Fitz on Fantasy

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in Matt Schauf of Draft Sharks (@SchaufDS) to parse some of the hard-to-read RB situations. Will Leonard Fournette’s playoff momentum carry over to the 2021 regular season? Will Travis Etienne completely trash James Robinson’s value? Is it worth investing in Trey Sermon? How confident should we feel about Miles Sanders and D’Andre Swift? Are Mike Davis and Zack Moss value buys? Matt and Pat dig into these ambiguous backfields. A longtime IDP ace, Matt discusses the format and offers some strategy tips. Then, after some discussion about grunge music and Pete Rose, Matt and Pat circle back to football, with Matt naming a few players he believes to be overpriced (sorry, Najee Harris truthers) and talking about his dynasty rookie drafts so far. Matt also explains why Mike Gesicki is the cryptocurrency of TEs, then answers a few rapid-fire questions to close out the show. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Matt Schauf (@SchaufDS) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in Pete Davidson (@Rotobahn) to discuss fantasy football and music. Pete and Pat start by discussing how rookies Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne might fare in Jacksonville under new head coach Urban Meyer. Pete makes the case that dynasty managers shouldn’t get locked into their pre-draft evaluations of rookies and should listen to what the NFL is telling them when a player slides, as with Hakeem Butler two years ago. But should that apply to Justin Fields this year? Pete makes the case for Kyle Trask as a worthwhile sleeper in dynasty rookie drafts, and he and Pat discuss the enticing upside of Trey Sermon. A lifelong Jets fan, Pete weighs in on the Zach Wilson pick, the Jets’ messy WR situation, and the likelihood that Michael Carter instantly becomes the Jets’ top RB. The conversation shifts to bands, as Pete and Pat talk about musical awakenings – what they were listening to before their ears were opened to the good stuff, and what changed their tastes. Pete answers a series a rapid-fire questions about favorite albums and songs from legendary bands, then recommends a favorite obscure album. There’s a little more conversation about dynasty rookie drafts and whether it makes sense to hoard QBs. Then Pete offers thoughts on some of the second-year RBs, whether Saquon Barkley’s 2020 knee injury still concerns him, and how he views the Browns’ Chubb-Hunt backfield for fantasy purposes. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Pete Davidson (@Rotobahn) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) is joined by Dalton Del Don (@daltondeldon) of Yahoo Fantasy, a longtime 49ers fan who thinks Trey Lance deserves consideration as pick 1.01 in superflex dynasty rookie drafts. Dalton also sizes up a San Francisco RB room that now includes rookies Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell, and he offers his thoughts on how targets might be allotted between George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Should Jalen Hurts be a top-10 QB in redraft leagues? Dalton and Pat make the case for Hurts and discuss what the Eagles’ additions of Kenneth Gainwell and Kerryon Johnson mean for Miles Sanders. Dalton talks about covering three sports for Yahoo, his favorite all-time team, doing a podcast with the outspoken Chris Liss and working with the eclectic Yahoo team. Should A.J. Brown be the WR1? Is Mike Davis going to be a value pick in 2021 drafts? Is the runway clear for Chase Edmonds and Myles Gaskin? Are we getting too excited about Najee Harris? Do we need to start downgrading Davante Adams and Aaron Jones because of the Aaron Rodgers situation? Dalton and Pat discuss these topics and more. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Dalton Del Don (@daltondeldon) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set

The 2021 NFL Draft is in the books, and host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) brings in Marcas Grant (@MarcasG) from NFL.com and the NFL Network to discuss rookie landing spots. With so many disappointing RB/team matchups, how excited should we be about the Najee Harris/Steelers fit? Will Melvin Gordon block Javonte Williams in Denver? What should we make of a Travis Etienne/James Robinson/Carlos Hyde backfield in Jacksonville? Marcas lists his top six rookie WRs post-draft and explains why he’s not crazy about the Rashod Bateman/Ravens pairing. He also talks about Terrace Marshall’s outlook in Carolina and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s opportunity in Detroit. Marcas liked Justin Fields more than Trey Lance pre-draft, but does he still feel that way? Marcas details his recent trip down a rabbit hole of old dystopian action movies and talks about what he was binge-watching at the onset of the pandemic. A USC grad, Marcas talks Pac-12 rivalries and casts some shade on both UCLA and that most hated of Pac-12 figures, the Stanford Tree. Speaking of USC, there’s a quick glimpse ahead toward next year’s draft as Marcus sizes up USC QB Kedon Slovis, a top 2022 prospect, and Marcas and Pat discuss whether Sam Darnold’s career can be rejuvenated with the Panthers. There’s some obligatory Aaron Rodgers conversation, and the show ends with Marcas offering some quick thoughts on Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Tua Tagavailoa, the Steelers’ WRs, the Saints’ QB situation, and how soon Trey Lance might make his first NFL start. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Marcas Grant (@MarcasG) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’re just under two months away from the NFL Draft, and there’s prospect talk galore in this week’s marathon episode, as Thor Nystrom (@thorku), the lead college football and NFL Draft analyst for NBC Sports Edge (formerly Rotoworld) joins host Pat Fitzmaurice (Fitz_FF). Thor explains why criticism of Justin Fields’ field-reading ability is unfair, why Trevor Lawrence is the best prospect he’s ever evaluated, why Trey Lance is such a fascinating test case, why Zach Wilson is tricky to evaluate, and why Mac Jones reminds him of a less athletic Andy Dalton. Thor’s No. 1 running back isn’t Alabama’s Najee Harris or Clemson’s Travis Etienne, but rather North Carolina Tarheel Javonte Williams. Thor sings Javonte’s praises, takes a closer look at Harris and Etienne, and makes a case for Rhamondre Stevenson as an underrated prospect. Thor also offers a detailed analysis of University of Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman, and he and Pat discuss their mutual appreciation of Purdue’s Rondale Moore. Pat and Thor also discuss what Kyle Pitts’ NFL future might hold, and Thor speculates on what no Scouting Combine, shortened college seasons for some teams and opt-out seasons for some players might mean for this year’s draft. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Thor Nystrom (@thorku) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set

This week, host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) is joined by distinguished RotoViz and Fade the Noise alumnus Anthony Amico (@amicsta), who’s now lone-wolfing it with a blog/newsletter/toolbox called In the Aggregate that you can find at amicsta.substack.com. Anthony and Pat discuss last week’s Carson Wentz trade, whether Wentz can get his career back on course and whether the Eagles are now all in on Jalen Hurts. Then, the focus turns to Anthony’s outstanding new WR prospect similarity app and what it tells us about players such as Rashod Bateman, Sage Surratt, Tutu Atwell and Dyami Brown. After a little more rookie banter, Anthony talks about the challenges of being a high school teacher during COVID-19. And after finishing with the highest regular-season point total in last year’s Scott Fish Bowl despite not drafting a running back until the 12th round, Anthony talks about how he was able to employ the Zero-RB strategy so successfully. He also lists a few players he’s targeting in 2021 drafts along with a few fades. And as a Giants fan, Anthony also shares some thoughts on Daniel Jones, Evan Engram and Darius Slayton. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Anthony Amico (@amicsta) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in Pat Kerrane (@PatKerrane), co-host of the Ship Chasing podcast and part of the Establish the Run team. The two Pats discuss the Zero-RB strategy, why it worked so well in 2020 and how it sets up for 2021, and Kerrane pinpoints some attractive middle- and late-round RB targets. With draft rooms open, there’s ample best-ball discussion in this episode. Is this a good time of year to draft, while rookies are still undervalued and ADPs haven’t solidified, or is it tougher to draft early because the waters tend to be so shark-infested? Are rookie RBs Najee Harris, Travis Etienne and Javonte Williams three of the best values at RB right now? Who are some of the more overvalued and undervalued players based on early ADP data? Kerrane talks about moving from Manhattan to Brooklyn and why he considers his new borough a starter suburb. He also explains why his home state of Delaware is really two states in one, and the two Pats express their appreciation for Delaware-based Capriotti’s subs and the legendary “Bobbie” sandwich. Kerrane talks about some of his favorite rookies and waxes poetic about the sublime résumé of LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Pat and Pat also discuss where they stand on DeVonta Smith, Kyle Pitts and others, and Kerrane explains why he’s so bullish on D.J. Moore and Laviska Shenault for 2021. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: Pat Kerrane (@PatKerrane) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) In association with TheFootballGirl.com Music provided by International Jet Set