Fantasy Football Review of 2015 Season and Auction Drafts
Fantasy Football Strategy and Suggestions
After having my first article published, I felt like I was freed. I don’t really have an explanation for why this is, but it may because becoming a sports writer has always been my dream. With that being said, I am ready to pump out content for the upcoming fantasy season.
A quick review of last season: I called the breakout for DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Eifert, Allen Robinson, and Cam Newton. Failures: CJ Anderson, Dez Bryant, Arian Foster, and Alshon Jeffrey. Injuries seemed to plague the stars I targeted in the second round. As shown above.
Why I was successful last season
First of all, a standard snake draft is much more difficult to grab those primed for a breakout. I recommend to all fantasy players trying an auction. I won 4/5 paid auction leagues last season. Honestly not trying to brag, I’m simply trying to show how a change in draft type can make you an average player to an excellent player in fantasy football. Here’s why.
Next: Why You Should Try Auction Drafts
Auction Drafts
I have played fantasy football for five years now, but became seriously interested over the past three years. Most fantasy players will agree, there are some players you just NEED to have on your team. Around July, I completed a standard snake draft. Numerous times the player I wanted before the draft happened to be swooped up right before my pick, every fantasy player has experienced this, it stinks. In a standard draft, if you HAD to have Antonio Brown on your team, it would only be possible if you were given the number one pick. Another issue for me was that I used to rely so heavily on ADP’s and “expert” rankings so I would be too afraid to reach on players that I loved. Save yourself the inevitable pain that comes with snake drafts, and do a few this year. Seriously… do it. I was already able to get Arian Foster for under $10, which is a steal even when you factor in the injury and workload concerns.
Next: The Strategy and How it Works
A Beginner Strategy
I loved Allen Robinson, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Eifert etc. last season. The issue with my standard drafts were I was too scared to take Hopkins in the second round, but by the time my third pick was up, he was gone. My standard drafts weren’t bad last season, but nowhere near as successful as my auctions and that’s why I decided to try and help as many people as I can.
The key is too find 4-6 players you absolutely love. I recommend finding them in this format: 1 star or 2 close to stardom, 3 good players with upside/risk and 2 late sleepers with massive upside/risk. Avoid QB, grab a TE for $1-$5, and load up on the skill positions, RB/WR. Here is an example for some realistic targets for the upcoming season: Lamar Miller, Keenan Allen | Jay Ajayi, Donte Moncrief, Dion Lewis | Josh Gordon and Arian Foster.
Next: The Reason Behind It
Why it Works!
This method is effective though not necessary for auction success, ultimately it’s up to you to use personal judgement to avoid over/under spending. By picking one star or two great players, you’re almost guaranteeing yourself a stud, in the case of an injury, you have the second player who is still very good. Some auction players try to grab 2 or 3 of the top players but have no money for reserves or a quality flex play. If any of their stars are injured, chances are their season is over. Finding those middle round studs and of course, the late round sleeper will win you your fantasy league.
If you drafted Devonta Freeman last season, you most likely made the playoffs. After knocking out your stud and middle-upper tier players, it’s time to find two high upside/ high risk players. Arian Foster and Josh Gordon are a great example because you can get both extremely cheap in auctions. One is a free agent and recovering from a torn Achilles, while the other has failed multiple drug tests and is awaiting reinstatement back into the NFL.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
- NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?
- MLB Rumors: Cardinals budging on Arenado, Orioles-Ohtani package, Yankees backup plan
- Patriots backup plan for DeAndre Hopkins is a shot in the dark
- Raiders: Saquon Barkley’s new contract may have screwed over Josh Jacobs
The reason you draft these two players or those in similar situations is the low risk and high reward system each are a part of. Worst case scenario, you drop them and pick up a hot free agent, you only spent a couple bucks on them in the auction anyway. Now if Gordon ends up getting reinstated and Foster lands in a place like Washington, you’ll have the best roster in the league before the start of the season. High risk is not always a negative term, as long as you can grab these players where you feel comfortable with the rest of your roster.
Next: Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 3
I can’t stress this enough, please try an auction draft and if you ever need any help, you know where to find me! Good luck in fantasy this season and thank you for reading.