Dynasty Football – Startup Draft Tips and Strategies

In recent years, dynasty football leagues have become increasingly popular among fantasy football enthusiasts and die-hard football fans. In dynasty leagues, managers draft players almost like a real-life general manager of a real NFL team. Then, you keep players for multiple seasons, creating a sense of ownership and long-term strategy.

The startup draft is one of the most crucial stages of a dynasty fantasy football league. Drafting is where managers lay the foundation for their team and set the tone for the future. Today, I will explore some of the best startup draft strategies and tips for anyone new to dynasty leagues.

Positional Scoring 

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand your league’s scoring format. Dynasty leagues can have different scoring systems than traditional redraft leagues. With that, knowing what categories, such as if the dynasty league is PPR or standard scoring, are being used and how much they are worth is essential. Knowing this will help you prioritize players and draft accordingly. Positional tiers, for example, are another way to help guide you when you are at your league draft. Additionally, it lets you see what players were drafted, and what players are still available, in an easy-to-use format.

Stay drafting the best player available within your starting lineup. I like to fill my starting lineup first, then proceed with depth. Unless there are solid options at the depth position. Then, focus on the best player available.

Also, keep in mind your Flex positions. Flex positions are also where you will need to find quality starters. Finally, adjust your draft strategy if you are in a dynasty league where two quarterbacks are required. Looking at quarterbacks earlier than usual is okay in this type of league. A player like Patrick Mahomes has immense long-term value, even in 1QB dynasty leagues.

Player Upside 

Another critical strategy is to focus on youth and player upside. I typically set a standard for myself and try to move a player around the age of 27 or 28, depending on output as a player. In dynasty leagues, you want players who will be valuable for years to come, not just for the current season. Granted, you always want to win, but you also want some younger players with long-term upside.

Drafting and targeting young players means they have the potential to develop into elite talents. Look for players like Atlanta Falcons second-year wide receiver Drake London or Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawerence. These are players who are entering their second or third year in the league, as this is often when they make a leap in production. Sometimes it may take longer depending on the player’s situation and what team they play for in the NFL.

Additionally, players who have been drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft are often worth targeting. They are usually seen as elite talents with high upside. Take, for instance, Bijan Robinson, the new running back for the Atlanta Falcons. He is currently the number one player to take in dynasty rookie drafts. Robinson has a lot of upside and is in year one of his NFL career. Even before playing a snap in the NFL, he’s largely considered the dynasty RB1 overall. Even if you don’t agree, it’s clear that a player like that has immense perceived value, so you can even consider trading them.

Roster Balance and Depth 

It is also essential to balance your roster during the draft. While it can be tempting to load up on star players at certain positions, like Saquan Barkley or Justin Jefferson, having depth across your entire roster is crucial. Injuries can occur anytime, and having quality backups can be the difference between making the playoffs and missing the championship.

Additionally, having depth allows you to make trades and improve your team throughout the season. For example, it is ok to have a wide receiver-heavy squad. If that is the case, you can make trades to other teams that may not be so great at having any quality starting wide receivers. At some point, you may need a running back or tight end. Now, with those extra wide receivers, you can trade for one of these positions that you may be weak at. Therefore, having a plethora of positions is always a good thing.

Positional Value 

Regarding specific positions, quarterbacks and wide receivers are often the most valuable in dynasty leagues. Especially if you are in a Superflex league where quarterbacks are even more valuable. These positions have longer careers and can provide consistent production for years.

First, however, it is vital to recognize the running back position. Elite running backs can be valuable assets in dynasty leagues. They often have shorter careers but can provide consistent production for years if you get in at the right time. Personally, I recommend drafting your running backs in rookie drafts and building around wide receivers in the startup draft.

Next, don’t neglect the tight end position. While there are only a handful of solid tight end options, you still need one. Timing is everything when drafting tight ends in dynasty leagues. For example, if you are not drafting Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs or Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens, you can wait until later rounds to select your tight end to fill your tight end starting roster spot. A rookie like Dalton Kincaid may be great long-term, but take a few years to get it going.

Positional Opportunity 

When targeting players in the draft, it is crucial to consider their situation and opportunity. For example, a talented player on a bad team may have less value than a slightly less talented player on a good team. Therefore, look for players who are in a position to succeed and have a clear path to playing time. Additionally, look for players who are in contract years, as they may be playing with extra motivation to earn a new contract.

Those incentives can be crucial to finding a breakout player. On the flip side, history has shown us that running backs tend to slow down after signing a big contract, which you can use to your advantage.

Taking Risks

One final tip for dynasty football startup drafts is not to be afraid to take risks. While having a solid foundation for your team is essential, taking calculated risks can pay off in the long run. These risks could mean drafting a player coming off an injury or in a new situation. Additionally, these risks can often lead to high-reward scenarios and help take your team to the next level. Sometimes when a player returns from an injury, they will be lower in value because some are still determining what type of production that specific player will have on the field.

In conclusion, the dynasty football startup draft is crucial in building a successful team. By understanding the scoring format, prioritizing youth and upside, balancing your roster, targeting valuable positions, considering player situations and opportunities, and taking calculated risks, you can set yourself up for long-term success in your dynasty league. Do not be afraid to take risks; that sometimes is the difference between missing the playoffs or winning the championship.

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