FantasyPros - Fitz on Fantasy

In the 222nd and FINAL episode of Fitz on Fantasy host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) is joined by Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman), senior staff writer at Footballguys and the creator of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio (available at MattWaldmanRSP.com). Matt talks about top QB prospects C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson, and why he’s particularly fond of Richardson. He also expresses concerns about the mechanical issues that could hold back Will Levis. Matt has an interesting two-player mashup comp for Bijan Robinson that could quicken heart rates. Matt explains why he was initially slow to come around on Jahmyr Gibbs and why he’s excited by Tyjae Spears’ slippery power. He also offers an endorsement of polarizing RB prospect Zach Evans. 

Before there was a galaxy of fantasy football podcasts to choose from, there was The Audible Live, the long-running Footballguys fantasy podcast featuring Matt, Sigmund Bloom, Cecil Lammey, and Dr. Jene Bramel. Matt talks about how he wound up becoming a regular on the show and why the cast has such good chemistry. Matt compares Jaxson Smith-Njigba to his former Ohio State teammates Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Matt and Pat also discuss Zay Flowers, University of Tennessee teammates Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman, and an alarming concern with Quentin Johnston. Matt discusses the NFL outlook for Dalton Kincaid and provides an elevator pitch for relatively unheralded TE prospect Luke Schoonmaker. 

Pat closes the podcast by bringing in his producer, Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland), to discuss the origins of Fitz on Fantasy, how Colm became Pat’s producer, their in-person meeting last summer at the Fantasy Football Expo, the fantasy football community in the United Kingdom, and Colm’s podcast, RotoViz Overtime. Then, Pat signs off for the last time, offering some thank-yous on his way out. 

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) 

Guest: Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman)

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) 

Music provided by International Jet Set 

We’re less than three weeks away from the NFL Draft, so host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in FantasyPros college football and NFL Draft analyst Thor Nystrom (@thorku) to discuss the Class of 2023. Thor reveals which QB he’d take No. 1 if he were the Panthers’ GM and offers deep thoughts on C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, and Hendon Hooker. Thor also talks about the magnificence of Bijan Robinson, why he prefers Zach Charbonnet to Jahmyr Gibbs, and why he’s high on Tyjae Spears. 

A product of the prestigious Iowa Writers Workshop, Thor talks about what it was like to be enrolled in America’s premier incubator for young writers. Then it’s more rookie talk, as Thor and Pat discuss a polarizing and relatively thin WR class. Thor explains why he prefers Quentin Johnston to Jaxson Smith-Njigba and why it wouldn’t be far-fetched for Zay Flowers to be the first wide receiver drafted. And with a talented and deep TE class this year, Thor offers praise for one of his favorites, Iowa’s Sam LaPorta. 

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) 

Guest: Thor Nystrom (@thorku) 

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) 

Music provided by International Jet Set 

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) is joined by Joey Wright (@thejoeywright) of the Front Yard Fantasy and Footballguys.com. Joey and Pat discuss the impasse between Lamar Jackson and the Ravens and where Jackson should be going in best-ball drafts. Should we be taking the panic discount, or should we be concerned that Jackson could sit out the year à la Le’Veon Bell? Joey makes a case for T.J. Hockenson as the fantasy TE in his first full season in Minnesota. A Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, Joey offers a take on what the Bucs’ passing game might look like with Baker Mayfield at quarterback and what dynasty managers should do with WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. 

Joey and Pat spend some time talking about movies, with Joey explaining how he became a film buff and weighing in on the Oscar-night dominance of “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” Joey also reveals his Mount Rushmore of movies, his choice for the most overrated movie of all time, and the first R-rated movie he ever snuck into. Joey and Pat talk about their mutual admiration of Dameon Pierce and why Pierce enthusiasm seems to have dissipated. Joey names a couple of his favorite dynasty trade targets and assesses the 2023 outlook for Khalil Herbert. Joey and Pat also discuss Samaje Perine and Odell Beckham, and Joey lists some players he’s targeting and fading in 2023. 

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) 

Guest: Joey Wright (@thejoeywright) 

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) 

Music provided by International Jet Set 

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in FantasyPros and BettingPros colleague Bo McBrayer (@Bo_McBigTime) for a wide-ranging conversation about fantasy football and … stuff. Bo and Pat discuss the consequences of the inevitable Aaron Rodgers trade to the Jets -- specifically, what it will mean for Rodgers and Garrett Wilson, and what the Jordan Love era in Green Bay might look like. Bo and Pat also assess the outlooks for Elijah Moore in Cleveland and Brandin Cooks in Dallas. A Northern California resident, Bo weighs in on the 49ers’ QB situation and the fantasy value of Deebo Samuel. He and Pat also do an appraisal of Texans RB Dameon Pierce. 

The Masters is coming up quickly, and avid golf bettors Bo and Pat discuss some of the favorites and whether any of the LIV Tour players could be factors. They also discuss their mutual dream of playing at Augusta National someday. A talented cook who makes his own hot sauce and spice blends (www.bigtimeflavor.co), Bo talks about the magic of well-made pasta and his plan to tackle Caribbean flavors. Then the conversation shifts from Italian food to an Italian filmmaker, as Bo talks about his favorite Martin Scorsese movie. Bo and Pat close the show with some rookie talk, as Bo touts his favorite member of this year’s QB class and disses one of the members of the so-called “Big Four” at the position. They also discuss Kendre Miller, Kayshon Boutte, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, A.T. Perry, Kenny McIntosh, and others. 

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) 

Guest: Bo McBrayer (@Bo_McBigTime) 

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) 

Music provided by International Jet Set 

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) is joined by Pat Kerrane (@PatKerrane), who recently left NBC Sports Edge to launch his own site, Legendary Upside (LegendaryUpside.com). Kerrane and Fitz assess the value of Tony Pollard following the Cowboys’ release of Ezekiel Elliott. They also discuss their mutual appreciation of Breece Hall, who looks like a screaming draft value early in best-ball season. Kerrane talks about his new venture and what Legendary Upside subscribers will be getting. He also talks about winning Underdog’s Best Ball Mania III last year and walking away with a cool $2 million -- the players who helped him win, and what the sweat was like for him. 

Kerrane is also a guitarist, and he talks about his musical tastes, the bands he’s played in, and the best fellow left-handed guitarists. Then it’s back to football, as Kerrane and Fitz discuss the Brandin Cooks trade, the D.J. Moore trade, Laviska Shenault truthership, and what to make of D’Andre Swift’s value after the Lions’ signing of David Montgomery. Kerrane offers takes on WR prospects Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Jordan Addison. The two Pats discuss the Miami backfield and New England’s signing of Mike Gesicki. Kerrane closes the show by naming a couple of players he’s fading in best-ball drafts. 

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) 

Guest: Pat Kerrane (@PatKerrane) 

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) 

Music provided by International Jet Set 

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in Alex Dunlap of RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) to break down Justin Fields trade and discuss some members of the rookie class. Did the Panthers give up too much to get Fields? Which rookie quarterback are the Panthers likely to draft? Does Anthony Richardson’s otherworldly combine performance ratchet up the pressure on the Panthers’ front office? Does the move from Carolina to Chicago increase or decrease D.J. Moore’s fantasy value? Alex and Pat weigh in. A resident of Austin, Texas, who also covers Texas Longhorns football for Orangebloods.com, Alex offers his thoughts on superstar RB Bijan Robinson and his less-heralded backup, Roschon Johnson, an intriguing prospect who turned heads at the Senior Bowl.

Alex and Pat discuss the Austin taco scene, which includes the sort of high-quality taco chains that Pat longs for in the Midwest. Alex talks about some of the other rookie RBs he likes and makes a case for TCU’s Kendre Miller. Alex also explains why Jaxson Smith-Njigba is the top receiver in this year’s rookie class. And after touting James Robinson as a rookie sleeper on the show three years ago, Alex nominates another sleeper candidate – this time a receiver from an SEC school.

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF)

Guest: Alex Dunlap (@RosterWatch)

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland)

Music provided by International Jet Set

It’s NFL Scouting Combine week, so host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) brings in college football expert John Laub (@GridironSchol91) of Football Diehards and the Rookie Big Board to size up some key members of this year’s rookie class. John offers up some of his favorite under-the-radar RBs from this year’s class, including Pitt’s Israel Abanikanda.

John talks about the challenges of owning three Siberian Huskies, his baseball fandom, how some of his high school history students are learning about the Wall Street crash of 1929 the hard way, and what he and co-host Matt Hicks are offering Rookie Big Board subscribers. Then it’s more prospect talk, as John rates his top rookie receivers and also weighs in on Zay Flowers, Kayshon Boutte, and others. John and Pat also talk tight ends, debating whether Michael Mayer is a cut above the rest of a very good TE class.

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF)

Guest: John Laub (@GridironSchol91)

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland)

Music provided by International Jet Set

With the Senior Bowl now behind us and the NFL Scouting Combine coming up fast, host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in Cody Carpentier (@CarpentierNFL), director of football at PlayerProfiler.com, to put this year’s rookie class under the microscope. Cody explains why Bryce Young isn’t his QB1 in the Class of 2023 and reveals who is. Pat and Cody discuss Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson, all of whom figure to go in the top half of the first round, along with Hendon Hooker, Jake Haener, and others. Cody and Pat offer their takes on the hierarchy of rookie wide receivers. Cody talks about some of his favorite tight ends in a deep TE class, and there’s also some running back discussion, with Cody explaining why Roschon Johnson is likely to be drafted ahead of Zach Charbonnet. Cody offers some other takeaways from his trip to Mobile for the Senior Bowl, with thoughts on Tyjae Spears, Evan Hull, and Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, among others.

After Mobile, Cody headed straight to the Super Bowl, and he recaps some of the highlights of his week in Phoenix. Cody also discusses his Vikings fandom, why people should never attend a college located north of where you grew up, his vast expanse of lawn in Virginia and how long it takes to mow it, and how he would perform in the Combine’s bench-press test. Cody also lists some veteran players he’s anxious to roster in 2023 and some vets he plans to avoid.

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF)

Guest: Cody Carpentier (@CarpentierNFL)

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland)

Music provided by International Jet Set

The 2022 NFL season ended with a wild Super Bowl, and as we begin the transition to the 2023 season, host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in FantasyPros colleague Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB). DBro and Pat discuss their takeaways from the big game and some other peripheral Super Bowl stuff, including wagers, commercials and the pronunciation of Rihanna’s name. Who should be taken earlier in 2023 fantasy football drafts -- Patrick Mahomes or Jalen Hurts? Is DeVonta Smith getting his due? Should we still be optimistic about Skyy Moore?

Just back from the Senior Bowl, DBro talks about some of the draft prospects who stood out, including a multitalented RB from Northwestern. There’s also some conversation about Mobile, Alabama, itself. (DBro and Pat hail it as an underrated American gem.) DBro outlines the best and worst things about the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which Pat is about to visit for the first time in his life, and DBro also explains why he’s hell-bent on getting in shape in the coming months before a milestone birthday. DBro expresses his enthusiasm for Jameson Williams, and he and Pat speculate on where Christian Watson should be drafted if the Packers trade Aaron Rodgers.

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF)

Guest: Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB)

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland)

Music provided by International Jet Set

It’s a dynasty-heavy episode of Fitz on Fantasy this week, as host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) is joined by Footballguys analyst Jordan McNamara (@McNamaraDynasty), author of “The Analytics of Dynasty” and “The Dynasty Teambuilding Guide.” Jordan and Pat discuss the San Francisco QB situation and whether it will be Brock Purdy or Trey Lance taking snaps for the 49ers in Week 1 of the 2023 season. They also assess the dynasty value of Isiah Pacheco and Kadarius Toney, and Jordan talks about whether he downgrades the dynasty value of WRs Tee Higgins and DeVonta Smith because of their superstar teammates. Jordan also talks about some of the most common mistakes than dynasty managers make and suggests a simple step that managers can make to improve their approach.

Jordan explains how he first got into fantasy football and how he became dynasty-focused. He also touts a Blink-182 album as optimal background music for working and shares some of his other musical tastes. There’s some discussion about George Pickens and the red flag that has Jordan skeptical about Pickens’ long-term outlook. Jordan and Pat also talk about Gabriel Davis Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jordan outlines his approach to the TE position in dynasty. The show concludes with some rookie talk, as Jordan discusses the importance of draft capital and Pat offers up the cautionary tale of Hakeem Butler.

Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF)

Guest: Jordan McNamara (@McNamaraDynasty)

Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland)

Music provided by International Jet Set