2023 Fantasy Football Auto Draft Strategy

Expert Ken Kelly takes us through the fantasy football auto draft strategy.

What is an Auto Draft in Fantasy Football?

An auto draft in fantasy football refers to a feature that allows participants to have their teams automatically selected by the system instead of manually picking players during the draft process.

It is a convenient option for those who are unable to attend the live draft or prefer to let the system make their selections.

The Auto draft is also known as auto pick, is a feature provided by fantasy football platforms enable participants to create a team without directly participating in the draft.

The system automatically selects players based on pre-determined rankings or preferences for your auto-draft fantasy football draft.

How does Auto Draft Work?

When setting up an auto draft, participants can customize their draft strategy by pre-ranking players based on their preferences.

The system then uses these rankings to make selections on their behalf during the draft. It takes into account the draft position and the availability of players at each pick.

Advantages of Auto Drafting

Auto drafting can be advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, it saves time for participants who cannot commit to attending the live fantasy draft.

Secondly, it eliminates the pressure of making quick decisions during the draft, allowing participants to focus on other aspects of their fantasy football team.

Lastly, it can serve as a useful tool for beginners or those unfamiliar with player rankings and draft strategies. Many fantasy leagues start with this format and move to a live draft later in following NFL seasons.

How to Set Up Auto Draft in Fantasy Football

1. Steps to Enable Auto Draft

1. Log in to your chosen platform’s Fantasy Football account.

2. Go to the “League” tab and select the specific league you want to participate in.

3. Click on the “Draft” tab and navigate to the “Draft Settings” section.

4. Look for the “Autopick Draft” option and enable it.

5. Customize your draft strategy by pre-ranking players based on your preferences or use the default rankings provided by the system.

6. Save your draft preferences and exit the settings.

2. Customizing Your Auto Draft Strategy

To maximize the effectiveness of your auto draft, take some time to customize your draft strategy:

– Research player rankings and create your own pre-rankings to reflect your preferences.

– Consider the scoring system of your league to prioritize players who excel in specific categories.

– Balance your roster by targeting key positions (such as running back, wide receiver, and quarterback) at appropriate times during the draft instead of trying to draft either the best player each round.

3. Pre-Ranking Players for Auto Draft

Pre-ranking players is a crucial aspect of your auto draft strategy. It allows you to prioritize players you want to draft every round and ensure that the system selects them accordingly. Spend time researching player rankings, analyzing statistics, and considering their performance projections for the upcoming season.

This information will help you make informed decisions and create a list of preferred players to be drafted by the system.

Pros and Cons of Using Auto Draft in Fantasy Football

Auto drafting comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore both sides:

Advantages of Auto Draft

– Time-saving: Auto drafting saves time for participants who are unable to attend the live draft.

– Expert rankings: The system uses expert rankings to make selections, ensuring a solid foundation for your team. You don’t have to target one fantasy player to win your league.

– Equal opportunity: Auto drafting eliminates biases or preferences during the live draft, providing equal opportunities for all participants.

Disadvantages of Auto Draft

– Lack of control: Participants have limited control over the draft process, relying on the system to make selections.

– Inability to adapt: Auto drafting may not allow participants to adapt to real-time changes in the draft room or take advantage of value picks.

– Limited customization: While participants can pre-rank players, it may not offer the same level of customization as manual drafting.

When to Use Auto Draft and When to Avoid It

Auto drafting is suitable for participants who cannot commit to attending the live draft or are new to fantasy football. It provides a convenient option and ensures that participants still have a competitive team.

However, if you are experienced and prefer to have full control over your draft strategy, manual drafting may be a better choice.

Tips and Strategies for Auto Drafting in Fantasy Football

Auto drafting doesn’t mean you can’t implement strategies to maximize your chances of success. Here are some tips:

Understanding Average Draft Position (ADP)

ADP refers to the average position at which a player is drafted in fantasy football. Familiarize yourself with ADP to identify players who are often undervalued or overvalued by the system.

This knowledge can help you make better decisions during your auto draft. Use the ADP information and rankings to dominate your own draft.

Waiting on a Tight End

Tight ends are typically less consistent in fantasy football compared to other positions. Consider waiting until later rounds to draft a tight end and focus on securing more reliable running backs and wide receivers early in the draft.

Flexibility in Drafting

Be open-minded during the auto draft and be flexible with your draft strategy. Adjust your pre-rankings and preferences based on the selections made by the system.

Being adaptable will allow you to take advantage of value picks and adjust your team composition as the draft progresses.

Mock Drafts: A Valuable Tool for Auto Drafters

Mock drafts are an excellent tool for auto drafters to familiarize themselves with the drafting process and test different strategies. Here’s what you need to know about mock drafts:

What is a Mock Draft?

A mock draft is a simulated draft in which participants can practice drafting players without any real consequences. It allows you to understand the draft interface, test your auto draft settings, and analyze the results to refine your strategy.

How to Use Mock Drafts for Better Auto Drafting?

Participate in multiple mock drafts to gain experience and fine-tune your auto draft strategy. Experiment with different pre-rankings, observe how the system makes selections, and identify scenarios where you can optimize your team composition.

The Importance of Analyzing Mock Draft Results

After each mock draft, analyze the results to identify trends and potential improvements. Look for weaknesses in your team, areas where you missed value picks, or instances where the auto draft did not align with your strategy. Use this information to refine your pre-rankings and draft strategy.

Preparing Your Roster for Auto Draft

Properly preparing your roster before the auto draft can significantly impact your team’s performance. Here are some tips:

Researching Player Rankings

Stay updated with player rankings from reliable sources. Analyze expert opinions, evaluate player performance in previous seasons, and consider factors like injuries, suspensions, and team changes.

This will help you better understand player values and make informed decisions during the auto draft.

Balancing Your Roster with Key Positions

Balance is crucial in fantasy football. Identify key positions like running back, wide receiver, and quarterback and prioritize them during the draft. By having a well-balanced roster, you increase your chances of building a competitive team.

Targeting Best Available Players

During the auto draft, target the best available players according to your pre-rankings. Avoid getting fixated on a specific position or player. You can create a well-rounded team by adapting your strategy based on the available options.

Maximizing Your Auto Draft Strategy in a Fantasy Football League

To maximize your auto draft strategy, consider the following factors:

Understanding League Settings

Be familiar with the specific rules and settings of your fantasy football league. This includes scoring system, roster requirements, and any customized rules. Tailor your draft strategy accordingly to optimize your team’s performance within the league framework.

Reacting to Draft Position

Your draft position can influence your entire team composition. If you have an early pick