Waiver Wire Tips (1 Viewer)

[wittyusername]

I have been playing FF for 7 years. Very mixed results, some years done very well, other years finished .500. One consistant aspect is that I don't seem to work the waiver wire very well. I usually end the season with 75% of my blindbidding $$ un-used. I sense that the more successful players use the vast majority of their $$ within the first 4 games of the season. What are they looking for? What strategies are being used? What are you looking for when hitting the waiver wire ? Tips, suggestions?

 

[The Carnage]

What type of league is it? Dynasty, keeper, redraft?

In a dynasty league, it's usually a good move to start trimming the average guys from your roster near the end of the season and pick up players who you think may get more playing time next year. To a certain extent, you may be able to try the same thing in a keeper league, but generally you are keeping just a few players in that format so it's not likely that someone you pick up in week 10 is someone that is going to be among your handlfull of holdovers.

In a redraft, or any other type for that matter, look ahead in the NFL schedule and see the parings, comparing them to what's on the WW and how that might relate to a weak position, bye week, or bad match-up for your positions. If you have roster space you can dedicate a position or two to these type of pickups. Stay up on the news and keep an eye and ear on the buzz about players, and if fits for you take a chance here and there.

 

[wittyusername]

Thanks for the response - yes, I am playing in a standard redraft leagues, typical scoring. Do people generally try to ID the breakout WR or RB in the first 1 or 2 weeks and then take a longshot gamble that their performance wasn't just a flash-in-the-pan?

 

[mcd]

I think the mistake many people make is thinking they can throw out a small token bid & get that guy that stands out. As an example, the season Boldin came out & had that huge first game, I bid 70% (or $70) of my funds to get him. Other owners put in the usual $5 to $10 bid. Your bidding against 11 other owners so if you see someone who you think will be a difference maker, don't be afraid to bid crazy. Same thing happened a few years ago when Graham took over in mid season for the Bucs. Usually there are not more than a handful of guys that become available during the season that are going to change your season. Keep enough $$$ to cover your emergency pickups each week but don't be afraid to throw out some high bids with the rest.

 

[wittyusername]

I think the mistake many people make is thinking they can throw out a small token bid & get that guy that stands out. As an example, the season Boldin came out & had that huge first game, I bid 70% (or $70) of my funds to get him. Other owners put in the usual $5 to $10 bid. Your bidding against 11 other owners so if you see someone who you think will be a difference maker, don't be afraid to bid crazy. Same thing happened a few years ago when Graham took over in mid season for the Bucs. Usually there are not more than a handful of guys that become available during the season that are going to change your season. Keep enough $$$ to cover your emergency pickups each week but don't be afraid to throw out some high bids with the rest.

Thanks. Yes I guess the trick is to jump early on breakout players - problem is determining if they are just one week wonders!

 

[Sabertooth]

Another place where people constantly neglect is the bottom of the roster. Kickers and Defenses can be huge. And the good ones can be had for cheap. But you have to look for defenses with good matchups. I use the Ultimate SOS for defenses on this site and try to find D that will be playing against young and/or crappy QBs. Plus you can shuttle defenses on and off your roster. Kickers not as much, but I'll spend more resources than the average guy just to get a good one on the team. I just look for one that is on an offense that scores a lot.