Dominate your fantasy football league in 2025! Drafting from the middle (picks 5-8) requires a unique strategy to build a championship-caliber team. This guide, inspired by Yahoo Sports’ Justin Boone, provides a round-by-round blueprint for constructing a dominant roster in a 12-team, half-PPR league. By focusing on key positions and high-upside players, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your middle-round draft position. This article will walk you through each round, highlighting potential picks and alternative options to secure your path to fantasy glory. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to fantasy football, this strategy will give you the edge you need to succeed.
Round 1: Secure a Superstar (Picks 1.05-1.08)
Drafting in the middle of the first round guarantees you an elite player. Target Justin Jefferson, a consistent top-5 receiver. Despite a minor training camp injury, Jefferson is poised for another stellar season. Boone emphasizes his remarkable consistency: ‘Jefferson has finished as a top-five fantasy receiver in four consecutive seasons and is about to make it five.’ Don’t overthink it – Jefferson is a cornerstone for your team.
Alternative Picks: Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb
Round 2: Add a Reliable Running Back (Picks 2.05-2.08)
Maintain balance by selecting a top running back. Chase Brown is an excellent choice, with his stock on the rise. Boone notes, ‘The 25-year-old proved he can handle the lead-back role last year and produced fantasy RB1 numbers for the majority of the season.’ With the Bengals’ coaching staff highlighting him as a focal point, Brown offers significant upside and stability to your running back corps.
Alternative Picks: Drake London, A.J. Brown, Josh Jacobs, Brock Bowers
Round 3: Target an Elite Quarterback (Picks 3.05-3.08)
Consider drafting an elite quarterback in this round. Jayden Daniels is a standout option. As Boone highlights, Daniels possesses game-changing potential: ‘Few passers have that kind of high-end consistency.’ If you miss out on Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, Daniels provides a high-floor, high-ceiling alternative to anchor your passing game. His dual-threat ability makes him a valuable fantasy asset.
Alternative Picks: Kyren Williams, Omarion Hampton, George Kittle, Tee Higgins
Round 4: Secure a High-Upside Receiver (Picks 4.05-4.08)
Continue building your receiving corps with Tetairoa McMillan. Boone sees him as a potential game-changer: ‘McMillan is a smooth mover for a big wideout and has the route-running ability to emerge as a difference-maker in Year 1.’ His potential to become a top target early in his career makes him a valuable pick in the fourth round, providing a strong WR2 option.
Alternative Picks: Mike Evans, Jalen Hurts, Kenneth Walker III, Alvin Kamara
Round 5: Add Running Back Depth (Picks 5.05-5.08)
Address your running back depth by selecting James Conner. Boone emphasizes Conner’s consistent production: ‘James Conner has been a top-15 fantasy RB on a per game basis every year since joining the Cardinals.’ His favorable strength of schedule further enhances his value, making him a reliable RB2 for your fantasy team.
Alternative Picks: TreVeyon Henderson, DeVonta Smith, George Pickens, RJ Harvey, Travis Hunter
Round 6: Find a Sleeper Receiver (Picks 6.05-6.08)
Unearth a potential gem in Emeka Egbuka. Boone views him as a steal at this point: ‘Having Egbuka as your WR3 is going to feel like a cheat code in 2025.’ With opportunities arising due to injuries and roster changes, Egbuka has the potential to outperform his draft position and become a significant contributor to your team.
Alternative Picks: Rome Odunze, Rashee Rice, Isiah Pacheco, Ricky Pearsall
Round 7: Target Rookie Upside (Picks 7.05-7.08)
Chase upside with a rookie like Matthew Golden. His speed and skills have impressed the Packers’ coaching staff. As Boone notes, ‘Golden isn’t getting the same overwhelming hype that’s being bestowed on the other first-round wideouts, but he’s set up to produce right away as Green Bay’s top target.’ He could become a key flex option with immediate impact.
Alternative Picks: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Jordan Addison, Jordan Mason
Round 8: Solidify Tight End (Picks 8.05-8.08)
Secure a reliable tight end like Mark Andrews. Andrews is a valuable asset if available. According to Boone, Andrews has a high floor: ‘Andrews finished tied for fourth among fantasy tight ends in per game scoring last year.’ Given his consistency, Andrews presents an excellent opportunity to solidify your tight end position.
Alternative Picks: J.K. Dobbins, Tucker Kraft, Tank Bigsby
Round 9: Prioritize High-Upside Plays (Picks 9.05-9.08)
Focus on players with significant potential, such as Braelon Allen. Boone sees Allen as a valuable bench stash: ‘there’s a non-zero chance Allen takes on a bigger role with Hall in the final year of his contract.’ Targeting Allen provides potential for significant value as the season progresses, offering a high-reward option.
Alternative Picks: Josh Downs, Zach Charbonnet, Trey Benson
Round 10: Stash Potential Breakouts (Picks 10.05-10.08)
Load up on high-upside backup running backs like Jacory Croskey-Merritt. As Boone suggests, Croskey-Merritt is worth stashing: ‘His explosive big-play ability was on display in Week 2 of the preseason.’ These late-round fliers can pay off handsomely if they find themselves in expanded roles due to injuries or performance.
Alternative Picks: Bhayshul Tuten, Travis Etienne Jr., Keon Coleman
Late Rounds: Upside and Depth
In the late rounds, focus on upside, especially at running back. Skip defenses and kickers to maximize potential value. Boone advises, ‘When we get closer to Week 1, you can drop whichever stashes don’t increase their stock or make trades to free up a roster spot.’ These final picks should be used on players who could become valuable trade assets or fill-in starters.
Final Roster Considerations: Trey Benson, Luther Burden III
Drafting from the middle in fantasy football provides a balanced opportunity to acquire top talent and build a well-rounded roster. By following this strategy, which emphasizes securing elite players early, targeting upside in the mid-to-late rounds, and prioritizing running back depth, you can construct a team poised for success. Remember to stay flexible and adapt to the flow of the draft, but this guide provides a solid foundation for dominating your league in 2025. Good luck, and may your draft be fruitful!
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