One of the caveats I use most often when explaining my perspective is “In standard-sized leagues.” I’ve long viewed “standard-sized” fantasy football leagues as 12 teams, using the default layout of positions:
- 1 Quarterback
- 2 Running Backs
- 2 Wide Receivers
- 1 Tight End
- 1 FLEX (RB/WR/TE)
- 1 Kicker
- 1 D/T
Typically, this also includes seven bench spots and one or two injured reserve (IR) slots, while using half-PPR scoring. Whenever I rank players, make waiver wire recommendations and consider general strategy, this is the league size I base everything on.
That said?
Not all leagues are this size or this format.
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Fantasy Football Tips for Shallow Leagues
My long-standing friends & family league (which I refer to all the time) is crazy deep — 14 teams, but we have three FLEX slots instead of two and nine bench spots.
Competition is fierce in that league, especially when it comes to free-agent acquisition budget (FAAB) bidding. Obtaining players early on is crucial, since they make all the difference in the world when it comes to byes and FLEX choices.
But what happens if you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum, where you play in a league that only has 10 managers instead of 12? Or even eight? What sort of alterations does one need to consider, and what is the best way to approach drafting?
Here are a few helpful tips for shallow fantasy football leagues that I’ve learned from my time in the industry.
Prioritize Talent for Onesie Positions
If you happened to see my breakdown above, you’ll notice that most leagues (regardless of how large they are) only start one quarterback and one tight end. These are your areas to focus on and capitalize on earlier in drafts than usual, since a “leg up” on either one gives you a prospective point advantage.
Most of the time, when you read advice in articles, it’ll mention waiting on quarterback and tight end, since those positions are chock-full of talent within the second and third tiers. Throw that notion out the window.
Now it’s important to prioritize them, since you’ll be squaring off against nothing but elite options. You’re unlikely to see anyone in an eight-team league “wait” and feel comfortable starting Jordan Love or Sam Darnold.
The same holds true for tight end, where half of the teams will be fielding Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren. If you don’t come away with one of those options and feel like you could manage or get by rolling out Brenton Strange or Jake Ferguson instead, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening.
Taking a look at the top options from last season, McBride averaged 11.2 fantasy points per game, and Bowers averaged 9.4 points per game.
Waiting until another tier down, like Travis Kelce (6.9) or Mark Andrews (4.9), might not seem like a massive difference, but considering that every manager is going to be fielding an All-Star team capable of point explosions, every little bit helps.
In shallower leagues where you face less competition to fill FLEX spots later, it is much easier to pivot to quarterback and tight end early to obtain elite talent.
Don’t Play it Safe With High-Floor Players
In most standard or larger-size drafts, I’m comfortable obtaining veteran players who have already established themselves within the league, since they come at a discount.
It isn’t exciting to draft Chris Godwin or DK Metcalf, but they’ve been around the block, and they happen to have a modest floor each week. They might not single-handedly win me the week, but they also won’t post a zero and cost me the week either.
Throw that notion out the window.
Players who are high-floor but low-ceiling belong on the waiver wire, rather than on your bench in smaller formats. One of the worst things to do is fill the middle of your bench with players who don’t have a chance to “boom.”
We’ve seen receivers like Christian Watson or Garrett Wilson go ballistic in the past, and those types of performances will keep you competitive in leagues where the point totals will always be higher. I’ve touted Terry McLaurin as a nice bounce-back option for fantasy managers to seek out this season, but in shallower formats, I’m not certain he has enough star power to really put you over the edge.
You almost want to treat things like a best ball league rather than think in the traditional mindset. This especially holds true at receiver, since most running backs you get offer dual-upside with their receiving skills.
Constantly Turn Over Your Bench
No matter what your league size, being one of the most active managers is paramount to success. This especially holds true in shallower leagues, though, where you can fill out your bench with breakout candidates, rather than handcuffs at running back or mid-tier, moderate-floor players.
Don’t feel like you have to keep players on your bench purely for their name value. If you cannot envision a scenario where someone can come in and make an immediate impact if given a starting opportunity, they go back to the waiver wire. Plain and simple.
You’ll never roster a backup defense.
You’ll never roster a backup kicker.
You won’t reserve a bench slot for your kicker or defense that happens to be on a bye week.
Treat those bench slots like gold. Stream defenses and kickers, and avoid being beholden to anyone.
Target 2-for-1 Trades to Acquire Elite Players
Remember that in shallow leagues, it is much easier to obtain a starter off of the waiver wire. This creates an opportunity to trade within your league, offering perceived “depth” for a superstar.
May I interest you in my Jaylen Waddle and Luther Burden for your Drake London?
How about my Josh Jacobs and Breece Hall for your Ashton Jeanty?
Managers can be swayed by a “more equals better” mentality. In smaller leagues, better is better. We can focus on more later.
Try to focus on trading with managers who can leverage your depth to enhance one of their strengths. You aren’t going to entice someone to give up James Cook or Christian McCaffrey if those are their only elite talents at running back. Scour your league to see if there is a natural fit between what you can offer and what others will receive.
Bottom Line
Focus on elite, difference-making players and those with enough “boom” potential to win you a week. Upside, upside, upside.
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