Hey!
If you want the single best way to crush your fantasy draft this year, this is the playbook.
These principles work in home leagues, high stakes, and best ball, and they're what separates the guy scrambling on draft day from the one calmly destroying the league.
Here's how I'm drafting in 2026 (as of now):
Before The Draft
Don't show up and wing it. Take 5 minutes and queue up the players you want in advance.
The deeper you go, the less time you'll have on the clock, and the more likely you'll panic-pick whoever's at the top of the rankings. Keep your queue updated and you'll always have a backup plan if someone snipes your guy…
Rounds 1-2
These rounds are all about reliability. Proven players, strong roles, good offenses, minimal risk.
The big decision: are you going Hero RB or not? Hero RB means one stud RB early, then wait several rounds, letting you hammer WR value in the middle rounds. Both builds work.
Don't lock into a single strategy. Let the board fall to you…
Round 3
Now things get interesting. A lot of people either keep forcing RBs and WRs, or they panic and chase names from last year.
Start considering elite mobile QBs here like Josh Allen. A rushing floor AND ceiling at value is hard to pass on.
But mobile QB is loaded in Rounds 5-6 this year so I’m holding off right now. Hammer best-available RB or WR instead.
There's usually a clear tier drop-off here. If your guy is sitting there, just grab him…
Round 4
Don't ignore preseason and camp usage. We get real signals, who's running with the first team, who's getting red zone work, who's showing chemistry with the QB.
I'm eyeing elite TEs like Loveland, grabbing a mobile QB if Lamar somehow falls, or most likely sticking to best-available RB/WR.
You want players whose usage matches the hype, not just names on a depth chart…
Round 5
This is where you can start being different. Remember George Pickens last year? Went in Round 5 of most drafts.
Don't be afraid to reach a few picks ahead for players you believe in. Once you hit Round 5, ADP becomes less predictive.
This is the round where elite QBs are worth considering, like Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Tyler Warren at TE is also a name I get at this spot often.
Round 6
Here's one of my biggest principles: you do NOT have to fill your starting lineup first.
The mistake is thinking "I need my WR3 before I take a second RB" or "I have to fill my TE slot." You don't.
Just keep drafting the best player on the board, regardless of position. But I’d strongly consider getting a QB here if you haven’t yet. Jayden Daniels or Jalen Hurts usually go in this range.
These middle rounds win you your league…
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Round 7
This is where I lean RBs over WRs. Not a hard rule, but RB value dries up quicker once you get past Round 8 or 9.
This is also where you draft with tiers, not just rankings. Sometimes the #40 ranked RB is in the same tier as #32. If they're similar bets, wait and grab the last guy in the tier…
Rounds 8-9
Still leaning slightly RBs over WRs. But these are great rounds for QBs if you skipped the elite options early.
Think Brock Purdy, Jaxson Dart, Kyler Murray, cheap enough that if they hit, you're sitting on a monster value.
If you're already good at QB, keep hammering upside RBs and WRs…
Round 10
Two important reminders: don't let bye weeks dictate your picks (you'll figure it out during the season) and always compare each player to your personal rankings, not just ADP.
Another great spot to grab a QB if you've been waiting. Or keep scooping value at RB or WR…
Round 11
Huge mistake people make, thinking opportunity is all that matters. Snaps and touches are important, but you also have to look at team investment, offensive scheme, and player talent.
You want guys who've flashed real ability, not random depth chart climbers.
Still hunting best-available RBs and WRs here ,or finally taking your QB if you've been holding off…
Round 12
Super important concept: the later you take your QB2, the earlier you have to take your QB1.
If you wait deep into the draft to grab your second QB, you better have a rock-solid starter locked in earlier. There aren't many reliable fill-ins if your starter goes down.
Otherwise, keep scooping best-available RBs or WRs…
Round 13
Prioritize younger players with upside. Veteran role players might help you in one random week, but they're not winning your league.
You want guys who could legitimately blow up if something breaks right: rookies, 2nd-year players, explosive athletes in new roles…
Round 14
Never draft a kicker. I don't care if your platform forces you to start one.
Leave that last pick empty and swap in a kicker before Week 1.
You might hear news in the next couple weeks that creates a league-winning waiver add. But you’ll already have that guy stashed with your late round pick.
Basically, leave yourself flexibility…
Round 15
Sneaky edge: know the needs of your fellow drafters. Look around the draft room.
If 4 teams behind you already have 2 TEs, you don't need to grab one now. Use the board to your advantage.
Still swinging on upside RBs or WRs at this point in the draft, who might jump 3 rounds in value once camp hype hits…
Round 16
One of my favorite late-round rules: avoid aging players who are already injured.
Brandon Aiyuk and Tyreek Hill were once studs, but if they're already banged up or facing issues before the season, it's usually downhill from there.
Don't tie up your bench with a guy you'll drop in Week 3.
Target upside RBs instead…
Rounds 17-18
If you only want one QB and one TE, go after more upside RBs here. If you want backups, this is the range for a second QB or TE.
Cheap, high-variance players. Young guys with athleticism who could step into massive roles if there's an injury ahead of them.
These final picks are lottery tickets. Don't waste them on safe floor. Shoot your shot…
Follow these principles, queue your guys before the draft, stay flexible early, chase upside late — and don't be afraid to get different from the crowd.
That's how you win leagues.
— Sal
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