Not everyone has time to study hours of film, read dozens of draft guides, or memorize hundreds of player rankings. Some of us just want to show up to draft day, pick a strong team, and still have a shot at winning the league. That’s where the Lazy Person’s Guide to Fantasy Football Drafting comes in.
If you don’t want to overthink your draft in 2025, here’s how to make smart picks quickly — without all the stress.
Rule #1: Stick to the Top of the Rankings
Most fantasy platforms (ESPN, Yahoo, Sleeper) provide default rankings during drafts. Good news: they’re usually pretty accurate!
- Round 1–2: Draft the best WR available (Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb).
- Round 3–4: Look for a strong RB or a top TE (Mark Andrews, Sam LaPorta).
- Round 5+: Fill in QB and more WR depth.
👉 Lazy Tip: If you’re unsure, just pick the highest-ranked player left on the draft board.
Rule #2: Don’t Draft a QB Too Early
Quarterbacks score a lot, but the difference between QB5 and QB10 is much smaller than between RB10 and RB30.
- Elite QBs (Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts) are great, but they usually cost a 2nd or 3rd round pick.
- Instead, wait until rounds 6–8 and grab someone like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, or Trevor Lawrence.
👉 Lazy Tip: If you don’t see Mahomes or Allen, just wait until the middle rounds.
Rule #3: Draft WRs Early, Find RBs Late
2025 is the year of the wide receiver. With NFL offenses becoming more pass-heavy, WRs are safer early picks than RBs.
- Draft at least 2 WRs in your first 3 rounds.
- Grab RBs later — rookies like Braelon Allen or sleepers like Jordan Mason can give you value without spending a 1st-round pick.
👉 Lazy Tip: Think “WR first, RB later.”
Rule #4: Don’t Worry About Bye Weeks
Many beginners panic about having too many players with the same bye week. The truth? It doesn’t matter much.
- Worst-case scenario: You lose one week. Big deal.
- Best-case scenario: You get the best value by not overthinking bye weeks.
👉 Lazy Tip: Ignore bye weeks during the draft. You can fix it later with waivers.
Rule #5: Know a Few Rookies & Sleepers
Even the laziest fantasy manager should know a few breakout candidates:
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Cardinals) – Draft early, he’s elite already.
- Caleb Williams (QB, Bears) – Draft late as a backup QB with upside.
- Jaydon Blue (RB, Texans) – Late-round sleeper who could be a starter by midseason.
- Rome Odunze (WR, Bears) – Another rookie who could surprise.
👉 Lazy Tip: Write down 3 names: Harrison Jr., Blue, Odunze. If you draft them, you’re ahead of the curve.
Rule #6: Defense and Kicker Last
Don’t be the person who drafts a defense or kicker in Round 10. Wait until the last two rounds.
- Top defenses (49ers, Jets, Ravens) rotate every year.
- Kickers are unpredictable. Just grab one in the final round.
👉 Lazy Tip: Always draft defense and kicker last. Always.
The Lazy Draft Cheat Sheet (2025)
- Rounds 1–2: WR (Jefferson, Chase, Lamb, Harrison Jr.)
- Rounds 3–4: RB or TE (McCaffrey if he falls, Andrews, LaPorta)
- Round 5: WR or QB (Hurts, Allen if available, else keep waiting)
- Rounds 6–8: QB (Burrow, Herbert) + mid-round RB (Allen, Mason)
- Rounds 9–12: Rookies & sleepers (Blue, Odunze, Worthy)
- Last 2 rounds: Defense + Kicker
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a fantasy expert to draft a winning team. By sticking to simple rules, trusting rankings, and grabbing a few sleepers, even a “lazy” draft strategy can put you in playoff contention.
So relax, keep it simple, and remember: sometimes less thinking = more winning.
