you valuable depth at running back or wide receiver.
3. Avoid Overpriced Mid-Round Running Backs
One common mistake in drafts is overpaying for running backs in rounds four through six just because you “need” one. These players often have uncertain workloads, injury histories, or competition for touches.
Depending on what site you draft on players like James Cook and Joe Mixon could be options to draft and you may feel like you must but passing on them for a better valued wide receiver is more beneficial to your team.
Instead, either secure a reliable starter early or wait for a late round sleeper with a clear path to volume. In many leagues, middle round running backs carry more risk than reward.
4. Target High Volume Wide Receivers
Wide receivers with high target shares offer week-to-week consistency. Even in games without touchdowns, their receptions keep your team competitive.
In 2025, players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Amon-Ra St. Brown dominate their team’s passing offense and rarely post duds. Look for receivers projected for targets, as their volume can offset occasional poor efficiency.
5. Stack Players for Upside
Stacking means drafting a quarterback and one of their top pass catchers. This strategy gives you a weekly scoring ceiling if the pair connects for multiple touchdowns.
For example, pairing Jalen Hurts with AJ Brown or DeVonta Smith or Tua Tagovailoa with Tyreek Hill orJaylen Waddle can create huge fantasy swings in your favor.
Targeting stacks that are in successful and efficient offenses allow for an extra edge on your opponent because of the high chance of points being put on the board.
6. Draft for Talent, Not Just Positional Need
It’s easy to panic when your roster looks thin at a position but reaching for a lesser player simply because you “need” a certain position can hurt long term value.
When in doubt, take the most talented player available. Waivers and trades will allow you to address positional needs later.
7. Pay Attention to Bye Weeks (But Don’t Overthink Them)
You do not need to avoid drafting two players with the same bye week, but you should avoid overloading a single position with the same off week.
For instance, drafting three of your top four wide receivers who all have Week 9 byes could leave you vulnerable. Spread out bye weeks, when possible, but do not pass on a star player solely because of it.
8. Take Late Round Lottery Tickets
The final rounds are the perfect place to swing for high upside players rather than safe veterans with capped ceilings. These “lottery tickets” can be rookies, backups with injury upside, or players in explosive offenses who may win larger roles.
Players like Keon Coleman and Cedric Tillman are great late round sleepers who provide plenty of upside.
In 2025 fantasy football, late round breakouts can be league winners. If they don’t pan out, you can easily replace them with waiver wire additions.
9. Stay Flexible During the Draft
Go into your draft with a plan but be ready to pivot. Runs on certain positions, unexpected value drops, or surprise picks by other managers will happen.
If a first round wide receiver you never expected to fall is still available, take them even if your plan was to draft a running back first. Drafting is about maximizing value at every turn.
When drafting a lot of people feel the need to fill out their whole starting lineup but don’t worry about drafting a quarterback or tight end solely because that spot is empty, continue to draft value.
10. If You Miss on an Elite Tight End, Wait Until Later
In 2025 fantasy football, there is a small group of tight ends Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and George Kittle who offer a weekly scoring advantage due to consistent targets and red zone involvement.
If you miss out on one of these three, it’s usually better to wait until the later rounds rather than spending a mid-round pick on a tight end in the “next tier.” The production gap between mid-range options and late-round fliers isn’t as wide as in past seasons, and you can often find similar numbers from bargain picks without sacrificing depth at other positions.
Final Thoughts
Draft day is the foundation of your season, and the decisions you make in those few hours will shape your path to the playoffs. By securing a top four quarterback or waiting until the late rounds, avoiding overpriced mid-round running backs, and staying flexible throughout the process, you put yourself in the best position to succeed.
In 2025 fantasy football, preparation, discipline, and value hunting are the keys to domination. Follow these ten tips, and you’ll be ready to outdraft and outscore your competition all season long.