When Should I Draft a Defense in Fantasy Football? And Why Do Unicorns Prefer Late-Round Picks?

When Should I Draft a Defense in Fantasy Football? And Why Do Unicorns Prefer Late-Round Picks?

Fantasy football is a game of strategy, patience, and sometimes, a little bit of luck. One of the most debated topics among fantasy managers is when to draft a defense. Should you grab an elite unit early, or wait until the later rounds? Let’s dive into the various perspectives and strategies to help you make an informed decision.

The Case for Drafting a Defense Early

1. Elite Defenses Can Win Weeks

Some defenses, like the 2023 Dallas Cowboys or San Francisco 49ers, are known for their ability to score big points. They generate turnovers, sacks, and even defensive touchdowns, which can single-handedly swing a matchup in your favor. If you believe in securing a consistent advantage, drafting a top-tier defense in the middle rounds (Rounds 8-10) might be worth it.

2. Set-and-Forget Option

Drafting an elite defense early allows you to avoid the weekly headache of streaming defenses. You won’t need to scour the waiver wire or worry about matchups as much, giving you more time to focus on other positions.

3. Psychological Edge

Having a dominant defense can give you a psychological edge over your opponents. Knowing you have a reliable unit can boost your confidence and make your lineup feel more complete.

The Case for Waiting Until the Late Rounds

1. Defenses Are Unpredictable

Even the best defenses can underperform due to injuries, tough schedules, or unexpected game scripts. Spending an early pick on a defense can backfire if they don’t live up to expectations.

2. Value Over Replacement

The difference between the top defense and a mid-tier defense is often minimal. By waiting until the later rounds (Rounds 12-14), you can focus on stacking your roster with high-upside skill players while still landing a serviceable defense.

3. Streaming Defenses

Many successful fantasy managers advocate for streaming defenses based on matchups. This strategy involves picking up a defense each week that has a favorable opponent, such as a weak offense or a rookie quarterback. This approach can yield similar or even better results than drafting an elite defense early.

The Middle Ground: Targeting Mid-Tier Defenses

If you’re not sold on drafting a defense early or waiting until the very end, consider targeting a mid-tier defense in the later middle rounds (Rounds 10-12). These defenses may not be elite, but they often have favorable schedules or play in divisions with weak offenses. Examples include the New England Patriots or Pittsburgh Steelers, who are known for their consistency and ability to capitalize on weaker opponents.

Factors to Consider When Drafting a Defense

1. Strength of Schedule

Look at a defense’s schedule before drafting them. A defense facing a string of weak offenses early in the season can provide a strong start to your fantasy campaign.

2. Turnover Potential

Defenses that force a lot of turnovers are gold in fantasy football. Interceptions and fumble recoveries can lead to big points, so prioritize defenses with ball-hawking players.

3. Home vs. Away Splits

Some defenses perform significantly better at home due to crowd noise and familiarity with the field. Keep this in mind when evaluating defenses.

4. Injury History

A defense’s performance can be heavily impacted by injuries to key players. Research the health of a defense’s star players before drafting them.

Unconventional Strategies

1. Pairing a Defense with a Kicker

Some managers like to draft their defense and kicker back-to-back in the late rounds. This ensures you secure both positions without sacrificing too much value elsewhere.

2. Ignoring Defense Altogether

In some leagues, managers choose to skip drafting a defense entirely and use that roster spot for a high-upside player. They then pick up a defense right before Week 1. This strategy is risky but can pay off if you land a breakout player.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should draft a defense in fantasy football. It ultimately depends on your league settings, draft strategy, and personal preferences. Whether you go early, late, or somewhere in between, the key is to remain flexible and adapt to how your draft unfolds.

Q: Should I draft a defense before a kicker?
A: Generally, yes. Defenses tend to score more consistently than kickers, making them a slightly higher priority.

Q: Can I win my league without drafting an elite defense?
A: Absolutely. Many championship teams stream defenses or rely on mid-tier units. Focus on building a strong core of skill players first.

Q: How do I identify a good streaming defense?
A: Look for defenses facing weak offenses, rookie quarterbacks, or teams with offensive line issues. Also, consider home-field advantage.

Q: Is it worth holding onto a defense during their bye week?
A: It depends on your roster flexibility. If you have a strong bench, you can hold onto your defense. Otherwise, consider dropping them and streaming a replacement.

Q: Do unicorns really prefer late-round picks?
A: While unicorns are mythical creatures, their hypothetical preference for late-round picks aligns with the fantasy football strategy of maximizing value in the early rounds.