*Note- All of these brief notes were written by me and published on Fantasy Pros website within 2024
Which player inside the top 40 in the flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?
RB BRIAN ROBINSON JR. The tradition of Festivus begins with the airing of grievances. I've got a lot of problems with the players ranked inside the top 40, and now you're going to hear about them. Brian Robinson Jr. is a power RB. He doesn't get a lot of catches (15 receptions total this year). The matchup against the stout Eagles' defensive line, featuring Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, is not ideal for a Festivus fantasy miracle.
*Published on Fantasy Pros Week 16 Sleeper Starts and Duds
Which player outside of the top 100 in the flex rankings is a good sleeper start this week?
Bengals' kicker, Evan McPherson, is injured. Cade York is the guy who will replace him. And if Cade can make the field goals there (in Dallas this week), I think he'll make them, anywhere. It's up to you, Cade York! Cade York!
*Published on Fantasy Pros Week 14 Sleeper Starts and Duds
Who is your favorite sell-high candidate at this point in the season and why? Also, who would you try to get in return?
JUSTIN JEFFERSON. Few players' stock values are as high as Justin Jefferson's. I have major concerns with Sam Darnold and the Vikings' offense. Kirk Cousins, who Jefferson had his most success with, is long gone. I would trade Justin Jefferson for Marvin Harrison Jr., Saquon Barkley, or a package of Kyle Pitts and Deebo Samuel. So when it comes to selling fantasy stocks, listen to Gordon Gecko, "I am not a destroyer of fantasy players' stocks, I am a liberator of them. The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of it's forms. Greed for life, for love, for money, and for fantasy football titles. And greed, mark my words, will not only save your fantasy football team's championship dreams, but also that other malfunctioning organization called the U.S.A."
*Published on Fantasy Pros Week 2 Buy Low Sell High
What is your single favorite prop bet heading into the 2024 NFL Draft and why? Please include the odds with your selection.
First CB Drafted- Quinyon Mitchell (-165) Everything I've heard is that Quinyon Mitchell is on top of a lot of teams' boards at CB. He tested off the charts at the combine. Mitchell can fly. He's faster than Terrion Arnold and is a better fit in man coverage. I think this is the guy Eagles' GM Howie Roseman is targeting with an aggressive trade up attempt on draft day.
*Published on Fantasy Pros “Top NFL Draft Prop Bets” 9 months ago from today’s date (Jan 10, 2025)
Which one WR burned you so badly that you can't fathom taking him at or near his half-PPR ADP?
GABE DAVIS For the last two years I've been in on Gabe Davis, and for the last two years I've been burned worse than John Candy's character (Jack Chester) in the movie Summer Rental. I actually had to go around telling my readers, "Yeah, that's a good base. You've got to do these things in stages", ugh! I gave Davis a pass the first time because he had a high ankle sprain and those tend to linger all season. However, after 2023, I'm out. If you can't do well with Josh Allen throwing you the rock, it’s not happening. Now, where's that aloe at?
*Published on Fantasy Pros “Never Draft Again” 6 months ago from today’s date (Jan 10, 2025)
Which one RB burned you so badly that you can't fathom taking him at or near his half-PPR ADP?
AUSTIN EKELER For the last three years, no matter what I did with Austin Ekeler, I got burned. In 2021 and 2022, I faded Ekeler and he performed great. So last year, I said to myself, clearly I was wrong. I'm in on him. And, of course, he burns me again. Now I know how Dr. Evil feels. Austin Ekeler is the snake to my mongoose. Or the mongoose to my snake? Either way, it's bad. This time it's personal.
*Published on Fantasy Pros “Never Draft Again” 6 months ago from today’s date (Jan 10, 2025)
What RB ranked between RB6-RB20 in our consensus half-PPR RB ADP has the most league-winning upside?
DERRICK HENRY For me, it’s Derrick Henry. Henry has been a force in fantasy before and he could be once again. Teaming up with arguably the most elusive QB in the NFL (Lamar Jackson) will force defenses to pick their poison, which will widen the running lanes for Henry to run through. Even though he’s thirty, let’s not forget Henry was used less often during his first few years, deferring to starting RB, DeMarco Murray. In addition, Henry wasn’t used much in college at Alabama, so he has more tread on his tires than the typical thirty year old RB. As long as Lamar Jackson stays healthy, and the defense plays well, King Henry could return to fantasy royalty in 2024. However, when it comes to terrible jokes, there is only one king. All bow for His Royal Highness, yours truly, haha!
*Published on Fantasy Pros “League Winning RBs to Target” 5 months ago from today’s date (Jan 10 2025)
Who is the player you expect to be this year's biggest fantasy sleeper and why?
WR JAMESON WILLIAMS Jameson Williams currently has a consensus ranking of WR 45, but he has star potential, in my opinion. Williams torched SEC defenses, including the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs, who had one of the best defenses in college history. And with Josh Reynolds now in Denver, Williams should get more playing time and take a huge step forward this season. Finally, NFL Senior Writer Nick Baumgardner (who is based in Michigan) reported during the NFL combine that, "Something I heard this week more than a few times: Detroit believes Jameson Williams is going to be a dude next year. And uh, to be clear: That’s the first time I’ve heard that type of firm optimism about Williams from Lions people in honest moments since he got there." My comp- Jameson Williams reminds me a little of Randy Moss.
*Published on Fantasy Pros “Consensus Sleepers” 5 months ago from todays date (Jan 10th 2025)
Which player outside of the top 100 in the flex rankings is a good sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?
WR DONTAYVION WICKS Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Well, one thing is for sure, he isn't playing in Detroit this week, haha. Doubs is recovering from a concussion he sustained in week 13. Hopefully, Romeo feels better soon, but in the meantime, I'll take a shot with WR Dontayvion Wicks, in what figures to be a high scoring game against the Lions.
Who is your favorite sell-high candidate at this point in the season and why? Also, who would you try to get in return?
TE BROCK BOWERS Desmond Ridder is taking over at QB, and that could be problematic for Bowers’ fantasy prospects going forward. Ridder struggled mightily with accuracy issues in Atlanta. I think the smart bet is to trade Bowers, while his stock is still high, for: Kyle Pitts, Mark Andrews, Sam LaPorta, or Trey McBride. I guess what I’m saying is that it’s time for owners to bow out from Bowers, or that Bowers’ owners should “rid” themselves of Bowers? No, nothing? If you read this entire paragraph without vomiting then go ahead and take a bow, haha.
Who is your favorite buy-low trade candidate at this point in the season and why? Also, who are you willing to give up for him?
WR GEORGE PICKENS Pickens’ price tag isn't exactly at bargain basement lows, but it sure seemed like Russ was cooking up some plays with him last week. They showed good chemistry and I think that could continue. I would trade: Tee Higgins, DeVonta Smith, Zay Flowers, or Jayden Reed for him. I guess you could say I don’t think the Pickens are slim for George's rest-of-season fantasy prospects. I'll see myself out now, haha!
Who is your favorite sell-high candidate at this point in the season and why? Also, who would you try to get in return?
WR MALIK NABERS Left tackle Andrew Thomas is out for the year and the Giants' line wasn't exactly an immovable object to begin with. The first week without Thomas, the Giants' offense & Nabers struggled mightily (the Giants scored 3 points while Nabers had 4 receptions for 41 yards). I don't expect things to get much better. I'd try to trade Nabers and hope his name value can land me: JaMarr Chase, A.J. Brown, Davante Adams, Marvin Harrison Jr. or a package that includes George Pickens. How does that saying go? Good fences make good "Nabers". Great fences make Nabers great. My bad jokes makes Nabers' drafters nauseous, haha!
Who is your favorite buy-low trade candidate at this point in the season and why? Also, who are you willing to give up for him?
RB DALVIN COOK Here’s a longshot special for larger leagues (12+) with deep rosters, that not too many fantasy analysts are talking about, Dalvin Cook. The Cowboys’ struggling run game might be ready for a change. Don’t be surprised if they give Cook a shot to add some sizzle to their offense. Remember, it was only two years ago when Dallas’ RBBC with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard produced RB 19 and RB 7 respectively. I guess you could say, I don’t think Cook will burn you, or that Cook is cooked, or that there are too many Cooks (Brandin and Dalvin) in the Cowboys’ kitchen? I’ll see myself out now, haha! WHO WOULD YOU GIVE UP FOR HIM? Cook should be available in most leagues as a free agent and is worth a speculative waiver add, imo.
Which player outside of the top 100 in the flex rankings is a good sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?
JAYLEN WRIGHT Jaylen Wright was one of my sleepers this summer and while Jeff Wilson could get the call on Thursday to fill in for injured starter, Raheem Mostert, I'll go with Wright as my first choice. Wright is more explosive than Wilson, imo. And, like his teammates, Mostert and Achane, Wright is electric in the open field and a home run threat every time he touches the ball. One of his best strengths is his ability to contribute in pass protection, which is critical for rookies to get on the field. I guess what I’m saying is, "When it comes to picking a longshot breakout player at RB, Jaylen just might be Mr. Right for your fantasy team, however when it comes to telling funny jokes I will always be Mr. Wrong haha!"
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The following player notes were contributions made to FantasyPros articles and published in the weeks listed below.
What is one bold fantasy prediction (player related) for the upcoming week and why could it happen?
“WR Jameson Williams finishes as a top 20 WR with 7 receptions for 130 yards and TD. Happy Festivus, everyone! The tradition of Festivus begins with the airing of grievances. I’ve got a lot of problems with you people, and now you’re going to hear about them, such as with Detroit head coach Dan Campbell. Why aren’t you using Jameson Williams as a featured WR? He runs like a gazelle, has the talent to be an all-pro, and has the ability to torch the Vikings’ pass defense if given a chance, especially with perfect passing conditions inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Instead of biting kneecaps, go on a diet and just throw Jameson the rock!”
Published on FantasyPros article, “Featured Pros Week 16 Bold Predictions”
What is one bold fantasy prediction (player related) for the upcoming week and why could it happen?
“WR DeAndre Hopkins is a top 10 WR with 9 receptions 150 yards and a TD. We're going with the David Portnoy pizza review theme: one bite, I mean, one bold prediction. Everyone knows the rules. It's a revenge game for DeAndre Hopkins, who faces his old team, the Houston Texans, this week. Nuke figures to have an extra spring in his step and will want to stick it to his old team; kind of like how my readers want to stick it to me because of my terrible jokes haha!”
Published on FantasyPros article, “Featured Pros Week 15 Bold Predictions”
Which player inside the top 40 in the flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?
“RB Austin Ekeler. Full disclosure- the last two years I've faded Austin Ekeler and the last two years I've been burned. Now I know how Dr. Evil feels. Austin Ekeler is the snake to my mongoose, or the mongoose or my snake? Either way, it's bad. Good luck without star QB, Justin Herbert, who is out for the year. Rot in hell Powers, I mean Ekeler- muah!”
Published on FantasyPros article, “Featured Pros Week 15 Sleeper Starts and Duds”
What is one bold fantasy prediction (player related) for the upcoming week and why could it happen?
”WR Gabe Davis finishes as a top 10 WR with 6 receptions 130 yards and 1 TD. Davis has given the Chiefs fits in the past, maybe he can rekindle some of that magic once again? This figures to be a high-scoring game, and the Bills have added some weapons since Kansas City saw them last. If Kansas City defends him with man coverage, Davis and Allen are talented enough to burn them with some big plays. Just like I’m talented enough to burn my readers with my awful jokes haha!”
Published on Fantasy Pros article, “Featured Pros Week 14 Bold Predictions”
Which player outside of the top 100 in the flex rankings is a good sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?
”TE Cade Otton. After the elite TEs, picking a TE to have a good week is a complete crapshoot. Otton is a good-looking youngster, with talented receiving chops. In what figures to be a high-scoring game, give me Otton with a decent matchup vs a struggling Falcons' defense, in the perfect climate-controlled weather conditions of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Perhaps if I told my jokes in the climate-controlled weather conditions of a dome, they would be funnier? Then again, how is that even possible? Haha!”
Published on FantasyPros article, “Featured Pros Week 14 Sleeper Starts and Duds”
Which player outside of the top 100 in the flex rankings is a good sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?
”WR Cedric Tillman. The Browns #1 WR, Amari Cooper, and starting QB, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, were injured last week. At the time of this writing, it's unknown if Cooper and Thompson-Robinson will play. If they don't, Cedric Tillman would move up the WR ladder to the being the Browns top option for veteran signal caller, Joe Flacco. Former Bengals WR, Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson, called Tillman a future star. Of course, my readers call me a current idiot, so there you have it haha!”
Published on FantasyPros article, “Featured Pros Week 13 Sleeper Starts and Duds”
Which player outside of the top 100 in the flex rankings is a good sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?
”TE Isaiah Likely. The Ravens lost one of their top weapons last week when starting TE Mark Andrews went down. It's next man up time, and that man is TE Isaiah Likely. Likely is known for his receiving chops rather than his blocking ability. It might not be likely, but it's certainly possible that Likely emerges as one of Lamar Jackson's top targets, especially against a Chargers defense which has struggled this season. It is, however, very likely that I continue to tell incredibly bad jokes this Thanksgiving haha!”
Published on FantasyPros article, “Featured Pros Week 12 Sleeper Starts and Duds”
What is one bold fantasy prediction (player related) for the upcoming week and why could it happen?
"WR Davante Adams finishes outside the Top 40 WRs and WR Noah Brown finishes ahead of him. The Raiders have struggled all year in pass protection and now they have to take on one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Jets. In this week of The Bold and the Beautiful Fantasy Predictions, I’m betting that trend continues. Instead, I’d rather roll the dice on WR Noah Brown, assuming Nico Collins doesn't play. Will Davante Adams struggle vs the Jets? Will Noah Brown do well vs Cincinnati? Will I ever tell a funny joke? Tune in next week to find these answers and more, on The Bold and the Beautiful Fantasy Predictions!”
Published on Fantasy Pros article, “Featured Pros Week 10 Bold Predictions”