Fantasy Football Strategy

Learn the fantasy football strategies that win leagues. From Zero-RB and Late-Round QB to Draft-and-Hold and streaming tactics, our 2025 guide gives you the knowledge and tools to build smarter rosters. Ideal for beginners and veterans alike.

Zero RB Strategy

Overview

Zero RB (Zero Running Back) is a draft approach where you intentionally delay drafting running backs until the middle rounds, instead stockpiling elite wide receivers, tight ends, and maybe a top quarterback in the early rounds. The idea is to exploit the higher volatility and injury risk of RBs, while locking in more stable, high-impact players at other positions. By avoiding RBs in the first 3-5 rounds (some even push it to Round 8 or later), you aim to assemble a dominant receiving corps and then piece together running backs from later picks and in-season waiver-wire gems.

Ideal for

PPR or half-PPR leagues where you can start multiple WRs (e.g. 3 WR + flex). It shines in formats that reward receptions or have deep starting lineups at WR/TE, allowing those early-round WR/TE picks to maximize scoring. Zero RB is often favored when drafting late in Round 1, after the premium RBs are gone, or if you believe the mid-round RB "breakouts" can be had cheaply.

Pros

  • Elite Receivers Advantage: You load up on top-tier WRs (and possibly an elite TE/QB), giving you weekly consistency and high ceilings from those positions. In PPR formats, a stud WR can outscore all but the very best RBs, so having multiple elite pass-catchers can carry your team.
  • Mitigating RB Risk: Early-round RBs bust or get injured frequently. Zero RB leverages this by not overpaying for that risk. Instead, you target late-round RBs or backups who could inherit starting jobs (due to injury or depth chart changes) without heavy draft capital. If an undrafted or late-round RB emerges (e.g., 2023’s Kyren Williams off waivers), a Zero RB team that snags them gains a huge edge.
  • Flexibility & Waiver Upside: By saving RB for later, you remain agile. You can draft high-upside "lottery ticket" RBs in rounds 6-10 and churn the waiver wire early in the season for any surprise starting RBs. Every year, unheralded RBs become viable starters due to injuries – Zero RB teams are primed to nab these league-winners.
  • Stacking Potential: With early picks on WR/TE, you can also build potent QB-WR/TE stacks. For example, you might grab a top QB like Josh Allen in Round 4 and pair him with a Round 2 WR (Stefon Diggs) – something achievable because you aren’t spending those picks on RBs. This can maximize weekly upside.

Cons

  • Running Back Weakness: You will likely start the season with weaker RBs. If none of your late-round RB fliers pan out quickly, you could be at a deficit in RB scoring early on.
  • Injury/Volatility Dependency: The strategy banks on chaos at the RB position. If the top running backs stay healthy and dominate the season, a Zero RB drafter can fall behind.
  • Active Management Required: Zero RB isn’t a "set and forget" plan. It demands aggressive in-season management – working waivers to find new starters and being willing to rotate or "stream" RBs based on matchups.
  • Not Optimal in Standard Scoring: In non-PPR formats (standard scoring), wide receivers are less valuable relative to RBs. Zero RB loses some appeal in those leagues.

Example

In a 2024 draft (12-team PPR), a Zero RB drafter might spend the first five rounds on three WRs, a TE, and a QB before taking any running back. For instance, Round 1: Justin Jefferson (WR), Round 2: CeeDee Lamb (WR), Round 3: Mark Andrews (TE), Round 4: Joe Burrow (QB), Round 5: Calvin Ridley (WR). By Round 6 and beyond, they start selecting RBs like James Cook (Round 6) and AJ Dillon (Round 7), along with high-upside backups like Jerick McKinnon or rookie RBs in later rounds. The hope is that one of these later RBs breaks out as an every-week starter. Meanwhile, the team’s receivers and tight end give a weekly scoring floor and upside that opponents can’t match if they went RB-heavy early.

When to Use

Zero RB is best employed in leagues that heavily reward passing game production (PPR, 0.5 PPR) and where you can start at least 3 WRs or a flex. It’s particularly useful if you’re drafting in the back half of Round 1 and don’t love the RB options available.

When to Avoid

Avoid Zero RB in formats where running backs are king – e.g. standard scoring leagues, or leagues that start 2+ RBs but maybe only 2 WRs. Similarly, if you have a top-3 draft pick in a normal year, that usually means an opportunity to draft a surefire elite RB. Also, if your league’s waiver wire is thin, the Zero RB strategy becomes much riskier.

Hero RB (Anchor RB) Strategy

Overview

Hero RB (also known as Anchor RB or Modified Zero RB) is a balanced draft strategy that threads the needle between heavy-RB and Zero-RB approaches. With Hero RB, you draft one stud running back early (usually in the first or second round), then ignore the RB position for the next several rounds while you build out your roster at other positions.

Ideal for

This strategy works well in PPR leagues or any format where you want a bit of security at RB without sacrificing the chance to grab elite receivers. It’s a great fit if you have an early draft slot. For example, if you pick 1.01 – 1.05 and can snag a top-tier RB, Hero RB lets you capitalize on that and then shift focus.

Pros

  • Secure an Elite RB: You still get the benefit of having a top-tier running back – someone who can finish top-5 at the position.
  • Balanced Roster Construction: You can draft multiple high-end WRs in Rounds 2-5, perhaps an elite QB or TE as well. The result is a well-rounded team with a strong WR corps and a reliable RB1.
  • Avoids the RB Dead Zone: You skip the risky rounds for RBs and use those picks on positions with more reliable value (like WR).
  • Insurance Against RB Chaos: You’re not fully dependent on waiver wire RBs since you already have a strong weekly anchor.
  • Roster Flexibility: By waiting on RB2, you’re free to chase best player available in mid-rounds without being tied to positional needs.

Cons

  • Single Point of Failure: If your one elite RB gets injured, the entire strategy can fall apart due to lack of RB depth.
  • Still Weak RB2 Spot: Your second RB is still a late-round dart throw, similar to a Zero RB team.
  • Opportunity Cost: Using an early pick on a RB might cost you an elite WR or TE who offers higher positional value.
  • Less Upside Than Zero RB: Hero RB trades some ceiling for stability, making it safer but less explosive than Zero RB.

Example

Suppose in 2025 you have a mid first-round pick and draft Bijan Robinson as your hero RB. In Rounds 2-4, you grab A.J. Brown, Tee Higgins, and T.J. Hockenson. Later, you take James Conner and Tyjae Spears. The result: a strong RB1, WR depth, and high upside RB2 candidates.

When to Use

Use Hero RB when you draft early and want to lock in a top RB while maximizing WR/TE/QB value in the mid-rounds. It works well when the mid-round RBs are uninspiring, and WR value is high in Rounds 3–6.

When to Avoid

Avoid Hero RB if no elite RB is available when you draft, or if WRs are scarce and you need to lock up multiple RBs early. It’s also less viable in standard scoring leagues or formats requiring multiple RB starters.

Late-Round QB Strategy

Overview

The Late-Round QB strategy is a classic fantasy approach where you wait as long as possible to draft a quarterback, focusing your early and mid-round picks on running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends instead. In its pure form, you might not select your first QB until double-digit rounds (Round 10 or later).

Ideal for

Traditional 1-QB leagues, especially 10- or 12-team formats, where QB depth makes it easy to find serviceable starters late. It’s ideal when your league doesn’t reward QBs heavily (e.g., 4-pt pass TDs) and when others draft QBs early, pushing better RB/WR values to you.

Pros

  • Maximize Early Draft Value: Load up on scarce RB/WR positions while others take QBs early, making your flex and bench deeper and stronger.
  • Ample QB Options Later: There’s usually little drop-off between mid-tier QBs and late-round starters. Many top-10 QBs each year go undrafted or come from Round 11+.
  • Opportunity to Stream: You can rotate QBs week to week based on matchups, improving weekly upside without high investment.
  • Lower Injury Risk & Bust Impact: If your late QB fails or gets hurt, you can replace them easily. Early-round QB busts hurt more because of the draft cost.
  • Draft Capital Efficiency: The scoring gap between elite and mid-level QBs isn’t always worth the cost. Waiting allows your overall roster to score more points cumulatively.

Cons

  • Missing Elite QB Upside: The elite dual-threat QBs (Allen, Hurts, Mahomes) can outscore late-round QBs by 5–10 points weekly. That gap can be hard to overcome.
  • Weekly Volatility: Streaming or relying on shaky late picks may result in boom/bust QB output each week.
  • Increased Management Effort: You may need to stream or roster 2 QBs, which takes planning and bench space.
  • League Depth Risk: In deep leagues or formats where many managers draft backup QBs, your late options may be limited or risky.
  • Less Trade Value: Late QBs often lack trade value. If your starter busts, you might have to overpay in a trade to fix it.

Example

You pass on QBs while others draft Mahomes, Allen, Hurts in Rounds 2-4. Instead, you build RB/WR depth. In Rounds 10–11, you take Kirk Cousins and Anthony Richardson, and stream based on matchups. Over the season, you generate QB1 production at a fraction of the cost.

When to Use

Use Late-Round QB when the league is 1-QB, has plenty of waiver options, and top QBs are drafted early. If scoring is balanced and you’re comfortable managing the position weekly, it’s a strong value play.

When to Avoid

Avoid in 2-QB or Superflex leagues, or formats where QB scoring is inflated (e.g., 6-pt passing TDs). If your league mates wait on QB too, the strategy loses value. Also avoid if you’re not comfortable actively managing the position all season.

Streaming (In-Season Position Streaming)

Overview

Streaming is an in-season strategy where you don’t rely on fixed weekly starters for certain positions, but instead continuously play the fantasy free agency and matchups to "stream" a new starter each week. It’s most often used at positions like QB, TE, K, or DST.

Ideal for

Best in 10- or 12-team leagues with shallow rosters and deep waiver options. Also ideal when mid-tier players at a position don’t offer a consistent edge, and when you prefer weekly flexibility over locking in one starter all year.

Pros

  • Takes Advantage of Matchups: You can plug in a QB, TE, or DEF facing a weak opponent each week for maximum upside, often matching or exceeding mid-tier starters.
  • Maximizes Roster Flexibility: By not committing to a backup QB/TE/K, you can stash more RB/WR depth or take waiver chances on breakout players.
  • Competitive with Top Options (if done right): When you stream effectively, you can achieve top-10 production from a rotation of low-cost players.
  • Saves Draft Resources: You wait until the end of the draft or even use waivers for positions you’ll stream, allowing more early picks for premium talent.
  • Exploits Onesie Positions: Since you only start one QB, TE, K, or DEF, the supply is greater than demand. Streaming capitalizes on this inefficiency.

Cons

  • High Maintenance: Streaming requires active weekly management and constant waiver wire attention.
  • Risk of Missing Out: Your targeted streamer might get picked up by someone else, or there may be no good matchups left some weeks.
  • Roster Churning Consequences: Frequent add/drops may cause you to miss out on breakout bench stashes.
  • Volatility and Uncertainty: Matchup plays can bust unexpectedly, leading to inconsistent scoring.
  • Limited to Certain Positions: Streaming only works well at QB, TE, K, or DEF--not RB or WR due to scarcity and usage volume.

Example

You draft Tua Tagovailoa in Round 12 and Denver DEF late. After Week 1, you stream Jared Goff vs. a weak secondary and switch to the Cleveland DEF facing a rookie QB. Over the season, you rotate QBs and defenses based on matchups, achieving top-10 results without spending early draft capital on either position.

When to Use

Use streaming if you’re an active manager, confident in matchups, and playing in a league with standard roster sizes and open waivers. Ideal when your draft gives you only fringe starters at QB/TE/DEF and you prefer playing weekly upside.

When to Avoid

Avoid in deep leagues or ones with limited waivers where streamer options are scarce. Also avoid if you’re less active or prefer low-maintenance roster management. Not ideal if you already drafted elite QBs or DSTs.

Handcuffing (RB Insurance Strategy)

Overview

Handcuffing is a draft and roster strategy where you intentionally select the backup (or "handcuff") to your starting running back. The idea is to protect your high investment at RB in case of injury by already owning the player most likely to take over that role.

Ideal for

Best used when you have an elite RB1 with an obvious backup in a clear depth chart. Also ideal in leagues with deeper benches where stashing backups won’t hurt your roster flexibility.

Pros

  • Injury Insurance: Protects your early-round RB investment. If your starter goes down, the handcuff likely becomes the new starter with similar opportunity.
  • Peace of Mind: You avoid bidding wars on waivers when injuries strike. It also reduces stress around managing in-season injuries to key RBs.
  • High Upside Bench Stash: Some handcuffs offer standalone value (e.g., Tony Pollard behind Zeke), and can become league-winners if the starter misses time.
  • Eases Start/Sit Decisions: No guesswork. If your starter is healthy, play him. If he’s out, play the handcuff. The clarity helps reduce weekly lineup stress.

Cons

  • Wasted Roster Spot (if no injury): If your starter stays healthy, you may never use the handcuff, which means a valuable bench spot was spent on a backup all season.
  • Not All Handcuffs Are Created Equal: Some teams have RB committees or unclear depth charts, making handcuffing less reliable.
  • Limits Upside: By rostering a backup to your own RB, you aren’t taking shots on other high-upside players who could break out.
  • Reduces Flexibility: Holding a handcuff all season may prevent you from picking up hot waiver adds when needed.

Example

If you draft Christian McCaffrey in Round 1, you might target Elijah Mitchell or Jordan Mason later as a handcuff. If McCaffrey goes down, you’re not scrambling – you already have his direct replacement, and your team remains stable at RB.

When to Use

Use when your RB1 is injury-prone, in a high-volume system, and has a clear backup. Also consider it in playoff scenarios, where losing a stud RB could tank your season.

When to Avoid

Avoid in leagues with short benches, or when the backup is part of a committee that won't inherit full volume. Also avoid handcuffing if you prefer maximizing upside from every roster spot.

Studs and Scrubs (Auction Draft Strategy)

Overview

Studs and Scrubs is an auction draft strategy where you spend a large portion of your budget on a few elite players, then fill the rest of your roster with cheap, low-risk players ("scrubs"). It’s the opposite of a balanced approach, aiming for high-end firepower up top and value-hunting at the bottom.

Ideal for

Best for auction drafts (not snake drafts) and in leagues with active waivers where you can replace underperforming low-cost players. Works well when elite players tend to carry the weekly scoring in your league format.

Pros

  • Multiple Elite Players: You can roster multiple first-round caliber players, like grabbing both Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce in the same auction.
  • Waiver Wire Buffer: Since you didn’t invest heavily in your scrubs, you’re free to cut them and churn the waiver wire aggressively without remorse.
  • Dominant Starting Lineup (if it hits): If even a few cheap players perform adequately, your star-studded roster can win you weeks on its own.
  • Exploit Auction Dynamics: Many managers save money early, allowing you to get elite players before prices rise again. You can dictate the market by being aggressive early.

Cons

  • Injury Risk Concentration: Losing a stud hurts more when a huge chunk of your budget was spent on them.
  • Low Margin for Error: If your scrubs all bust and no waiver gems emerge, you may not have the depth to survive the season.
  • Less Flexibility in Draft: Once you’ve spent most of your budget on studs, you have minimal ability to compete on mid-range players you may like.
  • Bench Weakness: Your backups may be liabilities, making bye weeks and injuries harder to overcome without luck on the wire.

Example

You spend $160 of your $200 budget on Justin Jefferson, Christian McCaffrey, and Josh Allen. The rest of your picks are $1–$3 players like Nico Collins or Samaje Perine. You count on elite output from your stars while rotating through your cheap players based on performance and matchups.

When to Use

Use when the auction room is passive early, or when elite players truly tilt matchups weekly. Also useful if you’re confident in your ability to find waiver-wire sleepers throughout the year.

When to Avoid

Avoid in deep roster formats or leagues with limited free agency activity. Also risky in leagues where elite players are fragile or overvalued.

Value-Based Drafting (VBD)

Overview

Value-Based Drafting (VBD) is a strategy that ranks players based not just on projected points, but on how much more value they provide over a "replacement-level" player at their position. The idea is to prioritize players who provide the greatest advantage over what's typically available later at their position.

Ideal for

Best suited for leagues where you have access to projections and want to take a structured, data-driven approach. It works well across many formats, including PPR, Superflex, and TE-premium leagues, because you can customize the baseline per position.

Pros

  • Objective, Quantitative Approach: Helps remove bias and emotion from picks by turning draft decisions into math. You're comparing each player based on the advantage they give over the average starter at their position.
  • Maximizes Team Value: You're aiming to get the highest cumulative "value over replacement" across your roster, which leads to a higher projected total output than just chasing positional rankings.
  • Adaptable to Any Format: Whether it’s a 2QB league, PPR, or TE-premium, you simply change the replacement baseline and projections accordingly. It scales with league rules.
  • Identifies Undervalued Positions: VBD can highlight when a position (like TE or QB) falls off sharply, helping you decide whether to prioritize that position early or wait.

Cons

  • Requires Projections & Setup: VBD depends on accurate projections and knowing how to define the "replacement level" at each position. It's more complex than standard rankings.
  • Over-Relies on Preseason Data: If your projections are wrong, VBD values become misleading. Injuries or unexpected breakouts can quickly skew the strategy’s effectiveness.
  • Can Mislead with Deep Positions: Sometimes, positions like WR are deep and a high VBD may not reflect week-to-week reliability. You might draft a high-VBD WR who’s boom/bust.
  • Draft Room Unpredictability: VBD assumes rational drafting from others. If your league doesn’t follow positional trends, it may throw off VBD-based plans.

Example

If the average starting QB scores 250 points and Josh Allen is projected for 370, his VBD is +120. If an RB is projected for 300 and replacement RBs score 220, his VBD is +80. Even though the RB scores fewer total points, Allen offers more advantage over his peers and may be worth a higher pick--depending on your roster and league setup.

When to Use

Use VBD when you want a calculated way to compare players across positions. It’s especially effective when combined with custom rankings or draft tools that automate the value calculations.

When to Avoid

Avoid if you don’t have reliable projections or if your league is very casual and unpredictable. Also less helpful in formats where scoring is balanced and replacement-level players are close to starters across the board.

Upside Chasing (High-Ceiling Focus)

Overview

Upside Chasing is a drafting and in-season strategy where you prioritize players who have a wide range of outcomes, with a focus on high ceilings rather than safe floors. The goal is to find players who can drastically outperform their draft cost and carry your team to a title, even if they come with more risk.

Ideal for

• Large tournaments or leagues where only the top spot truly matters (e.g., best ball or winner-take-all formats).

• Teams with stable early-round picks who want to swing for breakout potential in the mid-to-late rounds.

• Situations where you’re an underdog and need volatility to close the gap in the standings.

• Risk-tolerant managers who would rather finish 1st or 10th than consistently place 4th.

• Best ball formats where spike weeks are more valuable than consistency.

Pros

  • League-Winning Potential: You increase your odds of drafting breakout stars who drastically outperform ADP, like Ja’Marr Chase (2021) or Lamar Jackson (2019).
  • Outpacing ADP: Many high-upside players fall in drafts due to uncertainty. If you spot their potential, you can beat the market and secure massive value.
  • Low Cost, High Reward: These picks usually come in the mid-to-late rounds or even off waivers. If they bust, you lose little--but if they hit, they can define your season.
  • Dynamic Bench Options: Upside players give your team flexibility. They might start slow, but become automatic starts down the stretch or during playoffs.

Cons

  • High Bust Rate: Many upside plays don’t pan out. You may end up with roster cloggers or need to churn through multiple options to find the right ones.
  • Inconsistency: Even when these players hit, they can be boom/bust from week to week, making lineup decisions tougher in redraft formats.
  • Requires Patience and Waiver Savvy: You often need to hold these players through rough stretches, or rotate quickly if they fail.
  • Risk of Overdoing It: If your whole roster is upside plays, you may lack dependable weekly production and consistency.

Example

Drafting rookies like Zay Flowers or JSN in 2024 who might not start strong but could emerge late in the season. Or stashing a backup RB like Tyjae Spears in hopes of an injury opening up a massive role. You’re betting on possible breakouts and potential league-winners.

When to Use

Use in leagues with big prize pools, best ball formats, or when you feel your team lacks ceiling and needs lottery tickets. Especially valuable for bench spots and midseason stashes.

When to Avoid

Avoid if your team is already volatile or lacking weekly consistency. Also avoid if you’re playing in formats where steady production is more important than ceiling (e.g., head-to-head with tight playoff margins).

Buy Low / Sell High (Trading Strategy)

Overview

Buy Low / Sell High is a season-long strategy centered on making value-based trades. You aim to acquire underperforming players before they rebound ("buy low") and trade away overperforming players before they regress ("sell high"). The strategy hinges on identifying trends, regression candidates, and market overreactions.

Ideal for

Best for active managers in trade-friendly leagues. Works particularly well early in the season when player values are still fluctuating and emotions run high based on short-term results.

Pros

  • Capitalize on Overreactions: Many managers panic after a slow start or get too excited over hot streaks. You can exploit these biases by staying level-headed.
  • Improves Team Value Over Season: Each successful trade can increase your roster's overall quality, helping you transition from average to elite before playoffs.
  • Maximizes Asset Value: You sell players at peak value and acquire others at discounts, similar to smart investing. This long-term value gain improves depth and ceiling.
  • Exploits Schedule Knowledge: You can use upcoming matchups to your advantage--buy players with easier schedules ahead, and sell players who’ve benefitted from weak opponents.

Cons

  • Requires Trading Partners: Not all leagues trade actively, and you may not always find willing or reasonable partners.
  • Can Backfire: You might misread trends and end up trading away a breakout or buying a bust, especially if you're too aggressive or impatient.
  • Timing Is Tricky: Selling high requires awareness of peak value, and buying low means predicting rebounds correctly--neither is easy.
  • Perception Management: Other managers might catch on or resist trading if they feel you’re "fleecing" them, making future trades harder.

Example

In 2023, if Ja'Marr Chase started slow, a frustrated manager might trade him for someone like James Conner, who scored a couple TDs early. A savvy manager makes that move, then reaps the reward when Chase bounces back and Conner regresses.

When to Use

Use early and mid-season to shape your roster for playoffs. It’s most effective when you have stable starters and are seeking to improve upside or consistency through better value.

When to Avoid

Avoid if you’re in a league where trading rarely happens, or if you’re not confident identifying trends. Also avoid making trades for the sake of it--only act when the value clearly favors you.

Stacking (QB/WR Combo Strategy)

Overview

Stacking is a strategy where you intentionally draft or start players from the same real-life team whose production correlates--typically a quarterback and one or more of their top pass catchers (WR or TE). The goal is to benefit from explosive team performances by amplifying your fantasy points from a single offensive unit.

Ideal for

Best used in formats where weekly upside is critical--such as DFS, best ball, or tournament-style leagues. Also helpful in redraft leagues when you believe in a high-powered offense and want consistent scoring correlation between players.

Pros

  • Explosive Scoring Upside: When your QB and WR connect for a big play, you double dip on the fantasy points. A 50-yard TD can be worth 15+ combined points from one play.
  • Points Correlation: If one player (e.g., QB) has a big game, the stacked teammate likely does too. It raises your team’s ceiling by aligning outcomes.
  • Streamlined Team Support: You can root for one offense to dominate rather than needing multiple separate teams to succeed. It simplifies weekly rooting interest and lineup decisions.
  • Double-Stacking Potential: Some managers go further and stack a QB with two pass catchers, capturing a large portion of that offense’s weekly output.

Cons

  • Volatility: If the real-life offense struggles or faces a tough defense, your stack can crater your weekly score. Bad games hurt twice as much.
  • Bye Week Conflicts: You lose multiple key players at once during that team’s bye week, which may force deeper planning or streaming options.
  • Draft Cost: Popular stacks can be expensive to build, forcing you to reach for a WR or TE earlier than usual to complete the combo.
  • Risk of Overexposure: If the offense you're stacking underperforms across the season, it limits your team’s ceiling and consistency.

Example

You draft Joe Burrow and then target Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins to complete the stack. When Burrow throws TDs to either WR, you score points for both players on the same play, boosting your weekly output significantly.

When to Use

Use when you believe in a specific offense to produce consistent or explosive results, especially in DFS or best ball where spike weeks are key. It also works well when your draft position allows you to naturally acquire both players at good value.

When to Avoid

Avoid if the offense is unproven or inconsistent, or if stacking forces you to reach too far in your draft. Also avoid if you're risk-averse and prefer lineup balance across different teams and matchups.

Elite QB Targeting (Drafting a Top QB Early)

Overview

This strategy focuses on drafting a top-tier quarterback early--typically within the first 3–5 rounds. The idea is to secure a high-ceiling, high-floor QB who gives you weekly stability, positional advantage, and potential for explosive performances. It runs counter to late-round QB strategies by prioritizing a premium passer to anchor your lineup.

Ideal for

Ideal when your league rewards QBs heavily (6-pt pass TDs, bonuses), or if top-tier QB options like Allen, Hurts, or Mahomes fall to you at a discount. Also effective in leagues with fewer starting positions or strong waiver competition, where elite QB consistency matters more.

Pros

  • High, Consistent Scoring at Key Position: Elite QBs deliver steady 20–30+ point games. They rarely bust and can single-handedly win weeks.
  • Positional Advantage: The gap between the QB1 and mid-tier QBs can be 5–10+ points weekly. This edge adds up over a full season.
  • Rushing Upside and Big Games: Dual-threat QBs like Hurts and Allen add rushing points for a higher floor and more weekly upside than pocket passers.
  • Set-and-Forget Starter: You don’t need to stream or play matchups. An elite QB anchors your lineup all year long.

Cons

  • Opportunity Cost: Drafting a QB early means you’re passing on premium RBs or WRs in the same range who are harder to replace later.
  • Less Flexibility: Once you commit early, you’re unlikely to take a second QB or pivot--so if they underperform, you’re stuck.
  • Fewer Elite QBs Than You Think: Some years only 2–3 QBs truly separate themselves. If your elite QB finishes as QB5 instead of QB1, you paid a premium for a minor upgrade.
  • Less Waiver Impact: In 1-QB leagues, quality QBs are often available late or on waivers. Spending an early pick may not be necessary.

Example

In Round 3 of your draft, you select Josh Allen while others draft WR2s or RB3s. Allen gives you 24–28 points weekly with massive spike weeks. The positional edge means you can afford lesser output at other spots and still win matchups.

When to Use

Use when an elite QB falls below ADP, in scoring formats that boost QB value, or when you prefer early stability at the position. Also strong if you don’t want to manage matchups all season.

When to Avoid

Avoid in deep leagues where RB/WR scarcity is greater, or if you’re confident you can stream or draft a solid QB late. Also avoid if your league penalizes early-QB picks with sharp drafters who wait for value.

Modified Zero RB Strategy

Overview

Modified Zero RB is a hybrid draft strategy that combines elements of Hero RB and Zero RB. You draft one elite RB early (usually Round 1), then avoid the RB position for several rounds while loading up on WRs, TEs, and possibly a QB. It offers the stability of a top RB while retaining the flexibility and upside-hunting nature of Zero RB.

Ideal for

Perfect for PPR or half-PPR formats, especially when you have an early draft slot and want to lock in an RB1 but still gain depth and value at WR. It’s ideal when WRs and TEs in Rounds 2–5 offer better value than RBs.

Pros

  • Secure an Elite RB: You get the upside and safety of a top-tier RB1–someone who can anchor your backfield every week and offer top-5 production.
  • Balanced Roster Construction: After Round 1, you pivot to Zero RB style drafting, building elite WR/TE depth while avoiding RB landmines in the middle rounds.
  • Avoids the RB "Dead Zone": You skip over the riskier RB range (Rounds 3–5), instead grabbing more stable and predictable pass-catchers.
  • Roster Flexibility: Your draft allows you to grab upside RBs later while still fielding a dependable RB1 and stacked WR corps.

Cons

  • Weak RB2 Spot: While you have an RB1, your RB2 is likely a later-round flier or a committee back, which could be a weakness early on.
  • Relies on Later RB Hits: Your success hinges on finding useful RBs in the mid-to-late rounds or off the waiver wire as the season unfolds.
  • Can Miss WR1 Ceiling: Spending a first-round pick on an RB means you’re passing on a potential WR1 overall (e.g., Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase).
  • Inconsistent Strategy Labeling: Some call it Hero RB, others call it Modified Zero RB--it can be confusing to differentiate from similar strategies.

Example

In a 12-team PPR league, you draft Christian McCaffrey in Round 1, then select WRs like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Chris Olave, and Deebo Samuel in Rounds 2–4. Your next RBs come in Rounds 7–9: players like Zach Charbonnet, Tank Bigsby, or Elijah Mitchell. You rely on your WR strength and McCaffrey while rotating RB2 options.

When to Use

Use when you have a top 3 pick and can land an elite RB, and when WRs/TEs in Rounds 2–6 offer greater value. It’s also a great option if you’re confident in finding late-round RB gems or waiver-wire targets.

When to Avoid

Avoid if you’re in a league where RBs get hoarded quickly and few reliable options will be available later. Also avoid if your RB1 is injury-prone or unproven, since your whole build depends on their production.

Streaming Strategy

Overview

The Streaming Strategy involves picking up and starting different players each week based on matchups--most commonly used for QBs, TEs, kickers, and defenses. Rather than committing to one starter, you rotate players based on weekly opponent strength and opportunity.

Ideal for

Best in 10–12 team leagues with active waivers and deep free-agent pools. Also ideal for managers who are engaged each week and can monitor matchups and injury reports.

Pros

  • Capitalizes on Matchups: You target weak defenses and exploit favorable weekly matchups. This can lead to strong fantasy output from lower-tier players.
  • Saves Early Draft Capital: You skip over early picks on QB/TE/DST and focus on RB/WR depth. Streamers can be found in later rounds or even post-draft.
  • High Ceiling with Low Risk: You can take shots on players without being committed long-term. If a streamer flops, you replace them immediately.
  • Adaptable: You're free to pivot weekly. If a streamed player breaks out (e.g., Brock Purdy in 2022), you can keep them. If they fail, you move on quickly.

Cons

  • Time-Consuming: Streaming requires weekly research, waiver claims, and matchup analysis. It’s not a passive strategy.
  • Waiver Competition: Others may also stream. The best DSTs might not always be available, especially in competitive leagues with waiver budgets or priority.
  • Volatility: Even good matchups can disappoint. A recommended streamer might underperform due to game script or inefficiency.
  • Risk of Overthinking: You may be tempted to chase last week’s points instead of focusing on forward-looking indicators.

Example

You draft no QB until Round 12 and start Week 1 with Geno Smith vs. the Cardinals. Week 2, you stream Jared Goff vs. the Bears. Each week, you base your starter on opponent matchups rather than draft capital.

When to Use

Use in leagues with small rosters, deep waiver options, and 1-QB formats. Also effective if you’re comfortable rotating players weekly and prioritizing matchup-based play.

When to Avoid

Avoid in leagues with shallow waivers or if you’re not active weekly. Also avoid if you’ve already drafted an elite or consistent option at the position.

Upside Wins Championships Strategy

Overview

This strategy is built around one philosophy: ceiling wins titles. Your goal is to draft and manage a team that might be inconsistent early but has the potential to explode during fantasy playoffs. It involves prioritizing high-upside players over safe floor options, especially on your bench. That means targeting breakout candidates, handcuffs, rookies, and boom/bust WRs or QBs with rushing upside.

Ideal for

Perfect for best ball leagues, large tournaments, or competitive redraft leagues where the playoff prize pool is top-heavy. Also ideal when you’re confident in your early-round drafting and want to swing big with later picks or waiver moves.

Pros

  • Week-Winning Potential: High-upside players can win a week by themselves--especially crucial during playoffs where one huge game makes the difference.
  • Greater Access to Breakouts: You’re more likely to land league-winners by targeting rookies, backups, or unproven players who can ascend midseason.
  • Lower Ownership in Tournaments: Upside-heavy players are often drafted later or not at all. If they hit during the playoffs, you gain massive leverage in large-field formats.
  • Encourages Active Management: This approach forces you to stay aggressive with waivers and bench churn. You’re always looking for the next big breakout.

Cons

  • Volatility Hurts Early: Your team may struggle with inconsistency during the early weeks. Some of your picks may not even have defined roles yet.
  • Requires Risk Tolerance: This is not a conservative approach--you’ll need to cut safe but low-ceiling players in favor of long shots.
  • Not Ideal for Shallow Leagues: In 8–10 team leagues, everyone has stacked lineups. Chasing volatility might hurt more than it helps when consistency wins more often.
  • May Miss on Safe Value: You’ll often pass up players with secure workloads in favor of uncertain but explosive options.

Example

Instead of drafting a steady RB like David Montgomery in Round 7, you take rookie Kendre Miller or Tyjae Spears for their long-term upside. You fill your bench with players like Zay Flowers or a backup RB behind an injury-prone starter, hoping one or two explode in November or December.

When to Use

Use when your goal is first place or bust. It’s great when your early picks are safe, and you want to maximize ceiling with your later rounds and bench. Especially useful in playoff-heavy formats and leagues with active waivers.

When to Avoid

Avoid if you’re risk-averse or playing in a format that rewards steady production. It’s also not ideal if you already drafted a volatile core and need floor players to balance your roster.

Streaming Defenses Strategy

Overview

This strategy avoids drafting an elite defense early and instead focuses on weekly matchups. You stream defenses based on opponent weaknesses--targeting rookie QBs, poor offensive lines, and low over/under totals to maximize fantasy points through sacks and turnovers.

Ideal for

Great for 10–12 team leagues with active waivers. Ideal if you prefer drafting skill position depth instead of spending a mid-round pick on a defense. Works best when you can commit to checking matchups each week.

Pros

  • Maximizes Weekly Value: You can consistently target defenses with high scoring potential against bad offenses, rather than settling for a defense with a tough schedule.
  • Avoids Wasted Roster Spots: Instead of holding a defense through bye weeks or bad matchups, you rotate based on need and free up space for upside stashes.
  • Doesn’t Require Early Draft Capital: You can take your defense in the final round and still get solid weekly production through matchup exploitation.
  • Built-in Flexibility: If your team starts slow, you can swing for high-variance defenses that could help steal a win with a defensive TD or multi-sack game.

Cons

  • Waiver Wire Management: Requires weekly attention to matchups, injury updates, and forecasts--especially for defenses affected by game script or weather.
  • Competition: Other teams will also stream. The best DSTs might not always be available, especially in competitive leagues with waiver budgets or priority.
  • Weather and Injuries: Unexpected weather or in-game injuries to your own players (or the opposing QB) can change a defense’s viability late in the week.
  • No True "Set It and Forget It" Option: You’ll be rotating defenses all season long. This can be inconvenient or risky if you’re not diligent with planning ahead.

Example

You skip drafting a defense until your final round. In Week 1, you pick the Commanders against the Cardinals. Week 2, you pivot to the Browns vs. the Texans. You rotate each week based on opponent quality, never using the same DST two weeks in a row unless the matchup remains favorable.

When to Use

Use in leagues with active waivers, when your focus is on maximizing points from every position without investing draft capital in defense. Also great if you’re streaming other positions and want weekly upside plays.

When to Avoid

Avoid in leagues with limited waivers, large benches, or managers who hoard defenses. Also avoid if you prefer a low-maintenance roster or already feel stretched with your weekly planning.

Fantasy Glossary

PPR

Points Per Reception – a scoring format that awards points for receptions.

ADP

Average Draft Position – the average spot a player is taken in drafts.

Sleeper

A player who is undervalued and expected to exceed expectations.

Handcuff

A backup player who gains value if the starter gets injured.

Waiver Wire

A pool of unowned players that fantasy managers can claim.

Flex

A starting lineup spot that can be filled by a RB, WR, or TE.

Bye Week

The week during the season when a player’s team does not play.

Streaming

The practice of frequently changing starting players based on matchups.

RBBC

Running Back By Committee – multiple RBs share carries on a team.

Bust

A player who performs well below expectations.

Ceiling

The highest possible scoring potential for a player.

Floor

The lowest likely output a player will produce in a game.

Boom or Bust

A player who could have either a huge game or a very poor one.

FAAB

Free Agent Acquisition Budget – used to bid on waiver players.

IDP

Individual Defensive Player – fantasy leagues that score points for defensive players.