Executing your strategy in an auction draft can be tricky. You could just hope for the best when it comes to getting players at the price you want. Or you can employ some tactics to tip the scales in your favor. I’ll give some general tactical advice first. Then i’ll break a few down by position. Your strategy will dictate which tactics will help you accomplish your goals.
General
The most basic tactic is to stay in the action. Don’t pass on a player just because you don’t want them. If you know that a player should go much higher than your minimum bid, then bid, keep your options open. If you only bid on the players you really want, people will catch on and drive the prices up on you. In other words, disguise your intentions.
In general when nominating players, I like to zig when they zag. If everyone is nominating tier one RBs then I’ll nominate a tier two WR or a DEF. Doing this can accomplish two things. You can earn a few bargains because people will be focused elsewhere on their roster. And you can also help establish the going rate in other areas, giving you the information you need to adjust your strategy.
Take advantage of other players tendencies. Use your people reading skills to assist you in your decision making. If you see that another person is only bidding on players that they really want, then drive the prices up on them. Also look for players who will always try to win a one on one bidding war. Make them pay too much whenever possible and but don’t get sucked in to paying too much yourself.
Some people will broadcast their intentions by nominating a player for a higher price or making large increases in the bidding. When this happens it is usually a strong indicator that they really want this player. First, don’t do this, second, take advantage of those who do when possible.
Also remember that there are no real ‘sleeper’ picks in auction drafts, you may have a guy you want that no one else is thinking about. But if you nominate him, everyone else is now thinking about him. And anyone with the funds can steal your guy. So timing is important, hold on to your ‘sleeper’ till people either don’t have the funds, or the roster spots to make a run at your guy.
Quarterbacks
Your strategy will have a major impact on your tactics for drafting a QB. If you want an elite passer then you will be at the mercy of the market. However if you can get other people to spend their money elsewhere first, than you just may be able to save a few bucks on that elite QB. So on your turn to nominate, put up the big money RBs and WRs first, and be sure to drive the price up if you can.
If you have your eye on a specific second tier QB then you’ll have to pay close attention to the market and how many people still need QBs. Once the first of the second tier QBs is off the board, you’ll know the price range you can expect. If you like what you see then go ahead and nominate the guy you want. You can wait for a few more second tier guys to be sold if you want to try to save a dollar or two, but don’t wait too long. If too many people want a second tier QB you might end up in a small bidding war for the last one or two guys in that tier.
If you are looking for a bargain priced QB then strike while there are still a few better options on the board. People will pay little attention to a tier three QB when there are still a few tier two QBs left. You might get your guy with little or no contest. However, don’t go grabbing your tier three guy before the market for the tier two guys is established. You might get surprised and be able to grab a tier two guy for a tier three price. But don’t wait wait too long or leave yourself too little money. People may start grabbing backup QBs and you’ll be left with slim pickings.
When it comes to backup QBs, your general strategy will be to get one very cheap, for a dollar or just a bit more. There is not too much tactically you can do here. However if you have a specific guy in mind, wait as long as possible, if no one has a lot of cash left then you shouldn’t have a problem getting your guy.
Next time i’ll continue the tactical breakdown by position.