NewsletterJordan Mason is crushing it at camp, earning praise from within the organization. Mike Stobe / Getty ImagesAug. 22, 2026 10:05 am EDT Updated Just in case it had somehow escaped your notice, the fantasy football industrial complex has awoken. Its tentacles are everywhere — in your notifications and personalized ads. They’re right here in your inbox. Magazine racks are now loaded with $15.99 draft guides. Tens of thousands of words will be written about how, exactly, you should handle the ninth pick in your upcoming draft.If it all seems like too much noise to process, we are here to help. Let’s begin with a few timeless draft essentials — evergreen advice applicable in any fantasy season.This article is from The Athletic’s NFL newsletter. Sign up here to receive it directly in your inbox. It’s free to subscribe. Five draft commandmentsYeah, OK, maybe “commandments” is a little too stern, too Old Testament. We certainly aren’t trying to tell you how to live your life. We just want to help you make responsible fantasy choices. Here are five guiding principles to keep in mind as you enter the draft room:
Upside, always. The ceiling is for winners; the floor is for cowards. The road to fantasy hell is paved with safe picks. Don’t manage your roster like it’s a retirement plan. If you play in a fantasy league of typical size and shape, your team will go as far as its best players take it. Fantasy football favors stars over depth. Here are 10 high-upside options to consider.
