How to Draft a Fantasy Football Team (Taylor’s Version)

Written By Caitlin Munro

Welcome to fantasy football season with Thirteen Sports! Whether you’ve been drafting for years or have no idea what a PPR is, we’re so glad you’re here. You are now entering your Reputation era! Where smart strategy shines, surprises are part of the fun, and the group chat commentary is just as lively as the competition. This is your ultimate guide to building a fantasy football team… Taylor Swift style.

Track 1. Do Your Homework (Because Knowledge Is Power)
Before draft day, dig into rankings, bye weeks, and injury updates. Create tiers ahead of time so you know who you value and where they belong before you’re on the clock. Use expert rankings and projections as your guide and let the data be your invisible string.  Think of your draft like building the ultimate Taylor setlist: you wouldn’t skip Cruel Summer, and you definitely shouldn’t overlook a reliable RB2. Mix the hits with the hidden gems, and aim for the perfect balance of star power and strategy.

Track 2: “You Need to Calm Down”: Let Go of your Bias                                                                          
Fantasy football doesn’t care about your ride-or-die love for Derrick Henry, your personal vendetta against Tua Tagovailoa, or your stubborn belief that this will be the year Kyle Pitts finally breaks out. (Spoiler: It’s not. Again.) When you let personal bias drive your draft strategy, you’re building a team based on feelings, not facts. Fantasy isn’t about loyalty. It’s about production. And if you’re drafting based on nostalgia or fan allegiance, you might pass up a league-winner just because their jersey makes your eye twitch. Let go of bias, and you’re ready to build a real foundation

Track 3: Build Your Foundation, Not a Fantasy
Your first pick is about setting a winning tone. Prioritize proven performers with high floors and reliable workloads. Flashy names and breakout buzz can be tempting, but your opening round should be steady, not speculative.

For example, drafting Bijan Robinson, who posted over 1,500 scrimmage yards and double-digit touchdowns in 2024, gives you a dependable RB1 to build around. If he’s off the board, Jahmyr Gibbs is another strong option. His receiving upside and growing role in the Lions' offense make him a weekly difference-maker.

Avoid using your first pick on high-risk players with injury history or uncertain roles. Drafting like you’re still hoping for a fairytale comeback can leave your roster with more heartbreak than championship upside.

 

Track 4: Stack the Hits,  But Don’t Skip the B-Sides

Sure, you want the headliners (hello Saquon Barkley, Justin Jefferson, Jalen Hurts), but it’s the deep cuts that make your roster iconic. Those late-round sleepers can be the difference between a playoff push and a midseason collapse. Prioritize depth because when injuries strike or bye weeks pile up, a well-built bench will keep your lineup from slipping into Exile. Think deeper cuts like Josh Downs, Zamir White, or Tucker Kraft. Off the radar for some, but capable of stepping into the spotlight when it matters most.

Track 5: Tight Ends Are Like Bonus Tracks
They’re not always consistent, but when they hit, they really hit. If you miss out on Travis Kelce, it isn’t the end of your season. Your All Too Well (10 Minute Version) might be gone, but the 5-minute version is still iconic. There are other tight ends who can deliver big moments. Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, and George Kittle all have the potential to turn your lineup from solid to show-stopping.

Track 6:  Kickers & Defenses — The “ME!” of the Draft                                                                            
They technically belong on your roster, but no one’s bragging about picking them. Draft them last, stream them often, and don’t let them steal your sparkle. Because no one’s winning the league just because their kicker had “range”.

For kickers, target players tied to high-scoring offenses and dome-friendly teams. Think Brandon Aubrey, Evan McPherson, Jake Elliott, or Jason Sanders, all capable of weekly double-digit games.

For defenses, look for high-upside units like the Jets, Cowboys, 49ers, or Chiefs but stay flexible and stream based on matchups. This isn’t where you make your era-defining move… it’s where you avoid losing points quietly.

Track 7: Name Your Team Something Iconic
Your team name is your tour poster. Make it iconic! A great name intimidates rivals and boosts morale. Some Swiftie-approved inspo:

●      You Belong with CeeDee (Lamb)

●      Red (Zone)

●      My Field Goals Ricochet

●      Jordan Love Story

●      Tattooed Golden Receiver

●      King of My Lineup

 

Final Track: Draft Like You’re the Problem (It’s You)

Your draft is your opening night. Take a deep breath, trust your prep, and walk in like you're headlining The Eras Tour. Don’t stress about knowing everything. Focus on building a balanced team: grab dependable starters early, then look for fun upside picks later. Don’t panic if things go off-script! If your sleeper pick flops or someone takes your fave? Just shake it off. You’ll still leave with a solid team.

Caitlin Munro

Hi! I’m Caitlin Munro, managing editor of The Press Box with Thirteen Sports. I’m from Green Bay, Wisconsin, so yes, I’m a lifelong Packers fan who fully bleeds green and gold (Go Pack Go!). I’ve also been a Swiftie since the beginning, and I’m not afraid to dive deep into a good album conspiracy theory. When I’m not editing or writing, I’m probably chasing our two kids around, going to concerts with my husband, riding horses, or spending game days at Lambeau.