Are you gearing up for your fantasy football draft and wondering how many wide receivers to pick?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: It depends on your league’s scoring system and roster requirements, but typically you should aim for 3-4 wide receivers in the first 7 rounds of your draft.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors to consider when deciding how many wide receivers to draft, including league scoring and roster settings, positional scarcity, and draft strategy. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of the optimal number of wide receivers to target in your fantasy football draft.
Understand Your League Scoring and Roster Settings
When it comes to drafting wide receivers for your fantasy football team, it’s important to understand your league’s scoring system and roster requirements. Here are some key factors to consider:
Scoring System
Each fantasy football league has its own scoring system, which can greatly affect the value of different positions. For example, if your league awards a point for every reception, then wide receivers who catch a lot of passes will be more valuable. On the other hand, if your league heavily rewards touchdowns, then wide receivers who are more likely to score touchdowns will be more valuable.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with your league’s scoring system and adjust your draft strategy accordingly. Consider looking at past years’ scoring leaders to get a sense of which types of wide receivers tend to score the most points in your league.
Roster Requirements
Your league’s roster requirements can also affect how many wide receivers you should draft. Some leagues require more starting wide receivers than others, while some allow for flex positions that can be filled by either a wide receiver or a running back.
Consider looking at your league’s starting lineup requirements and bench size to determine how many wide receivers you should draft. If you need to start three wide receivers each week, for example, you may want to draft more depth at the position than if you only need to start two. Similarly, if your league allows for a flex position that can be filled by a wide receiver, you may want to prioritize drafting a versatile running back who can also catch passes.
Consider Positional Scarcity
When it comes to fantasy football drafts, one of the most important factors to consider is positional scarcity. This refers to the idea that some positions are simply more valuable than others due to the limited number of viable options available. For example, there are generally only a handful of elite quarterbacks in the league, so it’s important to prioritize drafting one of them early on.
Wide receivers are another position where scarcity can come into play. While there are certainly more starting wide receivers in the league than quarterbacks, the reality is that the dropoff in production from the top tier to the middle tier can be quite steep. This means that if you don’t prioritize drafting a top wide receiver early on, you may find yourself struggling to fill the position with consistent performers later in the draft.
Understanding Positional Scarcity
To get a better sense of positional scarcity, it can be helpful to look at historical data and trends. For example, according to FantasyPros, in the 2020 season, the top 12 wide receivers in standard scoring leagues averaged 15.3 fantasy points per game. The next 12 wide receivers, however, averaged just 11.2 fantasy points per game. This dropoff in production highlights the importance of drafting a top-tier wide receiver early on.
Wide Receiver Scarcity
There are a few reasons why wide receiver scarcity can be a concern in fantasy football drafts. One is simply the nature of the position. Wide receivers are often reliant on their quarterback and offensive scheme to get them the ball, which can lead to inconsistent production from week to week. Additionally, injuries are always a concern for wide receivers, as they are often running high-speed routes and making tough catches in traffic.
Another factor to consider is the rise of the passing game in the NFL. With more teams utilizing three and four-receiver sets, there is simply more demand for quality wide receivers than there may have been in the past. This means that if you don’t prioritize the position early on, you may find yourself struggling to fill your starting lineup with reliable options.
Alternative Strategies
While it’s generally a good idea to prioritize drafting a top-tier wide receiver early on, there are alternative strategies you can consider if the right players aren’t available. One option is to focus on running backs early in the draft, as they tend to be more consistent and have a higher floor than wide receivers. Another strategy is to wait until later in the draft to target wide receivers, and instead focus on filling out your roster with high-upside players at other positions.
Ultimately, the key to success in fantasy football is to be flexible and adaptable. While it’s important to have a plan going into the draft, you also need to be willing to adjust your strategy on the fly based on how the draft is unfolding. By keeping positional scarcity in mind and being open to alternative strategies, you can put yourself in a strong position to compete for a championship.
Draft Strategy: Balance and Flexibility
When it comes to drafting wide receivers in fantasy football, having a balance and flexible strategy is crucial. This means that you should not focus too much on any particular round and instead, have a plan that can adapt to the flow of the draft.
Early Rounds: In the early rounds, it is not uncommon for fantasy players to target top-tier wide receivers. This is because these players are typically the most consistent and have a high floor in terms of fantasy points. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you draft a wide receiver early on, you may be missing out on top-tier running backs or quarterbacks. It’s all about finding the right balance and considering different factors such as your league’s scoring system and the available players.
Mid Rounds: The mid rounds of a fantasy football draft can be a sweet spot for drafting wide receivers. Here, you can target players who have the potential to break out and become valuable assets to your team. Look for wide receivers who have a clear path to targets, whether it be due to injuries or a change in offensive scheme. These players may not be as consistent as the top-tier receivers, but they have higher upside and can be great value picks.
Late Rounds: In the late rounds of the draft, you should focus on finding players who have a chance to surprise and exceed expectations. This is where you can target rookie wide receivers or players who may have been undervalued due to injury or a poor previous season. It’s important to remember that these players are more of a gamble, but if they pan out, they can be the difference between winning and losing your league.
| Round | Targeted Wide Receiver | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Early Rounds | Tyreek Hill | Hill has a high floor and is one of the most explosive wide receivers in the NFL. |
| Mid Rounds | Deebo Samuel | Samuel has a clear path to targets in the 49ers offense and has shown flashes of potential. |
| Late Rounds | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | Valdes-Scantling has the potential to be the number two wide receiver in the Packers’ high-powered offense. |
Remember, the key to a successful draft is balance and flexibility. Don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy based on the flow of the draft and always be on the lookout for value picks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how many wide receivers you should draft in fantasy football depends on a variety of factors. It’s important to understand your league’s scoring system and roster requirements, as well as the concept of positional scarcity. Additionally, drafting a balanced and flexible team can increase your chances of success. By using the information in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions during your fantasy football draft. Happy drafting!
