Introduction
Draft day is the most exciting (and sometimes stressful) part of fantasy football. Whether you’re a first-timer or a fantasy pro, one thing that makes life easier is using a fantasy football cheat sheet.
What is it? A cheat sheet is a simple tool that shows you the best players to draft. It ranks them by position and overall value. It also lists sleepers, busts, and byes—so you don’t forget anything during the draft.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about fantasy cheat sheets and how to use one to win your league. We’ll keep it super easy to follow—even if you’re brand new.
Let’s build your perfect fantasy football cheat sheet and crush draft day together!
What Is a Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet?
A fantasy football cheat sheet is like a secret weapon. It helps you pick the best players when it’s your turn to draft. The sheet shows player rankings, team names, bye weeks, and sometimes expert tips.
There are two kinds of cheat sheets:
- Basic cheat sheets – These show the top 200 players ranked overall.
- Position-by-position cheat sheets – These show rankings for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, kickers, and defenses.
Some cheat sheets are printed. Others are digital and used inside draft apps or websites. Either way, it’s your quick guide during the draft so you don’t have to guess.
Why Use a Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet?
Drafts go fast. You only have a short time to pick. If you’re unprepared, it’s easy to panic or forget what player you were targeting.
Here’s why a fantasy football cheat sheet is helpful:
- It saves time – No need to search for rankings during your pick.
- It keeps you focused – You don’t forget top players or positions.
- It helps avoid bad choices – You won’t draft someone who’s injured or already taken.
- Better planning – You can build a more balanced team.
Even experienced players use cheat sheets. They give you a clear edge, especially when others are just guessing.
How to Build Your Own Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
You don’t have to copy anyone’s cheat sheet. You can make your own! That way, it’s made just for your league’s rules.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a scoring format – PPR (points per reception), standard, or half-PPR.
- Rank players by value – Use expert websites like FantasyPros or ESPN.
- Group by position – Top 20 QBs, top 40 RBs, top 50 WRs, etc.
- Add bye weeks – Avoid drafting too many players off during the same week.
- Highlight sleepers and breakouts – Add notes for late-round targets.
- Update it weekly – Injuries and depth chart changes can change rankings fast.
Use a printed sheet, a Google Sheet, or even a simple notebook. Make it yours.
Best Sources to Get a Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
Don’t want to make your own? No problem. Lots of trusted sites create cheat sheets and update them daily during preseason.
Here are a few popular sources:
- FantasyPros – Expert consensus rankings, updated often.
- ESPN Fantasy Football – Standard rankings with PPR options.
- NFL Fantasy – Official NFL rankings and tools.
- Yahoo Fantasy Sports – Great for beginners and mobile users.
- Rotowire – Premium info for deeper leagues.
- CBS Sports – Easy-to-read cheat sheets and draft kits.
Just make sure to match the cheat sheet to your league format (PPR, standard, superflex, etc.).
Using a Cheat Sheet During the Draft
When your draft starts, grab your fantasy football cheat sheet and track everything live. Cross players off as they are picked, circle sleepers still available, and keep an eye on each position’s depth.
Some tips during the draft:
- Use colors (red for drafted, green for targets).
- Pay attention to bye weeks.
- Don’t draft too many from one position early.
- Check balance—QB, RB, WR, TE, Defense, Kicker.
Keeping calm with your cheat sheet in hand helps you avoid rushed or bad picks. It’s like having a coach in your pocket.
What Should Be on Every Cheat Sheet?
Let’s talk about what every great fantasy football cheat sheet should include. Here’s a checklist:
Player Name
Position (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF)
Team Name
Bye Week
Average Draft Position (ADP)
Rankings by position and overall
Notes on injuries or depth chart changes
Sleepers and breakout candidates
Busts or players to avoid
League-specific settings (PPR, TE Premium, etc.)
Your cheat sheet should be easy to scan and clear to read. If you’re making your own, avoid clutter.
Fantasy Football Formats: Match Your Cheat Sheet
Fantasy leagues come in many styles. Make sure your fantasy football cheat sheet matches your league’s format.
Here are the most common formats:
- Standard scoring – No points for catches. Focus on TDs and yards.
- PPR (Points Per Reception) – Catchers like Cooper Kupp get more value.
- Half-PPR – Mix between catching and yardage.
- Superflex – You can start 2 QBs. Quarterbacks become more important.
- Dynasty or Keeper leagues – Younger players become valuable long-term.
If you try to use a PPR cheat sheet for a standard league, your rankings will be off. Always double-check before draft day.
Sleepers, Busts, and Breakouts to Add
Here are a few kinds of players to possibly star on your fantasy football cheat sheet:
Sleepers
These are low-drafted or unknown players with big upside. Example: A rookie RB getting buzz in camp.
Breakouts
Young players ready to take the next step. Example: A WR entering Year 3 with a better QB.
Busts
Popular names who may disappoint. Example: An aging RB splitting time or dealing with injuries.
You can find updated sleeper and bust lists on trusted websites. Add notes next to these players on your cheat sheet to remember.
Printable vs. Digital Cheat Sheets
There are two main kinds of cheat sheets: printable and digital.
Printable Cheat Sheets
- Easy to mark up
- Great for in-person drafts
- No tech needed
- Bonus: Feels official!
Digital Cheat Sheets
- Work best for online drafts
- Easy to update quickly
- Can link to videos, tools, and stats
- Best when used with apps or draft software
Pick the one that works best for your style or league type.
Cheat Sheets for Different League Sizes
League size matters too. A cheat sheet for a 10-team league is not the same as one for 14 teams.
- 10-Team League
Load up on top players. You don’t need to reach for depth. - 12-Team League
Most common size. Balance in every position matters. - 14+ Team League
Go deep. Sleepers, handcuffs, and backups become much more valuable.
Make sure your fantasy football cheat sheet goes deep enough to help you through every round.
Cheat Sheet Tips for Auction Drafts
Auction drafts don’t follow a normal order. You bid on players using a budget. So, your fantasy football cheat sheet needs prices, not just ranks.
Tips for auction cheat sheets:
- Add estimated auction values next to names.
- Know your top targets ahead of time.
- Group players in tiers to see drop-offs in talent.
- Don’t overspend early unless it’s a must-have player.
- Save money for late steals.
Auction leagues need a little more prep, but they’re tons of fun.
How Often Should You Update Your Cheat Sheet?
Football changes fast. Injuries, suspensions, trades, or camp performances can shuffle rankings overnight. You should update your fantasy football cheat sheet every:
- Week (during preseason)
- Day (in the week before your draft)
- Hour (on the day of your draft if big injury news breaks)
Trust expert sites that update live, and adjust your own sheet to reflect real-world changes.
FAQs
1. Do I need a cheat sheet if my platform already ranks players?
Yes! Platform rankings (like ESPN or Yahoo) are often outdated or biased. A personalized cheat sheet gives you an advantage.
2. What’s the best site to download a free cheat sheet?
FantasyPros, ESPN, Yahoo, and NFL.com are great for free, updated cheat sheets. Just make sure they match your scoring format.
3. When should I print or prep my cheat sheet?
At least 1–2 days before your draft, and again the morning of the draft to make last-minute changes.
4. Should I make a different cheat sheet for each league?
Yes! Each league (formats, size, scoring) is different. One great sheet in one league might not work in another.
5. Can I use a cheat sheet on my phone during a live draft?
Absolutely. Just make sure your battery is full and tabs are open so you don’t waste time switching screens.
6. Do pro fantasy players use cheat sheets?
Yes. Even experts use fantasy football cheat sheets so they can stay focused and organized under pressure.
Conclusion
Draft day can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. With a smart and simple fantasy football cheat sheet, the entire process becomes easier, faster, and way more fun.
You’ll feel confident. You’ll save time. And best of all—you’ll draft smarter.
Your cheat sheet is like your draft-day playbook. Personalize it, trust it, and lean on it when those crucial picks come up. Whether you’re using a printed paper, an app, or a custom Excel file—your cheat sheet is your edge.
This year, go deeper. Be more prepared. And walk away from your draft knowing you built a winning team, one pick at a time.
