Ian Hartitz, Fantasy Life's expert on fantasy football and controversial quarterback target, discusses his approach to fantasy football, the debate between film analysis and analytics, drafting strategies, best ball drafting, analyzing the fantasy value of Harris, Derrick Henry, and Alexander Madison, and targeting potential league-winners.
Alexander Madison presents value and upside due to his lower ADP, making him a potential steal in fantasy drafts.
When evaluating Alexander Madison, consider previous performance, offensive scheme, and draft position to make an informed decision.
Exercise caution when considering Brandon Cooks for fantasy, as concerns about age, a run-first offense, and competition for targets may limit his opportunities.
Deep dives
Alexander Madison as a Target
Alexander Madison is a player that many fantasy analysts are fading this season. However, I believe that he should be seen as a target instead of a fade. While some analysts may be taking a strong stance against him, I think they may be going too far with their opinions. Madison presents an opportunity to draft a valuable player at a discounted price. His ADP is lower than it should be, making him a potential steal in drafts. It is important to consider the value and upside that Madison brings to the table.
The Overlooked Factors
When evaluating Alexander Madison, it is crucial to consider some overlooked factors. First, his performance in previous seasons has been solid, and he has shown the ability to produce when given the opportunity. Second, the offensive scheme and usage of running backs should be taken into account. In the past, the Vikings' offense has not heavily utilized running backs in the passing game, which might have impacted Madison's opportunities. Lastly, draft position matters, and being able to select Madison at a lower ADP provides a chance to secure a valuable asset for your fantasy team.
Misperceptions and Narrative
There are some misperceptions and narrative surrounding Alexander Madison. Some focus on a few spot starts where Madison did not perform as well, but fail to consider the full picture of his career. Additionally, the notion that he is taking a backseat to Dalvin Cook might not hold true this season. It is important to separate facts from narratives in order to make an informed decision about drafting Madison.
Value and Upside of Alexander Madison
Ultimately, Alexander Madison presents both value and upside for fantasy managers. By drafting him at a lower ADP, there is a chance to benefit from his potential production if he steps into a larger role in the Vikings' offense. Madison has already shown flashes of his talent and ability to be a productive fantasy option. Therefore, considering him as a target rather than a fade is a wise decision.
Jamaal Williams as a League-Winning Player
Jamaal Williams has the potential to be a league-winning player this year. With Alvin Kamara suspended and Latavius Murray dealing with a hamstring injury, Williams has an opportunity for a significant role in the New Orleans Saints' offense. He has shown in the past that he can handle a heavy workload and find success. With a favorable schedule to start the season and the potential for positive game script, Williams could be a productive RB4 with double-digit rushing touchdown upside. If the running backs ahead of him on the depth chart continue to struggle or get injured, Williams could become a bell-cow back and provide even more value.
Brandon Cooks as a Risky Option
Brandon Cooks is a player to be cautious with this season. While he has had a successful career and has performed well with good quarterbacks in the past, there are some concerns. Cooks is now on the wrong side of 30 and joining a run-first offense in the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys' focus on the ground game, combined with the presence of other offensive weapons, might limit Cooks' opportunities. Additionally, there are questions about his speed and whether he can maintain his effectiveness as he gets older. Considering the depth of talent at the wide receiver position, it might be wiser to target younger upside options like Elijah Moore or Quintez Cephus in the same draft range.
JJ sits down with Fantasy Life's Ian Hartitz to talk about his approach to fantasy football, a controversial quarterback target, a higher-end offense that could disappoint this year, and more.
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