Sleepers, high-end targets and strong value plays – best ball season is underway! Let’s discuss five players I’m currently drafting the most in best ball leagues.
Best Ball Players I’m Drafting the Most
Jimmy Garoppolo is the new Raiders quarterback, and while the change at quarterback is less than ideal for the receivers, the coaching staff remains intact, which will be the key to Josh Jacobs’ success. Jacobs thrived in Josh McDaniels’ system, and with Jimmy G operating as a game manager, the Raiders will rely on the ground game.
Jacobs is currently being drafted as an RB1, but with receivers flying off draft boards in rounds one and two, Jacobs is an early third-round pick. If you have an early pick, you can start your draft with two top receivers or a receiver and high-end quarterback and draft Jacobs as your RB1. He offers significant upside at a good discount.
Travis Kelce scored 100 points more than the next highest-scoring tight end and is one of the few top tight ends that will return to the exact same role with minimal changes in competition for targets. Investing in a tight end with your first-round pick might feel risky when there are players like Christian McCaffrey, Cooper Kupp and Stefon Diggs on the board. But the positional advantage that Kelce provides is worth the investment. The Chiefs want Kadarius Toney to lead their receiving corps. While possible, they could still sign a free agent or draft a receiver, keeping competition for targets flat. Kelce is a strong start to any best ball draft.
The Broncos have some issues to solve across the board – improving their offensive line, filling holes on defense and adding depth at running back. Making significant upgrades at wide receiver will likely be a low priority. There are also rumors that they are willing to trade one of their receivers, likely Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy. Tim Patrick could operate as the team’s WR2. The Broncos are coming off a rough season but should still see an increase in production with Sean Payton at the helm. Patrick is a strong value pick.
Justin Fields’ ADP could see a significant increase over the next several weeks, but he’s still one of my top targets in best ball drafts. Fields is a best ball dream with one of the highest ceilings of any quarterback and incredible rushing upside. Chicago is making significant trade and free agency investments to build around Fields. With DJ Moore as the new WR1, Chicago’s team will look drastically different in 2023, and Fields is the main beneficiary. Fields failed to exceed 30 pass attempts in a single game last year and still finished as QB6. Even a mild increase in pass volume will give him league-winning upside.
Trevor Lawrence has become my “last call” quarterback in best ball drafts. It took some time for Lawrence to adjust to Doug Pederson’s system and recover from Urban Meyer’s trauma. But once he did, Lawrence thrived. Lawrence was QB6 Weeks 10-18, averaging 21 fantasy points per game. The Jaguars have all their weapons returning in 2023, with the addition of Calvin Ridley. While it will be difficult for Lawrence to finish as the overall QB1, pure pass volume makes him a locked-in top-10 quarterback. If you opt to focus on receivers, running backs and grabbing a top tight end early in the draft, Lawrence is an excellent target as a solid QB1 with top-five upside.
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