New Segment Introduction: Take Swap 01:22
- The hosts are excited to introduce a fun new segment called “Take Swap.” They have prepared concise yet engaging fantasy football takes for each other without prior reading.
- This segment is designed to provoke thoughtful discussion and possibly correct their colleagues on their misconceptions in fantasy strategies.
- They emphasize that each host must read what has been prepared for them, regardless of their initial feelings about it.
“We’re getting one another to put some things on record today.”
Addressing Tilt in Fantasy Drafts 03:34
- A viewer’s question highlights how to prevent or deal with tilt during drafts, acknowledging that plans can easily go awry.
- The hosts discuss having backup plans to mitigate stress, suggesting that without these, one might resort to panicking or even crying if their desired players are taken.
- They stress the importance of preparing a list of multiple players to avoid disappointment and setting oneself up for failure by locking into just one or two targets.
“If you don’t have a backup plan for whatever’s about to happen, you will cry and tilt.”
Acceptance and Flexibility in Drafting 05:38
- Acceptance emerges as a key theme in overcoming tilt. The hosts urge draft participants to quickly adapt when their targeted players are picked.
- They advise against rigid drafting strategies, which can lead to stress and disappointment. Instead, maintaining flexibility allows for a more enjoyable drafting experience.
- Recognizing personal “tilt players” and being aware of their emotional responses can help in managing the drafting process effectively.
“The sooner you accept that the player was taken that you were targeting, the quicker you’ll be able to materialize a plan for the future.”
Embracing Mistakes During Drafts 07:25
- Acknowledging mistakes is presented as part of the drafting experience. The hosts encourage draft participants to not let panic leads to spiraling downwards after a poor pick.
- They suggest techniques for recovering from a panic pick, including implementing breathing exercises to refocus.
- The key message is to learn from mistakes and remain resilient to ensure a successful draft despite setbacks.
“If you do make that mistake, try your best to just get back on the horse to make the right next pick.”
Injury Updates and Fantasy Implications 10:06
- Dallas Goedert‘s past injuries have had significant impacts on target distribution among receivers, particularly benefiting players like DeVonta Smith. This consolidation can be advantageous for fantasy players as it means a higher volume of targets for fewer players.
- The Saints’ running back, Kendre Miller, faces an uncertain start to the season due to a hamstring injury sustained at the beginning of training camp, which could place him on injured reserve for at least the first four games. His inability to practice and the introduction of a new offensive system create further challenges for his performance this season.
- Dennis Allen, the head coach, expressed doubts about Miller’s capability to learn the new system, stating, “I haven’t seen him out there,” which raises concern about his potential role in the upcoming games.
- The implications of Miller’s injury and the coaching staff’s skepticism could lead to a more significant workload for established players like Jamal Williams and Alvin Kamara, particularly if Miller is unable to contribute early in the season.
“I know he’s talented, but I don’t know if he can learn the system.”
Quarterback Concerns for the Browns 11:56
- Deshaun Watson has been dealing with arm soreness that prevented him from participating in team drills. This situation calls for careful monitoring as his performance in the preseason finale could be a crucial indicator of his readiness for the regular season.
- There are lingering doubts regarding Watson’s ability to regain his form, especially considering his struggles from the previous year. Concerns are raised about both his accuracy and overall effectiveness as he continues to play with health issues affecting his throwing arm.
- The backup situation for the Browns is worrisome, particularly after reports of injury setbacks for other players, such as Pierre Strong Jr. who had an ambulance ride due to an upper body injury. This scenario could elevate the roles of Jerome Ford and Deontay Foreman, potentially increasing their fantasy value, but also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the team’s running back situation.
“I don’t think anybody thought he looked good.”
Rushing Quarterbacks and Fantasy Scoring 15:04
- A segment titled “Take Swap” introduces a conversation on the value of rushing quarterbacks in fantasy football, particularly how they score points through rushing yards. The hosts recognize the increasing importance of mobile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen in fantasy scoring environments.
- The discussion reveals that rushing statistics, particularly rushing touchdowns, can significantly enhance a quarterback’s desirability in fantasy leagues. It emphasizes that as the league adapts, rushing quarterbacks could prevail as some of the most valuable players in both real life and fantasy terms.
- Points scoring is highlighted as uniform for both passing and rushing touchdowns, inviting a new perspective on how fantasy managers should value dual-threat quarterbacks in their strategy.
“A rushing quarterback is more valuable in real life, so they should be in fantasy.”
Evaluating Tee Higgins‘ Fantasy Potential 20:14
- T. Higgins is recognized as a talented wide receiver for the Bengals, despite the team experiencing a disappointing season due to Joe Burrow‘s injury. There’s a strong belief that wide receiver twos in successful offenses, like Cincinnati’s, can provide significant value in fantasy football. This realization leads to the decision to actively draft Higgins across leagues.
- Currently, T. Higgins is being drafted in the fifth round as the wide receiver 27. Historical performance shows that when Joe Burrow is healthy, the offense performs admirably, placing Burrow in the top ranks for points per game in previous seasons.
“Wide receiver twos for good offenses tend to crush in fantasy football.”
Mike Wright’s Change of Heart on Joe Mixon 22:20
- Mike Wright admits to previously underestimating Joe Mixon‘s capabilities, reflecting on how his focus on advanced metrics led him to overlook important aspects of Mixon’s performance. He recognizes Mixon’s effectiveness as a running back, stating that he is the only player to be an RB1 consistently over the past three years in a challenging environment.
- Mixon is positioned again as a star in the Bengals’ offense, following a positive contract situation. This newfound appreciation for Mixon marks a significant shift in Wright’s perspective regarding fantasy value.
“Joe Mixon is very good at football.”
Discussions on Running Back Comparisons 24:12
- The conversation shifts to comparing Joe Mixon with other running backs, including Alvin Kamara and James Cook. While Mike prefers James Cook for his youthful upside, there is a debate about Mixon and Kamara’s effectiveness, with a consensus leaning towards Mixon.
- Rashad White is also evaluated but presents a conundrum due to his past inefficiencies despite being involved in the passing game. There is concern that a newcomer, Bucky Irving, could diminish White’s role, impacting his fantasy value going forward.
“Rashad White is a very difficult running back because so much of it was just volume.”
- Discussion turns to Austin Eckler, with strong arguments presented that it is premature to give up on him. Eckler’s previous performances indicate he remains a viable fantasy asset despite a lack of attention recently.
- Aiming to rebuild trust in Eckler following an inefficient season, there’s a belief that he can flourish within a system led by a rookie quarterback, particularly in a split backfield scenario.
“It’s way too early to give up on Austin Eckler.”
- The discussion revolves around Austin Eckler’s current standing and previous performance, particularly referencing comments made by offensive mastermind Cliff Kingsbury. It’s noted that Eckler’s speed, agility, and strength remain intact compared to last year. The sentiment expressed indicates a level of surprise regarding Eckler’s availability in free agency and the overall perception of his capabilities.
- While free agency considerations might not have involved exhaustive research on Eckler, the speaker argues that pass-catching running backs can be valuable even if they slip in ADP. Despite skepticism about drafting Eckler in the eighth round, he might still serve as a usable flex option in PPR leagues.
- The analysis includes contrasting Eckler’s poor ground performance—179 attempts yielding only 3.5 yards per carry—against his better reception stats, where he averaged 8.5 yards per catch on 74 targets. There’s a note that he didn’t see the level of receiving touchdowns expected from him.
“When you are looking at him, do I want to take him in the eighth round? I probably will not do that. But could he be a usable flex on certain weeks or in PPR leagues? Absolutely.”
Concerns on Team Dynamics Impacting Performance 33:14
- The conversation highlights the changes in the team dynamics with a new mobile rookie quarterback, a committee running back system, and a revamped coaching staff. These factors contribute to uncertainty regarding Eckler’s predictability and production for the upcoming season.
- Despite the concerns regarding the environment around him, it’s acknowledged that Eckler could still surprise fantasy owners with significant performances if he remains healthy. Acknowledgment of injuries from the previous seasons complicates predictions on how well he may perform going forward.
“If we came out and Austin Eckler surprised with six catches in week one and a touchdown as a free agent pickup, I mean, that’s not impossible.”
- The dialogue shifts to discuss the merits of traditional football philosophies, particularly emphasizing a run-heavy offensive style. There’s a round-up of statistics suggesting that teams which prioritized running had greater playoff success in the previous season, reinforcing the notion that a strong ground game is essential.
- The hosts weave humor into the analysis, calling this approach “high T football,” implying grit and resilience in gameplay. The perspective presented advocates for teams to increase rushing attempts for greater chances of victory.
“The seven teams that ran the ball the least didn’t make the playoffs. Seven of the top nine teams who ran it the most made the playoffs.”
Critique on Jayden Reed’s Fantasy Relevance 36:14
- The focus then transitions to Jayden Reed, critiquing his production as unsustainable. There is specific mention of his average performance during crucial games and overall low reception counts, leading to skepticism about his future role in fantasy contexts. Reed’s high touchdown scoring rate relative to touches raised red flags about his efficiency.
- Comparisons to other players, like John Dotson, highlight potential pitfalls for rookies who overproduce and then fail to meet expectations in subsequent seasons. There is a general tone of caution regarding Reed’s capability to be a dependable fantasy asset going forward.
“He topped four receptions in only four games. He massively overproduced in the touchdown department.”
- The hosts discuss their opinions on Kirk Cousins, noting that while he has shown potential, they are cautious about his health and injury history. Cousins, alongside Aaron Rodgers, is recovering from significant injuries but finds himself in a more favorable offensive system. However, the uncertainty of their recoveries and performance scripts speculation about their fantasy value.
- They highlight that both players have had successful seasons in the past but question whether they can replicate that success given their current situations, particularly focusing on health and supporting cast.
- The hosts also compare the offensive environments around Cousins and Rodgers, acknowledging that while both have talented running backs and wide receivers, there is more buzz surrounding the Falcons’ potential compared to the Jets.
“It’s hard to get overly excited about Kirk Cousins because we just don’t know if he’s going to be truly healthy.”
- Following a question about George Pickens, the hosts express skepticism regarding his ability to be a “league winner,” noting that he would need to finish among the top five wide receivers to attain that status. They emphasize how vital the quarterback situation for the Steelers is to Pickens’ fantasy potential. As of the discussion, the Steelers have not definitively named a starting quarterback, creating further uncertainty around Pickens’ upside.
- The discussion leads to the implications of a potential trade for Pickens and how that could enhance his value, particularly if he ended up alongside a strong quarterback.
“If tomorrow CD Lamb’s contract negotiations go sideways and there’s a Pickens for CD trade, Pickens could be a league winner.”
Draft Strategies for Unique Scoring Formats 50:06
- A question is raised about drafting in a half PPR league that also rewards points for first downs. The hosts advise viewers to consider PPR rankings as a suitable guide while also researching which players historically led the league in first downs.
- They urge further examination of player types, distinguishing those who convert catches into first downs from those who are primarily involved in short passes without significant yardage gains.
“Looking at PPR rankings is fine, but you want to see which players led the league in first downs.”
Top Five Receiving First Down Leaders 51:18
- The discussion highlights the top five leaders in receiving first downs, focusing on players who primarily excel in PPR (points per reception) formats. The list includes Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, and Puka Nacua.
- As the conversation flows, the hosts express interest in exploring lower-ranked players who may still have significant impact, such as Chris Godwin, who had 53 first downs, tying with Nico Collins. Adam Thielen’s 56 first downs are also noted, eliciting surprise due to his performance this season.
- The overall trend shows that PPR receivers trend towards having higher first down counts compared to more vertical threats like Nico Collins.
“It’s more of the PPR guys at the top because they’re catching a bunch of passes.”
Rushing First Down Leaders 52:51
- The segment shifts to discuss rushing first downs, where Christian McCaffrey stands out with 83 rushing first downs, significantly leading the league. The closest competitor is noted to be at 68.
- An unexpected mention is Chuba Hubbard, who ranks fifth among all players, including quarterbacks, for rushing first downs, having surpassed notable players like Raheem Mostert and Josh Allen.
- This points to the effectiveness of McCaffrey’s game style and raises queries on how rushing first downs are interpreted, especially since touchdowns contribute to this statistic.
“That one’s wild, right? More than Mostert, more than Josh Allen.”
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement 53:43
- The hosts announce upcoming engagements, including a mock draft episode and a live show scheduled for Saturday evening in Los Angeles, promoting community involvement.
- They outline activities during the live event, such as giveaways of autographed jerseys and fundraising efforts for Fantasy Cares. Interested attendees can purchase tickets at ballerslive.com.
- Attention is drawn to the excitement surrounding the event, aiming to foster connections within the fantasy football community, especially before the draft season begins.
“It’s going to be just a really good time to connect before the season and during draft season.”
