[Editor’s note: We published this in 2021 but we’re bringing it back again!]
Snake drafts in fantasy football are all fine and good.
But if you’re doing a salary cap draft — which can be much more challenging — there are a lot more wrinkles to think about.
That’s why I decided to write up this tip sheet for you, whether it’s your first time bidding on players or you’re used to the format.
Before we go ahead, I’ll advocate for it: Snake drafts are a repetitive format, and you can’t necessarily always get the players you want. Here, you can target the dudes you want and build a strategy around getting them (if the price is right, of course).
Let’s jump in:
1
Make a spreadsheet
I do this every year and it’s been the biggest help during the draft.
Write down every position you’re drafting for, then allocate a projected amount to each of them. That’s when you can stand back and look at the big picture: Are you spending $20 on your QB1 or $2? Are you planning on spending big on running backs and less on wide receivers? Are you a $60 on Travis Kelce kind of drafter or are you spending $3 for Irv Smith Jr.?
My advice: Most of your bench and your kicker and defense should be $1 each, with maybe a slot or two for $2-$3 spends for sleepers you REALLY like.
Did you do that? Good. Because my next tip counters this entire process.
2
Be flexible at the draft
OK, so all that hard work you put into prep now must be balanced by feeling out the room with each pick.
Say you’ve budgeted $60 for your RB1 and you’re hoping to grab Christian McCaffrey. If the bids for Christian McCaffrey are slowing down to about $55, obviously you’re bidding there.
But if McCaffrey starts going for $65, $66, $67 … it’s up to you if you want to chase the No. 1 overall pick for a few more dollars or move on.
In another case: You didn’t plan on grabbing, say, Chris Godwin, but you notice he’s about to go for $10 instead of $20. Go for it! Value is key and you’ll be able to use that extra money for another elite player.
Here’s what I’m saying: Your spreadsheet isn’t set in stone. See how people are bidding and adjust your expectations (and maybe your numbers) mid-draft if need be.
3
Nominate players you don't want for bids until later
I do this with the top kicker and defense a lot to see if someone is willing to spend an extra dollar or two on them. It annoys everyone, but if someone swoops in, that’s a dollar or two less those teams have for much more important position players (also: Great way to get the top kicker or defense if no one bids!).
Just be careful later in the draft to start putting up players you want for bid. You don’t want to end up with two kickers or a player you wanted to avoid because no one else bid on them and you’re stuck with them.
4
Be bold
I’ve seen this happen time and time again at one of these drafts: the top 14 picks or so get taken and one team hasn’t grabbed one of them because the prices seem too high.
I’m all for gauging value, but being the only person in the room with a lot of money to spend later in a draft leads to mediocre rosters. You want your bench to be dart-board throws, especially because if one doesn’t pan out, you have room to drop one of them for a waiver-wire pickup.
If you have $40 left and you’ve reached the stage when everyone’s bidding under $10 a player, you’re going to overspend for lesser talent.
So pick a few top guys you know you want, find one that suits your price range and grab them, even if you go a little over budget.
5
Don't leave money on the table*
There’s an asterisk because if it’s a keeper league and the value of a player next season is based on that number, that’s different.
But seriously: You can’t take it with you into the season. Spend every dollar you’ve got. Sort of related to No. 4 up there, but just a reminder.
6
PAY ATTENTION
THAT’S IN ALL CAPS FOR A REASON.
It’s not like a snake draft when you can pick, walk away for a minute and come back to see who’s been taken. In this situation, you could miss out on a high-priced player going for a bargain-basement price.
But this also means: Make sure to take a look at how much money your opponents have spent, how much they have left and what their maximum bid can be.
That becomes key in the final rounds. Say there’s a sleeper you want and your max bid is $3, but someone else’s is $2. Nominate the guy at $3 just so you get him and your opponent doesn’t.
Good luck!
