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cover of episode The State of Fantasy Football, 25 Best NBA Players, and Million-Dollar Picks With Danny Heifetz and Joe House

The State of Fantasy Football, 25 Best NBA Players, and Million-Dollar Picks With Danny Heifetz and Joe House

2024/11/8
logo of podcast The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Bill Simmons Podcast

Key Insights

Why did the Ravens offense perform so well in fantasy football this year?

The Ravens offense excelled due to the combination of Lamar Jackson's dual-threat capabilities and the emergence of Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers as top-tier fantasy assets. The team's offensive strategy, which often featured read options and a balanced attack, made them a high-scoring unit.

What are the key lessons from this fantasy football season that could impact future drafts?

The key lessons include the importance of drafting running backs early, as they have been more reliable than receivers this season due to injury rates. Additionally, paying attention to waiver wire additions and not overreacting to last season's trends can provide significant advantages.

Who are some of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football this year?

Biggest disappointments include Anthony Richardson, Travis Etienne, and Devante Adams. Richardson failed to live up to his high draft position, Etienne has been inconsistent, and Adams has struggled with poor quarterback play.

What are some under-the-radar players to target on the waiver wire for the rest of the season?

Potential waiver wire targets include Devon Achane, Jameson Williams, and Xavier Leguette. Achane and Williams have high upside if key players get hurt, and Leguette could benefit from increased garbage time targets.

How does the guillotine league format change the fantasy football experience?

The guillotine league format adds a high-stakes, fast-paced element to fantasy football, where players are eliminated quickly, keeping everyone engaged and competitive. It aligns with modern preferences for quick decisions and immediate outcomes.

What are the potential implications of Bill Belichick coaching the Giants?

If Bill Belichick coached the Giants, it could lead to a complete overhaul of the team's structure and strategy, potentially making them a competitive force in the NFC East. However, it could also hinder their draft position and future prospects if they win more games than expected.

Why is the Golden State Warriors' defense impressing this season?

The Warriors' defense is impressive due to their aggressive, physical style, which includes blitzing and double-teaming key opponents. This approach has forced high turnovers and disrupted opposing offenses, reminiscent of their championship years.

How has the NBA MVP race evolved with early-season performances?

The NBA MVP race has seen some shifts, with players like Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson making strong cases. However, established stars like Curry and Durant still hold significant resumes, making it a competitive race.

What are the key takeaways from the updated top 25 NBA players list?

Key takeaways include the solidification of the top 10 players, the rise of young talents like Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero, and the continued relevance of veterans like LeBron James. The list reflects both established stars and emerging talents.

Chapters

The discussion focuses on the biggest fantasy football disappointments, excluding injury-related issues, and includes players like Breece Hall, Anthony Richardson, and Travis Etienne.
  • Breece Hall was the number one pick in many drafts but has been a major disappointment.
  • Anthony Richardson was highly anticipated but has struggled significantly.
  • Travis Etienne has been a frustrating player for fantasy owners, often underperforming.

Shownotes Transcript

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Danny Heifetz and Joe House for a fantasy football check-in after nine weeks, then discuss the surging Ravens offense, the rise of the running back, and the biggest fantasy disappointments (2:13). Afterward, they get into some stealth waiver wire and trade candidates and fantasy booking Bill Belichick's next coaching gig (26:23). House and Bill later run through their favorite games from the weekend's slate before making their Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 10 (53:16), Finally, they talk some NBA, including the Warriors' win over the Celtics, NBA awards odds, a check-in on their win total picks, and Bill's updated top 25 NBA players list (1:27:51).

Host: Bill Simmons

Guests: Joe House and Danny Heifetz

Producer: Kyle Crichton

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