Look, drafting a fantasy football team isn’t rocket science, but it’s not easy either. And when you mess up and suffer ridicule from your league mates for a full season, you’ll never want to mess up a draft again.

So, if you’re new to fantasy football here’s a draft guide you can skim in three minutes so you don’t totally embarrass yourself again this year.

This guide will walk you through the basics of drafting a solid team without boring you to tears or drowning you in stats. Let’s get to it.

Know Your League Rules

Before you even think about players, get familiar with your league’s rules. Seriously, this can make or break your draft strategy:

• Scoring system (PPR, standard, half-PPR)
• Roster positions and limits
• Number of teams in the league
• Draft order and type (snake, auction, etc.)

Do Your Homework

Yeah, it sounds like school, but a little prep goes a long way:

1. Check injury reports and player news
2. Look at last season’s stats and this season’s projections
3. Make a list of sleepers and potential breakout players
4. Know the bye weeks for key players

Draft Strategy Basics

1. Value Over Replacement: Don’t just chase big names. Look for players who’ll score significantly more than the average at their position.
2. Don’t Reach: If a player you want is likely to be available in the next round, wait. Don’t panic-pick.
3. Balance is Key: Don’t load up on one position early. A team of all-star wide receivers won’t win you games if your running backs are scrubs.
4. Handcuffing: For your top RBs, consider drafting their real-life backups late in the draft as insurance.
5. You should probably Wait on QB and TE: Unless you’re getting an elite player, these positions have less variance. You can often find good value in later rounds.
6. Kicker and Defense Last: These positions are the most unpredictable. Use your last two picks on them.

During the Draft

• Stay flexible. If there’s a run on a position, don’t feel pressured to join in if the value isn’t there.
• Keep an eye on what other teams are drafting. If someone’s already got two QBs, they’re unlikely to draft another soon.
• Don’t get too attached to your pre-draft rankings. Be ready to adjust based on how the draft unfolds.

Post-Draft

Your work isn’t done when the draft ends. Keep an eye on the waiver wire, especially in the first few weeks. Many league winners are built through smart in-season management, not just drafting.

At the end of the day, fantasy football is about having fun.

This guide isn’t gospel, and even the best-laid plans can go sideways. Stay active, trust your gut sometimes, and don’t be afraid to take some risks. You’re not going to nail every pick, but with these basics, you’re well on your way to fielding a competitive team. Now get out there and draft like a boss.