When it comes to drafting a fantasy football team, most people simply follow their gut feeling or rely on rankings based on last year’s performance. However, if you want to have an edge in your league, you need to learn how to read a fantasy football depth chart.
A fantasy football depth chart shows you the expected order of players at each position on a team. It is divided into two sections: offense and defense. The offense includes quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen. The defense includes defensive linemen, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties.
The first thing to understand is that a fantasy football depth chart is not the same as the actual team’s depth chart. While coaches and scouts make the actual depth chart based on talent, performance, and experience, the fantasy football depth chart is based on projected fantasy value.
For example, a talented rookie running back might be behind a veteran on the actual depth chart, but he could be higher on the fantasy football depth chart because of his potential to have a breakout season.
One thing to pay attention to on the fantasy football depth chart is the order of players at each position. The player listed first is usually the starter, but that doesn’t mean much in terms of fantasy production. Backup running backs can often have big games if the starter gets injured or is ineffective.
Another important factor is the team’s offensive scheme. Some teams run the ball more than others, which means their running backs may have more fantasy value. Additionally, teams with strong passing attacks may have more fantasy-relevant wide receivers and tight ends.
It’s also crucial to pay attention to depth charts during the NFL preseason. Players can move up or down based on their performance in training camp and preseason games. A player who was projected to be a starter may end up being relegated to backup if someone else performs better.
A fantasy football depth chart is a valuable tool to help you make informed drafting and waiver wire decisions throughout the season. It can give you a better idea of which players are likely to have the most fantasy value and which ones are worth stashing on your bench for later.
So, if you want to win your fantasy football league this year, take the time to study the depth charts for each team. It might just give you the edge you need to come out on top.