What’s up FA Nation? We entered yet another lineup into the DraftKings' $15M Best Ball giant contest! 

As I enter this contest I look to utilize some of the strategies I've employed in several fantasy football mock drafts, I'm looking to construct a roster with a mix of established stars, high-ceiling fantasy football rookies, and under-the-radar best ball sleepers in pursuit of that $2M first-place prize. 

In this high-stakes best ball format, identifying value and steering clear of fantasy football busts is crucial. 

Follow along as I detail my strategy for building a winning team, including the fantasy football sleepers and tactical selections that can make all the difference in this 20-round draft. Let's get underway.

 

 

Fantasy Football Key Picks and Draft Strategy

Round 1: Christian McCaffrey (RB, San Francisco 49ers)

I started with Christian McCaffrey, a no brainer selection. Some are fading him because of injury concerns, but I'm not concerned. His calf problem was addressed with stem cells last season, and his knee issue was unrelated. As an elite RB with 100target upside, he's my foundation. Rather than speculate on who's going to get injured, I take the good players. McCaffrey's top-tier production is essential.

Round 2: Derrick Henry (RB, Baltimore Ravens)

I doubled up on RBs with Derrick Henry. Fresh off a breakout season, his position in Baltimore's run-heavy offense is ideal. I'm a fan of the fact that he received all the carries inside the five-yard line last year, as opposed to RBs who share the load with mobile QBs.I was bully running back last year, and that team went the furthest. Henry's touchdown upside and consistency are gold.

Round 3: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Seattle Seahawks)

With two RBs secured, I turned my attention to Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) at his ADP of 33. This was a value pick, as I might've been able to get Garrett Wilson earlier but waited and still landed JSN in Seattle's condensed offense that funnels targets to elite pass catchers. To win large tournaments, you need to find value. JSN's lofty target upside is an excellent match.

Round 4: Chuba Hubbard (RB, Carolina Panthers)

I continued the RB train with Chuba Hubbard, who will be the lead back in Carolina's backfield with Jonathan Brooks on IR. His 1,400 yards from scrimmage last year on a terrible team gives him high upside in full-PPR. I don't care if the Panthers are awful; they have good offensive weaponry.

Round 5: Garrett Wilson (WR, New York Jets)

I took Garrett Wilson, the Jets' WR1, at a bit of a discount (ADP 27). He's another high volume pass catcher to go along with JSN, adding to my receiving corps.

Round 6: Kaleb Johnson (RB,Pittsburgh Steelers)

I kept targeting RBs with Kaleb Johnson, a high ceiling selection for a run heavy team that utilizes two tight ends, which suppresses target competition. His lead back position is under the radar in best ball.

Round 7: Jauan Jennings (WR, San Francisco 49ers)

I went after Juwan Jennings in the 49ers' combined offense. If Brandon Aiyuk's status is unclear, Jennings might be Brock Purdy's leading WR to start. His every-down snap part provides him with high floor and potential. Jennings might be Purdy's number one wide receiver. He was the team leader in targets a season ago

Round 8: Cooper Kupp (WR, Los Angeles Rams)

I paired Cooper Kupp, creating a possible QB stack later. His established production and high target percentage in a condensed Rams offense made him a no-brainer.

Round 9: Jayden Higgins (WR, Houston Texans)

I swung a flier on rookie Jaden Higgins, who has the potential to be Houston's WR2 opposite Nico Collins. This selection chased ceiling in a pass happy offense.

Round 10: Alec Pierce (WR, Indianapolis Colts)

I picked Alec Pierce due to his 90% snap share and field-stretching capabilities in Indianapolis. His size at 6'4" along with speed makes him a big-play threat, perfect for best ball. Guys who run deep routes can break our lineup with a 70-yard touchdown.

Round 11: Caleb Williams (QB, Chicago Bears)

I waited on QB and got Caleb Williams outside of the top 10 rounds. His situation in Ben Johnson's offense with elite weapons and a solid line gives him a high ceiling QB1. If you trust Ben Johnson, you should trust this Bears offense.

Round 12: Dalton Kincaid (TE, Buffalo Bills)

My initial tight end was Dalton Kincaid, a bounce-back candidate with a clear path to targets in Buffalo. Drafting him at ADP provided value.

Round 13: Tank Bigsby (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars) 

I opted for upside with Tank Bigsby, who has the potential to be Jacksonville's lead RB. His athleticism and usage in a run-heavy offense are ideal for best ball.

Round 14: Will Shipley (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)

I selected Will Shipley as a handcuff to Saquon Barkley. More athletic than AJ Dillon, he has big upside if Barkley is absent.

Round 15: Kyle Williams (WR, New England Patriots)

I took another rookie flier on Kyle Williams, who can move up the depth chart with Stefon Diggs. His WR2 upside is an excellent dart throw.

Round 16: Diontae Johnson (WR, Cleveland Browns)

I took a dart at Diontae Johnson, who just has to beat out Cedric Tillman. His chance makes him a low risk, high reward selection.

Round 17: Sam Darnold (QB, Seattle Seahawks)

I finished off my Seattle stack with Sam Darnold, teaming him with JSN and Kupp. His upside for good games provides added value.

Round 18: Mason Taylor (TE, New York Jets)

I landed Mason Taylor, a possible top two target, at selection 201 (ADP 186). Picking him up at a discount was a victory for tight end depth.

Round 19: Tyler Shough (QB, New Orleans Saints)

I selected Tyler Shough, the final starting QB, to finish off my three QB build, providing depth in a 20 round draft.

Round 20: Ja'Tavion Sanders (TE, Carolina Panthers)

I finished with Ja'Tavion Sanders, behind the wheel for Carolina's TE1 spot with Tommy Tremble out. His upside as a top target is enormous. There’s an outside chance Sanders is the top target on this team.

 

Fantasy Football Best Ball Draft Strategy Highlights 

1. RB Heavy Early: I stacked elite RBs (McCaffrey, Henry, Hubbard, Johnson, Bigsby, Shipley) to take advantage of full PR value, going against the trend of fading RBs. 

2. Value Over Stacks: I favored ADP value over compelled stacks, just taking correlations such as Darnold/JSN/Kupp when they aligned. "I don't trade ADP value for stacks," I wrote, quoting best ball expert Brandon Fox. 

3. Three QBs, Three TEs: In the 20-round draft, I targeted three QBs and TEs to get upside in the later rounds, reaching on late QBs such as Shuck. 

4. Upside Chasing: Higgins, Kyle Williams, and Sanders were late-round dart throws at players who have large roles, integral for large tournaments. 

5. Training Camp Context: Context was the focus of my camp reports. Chris Godwin's placement on the PUP list (minor ankle surgery) is less worrisome than Najee Harris' absence (eye problem). 

 

Final Roster

QB: Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold, Tyler Shough

RB: Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Chuba Hubbard, Kaleb Johnson, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley 

WR: Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jauan Jennings, Cooper Kupp, Jayden Higgins, Kyle Williams, Alec Pierce, Diontae Johnson 

TE: Dalton Kincaid, Mason Taylor, Ja'Tavion Sanders 

 

Why This Team Can Win 

I'm excited about this roster's balance. My RBs (McCaffrey, Henry, Hubbard) have a rock solid floor, and my WRs (Wilson, JSN, Kupp, Jennings) excel in consolidated offenses. Late upside picks such as Higgins, Kyle Williams, and Sanders give me a chance at league winners. The three QB, three TE build guarantees depth for an unstable tournament. 

Here's to that $2 million reward!

 

 

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org (CT).

18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. 1 per customer. Must enter a lineup into the NFL Best Ball $15M Headliner Contest by 9/4/25. $20 entry fee. Bonus issued as 1 ticket to NFL Best Ball $15M Headliner Contest. Ticket reward is site credit valid for use only on NFL Best Ball $20M Headliner Contest. Ticket reward is single-use and expires on the sooner of 30 days (720 hours) or contest lock. See terms at https://www.draftkings.com/nfl-best-ball. Ends 9/4/25 at 6:20 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.