I was honored to represent RotoWire at the Fantasy Football Expo and the King's Classic for the eighth consecutive year
The Expo weekend in Canton, Ohio, is a must for any serious fantasy football fan. Go once, and you might never stop. You'll find fantasy football analysts and fanatics together for a full weekend of live, in-person drafts, nightly parties and non-stop football talk. The Expo itself features panels with top industry voices, interactive booths and the chance to meet the RotoWire crew.
For those prepping for their own leagues, RotoWire's Fantasy football articles and Fantasy football draft kit are perfect resources to sharpen your edge.
The King's Classic Experience
While the Expo is amazing, the highlight for me is always the King's Classic fantasy football draft, a combination snake and auction format that tests every skill you have.
This year marked my eighth run in the Jim Brown division, drafting against a loaded field of fantasy football experts: Bob Harris, Patrick Daugherty, Jeff Ratcliffe, Matt Harmon, JJ Zachariason, Michael Fabiano, Brian Drake, Jody Smith, Andrew Cooper, Colby Conway, Dennis Clausen and Doug Orth. The vibe is a mix of fierce competition and genuine friendship.
The format is challenging: 14 teams, 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE and three flex spots. With four IR slots, the waiver wire is barren by Week 4, sometimes featuring players no longer in the NFL.
Snake Draft Breakdown
I picked 14th and expected an early run on running backs. My plan: secure
I was honored to represent RotoWire at the Fantasy Football Expo and the King's Classic for the eighth consecutive year
The Expo weekend in Canton, Ohio, is a must for any serious fantasy football fan. Go once, and you might never stop. You'll find fantasy football analysts and fanatics together for a full weekend of live, in-person drafts, nightly parties and non-stop football talk. The Expo itself features panels with top industry voices, interactive booths and the chance to meet the RotoWire crew.
For those prepping for their own leagues, RotoWire's Fantasy football articles and Fantasy football draft kit are perfect resources to sharpen your edge.
The King's Classic Experience
While the Expo is amazing, the highlight for me is always the King's Classic fantasy football draft, a combination snake and auction format that tests every skill you have.
This year marked my eighth run in the Jim Brown division, drafting against a loaded field of fantasy football experts: Bob Harris, Patrick Daugherty, Jeff Ratcliffe, Matt Harmon, JJ Zachariason, Michael Fabiano, Brian Drake, Jody Smith, Andrew Cooper, Colby Conway, Dennis Clausen and Doug Orth. The vibe is a mix of fierce competition and genuine friendship.
The format is challenging: 14 teams, 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE and three flex spots. With four IR slots, the waiver wire is barren by Week 4, sometimes featuring players no longer in the NFL.
Snake Draft Breakdown
I picked 14th and expected an early run on running backs. My plan: secure two backs quickly, wait on QB and TE and keep building RB/WR depth.
QB: Dak Prescott at pick 98 (round 7) gives me proven production with three top-7 fantasy finishes in his last three healthy seasons. C.J. Stroud was my late-round backup.
RB: Josh Jacobs and Chase Brown headlined my backfield, with Travis Etienne and Kaleb Johnson for depth.
WR: DJ Moore, DK Metcalf and Jakobi Meyers give me a high-floor trio. Brandon Aiyuk (injury stash) adds upside and Wan'Dale Robinson provides PPR floor.
TE: Jake Ferguson was TE14 off the board but a strong value. Dallas Goedert and Mason Taylor provide depth and flex viability.
Result: A balanced roster with a strong floor and enough upside for a playoff push.
Auction Draft Breakdown
QB: My original plan was a budget QB, but prices pushed me toward Jalen Hurts for $17 — cheaper than the $23 most top QBs fetched.
RB: Saquon Barkley ($42, market $52) and Josh Jacobs ($34, market $40) anchor my backfield. Depth includes Travis Etienne ($6), Quinshon Judkins ($2) and Justice Hill ($1).
WR: DJ Moore ($24, market $32), Rashee Rice ($13), Chris Olave ($17), Deebo Samuel ($8) and Wan'Dale Robinson ($4) give me value and variety.
TE: Trey McBride ($23) could produce like a $32-$36 WR. Chig Okonkwo ($1) and Juwan Johnson ($1) round out the position.
This roster has top-end talent, but depth will be tested. Staying healthy will be key.
Final Thoughts
The King's Classic is the ultimate fantasy football draft strategy test — a mix of skill, adaptability and endurance across two formats in one day. Add the energy of the Fantasy Football Expo, and it's a weekend every fantasy football player should experience at least once.
If you want to see how analysts adapt under pressure, keep an eye out for the full King's Classic draft results when they're posted. And if you make it to Canton next year, come say hello. You won't regret it.
Dominate your fantasy football league this season by exploring our ultimate draft kit. Packed with expert insights, rankings and strategy tips, the kit features our interactive mock draft simulator to prepare you for every scenario. Streamline your draft-day decisions using our printable cheat sheet and stay ahead of the competition with our up-to-date rankings for all formats. RotoWire has everything you need to win. To learn more, subscribe now and start optimizing your roster today.
