In fantasy football, the early rounds often grab the spotlight, but it’s in the middle rounds where champions are made. Rounds 6+ are critical for building depth, securing value, and finding those hidden gems that can propel your team to victory. This podcast will explore key strategies and players to target during these rounds, ensuring that your draft sets you up for success.
1. Embrace Flexibility: The Key to Draft Success
One of the most important attributes for any successful fantasy football drafter is flexibility. While it’s tempting to stick rigidly to a pre-draft plan, the unpredictability of live drafts demands adaptability. Players you’ve had your eye on can get snapped up just before your pick, or unexpected runs on a particular position might force you to rethink your strategy.
This is where flexibility becomes your best asset. As you approach rounds 6 through 12, you’ll need to be prepared to pivot your strategy based on how the draft is unfolding. For example, if a star wide receiver is unexpectedly available in round 6, you might need to adjust your plans, even if you had initially intended to target a quarterback.
The best way to cultivate this flexibility? Mock drafts. Mock drafts allow you to simulate various scenarios and practice adjusting your strategy in real time. By experimenting with different approaches—whether you focus on building a strong core of running backs or prioritize a balanced team—you’ll be better prepared to handle the surprises of draft day.
2. Quarterback Targets in the Middle Rounds: Value and Upside
The quarterback position often sparks debate in fantasy circles. Do you invest early in a top-tier QB, or wait and hunt for value in the middle rounds? For those who prefer the latter approach, rounds 6 through 12 offer several intriguing options. Here are a few quarterbacks who present a compelling mix of value and upside:
Joe Burrow (Round 6): Joe Burrow has solidified himself as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league. While his injury history may cause some drafters to hesitate, those willing to take the plunge could be richly rewarded. Burrow’s ability to deliver under pressure and his chemistry with his receivers make him an excellent pick if he falls to round 6. His potential to be a top-5 quarterback by season’s end makes him a steal at this stage of the draft.
Kyler Murray (Later Rounds): Kyler Murray is an intriguing option for those looking to add a high-upside quarterback in the later rounds. After returning from an ACL injury, Murray’s performance in the latter half of last season demonstrated his resilience and dynamic playmaking ability. His dual-threat nature—both as a passer and a rusher—makes him a valuable fantasy asset. If you can grab Murray in the later rounds, you’ll be securing a quarterback with the potential to outplay his draft position significantly.
Jaden Daniels (Round 12): Rookies can be a gamble in fantasy football, but Jaden Daniels is a sleeper pick with tremendous upside. His athleticism and potential to surprise as a first-year starter make him a worthwhile gamble in round 12. Daniels could quickly become a fan favorite and a fantasy star if he outperforms expectations, providing you with a significant return on investment.
Tua Tagovailoa (Late Rounds): Tua’s fantasy performance has been a rollercoaster, with some weeks delivering massive points and others leaving drafters disappointed. However, Tua’s potential to produce high-scoring games makes him an enticing option in the late rounds. If you’re willing to take on some risk, Tua could reward you with explosive performances, especially in favorable matchups.
3. The Power of Mock Drafts: Your Secret Weapon
Preparation is key to success in any fantasy football draft, and there’s no better way to prepare than by participating in mock drafts. Mock drafts are more than just practice—they’re a critical tool for refining your draft strategy, identifying potential value picks, and gaining confidence in your decision-making process.
Through mock drafts, you can experiment with different approaches to the middle rounds. For example, you might try a strategy where you focus on stockpiling wide receivers early on, then see how your team shapes up if you wait until round 10 to draft your quarterback. Or, you could practice drafting a quarterback in round 6 and see how that affects your ability to build depth at other positions.
By running through these scenarios, you’ll gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of various strategies. More importantly, you’ll be better equipped to handle the unpredictable nature of a live draft. When draft day arrives, you’ll be ready to adjust your plan on the fly, secure in the knowledge that you’ve prepared for every possibility.
4. Stacking Strategies: High Risk, High Reward
Stacking—drafting multiple players from the same team—can be a powerful strategy in fantasy football, particularly in the middle rounds. When done correctly, stacking can lead to big points, as your players benefit from each other’s success. For example, if you draft Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. from the same team, you’re betting that their connection will lead to high-scoring plays that boost your fantasy points.
However, stacking also comes with risks. If the team you’ve stacked has a bad week, it could drag down your fantasy team’s performance. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider your stacking options and balance them with players from other teams to mitigate the risk.
When considering stacking in the middle rounds, look for teams with high-powered offenses and strong connections between quarterbacks and receivers. The goal is to maximize the synergy between your players, increasing the chances that their combined performances will lead to big fantasy points.
5. Preparing for the Later Rounds: Finding Hidden Gems
As you move into the later rounds of your draft, the pool of available players expands, but so does the uncertainty. This is where your preparation pays off. A well-organized cheat sheet becomes your best friend, allowing you to quickly identify and queue up players who offer the best value at their draft position.
In these rounds, it’s all about finding hidden gems—players who may be overlooked by other drafters but have the potential to outperform their draft slot. This could include rookies with upside, veterans coming off injuries who are poised for a comeback, or players in new offensive systems where they might see an increased role.
One key strategy for identifying hidden gems is to keep an eye on training camp reports and preseason performances. Players who are impressing coaches and earning first-team reps could be prime targets for the later rounds. Additionally, consider players who have the potential to benefit from an injury or trade—these “lottery tickets” could pay off big if circumstances break their way.
6. Leveraging Positional Depth: Building a Balanced Roster
In the middle rounds, it’s crucial to build a balanced roster that provides both depth and flexibility. This means not only targeting high-upside players but also ensuring that you have sufficient depth across all positions. While it can be tempting to go all-in on one position (such as drafting three running backs in a row), doing so can leave you vulnerable to injuries or bye weeks.
Instead, aim to build a well-rounded team by the end of round 12. This might include two solid quarterbacks, three or four running backs, and a strong corps of wide receivers. Additionally, consider drafting a tight end or defense if a particularly valuable option presents itself. The goal is to ensure that you’re not overly reliant on any one position and that you have the flexibility to navigate the challenges of the season.
7. The Psychological Game: Staying Calm Under Pressure
Fantasy football drafts can be intense, especially in the later rounds when time is running out and pressure mounts. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but staying calm and focused is key to making sound decisions.
One way to maintain your composure is to trust your preparation. You’ve done the mock drafts, you’ve studied the player rankings, and you’ve built your cheat sheet—now it’s time to put that preparation into action. Resist the urge to panic pick or chase after the latest hype player. Instead, stick to your plan, adjust when necessary, and make decisions based on logic rather than emotion.
Another important aspect of the psychological game is being aware of your fellow drafters. Pay attention to their tendencies and team needs—if the teams drafting after you are set at quarterback, for example, you might be able to wait another round before drafting one yourself. This type of awareness can give you an edge and help you make more strategic picks.
Conclusion: Seizing the Middle Rounds to Build a Championship Team
The middle rounds of your fantasy football draft are where you can truly separate yourself from the competition. By staying flexible, practicing with mock drafts, and identifying value in rounds 6 through 12, you’ll build a strong, well-rounded team capable of navigating the ups and downs of the season.
Whether you’re targeting a reliable quarterback like Joe Burrow, gambling on a high-upside rookie like Jaden Daniels, or leveraging the power of stacking, the key is to approach these rounds with a clear strategy and the willingness to adapt as the draft unfolds. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll be well on your way to assembling a championship-caliber team.
Engage with Us! What strategies do you use in the middle rounds of your fantasy drafts? Do you have any sleeper picks you’re excited about this year? Join us on Social media to share your thoughts!
