SI Invitational Fantasy Football Experts League Draft Results

Michael Fabiano | Aug 26, 2025

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was one of the top overall picks in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Invitational Experts League. / Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

The Sports Illustrated Invitational Fantasy Football Experts League is a 12-team, 18-round, full-point PPR Super Flex draft with a tight end premium (1.5 points per catch). Each team is required to field a starting lineup with one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one flex (RB/WR/TE), one super flex (QB/RB/WR/TE), one tight end, one kicker and one defense.

The participants included me, Nelson Sousa of FTN, Lindsay Rhodes of Sumer Sports, Bob Harris of FootballGuys, Howard Bender of Fantasy Alarm, Jen Piacenti of Shark Bets, Mike Harmon of FOX Sports Radio, Bill Enright of Fantasy Sports on SI, Andy Beherns, Criag Ellenport of Athlon Sports, Jamey Eisenberg of CBS Sports and actor and defending champion James Roday Rodriguez.

Below are the results of the draft with a few notes from the first 16 rounds in terms of what I was thinking when I was on was on the clock.

Enjoy!

Expert Fantasy Football League Draft Results

Round 1

Round/Pick	Team	Player
1.1	Sousa	Josh Allen, QB, Bills
1.2	Rhodes	Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
1.3	Harris	Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
1.4	Bender	Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders
1.5	Piacenti	CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys
1.6	Harmon	Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons
1.7	Enright	Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions
1.8	Behrens	Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders
1.9	Ellenport	Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
1.10	Eisenberg	Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles
1.11	Rodriguez	Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
1.12	Fabiano	Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings

Fabs' Notes: I almost always take a quarterback in the first round of a Superflex league, but I didn't want Patrick Mahomes or Bo Nix (best available). So, I went with the best non-quarterback on my board, Jefferson. Being this is a tight end premium league, it was no shock to see Bowers go in Round 1. He wasn't on my first-round bingo card, though.

Round 2

Round/Pick	Team	Player
2.13	McMillan	Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Lions
2.14	Dewey	Bo Nix, QB, Broncos
2.15	Platana	Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
2.16	Rodriguez	Malik Nabers, WR, Giants
2.17	Pluym	Derrick Henry, RB, Ravens
2.18	Verderame	Trey McBride, TE, Cardinals
2.19	Giuffria	Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars
2.20	Mosher	Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders
2.21	Fabiano	Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts
2.22	Summers	Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
2.23	De Los Santos	Bucky Irving, RB, Buccaneers
2.24	Eisenberg	Chase Brown, RB, Bengals

Fabs' Notes: Since I didn't want Mahomes or Nix (who did go later in the round), I went with the next-best non-quarterback on my roster ... St. Brown. By doing this, I know I'm going to have to look hard at quarterbacks in the third and fourth rounds. It's notable that half of the picks in this round were running backs, including Irving and Brown.

Round 3

Round/Pick	Team	Player
3.25	Sousa	Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers
3.26	Rhodes	Nico Collins, WR, Texans
3.27	Harris	Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals
3.28	Bender	Josh Jacobs, RB, Packers
3.29	Piacenti	George Kittle, TE, 49ers
3.30	Harmon	Drake London, WR, Falcons
3.31	Enright	Baker Mayfield, QB, Buccaneers
3.32	Behrens	Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers
3.33	Ellenport	Puka Nacua, WR, Rams
3.34	Eisenberg	De'Von Achane, RB, Dolphins
3.35	Rodriguez	Kyren Williams, RB, Rams
3.36	Fabiano	Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys

Fabs' Notes: Like I said, I had to look hard at quarterbacks ... and I did, taking Prescott. I'm expecting him to have a big season through the air and a potential top-12 finish at the position. I was surprised to see McConkey go ahead of some of the other wideouts like Collins, London and Puka. That's pretty bold, cotton. Kittle was the third tight end off the board.

Round 4

Round/Pick	Team	Player
4.37	McMillan	Caleb Williams, QB, Bears
4.38	Dewey	Drake Maye, QB, Patriots
4.39	Platana	A.J. Brown, WR, Eagles
4.40	Rodriguez	James Cook, RB, Bills
4.41	Pluym	Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks
4.42	Verderame	Justin Fields, QB, Jets
4.43	Giuffria	Jared Goff, QB, Lions
4.44	Mosher	Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
4.45	Fabiano	J.J. McCarthy, QB, Vikings
4.46	Summers	Davante Adams, WR, Rams
4.47	De Los Santos	Jordan Love, QB, Packers
4.48	Eisenberg	Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals

Fabs' Notes: Since I won't pick again for a while, I didn't want to wait to take a second quarterback. As a result, I landed one of my favorite breakout candidates at the position, Williams. There are no excuses for the USC product in his second NFL season, as the Bears have put him in a great spot to succeed. He was one of seven quarterbacks picked in the round.

Round 5

Round/Pick	Team	Player
5.49	Sousa	C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans
5.50	Rhodes	Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks
5.51	Harris	Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints
5.52	Bender	Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders
5.53	Piacenti	Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers
5.54	Harmon	Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons
5.55	Enright	TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots
5.56	Behrens	Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers
5.57	Ellenport	Bryce Young, QB, Panthers
5.58	Eisenberg	Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers
5.59	Rodriguez	Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Cardinals
5.60	Fabiano	Breece Hall, RB, Jets

Fabs' Notes: With two quarterbacks and two wide receivers on the roster, it's time to start looking for a running back. And while Hall scares the heck out of me, he was the best back left on the board. I'll have to hope he can push for low RB1 fantasy totals in what could be a committee in New York.

Round 6

Round/Pick	Team	Player
6.61	Fabiano	Sam LaPorta, TE, Lions
6.62	Rodriguez	DK Metcalf, WR, Steelers
6.63	Eisenberg	Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
6.64	Ellenport	Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
6.65	Behrens	Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets
6.66	Enright	DJ Moore, WR, Bears
6.67	Harmon	Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs
6.68	Piacenti	Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers
6.69	Bender	Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos
6.70	Harris	David Montgomery, RB, Lions
6.71	Rhodes	Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs
6.72	Sousa	James Conner, RB, Cardinals

Fabs Notes: I wanted to get a top-five tight end due to the premium scoring, and I wasn't going to get one unless I took LaPorta here. I know I still need another running back, but I just didn't see one that would be more valuable than LaPorta based on the scoring system. Notably, Kelce went just a few spots after me.

Round 7

Round/Pick	Team	Player
7.73	Sousa	Tyler Warren, TE, Colts
7.74	Rhodes	Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers
7.75	Harris	Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans
7.76	Bender	D'Andre Swift, RB, Bears
7.77	Piacenti	Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins
7.78	Harmon	RJ Harvey, RB, Broncos
7.79	Enright	Evan Engram, TE, Broncos
7.80	Behrens	George Pickens, WR, Cowboys
7.81	Ellenport	Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Vikings
7.82	Eisenberg	David Njoku, TE, Browns
7.83	Rodriguez	T.J. Hockenson, TE, Vikings
7.84	Fabiano	Tony Pollard, RB, Titans

Fabs' Notes: I was hoping Harvey fell to me at this point in the draft, but he went a few spots ahead of me. Once that happened, I thought of grabbing Hockenson and flexing him because of the tight end premium. Alas, he went one pick ahead of me (Roday sniped me several times in the draft)! As a result, I took Pollard as my second running back instead.

Round 8

Round/Pick	Team	Player
8.85	Fabiano	Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers
8.86	Rodriguez	Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs
8.87	Eisenberg	Jameson Williams, WR, Lions
8.88	Ellenport	Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens
8.89	Behrens	Sam Darnold, QB, Seahawks
8.90	Enright	Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers
8.91	Harmon	Tucker Kraft, TE, Packers
8.92	Piacenti	Jerry Jeudy, WR, Browns
8.93	Bender	Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
8.94	Harris	DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles
8.95	Rhodes	Chris Olave, WR, Saints
8.96	Sousa	Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings

Fabs' Notes: I'm wicked high on Egbuka, and there was no chance I'd get him if I didn't grab him here. With Chris Godwin still recovering from multiple ankle surgeries and Jalen McMillan out for an extended period of time, Egbuka could make an instant impact for the Buccaneers and fantasy football managers.

Round 9

Round/Pick	Team	Player
9.97	Sousa	Matthew Golden, WR, Packers
9.98	Rhodes	J.K. Dobbins, RB, Broncos
9.99	Harris	Colston Loveland, TE, Bears
9.100	Bender	Travis Hunter, WR, Jaguars
9.101	Piacenti	Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers
9.102	Harmon	Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks
9.103	Enright	Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots
9.104	Behrens	Rome Odunze, WR, Bears
9.105	Ellenport	Cooper Kupp, WR, Seahawks
9.106	Eisenberg	Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Giants
9.107	Rodriguez	Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, Commanders
9.108	Fabiano	Jake Ferguson, TE, Cowboys

Fabs' Notes: How about a quarterback and tight end stack? Ferguson could be a bargain, as his best fantasy season came two years ago when Prescott was under center. With the tight end premium, I like Ferguson to be a potential flex starter in this lineup.

Round 10

Round/Pick	Team	Player
10.109	Fabiano	Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders
10.110	Rodriguez	Cam Ward, QB, Titans
10.111	Eisenberg	Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins
10.112	Ellenport	Joe Mixon, RB, Texans
10.113	Behrens	Geno Smith, QB, Raiders
10.114	Enright	Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams
10.115	Harmon	Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jaguars
10.116	Piacenti	Joe Flacco, QB, Browns
10.117	Bender	Aaron Rodgers, QB, Steelers
10.118	Harris	Russell Wilson, QB, Giants
10.119	Rhodes	Zach Errtz, TE, Commanders
10.120	Sousa	Dalton Kincaid, TE, Bills

Fabs' Notes: I admit it ... I jumped on the Bill bandwagon. I didn't love any of the other available running backs, so I took a shot that Croskey-Merritt will be the Commanders' new starting running back in place of Brian Robinson Jr. There's definitely some risk involved to have him as my third back, but I'm hoping the exciting rookie pans out.

Round 11

Round/Pick	Team	Player
11.121	Sousa	Daniel Jones, QB, Colts
11.122	Rhodes	Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings
11.123	Harris	Tank Bigsby, RB, Jaguars
11.124	Bender	Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons
11.125	Piacenti	Jaydon Blue, RB, Cowboys
11.126	Harmon	Jakobi Meyers, WR, Raiders
11.127	Enright	Kaleb Johnson, RB, Steelers
11.128	Behrens	Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants
11.129	Ellenport	Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens
11.130	Eisenberg	Braelon Allen, RB, Jets
11.131	Rodriguez	Javonte Williams, RB, Cowboys
11.132	Fabiano	Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns

Fabs' Notes: I've drafted Judkins in so many leagues it's ridiculous at this point, but I can't pass on the potential value. Even if he's suspended for a few games, the rookie should take over as the Browns featured back at some point. It's another question in a fantasy backfield that has big potential but also a possibly low floor.

Round 12

Round/Pick	Team	Player
12.133	Fabiano	Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers
12.134	Rodriguez	Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers
12.135	Eisenberg	Keon Coleman, WR, Bills
12.136	Ellenport	Sheduer Sanders, QB, Browns
12.137	Behrens	Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills
12.138	Enright	Najee Harris, RB, Chargers
12.139	Harmon	Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Colts
12.140	Piacenti	Luther Burden III, WR, Bears
12.141	Bender	Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Commanders
12.142	Harris	Nick Chubb, RB, Texans
12.143	Rhodes	Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers
12.144	Sousa	Mason Taylor, TE, Jets

Fabs' Notes: Based on my last three picks, you know I'm not afraid to take some risks. Jennings has a calf injury and either wants a new deal or to be traded, but do we really think he's going to miss all or most of the season? That benefits no one. He's also the fourth receiver on this fantasy squad, so I can live without him for a few weeks if needed.

Round 13

Round/Pick	Team	Player
13.145	Sousa	Ray Davis, RB, Bills
13.146	Rhodes	Kyle Williams, WR, Patriots
13.147	Harris	Rashid Shaheed, WR, Saints
13.148	Bender	Jayden Higgins, WR, Texans
13.149	Piacenti	Christian Kirk, WR, Texans
13.150	Harmon	Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles
13.151	Enright	Josh Downs, WR, Colts
13.152	Behrens	Brenton Strange, TE, Jaguars
13.153	Ellenport	Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans
13.154	Eisenberg	Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts
13.155	Rodriguez	Jayden Reed, WR, Packers
13.156	Fabiano	Tyler Shough, QB, Saints

Fabs' Notes: I don't love this pick, but I took a chance on Shough to be my third quarterback. Heck, he might not even start for the Saints (it could very well be Spencer Rattler), but that's what you run into in Superflex leagues. If you follow each round, you'll see plenty of NFL backups being drafted ... like Richardson earlier in the round.

Round 14

Round/Pick	Team	Player
14.157	Fabiano	Jerome Ford, RB, Browns
14.158	Rodriguez	Cade Otton, TE, Buccaneers
14.159	Eisenberg	Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars
14.160	Ellenport	Rhasmondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots
14.161	Behrens	Jaxson Dart, QB, Giants
14.162	Enright	Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Broncos
14.163	Harmon	Isaac Guerendo, RB, 49ers
14.164	Piacenti	Tre Harris, WR, Chargers
14.165	Bender	Trey Benson, RB, Cardinals
14.166	Harris	Austin Ekeler, RB, Commanders
14.167	Rhodes	Hunter Henry, TE, Patriots
14.168	Sousa	Tyler Allgieier, RB, Falcons

Fabs' Notes: Since I have Judkins, I took Ford as insurance. He should play a big role in the Browns backfield until the rookie's situation is figured out, so it was a good move to grab him as depth.

Round 15

Round/Pick	Team	Player
15.169	Sousa	Alec Pierce, WR, Colts
15.170	Rhodes	Jalen Milroe, QB, Seahawks
15.171	Harris	Adam Thielen, WR, Panthers
15.172	Bender	Jaylen Wright, RB, Dolphins
15.173	Piacenti	Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns
15.174	Harmon	Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Rams
15.175	Enright	Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers
15.176	Behrens	Rochson Johnson, RB, Bears
15.177	Ellenport	Darnell Mooney, WR, Falcons
15.178	Eisenberg	Demario Douglas, WR, Patriots
15.179	Rodriguez	Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Comamnders
15.180	Fabiano	Jonnu Smith, TE, Steelers

Fabs' Notes: I know Smith is going to come nowhere near his breakout 2024 season, but for him to be on the board this late in a tight end premium league was surprising. With other teams drafting NFL backup quarterbacks and fliers at other positions, I couldn't pass on the value.

Round 16

Round/Pick	Team	Player
16.181	Fabiano	Cedric Tillman, WR, Browns
16.182	Rodriguez	Eagles defense
16.183	Eisenberg	Ollie Gordon, RB, Dolphins
16.184	Ellenport	Broncos defense
16.185	Behrens	Steelers defense
16.186	Enright	Brandon Aubrey, K, Cowboys
16.187	Harmon	Harrison Butker, K, Chiefs
16.188	Piacenti	Elijah Arroyo, TE, Seahawks
16.189	Bender	Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers
16.19	Harris	Pat Freiermuth, TE, Steelers
16.191	Rhodes	Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears
16.192	Sousa	Vikings defense

Fabs' Notes: I already have a couple of Browns on this roster, so why not add one more in Tillman? The kid has talent, and the announcement of Joe Flacco being their starter certainly helps the value of Cleveland's pass catchers.

Round 17

Round/Pick	Team	Player
17.193	Sousa	Cameron Dicker, K, Chargers
17.194	Rhodes	Chris Boswell, K, Steelers
17.195	Harris	Ravens defense
17.196	Bender	Texans defense
17.197	Piacenti	Bills defense
17.198	Harmon	Patriots defense
17.199	Enright	Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, Giants
17.200	Behrens	Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens
17.201	Ellenport	Tyler Loop, K, Ravens
17.202	Eisenberg	Ka'imi Fairbairn, K, Texans
17.203	Rodriguez	Jake Bates, K, Lions
17.204	Fabiano	Chase McLaughlin, K, Buccaneers

Round 18

Round/Pick	Team	Player
18.205	Fabiano	Cardinals defnese
18.206	Rodriguez	Chiefs defense
18.207	Eisenberg	49ers defense
18.208	Ellenport	Hollywood Brown, WR, Chiefs
18.209	Behrens	Wil Reichard, K, Vikings
18.210	Enright	Giants defense
18.211	Harmon	Will Shipley, RB, Eagles
18.212	Piacenti	Evan McPherson, K, Bengals
18.213	Bender	Cam Little, K, Jaguars
18.214	Harris	Jake Elliott, K, Eagles
18.215	Rhodes	Tory Horton, WR, Seahawks
18.216	Sousa	Justice Hill, RB, Ravens