Fantasy football is a popular game that allows fans to become virtual team managers. As team managers, they get to draft and manage their own rosters of NFL players. One of the most important parts of fantasy football is the draft, where team managers select players to build their rosters.
One of the commonly asked questions asked by fans is how many rounds are in a typical fantasy football draft? If this question is on your lips, you have nothing to worry about because we will break down the basis and give you the formula for drafting a winning team.
In most fantasy football leagues, the draft typically has 15 to 18 rounds. However, the exact number of rounds can vary depending on the league’s setup, roster size, and scoring format.
For most standard leagues, which have a roster size of about 15 or 16 players, the draft consists of 15 or 16 rounds. This setup usually includes the following roster positions:
- 1 Quarterback (QB)
- 2 Running Backs (RB)
- 2-3 Wide Receivers (WR)
- 1 Tight End (TE)
- 1 Flex Player (RB/WR/TE)
- 1 Defense/Special Teams (D/ST)
- 1 Kicker (K)
- 5-6 Bench Players
With this format, teams draft starting players for each position and have several bench spots for backup players or sleepers.
Some leagues have a larger roster size of 17 or 18 players, resulting in 17 to 18 draft rounds. In these leagues, managers draft more bench players, which allows for greater depth on the team. These leagues are common among experienced players who enjoy a greater challenge and more strategic depth.
Other Draft Types and Round Counts
Different types of fantasy football leagues have varying round numbers based on the specific rules of the league. Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Dynasty Leagues (20+ Rounds)
In dynasty leagues, teams keep most or all of their players from year to year. The initial draft can have 20 rounds or more, with managers filling out larger rosters that can include rookies and future stars. Dynasty leagues also have rookie drafts every season, which can add several additional rounds, typically 3 to 5 rounds.
2 Keeper Leagues (15-18 Rounds)
Keeper leagues allow managers to retain a set number of players from the previous season. Most keeper leagues have around 15 to 18 rounds in the draft. The specific number of rounds can vary based on how many players managers are allowed to keep. The fewer players kept, the more rounds there are for the draft.
3. Best Ball Leagues (18-20 Rounds)
Best Ball leagues, where the best scores from your roster are automatically counted each week, generally have 18 to 20 rounds. In these leagues, there are no trades or waivers, so managers draft deeper rosters to prepare for the entire season. Best Ball drafts are longer since more players are drafted to account for bye weeks and potential injuries.
4. Auction Leagues
In an auction draft, players are “purchased” rather than picked in rounds. Every manager has a set budget and bids on players until all teams have full rosters. Auction leagues typically involve the same number of players as standard leagues (around 15 to 18 players), but the draft takes a different approach.
What Factors Determine the Number of Rounds?
1. Roster Size and Format
The most significant factor in determining the number of rounds is the league’s roster size. Standard rosters consist of about 15 players, but formats like Dynasty, Keeper, and Best Ball may require additional rounds to accommodate larger rosters.
2. Scoring System
The scoring system can also affect roster size. In Points Per Reception (PPR) leagues, where each reception earns points, managers may want extra rounds to draft more receivers. Superflex leagues, which allow a second starting quarterback, may also have additional rounds due to the increased need for depth at QB.
3. League Rules
Some leagues have unique rules, like Individual Defensive Player (IDP) leagues, where managers draft specific defensive players instead of a team defense. These leagues usually have 20+ rounds to allow for drafting defensive positions such as linebackers and defensive backs.
Draft Strategies for Different Round Counts
1. Standard 15-Round Draft Strategy
In a 15-round draft, you’ll want to focus on securing starters for each position in the first few rounds and using later rounds for depth. A typical strategy might look like this:
- Rounds 1-4: Focus on top-tier running backs and wide receivers.
- Rounds 5-6: Secure a quarterback and a solid tight end.
- Rounds 7-10: Look for value players and backups at key positions.
- Rounds 11-15: Draft a defense, kicker, and sleeper players for your bench.
2. Deeper 18-Round Draft Strategy
With 18 rounds, you have more room to draft backups and take risks on sleeper picks:
- Rounds 1-6: Build a strong starting lineup of RBs, WRs, and your starting QB.
- Rounds 7-12: Add backup players and flex options.
- Rounds 13-16: Focus on filling in defense, kicker, and any remaining roster spots.
- Rounds 17-18: Take a couple of high-upside players or rookies with potential breakout ability.
3. Dynasty Draft Strategy (20+ Rounds)
Dynasty drafts require a long-term approach, as you’re drafting players for the future:
- Rounds 1-4: Pick young players and rising stars, such as rookie running backs or wide receivers.
- Rounds 5-10: Draft players who will produce right away but also have good long-term potential.
- Rounds 11-20: Look for deep sleepers, rookies, and backup players who may develop over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Rounds Are in a Standard Fantasy Football Draft?
Most standard fantasy football drafts have 15 to 16 rounds, which fills a roster with starting players and bench spots.
Why Do Some Fantasy Football Leagues Have More Rounds?
Leagues with larger rosters, such as dynasty, Best Ball, or IDP leagues, may have 18 to 20 or more rounds to accommodate additional players needed for the season.
How Long Does a Fantasy Football Draft Take?
On average, a standard 15-round draft can take 1 to 2 hours, while deeper drafts may take 3 hours or more depending on the draft format and time per pick.
What’s the Best Draft Strategy for an 18-round League?
In an 18-round draft, build a balanced roster in the early rounds, and then add backups and sleeper picks in later rounds. Use the extra rounds to draft handcuff players, rookies, and high-upside talent.
Can You Trade Draft Picks in Fantasy Football?
Yes, many leagues allow trading draft picks. This strategy is especially popular in dynasty and keeper leagues, where managers may trade picks for established players or higher future picks.
How Many Players Should I Draft at Each Position?
For standard leagues, aim for 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2-3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 Flex, 1 Defense, 1 Kicker, and 5-6 bench spots. In deeper leagues, you might add more WRs, RBs, or backup QBs.
Conclusion
The number of rounds in a fantasy football draft depends on the type of league you’re playing in. Standard leagues usually have 15 to 16 rounds, but formats like Dynasty or Best Ball may go up to 20 rounds or more.
Regardless of your proficiency in the game, whether you’re a first-time fantasy football player or a seasoned manager, knowing the round count and your league format can help you devise a winning draft strategy. Apart from that, it helps you build a roster that can compete throughout the season.
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