Matt Schauf, a fantasy analyst at DraftSharks and two-time FantasyPros IDP Accuracy Champion, shares deep insights on fantasy football. He discusses the IDP format and highlights the potential of Isaac Guerendo as a starter. Schauf evaluates Breece Hall's rest-of-season outlook and emphasizes strategies for navigating injuries impacting players. He also dives into Jacoby Myers' rise amid Devante Adams' absence, urging listeners to focus on uncovering underrated talents and optimizing their draft strategies.
Matt Schauf emphasizes the importance of integrating Individual Defensive Players (IDP) in fantasy leagues to enhance game engagement and understanding.
He discusses the need for adaptability in fantasy drafts, highlighting that successful strategies evolve based on current league dynamics and trends.
Personal experiences and maturity affect emotional investment in sports, suggesting that winning or losing should not determine overall happiness in fantasy gaming.
Deep dives
Matt Schaaf's Background and Podcast Insights
Matt Schaaf, a fantasy analyst at DraftSharks, shares his extensive experience in fantasy sports, including being a two-time Fantasy Pro's IDP Accuracy Champion and a main event league champion. In the conversation, he emphasizes the significance of staying engaged with fantasy drafts even after the season starts, as platforms like Underdog allow for weekly drafting. He recounts a personal anecdote about his son's first experience with snow, showcasing his relatable personality amidst his professional expertise. Moreover, Matt discusses the growth in his understanding of sports through a college course that shifted his perspective from being merely a fan to appreciating the broader context of sports history and analysis.
The Importance of Perspective in Fantasy Football
Both hosts reflect on how maturity and life changes, especially family responsibilities, can alter one's emotional investment in sports. They acknowledge how personal experiences can impact reactions to fantasy outcomes, suggesting that while losing a game can sting, it should not profoundly affect one's overall happiness or priorities. Matt humorously shares a recent fantasy loss that ended due to a minor statistic, further reinforcing how unpredictability is a part of the game. The conversation underscores a common theme among seasoned analysts: recognizing that fantasy sports should be fun rather than a source of stress.
The Case for Playing IDP Fantasy Football
Matt argues for the inclusion of Individual Defensive Players (IDP) in fantasy leagues, emphasizing that doing so provides a deeper understanding of the entire football game. He explains that incorporating defensive players can enhance engagement, as it requires players to pay attention to all aspects of the game, rather than focusing solely on offensive players. He advocates for leagues to adopt a minimum number of required defensive positions to ensure a diverse and competitive environment. Furthermore, he believes that players should be incentivized to learn about defensive performance, thereby enriching their overall fantasy experience.
Adjusting Expectations for Quarterback Strategy
The discussion shifts to quarterback strategies for fantasy drafts, with Matt observing that elite quarterbacks still command early picks. He notes that while mobility in quarterbacks has shifted drafting trends, players will still seek reliable options with proven performance. The importance of adjusting during drafts based on league dynamics and current trends is emphasized, as players seek to capitalize on market inefficiencies. Matt stresses that the key to a successful draft lies in remaining adaptable and responding to how the draft unfolds, rather than rigidly sticking to a pre-determined strategy.
Low-Rostered Players to Stash for Playoffs
As the conversation concludes, Matt highlights the value of targeting lower-rostered players who could emerge as key contributors during the fantasy playoffs. He suggests focusing on handcuffed running backs, noting that they often become pivotal if starters falter due to injury. Key names mentioned include Blake Corum, Trey Benson, and Kenneth Gainwell, all of whom could see increased opportunities in the event of injuries. Stashing these players not only prepares managers for potential roster changes but also positions them advantageously ahead of rivals who might scramble to the waiver wire.
DraftSharks' Matt Schauf joins Late-Round Perspectives to talk about the IDP format, Isaac Guerendo's potential as starter, Breece Hall's rest-of-season outlook, and more.
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