3 Takeaways From The Surprise Trade

More questions than answers ...

Yesterday’s big Steelers/Dolphins trade was headlined by the Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick swap, but it was the bizarre, hilarious inclusion of Jonnu Smith that sent shockwaves through the fantasy sphere.

Let’s break it down…

🤮 TE cannibalization on tap in Pittsburgh. Arthur Smith really can’t help himself. Despite the presence of Pat Freiermuth—a perfectly solid TE—the Steelers have now added Jonnu to the mix. As you can see from Dwain’s projections update below, it completely destroys both of their fantasy values:

🐬 The Dolphins Big 3 is now extra interesting. On the flip side, reviewing the Dolphins TE depth chart is now an exercise in learning new names. It is, however, very bullish for the main pieces—De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle—as the offense will be extremely concentrated and (hopefully) take more shots downfield. It also implies that Miami feels good about Reek’s health heading into the year. Check out the projection bump for all three:

💪 The Steelers D is going to make Rodgers look good. Pittsburgh’s defense is looking characteristically good on paper after this trade (although T.J. Watt might not be long for the team). Regardless, the game plan—as Matthew outlines here—is going to be very obvious on a week-to-week basis. The last time Aaron Rodgers had no excuses for not succeeding was … well … last year, but this is certainly another time.

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Fantasy

Measuring Success Rate And Its Fantasy Football Impact

Looking at positive plays on an NFL field doesn’t mean they’re all a “success.” Down and distance, yards traveled, whether the play resulted in a first down or even touchdown matter. Or as Chris Allen explains in his excellent continuing series on important analytics, this time tackling the subject of success rate:

“Each snap gives the offense a chance to accomplish something. However, not every play will result in a touchdown. Every concept has a separate purpose. In either case, understanding what a positive play is and which teams execute them more often can be a valuable skill in assembling a strong fantasy roster.”

Check out Chris’ latest piece for ideas on how to target players who could help out in fantasy. 🎯👇🏼

Fantasy

Will Patrick Mahomes Rediscover The Deep Ball?

Remember when the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes used to strike so much fear into opposing defenses that cornerbacks seemed to be backpedaling furiously immediately at the snap of the ball? Yes, we’d all like to see the Chiefs party like it’s 2018, but this version in K.C. plays stifling defense, runs the snot out of the ball, and Mahomes has made screens and short passes into an art form. But yet we’re left wanting.

Ian Hartitz delves into Chiefs Kingdom to see if Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Travis Kelce can bring back the good times for this offense. Also, can a return to full health help Isiah Pacheco become a top RB for fantasy? Ian’s preview has that and more. ⬇️

Fantasy

Around the Watercooler

The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds.

🤠 Want more Cowboys in your life? There’s a new doc coming to Netflix.

💪 Who’s going to bet against Justin Jefferson being successful with a QB who’s never thrown an NFL pass? Go on, we dare you.

📊 Interesting QB stats. They don’t call him Joe Cool for nothing.

🤦 An answer to a question no one asked. What’s up with Deshaun Watson?

🚀 Recent ADP trends. Niners on the rise.

👀 Is this Steel Curtain 2.0?

🍻 Kittle will tell Brock and Trey, hold my beer.

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