Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) turns waiver claims into an auction. You start the season with a fixed dollar amount (typically $100 or $1,000) and bid blind against your league-mates. Whoever bids highest wins the player — and that money is gone forever.
The fundamental FAAB mindset
Unspent FAAB is worthless at season's end. Your goal is to spend efficiently, not hoard. Managers who sit on $80 at playoff time have already lost.
When to go big
- Injury replacements: If the RB1 goes down Week 3 and his handcuff is on waivers, bid 30–40% of your remaining budget. Volume is immediately there.
- Breakout Week 1: A WR who erupts in Week 1 on a high-usage offense will get claimed. Do not lowball — you'll lose to someone who bid $15 on your $3 offer.
- Late-season streamers: With playoff push on the line, a $20+ bid on a high-floor streamer is often correct even with limited budget remaining.
Bidding tiers
- Tier A (Locked starter): Bid 25–40% of remaining budget. Do not lose these.
- Tier B (High upside): Bid 10–20%.
- Tier C (Depth/streamer): Bid $1–5. You'll miss some, but you won't overpay.
Mind the room
Think about who else in your league needs this player. If three teams are desperate for RBs and you have depth, you can lowball. If you're the only team who needs a WR, you can shade down.
Never bid $0
A $0 waiver claim only wins if no one else bids. Streaming kickers and defenses warrant $0. Starting-caliber players never do.