I have reduced my redraft leagues to fewer than 10 each year, which prompts me to deploy distinct strategies that keep me sharp for rookie drafts. The draft’s objective is to create separation between my team and the competition. I will analyze three unique drafts—none of which I predetermined—each representing very different builds that I aim to win with. I will provide a weekly update on my management and rationale behind each decision. This should clarify the game theory behind my moves, highlighting that my chosen players are less critical than the strategy employed.
Danger Family
https://sleeper.app/draft/nfl/1262187100619427840
This draft followed a snake format in a 1QB league. I drew the second spot and observed that four starting positions only required one starter each, so I faded those roles. This build felt especially comfortable; I drafted only RBs and WRs for the first 13 rounds. I selected 7 RBs and 6 WRs, later rounding out the draft with TE, QB, DEF, and K. I believe this approach enables early-season success, and by the time bye weeks arrive, injuries may create opportunities to pick up replacements or drop starters temporarily, since the waiver wire remains loaded with talent. This method is my preferred approach for leagues with this setup, and the draft allowed for it.
TFFL 2
https://sleeper.app/draft/nfl/1256835339171926016
This is a superflex draft, so I shifted my strategy and prioritized QBs. Running backs score extra in this format, causing an early run on that position. This team has nine bench spots. Drafting from the seventh spot, I was surprised at how quickly WRs and RBs left the board compared to previous years. I reviewed the last two years’ drafts to inform my approach and understand other drafters’ strategies. My first pick was Burrow, the third QB taken. I would have taken Chase, Bijan, or Gibbs if available, but with only Jefferson left (whom I picked last year), I started with a QB. My selection triggered a QB run until Bowers ended the round. I aimed for a points edge at TE, since 1.75 PPR is awarded there, and with McBride still available, it was a logical next step. RBs started disappearing rapidly, leaving me without a WR or RB in round 3. Fourteen RBs and six WRs were gone by my pick, so I selected Henderson as RB15.
Realizing I would chase ADP unless I pivoted, I shifted tactics: I started drafting QBs until others began to notice the dwindling pool of RBs and WRs, and then pivoted back. I chose three consecutive QBs (four total), yet RBs kept flying off the board, so I added two WRs—now a value as owners focused on TEs and RBs. My roster now included one out of two RBs and two out of two WRs, plus my sole TE and four QBs. With starting QBs still available but only backup-level RBs left, I doubled down and added two more QBs, bringing my total to six. This caught my league-mates’ attention, as they tried to interpret my plan; my goal was to drive others to grab QBs, freeing up RB value for me. Despite the QB run, my peers continued to prioritize RBs, largely ignoring my push. I knew I had to secure Javonte Williams for a second starting RB. Given the scoring rules, I could flex TEs to earn points.
Once I had week 1 starters, I continued grabbing the remaining starting QBs with bench slots, reasoning that surplus QB points on my bench would suppress bottom teams’ scores, possibly keeping them out of playoff contention. Those teams didn’t need to face me—just lose eight games, making the playoffs less attainable. This build will require patience, as I start with one RB and eight bench QBs. My target is eight wins. I’ll detail my roster moves to guide this team into the playoffs with minimal variance. This roster concept may feel uncomfortable for some, but I enjoy competing both with my squad and against league dynamics.
Clown Head Redraft I
https://sleeper.app/draft/nfl/1181618509644013569
This is a clown head league, so that means lots of value on QB as well as the TE, and it’s extremely deep with 12 bench spots. 2QB, 2RB, 4WR, 2TE, 2Flex are the starters. I got the 12 spot to draft with 3rd third-round reversal, so this spot is extremely comfortable for me to create a quality draft. 4 QBs went in the first round, but also 2 TEs, so it was time for me to wait for 10 QBs to leave the board, then pounce hard on the position. I went WR, RB, WR to begin, and only had to begin my QB journey at rounds 4 & 5. I ended this draft with 4 starting QBs and 6 TEs, but then I was able to create balance on this team with 6 RBs and 8 WRs.
Recapping these three drafts, they all have different layouts, and I went completely different directions; however, I don’t mention needing to trade in any of the teams as I can manage them all from the waiver wire to get where I’m trying to go, which is the playoffs. I will give a brief update throughout the season until the team gets eliminated from the playoffs as to the moves I make and why. I hope you enjoy the journey with me.
