Fantasy Football Best Ball Stack Strategy: Projected Stack Leaders, Plus the Best and Worst Values
The beauty of best ball lies in its simplicity. You draft a team, sit back, and watch the magic happen. But beneath that surface lies a world of strategy that can elevate your game to the next level. One of the most effective strategies? Stacking.
Stacking in best ball involves drafting multiple players from the same team, essentially creating a mini-dynasty within your roster. This strategy is based on the simple concept that if your quarterback is performing well, his pass catchers are likely to be racking up points, too. But with so many teams and so many potential stacks to choose from, how do you identify the best ones?
This is where the magic of best ball analysis comes into play. By examining projections, ADP (Average Draft Position), and a touch of intuition, we can uncover the stacks that are most likely to deliver big-time value. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a step back and understand the nuances of stacking in best ball.
- Stacking in best ball involves drafting multiple players from the same team to maximize scoring potential.
- In best ball, high ceilings are more valuable than consistency, making stacked players appealing for their potential boom weeks.
- Identifying the best stacks requires analyzing projections, ADP, and intuition to uncover value.
- While stacking is not foolproof due to factors like injuries, it can significantly boost your overall score when executed correctly.
- By capitalizing on boom weeks, stacking can be a powerful strategy for increasing your chances of winning in best ball fantasy football.
The Power of Stacking: Why It Works in Best Ball
In traditional fantasy football, consistency is king. You want reliable players who put up points week after week. But in best ball, consistency isn’t everything. The automated nature of scoring means that only your highest scores from each week count. This means that players with high ceilings can be incredibly valuable, even if they have some down weeks. And stacking players from the same team increases the likelihood of those high ceiling weeks.
Think about it this way: If your quarterback throws for 300 yards and three touchdowns, there’s a good chance his top receivers are also having big games. This can lead to multiple players from the same team performing at an elite level, resulting in a massive boost to your overall score. And this is where stacking shines – it capitalizes on those boom weeks that propel you to victory.
Of course, stacking isn’t a foolproof strategy. Injuries, poor game scripts, and a host of other factors can derail your plans. But when executed correctly, stacking can be a powerful tool for maximizing your best ball draft and increasing your chances of winning. So let’s dive into the data and see which stacks stand out in 2024.
Top Projected Stacks: The Teams to Target
To identify the best stacks, we need to look at the teams projected to score the most points. Based on current ADP and site projections, here are the top 10 teams projected to dominate the fantasy landscape in 2024:
- San Francisco 49ers — 1265.9 FPS
- Detroit Lions — 1199.9 FPS
- Kansas City Chiefs — 1181.3 FPS
- Houston Texans — 1173.2 FPS
- Miami Dolphins — 1147.0 FPS
- Cincinnati Bengals — 1135.4 FPS
- Philadelphia Eagles — 1119.4 FPS
- Los Angeles Rams — 1117.6 FPS
- Chicago Bears — 1087.8 FPS
- Jacksonville Jaguars — 1086.0 FPS
At first glance, this list is largely in line with expectations. Teams like the 49ers, Chiefs, Dolphins, and Eagles are perennial powerhouses, and their star players are highly coveted in fantasy drafts. But what about those teams further down the list? The Texans, Bears, and Jaguars are all intriguing options, particularly with the Texans boasting a high-powered offense led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
However, it’s important to remember that projections are just that: projections. The NFL is a volatile game, and even the best offenses can experience ups and downs. While these teams offer excellent potential for stacking, it’s important to consider the risks involved. The Bears, for example, have a new offensive coordinator and a rookie quarterback, which could lead to some growing pains early in the season.
The Bottom of the Barrel: Stacks to Avoid?
Just as there are teams that are projected to dominate, there are also teams that are projected to struggle. And while stacking these teams might seem counterintuitive, it can actually be a savvy strategy in best ball.
Here are the bottom 10 teams in terms of projected fantasy points:
- Las Vegas Raiders — 613.8 FPS
- Denver Broncos — 618.7 FPS
- Pittsburgh Steelers — 744.4 FPS
- New York Giants — 749.5 FPS
- Minnesota Vikings — 812.4 FPS
- New England Patriots — 821.1 FPS
- New Orleans Saints — 826.7 FPS
- Seattle Seahawks — 850.5 FPS
- Carolina Panthers — 880.2 FPS
- Los Angeles Chargers — 895.8 FPS
The Raiders and Broncos are clear outliers, with their offenses struggling to generate points consistently. These teams are likely to be avoided by most fantasy players, which can lead to some incredible value opportunities if you’re willing to take a chance. The Saints, meanwhile, have a strong offense led by Derek Carr and Chris Olave, but their overall projections are lower due to a perceived lack of depth at the skill positions.
Remember, the goal in best ball is to maximize your points, and sometimes that means going against the grain and targeting “bad” stacks. The key is to identify situations where a team’s projected struggles are overblown and where there’s potential for a breakout performance.
The Price is Right: Identifying Value in Stacking
Now that we have an idea of the teams to target and those to avoid, let’s talk about price. ADP plays a crucial role in stacking, as it determines how much you’ll have to spend to acquire your players. A high-priced stack might seem appealing, but it can also be risky, as your team needs to perform to expectations for you to get a return on your investment. On the other hand, a low-priced stack can offer incredible value, especially if you manage to hit on a breakout player or two.
Here are the 10 most expensive and 10 cheapest team stacks based on average ADP:
10 Most Expensive Team Stacks
- Philadelphia Eagles — 42.0 Average ADP
- Kansas City Chiefs — 52.4 Average ADP
- Detroit Lions — 57.0 Average ADP
- Houston Texans — 57.2 Average ADP
- San Francisco 49ers — 61.3 Average ADP
- Dallas Cowboys — 69.5 Average ADP
- Miami Dolphins — 70.6 Average ADP
- Buffalo Bills — 71.5 Average ADP
- Indianapolis Colts — 72.2 Average ADP
- Las Vegas Raiders — 80.4 Average ADP
10 Cheapest Team Stacks
- New England Patriots — 147.7 Average ADP
- Denver Broncos — 142.1 Average ADP
- New York Giants — 137.4 Average ADP
- Carolina Panthers — 135.1 Average ADP
- Los Angeles Chargers — 121.8 Average ADP
- Tennessee Titans — 117.2 Average ADP
- Washington Commanders — 117.0 Average ADP
- Cleveland Browns — 115.9 Average ADP
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 111.1 Average ADP
- New York Jets — 109.0 Average ADP
As you can see, the most expensive stacks are dominated by the top projected teams. The Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Dolphins, and 49ers are all loaded with talent, but their high ADPs reflect the risk involved. If they don’t live up to expectations, you could be left with a depleted roster and a low overall score. On the other hand, the cheapest stacks offer a lower ceiling but a much lower risk. If you can find a few gems in the later rounds, you can significantly boost your overall score without spending your early picks on high-priced players.
Balancing Price and Potential: Finding the Sweet Spot
The key to stacking in best ball is finding that sweet spot between price and potential. You want to target teams that have a realistic chance of succeeding while also avoiding players who are overvalued in the market. This is where a combination of projections, ADP, and your own gut feeling come into play.
For example, the Dolphins are one of the most popular stacks, but their high ADP makes them a risky proposition. If you’re willing to pay a premium for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, you’ll need to be confident that Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy and performs at an elite level. On the other hand, the Giants offer a more affordable option, with Daniel Jones’ mobility giving them a high floor and Saquon Barkley providing a reliable source of points. While their ceiling might not be as high as the Dolphins, their lower ADP makes them a more attractive value pick. And don’t forget the Saints, who offer a unique blend of high-end talent with a relatively low cost.
Here are some additional factors to consider when evaluating stacks:
- QB Mobility: Mobile quarterbacks provide a floor for your offense, as they can contribute both through the air and on the ground. This makes them less reliant on a high-powered passing attack to succeed, which can be a valuable asset in best ball. Daniel Jones and Deshaun Watson are two notable examples of mobile quarterbacks with the potential to be valuable stacking partners.
- Target Tree: A narrow target tree, where a few players receive the majority of the targets, can lead to massive production for those players. The Dolphins, for example, have a very narrow target tree, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle receiving the lion’s share of the targets. This makes them an attractive stacking option, as their high ceiling is directly tied to the success of Tua Tagovailoa.
- Breakout Potential: Look for players who have the potential to breakout and exceed expectations. This could be a rookie who is expected to have a big role in the offense or a veteran who is entering a new system or has a chance to take on a larger role. These players could provide a massive return on investment if they live up to their potential.
My Favorite Realistic 2024 Best Ball Stacking Partners
With all of these factors in mind, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite realistic stacking partners for the 2024 best ball season:
- Dolphins + Giants: This pairing combines high-ceiling potential with value. The Dolphins offer a potent offense with a narrow target tree, while the Giants provide a more affordable option with a mobile quarterback and a reliable running back. This combination gives you a balanced approach that can help you maximize your points.
- Chiefs + Saints: This combination offers a blend of elite talent and value. The Chiefs are one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, and Patrick Mahomes is a perennial fantasy superstar. The Saints, meanwhile, have a strong offense led by Derek Carr and Chris Olave, and their lower ADP makes them a value play. This pairing gives you a solid foundation with the potential for a massive ceiling.
- Rams + Patriots: This pairing is a bit more unconventional, but it offers a unique blend of talent and value. The Rams, led by Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua, have the potential to be a high-scoring offense. The Patriots, meanwhile, have a solid offense led by Mac Jones and a strong tight end in Hunter Henry. This combination gives you a balanced approach with the potential for some big-time scores.
- Cowboys + Cardinals: This pairing is all about high ceilings and value. The Cowboys boast a high-powered offense led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard, while the Cardinals, led by Kyler Murray and Marquise Brown, have the potential to be a breakout offense. This pairing gives you a chance to capitalize on high-scoring games with the potential for multiple players to deliver big-time performances.
Remember, these are just a few of the many potential stacking combinations. The key is to do your research, find the teams and players that you believe in, and be prepared to make some bold moves during your draft. Best ball is all about maximizing your potential, and stacking is a powerful tool that can help you achieve that goal.
