Welcome to my recap of the recent Fantasy Alarm #FAmily best ball draft on Drafters, where I picked from position 10 in a 12-team, half-PPR league. 

With a standard build roster structure (1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 2 FLEX, 18 rounds), I sought to build a team that excels in the best ball's auto-scoring environment, where spike weeks and depth are king. 

My approach relied on early back rushing strength, wideout value reaches, and lottery tickets in the later rounds to pursue league-winning upside. 

The following is a round-by-round breakdown of my draft picks, including the rationale, upside, and risk behind each selection.

 

 

 

Best Ball Draft Breakdown on Drafters

Early Rounds: Achieving RB Stability and WR Value (Rounds 1-4)

I love to draft RB’s early, a strategy that bullied in best ball last season. In a scoring offense where touchdowns and big plays have value, closing out RBs with established volume lanes on scoring machines positions you.

Round 1, Pick 10: De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins RB)

Achane was my anchor selection. In his third year, he illustrated his speed and receiving skills in Miami's high-powered offense. Without much depth behind him now, with Alexander Mattison out for the long haul and Jaylen Wright with a similar skillset behind him, 

Achane has a decent shot at 200+ touches if Tua can remain healthy. The ceiling is legitimate RB1 in an offense that will likely lead the league in scoring for the second consecutive year. Yes, a bit of injury history, but best ball shines a light on his boom appearances. Ideal anchor to the back of Round 1. 

Round 2: Chase Brown (RB, Cincinnati Bengals)

Doubling up at RB, I grabbed Brown for his three-down potential in Cincy's high-flying offense. Beginning Year 3, he's the clear cut leader with Samaje Perine as the backup after Zack Moss was released, resulting in really minimal competition. Joe Burrow's offense douses red-zone passes, and as Coop mentioned, even solid players such as Brown can drop into double-digit TDs here.

Round 3: Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Rolling over to WR, I couldn't resist taking Evans— he's as consistent as they get, with more than a decade of 1,000-yard campaigns. With Baker Mayfield's cannon (40 TDs last year) in his prime, Evans is the unanimous No. 1 in a pass-happy Bucs offense. In best ball, his familiarity and top-10 WR ceiling are money. Low-risk, high-reward.

Round 4: Garrett Wilson (WR, New York Jets)

Wilson fell because of QB uncertainty regarding Justin Fields' yardage totals, but in Year 4, his ability screams top-10 WR potential. He'd reign supreme on 120+ attempts as the Jets' Alpha regardless of whether Fields struggles (or gets sacked). Best ball lives for players like this: Top talents guarantee peak weeks, and the format avoids the busts.

This site provides me with two RB1 chances and two WR top-15 choices. Bye weeks nicely coincide (Achane Week 6, Brown Week 12, Evans Week 11, Wilson Week 12) with no early major overlap.

 

 

 

Mid-Rounds: Athletic QB, Opportunity WR, and TE Fit (Rounds 5-8)

Here, I switched to quarterback and tight end as I picked up WRs and RBs who had obvious paths to touches.

Round 5: Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders, QB)

I prioritized rushing potential for that speedster backfield—think 15+ TD upside like Jalen Hurts. Daniels, in Year 2 after a strong rookie year, is perfect with his running abilities and tools like Terry McLaurin (back on the field despite rumors of a new contract) and Deebo Samuel. Some are concerned with the WR group early on, but his legs could get 20+ point weeks in best ball.

Round 6: Ricky Pearsall (WR, San Francisco 49ers)

Desperation arrived in San Francisco; WR depth, depleted by Brandon Aiyuk's PUP, began, and Jauan Jennings' illness. Pearsall, in his second year after enduring last season's off-field issues, has been catching passes in camp and might slip into Brock Purdy's No. 2 early. This is pure best ball: bet on early spikes if he wins the job.

Round 7: Jordan Mason (RB, Minnesota Vikings)

Coaches made it very clear to Mason to rotate him behind Aaron Jones to preserve his freshness. In Year 4, Mason is experiencing goal-line work within Kevin O'Connell's running-heavy scheme—quality RB2/3 flex and elite standalone/handcuff in best ball.

Round 8: Evan Engram (TE, Denver Broncos)

With TEs going off the board, I drafted Engram for Sean Payton's "Joker" position—do-it-all usage like vintage Jimmy Graham. Denver positions Engram for TE1 fantasy scoring. Fits my bullish Broncos stance.

 

 

 

Late Rounds: Darts, Depth, and Risks (Rounds 9-18)

Late rounds of best ball are for high-variance shots—guys who can erupt for 20+ points out of nowhere.

Round 9: Joe Mixon (RB, Houston Texans)

Foot problems might keep him out early, but best ball forgives that. If Mixon returns mid-season, he'll have the Houston backfield (Nick Chubb's decline?). Old man potential as a late RB1; my early RBs mitigate the risk.

Round 10: Cooper Kupp (WR, Seattle Seahawks)

My first time drafting Kupp this season. I have some doubts on Sam Darnold, and Kupp is on the back end, but Round 10 value for an experienced alpha in a target-focused offense? I'm in. Goes well with JSN energy in Seattle.

Round 11: Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers QB)

I made a mistake here with Herber having the same Week 12 bye as Daniels, needing a QB3 down the line. Herbert's ceiling provides insurance in Year 6; best ball requires 2-3 QBs for depth.

 

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