Beginner's Guide to Best Ball Drafts in Fantasy Football
Best ball fantasy football is one of the fastest growing formats in the fantasy world - and for good reason. It combines the thrill of the draft with a 'set-it-and-forget-it' season-long experience that eliminates lineup management. If you're a fantasy enthusiast who loves drafting but hates second-guessing start/sit decisions, best ball may be your new favorite format. It’s also a great way to play in multiple leagues without adding more weekly work.
What Is a Best Ball Draft?
In a best ball draft, managers draft a full roster (typically 18 - 20 players) just like in traditional leagues. But here's the twist: there are no waivers, trades, or weekly lineups. Each week, your top-performing players at each position automatically make your starting lineup. The league tallies your best lineup every week, and the team with the most total points at the end of the season wins.
Most best ball formats are hosted on platforms like Underdog Fantasy, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BestBall10s. Scoring usually follows half-point or full-point PPR rules, and roster construction often includes 1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 1 TE, and 1 Flex. That's why your draft is everything - you won't get a second chance.
Best Ball Draft Strategy: How to Build a Winning Roster
1. Embrace Positional Stacking
Stacking is pairing players from the same NFL team, like a QB and his top WR or TE. In best ball, stacking creates weekly upside. If you have Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, a 300-yard, 3-TD game from Burrow could mean a monster week for Chase, too. Bonus tip: consider a "double stack" by adding a second pass-catcher from the same team to multiply the effect. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle come to mind. Be sure to check out the weighted, consensus Best Ball Rankings from Fantasy Nerds before jumping into the draft room. If you depend upon the platform's rankings, you're already at a disadvantage.
2. Draft for Spike Weeks
Unlike redraft leagues, you don't need consistency - you need explosive, high-scoring weeks. Target boom-or-bust players (especially at WR and RB) who can randomly explode for 100+ yards and multiple touchdowns. Since you don't set lineups, you want players who are capable of big spike weeks - boom/bust players are actually ideal in Best Ball. Target explosive WRs, breakout RB candidates, and QBs with rushing upside. In traditional formats, consistency matters more — here, ceiling wins.
3. Depth Beats Balance
You don't need to start the "right" guys - your top scorers are always used. That's why quantity often trumps quality, especially in mid-to-late rounds. Don't be afraid to load up on WRs or TEs if value falls your way. Most best ball winners carry:
- 2–3 Quarterbacks
- 5–6 Running Backs
- 7–9 Wide Receivers
- 2–3 Tight Ends
4. Don't Overdraft Quarterbacks
Elite QBs are tempting, but in best ball, drafting 2–3 mid-to-late round QBs with high ceilings and rushing ability (think Daniel Jones, Sam Howell, or Kyler Murray in 2024) often yields better ROI. Use early picks on scarcer positions like RBs and WRs.
5. Late-Round Lottery Tickets
Since you don't need to predict which weeks your players pop, grab some late-round sleepers or high-upside backups. If a starter goes down, your guy could instantly become a league-winner. Think of 2022 Tony Pollard or 2023 De'Von Achane. Don't be afraid of drafting rookies. Rookies often start slow but surge late in the year — perfect for Best Ball formats where late-season spikes can win championships. Be willing to stash high-upside rookies and second-year players.
6. Diversify Across Drafts
If you're doing multiple best ball entries, don't draft the same players over and over. Diversify exposure across teams, especially in large-field tournaments. Injuries or bust seasons can tank too many rosters if you're overexposed.
7. Pay Attention to Bye Weeks
Since you can't make waiver moves, it's important not to overload key positions with players on the same bye week. Diversify your roster to ensure you field a competitive lineup every week of the season.
8. Use ADP To Find Value
Monitor Average Draft Position (ADP) data to spot players going later than they should. Best Ball drafts can move fast, and knowing where the value pockets are will help you steal players at a discount.
Final Thoughts
Best ball drafts reward smart preparation, roster construction, and risk-taking. Without the stress of weekly lineups, you can focus on finding value and building teams with high ceilings. Master stacking, embrace volatility, and lean into your drafting instincts. When done right, best ball is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to play fantasy football.
Now get out there and start drafting — may your spike weeks be plentiful!
Join the Discussion
Nerd CommentedMay 31, 2025 3:14 pm
There are quite a few. From the major corporate sites like FanDuel and DraftKings to some of the perhaps lesser-well known sites like Underdog and NFFC, there's a good fit for you somewhere. Personally, I like Underdog the best but will spend a fair amount at the corporates as well.
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