The middle rounds of a fantasy football draft can prove to be a significant difference-maker when building out a successful team. While the early rounds secure elite talent, the middle rounds are where you can find hidden gems, build depth, and gain a competitive edge.
These rounds are a great time to mix high-upside picks with safer, more reliable players. Balance risk by selecting players with a solid track record or a guaranteed role to ensure your roster has both stability and potential for explosive performances.
When targeting riskier but higher upside talents, it’s common to find players who may have been overlooked. Whether it’s a young player who requires some faith as a possible breakout candidate, a running back in a committee who might emerge as the lead back, or a player coming off injury, these potential game-changers can be the difference-makers for your roster. This may require having a strong foresight for what’s to come, or simply some luck.
Intriguing candidates to consider
Typically, it’s wise to avoid reaching for a position out of desperation. Instead, focus on the best player available that fits your team’s needs. Target players with a high floor who can consistently produce points each week. These players may not have the highest ceiling but can be solid, dependable options for your flex spot.
Many high-quality WR2s and WR3s are available in these rounds, and since you can start multiple receivers, depth at this position is key. An interesting option that stands out is Rashee Rice on the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense catching passes from Patrick Mahomes—the leading candidate to win NFL MVP at +475 on DraftKings Sportsbook. If you are someone who sees upside in Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba as he enters his second season in the league, that’s also another name to consider.
If you didn’t secure a top-tier tight end early, the middle rounds are where you can find solid, but not elite, options. Look for tight ends who are primary red-zone targets or play in high-volume passing offenses. Someone like Trey Ferguson in the Dallas Cowboys’ high-powered offense exemplifies this. With Kirk Cousins now leading the Atlanta Falcons’ offense, another year of taking a chance on Kyle Pitts could be worth considering. Another speculative option could be Dalton Kincaid, who faces some runway for a healthy amount of targets from Josh Allen in the Buffalo Bills’ offense after names like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are no longer on the squad.
At this point in the draft, it be beneficial to take a running back option that brings some upside as a receiver, but also remains an emphasis in the run game with steady carries. One option could be Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans, or Cincinnati Bengals’ Chase Brown.
If you waited to select a quarterback, it’s wise to consider taking one before it’s too late. However, target a quarterback who offers both a solid passing floor and some rushing upside. Regardless, don’t be afraid to wait a little longer if you feel confident about finding value later. The leading candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year on DraftKings Sportsbook, Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams (+135) and Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels (+475), are prime examples.
More factors to consider
Every league is different, so there will be some specialized approaches required for selecting in the middle rounds based on what your fellow fantasy football managers are doing. Pay attention to how your league-mates are drafting. If there’s a run on a certain position, it’s important to determine whether it’s worth joining or if capitalizing on value at another position is a better route to take.
Make sure you have sufficient depth whether at running back, wide receiver, or tight end to cover bye weeks and injuries. A balanced roster will be crucial as the season progresses.
Another option to consider would be to begin handcuffing players on your roster. This makes plenty of sense with running backs specifically. Be sure to add backups, especially if there is any injury history with any of your starters.
If you’re willing to get even more creative and can tolerate risk, you can draft a player slipping down the draft board even if they don’t necessarily fill a need. They can be valuable trade assets later to round out your roster down the line.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
