Fantasy Fullback Dive | Roto Street Journal Fantasy Football Podcast

Fantasy Football Enthusiasts rejoice! We are just over 24 hours from the Kickoff of the 2018 Season... and there's no better way to start a year than a dominating Week 1 Fantasy Performance. As such, get a huge leg up with our Week 1 Fantasy Football preview show.

The Wolf will break down who he is higher and lower on at each position (QB, RB, WR, TE, D/ST), as well as provide a "Hail Mary" play at each (under 1% started and 20% owned).

We'll also tackle the Week's most Burning Questions, now featuring:

-What is James Conner's Week 1 Value with Le'Veon Bell unlikely to go?

-Can you use Josh Gordon coming off the bench versus the Steelers, and what should you expect?

-Will Deshaun Watson's return be triumphant, or will he struggle to pick up where he blazingly left off before his torn ACL?

Plus, during our Stock Watch we'll cover:

- Le'Veon Bell's current holdout and what it means for his value both long-term and in Week 1.

- 49ers RB's After Jerick McKinnon's ACL Tear, and how to approach this backfield in Week 1

- The Patriots RBs health

Plus, we took a bunch of Sit/Start questions to help you dominate Week 1. Simply put, you NEED to get off to a fast start to begin your season, and there's no better way to get ready than by following our pulverizing lead blocks on the Fantasy Fullback Dive

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Jerick McKinnon's devastating ACL tear has the 49ers backfield and fantasy owners in flux, so we invited San Francisco Insider Grant Cohn on to bring some clarity to this mess. Find out his take on this situation, as well as tons of other invaluable insight including:

--Is Marquise Goodwin worth all the hype he's generating (and what sneaky black cloud hangs over his value that no one seems to talk about)?

--How should Jimmy Garoppolo fear in Year 2 under Kyle Shanahan? Is he the chosen one so many expect?

--What is Pierre Garcon's latest health status, and how far down the target totem pole has he shrunk?

--Is George Kittle still a viable fantasy option? Why is his ceiling legitimately limitless... but the floor is also quite scary?

--What sleeper is going undrafted that might only be 5'9" yet is a Red Zone terror?

--Are the 49ers just overrated as a whole?

--What record will the 49ers post in 2018?

This is a loaded interview that 49ers and Fantasy Fans both NEED to hear. Tune in and subscribe now!

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For the first ever time, The Wolf and Truth went LIVE on YouTube for this episode of The Fantasy Fullback Dive.

We covered all the biggest Risers and Fallers of the 2018 Preseason. In the process, you'll learn:

-Why Christian McCaffrey is a complete workhorse, and needs to now be considered in the first rounds of ALL Fantasy Football Drafts

-How the overlooked Emmanuel Sanders is set to be a massive fantasy football target hog with Case Keenum and a newfound slot role, and why he's now an insane bargain.

-Why (most) Rookie RBs are among the biggest losers of this Preseason, especially Buccaneers' Ronald Jones and Seahawks' Rashaad Penny

-Why Sammy Watkins' Preseason illustrated exactly what we expected: this is the Tyreek Hill show, and any discount Watkins still gives 'Reek needs to be capitalized on

Plus, we'll cover all the latest breaking news on our "Stock Watch," including: The Jaguars and Dolphins WR corps, and the latest on Josh Gordon.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can watch and interact with us live on air in the future. Plus, we post highlights and full episodes on there.

It’s official: Fantasy Football Drafts are here!

Though we don’t recommend drafting until after Preseason Week 3, we fully understand plenty of psychos are already full-steam ahead. This includes our own Truth, and we begin Episode 30 by looking at his Keeper League Draft.

Though we preach “Building a Stable of Horses” as our favorite approach to 2018 drafts, The Truth found himself in a pickle after keeping DeAndre Hopkins and Rob Gronkowski. Find out how an unintentional “Zero-RB” Draft unfolded, and a new “Stock Tip” that emerged from our conversation: The 50% Rule. This is a crucial mindset and way of framing fantasy, so don’t miss this strategy-filled conversation.

But this is just the warm-up. Our Featured segment centers around breaking down Preseason Week 2: Risers, Fallers, and Sleepers. Perhaps more than any other Preseason, we’ve seen some massive fantasy value changes in 2018. This is especially true for Christian McCaffrey, Jimmy Graham, Trey Burton, Carlos Hyde, and so many more risers after Week 2, as well as fallers like Ronald Jones and Sammy Watkins. We touch upon some key Penny Stocks as well, in particular highlighting James White and why he offers enormous upside at his bottom-barrel price.

As always, we also continue two recurring segments: The Stock Watch and Tier Jerkers. On a shorter Stock Watch, we cover:

--Adrian Peterson’s potential value with the Redskins

--Peyton Barber’s strengthening grip on the Bucs’ starting RB role

--Ben Watson and his “Under Armour Mannequin” physique

Plus, in Tier Jerkers, our own Roto Joe is back, this time to break down 2018’s Tight End scene. While we recognize Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and Zach Ertz all form a vaunted “Big Three,” there’s still plenty of midround TE1 candidates that could explode and join this bunch.  Thus, to help you make the right decision if you miss on the elite, Wolf and Joe run through the ceilings and floors, as well as their rankings, of Evan Engram, Jimmy Graham, Delanie Walker, Greg Olsen, Kyle Rudolph, and *gasp* newly-added Trey Burton.

We wrap up with a packed mailbag, covering our strategy with D/ST, a brutal keeper decision involving Doug Baldwin and Zach Ertz, our reevaluated Rookie RB rankings, and a keeper choice that sheds light on going for a sure-thing at lesser value (Fournette in Round 3), or the potential homerun with enormous value upside.  (Collins in 14).

This Epi

Fresh off debuting his new cutting-edge Fantasy Football site The Quantedge, industry legend Eliot Crist (@EliotCrist) brings his game-changing analytics and keen film eye to The Wolf’s Den for some hard-hitting rankings analysis.

Crist and The Wolf first share some agreements on some bolder rankings, beginning with Jarvis Landry and why he’s among the best bargains in Fantasy Football. The pair then breaks down the targets he left behind in Miami, and how Kenny Stills is being completely overlooked as the likely new No.1 target on a team that’ll need to take to the air early and often. Last, they look at Mitch Trubisky’s upside in Matt Nagy’s offense, and detail why he is the ideal late-round QB2 candidate.

But then the gloves come on, and it’s time to duke it out. The Wolf feels Crist is too high on Kerryon Johnson, and Crist brings some big counter punches as to why this isn’t the case. The pair then look at Jay Ajayi, who The Wolf expects a massive rebound and high workshare from, but Crist isn’t buying it. Lastly, Crist explains why Jimmy Graham is overrated by The Wolf, while our host goes in-depth for why the Aaron Rodgers - Graham connection has more upside than most are recognizing right now.

This fire interview then wraps up with one of our strongest “No Huddle Offense” segments yet. From who belongs No.1 in drafts, to the most undervalued and overvalued at each position, to early-round season ruiners and late round “Penny Stocks,” we cover all stages of the draft with Crist’s bold but well-reasoned takes. In the process, we get a Rob Gronkowski rant that may just sway you to take him in Round 1 in every league.

Simply put, the Wolf’s Den was blazing with fire takes, and you can’t miss them… unless you enjoy sheepish 6th place finishes.

As a consistent points factory under Sean Payton and Drew Brees, the Saints are always among the NFL’s most fantasy relevant team each year. In fact, the Saints have finished within the Top-10 in Total Points in 9 of 11 total seasons with these two, including 6 finishes in the Top 5. As such, we go right to the source to breakdown this crucial offense by welcoming on The New Orleans Advocate’s Nick Underhill.

First, we dive into Mark Ingram’s 4-game suspension for PEDs, and the massive fantasy implications this could have on him and the rest of the roster. Find out how rookie sensation Alvin Kamara could be impacted, as well as who could fill the “Big Back” role over the four-game absence (and why this is so crucial to know).

Plus, after ranking in the Top.7 in Passing Play Percentage for seven straight years, the Saints fell all the way to 20th in 2017 behind a high-powered running game. Underhill breaks down why this switch happened, and if we should expect more of the same in 2018. On the passing game front, Underhill breaks down:

--How Michael Thomas looks even more dominant in camp but could still regress statistically.
--New weapon Cam Meredith’s fit and upside in this attack… if he could just get healthy
--Why Ben Watson remains a fantastic fantasy TE even at 37 years old
--How explosive rookie WR Tre’Quan Smith is looking in camp, and the type of ability he brings to this overall attack

Plus, Underhill lays out his predictions for the Saints 2018 season, as well as how the NFC South will play out. Few beat writers are more in-tune or accurate than Underhill, and this is a true must-listen for Fantasy and Saints fans alike.

As promised, we stay in-division for Round 2 of “On The Fantasy Beat,” this time looking at the Giants revamped offense under Pat Shurmur, and how the many exciting pieces (Odell Beckham, Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard) all fit in. To do so, we welcome in Giants Insider and PFF analyst Dan Schneier, who’s impressive resume includes Giants coverage for 247Sports and CBS Sports, as well as fantasy for Pro Football Focus, and his own Giants Podcast, “Big Blue Banter.”

Before diving into specific players and their expected roles, Schneir gives us an excellent breakdown of Shurmur’s overall offense. Learn why it’s being compared to “musical chairs,” and how this offense will create mismatch nightmares if executed properly. Then, we dive into the big names. How’s Odell Beckham looking post surgery, and fitting into this overall scheme? What’s rookie Saquon Barkley bringing to the table, and will he be the next great “Shurmur Bellcow?” Is Evan Engram set for an even more impressive sophomore campaign after his major rookie splash, and what different ways is Shurmur using him? Plus, should Sterling Shepard be as far under the radar as he is, and can Eli Manning sustain all these fantasy products?

Then, Schneier shares his NFC East Predictions, before bringing his PFF Fantasy Background to our “No Huddle Fantasy Offense.” Here, it’s clear Schneier is equally versed in the virtual gridiron as he is with the Giants, as he powers through question after question with in-depth analysis and hot takes on potential season winners, losers, and major sleepers. This podcast is must listen material for all Giants and fantasy football fans alike, so don’t miss out!

We are thrilled to debut our “On The Fantasy Beat” series tonight, where we go straight to the source for all your most pressing fantasy questions. This year we’ll be pairing guest beats by division to get different perspectives on their biggest rivals as well, and we start in the NFC East and the Cowboys. With a completely overhauled offense, Dallas will bring a whole new fantasy look to the table. To try and make sense of it, and find the most valuable fantasy nuggets, The Wolf and Truth welcome the returning RJ Ochoa. RJ covers all things Dallas Cowboys for @BloggingTheBoys, hosts the excellent Cowboys Pod @OchoLive, and Co-hosts The Saturday Morning Hangover on ESPN San Antonio.

With Dez Bryant and Jason Witten gone, 272 targets (56%) and 2,645 air yards (68.8%) have been opened up. But before we dive into the new faces and how that might be filled, we first look at the let’s engine of this offense -- Ezekiel Elliott.  Will his role expand, and his underrated pass-catching flourish, with so much air volume up for grabs?

We then turn our attention to the pass-catching corps, discussing rookie WR Michael Gallup’s impressive play and the type of role he’s carving out, whether Tavon Austin is really a thing, and if any Target Hogs seem likely to emerge between these two and Allen Hurns. Plus, with lots of buzz surrounding Blake Jarwin, we dive into his potential Penny Stock TE upside, and then figure out if there’s any hope for Dak Prescott with such a mismatch receiving corps.

We then get RJ’s Prediction of how the NFC East will unfold, before firing him through our Fantasy No Huddle Offense, considering he’s a big time player himself. Don’t miss his RJ’s insider Cowboys takes and excellent fantasy lens in this excellent “On The Fantasy Beat” Debut.

The fantasy football season is hurtling towards us like Eddie Lacy towards a free buffet of crab rangoon, with Preseason Week 1 officially in the books. Anyone who says, “The Preseason doesn’t matter!” is a true sheep, as Fantasy Wolves consider all possible evidence.

From rapport building, to role development and unexpected usage, to overall team performances and glimpses at new schemes, plenty of important trends emerge that cannot be ignored. The Wolf and Truth read you all the headlines from our Preseason Week 1 Risers, Fallers, and Penny Stocks Recap, before diving in for a few more in depth  to preview the piece. And yes, we talk about Cam Newton and Kelvin Benjamin's pre-game confrontation (before discussing Benjamin’s sneaky Target Hog upside).

Plus, we tackle a jam packed stock watch featuring:

• Alshon Jeffery’s injury and what it means for the other pass-catchers in Philadelphia
• Jerick McKinnon’s injury and his stock now with Alfred Morris in San Francisco -- and what Morris himself could bring to the table
• Developments in the ever-valuable Saints' backup RB story, which will make it even easier to select Mark Ingram at his steal price.
• Bears Passing Game Developments -- who’s emerging as the top targets, and will Mitch Trubisky’s play allow it to matter?
• John Brown’s Rising Penny Stock Value
• A Saquon Barkley scare.

Plus, as has become tradition, Roto Joe is back for another round of Tier Jerkers. Here, the boys break down the 3rd Round(ish) RB scene--he and the Wolf rank McCaffrey, Collins, Henry, Ajayi, and Mixon for your drafting pleasure. Both Joe and Wolf differ vastly in their organization of this tier, so find out where and why certain players are higher or lower.

The pod is wrapped up with a couple of items from the mailbag, including what to do with your 2nd and 3rd Round Picks if drafting No.1 overall, as well as a QB question circling on Jared Goff and Deshaun Watson.

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Bargains, Overprices, Penny Stocks, oh my! With our 2018 Preseason Kickoff Guide officially launched, The Wolf and Truth take a look inside the guide. (Unlike our last guest *cough* Field *cough*), we bring some bold predictions on the players who will be bring insane value at their currently discounted prices, who’ll bust at their current asking rates, and what guys go beyond 120 but could genuinely explode in 2018 -- for the record, we hit on Alvin Kamara and Marvin Jones as Penny Stocks last year.

In the process, we dig into Evan Engram and the enormous edge he can bring at his Round 5-6 price. We look at last year’s Texans offense, and why, even with some inevitable regression, this team will still be a juggernaut… and find you a way to get a very healthy piece of it in Round 8. We discuss why last year’s No.1 QB is actually heavily overrated, and how Christian McCaffrey going at 18th overall is a complete reach. Last, we visit Minnesota and New Orleans to unlock two names who could absolutely blow-up despite going beyond Pick 130.

Plus, with just a few days before Preseason Action, some major news is breaking that has major fantasy football implications. We cover:

-- Sony Michel’s knee injury, and what this means for Rex Burkhead (and why it’s not the immediate positive people might assume, despite a volume spike).
--Jarvis Landry’s role in Cleveland, and how he’s an emerging Target Hog with an insane ADP.
--What Corey Coleman’s new value could be in Buffalo, and how he still possesses real “Penny Stock Upside”
--Plus, some rapid fire blurbs covering the Cowboy’s offensive struggles, Cordarelle Patterson, Kenyan Drake, Marlon Mack, and Mike Gesicki.

Plus, with drafts fast approaching, we debut the “Tier Jerkers” with our guy Roto Joe. Any good ranking set are made as “Tiers” -- or similarly grouped fantasy values, which helps project positional and overall drop-offs, and make an overall Big Board much easier to make and navigate. Still, whether last week’s big-name guest likes it or not, when your on the clock, you’re not picking a group, you need a player. As such, this segment covers those brutal “Tiers” of players that cause legitimate tears to be jerked out of our bodies, and the sleepless nights that come with us screaming into our pillows.

This episode, we open the series with “The Round 2 WRs” (Keenan Allen, Davante Adams, Mike Evans, and AJ Green), breaking down the ceilings and floors of each prospect, before making a final ranking of each group. Who tops both Wolf and Roto Joe’s lists, but Truth wouldn’t touch? Why is Mike Evans at the bottom of one list and ranked second on another? Are we way too down on the Bengals offense?
This episode is completely loaded with invaluable insights for your draft, and the bold predictions you’ve come to love from the Fullback Dive (and may have missed last Episode). The lead-blocks are only getting better, and this is a true can’t miss.