“What If” Players + Fantasy Fears

Summary:

NFL Season Kickoff Excitement and Draft Plans 00:00

• The hosts of the podcast are buzzing with excitement as the NFL season approaches, emphasizing that only a couple of days remain until the first games, which are significant for fantasy football. They note that this marks a pivotal time, transitioning from months of speculation and analysis to real games that will impact fantasy rosters.
• They highlight the anticipation surrounding team rosters and individual performances, with a specific eagerness to see players in action after extensive off-season discussions.
• Additionally, the hosts discuss their strategies and the importance of finalizing week one rankings for helping listeners with their fantasy lineups.

“It’s amazing… the points are coming, they’re here days away. I’m so jacked!”

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Key Players to Watch in Week One 03:19

• The discussion shifts to individual players they are most excited to watch during the first week of the season. They mention several players as potential breakout candidates, including rookies and intriguing characters who may excel in their roles.
• Specific names highlighted include Caleb Williams, who has generated buzz for his impressive preseason performance, and Colby Parkinson, who is under pressure to deliver on expectations.
• The hosts express the hope that these players can perform well in high-pressure environments against full NFL defenses, contrasting their preseason success.

“We need you to work… there is so much writing on you leveling up and being that dude.”

Waiver Wire Strategies and Undrafted Gems 09:40

• The conversation turns to waiver wire strategies as they prepare for the start of the season, encouraging listeners to think about potential undrafted players who could make a significant impact early on.
• These players could arise from unexpected opportunities, especially if established starters struggle or get injured. They emphasize the importance of keeping an eye on the waiver wire after drafts.
• The hosts provide insights into some specific players who might be undervalued and offer high upside based on their projections and the current team dynamics.

“It’s really common for me to finish a draft and then look at the waiver wire afterwards and think I would rather have this guy than that guy.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire and the Impact of New Acquisitions 10:32

• Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, which means he will miss at least the first month of the season. This event clarified why the Chiefs acquired running back Samaje Perine, alleviating concerns about the depth behind Isaiah Pacheco.
• Jerick McKinnon, who caught 50 passes last year despite being on a struggling offense, is now in an advantageous position with the Chiefs, making him a valuable add on the waiver wire as he will be active for Week 1.
• This situation also highlights the offensive potential of the Chiefs, with Perine regarded as an important swap candidate for fantasy players.

“Perine is a must-have hot swap type of player.”

Marshon Lattimore and Rookie Running Backs’ Potential 12:23

• Rookie running back Marshon Lattimore for the Green Bay Packers is garnering attention as he isn’t on the IR and might benefit from AJ Dillon‘s injury absence, presenting an opportunity to showcase his explosiveness.
• Although Lattimore may not play in the first couple of weeks, he’s regarded as a player worth stashing due to potential involvement in a productive offense.
• The mention of rookie running backs is relevant as historically at least two tend to break into the top 24 each season, underscoring the importance of tracking their development closely.

“Even if he is not active week one, you should still pick up Marshon Lattimore.”

Tight End and Quarterback Stashes to Consider 14:33

• Taysom Hill is highlighted as a versatile option eligible for tight end status on several platforms, creating intrigue about how he could be utilized against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1.
• The Saints are favored in this matchup, which could allow for more opportunities for Hill, especially in scenarios where they seek to exploit defensive mismatches.
• Meanwhile, intriguing options at quarterback, like Will Levis from Tennessee, may appear on the radar as potential late-round pickups.

“You could see so much Taysom Hill at running back in this game.”

Trent Williams Returns to the 49ers 19:53

• The news that Trent Williams will be back with the 49ers is a significant development for the team as he plays a crucial role in their success. Previously, it had not seemed likely that he would be available to start the season, but his return is a relief for fans and teammates alike. Williams is known for holding out if his contract isn’t satisfactory, which adds to the weight of this news, especially given the team had managed to secure their key players’ contracts.
• This return bodes well for Christian McCaffrey, who is also on schedule to play as he returned to practice today.

“That is gigantic news for the 49ers.”

Injury Updates: Mark Andrews and Hollywood Brown 20:45

• Mark Andrews has been cleared from the injury report, which is great news for his fantasy owners. Meanwhile, Hollywood Brown has been ruled out for the week, yet there’s optimism about his potential return for week two. The timeline for recovering from his injury raised some skepticism, but no placement on IR suggests a shorter absence is expected for him.
• Fantasy managers should be cautious, especially since Brown has not performed optimally in the past, and his injury may still carry risks.

“I think they know, but the injury timeline makes sense; I’m just less optimistic.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Ricky Pearsall‘s Situations 22:10

• Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been placed on the NFI list and will miss at least four weeks, impacting the depth chart for his team. The talk then shifts to Ricky Pearsall, who was a victim of a shooting but has fortunately been released from the hospital. He’s also placed on the NFI list and will miss at least four weeks, though there are concerns about his overall recovery timeline.
• Pearsall’s injury raises alarming questions but also highlights the good fortune of his survival considering the circumstances of the incident.

“He was an inch away from death; it’s just wild.”

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Strategy for Drafting in Multiple Fantasy Leagues 24:20

• A viewer asks about the strategy of drafting in multiple leagues regarding whether to diversify picks or keep them similar. The answer provides insight into how personal preference influences this decision. Some players suggest that while it’s important to diversify in large leagues, if you’re drafting in smaller leagues that matter more personally, sticking to your top choices may lead to similar rosters.
• The challenge in multi-league drafting is to maximize the chances of winning without placing all bets on the same players.

“It’s really what you enjoy; I’ll draft the guys I believe in.”

The Status of Christian Kirk in Jacksonville 26:37

• A question about Christian Kirk‘s role in Jacksonville reveals some concerns among his fantasy managers. The discussion highlights that despite Kirk’s current struggles and lower visibility, he remains an essential player in the Jaguars’ offense due to his talent. The data shows that while he may not always dominate in targets or receptions, he has a solid base that could result in decent fantasy production.
• Kirk is expected to absorb significant targets despite entering his sixth NFL season and competing against other offensive talents.

“Christian Kirk can’t be kept off the field.”

The 49ers and Jalen Hurts 29:41

• The San Francisco 49ers have recently made signings that are expected to positively impact the team, yet there are mixed feelings about their overall vibe, which has been troubling. With everything seemingly falling into place at a critical time, one must consider how the 49ers will perform moving forward.
• The performance of the Philadelphia Eagles largely hinges on Jaylen Hurts. He will have to adjust to a more complex offensive strategy, involving various option routes and enhanced decision-making responsibilities. Additionally, he needs to manage protections effectively, which is crucial as he targets impactful players like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

“Everything’s coming together right at the right time.”

Concerns Over Elite Wide Receivers 30:29

• The discussion shifts to elite wide receivers, noting that several top players have missed training camp and practices. This raises questions about their readiness and whether they can maintain their elite status at the start of the season. Players like Brandon Aiyuk, CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson are highlighted, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their performance.
• The importance of a solid pre-season practice is reiterated as key for maintaining top-tier stats. With many players sitting out, their ability to deliver in the upcoming games is uncertain.

“Are they still elite wide receivers to start the year?”

Keeper League Strategies 31:11

• A voicemail question arises about keeper leagues, specifically whether to keep players at their previous year’s draft value or to allocate first and second-round picks as keeper selections. This topic has sparked numerous debates over the years. While both methods are valid, there are strong opinions against allowing last-round picks for waiver wire pickups.
• The discussion also introduces a unique league format where participants lock in one player and pick three more from their roster to proceed. The absence of draft cost creates a dynamic environment for trading picks and strategies.

“There is not a draft cost associated with it.”

Roster Decisions and Trade Questions 34:50

• The conversation moves to roster management, highlighting James Conner and Chuba Hubbard‘s situations in a redraft league. The consensus leans towards keeping Chuba Hubbard, given that he presents better depth and value moving forward. The difficulty of dropping a potential starter for a high-risk backup is emphasized.
• Participants acknowledge the importance of having depth at running back, particularly during bye weeks and injuries, validating the decision to retain players who might provide immediate help.

“If James Conner went out for the season, you’d be very thankful to have any depth at running back.”

Drake London’s Potential as a Wide Receiver One 39:20

• The discussion centers on Drake London‘s potential to become a wide receiver one this season, primarily due to strong offensive support from quarterback Kirk Cousins. The offense is expected to excel with favorable matchups against weaker defenses, particularly in the passing game. The speaker believes that if Cousins remains healthy and becomes London’s primary target, London is well-positioned to achieve significant success this year.
• Comparisons are made to the Dallas Cowboys‘ favorable schedule last year, allowing players to thrive based on defensive weaknesses.
• The speaker also contrasts Chris Olave and Drake London, leaning towards London for his high potential given the current offense setup.

“If Cousins is healthy, and London is his main target, he could easily be a wide receiver one this year.”

Comparisons Between Players and Offensive Systems 41:40

• The conversation shifts to a comparison between wide receivers Chris Olave and Drake London within their respective offenses. The speaker expresses uncertainty over the outcomes of both players but leans towards London, emphasizing the importance of a competent quarterback in evaluating receiver potential.
• A notable concern is voiced about Derek Carr‘s performance affecting Olave’s potential. The speaker reflects on previous seasons and considers how offensive systems and quarterback performance heavily influence player success.
• The dialogue touches on the notion that Olave may face more challenges due to the inconsistencies observed in the preceding season’s offensive system.

“Many people think Olave will be one of the bigger busts in fantasy; it could easily happen.”

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Tight Ends and Offensive Schemes 47:30

• A question arises regarding tight ends Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly, and their potential value in the context of Greg Roman’s past offensive schemes for the Ravens. The speaker notes that while Hurst was selected in a late-round draft, there’s debate over which tight end will provide more value within their new team setups.
• The speaker concludes that both players could bear similarities to offensive strategies previously employed, considering the experience levels in their respective wide receiver rooms.
• Ultimately, a preference for Hayden Hurst is expressed due to his expected involvement in the offense, suggesting that Dissly may take on more blocking responsibilities than receiving.

“I think I’d take Hayden Hurst because he’s probably going to be more involved.”

Discussion on Established Pass Catchers 48:57

• The conversation highlights the current state of established pass catchers for both the Broncos and the Chargers. It’s noted that neither team has a clear standout in this regard, implying potential opportunities for lesser-known players to emerge. The speaker reflects on the uncertainty surrounding these positions and hints at the emergence of unestablished players in the league.

“Who are the established pass catchers for the Broncos? Who are the established pass catchers for the Chargers?”

Reminder About Upcoming Events 49:25

• The speakers wrap up the episode by reminding listeners of the two remaining draft times for megalab drafts. The details emphasized include the specific times for participation, urging those interested to join before the final sessions occur.

“There are two remaining times for megalab drafts: 5:00 PM Pacific tonight and 9:00 AM Pacific Wednesday morning.”