Take Checks + TNF Preview, Trade Decisions

Fantasy Football show for Sep 10, 2025. Week 2 fantasy football preview! Andy, Mike, and Jason discuss player takes they feel right and wrong about. Plus, waiver talk, tough fantasy football trade decisions, and a preview of Thursday Night Football between the Commanders and Packers. Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.

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Summary:

Waiver Wire Strategy: Importance of $0 Bids

“If you could be looking at the waiver wire saying, ‘there’s no chance, I’m just not in the position to get this player,’ put a $0 bid in.”

• Utilizing $0 bids on waiver wire players can be surprisingly effective, as many players might overlook this option when they feel disheartened by their roster limitations.
• There is a common mentality among fantasy players of hesitating to bid, which can lead to missed opportunities. Submitting a $0 bid is a low-risk strategy that could yield big rewards.
• Players often forget that significant talent can slip through the cracks if they overestimate competition for certain players; being proactive can sometimes catch others by surprise.

Initial Impressions and Takeaways After Week One

“One take you feel you have gotten right after week one, confirmed your opinion, and one take you feel very shaky about after week one.”

• After the first week of NFL action, the hosts shared varying opinions on player performances, particularly highlighting Michael Pittman as a potential breakout and a player who exceeded expectations despite some misgivings earlier in the season.
• Pittman’s consistent scoring in prior seasons further reinforced his value, as he showcased the ability to deliver even in adverse circumstances, making him a strong asset in fantasy leagues.
• Conversely, Caleb Johnson became a point of concern for the hosts, with his minimal involvement raising doubts about his future in fantasy lineups, especially compared to other players in similar roles.

Early Predictions and Player Evaluations

“The take I feel like I got right or is heading that direction is JSN being a true alpha in Seattle.”

• JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) showed potential as a primary target, making a strong impression in week one with a high target share, making him a player to watch closely moving forward.
• The discussions also acknowledged both the promise of certain players while expressing doubts about others, indicating that perceptions in fantasy football can shift rapidly based on performance variables observed in early games.

Quarterback Comparisons: Justin Herbert vs. Justin Fields

“I had a league where I traded for Justin Fields on the cheap because I think… Herbert’s probably got the higher floor, but Justin Fields could be a league winner.”

• The discussion compares the potential of two quarterbacks, Justin Herbert and Justin Fields, emphasizing their differing upsides. Herbert is seen as a player with a higher floor, suggesting consistent performance, while Fields has the potential to be a more explosive option, possibly leading a fantasy team to victory if he performs well. Fields’ ability to run significantly boosts his fantasy appeal.

Evaluation of Running Backs: Jordan Mason vs. Ken Walker

“For where he was drafted, Jordan Mason is going to be a home run pick.”

• Jordan Mason shows promise due to his share of running back carries and the early success he had in the game. Analysts believe if he continues to perform well, especially in a robust offensive setup, he could turn out to be an excellent pick for fantasy teams. In contrast, Ken Walker is currently struggling, evidenced by his low yardage per carry and the ineffective running schemes used by the Seahawks, indicating potential disappointment relative to his draft position.

Waver Wire Insights: Quarterbacks and Running Backs

“Trevor Lawrence… is probably a pretty good play this week.”

• As players are evaluated for possible waver wire pickups, Trevor Lawrence emerges as a notable option after a disappointing week one. Analysts suggest that despite his struggles, he has a favorable matchup coming up and could produce well in the subsequent game. Other quarterbacks mentioned include Caleb Williams, who demonstrated strong athleticism and performance in his previous games, suggesting he might also be worth a look on the waver wire.

Insights on Dropped Players: Recommendations for Roster Considerations

“Pay attention to Kendra Miller, who was dropped in most leagues.”

• The conversation covers notable players that may have been dropped following poor performances or minimal usage in their respective games. Kendra Miller is highlighted as someone to keep an eye on despite his limited playtime, particularly due to the potential injury history of the starting player he backs up. The discussion emphasizes the importance of keeping track of player statuses and possible injuries to capitalize on roster opportunities.

Player Evaluations: Goddard and Kincaid

“I think I’d go Goddard over Dalton Kincaid.”

• The discussion begins with a comparison between tight ends Dallas Goddard and Dalton Kincaid. The speaker expresses a preference for Goddard, noting that Kincaid played only half the game and was active for just 51% of the snaps.
• Despite scoring a significant touchdown, Kincaid’s limited participation raises concerns about his long-term value and overall performance. The potential for increased snap counts and production is acknowledged, but the current situation with Kincaid makes him less favorable compared to Goddard.

Insights on Kelsey’s Target Share

“It might be a sell-high.”

• The conversation shifts to Kansas City Chiefs‘ tight end Travis Kelsey. His low target share of 10% and the fact that he was not a key player in the recent game could indicate that he is also a sell-high candidate.
• It’s recognized that Kelsey’s performance might be affected by personal factors, especially considering recent comments about a teammate situation that could have impacted his mental readiness.

Defensive Strategies for Upcoming Games

“If you’re looking for multi-week pickups that are still out there, the Patriots have a really decent schedule.”

• The hosts provide advice on defensive pickups, highlighting that the New England Patriots have an advantageous schedule ahead, including matchups against Miami, Pittsburgh, and Carolina.
• Other defenses, such as Seattle, are mentioned as potential options, particularly with two upcoming games against Pittsburgh and New Orleans. There’s a general consensus that keeping an eye on defenses facing favorable matchups can be beneficial for fantasy owners.

Thursday Night Football Preview: Packers vs. Washington

“This game is sweet.”

• The dialogue turns to the matchup between the Washington team and the Green Bay Packers in Thursday Night Football. The Packers have the advantage of playing at home for the second consecutive week, which is noted as significant for their game strategy.
• There’s an analysis of both teams’ game styles, with Washington employing a no-huddle offense while the Packers’ defense is expected to challenge this approach. The hosts consider streaming Jordan Love but express a cautious optimism regarding his performance based on the current team dynamics.

Quarterback Decisions: Love vs. May

“But that’s the question of what point do we feel comfortable putting Love out there for?”

• The discussion centers on selecting between quarterbacks Jordan Love and Drake May for the upcoming week. The consensus leans toward choosing Drake May, particularly because he is facing the Miami defense, while opinions on Love remain cautious.
• Despite expectations that Love could throw two touchdowns, there’s concern regarding his overall fantasy performance after last week’s appearance, where he finished as quarterback 18 without much rushing, which many had hoped for.

Analyzing Game Strategies with Jayden Daniels

“Jayden Daniels, you do.”

• Jayden Daniels is highlighted as a must-start based on his recent performance, especially his designed rushing plays, indicating a strong floor for fantasy scoring.
• The hosts discuss his projected rushing yardage as being significant, making him a valuable asset in the upcoming match. The excitement stems from his ability to accumulate high rushing yards alongside his passing metrics.

Fantasy Expectations from Green Bay Packers Players

“If Green Bay wins heartily, who are the beneficiaries?”

• The discussion shifts to the Green Bay Packers‘ personnel as they assess beneficiaries of a potential win. While running back Josh Jacobs is highlighted as a primary standout, there’s skepticism regarding the pass catchers’ reliability due to a lack of target consolidation.
• Despite a couple of players catching touchdowns, the small number of passing attempts complicates their value for fantasy owners looking for consistent high performers.

Trade Offs in Starting Lineup Decisions

“I can’t imagine not playing Debo.”

• The conversation escalates to comparing wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, with Deebo being the favorable choice for a starter based on his velocity in the game and potential for manufactured touches.
• The hosts indulge in detailed assessments on the importance of performance metrics and matchup conditions, emphasizing the need to weigh players against perceived risks from defense matchups.

The Waiver Wire Strategy with FAB

“We add FAB ranges to our waiver wire rankings.”

• A caller brings up the intricacies of the Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAB) system, and the hosts advise on adjusting bids based on individual roster needs and positional importance.
• They suggest considering the essential roles of positions when placing bids, affirming that a robust need may require a more significant investment in the waiver process than usual.

Auction Strategy and Spending Caution

“If I go to a blind auction with Jason there, I know I’m going to have to bid a lot because he’s going to buy everything.”

• When participating in a blind auction for your fantasy football team, it’s crucial to be aware of your league mates’ tendencies and strategies. Knowing who tends to overbid and the general spending behaviors of other players can inform your own bidding strategy.
• If this is the first time your league members are using an auction format, many may feel anxious about spending too much. It’s advisable to be bolder in your bids to secure necessary players.
• For instance, one participant reflected on spending $27 on tight end Juwan Johnson, knowing that their team needed a reliable option despite it being an overspend compared to the next highest bid of $7. The essential takeaway is that sometimes spending more than anticipated for a needed player can be justified by the improvement it brings to your team.

Navigating Feelings about Players

“I’m afraid of seeing Tyreek Hill on the other side of my matchup.”

• Even if Tyreek Hill’s performance has declined, many fantasy players still hold fear regarding his potential big-play ability, illustrating the impact of reputation on current evaluations.
• The discussion also highlighted how the fear associated with playing against a star player may not always align with their recent performance metrics. In Hill’s case, concerns persisted even without a significant yardage reception in the last year.
• Additionally, the conversation suggested that even if Hill has faced challenges due to factors like age and performance under specific quarterbacks, his position as a target magnet means he could still be a strong start in the right matchups.

Importance of Knowing Player Status and Transactions

“I expect to not know what to expect until later on this week.”

• Staying updated on player injuries and team updates is vital in fantasy football. Coaches may sometimes give ambiguous assessments about players’ status, creating uncertainty leading up to game day.
• For example, updates concerning players like Darren Waller can lead to significant shifts in team strategies depending on whether they’re active for upcoming games. Such insights can dictate whether to start or bench certain players on your roster.
• Continuous monitoring of team news and player practices is essential, especially when considering trades or lineup decisions.

Trading Top Wide Receivers

“If you had T. Higgins, would you be trading him for A.J. Brown? I would rather have A.J. Brown.”

• The discussion centers around potential trades between wide receivers T. Higgins and A.J. Brown. The consensus is that A.J. Brown is more valuable, especially with his track record of big games despite occasional poor performances.
• There are inherent risks in consistently performing players like A.J. Brown, as he may face more bad games throughout the season, but ultimately, he is expected to deliver standout performances as well.

Starting Decisions for Fantasy Players

“Should I start Marvin Harrison Jr. this week or ride the high from Emeka Abuka and play him instead?”

• The dilemma arises between starting Marvin Harrison Jr. or Emeka Abuka, with considerations of matchups affecting the decision. Concerns are stated that the Cardinals may dominate against Carolina, potentially limiting Harrison’s opportunities.
• It’s suggested to favor Abuka based on projected team performance and recent form, highlighting the significance of matchups in starting decisions.

Dropping Players from Your Roster

“Is Luther Burden droppable in redraft? Yes.”

• Luther Burden‘s lack of production raises the question of whether he should be dropped from fantasy rosters. It’s noted that despite opinions on his talent, his performance has not justified a spot on starting rosters this season.
• The mention of other receivers overshadowing Burden’s targets suggests that he may not have a viable pathway to increased usage in the near future.

Trading Considerations for Rookies

“Should I consider trading Malik neighbors for JSN? It’s brutal.”

• The conversation involves weighing the value of trading rookie Malik Neighbors for Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN). The analysis indicates that it might be wiser to hold onto Neighbors, especially given JSN’s current trajectory.
• Key insights stress not to overreact to contrasting performances between the rookies, suggesting that sticking with Neighbors could yield better long-term results.

Quarterback and Wide Receiver Synergy

“If your opponent has a star wide receiver on their team, is it beneficial to stream that receiver’s quarterback? No.”

• A strategy discussion reveals that streaming a quarterback whose star receiver is on the opposing team is generally not advantageous. The recommendation is to prioritize acquiring the highest-scoring quarterback instead of strategically countering an opponent.
• This emphasizes that in fantasy football, scoring potential outweighs the idea of neutralizing an opponent’s player.

from Fantasy Footballers Podcast https://ift.tt/ljAQsYe