Must-Draft Fantasy Football: The Rise of Best Ball Drafts

In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy football, a new and exciting trend has taken center stage: the rise of best ball drafts. This format has captured the hearts of fantasy enthusiasts, offering a unique and exhilarating way to engage with the sport. But what exactly is best ball, and why has it become such a sensation in the world of fantasy football?

What is Best Ball Fantasy Football?

Best ball fantasy football is a format that has grown from a niche style of play into a widespread phenomenon within the fantasy football community. Unlike traditional fantasy football leagues, where you make weekly lineup decisions and manage trades, best ball leagues have a distinctive setup. Once you draft your team, your responsibilities are limited to that initial draft. No trades, no pickups, and no setting lineups week by week.

Each week, the system automatically selects your optimal lineup, ensuring that the players who perform best contribute to your score. There’s no need to agonize over lineup decisions or worry about injury-related substitutions. This streamlined approach allows participants to focus on the thrill of the game rather than the minutiae of roster management.

Maximizing Upside: The Strategy Behind Best Ball Drafts

In the realm of best ball drafts, the key is to target players with high upside. These are the players who can deliver explosive performances and “spike weeks,” where they score significantly above their usual output. While consistency is valuable, it’s those standout weeks that can make a substantial impact on your best ball seasonal score.

Consider a player who may have occasional single-digit performances but can also produce multiple 20-plus point weeks. In the best ball format, this player becomes an asset due to their potential for big scores. Even if they have a subpar week, the automated system replaces them with another player from your roster who performed better. This strategy underscores the importance of identifying players with the potential for exceptional performances.

Quarterback Strategy in Best Ball Drafts

Traditionally, the advice for drafting quarterbacks has been to wait on the position, focusing on other positions earlier in the draft. However, in recent times, a shift in strategy has emerged. Elite quarterbacks, such as Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Patrick Mahomes, offer a significant edge to best ball teams. Investing in one of these top-tier quarterbacks, especially if they fall to the third round, can pay dividends throughout the season.

For instance, Josh Allen’s explosive performance during the initial weeks of the season showcased his ability to dominate both through the air and on the ground. While injuries are always a concern, the impact of having a quarterback who consistently produces high fantasy points cannot be understated. Securing an elite quarterback early in the draft can provide a substantial advantage.

Navigating the Quarterback Landscape

Once the elite quarterbacks are off the board, the focus shifts to the next tier of QBs who bring a dual-threat dynamic to the game. Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence are prime examples of quarterbacks who not only contribute through the air but also possess the ability to gain yards on the ground.

These quarterbacks are particularly enticing due to their versatility and potential for big plays. While some may question Trevor Lawrence’s relatively unproven status in comparison to the others, his inclusion in this group suggests that he holds promise in the best ball format. Ultimately, choosing among these talented quarterbacks depends on your evaluation of their skills and their roles within high-powered offenses.

In Conclusion

The realm of fantasy football continues to evolve, and best ball drafts have emerged as a captivating and exhilarating way to engage with the sport. Focusing on maximizing upside, targeting elite quarterbacks early, and strategically navigating the quarterback landscape are essential elements of a successful best ball draft strategy. As the popularity of best ball leagues continues to grow, embracing this format can elevate your fantasy football experience to new heights.