“Learn everything you need to know about fantasy football best ball. Find out why it’s one of the hottest formats in fantasy football!”
The NFL Draft is behind us, and that means it’s best ball season. If you’re unfamiliar with the format, you’re not alone, but you’re missing out. Fantasy football best ball leagues are one of the fastest-growing formats in the game, offering a low-maintenance, high-fun experience for drafters of all experience levels.
Let’s break down how best ball works, where to play, and how to get started. This guide covers everything you need to know before diving in.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Betting Podcast transcript.)
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What Is Fantasy Football Best Ball?
Fantasy football best ball is a fantasy format where you draft a team, and that’s it. There are no trades, no waiver claims, and no start/sit decisions. Once the draft is complete, your job is done.
Each week, your optimal starting lineup is set automatically. Your highest-scoring players at each position are inserted into the lineup. You don’t need to guess which RB2 has the better matchup.
Best ball rosters are usually larger than redraft teams. Most formats use 18 to 20 roster spots. This helps cover injuries and bye weeks.
There’s no in-season management. That’s what makes best ball so appealing. You draft, then sit back and see how your team performs.
Two Main Formats: Season-Long and Playoff Tournaments
There are two common contest formats in fantasy football best ball: season-long points and playoff tournaments.
Season-long is simple. You score points each week. Whoever has the most at the end wins. There’s no head-to-head play.
Playoff formats are different. You compete in a pod of 12 players for the first 14 weeks. Top finishers advance to playoff rounds in Weeks 15–17. Each round resets scoring.
To win, you need to keep advancing. These contests often feature big payouts and thousands of entries.
Roster Size, Lineups, and Scoring Settings
Most fantasy football best ball sites use similar lineups: one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, and one flex. Flex spots can be filled by RBs, WRs, or TEs.
Roster sizes vary by site. Underdog Fantasy uses 18 players. DraftKings uses 20. These extra spots help cover injuries and ensure you stay competitive.
Scoring also varies. DraftKings uses full PPR with yardage bonuses. Underdog is half PPR and more touchdown-heavy. Always check site rules before drafting.
Superflex formats exist, too, but they’re less common. Most tournaments use single-quarterback builds.
Where to Play Fantasy Football Best Ball
Underdog Fantasy is the biggest name in best ball. Their flagship tournament, Best Ball Mania, features a $2 million first prize. They also offer other formats like sprint leagues and weekly winners.
DraftKings offers full PPR scoring and a different draft flow due to its 20-player rosters and yardage bonuses.
FastDraft is a rising platform. They feature 10-team drafts, IDP-only formats, rookies-only leagues, and unique scoring multipliers. You can delay assigning player multipliers until just before the season.
FFPC is known for high-stakes contests. It features superflex tournaments and is a favorite for serious drafters.
Drafters.com offers full PPR and season-long formats with no playoff structure.
Each site has its own twist, so choose based on your preferences and strategy style.
Why Best Ball Is So Fun and Accessible
Fantasy football best ball is perfect if you love drafting but don’t have time for in-season moves. It removes the headaches of start/sit decisions and waivers.
It’s also a format where portfolio building matters. You can draft 20, 50, or even 100 teams over the offseason and track how your strategies perform.
And for high-stakes players, the prizes are real. Some contests feature life-changing payouts.
Whether you’re new or experienced, best ball offers something for everyone. Draft smart now and enjoy the ride all season long.
Final Thoughts: Getting Started with Fantasy Football Best Ball
If you’re ready to try best ball, pick a platform, learn the scoring settings, and start drafting. Keep your builds strategic and your portfolio balanced.
Need help getting started? Joel Worth, host of the IDP Plus Bestball Podcast, encourages new players to reach out on Twitter (@TheJoelWorth). He’s always happy to offer advice.
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by an IDP+ Staff Member. Be sure to check out the video above by Axton, which this article is based on, talking about the fantasy football best ball. Follow @theJoelWirth on X!
