Alright, so let’s talk about how I tackled my first fantasy football auction draft. Honestly, it was a bit of a mess at first, but I learned a ton, and that’s what I’m here to share.
Get Ready
First things first, I hit up every source I could find on player rankings and values. I mean, I was drowning in data. I did mock drafts until my eyes bled, trying to get a feel for the flow of an auction.

Budgeting
Then came the budgeting part. I set a limit for each position, which, in hindsight, was a bit too rigid. I was so focused on not overspending that I missed out on a few players I really wanted.
The Nomination Game
When the draft started, I decided to nominate a couple of big-name players I wasn’t really interested in. The idea was to get others to blow their budget early, and it kinda worked. People were throwing money around like crazy, and I just sat back, watching the chaos unfold.
Bidding Wars
I also tried to be strategic with my bids. I figured if I only bid on the guys I truly wanted, others would catch on and drive up the prices. So I started throwing in bids for players I was only mildly interested in, just to keep everyone guessing. It was like a high-stakes poker game.
My Top Picks
- I snagged a top-tier running back and a solid tight end early on. Felt pretty good about those picks.
- Tried to balance my team, but I think I got a bit too caught up in the “value” picks and ended up with a few duds.
Lessons Learned
- Don’t be afraid to adjust your budget on the fly. Some players are worth the extra cash.
- Nominating players is an art. Use it to your advantage to manipulate the market.
- Be active in the bidding, but don’t get carried away. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
All in all, it was a wild ride. I made some mistakes, for sure, but I also pulled off some sweet deals. I definitely have a better feel for how this whole auction draft thing works now. I hope this helps someone to dominate the auction draft.