Fantasy football is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the NFL season. Here, football fans become managers; they build their own teams and face off against others throughout the season. The heart of any fantasy football league is the draft, which is the event where teams are created.
If you’re new to fantasy football or need a refresher, you might be wondering: How many rounds are there in a fantasy football draft?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the rounds in a fantasy football draft, how the number of rounds can change depending on the league, and tips for drafting like a pro!
What Is a Fantasy Football Draft?
A fantasy football draft is where each team manager picks real-life NFL players for their fantasy team. Players take turns picking (or “drafting”) NFL stars across various positions, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, kickers, and defenses.
Once drafted, these players become part of a manager’s fantasy team, and their on-field performance contributes to that manager’s score.
How Many Rounds in a Standard Fantasy Football Draft?
In most fantasy football leagues, you’ll have 15 to 16 rounds in the draft. This means each manager gets 15 to 16 turns to select players for their roster. The number of rounds is set to ensure that managers can fill all the necessary starting positions and have a few backup players on the bench.
Here’s a common breakdown of the standard roster in a fantasy football draft:
- Quarterback (QB): 1 starter
- Running Backs (RB): 2-3 starters
- Wide Receivers (WR): 2-3 starters
- Tight End (TE): 1 starter
- Kicker (K): 1 starter
- Defense/Special Teams (DST): 1 starter
- Bench Players: 5-6 players, often used for extra RBs, WRs, or a backup QB or TE
This roster structure allows teams to cover all the essential positions while giving them a few extra players for flexibility during the season.
Why the Number of Draft Rounds Can Vary?
Although most leagues have about 15-16 rounds, some leagues may have more or fewer rounds. Here are some reasons why this number might change:
1. League Size
In larger leagues with more teams (like 12, 14, or even 16 teams), some leagues add extra rounds so managers have deeper benches. This can help prevent teams from struggling too much if several players have a bye week or get injured.
Smaller leagues (like 8 or 10 teams) might stick closer to 15 rounds since more free agents are available to add later in the season.
2. League Type
- Redraft Leagues: In these leagues, teams start fresh each season, so drafts typically have 15-16 rounds.
- Keeper Leagues: In keeper leagues, managers can keep a few players from their roster for the next season. Sometimes these leagues have a few extra rounds to allow managers to build their team for the future.
- Dynasty Leagues: Dynasty leagues allow managers to keep their entire roster from season to season. These drafts are often longer, with 20 or more rounds, so managers can draft young players and rookies for the future.
3. Scoring Format
Certain scoring formats, like Point-Per-Reception (PPR) leagues, might encourage managers to draft more wide receivers or running backs that catch a lot of passes. In these leagues, managers might prefer an extra round or two to account for more specific player roles.
Drafting for Each Position
Let’s go over the different positions you’ll draft in a standard fantasy football league and how many players you might want for each.
Quarterbacks
Most leagues require one starting quarterback. Since quarterback performance is generally steady and predictable, many managers choose their quarterback in the middle rounds. Some managers also draft a backup quarterback for extra security, but it’s not always necessary.
Running Backs
Running backs are often the heart of a fantasy team, as they can score lots of points with rushing yards and touchdowns. Most leagues start two to three running backs, and managers often choose RBs early in the draft. Many managers also fill their bench with an extra running back or two to handle bye weeks and injuries.
Wide Receivers
Wide receivers bring in points with receiving yards and touchdowns, and they’re crucial in most fantasy lineups. Standard leagues start two to three wide receivers. Depending on the scoring format, especially in PPR leagues, WRs can be just as important as running backs. Some managers draft several wide receivers to build depth and flexibility.
Tight Ends
Tight ends are a unique position because only a few players score consistently in this role. Most leagues start one tight end. Many managers try to secure a top-tier TE, but waiting until the later rounds to draft a tight end can be a smart move. Backup tight ends are generally not a priority in standard leagues.
Kickers and Defenses
These positions often don’t score as many points as others, so most managers wait until the last few rounds to pick one kicker and one defense. However, having a solid kicker or defense can sometimes make the difference in close matchups, so choosing wisely is still important.
Tips for Drafting in a Fantasy Football League
Preparing for the draft is key to building a winning fantasy football team. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Plan Your Strategy by Rounds
Know which positions you want to fill in each round, especially for the early rounds. Having a plan can help you stay focused and build a balanced team.
2. Do Mock Drafts
Practice with mock drafts to get a sense of where players are being drafted. Mock drafts can help you understand when your favorite players are likely to be picked and help you refine your strategy.
3. Prioritize Key Positions
In standard leagues, running backs and wide receivers are usually the most valuable, so consider drafting these positions first. Quarterbacks and tight ends can often be drafted in later rounds without losing much value.
4. Stay Flexible
While it’s good to have a plan, be ready to adjust based on how the draft unfolds. If a top player falls to you unexpectedly, it may be worth changing your strategy to grab them.
5. Know Your League’s Settings
Every league is different. Before the draft, check your league’s settings for scoring, roster size, and position requirements. These details will surely affect your draft strategy and help you know exactly how many rounds to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a fantasy football draft usually take?
Most drafts take between 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the number of rounds and the time per pick.
Can I add more rounds to my league’s draft?
Yes, many fantasy platforms allow league commissioners to adjust the number of rounds. If you’re in charge, you can add extra rounds to customize the draft to fit your league’s needs.
How do I find out how many rounds are in my league’s draft?
Check your league settings on your fantasy platform, or ask your league commissioner. Most platforms display this information on the draft setup page.
Why do some leagues have more rounds than others?
League type, size, and scoring format can all impact the number of draft rounds. Keeper and dynasty leagues often have more rounds to accommodate long-term team-building.
Should I draft backup players for all my positions?
Most managers prioritize backups for RBs and WRs due to the high risk of injury. Backup QBs, TEs, and kickers are less common but can be useful in larger leagues.
Conclusion
In a standard fantasy football league, you can expect 15 to 16 rounds in the draft. These rounds cover all key positions and give you some extra room for bench players. However, the number of rounds can change depending on league settings, so make sure you’re aware of your league’s specific rules.