Though most fantasy football drafts are done in snake format, some are done in an auction format -- including one of my leagues. Last night, we held our auction draft, and not surprisingly, some of Dallas' skill players provided excellent value.
First, the league basics: 12 teams, $200 budget, .5 point per reception for wide receivers, 6 points for all touchdowns, 25 yards per point QB, 10 yards per point for WR/RB.
As expected, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo went relatively cheaply compared to the other big quarterbacks. Romo went for just $20, compared to Aaron Rodgers ($58), Drew Brees ($48) or Tom Brady ($50).
Romo has been constantly underrated in draft pre-rankings, so it's no surprise that he could be a steal in auction drafts.
Much maligned wide receiver Dez Bryant went for $22 -- the same price as Jeremy Maclin, and cheaper than Marques Colston ($25) and Percy Harvin ($25). Bryant likely provides some pretty excellent value there, but, between his risk, potential and what he's accomplished, $22 seems about right.
Miles Austin, injury problems and all, went for $24, which is cheaper than other WR1 such as Roddy White ($31), Julio Jones ($30), Calvin Johnson ($41), or A.J. Green ($31). Provided Austin stays healthy, it's pretty excellent value, but there is a pretty considerable injury risk with him.
DeMarco Murray, meanwhile, went for $31. Compared to Arian Foster ($52), Ray Rice ($53) and LeSean McCoy ($57 !!!), Murray looks like excellent value at $31, as long as he stays healthy. Felix Jones has looked awful in camp, and doesn't figure to threaten Murray for the starting gig.
Jason Witten, who doesn't figure to be a major fantasy factor at tight end, went for $10. If you're looking to play it cheap at tight end, you can do a lot worse than Witten while you focus on the other areas of your team.
So, there you have it. As expected, Dallas' skill players provided good value in the draft, and they likely will in your draft, regardless of if you're using a snake or auction style draft.