Let’s start with a simple, unequivocal, and in-no-way subjective fact: auction drafts are the best drafts. Auction drafts are more fun, they reward savvy fantasy players more than snake drafts, and they allow you to grab any player you’re willing to break the bank for. But how do you make the most of your bankroll and come away with a winning team? Here’s what to do… and what NOT to do.
DO – Study the suggested values on the site you’ll be using
The one factor that skews auction drafts more than anything is the suggested values listed next to players during drafts. People see those prices and assume that’s what certain guys should cost. Even experienced owners will bid up to a level they wouldn’t normally, or be scared off of getting a guy they like just because there’s a “price tag” associated with a player. Joe Mixon is a great example this year. ESPN lists his suggested value at $37. Consequently, his average auction value there is $33.2. Yahoo, on the other hand, lists Mixon at $52. His Yahoo average auction value is $51.2. That is a huge discrepancy based solely on a subjective “suggested” value.
DON’T – Blindly follow the suggested values
No matter how hard we try, it’s difficult to disregard those suggested values. But as shown with Joe Mixon, you can end up paying a completely different price based on where you’re drafting. Create your own values based on rankings that you trust and stick to them. Maybe you think Mixon is an elite RB and should be priced as such. If you’re drafting on ESPN, don’t be scared off when you approach that suggested $37. You may get some funny looks from your league mates if you go as high as $45, but you’re getting a steal if your values are more in line with the $52 price that is suggested elsewhere.
DO – Use tiers
Everyone should be using tiers, regardless of draft format. But tiers are even more important in auction drafts. Tiers allow you to budget hypothetical teams and then slot real players in once they’re drafted. Let’s say you have a $200 budget and you want to build your team around an elite running back. A top tier running back will usually run you around $60-$70. Find a number in that range that you are comfortable paying and assign it to all the guys in that tier. Do the same with every tier down the line.
DON’T – Get caught bidding on the last guy in a tier
This happens every year. You see a guy who could be considered the “top” of a tier (let’s say Christian McCaffrey) go for $70. Soon thereafter, Saquon Barkley, Dalvin Cook, and Ezekiel Elliott go for prices in the $62-$65 range. All of a sudden, the rest of the league finds themselves in a bidding war for the last elite running back and Alvin Kamara comes off the board at $72. Don’t be the person who gets caught paying desperation-level prices.
DO – Set the market
One of the easiest ways to make sure you don’t get caught bidding for the last guy in a tier is to go out and get the first guy in the tier. It’s a simple concept, but owners can get gun-shy early in drafts when big names and big money starts flying around. If you get the sense that your league mates are willing to sit back and let you set the market, don’t be afraid to pounce. Get your guy early, then strategize your next move while the rest of the league fights over the remainder of that tier.
DON’T – Focus too much on specific targets
One of the best things about auction drafts is that you are not beholden to your draft position. As someone who almost always gets saddled with the seventh or eighth pick, this is incredibly enticing. Every fantasy football player loves finding guys who will outperform their ADP. But focusing too much on specific players comes with a huge downside in auctions. Saving your money as other values come off the board leaves you with no room to pivot if another league-mate decides to outbid you for your guy. Don’t forget to fill out your team while you wait for your targets to come up.
DO – Spend a couple of extra bucks to get your guy
Let’s say you love Chris Godwin. I mean, who doesn’t? When you see Godwin’s name pop up in the auction, you get excited and start bidding. The potential buyers thin out as the price climbs and soon it’s between you and one other owner. You reach what you consider a fair price for Godwin and your opponent immediately raises you. The room falls quiet and your finger hovers over the bid button. Do you want to spend that extra money here or wait for another target who you may not love as much? Press that button. Spending a few extra dollars in that situation won’t doom the rest of your team. If your opponent decides to pay a price that you find unreasonable, that’s fine. But give yourself a real shot at getting the guy you want.
Auction drafting is the way to go, but it can be daunting to a newbie. Follow these do’s and don’ts and you’ll be on your way to crafting a great team that just isn’t available to you in a traditional snake draft. Check out part two for more tips on how to dominate your auction draft. Hit me up on Twitter with any auction (or fantasy-related) questions @DynastyWalrus.
