Expecting a disaster with our fantasy takes is an annual right of passage for a fantasy writer.
Welcome to Week 1 of the 2024 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- Expecting Disaster (see below)
- Managing September
- Out-of-Nowhere Starters
- Navigating Preseason Minefields
Let's roll.
Expecting Disaster
Matt Waldman: Name a stance you believe is going to blow up in your face like a chemistry experiment gone awry.
Phil Alexander: If there's a take where I'm expecting disaster, it's being on record fading Anthony Richardson, which is scarier than running into a clown while on a stroll through the woods. The basis of my theory hinges on Jayden Daniels offering similar rushing (and possibly better passing) production around 50 picks later than Richardson in drafts. But if Richardson manages to play a full season and Daniels either gets hurt or disappoints, this take will age like milk.
Waldman: ...
Alexander: Totally unnecessary.
Waldman: I miss trolling Cecil and Sigmund on Thursday nights.
Dan Hindery: I'm expecting a disaster with placing some level of trust in Deshaun Watson. Early in the offseason, Watson was one of my go-to QB2 options in best ball drafts.
It seemed likely the Browns would continue to employ the pass-heavy offense that led them to a winning streak and late-season playoff push with Joe Flacco. Plus, Watson's underrated rushing upside gives him the type of weekly fantasy upside we thirst for in the best ball format.
On paper, the play makes sense. In the real world, there is a non-zero chance that Watson is broken as a player. The vibes in Cleveland feel off. Watson is still dealing with a sore arm. I don't feel like things will end well for my best ball squads hoping to get some big spike weeks from Watson.
Waldman: As a lifelong Browns fan, you're raised expecting disaster. Watson may want nothing more than to wander around his house in the woods. Maybe cross some bridges...
Gary Davenport: Expecting a disaster???
Oh, this HAS to be De'Von Achane.
I spent way too much time writing this summer about how talented the Dolphins' running back may be, the touches wouldn't be there for him to justify his ADP. Or he wouldn't be able to hold up under the increased workload if they were.
Unfortunately, I also have eyes that have watched the NFL dating back to the "Red Right 88" season in Cleveland. A healthy Achane as Miami's lead back could potentially expose me as the witless hack that I am.
Don't tell anyone. It's a secret.
Jeff Bell: I'm expecting a disaster when it comes to my take on Isaiah Likely as an every-down player. Am I truly betting on the second tight end for the Baltimore Ravens?
Likely would have been labeled a "Tweener" and fallen out of the league in an earlier era of football. Now, he is the type of mismatch player that teams are seeking. There is a steady drumbeat about his versatility, with the team lining him up in the backfield or out wide.
Likely has the opportunity to be a meaningful fantasy contributor as a tight end in what should be a high-end offense. But I fully expect to tune into Thursday Night Football Week 1 and see Patrick Ricard lined up at fullback and Nelson Agholor being ignored on nine routes instead.
Matt Montgomery: I'm expecting a disaster when it comes to my stance on Jonnu Smith breaking into the elite tier of tight end. We have had this example of Smith letting folks down every season, but I liked what I heard from Miami's training camp.
I believe he can be utilized in a unique way like Taysom Hill (without the throwing of course) and could be yet another wrinkle in the Mike McDaniel offense, or I could be a complete loser who must wear the scarlet letter and live in all of internet infamy. There is little in between right and wrong on this one.
Waldman: I love how we talked about tight ends being the most expendable position to pivot away from in September but two of you gave me tight ends. C'mon now.
Bell: We haven't seen you give any takes this week. At least share one here.
Waldman: I'm expecting a disaster with most takes. J.K. Dobbins staying healthy, and Ladd McConkey delivering startable fantasy production. The Chargers have historically been a chemistry disaster that ignites in the waning minutes of a game.
Thanks for reading. Check out the links below for all of this week's roundtable topics.
Good luck!
