In the world of fantasy sports, the draft order can make all the difference between building a championship-caliber team and one that struggles to stay competitive. The 12-team snake draft order is a popular format that balances the playing field by reversing the selection order each round, allowing every team to have equal opportunity to grab top-tier players. For those participating in a fantasy league, understanding the 12-team snake draft order and maximizing your draft position can be the key to success. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to master the 12-team snake draft order, from general tips to position-specific strategies that can help you dominate your league.
What is the 12-Team Snake Draft Order?
The 12-team snake draft order is a draft format where each of the 12 teams selects players in alternating order each round. The team picking first in Round 1 will pick last in Round 2, while the team that picked 12th in Round 1 will have the first pick in Round 2. This “snaking” of the draft order continues throughout the rounds. This format is widely favored because it provides a fair balance, ensuring that no team consistently has an advantage or disadvantage due to draft position.
In a typical 12-team snake draft order, each team’s draft position can significantly affect the available players and, therefore, their overall strategy. For instance, a team drafting near the middle of the order (such as the 6th or 7th pick) will have relatively short intervals between picks, while those at the ends (1st or 12th pick) may experience a long wait between their consecutive picks. Understanding how to capitalize on your specific position in the 12-team snake draft order is essential to creating a well-rounded, competitive roster.
Key Strategies for the 12-Team Snake Draft Order
Since the 12-team snake draft order has unique characteristics, let’s dive into some strategies that can help you succeed regardless of your draft position.
1. Early Picks (1-4)
If you’re fortunate enough to pick in one of the top four spots in the 12-team snake draft order, you’ll likely have access to elite-level players, typically the best running backs or a game-changing wide receiver. These players can serve as the foundation of your team, providing consistent points every week.
- Target Elite Talent: Focus on drafting one of the top players in your league. Generally, this means targeting a standout running back or a top-tier wide receiver.
- Secure Running Backs Early: Given the scarcity of elite running backs, securing one in the first few picks can give your team a significant advantage.
- Plan for Long Waits: After your initial pick, you’ll face long waits between your selections. Make sure to plan and identify value players who may be available in later rounds.
2. Mid-Round Picks (5-8)
Teams drafting in the middle of the 12-team snake draft order have a unique advantage: relatively short intervals between picks. This means they’re less likely to experience major position runs (when multiple players of the same position are picked consecutively) and have more flexibility to draft players based on best available value.
- Flexibility in Roster Building: Teams in this range can afford to be more flexible with their picks since they have less extreme waits between rounds. Take advantage of this balance by building a more diverse roster.
- Monitor Position Runs: Since you’re in the middle of the 12-team snake draft order, you’re well-positioned to respond to position runs. If you notice a run on a particular position (like wide receivers), consider joining it or picking a different position for value.
- Adapt to Draft Flow: One of the greatest advantages of a mid-round pick is the ability to adapt to how the draft is unfolding. Don’t lock yourself into a rigid plan; instead, pick players who provide the best value and flexibility.
3. Late Picks (9-12)
While picking toward the end of the 12-team snake draft order may feel like a disadvantage, it actually allows you to draft two high-quality players in close succession due to the “wrap-around” effect. This can be a major asset if you’re able to secure two players who complement each other well.
- Double Down on Talent: The advantage of the late-round pick in a 12-team snake draft order is the quick turnaround between your selections. You can draft complementary players back-to-back, such as a strong running back and a reliable wide receiver.
- Capitalize on Value Falls: Since you’ll be selecting two players nearly back-to-back, you have the opportunity to select players who may have fallen below their expected draft position, maximizing value.
- Draft for Depth Early: Late picks in the 12-team snake draft order can often feel a “position run” effect more keenly, where high-tier players in a specific position get drafted by the time your turn arrives. Draft for depth and keep a backup plan for each pick.
12-Team Snake Draft Order: Key Positions to Target
To succeed in a 12-team snake draft order, understanding the significance of each position is critical. Let’s go through the core positions and how you should approach each one.
Running Backs (RBs)
Running backs are arguably the most valuable asset in most fantasy leagues, particularly in the 12-team snake draft order, due to the scarcity of reliable, high-volume options.
- Prioritize RBs Early: If you’re drafting within the first few spots, grabbing a top-tier running back can anchor your team.
- Draft for Depth: Injuries and rotations affect running backs more than other positions, so aim to draft at least two or three quality backs by the mid-rounds.
Wide Receivers (WRs)
Wide receivers offer depth and consistency, especially in leagues that favor PPR (points per reception). In a 12-team snake draft order, targeting WRs is essential.
- Consider WR in the Mid to Late First Round: If the top running backs are taken, elite wide receivers can still offer incredible value, particularly in PPR leagues.
- Depth Over Volume: Unlike running backs, wide receivers are available deeper into the draft, so don’t feel pressured to load up too early if you’re focusing on RBs.
Quarterbacks (QBs)
Quarterbacks play a pivotal role in any fantasy roster, but in a 12-team snake draft order, prioritizing them too early could mean missing out on more valuable skill positions.
- Wait Until the Mid-Rounds: Since there’s generally more depth at QB, you can often wait until the mid-rounds to grab a reliable starter.
- Focus on Value Picks: Avoid overpaying for a QB too early. Some of the best fantasy QBs emerge from mid-round picks, providing excellent value without sacrificing roster depth.
Tight Ends (TEs)
A strong tight end can differentiate a team, especially in leagues with a 12-team snake draft order. However, like quarterbacks, tight ends can often be secured in mid to late rounds.
- Target Elite TEs in Rounds 3-5: If you want a top-tier TE, aim to draft one in the earlier rounds.
- Be Cautious with Mid-Level TEs: The gap between the elite and mid-tier TEs is significant, so avoid overcommitting to this position early on unless you can get a standout player.
Wrapping Up: Preparing for the 12-Team Snake Draft Order
The 12-team snake draft order adds a thrilling layer of strategy to any fantasy league. Knowing your position and tailoring your approach to it can be the difference-maker. Whether you’re picking early, mid, or late, the right approach to each round and each position can set you up for success. Familiarize yourself with player rankings, position depth, and draft trends to maximize each selection.
Ultimately, the 12-team snake draft order rewards prepared and adaptable drafters. Knowing how to respond to changing dynamics and capitalizing on value players ensures that your team remains competitive and ready for the challenges of the season.
