With the fantasy football season right around the corner, players are gearing up for their drafts and facing tough decisions. To help them navigate through these choices, we reached out to our team of fantasy football analysts to get their insights and advice.

One of the key dilemmas faced by fantasy football players is determining when to draft running backs. Our experts recommend considering teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Denver Broncos as potential targets. In 2023, the Steelers ran the ball 487 times, indicating a strong ground game. Meanwhile, the Titans have running backs like Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears with excellent receiving skills, making them valuable in PPR leagues. Additionally, the Broncos boast Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin as attainable targets for the zero RB strategy.

For wide receivers, rookie talents are making noise this season. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Ricky Pearsall, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman, Rome Odunze, and Xavier Worthy are being drafted early and could have a significant impact. Among them, Odunze stands out with his impressive athletic abilities and high draft pedigree, making him a strong choice for fantasy managers.

When it comes to tight ends, the landscape has changed, and there is no longer a desperate need to reach for top-tier options like Travis Kelce or George Kittle. Players like Dalton Kincaid, Evan Engram, and Kyle Pitts offer viable alternatives in the mid to late rounds. With multiple options available, drafters can take advantage of the talent-dense TE market and secure a starting-caliber player without sacrificing early-round picks.

Quarterback choices can also be difficult, especially when trying to balance safe options with high-upside rookies. While experienced quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins provide stability, rookies such as Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels offer exciting potential. Fantasy managers may need to take some chances at the quarterback position, even if they typically avoid first-year passers.

The zero RB strategy has gained popularity in recent years, but it is crucial to assess the depth of the league before committing to it. While prioritizing wide receivers is important, fantasy managers must strike a balance to avoid letting valuable running backs slip too far. With players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Joe Mixon, De'Von Achane, and Rachaad White presenting value at various draft positions, staying flexible is essential.

To round out the draft, decisions regarding defenses and kickers also come into play. Our experts suggest streaming defenses and waiting until the last round to make a selection. They highlight matchups with low expected point totals, including Saints-Panthers, Vikings-Giants, and Buccaneers-Commanders, as potential targets. In terms of kickers, choosing those from teams playing indoors and in high-scoring environments can be advantageous.

In summary, preparing for a fantasy football draft requires careful consideration of running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, quarterbacks, and defensive options. By seeking insights from fantasy football analysts and understanding potential draft strategies, managers can equip themselves with the knowledge needed to make the tough decisions that could ultimately lead to a successful season.