The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast

Week 3 is one of a handful of moving weeks in the fantasy world. We've got desperate 0-2 teams, some of which will be even more desperate by the end of Monday night. We've got 2-0 teams riding high, some of which will move to 3-0 and feel they're unstoppable. Every team, no matter where they are in the standings, can use a win this week. And that's where Beller, Jake and Funston start when they discuss the Week 3 rankings on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.Justin Fields is getting his first career start. Should he start for you? Just how good is Deebo Samuel going to be this season? You're starting Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Ezekiel Elliott, but how worried should you be about them? Which WR3s should be in your lineup, and which should be on the bench? The guys answer all those questions, plus go head-to-head on a few players where they differ, make cases for backs outside the top 24 and top 30, and generally ignore the tight end position.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nwscA18q7RoSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After everyone survived THE EASIEST SURVIVOR WEEK EVER™, a more challenging slate confronts us in Week 3. The Broncos are the big favorite laying 10.5 at home against the seemingly hapless Jets. Three other big favorites—the Panthers, Ravens and Cardinals—are on the road. The Browns are laying a touchdown at home against the Bears, but do you trust them with all those injuries against a team now led by Justin Fields? The Chiefs are 6.5-point favorites at home, but do you want to fade the Chargers that aggressively?Beller and DVR help you navigate the survivor pool waters on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZuB_WAJgB9oSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nando, Chris and Brandon discuss the Ravens’ offense through two weeks, the sluggish start from Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Ezekiel Elliott’s floor amidst the rise from Tony Pollard, the general disappointment around several early-round running backs, more uncertainty in the San Francisco backfield. Plus, the massive breakout from Mike Williams in Joe Lombardi’s offense, the return of Courtland Sutton, and more. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonHerFFBFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVaccaroGSTEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's beat writer Tuesday on The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. Bengals reporter Jay Morrison, 49ers reporter Matt Barrows, and Chargers reporter Daniel Popper join Beller and DVR to discuss the latest on their teams from a fantasy perspective.First, the guys get into Joe Burrow's volume concerns and Joe Mixon's workload with Morrison. Then Barrows jumps on the show to talk about the new backfield hierarchy in San Francisco, and Brandon Aiyuk's disappearance over the first two weeks. Popper rounds it out, taking questions on Mike Williams' breakout, the Chargers fluky red-zone struggles, Austin Ekeler's increasing role, and more.Finally, Beller and DVR wrap the show by giving you 10 good minutes on Week 3 waivers.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperFollow Jay (Bengals) on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATHFollow Matt (49ers) on Twitter: @mattbarrowsFollow Daniel (Chargers) on Twitter: @danielrpopperSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When is the right time to smash the panic button in a fantasy football league? If you're staring down an 0-2 start, it might feel like now is that right time. In many instances, that won't necessarily be the case. In others, however, panic just might be the appropriate reaction.Beller, Jake and Funston break out the panic meter on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. Is now the time to sound the alarm bells on Clyde Edwards-Helaire? What about Allen Robinson and Robert Woods? Or even—gasp!—Ezekiel Elliott?The guys also take a full look back at Week 2 Sunday breaking down the biggest news, including Derek Carr's rise, the ridiculously entertaining late slate of games, and the rash of injuries that started right off the jump. They also break down an interesting group of waiver players that doesn't include a slam dunk top option, but certainly presents a number of paths fantasy managers can pursue over the next couple days.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y0J6aX78XC0Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beller and DVR take an early look at the players that will likely be among the most popular players on the waiver wire heading into Week 3. Shallow league managers should be taking a look at Michael Carter, Zack Moss and Darnell Mooney, while deep leaguers will be more focused on the likes of Henry Ruggs and DeVante Parker.Could Parker also have value in shallower leagues? And could everyone take a look at Justin Fields? The guys discuss it all.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beller and DVR take a look at the Week 2 DFS main slate, focusing first on the highest totals on the board. Do you have to find exposure to Cowboys-Chargers? Are there better angles to play in Vikings-Cardinals or Titans-Seahawks?The guys also look beyond those high totals for games they want to target, including Saints-Panthers. They also discuss where they're going to splurge this week, and where they prefer to find savings to facilitate that splurging.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beller, Vic and Zac run through the Week 2 slate, with all three of them offering up their favorite plays for each of this week's remaining 15 games. Within those 15 picks apiece, the guys all highlight five favorites. Among their favorites: Panthers +3.5 over Saints (Zac), Titans on the moneyline at +190 (Vic) and Jonathan Taylor to go over 15.5 receiving yards (Beller).We'll give you those in the show description. For the rest, you'll have to listen to this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Vic on Twitter: @VicTafurFollow Zac on Twitter: @AkronJacksonSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elijah Mitchell, Jameis Winston and Christian Kirk were among the surprise standout players in Week 1. But that was last week. Where do they rank in Week 2? And who will join them in the 2021 Surprise Standout Club this week? Beller, Jake and Funston dig into those questions on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.Among the 30-plus players the guys discuss are Teddy Bridgewater, Joe Burrow, Mike Davis, Ty'Son Williams, Ja'Marr Chase, Jarvis Landry and Robby Anderson. Plus, we've got a few surprises should keep our favorite rankings analysts on their toes.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YYYb-gFByLoSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week 1 was a relatively quiet one on the Survivor front, with the Jaguars the only semi-popular pick that went down. Week 2 looks like it could be a comfortable one, too, with three double-digit favorites on the board, all of whom happen to be considered Super Bowl contenders (even though one of them struggled mightily in Week 1).Beller and DVR say there's no reason to get cute and not pick one of those teams in Week 2, but they'll debate which of the three is the best play in Survivor pools. They'll also give you teams to avoid and off-the-radar picks if you dare save all three of this weeks big favorites.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8XadcNN4X2oSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nando, Chris and Brandon discuss the approach to Elijah Mitchell as a Week 1 standout commanding large bids and top waiver-wire priority, how they are reacting (and overreacting) to Week 1 — including the role of Corey Davis with the Jets, regrets in the Elijah Moore v. Mike Williams decision, the strong showing of several rookies in their debuts, and concerns on the heels of the Packers’ Week 1 debacle against the Saints.They also take a look at the most dropped players coming out of the first week of the season.Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonHerFFBFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVaccaroGSTEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Tuesday on The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast, we'll check in with a handful of our beat writers around the country to get the latest on-the-ground knowledge from teams making news in the fantasy world. We kick it off by touching base with three teams that struggled mightily in Week 1: the Bills, Titans and Packers.Is there legitimate cause for concern for the fantasy-relevant players on these three teams, or was this just one bad game in a long season? What can we take away from Week 1 that is actionable in the fantasy world. Joe Buscaglia (Bills), Matt Schneidman (Packers) and Joe Rexrode (Titans) help us sort it all out. Plus, Beller and DVR take one last look at waivers for Week 2.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperFollow Joe B. (Bills) on Twitter: @JoeBuscagliaFollow Matt (Packers) on Twitter: @mattschneidmanFollow Joe R. (Titans) on Twitter: @joerexrodeSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week 1 is just about in the books, with the Monday night game between the Ravens and Raiders the only one left on the slate. We've got a lot to look back at and forward to, and that's exactly what Beller, Jake and Funston do on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.How triumphant should the Ja'Marr Chase victory lap be? Are we worried at all about the Packers or Titans? Are there any big prizes on the waiver wire going into Week 2? The guys get into all that, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w9xvJivAxmISubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first Sunday of the season is in the books, which means it's just about time to turn our full attention to Week 2. Beller and DVR start turning that page by taking an early look at the waiver wire, where they find Mark Ingram and Christian Kirk among the players that should be the top targets in leagues of all sizes.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-NZKh0l6leESubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Friday, Beller and DVR will give you the nuts and bolts they're using to build their DFS lineups. The guys will highlight the games they want to target, discuss the players and positions on which they want to spend major resources, and the areas in which they'll be finding savings.In Week 1, DVR has his eye on the elite running backs, while Beller finds comfort in spending up for a reliable quarterback. They both, however, want to find savings at receiver and tight end.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week 1 has arrived, and we're celebrating with the new-look gambling edition of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. Every Friday, Beller, Vic and Zac will run through all the remaining games on the slate, with each of them picking one play from every matchup. It could be a side, total, player prop or game prop, providing you with a full menu of betting options to kick off your weekend.The guys will be sure to highlight the picks they're betting themselves, and those they're discussing simply for entertainment and conversational purposes. On this episode, Beller makes a strong case for laying the points with the Broncos against the Giants, Vic gets on board with Aaron Rodgers' quiet revenge, and Zac finds plenty of value in the Raiders catching four at home against the Ravens. And those are just three of the 45 bets mentioned!Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Vic on Twitter: @VicTafurFollow Zac on Twitter: @AkronJacksonSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NFL season kicks off on Thursday with an expected doozy between the Cowboys and Buccaneers, and the first full Sunday of the season follows just a few days later. Our friends...we did it.It won't be hard to figure out your starters from the Cowboys-Buccaneers game. But the rest of the slate? That's a different story. Beller, Jake and Funston help you lock in your lineups on the Week 1 Rankings episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. The guys discuss upwards of 30 players, including Trevor Lawrence, Myles Gaskin, Damien Harris, DeVonta Smith and Ja'Marr Chase. Plus, they give you surprise players to start at every position. Let's do this!Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/izLMWY0A4R4Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Wednesday evening, Michael Beller and Derek VanRiper will bring you strategies to help you survive and advance in your survivor pools.Things are pretty straightforward in Week 1, with all 32 teams available to everyone. It's a challenging Week 1 slate, however, with no real slam-dunk pick on the board. Should you go 49ers over Lions? Rams over Bears? Buccaneers over Cowboys? Or should you already be zigging where others are zagging. Beller and DVR break it all down.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiperEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nando, Chris and Brandon discuss their varying opinions about Mike Davis as the lead back in Atlanta, Ryan Tannehill as an undervalued QB, Nando’s unusual interest in Tyrod Taylor, value in the Colts’ receivers, Melvin Gordon’s role in tempering a Javonte Williams breakout, and the draft market’s failure to adjust to D.J. Chark. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonHerFFBFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVaccaroGSTEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone's got their Guys. The ones they went after in every single draft this season. You may share some of your Guys with other people, but it's likely that no one has the exact same list as you. Those Guys are Your Guys. These Guys our Our Guys. Individually, we refer to them as My Guys.Some of the Guys who made our My Guys lists: Kyle Pitts, Courtland Sutton and Mike Davis. Aaron Jones, Robert Woods and Curtis Samuel. Tua Tagovailoa, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Rondale Moore. Come join us on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast as we talk about Our Guys.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oaa_G0K1Ud8Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beller, Zac and Vic dig into the team-based futures market, finding more than a few bets they want to make before this season begins. The guys discuss Super Bowl picks (Bills and Chiefs), division winners (Browns and 49ers) and fun playoff bets (hello, Cardinals and Panthers).They also get into win total over/unders, find some places to go negative (do we really trust the Colts?) and get into a handful of exotic wagers.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Vic on Twitter: @VicTafurFollow Zac on Twitter: @AkronJacksonSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NFL season begins one week from today. That means there's really only one thing to do on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast: make some bold predictions.Beller, Jake and Funston come in hot with five bold predictions apiece. Some are positive (Jalen Hurts is a top-five QB!), some are negative (Derrick Henry is NOT a top-five RB!), all are bold.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tYaUgIzv1igSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nando, Brandon and Chris discuss last-minute risers and fallers now that the calendar has flipped to September. How will the Ravens utilize Gus Edwards and the rest of their running backs following J.K. Dobbins’ injury, Sony Michel’s opportunity in Los Angeles, their expectations for Marquez Callaway, and changes in New England with the Patriots decision to roll with Mac Jones as their starting quarterback. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonHerFFBFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVaccaroGSTEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The biggest piece of news emanating from Week 3 of the preseason is also the worst. J.K. Dobbins tore his ACL and will miss the 2021 NFL season. That makes three exciting young backs we won't see this year, with Dobbins joining Cam Akers and Travis Etienne.Beller, Jake and Funston have the icky, yet necessary, fantasy takeaways for you on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. The guys discuss how far up your rankings you should move Gus Edwards, and where they'd be comfortable taking him. They also get into the rest of the news from the third week of the preseason, including T.Y. Hilton's disk issue, Gardner Minshew heading to Philly, good looks from Courtland Sutton, Chris Godwin and Laviska Shenault, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QKaK1Vu8U1ISubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gambling edition of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast is back for another season. Every Friday, Michael Beller, Vic Tafur and Zac Jackson will discuss their favorite bets from every game on the slate. Sides, totals, player props and team props are all fair game, and the guys will likely throw in a parlay or two along the way, as well.Before the season, however, is futures time. On this episode, the guys highlight their favorite player futures for the season. They give out their top plays to lead the league in passing, rushing and receiving yards, as well as passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns. They also lay down some MVP bets, and discuss a handful of player props.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Vic on Twitter: @VicTafurFollow Zac on Twitter: @AkronJacksonSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not often that a trade happens, and the player who's on the move is the least interesting player involved in the deal. So hey, Sony Michel is an outlier! What does the Michel trade mean for Darrell Henderson and Damien Harris? What does Travis Etienne's injury mean for James Robinson and the Jags receivers? Is it time to back off D'Andre Swift? Beller, Jake and Funston get into all that on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.The guys also discuss the QB battle won by Teddy Bridgewater, those seemingly won by Jameis Winston and Jimmy Garoppolo, and Mac Jones increasing chances of starting Week 1. They wrap up the episode by naming their favorite bounceback players at quarterback, running back and wide receiver.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IoU2mauQXrkSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nando, Chris and Brandon discuss the strategies they employ while building out the bottom half of their rosters including how to execute Zero RB, waiting on a quarterback, and balancing ‘boring’ veterans with upside selections. Plus, the impact of Sony Michel in the Rams’ backfield, Damien Harris’ rising stock in New England, and the overlooked Zach Wilson. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonHerFFBFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVaccaroGSTEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second week of the preseason is in the books, and it was just as eventful as the first from a fantasy football perspective. Beller, Jake and Funston dive into the fantasy takeaways on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.The fantasy community has clearly been too low on Corey Davis all summer, but what about Zach Wilson? Is it time to get worried about Michael Carter and/or Javonte Williams? Will the Mecole Hardman and Rondale Moore hype stop? More importantly, should it? The guys answer those questions, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tobkomNauZASubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guy Jake Ciely's baby, the fantasy football FLEX Leagues, recently conducted all of its drafts. Jake, Beller and Funston participated in three different drafts, giving us a great snapshot of how the fantasy football landscape is shaping up with three weekends left in draft season.On this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast, we look at the decisions our trio made in their respective drafts, and discuss the players they targeted and faded. There's one player who all three drafted, and if you've been following along with us all summer, his identity will not come as a surprise...Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonBrandon's Draft: https://www78.myfantasyleague.com/2021/options?L=65388&O=113&CMD=GRID&DISPLAY=LEAGUE&ARCHIVE=*Jake's Draft: https://www70.myfantasyleague.com/2021/options?L=71571&O=113&CMD=GRID&DISPLAY=LEAGUE&ARCHIVE=*Beller's Draft: https://www78.myfantasyleague.com/2021/options?L=19353&O=113&CMD=GRID&DISPLAY=LEAGUE&ARCHIVE=*Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s5bgQvNf6XkSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nando, Brandon and Chris discuss whether you should consider veering away from Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook with the first two picks on draft day, where they’re willing to draft Saquon Barkley, their thoughts on Jonathan Taylor, Austin Ekeler’s case to be a first-round pick, the Antonio Gibson ‘CMC Dream’, executing a zero-RB build, the early slide of DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Brown’s move up the board, and expectations for J.K. Dobbins. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonHerFFBFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVaccaroGSTEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first week of the NFL preseason is in the books, and while no one wants to overreact to anything we saw this past weekend, there are still things we can properly react to. How worried should we be about Myles Gaskin? How excited should we be about Justin Fields and Trey Lance? Is there cause for concern with Michael Carter?Beller, Jake and Funston answer all those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. Plus, they just might indulge in an overreaction or two. Because this is supposed to be fun!Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LJgHeyH5r0ESubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The training camp news spigot is turned all the way up this week. Dak Prescott is going for another MRI on his throwing shoulder. Carson Wentz might be ready for Week 1. Curtis Samuel is on the PUP list, and things don't look great. Rashod Bateman will miss multiple weeks, a huge blow for a rookie in the summer. Beller, Jake and Funston get into the fantasy takeaways for all that news on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.After that, Brandon and Jake engage in their first ADP Battle of the summer. In one corner is Brandon and Antonio Gibson. In the other is Jake and Najee Harris. If you can only draft one, who should it be and why?Finally, all three of our hosts name one of their most overvalued players at every position. Listen to the arguments for fading Justin Herbert, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Adam Thielen and Mark Andrews.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VKTXyJFEukoSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nando, Brandon and Chris discuss their approach to the tight end position this season — including their willingness to build around Travis Kelce in Round 1, shared love for Darren Waller, a possible rebound from George Kittle, expectations for Kyle Pitts in Year 1, undervalued players at the position, late darts, Vaccaro’s favorite option among the Top-12 tight ends, and how to adjust your roster build around the decision to draft a tight end early on. Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonHerFFBFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVaccaroGSTEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By now, you've likely heard the spooky tales of the RB Dead Zone, a Bermuda Triangle type area that hangs over the third through sixth rounds of 12-team drafts. Some say that fantasy drafters wander into the Dead Zone dazed, unsure of themselves and their surroundings. Others say that drafters go into the Dead Zone confidently, sure that the backs they select anywhere between pick 25 and 72 overall will at least meet, and potentially exceed, expectations.Of course, we know that backs in this range often fail, especially when compared against the receivers taken in the same neighborhood. We also know, however, that there are multiple success stories every season, from David Montgomery (RB4) in 2020 to Aaron Jones (RB2) in 2019, and that someone in every league will be brave enough to draft these backs in the Dead Zone.On this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast, Beller, Jake and Funston brave the wilds with an RB Dead Zone Draft. The guys have devised a scoring system that rewards upside AND bust avoidance, helping you find the right RB selections to make when the Dead Zone descends upon your draft.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kk4RefEegDQSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We wrap up this week on The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast with an episode jam-packed with legitimate training camp news. How strong should we be fading the Colts' skill position players, most notably Jonathan Taylor, in the wake of Carson Wentz's foot surgery? With Tarik Cohen likely to miss regular season games, is it time to push David Montgomery up the rankings. What does DeVonta Smith's knee sprain mean in the fantasy world?Beller and Funston answer all those questions on this episode. They also go toe to toe on DeAndre Hopkins vs. D.K. Metcalf, shine a spotlight on Kareem Hunt, and discuss quarterback touchdown props.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Say hello to The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast's new Wednesday crew: Nando Di Fino, Brandon Marianne Lee and Chris Vaccaro. The trio will be coming to you every Wednesday through the end of the regular season, bringing The Athletic's fantasy football written word to the airwaves.On their debut episode, the gang discusses this summer's Saquon scaries, Sam Darnold getting out from under Adam Gase's thumb, the composition of the Jaguars, Nando's Daniel Jones obsession, and more.Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonHerFFBFollow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisVaccaroGSTEmail us: [email protected] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's another offbeat draft Monday here on The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. This week, Beller, Jake and Funston build fantasy teams made up of two QBs, two RBs, three WRs, one TE and two flex players. The catch? Anyone who has been a QB1, RB1, WR1 or TE1 in either of the last two seasons is not in the eligible player pool. In other words, the guys are trying to help you target and prioritize potential breakout players in 2021 in this draft.The top players in the pool include Joe Mixon (just barely), Antonio Gibson, Najee Harris, Terry McLaurin, CeeDee Lamb, Robert Woods, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Matthew Stafford, Kyle Pitts and Noah Fant. Upside is king in the No #1s Allowed Draft, although there's plenty of floor to be found, as well.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rrFMVaj5mmwSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've reached the end of the beat writer roundtable series on The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast, and we wrap things up with what just might be the best division in football: the NFC West.Any chance Russ gets to cook all season in Seattle? What does Matthew Stafford bring to the table for Sean McVay that Jared Goff didn't? How will the Raheem Mostert/Trey Sermon pairing shake out in San Francisco? And can Kyler Murray make another leap this year? Our beat writers answer those questions, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifinoFollow Michael (Seahawks) on Twitter: @MikeDugarFollow Jourdan (Rams) on Twitter: @JourdanRodrigueFollow Matt (49ers) on Twitter: @mattbarrowsSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beller and Jake welcome training camp—and all the craziness that comes with it—with open arms. The guys discuss Aaron Rodgers' return, Dak Prescott's shoulder injury, and the sudden change in Michael Thomas' outlook on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.From there, the guys get into their favorite sleepers at every position. They also launch two new segments that will be staples for the rest of draft season here at TAFFP: ADP Battle and Player Spotlight. The former pits Raheem Mostert against Javonte Williams, while the latter shines on Matthew Stafford. And of course, they play another round of Guess That Player.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rgZjfGInW2sSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've reached the AFC South edition of the beat writer roundtable on The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. This division underwent plenty of meaningful fantasy football change, with Trevor Lawrence, Julio Jones and Carson Wentz finding their way to one of the four teams during the offseason.How do the Titans balance Julio and A.J. Brown? Is Jonathan Taylor set to become a true workhorse? What does Lawrence have in store for his rookie season? Is there anything of fantasy substance in Houston. Our AFC South beat writers answer those questions, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Joe (Titans) on Twitter: @joerexrodeFollow Zak (Colts) on Twitter: @zkeeferFollow Andy (Jaguars) on Twitter: @Andy_StaplesFollow Aaron (Texans) on Twitter: @aaronjreissSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The beat writer roundtable series on The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast moves on to the AFC North, which sent three teams to the playoffs last season. It also sends a number of stars to the fantasy football world, chief among them Lamar Jackson and Nick Chubb.Is J.K. Dobbins about to make the leap? Can Odell Beckham rebound in 2021? Is Najee Harris the next great workhorse back in Pittsburgh? Will Joe Burrow lead the league in pass attempts? Our AFC North beat writers answer those questions, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jeff (Ravens) on Twitter: @jeffzrebiecFollow Zac (Browns) on Twitter: @AkronJacksonFollow Mark (Steelers) on Twitter: @MarkKabolyFollow Jay (Bengals) on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATHSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our beat writer roundtable series moves to the NFC North, where Aaron Rodgers will still be playing his football in the 2021 season. So too will Justin Fields and Jared Goff, while the Vikings return with some of the most continuity in the league, especially at the positions we care about in the fantasy football world.Can a second receiver finally emerge alongside Davante Adams in Green Bay? Is the Vikings' usage tree as reliably narrow as it was last year? How long will we have to play the waiting game with Fields in Chicago? And what do we make of all the turnover in Detroit? Our NFC North beat writers answer those questions, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Matt (Packers) on Twitter: @mattschneidmanFollow Arif (Vikings) on Twitter: @ArifHasanNFLFollow Kevin (Bears) on Twitter: @kfishbainFollow Chris (Lions) on Twitter: @ChrisBurkeNFLSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After running through the NFC last week, Beller and Jake turn their attention to AFC training camps on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. Forget about the coachspeak and proclamations of "Best Shape of His Life." We're looking for the developments that could change the way we think about players in a substantive way before we all sit down to draft over the next six weeks.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UJVWVQhIs7QSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next up on our beat writer roundtable series is the AFC West. The Chiefs have won this division five years in a row and enter this season as massive favorites. Top to bottom, however, there's a lot to like from a fantasy perspective.Can Clyde Edwards-Helaire have the season this year so many expected last year? Is Austin Ekeler the new Alvin Kamara? Assuming Aaron Rodgers remains in Green Bay, who wins the Broncos' quarterback battle between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater? How do the Raiders balance Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake? Nate Taylor (Chiefs), Daniel Popper (Chargers), Nick Kosmider (Broncos) and Vic Tafur (Raiders) answer those questions, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Nate (Chiefs) on Twitter: @ByNateTaylorFollow Daniel (Chargers) on Twitter: @danielrpopperFollow Nick (Broncos) on Twitter: @NickKosmiderFollow Vic on Twitter: @VicTafurSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next up on our beat writer roundtable series is the AFC East. The Bills now lord over the division once dominated by a Bill, but there's reason to believe the Dolphins, Patriots and Jets all could be better this season. And hey, there's quite a bit of fantasy goodness to be found on at least three of these teams.Who—if anyone—wins out in the Bills backfield? Can Tua take full advantage of all the weapons at his disposal? What does Zach Wilson have in store in his rookie year? Can the Patriots bring any speed or athleticism to the table this season? Tim Graham (Bills), Robert Mays (Dolphins), Connor Hughes (Jets) and Sean Leahy (Patriots) answer those questions, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Tim (Bills) on Twitter: @ByTimGrahamFollow Robert (Dolphins) on Twitter: @robertmaysFollow Connor (Jets) on Twitter: @Connor_J_HughesFollow Sean (Patriots) on Twitter: @leahyseanSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A handful of teams are already in training camp, and every camp will be underway within the next week. We're going to hear a lot of talk coming out of camp, and most of it won't matter in the fantasy world. But some of it will. Beller, Jake and Brandon help you anticipate the latter on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast.The guys will split their look at all 32 camps across two episodes. First up is the NFC. The guys run through all 16 NFC teams, highlighting what they'll be watching for at their respective camps over the next month.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yjegsDd7JG4Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next up in the beat writer roundtable series on The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast is the NFC South. The division features the defending champion Buccaneers, and a powerhouse in transition down in New Orleans—not to mention the consensus first overall pick in fantasy drafts. And also the Falcons. But we love Calvin Ridley!Can the Bucs feed all their receivers adequately again this year? Will Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill take over for Drew Brees? Is this the year D.J. Moore finds the end zone more than four times? And what do the Falcons look like in a post-Julio world? Our beats get into all that, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Greg (Buccaneers) on Twitter: @gregaumanFollow Tori (Falcons) on Twitter: @tori_mcelhaneyFollow Kat (Saints) on Twitter: @Kat_TerrellFollow Joe (Panthers) on Twitter: @josephpersonSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The beat writer roundtable returns to The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. With training camps set to open later this week, we'll check in with all of our beat writers to get the on-the-ground knowledge about their teams as the sprint to the start of the season begins.First up: the NFC East. How will the Cowboys divvy up all those targets from Dak Prescott? Is Antonio Gibson ready to take the next step? Can Miles Sanders rebound? When will it be time to get worried about Saquon Barkley's ACL recovery. Our beat writers answer all those questions, and a whole lot more.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jon (Cowboys) on Twitter: @jonmachotaFollow Zach (Eagles) on Twitter: @ZBermFollow Ben (Washington) on Twitter: @BenStandigFollow Dan (Giants) on Twitter: @DDuggan21Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, Stefon Diggs (WR3), Brandin Cooks (WR15), Diontae Johnson (WR21) and CeeDee Lamb were all drafted as WR3s (WR24). But so were T.Y, Hilton (WR43), Marquise Brown (WR34), DeVante Parker (WR41) and A.J. Green (WR68).In 2019, Allen Robinson (WR10), Jarvis Landry (WR13) and D.J. Moore (WR16) were WR3s by ADP. But so were Alshon Jeffery (WR59), Robby Anderson (WR39), Christian Kirk (WR40) and Dede Westbrook (WR48).Nailing a WR pick in this range can be huge for a fantasy team. Beller, Jake and Funston will try to help you get ready to do that with The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast's inaugural WR3 draft! Plus, the guys play another round of Guess That Player.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6mTvz7MWtY4Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beller, Jake and Funston keep the ADP fun rolling on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast. The guys dig a little deeper this time around, wrapping up the top 100 and stretching into what will be the nether regions of most fantasy football drafts. Is Juju being disrespected? Is Laviska Shenault sneakily the receiver in Jacksonville to target? Is Irv Smith Jr. a no-brainer at his price?The guys also get into some ADP showdowns—hello, Javonte Williams vs. Travis Etienne—and play another round of Guess That Player.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Jake on Twitter: @allinkidFollow Funston on Twitter: @BrandonFunstonWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3lb43hOFpQUSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/AthleticFantasyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.