Best Ball or regular fantasy football: what are the differences and how can you be successful? It can be a lot to understand but DFS Army has your back!
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Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) and tight end George Kittle (85) celebrate during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
WHAT IS BEST BALL FANTASY FOOTBALL?
Best ball fantasy football leagues are different than traditional fantasy leagues because owners draft an expanded roster. The beauty in this format is that it only counts the top performers towards the team’s score each week, while putting the worst performers on the bench; thus eliminating weekly lineup decisions, injury watching, and research.
In best ball, it’s important to draft players who have the potential for explosive performances, even if they may have some dud games. Your team is much more resilient to these inconsistent players because only the top performers are counted towards your score each week.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL FANTASY FOOTBALL?
On the other hand, traditional leagues require daily maintenance and setting a weekly lineup. To get the best edge over your teammates you need to draft a solid foundation, be in-touch with up-to-date news and transactions, and make the correct lineup decisions. Additionally, you have to much more strategic: “should I start Player-X against a bad defense, or Player-Y who is a stud but picked up an injury designation late in the week.” The traditional format allows for more control over your team, but also requires more time and effort.
When it comes to drafting, regular fantasy football leagues value consistency and reliability. Boom-or-bust players can still be drafted but they are difficult to manage since you can’t be sure when to start them. Lastly, your fantasy score will be the direct outcome of how much, or how little, your starting lineup produces that week.
IS BEST BALL GOOD FOR ALL FANTASY PLAYERS?
Absolutely. Best ball can be played as a beginner and at the expert level.
For instance, my wife and her book (wine) club setup a best ball league last season. Despite knowing little to nothing about the sport, they drafted their teams and watched their players all season long… and they never made a single roster move. They also competed for, you guessed it, a nice bottle of wine to keep it interesting! This is the perfect way to coax your significant other into fantasy football, or a group of friends.
Fantasy football experts can find solace in best ball by playing against others for cash prizes. Sites like Fanduel and Underdog Fantasy allow for competitions of all sizes. The most die-hard fantasy football fanatics start drafting best ball teams in March and April, just to watch them that fall.
WHAT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO
Ultimately, the choice between best ball and traditional fantasy football comes down to personal preference and the type of league you want to participate in. Both formats offer unique challenges and strategies, and can lead to exciting and competitive seasons for fantasy football enthusiasts.