Draft Tips + Hungry For More

Summary:

League Dynamics and Championship Mentality 03:14

• As the new season approaches, the discussion shifts toward the mindset of league members, especially for those who did not win their league last year. The speaker emphasizes that it’s common for only one person to emerge victorious in fantasy leagues.
• The speaker reflects on his past successes in fantasy football, analyzing his history of championships and emphasizing the importance of learning from experience, even if that means coping with the presence of former champions.

“Only one person wins in your league… you just look at history.”

Upcoming Live Show and Ultimate Draft Kit Availability 04:12

• The speakers announce an upcoming live show set for Saturday, August 24th, in Los Angeles, urging listeners to secure their tickets. They also highlight the availability of the Ultimate Draft Kit, which provides crucial resources for preparing for fantasy drafts.
• As August approaches, excitement builds among the hosts as they reveal their League of Record draft will happen just before the first game’s kickoff. The personal anecdote shared about involving the speaker’s son as a co-manager adds a relatable touch to their preparations.

“August is almost here and it’s time to get ready for your draft.”

Hungry for More Segment: Joe Burrow Focus 05:46

• The show transitions into a segment called “Hungry for More,” where hosts discuss players they’re particularly interested in as the season nears. Jason expresses a strong desire to see a healthy Joe Burrow return to form, emphasizing his credentials as a top quarterback.
• Acknowledging Burrow’s struggle during the previous season due to injuries, the conversation highlights his prior success and the fantasy implications of his potential resurgence. Jason is keen to see how Burrow could elevate the performances of star receivers like Jamar Chase and T. Higgins this season.

“Joe Burrow is an unbelievable top-five quarterback in the NFL when healthy.”

Denver Broncos Backfield Discussion 10:13

• Following the discussion on Burrow, Mike shares his thoughts about the Denver Broncos‘ backfield, characterized as a complex situation with multiple players vying for attention. He describes it as a “sample platter” with significant fantasy repercussions.
• The hosts acknowledge the various players involved, including Javante Williams and Samaje Perine, highlighting their individual performances and expectations. This ongoing competition in the backfield will be key to fantasy drafts and league strategies.

“There’s a camp battle that is so fascinating because there are really large fantasy repercussions.”

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Javonte Williams and the Denver Broncos Running Back Situation 11:01

• The competition for the starting running back position in Denver includes Javante Williams, Samaj P. Ryan, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime. Despite some speculation regarding a potential cut for Williams, he is currently seen as the starter in a Sean Payton offense.
• Notably, reports indicate that Williams has lost weight and looks much sharper than last season. Coach Payton expressed pride in Williams’s progress, stating he appears significantly improved.
• Historical data shows that a running back’s weight loss can lead to fantasy football success, and if Williams can return to his pre-injury form, he could be a significant steal at his current draft position of running back 30.
• Conversely, if Williams does not succeed, Estime is a name to watch as he could take on crucial early-down and goal-line duties.

“If Javante is back and closer to the draft prospect he was, then you are getting an absolute steal at running back 30.”

Xavier Legat: The Carolina Panthers Rookie Wide Receiver 13:41

• Xavier Legat, a rookie wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, is generating excitement due to his athleticism and potential impact on a team in need of explosive weapons. Although he struggled in college and had a late breakout, he possesses standout physical attributes.
• There are concerns regarding his development due to significant life challenges and shifts in position during high school, which affected his growth as a wide receiver.
• Coach Dave Canales is expected to utilize Legat effectively, capitalizing on his size and speed, and intends to employ a versatile offensive strategy.
• Legat’s talent is viewed favorably, providing hope for his integration into a revitalized Panthers offense that previously saw success with veteran Adam Thielen.

“He has done it all; he is a massive receiver with explosive ability.”

NFL Contracts and Quarterback Discussions 17:47

• Recently, Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212 million contract extension, while Jordan Love secured a four-year, $220 million deal, making him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. This unprecedented contract for Love comes after just one successful season.
• The hosts discuss which contract might be the worst or most beneficial for the franchises. One host suggests Tua’s deal may not offer the best value when compared to Love’s extension due to the relatively limited performance track record.
• The conversation emphasizes that new contracts will frequently set records, and stability in a franchise is achieved through commitment rather than simply the size of contracts.

“Lock him up; you know your next four years and beyond and move forward.”

Evaluating Quarterbacks for Long-Term Commitment 20:32

• When considering a long-term commitment to a quarterback, the conversation highlights the potential risks and rewards. Paying a quarterback like Tua Tagovailoa is akin to investing in Trevor Lawrence, with both players showcasing the need for a supportive system to thrive. The importance of identifying a quarterback who can consistently win games cannot be underestimated, especially if you want to avoid a long-term struggle in the league.
• Tua’s concussion history does raise concerns, but there is a strong belief that he can perform well for the upcoming years. The sentiment is clear; investing in a capable quarterback is necessary, as alternatives can lead to ongoing challenges.

“You either have a guy who can win games for you or you’re just stuck forever and ever being losing credits.”

The Running Back Landscape: Jerome Ford‘s Potential 21:40

• Nick Chubb‘s potential absence creates an opportunity for Jerome Ford, who is poised to take the lead running back position. His performance is viewed positively despite concerns about short yardage situations, which may limit his scoring opportunities. With Ford expected to start, he represents a value pick for fantasy managers, especially considering he has gained experience in the system.
• While Ford may not deliver consistent top-five performances, he is likely to secure decent weekly outputs in the flex position until Chubb returns fully. The situation mirrors last year’s dynamics with Jonathan Taylor, where even a star’s return doesn’t guarantee immediate dominance.

“Jerome Ford is like a zero RB darling.”

Late-Round Running Backs: Historical Performance Concerns 26:40

• The discussion on late-round running backs raises caution, as historical data suggests that many of these players do not pan out. Despite some success stories, like undrafted talents, the odds are generally stacked against late-day draft picks. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the potential upside against the likelihood of hitting the jackpot with these selections.
• This historical skepticism is underscored by the realization that most players drafted in the later rounds often struggle to make an impact, which can lead to wasted roster spots in fantasy leagues.

“Unfortunately, we know that in rounds one through five, there’s going to be a lot of players that just don’t work.”

Taking Chances on Young Talent 29:42

• Josh Palmer and DJ Chark are names being discussed as potential late-round picks in fantasy football drafts. Lad McConkey is highlighted as a player who has impressed the analysts despite not having a standout college career.
• McConkey is described as an exceptional slot receiver who can compliment quarterback Justin Herbert effectively. The expectation is that he may rise to be the number one wide receiver for his team.

“When you watch the film, the dude balls; he is absolutely outstanding.”

Insights on Running Back Battles 30:45

• Chase Brown has been taking the majority of reps during training camp with the Bengals’ first-team offense, indicating a significant opportunity for him in the upcoming season. The competition with Zach Moss is emphasized as being open, which has led the analysts to adjust their rankings accordingly.
• The analysts recommend not to overreact to early training camp news, as changes can occur quickly, and it is still early in the evaluation process.

“If you want to give all these guys an opportunity to be the guy or the second guy, a report could come out next week saying, ‘Now Zach Moss is taking all the first-team reps.'”

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Changes in Philadelphia’s Offense 32:38

• Kellan Moore, the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, plans to incorporate more motion into the game—something that has not been a significant feature of their offense in recent years. There is curiosity about how this shift might affect Jalen Hurts and the existing players.
• While excitement surrounds the potential adjustment for wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, analysts warn that not every player in the Eagles’ offense will benefit equally. The balance between how much motion is included and play calling is under scrutiny.

“When you stack up all of the historical data on players like Zach Moss, it almost never works out where you just get a clean run at a starting opportunity.”

Cowboys’ Contract Situations and Future Outlook 36:30

• The Cowboys have faced difficulties with contract negotiations, specifically mentioning Dak Prescott and other key players like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons. There is a sense of urgency to rectify the situation before the season starts.
• Discussion around Tray Lance’s performance during camp suggests concerns about his readiness. There are mixed sentiments surrounding the Cowboys’ prospects heading into the season, especially with the current state of their quarterback contracts.

“The timing is not perfect; it is, in fact, terrible for them.”

Draft Preparation for Keeper Leagues 41:29

• The discussion revolves around preparing for drafts in Keeper Leagues, where typical Average Draft Position (ADP) data may not apply effectively. Players should be ready with personal rankings and a strategy tailored to their league dynamics.
• It is important to recognize that different platforms have varying ADP and that they change frequently. Participants in a Keeper League should not solely rely on this information, as not every league member will value players in the same way.
• The hosts emphasize that coming prepared with individual player rankings can significantly enhance draft success, especially in leagues that may not use ADP during the draft process. Preparation could include creating a list of rankings, using tiered strategies to group players of similar projected performance, and staying agile during the draft to take advantage of unexpected runs on certain positions or players.

“You have to come in prepared with some idea of the order of players you like and want to draft.”

Utilizing Tiers in Drafting 44:30

• Drafting by tiers is highlighted as a crucial tactic in Keeper Leagues. By categorizing players based on expected performance levels, participants can gauge value more effectively and makewell-informed decisions when lower-ranked players are still available.
• The concept of tiers helps drafters recognize opportunities to wait on players ranked within the same tier, allowing for strategic picks that could lead to better overall team composition. This tiered approach is particularly beneficial when ADP isn’t available during the draft, ensuring league members remain flexible and opportunistic.

“Drafting by tiers is the way to win a league.”

Christian McCaffrey vs. Bijan Robinson 48:17

• Christian McCaffrey remains the top pick in many fantasy drafts due to his past performance and potential. The fact that he finished as RB7 last season despite missing several games suggests he would perform even better if he played a full season.
• Bijon Robinson has not yet achieved the same level in fantasy football, and while he could theoretically finish as RB7 if he played the whole season, his ceiling hasn’t been tested against McCaffrey’s history.

“There is no world where he plays a full season and finishes RB7.”

Joe Mixon vs. Mike Evans in PPR Keeper League 48:40

• When considering a choice between Joe Mixon and Mike Evans for a full PPR keeper league, the consensus leans towards Mike Evans despite concerns about Mixon’s target share and pass-catching opportunities in the offense.
• Although Mixon is drafted a full round later, his potential might be better evaluated depending on the specific round values. Evans seems to have a more steady role in the passing attack.

“I would take Mike Evans.”

Managing Aging Veterans in Dynasty Leagues 52:52

• Managing aging veterans like Keenan Allen involves strategic decision-making regarding their trade value. It’s suggested that trading ‘old for old’ can yield better results for keeping your team competitive.
• Knowing when to trade aging players for younger ones while they still have high value is crucial. For instance, trading Keenan Allen for a slightly younger player like Amari Cooper can keep your team competitive without a significant drop-off in performance.

“You trade old for old. That’s how your team has stayed so old.”

Starting Fresh with a New League 57:22

• The hosts suggest a pro tip for fantasy football players to consider starting a new league. This recommendation is particularly relevant if you are feeling disheartened by recent team events or struggles.
• They mention their decision to reroll and initiate another startup draft in August, inviting listeners to participate in this fresh start.

“Start a new league.”

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Upcoming Content and Changes 57:41

• The episode hints at upcoming changes to their schedule and content, featuring a mix of exciting themes such as “Ice and Fire” and “Mid Round Madness.”
• The hosts anticipate an increase in news and updates related to fantasy football, including the return of one of their hosts, Matt, with a playful reminder of their appreciation for him.

“We’re going to do another startup draft in August.”