When going into a nfl fantasy football draft, if you want to excel at your draft, you will need a strategy in place as well as practice.

We will first discuss some main strategies, which you can use as the core of your drafts, and then I will explain why you need to practice and how along with where you can do so. Leave any comments please if you have had experience in these subjects.

Draft Strategy #1 Best Available Player

While this probably should be the #1 and most popular strategy, many people traditionally in standard leagues will go ahead and place more emphasis on getting the stud running back in the first round. However, while this may be ok in a 10 team league, you may get a much better value in your 2018 draft, even in a standard scoring league, if you look else ware after a certain number of stud guys have been taken off the board.

 

For example, if you realize that with the 10 pick overall ADP, or Average Draft Position if all players selected running back for whatever reason you could end up with LeSaun McCoy or Dalvin Cook as your first round pick and #1 running back.

Would not this sound much better in a snake draft, or draft that run with the person with the 10th pick also having the 11th pick, and then going backwards?

You could actually pick the best Wide Receiver in the draft, and the pick Cook if you believe he is worthy of that pick with the #11 pick.

Or let’s say, more realistically that Antonio Brown as the overall adp WR usually taken first comes off the board and you have the 9th pick overall. While Cook and Brown would maybe both be taken, you could certainly make due with the potential of Devonte Freeman and Jordan Howard with the 12th pick, while grapping DeAndre Hopkins, who is at times, being drafted as the #1 overal WR in many draft formats. 

Draft Strategy #2 Favor WR’s for low risk

Let’s face it, all RB’s are high risk when it comes to drafting them high. While the same could happen to a WR, there is much more significant risk for the RB position, so you could certainly to a WR with your #1 pick, and if you feel there is not a guy worth it at your 2nd pick at the WR position, you could look to see if the best 2 TE’s are perhaps available off the board. Who would those be? Rob Gronkowski as a higher injury risk with great upside, or the safer option in Travis Kelce. But in a 10 team league, you might be able to grab Kelce in the 3rd round and get another really good WR. Just see how your draft goes. You can take many guys at running back who are rookies, 2nd year players, fill in players when guys get hurt, and over the hill runners who could see significant playing time. 

Draft Strategy # 3 Drat RB’s High and often

This 3rd strategy is one that I could recommend but I won’t Simply because even in standard scoring leagues there is simply too much value at other positions, as mentioned to ignore and just draft RB’s with your top 3 or 4 picks. Also, most leagues allow you to play only RB’s with maybe a flex. While it may be fine to take 2 running backs in the fist 2 rounds, your 3rd rounder should then hopefully another position of value, unless you are able to utilize a flex spot, which allows usually a RB, WR, or TE. 

How to Practice your Draft? 

The only free way to practice drafting is through a free site draft such as yahoo. I don’t really know if other sites offer free practice draft rooms, since I do not play on espn, or others. If you intend to use Draft.com This site has an adjuster similar to Yahoo, in which you can pre-rank your top players. 

Its an excellent format and place to play for special discounted free play by clicking on the link provided above, including the best ball games, allowing you to draft players where all of the players you draft score from week to week, without having to worry about benching. Just draft, and hopefully win Cash!

Here it is! the NFL Fantasy football trade value rankings for the year of 2018. These rankings are based on factors such as a player’s age, their past performance in the NFL and/or NCAA as well as their physical ability to carry a team, increasing their value to be worthy of potentially obtaining

the most valuable fantasy football asset that we have; touches and targets. This is how many times a player either carries or potentially catches the ball with targets, or times thrown at by the passer.

Need Fantasy Football Top 100 list now?

For a top 100 overall player list visit my article, top 100 fantasy football players for 2018

While the sport of football is easier to evaluate based off week to week matchups, its difficult to predict which players will truly impact the fantasy football game they way they are projected to by most fantasy football projections and trade analyzers. A lot of preparation goes into building your own fantasy football team, perhaps more so than other sports. Mainly because from week to week, so many objective factors change the value of the player, so hopefully this article will hit on some of the better ones for the top 10 here:

Here are the main factors that go into this potential season long evaluation.

Fantasy Football Trade Value Parameters:

• Player age and injury
• Past performace
• Physical ability and skill
• Usage potential
• Team Success

The Trade Value Rankings

1. Todd Gurley  25
2. Ezekiel Elliott  24.5
3. Kareem Hunt 24.5
4. Michael Thomas 24.5
5. Antonio Brown  24
6. Alvin Kamara 24
7. Julio Jones 24
8. Saquon Barkley  23.5
9. Le’Veon Bell 23.5
10. Leonard Fournette 23.5
11. Odell Beckham Jr. 23
12. Keenan Allen 23
13. David Johnson  22.5
14. Mike Evans 22
15. Jordan Howard 21.5
16. DeVante Freeman 21.5
17. Dalvin Cook 21.5
18. AJ Green 21
19. Joe Mixon 20.5
20. LeShean McCoy 18

This list will change as I will be updating further as some players toward the back end of this list could fall off as others are discovered to rank more highly in potential for the top 40, as we approach the top 100 overall, in trade value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the best of the best in the top 100 fantasy football players of 2018, you will have to make adjustments to your list. If you are keeping track yourself, or you can check back weekly, as we will set it up for you.

As far as deciding how the scoring would work in with these top 100 players, let’s say that these rankings are for a 1/2 point PPR,  (Point per reception) league.  This scoring is common with many season long and daily league formats along with 4 points for TD passes and 6 points for Rushing or Receiving TD’s.

Top 100 Players for 2018

1. Todd Gurley
2. Leveon Bell
3. Antonio Brown
4. David Johnson
5. Ezekiel Elliott
6. Alvin Kamara
7. Kareem Hunt
8. Julio Jones
9. DeAndre Hopkins
10. Melvin Gordon
11. Saquon Barkley
12. Leonard Fournette
13. Odell Beckham
14. Dalvin Cook
15. Michael Thomas
16. Kennan Allen
17. LeSean McCoy
18. Devante Freeman
19. Mike Evans
20. AJ Green
21. Joe Mison
22. Jordan Howard
23. Mark Ingram
24. Rob Gronkowski
25. Christian McCaffrey
26. Travis Kelce
27. Davante Adams
28. Zack Ertz
29. Aaron Rodgers
30. Adam Thielen
31. Deshaun Watson
32. Russell Wilson
33. Alshon Jeffrey
34. Brandon Cooks
35. Stef Diggs
36. Tyreek Hill
37. Jay Ajayi
38. JuJu Smith-Schuster
39. Carlos Hyde
40. Allen Robinson
41. Amari Cooper
42. Evan Engram
43. Tom Brady
44. Josh Gordon
45. Jarvis Landry
46. Greg Olsen
47. Marvin Jones
48. Lamar Miller
49. Cam Newton
50. Jimmy Graham
51. Marquise Goodwin
52. Drew Brees
53. Hunter Henry
54. Mike Crabtree
55. Alex Collins
56. Larry Fitzgerald
57. Jordy Nelson
58. Chris Thompson
59. Darrius Guice
60. Will Fuller
61. Dion Lewis
62. RaShaud Penny
63. Demaryius Thomas
64. Robert Woods
65. Julian Edelman
66. Jerick McKinnon
67. Jamaal Williams
68. Jimmy Garoppolo
69. Tevin Coleman
70. Golden Tate
71. Dez Bryant
72. Ronald Jones
73. Robby Anderson
74. Marshawn Lynch
75. Sony Michel
76. Carson Wentz
77. Devin Funchess
78. Nick Chubb
79. Kyle Rudolph
80. Kirk Cousins
81. CJ Anderson
82. Marlon Mack
83. Corey Davis
84. Tarik Cohen
85. Chris Hogan
86. Jordan Reed
87. Bilal Powell
88. Emmanuel Sanders
89. Mohammed Sanu
90. DeMarco Murray
91. Royce Freeman
92. Kenny Stills
93. Delanie Walker
94. Cooper Kupp
95. Sammy Watkins
96. Andrew Luck
97. Jack Doyle
98. Devante Parker
99. Matt Ryan
100. Patrick Mahomes

My goal was not to make this exercise boring, but rather to look to the upside of players who potentially could be steals in the later part of this list. I will be putting this up in my top menu area “Fantasy Football Draft Board”

There is a lot of things to talk about during the best time of year, including the NFL Draft, so here is a brief post nfl draft review today:

I will give a per team summary of how they did in layman’s terms., including of course, the historical implication and fantasy impact:

One very viable issue that I am seeing with the state of franchises is the short term vs. long term building that GM’s are deploying. I will get into this per term as well.

Arizona:

The Cards took into account the long term and even short term, as their offense is instantly upgraded per the moves they made all over the board. They are helping to protect and equip the best pure pocket passer in the draft, as someone will also make an immediate fantasy impact besides just David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. With Christian Kirk, one of the better WR options in this draft, will be given opportunity to pick up some targets and Chase Edmonds, drafted in the 4th round should be able to project a viable handcuff option for Johnson.

Atlanta:

While Calvin Ridley their 1st round draft pick may not out targeting Mohammed Sanu for the 2nd most targets on the team, his slot receiving skills should provide another target with good upside on the roster. Ito Smith, drafted in the 4th round, would only be a third option for depth.

Baltimore:

While the Ravens are maybe the worst team in evaluating NFL WR talent, the TE position does much better, as they have drafted 2 in this year’s draft. Hayden Hurst may not make any impact this year. Lamar Jackson will be on the bench, and Orlando Brown, will need some work to step in as well, but they are making definitive moves for next year. The weird thing is the late round TE could be better than the one taken in the first round.

Buffalo:

The Bills are another team in need of WR’s but did not draft one until the 6th and 7th rounds, taking Austin Proehl and Ray-ray McCloud who have good pedigrees. Josh Allen has an aging Fantasy RB, whenever he is ready to step up, using his awesome arm and athleticism.

Carolina:

Taking the best receiver in the draft, D.J. Moore, the Panthers have depth at the position, and Ian Thomas is a great fit for the offense, in awaiting Greg Olsen’s retirement.

Chicago:

The Bears are doing what they do: Build up the defense, and Lines on both sides, traditionally. Anthony Miller adds an interesting prospect, to help light up the air, with Mitch Trubiskey in hopes of Carson Wentz like production. When the injuries hit, like they do, Miller will be in great fantasy position.

Cinncinnati:

The Bengals did not have an impressive draft, with their only splash player perhaps being Mark Walton, who won’t see the field much unless there are major injuries. Their focus was on the defense.

Cleveland:

I hope Cleveland proves everyone wrong by selecting Baker Mayfield. I still would have taken the safer #1 QB option. Their moves on offense indicate they must rely on their coach to bring in players that could cause some off the field trouble. If that can be done, there is a lot of talent around Mayfield in this draft.

Dallas:

With the need at WR, the have to rely on Gallup, so the fantasy opportunities will be there for Michael Gallup. They appear to be re-tooling instead of rebuilding for the future with moves for Conner Williams at G and Dalton Schultz at TE, to support Zeke and Dak long term.

Denver:

I like the move to obtain Courtland Sutton whom I believe was underrated in this draft class. He has the size and ball skills to make an immediate impact, if he can be utilized as the 3rd WR. Royce Freeman also has a chance to outperform his draft status as a 3rd round pick. Dashean Hamilton added to the mix adds depth.

Detroit:

The Lions show a commitment to the running game, as they add 2 offensive linemen, and Kerryon Johnson a back with impressive size, speed, and tape. He could be a steal, and help Matt Safford’s value in fantasy.

Green Bay:

With their late round selections, the Packers, who do a good job of drafting WR’s drafted 3. We don’t know which one has the best chance to break out, but their first one taken has good size at 6’3″, J’mon Moore.

Houston:

The Texans are still looking for the slot receive, a position teams are utilizing more than ever. The TE pick was another need filled as well with Jordan Adkins. However they failed to get enough help along the OLine, to protect Watson, which should have been a top priority.

Indianapolis:

Adding 2 guards and 2 RB’s were great moves for this team, shoring up the line and running game potential. Hines could be the next Terik Cohen.

Jacksonville:

This will be a dominating team, but not a fantasy team. The defense dominates, and only got stronger on both sides of the ball. DJ Chark could develop later into a deep threat.

Kansas City:

With no offensive players taken, look to their defense, in fantasy drafts. Always a good choice anyway along with Jax.

Los Angeles Chargers:

As one of the best sleepers of the draft, Justin Jackson, taken in the 7th round, could actually play if/when their #1 option gets hurt. Look out, as the rest of their draft was mostly defense.

Los Angeles Rams:

The Rams took a potential staring tackle someday in Joe Noteboom. Also a center to add depth for help for their fantasy studs.

Miami:

The Dolphins defintiely took the most athletic TE in the draft. That was also a need, following that up with D. Smyth from  N.D. and Kelem Ballage, who could provide fantasy value next year, or even this year.

Minnesota:

The Vikes took no one of any real fantasy football impact.

New England:

The Pats took Sony Michel as a potential starting back. However their system does not allow any one runner

New Orleans:

As a head scratching draft, no one knows why they ended up doing all that trading to get an edge rusher with the 14th pick. However, the WR they picked up in the 3rd round, may replace Willie Snead just fine, Tre’quan Smith with decent combine numbers.

New York Giants:

The Giants questionable moves in the real world, became a slam dunk for future fantasy owners of Saquon Barkley. Will Hernandez provides the muscle up front for him.

New York Jets:

Darnold surprisingly did not get a lot of help in this draft. The whole team needs a lot, so will this coaching staff be a good fit for Darnold in the coming years?

Oakland Raiders:

The Raiders did a great job potentially shoring up the O’line. This helps the fantasy value of Derek Carr, Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, and Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson. I don’t see the trade for Martavis Bryant making much of an impact.

Philadelphia:

The Eagels pick up a TE they don’t really need. But they don’t need anything. Dallas could potentially be in play for the 2nd TE to trusty Zack Ertz, which could put him in fine position in fantasy football.

Pittsburgh:

James Washington and Mason Rudolph could very well be in play this year and beyond. When Ben gets hurt, hopefully Mason will be ready to play this year. Washington seems in line to replace M. Bryant, but that does not provide enough targets unless someone gets hurt for relevancy.

San Fran:

Offensively the 49ers made some solid moves in the first 2 rounds. McGlinchey and Pettis should help right away, and provide fantasy relevancy to Goropollo and co.

Seattle:

Many people question the drafting of Rashaad Penny because of the other RB’s on the board. However moving on, this is their guy, with excellent size and speed.  The starting job is his to lose.

Tampa:

Tampa should get a huge instant fantasy impact from Ronald Jones. Strikingly similar to Jamall Charles, this is  a great move using the 38th pick for the bucks, and overall production for their offense.

Tennessee:

With no offensive player taken, look forward to Mariota, Corey Davis, and Derrick Henry should make big fantasy value this year.

Washington:

The redskins drafted Darrius Guice and something weird happened to his draft stock after being widely viewed as one of the best 1st round picks in the draft. The also took a OT from Louisville to help out the running game, increasing the fantasy value.