Fantasy football is a game of strategy, skill, and timely decision-making. One of the most important aspects of managing a successful team is understanding how waivers work. The waiver system ensures that all managers have a fair chance to add unclaimed players to their rosters, preventing the most active or quickest managers from gaining an unfair advantage.
What Are Waivers in Fantasy Football?
Waivers refer to the process by which players who are not on a fantasy team’s roster become available to be claimed. Instead of becoming immediately available on a first-come, first-served basis, players placed on waivers go through a waiting period during which team managers can submit claims.
The waiver system plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within fantasy leagues by giving all managers an opportunity to improve their teams, regardless of their availability during the week.
How the Waiver Process Works
When a player is dropped from a roster or goes unclaimed after a draft, they typically enter a waiver period. During this time, fantasy managers can submit requests to claim them. If multiple managers submit claims for the same player, the waiver priority system determines which team is awarded the player.
Waiver Priority
Waiver priority is the ranking system that dictates who gets a player if multiple managers submit claims. There are multiple ways fantasy leagues can determine waiver priority:
- Reverse Standings Order: The worst-performing team in the league has the highest priority, and the best-performing team has the lowest.
- Rolling Waivers: When a team successfully claims a player, they are moved to the bottom of the priority list.
- FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget): Every team is given a set budget at the start of the season to “bid” on players during the waiver period.
Types of Waiver Systems
There are several types of waiver systems used in fantasy football, depending on the platform and league settings:
- Standard Waivers: Players remain on waivers for a set period (typically 24–48 hours) before claims are processed.
- Continuous Waivers: Players always go through the waiver process rather than becoming free agents after clearing waivers.
- FAAB Waivers: Each manager submits a blind bid using their available budget, and the highest bidder wins the player.
Clearing Waivers and Free Agency
If a player is not claimed during the waiver period, they become a free agent. At this point, any fantasy manager can pick them up instantly without needing to wait for a claims process. Free agency is especially useful for making last-minute roster adjustments before kickoff.
Best Strategies for Waivers
Successfully managing the waiver wire can make a significant difference in your fantasy football season. Here are some key strategies:
Monitor Player Performance
Stay up to date with player performances, injuries, and depth chart changes. Identifying breakout players early and securing them via waivers can be a game-changer.
Use FAAB Wisely
If your league uses FAAB, be strategic with your budget. Avoid spending too much early in the season unless you are getting an impact player. Save funds for key additions later in the year.
Pay Attention to Opponents’ Needs
Analyze your league mates’ rosters to anticipate who they might target on waivers. If you have an open roster spot, you might consider blocking an opponent from acquiring a player they desperately need.
Plan for Bye Weeks and Injuries
Always be proactive in managing your roster. Check upcoming schedules and ensure you have adequate depth to cover weeks where some of your key players may be unavailable.
Common Waiver Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced fantasy managers make mistakes when handling waivers. Here are some of the most common errors:
- Waiting Too Long: If you hesitate to submit a claim, you might miss out on key players.
- Overspending FAAB Too Early: Blowing your budget early in the season leaves you with limited options later.
- Not Checking Waivers Weekly: Waivers are processed throughout the season, and missing key pickup opportunities can be costly.
Conclusion
Understanding how waivers work in fantasy football is essential for building a competitive team throughout the season. Whether you are using a standard waiver system, FAAB bidding, or continuous waivers, mastering the process will give you an edge over your competition.
By staying informed, planning ahead, and making calculated waiver claims, you can position yourself for success and increase your chances of winning your league.
