FantasyPros - Fitz on Fantasy

NFL Draft week is finally upon us, and host Pat Fitzmaurice celebrates by bringing in Matt Waldman, longtime Footballguys.com staffer and the creator of the indispensable Rookie Scouting Portfolio, a must-have for fantasy managers. Matt explains why Peyton Manning was a chef and Tom Brady was a baker, then discusses which of the top QBs from this class might fall into those culinary categories. Matt won’t be aghast if Mac Jones goes to the 49ers with the third pick and explains why, then extols the virtues of Trey Lance, explains why knocks on Justin Fields’ processing are flawed, and expresses his concerns about Zach Wilson. Who’s Matt’s No. 1 RB? It isn’t Najee Harris. Having once preferred Marshawn Lynch as a prospect over Adrian Peterson, and Nick Chubb over Saquon Barkley, Matt makes the case for Trey Sermon – and it involves something called curvilinear movement. After offering words of praise for Najee Harris and Michael Carter, Matt makes elevator pitches for Khalil Herbert and Kylin Hill. Matt talks the decision to finally ditch his 9-to-5 job to work on the RSP full-time, then discusses his musical background. Then the conversation turns to receivers and what Matt calls the best WR class he’s ever evaluated. He explains why Jaylen Waddle is his No. 2 receiver, compares Rashod Bateman to Cordarrelle Patterson (in a good way), and touts the upside of Kadarius Toney. He also goes to bat for two of his favorite sleepers in the class: Frank Darby and Josh Palmer. Finally, Matt offers a vast array of Kyle Pitts comps – Calvin Johnson, Travis Kelce, Kellen Winslow, Jimmy Graham, Evan Engram, Albert Okwuegbunam – and puts a few chips down on the one he thinks is most likely to stick. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Matt Waldman (@Matt Waldman) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 Apr 20211h 22min

It’s another dynasty-heavy episode of Fitz on Fantasy this week, as host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) is joined by Shane Manila (@ShaneIsTheWorst) of Dynasty League Football and the Dynasty Trades HQ podcast. Shane and Pat start by talking about their preferred dynasty formats. Is there a case to be made for 1QB dynasty leagues? Is TE premium the way to go? There’s also some 2QB dynasty philosophy, as Shane and Pat discuss whether managers in 2QB leagues should feel compelled to draft Zach Wilson and Mac Jones over RBs and pass catchers such as Ja’Marr Chase and Najee Harris. Shane explains how he first got into fantasy football and how he got so wrapped up in the dynasty format. He also explains his “less personal s**t, more fantasy” mantra on his Twitter profile page. There’s some rookie TE chatter with Shane talking about the depth of the class and offering thoughts on Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth. What’s Deshaun Watson worth on the trade market these days? Is Cam Akers being overrated in dynasty? Why is Robert Woods perpetually underrated? Is Jalen Reagor a dynasty buy? Shane and Pat tackle these questions and more. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Shane Manila (@ShaneIsTheWorst) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20 Apr 20211h 6min

The NFL Draft draws ever nearer, so the Class of 2021 continues to be a primary topic on the show. This week, host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) brings in RotoViz co-owner and senior analyst Dave Caban (@DaveCabanFF) to discuss his research into the rookie RBs and WRs. Which metrics should we be looking at? Who’s popped in Dave’s research, and who has red flags? And after Dave empties the left side of his brain, Pat taps into the right side, asking Dave which prospects he’s conflicted about and which ones he’s planted flags on. Dave talks about his battles with depression and anxiety, and the coping methods he’s had success with. There’s some macro conversation about dynasty startup drafts, as Pat and Dave talk about which positions they like to attack and whether they like to chase a title right away or play a long game. Dave and Pat also discuss what the 49ers could and should do with the No. 3 pick, favorite late-round best-ball targets, whether Jarvis Landry is a strong bounce-back candidate, and how to play (or not play) the Buccaneers’ backfield in 2021. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Dave Caban (@DaveCabanFF) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Apr 20211h 10min

With the draft only three weeks away, host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) talks fantasy prospects with everybody’s favorite former college CB, Ray Garvin (@RayGQue), co-host of the FantasyPros Dynasty Football Podcast and the Breakout Finder Podcast on the RotoUnderworld. Who are the 49ers taking at No. 3, and who should they take? Ray explains why he’s a big Mac Jones fan and why the knocks on Justin Fields are unfair. Ray sizes up a top-heavy RB class and makes the case for Najee Harris as the slam-dunk RB1. He also makes a sales pitch for Elijah Mitchell and explains why he’s not keen on Chuba Hubbard and a whole lot of other RB prospects Ray reveals how he and his family dealt with the storm of the century in Dallas a couple of months ago, then he and Pat debate whether LaVar Ball is doing right by his NBA sons. Ray also talks about the FF Fit Club and how it’s been mutually inspiring for a group of fantasy analysts. Should we be worried about DeVonta “the Slim Reaper” Smith’s low BMI? Ray and Pat (ahem) weigh in. Ray and Pat also discuss the slightly built Rondale Moore, then talk about the “Harbaugh handicap” and whether it’s causing dynasty managers to overlook Nico Collins. There’s also some chatter about Sam Darnold, Josh Jacobs, Jalen Reagor and the Class of ’22. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Ray Garvin (@RayGQue) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 Apr 202159min

It’s been almost three years, but Scott Fish (@ScottFish24) finally makes his return to Fitz on Fantasy. As someone who runs fantasy leagues for a living, Scott tells host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) which qualities are most important for commissioners and shares a clause that should be in every set of league rules. Scott and Pat also discuss how fantasy leagues might handle the switch to a 17-game regular season. Not surprisingly, there’s some conversation about the Scott Fish Bowl. Scott talks about the most difficult aspect of putting SFB together every year, how some celebrities have found their way into the league, how last year’s unique QB scoring system went over, and future plans for live SFB drafts. He also drops a few hints at what’s in store for SFB11. Scott and Pat discuss the Dolphins’ recent trades and speculate on who the 49ers might draft No. 3 overall. Does size matter? Scott reveals whether he cares about DeVonta Smith weighing 170 pounds and Rondale Moore standing 5-7. Scott and Pat also talk about the Buccaneers’ backfield after the re-signing of Leonard Fournette. Scott spins a hell of a Fish tale about a pickleball injury, then details the depth of his hatred for actual pickles. After some conversation about sleeping habits, Scott names his WR1, and he and Pat discuss the some of the top-tier dynasty receivers. Scott also names a few players he thinks dynasty managers should be trading for, then lists a few players he had a hard time quitting. (Also, Scott and Pat cement their old-man cred in this episode with mentions of Carl Pickens, J.J. Stokes, Herschel Walker, Jack Youngblood and Craig “Ironhead” Heyward.) Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Scott Fish (@ScottFish24) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30 Mar 20211h

It’s a dynasty-heavy show this week, as host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) is joined by Curtis Patrick of RotoViz (@CPatrickNFL). Curtis and Pat dive in by discussing Kenny Golladay’s dynasty outlook with the Giants and whether this is a good time to trade for JuJu Smith-Schuster. Curtis also lists a few signings that he thinks may have perked up players’ dynasty value and a few that might have torpedoed value. Curtis offers his thoughts on where this year’s top rookie QBs should be drafted vis-a-vid the top RBs and WRs in superflex drafts. He also talks about some of his favorite rookie RB prospects beyond Najee Harris, Travis Etienne and Javonte Williams, and explains why a lot of dynasty managers have a skewed idea of what constitutes a “hit” in dynasty rookie drafts. As someone who competes in a host of dynasty league and routinely matches wits with high-profile members of the fantasy media in industry leagues, Curtis lists a few of the shrewdest competitors he’s gone up against. He also reveals how Alvin Kamara won him home gym equipment and a Jamaican vacation for two (and how Kamara himself weighed in about it). Curtis weighs in on Kamara’s fantasy value post-Brees and talks about his enthusiasm for the Washington Football Team’s signing of Curtis Samuel. Pat and Curtis discuss how dynasty managers might handle the tricky Deshaun Watson situation, and Curtis lays out the case for CeeDee Lamb being a screaming dynasty buy right now. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Curtis Patrick (@CPatrickNFL) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 Mar 20211h

We’re drinking from the fire hose of the opening days of free agency, and the great Sigmund Bloom (@SigmundBloom) of Footballguys.com joins host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) to process some of the early signings. What should we make of the Patriots’ free-agent splurge? Will TEs Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry cannibalize each other’s numbers? Is the WFT signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick good reason to be excited about Terry McLaurin’s value? Does Corey Davis gain or lose value with the Jets? Sigmund and Pat tackle these questions and more. Sigmund talks about taking Jaylen Waddle over Rashod Bateman in a Footballguys dynasty rookie mock and explains why he’s infatuated with North Dakota State QB Trey Lance. Sigmund also speculates on who’ll be quarterbacking the Saints this fall, describes what life in New Orleans has been like during the pandemic, and talks about which teams have his heart for March Madness. There’s also some discussion about Sigmund’s beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Is there any hope for Ben Roethlisberger? What are the Steelers going to do at RB? Is Chase Claypool a superstar-in-waiting? How many targets might Diontae Johnson see in 2021? Pat and Sigmund also talk about the Packers’ re-signing of Aaron Jones and the subsequent value hit to A.J. Dillon. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Sigmund Bloom (@SigmundBloom) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Mar 20211h 3min

Joining host Pat Fitzmaurice this week is Derek Brown, senior analyst of Fade the Noise and co-host of the Chalk Fade podcast. In a Seussian turn, Derek slips into the role of Cam-I-Am to convince a skeptical Pat that Cam Akers is indeed delicious at an early-second-round ADP. D-Bro then talks about his new rookie RB crush, Javonte Williams. There’s some discussion about other rookies as well, including Travis Etienne, Terrace Marshall, DeVonta Smith, Kenny Gainwell, Michael Carter and Tylan Wallace. A resident of Fort Worth, Texas, Derek explains how he and his family dodged the worst of the winter storm that rocked the Lone Star State in February, and he talks about the music that’s helped him cope with the pandemic. Irv Smith and Adam Trautman are the focus of some TE conversation. A lifelong Saints fan, Derek offers thoughts on Michael Thomas, Tre’Quan Smith and what New Orleans might do at QB in 2021. Pat and Derek wrap the show with conversations about Jalen Hurts, Gabriel Davis and Terry McLaurin. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Mar 20211h 4min