So You Wanna Phone It In? A Guide to Auto-Drafting in NFL Fantasy
Let's face it, fantasy football drafts can be a nerve-wracking affair. The pressure! The strategy! The questionable decisions fueled by pre-draft jitters (looking at you, guy who drafted a kicker in the second round). But fear not, weary warriors of the waiver wire, there's a solution for the eternally indecisive or the tragically busy: the glorious auto-draft.
How To Auto Draft On Nfl Fantasy |
But What Exactly Is An Auto-Draft?
Imagine this: you set it, and NFL.com forgets it (not really, they're very good at remembering things). An auto-draft is where the fantasy gods themselves (or a fancy algorithm) take the wheel and assemble your team based on pre-determined rankings.
Think of it like having your fantasy grandma on speed dial - she'll fill your roster, but you might end up with a surprising number of tight ends.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Why Auto-Draft? Here's the Lowdown
- Busy Bee Blues? No Sweat! Life throws curveballs, and sometimes that curveball is a work deadline that clashes with your draft. Auto-draft ensures you're not left with a roster thinner than a bowl of skim milk.
- Draft Day Jitters? We've Got You. Do you get clammy palms just thinking about the draft board? Auto-draft eliminates the whole stressful "who do I pick?!" situation. Just sit back, relax, and maybe catch up on those reruns of The Good Place.
- Fantasy Newbie? No Problem! Don't know a running back from a wide receiver? No worries! Auto-draft will build a solid foundation based on expert rankings, giving you a fighting chance in the league.
Of Course, There's a Catch (There Always Is)
- Surprise! You Might Not Be Getting Your Dream Team. While auto-draft is great, it doesn't account for strategy or bye weeks. You might end up with a QB with a week 1 bye or a running back committee that makes you tear your hair out.
- The Auto-Draft Gods Have a Mind of Their Own. Those fancy algorithms can be fickle beasts. Be prepared for some unexpected picks (we're looking at you, auto-drafted defense in the 3rd round).
Here's the golden rule: If you have the time and fantasy know-how, a live draft is the way to go. But if fate (or your boss) has other plans, auto-draft is your safety net.
Auto-Draft FAQ
How do I set up an auto-draft?
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
Check your specific fantasy platform's settings. NFL.com allows you to pre-rank players before the draft, which the auto-draft will use to make picks.
Can I make changes to my auto-drafted team?
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
Absolutely! Once the draft is complete, you can edit your team like normal. Think of auto-draft as a suggestion, not a dictatorship.
How do I know if my league is an auto-draft league?
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Your league manager will set the draft type (live or auto). If you're unsure, just ask!
Is auto-draft a guaranteed path to fantasy glory?
Probably not, but it can give you a decent starting point. Remember, fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint.
Should I tell my league mates I auto-drafted?
Up to you! You can play it cool or embrace the "laid-back fantasy manager" persona. Just own it with confidence (or humor, if things go south).