Best Ball Strategy

Mon Jun 9 11:33am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Best ball fantasy leagues are all the rage these days. These are arguably the most popular leagues on our site. Drafts are going off every night (click here). We have a Best Ball Championship, giving $25,000 to the winner (click here to play in that contest). We are here to help you win your best ball leagues. This column will focus on the strategy of a best ball format, giving you some tips to help you win big. 

If you aren’t familiar, here is a quick rundown of the best ball format. The best ball format means you don’t have to set a weekly lineup. Your best possible roster will be automatically selected after the games are completed for the week. There are no free-agent moves during the season. All you do is draft. After the draft is complete, you can sit back and watch the rest of the season. It is all the fun of drafting but without the daily management. 

The best ball leagues normally start nine players: a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, flex, defense and kicker. Drafts are anywhere between 20 and 25 rounds long, making rosters deeper because of the inability to make free-agent moves during the season. 

So now that you know the rules, here is a look at some tips for having a successful best ball draft. First off, you are going to take more quarterbacks and tight ends than in a normal draft. Taking three quarterbacks and three tight ends is a smart move in best ball leagues. You just need one player to hit each week, so having more to choose from will help you optimize your chances for that big week. Grabbing three players at each position is the way to go in best ball formats. 

In a best ball league, going with boom-or-bust players is a good idea. Getting players with a high weekly ceiling is a smart move. You need those big weekly games to advance in best ball formats. Guys like Jameson Williams and Jauan Jennings are ranked a little higher for me in this format. These are guys that can drive you a little crazy in standard leagues because of their erratic play, but you can live with that in best ball leagues because of their big-game ability. There are options on your bench that can makeup for the bad games from Williams and Jennings. You start just two receivers on a weekly basis and likely have three or four options on your bench. There is a good chance one of your bench options hits any given week, which can makeup for the erratic play of a guy like Williams if he busts. 

So taking three quarterbacks is a good idea, but grabbing one in the early rounds might not be the best way to go. If you think about it, you just need one quarterback to hit each week with a big number. If you take three in the middle to later rounds of your draft, can one of those guys post an elite fantasy number each week? Your answer is likely yes. You are better served in a best ball format loading up on running backs and receivers early in your draft. These positions are a little more uncertain, so getting quality running backs and receivers early in your draft is a good plan come draft day. Don’t waste early picks on the quarterback spot. The quarterback position also is crazy deep this year.

The tight end spot is similar to the quarterback spot. We aren’t sure acting early on a tight end is worth it, especially since the value of running backs is a little higher in a best ball format. Get three tight ends in the middle to later rounds of your draft and hope one hits each week. The tight end position can be a little top heavy, but we still like waiting on the position with some up-and-coming players having a chance to get it going this year. This makes it a little easier to wait on the position. Sure, having Brock Bowers or Trey McBride is nice, but you probably are better served getting some elite running backs or receivers with your early picks.

There is some debate with this next issue, and we can go either way with it. If you think getting just one kicker and defense is the way proceed, go for it. You can see the reasoning, adding players to your bench at the skill positions since you don’t have roster management. You never know when or how often injury will hit, so getting as many skill positions can certainly be beneficial.

You can also see the reasoning with going with two kickers and two defenses on your roster. The big reason is that if you take just one at each position, you are going to be giving up six or seven points in one game because of bye weeks. Can you afford to lose those points when every game matters so much in fantasy? That is the big question. Every game matters so much in fantasy that giving away just one game could be the difference between making or missing the playoffs. So we can go either way here. If you want to go with just a kicker and defense, that works. But if you want to make sure you are getting points at every position every week, feel free to choose two kickers and defenses.

In closing, use your early picks wisely, getting a lot of talent at running back and receiver. These positions are a little more uncertain, so getting plenty of options at those spots is a good move in this format. And don’t be afraid to go deep at any position, especially if you have some question marks for your projected top point getter at the position. You also have to take some chances late in the draft, trying to find a player that might emerge later in the season or something along those lines. This is the format to take more risks. You have the roster space, so don’t be afraid to take some chances along the way. There are going to be players selected in this format that you would never consider taking in a standard league. 

Good luck and happy drafting! 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Trey Hendrickson Jun 15 10:10pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals and defensive end Trey Hendrickson have resumed discussions surrounding a new contract. The 30-year-old has been a force on the defensive side of the ball, amassing 35 sacks in the last two seasons combined. As expected, he wants a new deal. Although things at least appeared promising when talks between both sides began, the situation went south quickly, with Hendrickson recently skipping mandatory minicamp. The Bengals have one of the best offenses in the National Football League. However, it's a different story as it pertains to the team's defense. Rookie Shemar Stewart has also been absent while awaiting a contract to his liking, which indirectly has increased the urgency to get a new deal done for Hendrickson. With that in mind, there is renewed hope that negotiations are heading in a positive direction. On the other hand, there is still plenty of time for that to change.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Jun 15 10:10pm CT
Travis Kelce

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will "debut a bit of a slimmer look" at training camp. The multi-time All-Pro wasn't happy with his conditioning last season, so he lost 25 pounds in an attempt to improve his productivity. He is coming off one of his worst years since entering the National Football League in 2013, finishing the 2024 campaign with 97 receptions while amassing career-lows in yards (823) and touchdowns (three). The Chiefs are stacked on the offensive side of the ball. However, there is no denying the chemistry between Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Only time will tell if the weight loss will help Kelce get back on track, although it appears his stock is starting to trend up heading toward training camp.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Jun 15 10:10pm CT
Garrett Wilson

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the New York Jets have made a contract offer to wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Fowler added that both sides "have exchanged some numbers," so it's unknown how close the wideout actually is to agreeing to a new deal. The 24-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, catching 101 passes for 1,104 yards and seven touchdowns. It's a new era in New York, with the team hiring former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to serve as the head coach. The team also parted ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, replacing him with Justin Fields. It's safe to say the Jets will need Wilson happy and motivated if the club hopes to return to the playoff conversation. While there are some questions about Wilson's fantasy outlook with a new signal-caller and head coach, he should continue to be a consistent performer for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Jun 15 10:10pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) looked "a lot stronger" in the ninth day of offseason workouts compared to the beginning. "They like the way he's throwing the ball," said Fowler. "They feel very comfortable with where he's at going into training camp." The 22-year-old suffered a meniscus tear last summer, preventing him from suiting up for his rookie campaign. Fortunately, it appears that the injury is behind him. With receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at McCarthy's disposal, he should have some quality showings this season. Naturally, there could be some growing pains. Still, the young signal-caller definitely has a higher ceiling than most around his age, making him a perfect addition to any dynasty roster. His redraft outlook might also improve, assuming he continues to impress in the next few months.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Jun 15 1:00pm CT
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans rookie second-round wide receiver Jayden Higgins impressed during the team's mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. Higgins made one-handed catches with starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter in coverage and also connected with quarterback C.J. Stroud on other plays. He will be pushing for a role in his first year in the NFL and could seal a starting spot by the second week of training camp this summer if he continues to play well. For being 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, the young pass-catcher and Iowa State product moves extremely well. Nico Collins is Houston's clear WR1, but Higgins has the potential and athleticism to surpass Christian Kirk as the team's WR2 sooner than later in 2025. In his final season at Iowa State, Higgins had 87, catches, 1,183 yards and nine TDs. He's worth a late-round flier in deeper single-league fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Simmons Jun 15 12:40pm CT
Isaiah Simmons

Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons, the former eighth overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, was shuffled among linebacker, safety and nickel defensive back with the Cardinals and New York Giants and never excelled at any of those positions. Part of the reason he signed with the Packers was their willingness to let him play exclusively at linebacker. ESPN's Rob Demovsky writes that Simmons has had the chance to line up with the starters at linebacker during the offseason program, despite the fact that Green Bay is deep at the position. "Honestly I feel like this is the most comfortable in a system I've been since I've been in the league," Simmons said. It's a notable development for the former Clemson start, but it won't guarantee a career turnaround, especially if he's not playing regularly. The 26-year-old had a career-low 21 tackles in 17 games (one start) with the Giants in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Leonard Williams Jun 15 12:40pm CT
Leonard Williams

ESPN's Brady Henderson writes that Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has managed to make an impression on his new teammates and to set a tone with the younger ones despite the non-contact nature of spring practices. "We haven't been able to play next to each other or anything like that, but I think just the type of leadership and mindset that he brings to the team is just phenomenal," defensive tackle Leonard Williams said. "He's a dog. He speaks a lot, he plays hard. He's going into Year 12 and he's out there practicing harder than some of the rookies. So we're getting on the rookies saying, 'OK, this is an example. This guy's going into Year 12. He's got nothing to prove, but he's out there working his craft as hard as he can every day.'" The 33-year-old hasn't appeared limited at all this offseason after playing in just four games with Dallas in 2024 due to a foot ailment.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Jun 15 12:30pm CT
Travis Etienne

SI.com's John Shipley guesses that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. opens the year as the team's lead back. However, Shipley also writes that Etienne, Tank Bigsby and rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen will get some run at some point. Under a new coaching staff, many believed that Etienne's stock would continue to fall after another disappointing showing in 2024, when he had career-lows across the board in carries (150), rushing yards (558) and touchdowns (two) while catching 39 of 52 targets for 254 yards through the air in 15 starts. That could still be the case, especially since the former first-rounder now has to fight off a pair of rookies in addition to Bigsby. Etienne has fallen all the way to No. 35 in RotoBaller's preseason rankings for 2025, but he still has a chance to prove himself in a new offense as the RB1.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Jun 15 12:10pm CT
Daniel Jones

Despite Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) having a setback with his surgically-repaired right shoulder that caused him to miss OTAs and minicamp this spring, SI.com's Jake Arthur writes that it will still be an open QB competition in training camp this summer between Richardson and Daniel Jones. However, the Colts aren't going to rush Richardson back at the start of camp, which in theory gives Jones a leg up on the competition since he got all the reps at OTAs and minicamp. Arthur suggests Richardson would have to look outstanding in camp and the preseason, or Jones would have to lose control of the lead for Richardson to win the job outright heading into Week 1. With Jones having looked good, Arthur thinks it's hard to imagine how Jones isn't the current favorite. Richardson's injury issues are making it harder and harder for the Colts' staff to trust him.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Jun 14 10:30pm CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been "the talk" of minicamp. "Emeka has really strong hands," said fellow wideout Mike Evans. "He looks like a running back, but he catches like Chris Godwin. He's a very polished, well-rounded player." The former Buckeye signed his four-year, $18.1 million rookie contract in May after amassing 205 receptions for 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns in 49 games at Ohio State. The Bucs' receiving room is loaded, although it appears Egbuka has a real chance to move up the depth chart during training camp, potentially occupying the No. 3 spot behind Godwin and Evans. Granted, he probably won't see the volume needed to be a consistent fantasy producer throughout the 2025 campaign. However, if there are injuries within the receiving corps, that could change. If anything, Egbuka is worth selecting in the first few rounds of dynasty drafts, especially since Godwin and Evans aren't getting any younger and Godwin is coming off a serious ankle injury. He's also someone to consider late in redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaxson Dart Jun 14 1:00pm CT
Jaxson Dart

Unsurprisingly, New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson is working as the starting QB in offseason workouts, but rookie first-rounder Jaxson Dart has mostly worked as the QB2 ahead of veteran Jameis Winston. Dart has displayed some strong throws but also held the ball forever at times and was forced to scramble. The G-Men traded up to the 25th overall pick in April to grab Dart, so they obviously like his chances of becoming their franchise signal-caller. However, Wilson is going to get the first shot in 2025 while Dart sits and learns on the sidelines. But if Wilson struggles like he did at the end of last year in Pittsburgh, the 22-year-old from Ole Miss could get a shot sooner than later as head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen try to save their jobs. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can avoid Dart for now, but he's a solid dynasty/keeper stash.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Gipson Jun 14 12:40pm CT
Xavier Gipson

New York Jets former undrafted wide receiver Xavier Gipson has been a non-contributor as a wide receiver on offense despite fighting his way onto the active roster in his first year in the NFL and then scoring a game-winning, punt-return touchdown in his first game in 2023. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt write that Gipson's roster spot is in jeopardy heading into training camp with undrafted rookie wideout Jamaal Pritchett pushing him. The 24-year-old is currently the front-runner to be New York's punt returner, but it's not a lock. He caught 21 of 38 targets for 229 yards and no touchdowns on offense in 2023 but regressed last year and caught just six passes for 39 yards and a TD in 17 games (no starts). Gipson isn't anywhere near the fantasy radar heading into the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Jun 14 12:30pm CT
Josh Reynolds

New York Jets wide receiver Josh Reynolds is the early front-runner to take over as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson this year, according to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt. Reynolds is the only player the Jets added this offseason that has ties to new head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand from their time with the Lions. The team values Reynolds' willingness as a blocker, and he has built some nice chemistry with QB Justin Fields early on. Allen Lazard still has a role to play on this team, but as of minicamp, he appears to be behind Reynolds. The 30-year-old Reynolds dealt with injuries last year and caught only 13 passes for 194 yards and one TD with Denver and Jacksonville. It sounds like he'll have a bigger role with the Jets, but it's unlikely to yield much production for fantasy managers in what is expected to be a run-heavy offense in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Jun 14 12:20pm CT
Garrett Wilson

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson's stock is up this offseason. Wilson was the best player on the field for all of the spring practices open to the media while making highlight-reel catches and rarely dropping any of quarterback Justin Fields' passes. The new coaching staff is highlighting Wilson's ability to improvise on routes while also making sure Wilson is where Fields expects him to be on any given play. Outside of running back Breece Hall, the team doesn't have a clear No. 2 pass-catcher, which leads Rosenblatt to speculate that Wilson could set a Jets record for targets and catches in 2025. Despite seeking a new contract, the 24-year-old was present for OTAs and minicamp. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 16 fantasy wideout, but if Fields makes strides as a passer, Wilson has clear WR1 upside this year.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Jun 14 12:10pm CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall sounds pretty motivated to prove himself as one of the top backs in the NFL going into the 2025 season. "We have a great running back room," Hall said, "but my mentality is every day I'm going to prove that I am the best back on this roster and one of the best backs in the league." The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Iowa State fell short of 1,000 yards rushing in his third year in the NFL with 876 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 209 carries while adding 57 catches for 483 yards and another three TDs in 16 starts in another disappointing year for the Jets. Hall said his knee also wasn't 100% last year. The Jets have both Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis pushing for bigger roles, but if Hall can stay healthy and the offense can improve under new QB Justin Fields, it's definitely possible for Hall to have a career year. He's on the RB1/2 borderline in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Jun 14 11:00am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on the Pat McAfee Show this week that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is making great progress in his rehab from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he suffered last October. "Brandon is doing a tremendous job coming back. It's kind of incredible how well he's healing, and he's putting in the work," Lynch said. Lynch continued to stress that Aiyuk is still an important part of the team going forward, although he's probably not going to be able to make his 2025 debut until around midseason. After a contract dispute last summer, the 27-year-old caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns before his season-ending knee injury seven games into the season. When he returns, he'll battle for targets with George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. There are a lot of question marks surrounding Aiyuk going into 2025.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Jun 14 10:30am CT
Keon Coleman

Much like his rookie season last year, Buffalo Bills second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman showed inconsistency in mandatory minicamp practice this week, according to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia. Coleman has shown the ability to make big plays occasionally, but then he'll have regrettable reps that question his ability to be a consistent playmaker for the Bills. The 22-year-old's on-ball concerns and his intermediate to deep separation skills are things that he will have to improve on if he wants to take the next step in 2025. He had only 29 catches for 556 yards and four touchdowns in 13 regular-season games in 2024 but also dealt with a chipped bone in his wrist that affected his production down the stretch. The former second-rounder could be more effective in a bigger role this year, but the addition of Joshua Palmer could also be hindrance.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Jun 14 10:20am CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that tight end Dalton Kincaid added both strength and bulk to his frame this offseason after a disappointing second season in 2024. He caught 73 of 91 targets for 673 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games in his rookie season but had a 44-448-2 line in 13 games last year. The Bills have defended the 25-year-old's second season because of the knee injuries that defined how much he could play once he returned in Week 15 after missing three games. The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia says that the ultimate test for Kincaid will be if he can increase his snap percentage and stay on the field for more run-blocking reps. He has the natural pass-catching skills to rebound as one of quarterback Josh Allen's most reliable targets. Kincaid will come at a little discount this year and should be considered a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Mitchell Trubisky Jun 14 10:20am CT
Mitchell Trubisky

The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia writes that the Buffalo Bills backup quarterback job behind starter Josh Allen is up for grabs this offseason. Mitchell Trubisky isn't a lock to remain as Allen's backup in 2025. The writing was on the wall for Trubisky's backup job to be in jeopardy when the team signed Mike White to a two-year deal late last season. The Bills can save $1.5 million on this year's salary cap if they were to release Trubisky, even though $1 million of his base salary became guaranteed by staying on the roster through the offseason. It looks like Buffalo is going to let Trubisky and White battle it out this summer for the backup job. Trubisky has more experience in the NFL and more mobility, but White is more of a natural thrower, particularly in the intermediate and deep areas of the field. The competition might come down to who has the better camp and preseason.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Jun 14 10:10am CT
James Cook

ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg writes that Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, despite seeking a contract extension, was a full participant in the team's three-day mandatory minicamp this week. General manager Brandon Beane said the "relationship's very good and I know [Cook's] going to be ready to roll when we get to [training camp in] Rochester." Cook said earlier this week that he plans to be at training camp this summer, but he didn't specify if he'd actually be taking part in workouts. Beane said Cook "looks good out there. You can tell he's been working." It sounds like the two sides are working towards a deal, but Cook could hold in during training camp. Cook was the RB8 in half-PPR scoring in 2024 with his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season and a league-high 16 rushing TDs. Regression is coming in the TD department after he scored four rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons.

From RotoBaller