July 4, 2024 - Matchplug Blog

2024 NFL Fantasy Football Draft Strategies: A Comprehensive Guide

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts, aiming to construct teams that can dominate the league. Here, we delve into the latest strategies and insights that can help you navigate your drafts with precision and foresight.

Embracing the Best Ball Format

Best ball leagues offer a unique challenge in fantasy sports, where your team is set post-draft and no in-season management (like waivers or trades) is required. The key to succeeding in best ball formats is a robust drafting strategy right from the outset. In 2024, a significant decision in the early rounds is choosing between drafting a running back or a wide receiver first. This choice is crucial as it shapes your entire draft strategy. The best approach is to secure a strong foundation with elite players in the initial rounds and then adapt based on the position you’re allocated in the draft.

Leveraging Strategy in Middle Rounds

Moving into the middle rounds of the draft, the focus shifts to strategic depth-building. Here, the goal is to identify potential league winners and fill out your team’s needs based on the foundation set in the early rounds. It’s essential to stay flexible but mindful of the team composition you’ve started to build. For instance, if you’ve heavily invested in running backs early, the middle rounds are an opportunity to balance your team with wide receivers or perhaps a tight end, depending on what values fall to you.

Incorporating fantasy NFL strategies and leveraging insights from NFL total wins can be crucial at this stage. Understanding which teams are projected for more wins can guide your picks, as teams expected to perform well might offer more stable and productive fantasy options.

PPR Draft Strategy

In point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, understanding the scoring system is critical. Players who catch a lot of passes, like certain running backs and wide receivers, rise in value. For example, a strategy might involve targeting a top-tier pass-catching running back early, then focusing on wide receivers central to their team’s passing game but might be undervalued in drafts.

Know the League Structure

Every fantasy league is different in terms of point systems and how the roster is formatted. For example, Superflex leagues allow you to have two quarterbacks. Therefore, when you draft, you will want to focus on securing a strong quarterback early on given the emphasis on this position.

Some leagues also have bonus points involved, handing out extra points for 100-yard rushing or receiving games and long touchdown plays. By studying the point system and league structure, you can better prepare for your draft.

Dynasty Leagues: Long-Term Planning

Dynasty leagues require a different approach, focusing on long-term player value. Young, promising players are prioritized, even if it means sacrificing short-term success. The strategy here involves a delicate balance between potential breakout stars and established performers to maintain competitiveness while also building for the future.

Robust RB Strategy

The Robust RB strategy emphasizes securing several top running backs early in the draft. This approach is based on the belief that high-performing running backs are crucial for winning, despite their higher risk of injury and variability in performance. However, this must be balanced against the opportunity cost of not picking high-performing wide receivers or quarterbacks, who may offer more consistency and less injury risk.

Conclusion

As you prepare for your 2024 fantasy football draft, the key is flexibility and informed decision-making. Understanding the dynamics of your specific league—whether it’s best ball, PPR, or dynasty—helps tailor your strategy effectively. While the allure of securing top talents early is strong, mid to late rounds should not be underestimated, as they often determine the depth and resilience of your team throughout the season.

By staying updated with the latest strategies and player performances, you can navigate your draft with confidence and potentially secure that coveted league championship.

Borussia Dortmund wants Pierre-Emile Højbjerg swoop

According to Florian Plettenberg, Borussia Dortmund have added Pierre-Emile Højbjerg to their list of potential midfielders. Dortmund are eager to strengthen their central areas, with the Tottenham player to become a viable option if they cannot get Brighton’s Pascal Gross.

Højbjerg will take time to reflect on Denmark’s elimination from the Euros at the hands of Germany and might then weigh his options in the future. The Danish midfielder wants to leave Hotspurs in the summer after Ange Postecoglou downgraded his role last campaign.

There were some transfer rumours surrounding Højbjerg last summer and in January too. Although, the Spurs held on to him, especially during the winter window. They may have to sell him in this window, as he wants to become important again.

Atletico Madrid and Lyon were considered new homes for the midfielder, and now he is on Dortmund’s radar. They want to recruit someone in the central zones and see Højbjerg as a huge alternative to Gross.

Højbjerg might be a good option for them, especially since he is at his peak, and despite limited starts, he was consistent last season. But, Dortmund has to make him a mouthwatering offer, as there are many teams who want him.

Chelsea, West Ham chasing Corinthians Winger Wesley

Chelsea and West Ham are chasing Corinthians winger Wesley Gassova.

Chelsea have contacted Corinthians about getting Gassova to their side.

This season, he has scored two goals in 13 appearances in the Brazilian top flight.

Foot Mercato says West Ham are moving for Wesley, although the Blues are interested too.

It has been speculated that Corinthians wants £26m to sell him this summer.

EX-Barcelona president Gaspart: “Would I swap Yamal for Mbappe?”

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart says he would not swap Lamine Yamal for Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe.

Gaspart was asked about the prospect when speaking on El Chiringuito.

He replied: “No. I would not. An exchange? Yamal is neither better nor worse, he is different. For some he is better and for others he is worse.”

Gaspart said that for Yamal “his value is not age, it is the quality he has…

“But I repeat it again, he just won’t make us champions next year. You have to surround him. You have to accompany him.”

orlando city to induct kaká to legends terrace

Orlando City SC to induct legend Kaká to “Legends’ Terrace’’

Former Orlando City SC star Kaká will be the first-ever player to be inducted into the club’s new “Legends’ Terrace” on July 6, the club announced on Wednesday.

The Legends’ Terrace is a permanent display at INTER&Co Stadium that will honour those who have had a remarkable impact on Orlando City SC and NWSL side Orlando Pride. The ceremony will be held on Legends Night: Kaká, a new theme night for the Lions’ match against D.C. United on July 6 (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). Kaká will be inducted in front of fans.

Kaká will be the first inductee in recognition of his outstanding career at Orlando City, where he was the first-ever captain in the club. Considered one of the greatest players of his generation, he played for AC Milan and Real Madrid before his blockbuster arrival to Orlando. Kaká also featured for the Brazilian national team, scoring 29 international goals and winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

“Long before our family became stewards of this great club, there were many who laid the foundation and built Orlando City to become what it is today. In unveiling this new addition to INTER&Co Stadium and celebrating our 10 years in Major League Soccer this season, there was no one more deserving than Kaká to be the first-ever inductee into our Legends’ Terrace,” club chairman Mark Wilf said in a release.

“Kaká’s impact on the game, not just here in the City Beautiful but throughout the global soccer landscape, is one that will be felt for a very long time, and we are proud to permanently recognize his contributions and legacy as an Orlando City Lion. We look forward to celebrating him alongside our fans on July 6.”

Over the three seasons he spent at Orlando, Kaká has a total of 78 appearances across all contests, with 25 goals and 22 assists, both ranking fourth all-time in club history. He was named an MLS All-Star in each of his three campaigns in Orlando, in addition to being MVP in his first appearance in 2015.

“I want to thank Orlando City SC for this incredible honor of being the first-ever inductee into the Legends’ Terrace. My time with the club was filled with unforgettable moments and immense pride, both on and off the field,” said Kaká. “The love and support from the fans, ownership, my teammates, staff, and the entire Orlando community have left a lasting impact on me.

“This recognition is a testament to our shared journey, and I am truly grateful to be part of the Orlando City and MLS family forever.”

tarasenko signs 2-year contract with red wings

Tarasenko signs 2-year, $9.5 million contract with Detroit Red Wings

Vladimir Tarasenko signed a two-year $9.5 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. It has an average annual value of $4.75 million.

Tarasenko had 55 points (23 goals, 32 assists) in 76 regular-season matches for the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators last campaign. This includes 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 19 matches after he was bought by the Panthers in a trade with the Senators on March 6.

Chosen by the St. Louis Blues in the first round (No.16) of the 2010 NHL Draft, Tarasenko has 629 points (293 goals, 336 assists) in 751 regular-season matches for the Panthers, Senators, New York Rangers and Blues and 73 points (49 goals, 24 assists) in 121 playoff matches.

Tarasenko also won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019.

Detroit on Monday traded forward Robby Fabbri and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Anaheim Ducks for goalie prospect Gage Alexander.

Fabbri had 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists) in 68 matches for the Red Wings last campaign and has 200 points (98 goals, 102 assists) in 598 regular-season matches for the Red Wings and St. Louis Blues. He is entering the final season of a three-year $12 million contract ($4 million average annual value) and may become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming campaign.

Alexander, a fifth-round pick (148) in the 2021 NHL Draft has yet to play in the NHL. He was 5-8-1 with a 3.76 goals-against average, .887 save percentage and one shutout in 19 games with Tulsa of the ECHL last term.

The Red Wings also signed Cam Talbot (two years) and Jack Campbell (one year), forward Tyler Motte (one year), and defenseman Erik Gustafsson (two years) since free agency began on Monday. They re-signed forward Christian Fischer (one year). They also re-signed forward Patrick Kane to a one-year contract on June 30.

Detroit (41-32-9) finished tied in points with the Washington Capitals for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference last term. But, they lost the tiebreaker via regulation victories (32-27), causing them to miss the playoffs for the eight consecutive campaign, which is the longest streak in their history.

alvarez contines hot streak after early scare

Alvarez continues hot streak with monster night, after early scare

Yordan Alvarez gave his Houston Astros manager a thumbs up, picked up his bat and got back to swinging.

Things became scary in the first inning of the Astros’ 9-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night, when Alvarez twisted his left ankle after grounding a ball to short for the final out of the frame. Houston could not afford their sharpest hitter being absent.

But after a quick meeting with manager Joe Espada at Rogers Centre, Alvarez announced that he was good to go. That was scary too, for the Blue Jays.

“I’m holding my breath and I’m like, ‘Oh, jeez,’” said Espada. “And then all of a sudden he goes and has a stellar performance.”

It has been all Yordan all the time in Toronto. The Astros’ slugger hit his third home run in as many games as part of a three-extra-base-hit, three RBI night that put the Astros in place for a series victory in Thursday’s finale.

Alvarez carried the team with a “tight’’ ankle. Something he achieved in a day’s work.

“It’s hard to believe everything he does on a daily basis,” Altuve said of Alvarez ahead of Wednesday’s win. “Just yesterday, he hit a 3-0 homer on a [low] changeup — not a lot of guys are able to do that. I’m happy for him. He’s very humble, he wants to win and help the team … so I’m happy for him.”

The hitter has gone 6-for-11 with three homers and eight RBIs over the first three matches of the series. He facilitated last month’s breakout into July and helped the Astros (44-2) to gain ground in the AL standings.

“We had a tough start to the season, but everyone knows what a great team we have here,” Alvarez said in Spanish. “And the time has come to show it.”

The Astros are also playing without Kyler Tucker. Tucker is absent due to a shin injury. Someone needed to step up for the team. By making few adjustments and renewed commitment to his goals, Alvarez has answered the call.

Therefore, it is only natural for Espada to get nervous after watching that awkward swing from Alvarez.

“Right now, we’re grinding, and we’re trying to finish strong this first half,” said Espada. “Any time you see someone limping off the field … you start kind of holding your breath, but these guys are resilient, man. They’re just going to keep grinding.”

Chiefs, Hallmark collaborate to produce Christmas movie, ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story’

The Kansas City Chiefs are making a movie in 2024 with Hallmark, and Patrick Mahomes will not be headlining.

Kansas City and Hallmark are collaborating with the NFL and Skydance Sports to produce a holiday movie. Tyler Hynes, Hunter King and Ed Begley Jr. will star in the Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. The film is slated to premier on the Hallmark Channel this winter during the 15th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.

“We are honoured to partner with Hallmark on a project as unique as this,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said in a statement. “As a club, we pride ourselves on exploring new ways to grow our brand, as well as connect with new audiences. This partnership unites two passionate fan bases and gives us an opportunity to show Chiefs Kingdom’s energy and tradition on one of the most-watched channels during the holiday season.”

Production will start in July and film in Kansas City, Missouri, locations, including GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (the Chiefs’ home stadium).

“With Hallmark and the Kansas City Chiefs both homegrown, rooted in values, tradition and community, there is a special alchemy between these two iconic organisations,” Hallmark chief brand officer Darren Abbott said in a statement. “By blending the warmth of Hallmark storytelling with the excitement of professional football, we are thrilled to give audiences a front-row seat to this community’s spirit, rich traditions and passionate fans that define Kansas City, all wrapped up in the comforting and uplifting Hallmark way.”

While the Chiefs are on their quest to three-peat, Kansas City fans may see the Lombardi Trophy or may two later this winter.

bronny ready to play for lakers with his father

Bronny James ready to play for Lakers alongside his father

Bronny James says the chance to play professionally alongside his father LeBron James had no role in his choice to join the NBA draft.

Now that he has been chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny says he can still deal with all the extra attention and expectations as the James family makes basketball history.

“I’m … trying to get my name out for myself,” Bronny said Tuesday. “I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day. I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. That’s always there to take part of, but it wasn’t a main focus of mine.”

The Lakers formally introduced Bronny James and their first-round pick, Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht, in a news conference at their training complex. They chose home with the 55th overall pick last week, creating the potential for an NBA first.

No father and son have ever played in the NBA at the same time, let alone on the same team.

Bronny repeated that he did not join the NBA because his 39-year-old father is still an active player. He acknowledged that he did not share his father’s oft-stated dream of playing in the league together.

He also knew that he could not control where he was drafted, despite that he read on social media recently about the Lakers’ being a nepotistic effort to keep LeBron James with them for the rest of his career.

Bronny James said he is ready for the challenges ahead of him because of “stuff that “stuff that (LeBron) has been telling me my whole life. Just having that work ethic, and coming in and getting your work in, and listening to your coaches and being coachable, stuff like that he’s driven into my head my whole life.”

He smartly answered questions about everything that he will face after jumping straight to the NBA from one short season of college basketball. He played inconsistently last winter at USC after recovering from a terrifying cardiac event in July 2023.

“The time that I had off, I feel like I could have been perfecting my game more,” Bronny said. “I just feel like I’ve been given the opportunity to showcase what I can really do, because I wasn’t given that much of an opportunity at SC. So I’m excited for what it’s going to be.”

Rather than spending another year in college, Bronny said he expects to improve his game in the Lakers’ player development system new coach JJ Redick is setting up. Redick, emphasised the necessity of developing talent from within the organisation after general manager Rob Pelinka hired him last month.

“Rob and I did not give Bronny anything,” Redick said. “Bronny has earned this through hard work. For us, prioritising player development, we view Bronny as Case Study 1, because his base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, shooting, passing, there’s a lot to like about his game. As we build out our player development program holistically, he’s going to have the opportunity to be an excellent NBA player.”

yamal: let's see if spain are small and inexperienced

Yamal: ‘Lehmann? Let’s see if Spain are small and inexperienced’

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has dismissed the mockery of former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

Ahead of the Euros quarter final on Friday, Lehmann referred to Spain as “small’’ and as a “youth team’’.

In response, Spain winger Yamal said: “It is his opinion, what is he going to tell you? He is German. Trying to destabilise us a little. We do not listen to anyone, we will demonstrate who we are.

“More than helping Germany, it helps us. Let’s see if we are small and inexperienced.”

When asked about playing with Nico Williams at Barcelona, Yamal added: “Anyone who is your friend you would like to be on your team. Hopefully… We have common tastes, we have similar positions, and a similar style. There is a very good vibe.”

Day: July 4, 2024