Fantasy Football Snake Draft Tips and Strategy

Snake drafts are like a high school love interest. It doesn't matter what trendy or hot new thing comes along, we'll always have a spot in our hearts for our first love, and the traditional snake draft is it. This is likely your near-and-dear home league -- the one you need to win more than any other. Keep these five core principles in mind:

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1. Understand Your Draft Position

You can never do too many mock drafts. In fact, you could even get into some best ball drafts where there is skin in the game for an even more accurate drafting experience. The point of doing multiple drafts leading up to yours is to get a great feel your position. If you've drafted in every slot from one to 12, you'll be ready.

2. Know Your Competition

Got a big Cowboys fan in your league? Let him or her draft Amari Cooper in the first round. Maybe you know one of your fellow owners wants Antonio Brown at any cost and you want to snipe that player before they get the chance to take him. Every league has a casual fan or two; keep an eye on them and wait for value picks to fall to you.

3. Ignore ADP (a little bit)

Don't pass on Mark Ingram because he's far down in your queue. If you want a player, go get that player. Jump a round or two if you must. This goes for the other direction as well. If a player is slipping a round or two, pounce on them. ADP means absolutely nothing the minute your draft ends.

4. Wait on your Quarterback

There are 32 starting quarterbacks in the National Football League. Depending on your league size, and whether or not it is a superflex, you're starting 12 every week. Don't take Deshaun Watson in the second round. Just wait and ride Philip Rivers in the 14th to a championship. Better yet, stream the position. You can drop/add quarterbacks every week and play matchups.

5. Understand your Scoring Settings

Sounds obvious, but there is always fine print. It makes a difference if your league scores four or six points for a passing touchdown. Points per reception give players different value. If your league awards points for kick or punt returns, players like Julian Edelman have more value. Understand how your team defense and special team scoring works, too. All of these add up and knowing how you accumulate them is crucial to your success.