Fantasy football snake draft strategy: How to approach each first-round pick (and beyond) in 2024 (2024)

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Yep, you’re taking Christian McCaffrey. Zero doubt about it.

At picks 24 and 25 in a twelve-team league, you’ll probably want to go wide receiver and wide receiver, although you could think about Sam LaPorta here if you think having the top tight end is a big advantage.

Me? I’d go, say, Nico Collins and Jaylen Waddle.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 24: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a first down during the fourth quarter in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Let’s assume CeeDee Lamb gets his contract extension from the Cowboys (we’re waiting, Jerry Jones!). If so, you’ll take the star receiver here.

With 23 and 26 and a receiver on your roster, you have options: do you feel Travis Etienne Jr. can have another big season? Do you take Jalen Hurts or Josh Allen if they’re still there? I’m undoubtedly taking a receiver with one of these picks.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 07: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Tyreek Hill is still in that amazing Dolphins offense and is still in his prime. One of the safest picks in the draft.

For picks 22 and 27, I might go Etienne and LaPorta, or Michael Pittman Jr. if he’s there at No. 22. If the latter is the case, you’ll be targeting RBs when your team comes up again.

Dec 10, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) catches a pass mover the middle during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Ja’Marr Chase is awesome, has a healthy Joe Burrow back and we’ll assume the WR’s hold-in will end at some point soon.

You’ll get picks 21 and 28, so maybe Etienne or Derrick Henry (if he’s there), or you can go with a second wideout or De’Von Achane if you take a receiver with your second pick.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 07: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 07, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

I do not care that Justin Jefferson has a new QB. He’s just that good and will be his usual explosive self in 2024.

At 20, I’m leaning toward another top receiver (Pittman? Drake London? Brandon Aiyuk, if he’s still with the Niners and is happy?) and then maybe Achane at 28.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions reacts after catching a pass for a first down during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Amon-Ra St. Brown is so fun to have on your team and he’s pretty safe here.

At 19? If you want Kyren Williams and can stomach the risk with him, sure, go for it. But I’m thinking Nico Collins or Davante Adams there.

At 30, if you’re one of those folks who likes top QBs (I tend to wait in 1QB leagues), you could get Lamar Jackson.

Nov 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown after a catch against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

This is where things get interesting. Do you roll the dice on Bijan Robinson in that powerful Atlanta Falcons offense? Do you think Breece Hall will be the same back he was last year? Either would be fine here.

At 18, you’ll want a wide receiver. Pick your favorite there. And at 31, I’d go with another receiver and leave the RB2 position open for a bit. But if you want a QB, that’s up to you.

Sep 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs the ball in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Whichever RB is still there between Hall and Robinson, grab him.

At 17 and 32, I go WR-WR. Keep it simple.

Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) cannot catch a pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

You could go for a running back like Jonathan Taylor or Jahmyr Gibbs (currently nursing a hamstring injury as of publishing this so, uh, maybe not).

But with my first-rounder, I want consistent production. A.J. Brown fits the bill.

At 16, you could have your choice of WR like Marvin Harrison, Chris Olave or Collins. I’m intrigued by any of them, but if Taylor falls, grab him there.

No. 33 could give you Travis Kelce if you like top tight ends.

Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) misses a reception as Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) defends on the play during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

This is a tricky spot. Who’s left? Do you go with a receiver (Garrett Wilson, who is awesome but you’re leaning on Aaron Rodgers’ health)? Do you roll the dice with a running back like Taylor, Saquon Barkley or Gibbs (if healthy)?

I’ll say: up to you. If it’s me, Wilson seems like a good bet to be even better with Rodgers around, questions about the QB’s age be damned.

At 15, one of those RBs may drop to you, so go that route before targeting another receiver at 34.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates as he leaves the field Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Jenna Watson/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK

Taylor works here. Could Puka Nacua be a first-rounder? Hmm.

At 14, you go receiver (Harrison, Olave, London) before another wideout at 35.

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) scores a touchdown against Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) and cornerback Cameron Sutton (1) during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Nacua IS a first-round pick! And with back-to-back selections, you can go WR-WR if you so choose, but I’m probably going with Barkley or Taylor at No. 13.

At 36? You could choose Josh Allen if he’s still there and you like QBs, but you could also shore up your RB spot with Isiah Pacheco or Rachaad White.