Trending or Ending + NEVER AGAIN Players

Summary:

Free Agency Updates and Show Details 01:00

“There were some things to talk about, but we’ll catch up on the news next week.”

• The episode begins with the hosts discussing recent free agent signings, noting that there wasn’t an overwhelming frenzy of activity. They plan to cover more engaging updates in the following week.
• The highlight of today’s episode will be the “trending or ending” segment, where player trends will be debated and explored to assess their potential future performance.

Question of the Day: Never Again? 02:28

“Who is a player you said, in all caps, never again, yet still continue to pick in your drafts?”

• The hosts introduce an engaging question posed by a fan: which player they have sworn off drafting in the past but still find themselves selecting. They delve into their experiences with such players, focusing on Brees Hall, amid discussions of disappointment and expectations.
• There’s a consensus that adjustments in expectations are necessary as the hosts reflect on what makes fantasy football decisions tricky, especially when past investment leads to ongoing hope for a player’s redemption.

Discussions on Breece Hall and Draft Strategy 03:32

“It’s about the expectations.”

• The conversation shifts to Brees Hall’s potential value in the upcoming season. While one host expresses lingering hope due to his talent, others question his current draft position, discussing whether the RB11 ranking reflects fair expectations.
• The group acknowledges Hall’s statistical struggles and injury history, further complicating the decision to draft him, while considering new talents that might overshadow him.

Thoughts on Other Players and Drafting Strategies 07:34

“If Marv takes a step forward and becomes a 1,000-yard receiver…”

• As they transition to discussing Kyler Murray, the hosts ponder the implications of his past performances and injuries on future seasons. Kyler’s potential is compared against his disappointments, emphasizing the ongoing conflict of hope versus reality in fantasy drafts.
• The discussion highlights the significance of surrounding talent, suggesting that improvements in other positions could potentially elevate Murray’s performance, although the hosts express caution about relying on his history.

Analyzing Kyler Murray‘s Fantasy Performance 10:56

“Kyler has games where he looks like the MVP of football, and then he has games where he starts slow.”

• Kyler Murray, currently ranked QB9, is a polarizing figure in fantasy football due to his inconsistent performance. Despite showcasing moments of brilliance, he also has games where he appears overwhelmed, leading to a lack of stability in his fantasy scoring.
• Over his last 17 games, he has scored at least 20 fantasy points in 47.1% of them, which is considered a mediocre consistency rating, likened to a “C.”
• Many fantasy players are hesitant to rely on him as a centerpiece of their roster due to this inconsistency. While he’s great to watch in his best moments, the unpredictable nature of his performances makes him a risky draft choice.

Comparing Quarterbacks: Kyler and Stroud 12:22

“You would both lock in Kyler Murray over CJ Stroud.”

• The conversation transitions to CJ Stroud, currently ranked QB17, and the complications around his value, particularly given recent changes to his supporting cast, including losing key players like Tank Dell.
• Stroud’s case shows that he has potential, but current circumstances like a depleted offensive line raise concerns about his ability to perform well in fantasy football going forward.
• In comparison, although Kyler’s performance has been erratic, his dual-threat capability makes him a safer choice over Stroud, especially in light of his higher fantasy output in previous games.

Evaluating Jaylen Waddle‘s Fantasy Worth 14:26

“For fantasy football, I want to believe that my players are good, and I fully believe that Jalen Waddell is a good to great wide receiver.”

• Jalen Waddell remains a desirable fantasy option, even though he is currently getting drafted as wide receiver 31. His remarkable skills and previous performance as the wide receiver seven in fantasy three years ago bolster his case.
• However, the inconsistency in his scoring is a concern; he has a low consistency rating similar to an “F,” making him a risky pick.
• The discussion emphasizes a broader concern regarding the Miami offense’s direction, questioning whether they will return to a more explosive style or continue to focus on short plays.

Patrick Mahomes’ Performance Trends 21:48

“Tom Brady went 50 touchdowns in 2007; the next full season, 28.”

• The discussion highlights the unpredictability of touchdowns relative to other football statistics. Although Patrick Mahomes has experienced a decline in his touchdowns, he is expected to rebound in the future. Experts note that this trend may appear concerning due to the style of play that Mahomes is currently employing, evidenced by a notable drop in his yards per attempt—dropping from consistent averages around 8 to a troubling 6.8 yards per attempt last season.
• This decline signifies that while Mahomes is still an exceptional player, his overall performance metrics are not reflective of a top fantasy quarterback, leading to skepticism around ranking him as quarterback six in fantasy drafts.

The Chiefs’ Offensive Strategy 22:27

“The Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid are not thinking that they have a problem to fix.”

• Despite Mahomes’ apparent decline, the Kansas City Chiefs are not perceiving any significant issues within their offensive strategy. The embarrassing Super Bowl loss has not prompted a complete overhaul of their approach. The consensus is that Mahomes is still a high-caliber player, but he may not be performing at the elite level previously expected.
• There is no direct blame placed on Mahomes for Travis Kelce‘s production decline, although some analysts suggest that Mahomes’ play could be a contributing factor. This raises questions about the dynamics of their offensive synergy.

Comparisons with Other Quarterbacks 26:30

“Is that addition by subtraction?”

• The conversation shifts to comparisons between Mahomes and Matthew Stafford, particularly after Stafford’s acquisition of Devontae Adams. The addition could improve Stafford’s overall statistics, but with the loss of Cooper Kupp, there are questions about whether this will translate to actual performance improvements.
• Historical performance data shows that Stafford has underperformed in recent seasons despite having a strong supporting cast, indicating uncertainty regarding his ability to produce numbers comparable to Mahomes’.

Running Back Contract Situations and Performance Trends 31:53

“They’ve at least vocally come out and said they want to try to extend the long-term deal.”

• The discussion revolves around a running back on the verge of a contract extension, highlighting the team’s desire for a long-term deal. This reflects a broader trend where teams are cautious about committing large sums to running backs, especially after experiencing issues with prior contracts, such as the one with Todd Gurley.
• Last season, the player in question had 356 total opportunities, a significant increase from previous seasons, indicating a strong performance even after missed games.
• The stats indicate that the player was on pace for a remarkable number of opportunities, demonstrating their value and productivity on the field.
• The upward trend in opportunity and performance raises questions about where this player stands in comparison to others in the running back position, with notable names like Brees Hall and Josh Jacobs being mentioned in discussions about rankings.

Evaluating Alvin Kamara‘s Fantasy Value 34:37

“He is just like a cockroach. You can’t kill him.”

• Alvin Kamara has shown remarkable resilience in his performance, averaging over 15 fantasy points per game for the last two years, despite concerns regarding age and efficiency.
• The conversation points out that historically, few running backs over 30 have maintained high performance levels, placing additional scrutiny on Kamara’s continuing effectiveness.
• Kamara’s role as the leading receiver for his team last season further underscores his value, especially given the team’s lack of strong receiving alternatives.
• Despite the potential for decline, the speaker believes Kamara will remain valuable, suggesting he may not consistently hit 15 points per game but will still be a significant contributor in fantasy football.

Rookie Tight End Dominance in Fantasy Football 39:18

“Rookie tight end dominance for fantasy football is fair to say.”

• The trend of rookie tight ends having substantial impacts in fantasy football has become notable, with recent performances from players like Sam Laporta and Brock Bowers leading the way.
• Teams are increasingly willing to integrate talented tight ends into their offensive strategies sooner, changing the historical view on rookie tight ends in fantasy.
• The current draft class shows promise with players such as Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland expected to make an immediate impact.
• The evolving landscape of the NFL, including increased reliance on rookie contributions, suggests a shift in how tight ends will be perceived and utilized going forward.

Evaluating Rookie Tight Ends 42:26

“We’re in a weird situation; Brock Bowers is a truly special player.”

• The discussion centers around rookie tight ends, particularly comparing Sam Laporta‘s impressive rookie season with potential players like Brock Bowers, Warren, and Loveland. It highlights the allure of rookies making significant impacts similar to Laporta, who recorded 726 yards and seven touchdowns in his first year.
• There is skepticism over whether Warren or Loveland can replicate Laporta’s success, especially with Laporta’s ten touchdowns in a season where overall tight end scoring was notably low.
• Brock Bowers is deemed exceptional compared to his peers, as his college film demonstrates superior skill and ability. Despite the optimism for Warren and Loveland, they are seen as less likely to achieve similar highs.

Trends in Tight End Performance 45:00

“Let’s not be so frightened of tight ends. Let’s be open to rookie tight ends!”

• The narrative suggests a shift in perspective toward rookie tight ends and their potential in fantasy football, emphasizing the importance of remaining open to various situations that may arise during drafts.
• The conversation also addresses the tight end position as being generally thin, with many contributors emphasizing the likelihood that at least one rookie could finish in the top ten, albeit with differing levels of impact.
• Tools and resources such as the Ultimate Draft Kit are mentioned as essential for preparation, offering strategies, rankings, and stats to aid fantasy players in their draft decisions.