Matt Waldman’s RSP Cast: Building Dynasties

PFF's Dwain McFarland reconvenes with Matt Waldman for the 2022 Fantasy Football preseason edition of the RSP's Film and Data podcast.  As I would imagine how my friend, Bob Harris of Football Diehards would characterize Dwain McFarland and me on a show, the podcast would be called "Between Two Firehoses." Dwain and I deliver a quick-hitting blast of film and data-related fantasy thoughts on over a dozen players/situations around the league: The rushing mark Justin Fields must reach to deliver his ceiling of potential this year. Where Travis Etienne's fantasy profile could match D'Andre Swift's from 2021. Why James Cook is the better bargain compared to Etienne in fantasy leagues. Why we both like Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, but I'm more bullish on Sutton--even at his higher ADP in sharp drafts. Why we both love Albert Okwuegbunam's ADP and ceiling in the Broncos' offense. Why we both love Kadarius Toney this year. Why we both think Skyy Moore's route game from college is the fantasy dagger for Mecole Hardman and the player I compare Moore to in Andy Reid's offense. Is JuJu Smith-Schuster a viable fantasy option or is it Marquez-Vales Scantling? Where Dwain falls on the Ezekiel Elliott-Tony Pollard debate. Dwain and I will probably squeeze in another show before the season because we had a list of about 10-12 more players we hoped to cover but knew we had less than an hour. And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse of children.

Football Diehards podcast host Mike Dempsey joins Matt Waldman's RSP Cast for a conversation about negotiating trades in dynasty leagues.  You may be more familiar with Mike Dempsey as a radio host for the Football Diehards show Sirius XM Fantasy and the gameday co-host for the Jaguars' Radio Network, but he's also a helluva a fantasy GM.  I am in a 32-team, full IDP dynasty league and I'm not sure there is a better trade negotiator that I have seen than Mike, who has been one of the dominant teams. Mike was gracious enough to join me for a conversation about the art of the fantasy deal: Why trading is a pivotal strategic tool for his startup drafts in dynasty leagues. Why he offers dozens of deals — and often 4-5 variations of a deal to the same owner simultaneously — in his leagues. Why drafting a player someone else wanted can be the best time to trade away that player. Positions that Mike and Matt feel are foundational anchors for most IDP dynasty formats. Understanding the dynamics of "loose" and "tight" negotiators. Owning the playoffs versus owning future drafts. Check out the RSP Cast for this and more from Mike and me below. And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse of children.

Russ Lande, former NFL scout and the current head of national scouting for the Montreal Alouettes, joins Matt Waldman for another season of RSP Scout Talk. This week, they discuss processing speed, coach-scout dynamics, and camp hopefuls from the 2022 rookie class.  Russ and I are excited to embark on another year of the RSP Scout Talk podcast series. Here are this week's conversation topics: Testing the processing of information on the field: Why it's gaining value. The positions where it is vital and why. Examples of prospects with fast and slow processing abilities and the contributing factors that help/hurt processing speed. How coaches can make the most of slower processors. Where testing for processing may look like in the future. Coach-Scout-Team Dynamics: Why Dante Scarnecchia's appearance on the Athletic podcast with Robert Mays unintentionally revealed more about organizational management opportunities for personnel evaluation. The range of organizational models that teams have for coach-scout interaction for scouting. What Russ valued from his NFL experience with coaching staffs. How Bill Walsh's plan to videotape teaching sessions of veteran position coaches was the seed of his historic coaching tree. Why many teams try to be a highfalutin fusion restaurant with a star chef that leaves its fans dissatisfied, hungry, and stopping by joints like Five Guys on the way home -- and why the Steelers are that Five Guys franchise. Or, more aptly, Primanti's. Why Chris Olave is the best receiver of this rookie class. Why Russ is excited to see offensive packages for Malik Willis. 2022 Camp Hopefuls: Late-round/UDFA types that Russ and I are looking forward to hearing about this summer. Enjoy...we did! And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse.

Who would you pick to defend the planet in a science fiction football game? Photo by Frankula. Matt Waldman shares a few of his players to defend the planet from an alien civilization on the latest RSP Cast. The RSP Writers Project If you've never read the RSP Writers Projects, my favorite was the fourth one: An alien race reveals itself to the planet and its intention to take over the world. Being an advanced species with a sense of "fairness" (the closest but not quite accurate word on earth to describe a code they live by) they challenge us to sport they share in common with us. They win, they rule. We win, they go away. Their technology can bring back any player, living or dead, to their peak abilities for the purpose of the game. The writers picked teams and coaches, explaining their selections. For the fun of it, I shared my thoughts on my quarterback, my punter (not what you think), and one of my wide receivers in this week's podcast. If you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse.

OBR's ace X and O's analyst Jake Burns kills it on Matt Waldman's RSP Cast with his thoughts on the state of the Cleveland Browns as we embark on 2022 NFL training camp.  Let's acknowledge there’s a great big red elephant alum from Gainesville high in the room by the name of Deshaun Watson. I definitely have my own thoughts and feelings about Watson, this case, and the Browns organization in regards to this situation, but there are more than enough well-intentioned (as well as opportunistic) people covering this awful situation. We’re here to talk about Browns' football. This includes Watson from the football/organizational side of the equation as well as what the quarterback situation looks like on the field for Cleveland short-term and long-term, the strengths and weaknesses of the Browns heading into the year outside of the quarterback position: Why Jacoby Brissett can be an upgrade to 2021 Baker Mayfield on the field and in the locker room. What Deshaun Watson's game brings to the Browns schematically that the offense has never had. Why a plus-Rashard Higgins or JuJu Smith-Schuster is a fitting schematic comp for rookie David Bell. The Browns' options with its four-headed running back stable. How Cleveland's defense must perform to maintain competitive game scripts for its offense and why it's not as exciting TV but still effective. Offensive and defensive prospects worth watching in August. As I said, Jake killed it and it was a long time coming for me to have him on. You cal follow him @jake_burns18 on Twitter and find his top-flight work at these spots: The Orange and Brown Report (OBR) The OBRFilmBDN Podcast And of course... If you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse.

Matt Waldman's RSP Cast continues the preseason watchlist conversation with the players and situations that Matt is most interested in monitoring during training camp. This week, we’re continuing the preseason watchlist conversation with the players and situations that I’m most interested in monitoring during training camp. Players and scenarios I discuss include: Can Marquise Brown and/or Rondale Moore replace the qualities of DeAndre Hopkins' game that made Hopkins a receiving juggernaut? Do the Ravens see Lamar Jackson for what he really is or are they itching to make him what he isn't? Depending on the answer to the previous question, Devin Duvernay could become a significant offensive factor. Who will be the third option in the Bears' receiving corps? Depending on the answer, that option could wind up the second-most productive player or an afterthought. Green Bay's passing game has a vacuum to fill and there are a lot of potential outcomes that are reasonable to project this year. That said, the potential for a receiver to assume Davante Adams' production is likely limited to one candidate or bust. There is also potential to see the reemergence of a Randall Cobb role, but not with the guy named Randall Cobb. The Travis Etienne hype could develop into something real, but the language of the report reveals a lack of substance at this point. I explain why. Is there the potential for a hidden gem in the Raiders offense? Why there's potential that any Pierre Strong buzz in June is putting the cart before the horse. Tampa Bay's running back stable. How stable is it? Who could sneak his way into more touches? Of course, it is easy to monitor news about players in training camps. Discerning what is actionable information from that news is a different matter entirely. This is something I’m covering in the 2022 RSP Pre-Draft/Post-Draft Service’s June newsletter: A 10-point primer on putting training camp news in perspective—especially with regard to rookies, second-year players, and low-cost vets and journeymen. If you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse.

Matt Waldman's RSP Cast discusses his outlook for Baltimore Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman's 2022 campaign and shows you how to use fantasy football projections to understand the process behind the totals. "Why no love for Bateman? This is what Jacob, a long-time reader, and listener, asked me about Rashod Bateman on Twitter after seeing the June update for the RSP's 2022 Dynasty Rankings and Projections Package. He included Matt Harmon’s assessment of Bateman as a talent with a lot of qualities similar to Keenan Allen and Justin Jefferson. It's a great subject to discuss something many fantasy GMs and fans don't understand about assessing talent--especially in fantasy leagues: Talent is only part of the equation. Usage, the skills of the supporting talent (OL and QB for a WR), and the history of the offense – a scheme that isn’t expected to make a significant change—are all important factors. This week, I take you through the RSP's projection process to explain why Bateman qualifies as a breakout player with my data but with production that isn't on the level of Justin Jefferson, or even Keenan Allen's recent totals. I also share what to look for when examining projections so you know if the process behind the data is sound. And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse.

Matt Waldman shares his All-22 Rookie Watchlist — below the radar players whose draft capital did not match their talent. This week, we’re talking preseason skill player watch lists—the All-22 rookie Team--below the radar players whose draft capital did not match their talent. The odds are against these players earning early opportunities to contribute in an NFL offense but if circumstances allow it, they have the skills to exceed current expectations and potential go from a roster hopeful to a meaningful part of the gameplan within 6-18 months. These are players you should be considering for your expanded preseason rosters in dynasty leagues as well as have them on a running list for re-draft formats as preemptive additions. They have the talent and/or scheme fit to potentially do what James Robinson has done if given a true opportunity due to injury, suspension, an open-minded coach and staff, or some other exceptional circumstance. And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse.

Matt Waldman shares his philosophies on managing fantasy lineups in this week’s RSP Cast.  Now that the dust has settled on the 2022 NFL Draft, let’s continue the fantasy conversation with setting lineups: How should I use lineup effeciency as a guide? Which league variables impact lineup efficiency? How does one get better with start/sits? What resources are out there? What type of relationship should I develop with these resources to get better? How do I manage weekly start/sits? How does the draft, trades, and free agency factor into my lineup decisions? Tune in! And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse of children.

Matt Waldman shares his philosophies on building teams in dynasty leagues in this week's RSP Cast.  Now that the dust has settled on the 2022 NFL Draft, let's discuss dynasty team building: Self-assessment of strengths and weaknesses as a manager. Minimizing weaknesses and leverage strengths: What this actually means. My approach to startup and rookie drafts and how stockpiling talent fits within the strategy. Safe picks: The difference between aiming for the bull's eye and aiming for the bull's eye through a hole in an apple sitting atop the head of a man standing in front of the target. Trades: When, why, and how. Waivers: When and how I spend. And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2022 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95.  Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   If you’re a fantasy owner and interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2020 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse.