Definition of Best Ball
Best Ball is a fantasy sports format, particularly popular in fantasy football, where participants draft a team at the beginning of the season and then automatically have their optimal lineup chosen each week based on the best-performing players. Unlike traditional fantasy sports, there are no weekly lineup submissions or waiver wire pickups. This format highlights drafting skill and player foresight, as all decisions are made before the season begins, and no management is required as the season progresses. The term “Best Ball” can occasionally be seen in other contexts where a player’s or team’s best performance is automatically selected, but it is most commonly associated with this type of fantasy sport. 
Example of Best Ball
In a Best Ball fantasy football league, imagine you have drafted quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. In week 1, Mahomes scores 25 fantasy points and Brady scores 18. The Best Ball format automatically starts Mahomes for that week since he scored higher. The following week, if Brady scores 22 points and Mahomes scores 19, Brady would be automatically started. This process continues throughout the season, optimizing your score each week without requiring any active management after the initial draft.
Best Ball Related Terms
Draft Strategy: Refers to the approach and tactics employed during the drafting phase in fantasy sports. In Best Ball, the draft strategy is particularly crucial as it’s the only time players can influence their team’s potential during the season.
Waiver Wire: This is a fantasy sports term for the pool of undrafted players who can be picked up by teams during the season. While the waiver wire is a key component in many fantasy formats, it is irrelevant in Best Ball since all decisions are finalized post-draft.
Snake Draft: A method of drafting where the order in which teams select players reverses each round. For example, if a team picks last in one round, it will pick first in the next. This is a common draft type in Best Ball leagues.
Auto-draft: Refers to a feature where a fantasy sports platform automatically selects players for a team based on pre-set player rankings or team needs. While similar in concept to Best Ball’s automatic lineup selections, auto-draft occurs during the draft process.
Best Ball Tips
Focus on Depth: Since you can’t make changes after the draft, it’s crucial to ensure your team has depth, particularly for positions that can have high variability in performance like running backs and wide receivers. This mitigates the impact of injuries or underperforming players.
Prioritise High-Upside Players: Players who might have fluctuating performances but can score high in certain weeks are more valuable in Best Ball formats. These players can provide the weekly spikes needed to win without the risk of deciding when to play them.
Balance Your Team: While it’s tempting to stack up on quarterbacks or other high-scoring positions, remember that you need a well-rounded team. Make sure you have a balanced team so that you’re not left with low scores in any particular position.
Watch Out for Bye Weeks: Try to draft players whose bye weeks don’t coincide, especially for key positions. This avoids a scenario where you have limited player options available in a given week.
Draft with the Long Season in Mind: Consider the entire season trajectory, including potential playoff impacts if your league has them. Players in teams likely to compete well into the season may have more impactful late-season games.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Auto-Pilot Fantasy Success
Best Ball formats offer a unique challenge and appeal within the fantasy sports world. By requiring strategic forethought and comprehensive drafting at the outset, it relieves players of the weekly management hassle. This format is perfect for those who love the thrill of fantasy sports but may not have the time to commit every week. It tests your draft skills and knowledge of players’ potential over the entire season, making every pick crucial. Engaging in Best Ball leagues can sharpen your predictive abilities and provide an enjoyable, low-maintenance way to participate in fantasy sports, potentially leading to satisfying victories that are based on your initial strategy rather than weekly adjustments.
Best Ball Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if one of my players gets injured?
In Best Ball, if a player gets injured, you cannot replace him since there are no roster changes post-draft. This emphasizes the importance of depth in your draft strategy.
How do playoffs work in Best Ball leagues?
Playoffs in Best Ball leagues typically follow the regular fantasy league format where the teams with the highest total points at the end of the season advance. However, the specifics can vary by league, so it’s important to understand your particular league’s rules.
Can I trade players in a Best Ball league?
No, Best Ball leagues do not allow for trades or roster management post-draft. Your team is set once the draft is completed.
How does scoring work?
Scoring in Best Ball works just like in traditional fantasy leagues, with points assigned based on real-life performances of players. However, your team’s score each week is automatically optimized to include the highest-scoring players.
Is Best Ball suitable for beginners?
Best Ball can be a great option for beginners because it eliminates the need for ongoing management. However, because all decisions are made at the draft, it does require some knowledge and strategic planning. It’s a good idea for beginners to familiarize themselves with player rankings and projections before drafting.
