The winning SFB16 draft strategy comes down to three moves: draft falling pocket passers as elite values in the two superflex spots, use big-play and big-game bonuses only as tiebreakers, and never force RB or TE since there's no positional scarcity. Take what the board gives you and build a fast-starting roster to survive the Week 11 elimination cutoff.

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Scott Fish Bowl 16: Rules, Strategy, and Draft Approach

What Is the Scott Fish Bowl?

Absolutely special. It's a grand charity event put together by Fantasy Cares. They generate hundreds of thousands in donations every year (primarily to Toys for Tots). It's the unofficial start of the new fantasy football year. A fantasy football community extravaganza for a great cause. Hyper-unique scoring and format create an unparalleled challenge that also levels the playing field. You can, and should, donate here.

Should You Attend a Live SFB16 Draft?

Attending a live draft puts the whole experience over the top. The average person doesn't exactly get my fire for fantasy football, but one day a year I'm in a room with dozens who do. There is nothing quite like drafting a team alongside the experts and content creators. Like at my first draft a few years ago, I met Jen and Nate Polvogt, who was talking excitedly about a new platform, Optimus Fantasy, between picks. There will be 48 events WORLDWIDE. If you can make it to one, you must, even if you're not drafting.

SFB16 Format and Scoring Explained

The official #SFB16 scoring system — note the +10 video game bonuses and the tight end premium. (Graphic: Fantasy Cares)

SFB scoring is always a unique and fantastic challenge. Success requires a cunning analysis of the rules and format. Average draft position (ADP) will be little help, and you should do things that would be catastrophic in any other league. That's the fun of it, and it levels the playing field nicely.

For SFB16, I've been mock drafting heavily, including Mock Draft Mondays with Optimus Fantasy. I've been comparing last year's performances against SFB16 scoring and scouring adjusted projections to identify archetypes, trends, and undervalued players. I go pretty deep because I love it. I've done pretty well for myself in my three SFB appearances, especially for an average Joe. I've only missed the playoffs once (due to an overaggressive TE strategy). Last year I finished in the top 850 - out of more than 5,000 competitors - after making a deep playoff run.

Flex Spots and Big-Play Bonuses

In service of fantasy football fun, Scott loves to highlight really cool, rarely used rules. With SFB16, he is showing us the joy of a flex league and bonuses for big plays. With eight flex spots, two superflex spots and no dedicated positional spots, you can really cut loose. Get your guys, and the "best player available" method has never been more applicable.

The big-game/play bonuses will be less predictable on a week-to-week basis. However, when you're stuck deciding between two players, the tiebreaker should go to the QBs with big arms and high-aDOT/big-run-potential flex players. This should adjust where you place players within their tiers, but not completely overhaul your rankings.

Why Pocket Passing QBs Are the SFB16 Cheat Code

Pocket Passing QBs are back, baby!

There are two superflex spots, but you can't assume business as usual in SFB. This format favors QBs, but not to the extent you see in a traditional SF league. The most striking thing I noticed when comparing SFB16 scoring to 2025 production is how well pocket passers performed (both per game and at the end of the season). There were more pocket passing QBs in the top 25 than there were bell-cow running backs. However, preconceptions are artificially bringing down their ADP, and this is a massive exploit. We've been conditioned to fade the statues and go Konami. Last year's scoring trained gamers to fade QBs, creating value in SFB16 drafts. In the mocks I'm in, gamers are fading QBs. The Brock Purdys, Jared Goffs, and Matthew Staffords of the world should operate as elite options and can be drafted at a value. Of course, Josh Allen still slaps here and should be taken with a top 5 pick.

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RB and TE Values in SFB16

We all covet bell-cow backs because true difference-makers at RB are league winners. However, there's no positional scarcity without positional spots, and that totally changes the equation - no need to force it over a more sure thing at other positions. Scoring amongst the flex positions is pretty even. So if you're not getting good value at RB or TE, you should see good value at WR and QB. Wide receivers do very well. They seem to be falling regardless. Relax and take what the board is giving you. You're free to play jazz here; lots of builds could work. Let that freak flag fly, baby!

Don't Overdraft Tight Ends

The TE bonuses sound like a lot, until you remember how many TEs catch around 4 passes per game. That's only four points, six points less than the 100-yard bonus many RBs and WRs will hit. You can take Bowers at the 1.01 in this format. Trey McBride and Colston Loveland will be drafted by early in Round 2 in most divisions. These are fair prices, not values. I see people overdrafting TEs ahead of WR and RB 1s in late Round 2, early Round 3. I believe this is a mistake, especially considering the TEs available in the double-digit rounds.

Every year, shocking late-round or undrafted TEs emerge as top-tier options. This year will be no different. It makes sense to take multiple shots at TE in the double-digit rounds, especially when you're looking at WR3s and backups to backups at RB.

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Why a Fast Start Wins SFB16

You only have until Week 11 to get 13 wins (out of a possible 22 wins). So be careful not to grab too many players who might start slow. This means don't draft too many rookies or players coming into the season with injury concerns. While you should still consider these players for playoff upside, drafting too many could get you eliminated before that matters—balance them with veterans who tend to start fast.

You're not going to win the Scott Fish Bowl, but you should have the best time in the world trying. So here is my overall advice.

• Get a great QB room by grabbing falling pocket passers
• Do not force any position in particular.
• Take what the board gives you
• Come to a live draft and chat up people like yourself
• Donate to Fantasy Cares
• "Be a good person" - Scott Fish

SFB16 Players Going at Good Value

QB Values

Justin Herbert: Big arm, big-play upside, and legitimate QB1 overall potential in this format. He's going well after the elite QB tier despite offering a similar ceiling.

Brock Purdy: Lou Brunson has him projected as the overall player #3. Somehow he's still available as late as Round 8. I'd be looking to grab him in Round 5 or 6.

Sam Darnold: Going in the double-digit rounds despite ranking 28th overall in Lou's projections. His 2025 season would have been good for a 36th-place overall finish in this format. I don't see much changing for Darnold in 2026.

RB Values

Chase Brown: Going in the late third to mid-fourth round, well behind similar RB options. Attached to an explosive offense and offers excellent value at cost.

Rhamondre Stevenson: Mike Vrabel's old-school tendencies suggest Stevenson opens the year as the lead back. Sorry, Treveyon Henderson fans.

Jonathon Brooks: An excellent late-round lottery ticket with league-winning upside if things break right.

George Holani: Reports out of Seattle continue to be positive. Jadarian Price has yet to fully claim the job, leaving Holani with a path to meaningful touches.

WR Values

Jameson Williams: Might be the biggest beneficiary of the big-play bonuses. Finished last season on a tear and is less boom-or-bust than many people think.

Terry McLaurin: Going behind several trendy WR2s despite proven production and elite big-play ability.

Rashee Rice: Rice remains the WR1 in Kansas City and is seeing a massive ADP discount because of offseason bad vibes and dynasty concerns.

Malachi Fields: The late rounds of SFB are bleak. As are the Malik Nabers injury reports. Fields' ADP has him out of sight, out of mind. Makes for a great late-round add. 

TE Values

Kyle Pitts: Kevin Stefanski is in town. How did that work out for David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr.? Pitts can be drafted as your final starter in the Round 8-10 range.

Dallas Goedert: Can often be added as a bench player. Historically produces at a high level whenever A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith miss time.

Terrance Ferguson: A very late-round dart throw. If even some of the hype coming from the Rams organization is accurate, the upside is immense.

Drew Hamilton is a contributor to Optimus Fantasy Football with a passion for fantasy football strategy, player evaluation, and finding value where others aren't looking. Follow him on Bluesky at @legitffenterprise.bsky.social.