Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Your Guide to the Best Late Round Fantasy Football Picks

Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to our little corner of the internet. Today, we're diving deep into the late rounds of your fantasy football drafts to find those hidden gems, the players who could be the difference between a championship and a also-ran season. So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and good late round fantasy football picks.

Why Focus on Late Round Fantasy Football Picks?

Before we dive into the players, let's talk strategy. Filling your roster with early round picks is like having a delicious steak dinner - it's satisfying, but it's not the only course. Late round picks are like the sides and dessert - they might not seem as exciting, but they can make your meal (or your fantasy team) truly memorable.

Late round picks allow you to: - Fill immediate needs with depth at key positions. - Handcuff your early round picks to protect against injury. - Draft for upside by targeting players with high ceilings and low floors. - Stream positions like quarterback or tight end, giving you a weekly advantage.

The Art of Late Round Drafting: Our Top Strategies

1. Handcuffing Your Stars

Handcuffing is like having a backup plan for your backup plan. It's drafting a player's primary backup, ensuring you're covered if your early round pick goes down. Here are some handcuffs to consider:

- Saquon Barkley (RB1) + Devontae Booker (RB37) - Derrick Henry (RB2) + Darrynton Evans (RB55) - Alvin Kamara (RB3) + Latavius Murray (RB32)

2. Targeting Upside

These players might not have the safest floors, but their ceilings are through the roof. Draft them late, cross your fingers, and hope they explode onto the scene.

- J.K. Dobbins (RB34) - The Ravens' lead back is a home run hitter waiting to happen. - Cam Akers (RB36) - The Rams' backfield is a mess, but Akers has the talent to take control. - D'Ernest Johnson (RB57) - Kareem Hunt's handcuff with standalone value if given the chance.

3. Streaming Positional Deficiencies

If you're weak at a position, don't force a pick in the middle rounds. Wait until late and stream the position, picking up the best matchup each week.

- Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa (QB26), Ryan Tannehill (QB27), or Teddy Bridgewater (QB28) can all provide QB1 numbers in the right matchups. - Tight End: Logan Thomas (TE22), Dalton Schultz (TE23), or Mo Alie-Cox (TE28) can provide TE1 numbers when they get hot.

Our Favorite Late Round Fantasy Football Picks

Now, let's dive into some specific players who could be game-changers in the late rounds. Remember, these are just suggestions - always adjust your strategy based on your team's needs and the players available.

Wide Receivers

- Marquise Brown (WR32) - Hollywood has the talent to be a WR1, and with Lamar Jackson throwing him the ball, he could be a steal in the late rounds. - Diontae Johnson (WR34) - Johnson's target volume is elite, and if he can cut down on the drops, he'll be a WR1. - Tee Higgins (WR36) - Higgins had a strong rookie campaign and could take a step forward with Joe Burrow under center.

Running Backs

- Tony Pollard (RB35) - Ezekiel Elliott's handcuff with standalone value if given the chance. - Kalen Ballage (RB41) - Ballage is a massive back with elite athleticism. If he gets the chance, he could be a league-winner. - Damien Williams (RB42) - If healthy, Williams could be the Chiefs' lead back. He's a risky pick, but the upside is there.

Quarterbacks

- Jameis Winston (QB23) - Winston has the arm talent to put up big numbers, and with Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara catching his passes, he could be a weekly QB1. - Daniel Jones (QB24) - Jones showed promise in his rookie season, and with a full year under his belt, he could take a step forward. - Gardner Minshew (QB25) - Minshew is a gunslinger with weapons galore. He's a great late-round flier.

Final Thoughts

Late round picks are where championships are won and lost. Don't sleep on these players - they could be the difference between a winning season and a disappointing one. So, get out there, do your research, and make those late round magic happen!

Stay tuned for more fantasy football advice, and until next time, happy drafting!