The Sports Hangover: Fantasy Football Draft Discussions and NFL Survivor Strategy
By Michael Benatar
Welcome back, sports fans! It’s Michael Benatar here, alongside my co-host JDawg, and it’s that time of year again! August is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of training camp, fantasy football drafts, and the anticipation of the fall season.
The Draft Experience: A Love-Hate Relationship
We recently had our first fantasy football draft, which, I must say, was quite an adventure. Picture this: a labyrinth of clunky Excel sheets instead of a slick app. There were logging in issues, people struggling to enter their bids, and let’s not forget the fact that it took an exhausting four and a half hours to complete the draft! If you’re thinking that sounds like 1995, you’re absolutely right.
JDawg and I had fun swapping ideas about how we could improve our experience. He lamented about the old Google Sheets format, yearning for the simplicity of a user-friendly app. “You'd think we’d have upgraded by now!” he exclaimed, and I couldn’t agree more. Despite the chaos, we persevered.
Team Dynamics: The Power of Collaboration
One aspect I love about my fantasy football strategy is the power of collaboration. This year, I’m again sharing my team with a fellow commissioner, and let me tell you, two minds are definitely better than one. This year, we decided to invest heavily in a rookie running back, Gentry, pouring $54 into him, which was one of the highest bids of the night. Given that many top running backs were already kept in our keeper league, the decision felt right.
As a longtime Seahawks fan, the move intrigued me because I believe the rookie could shine given the right circumstances, even if the current landscape of the Raiders’ offense feels a bit uncertain. JDawg also offered his perspective, cautioning me about the volatility of a rookie-running back scenario. He suggested a balanced approach, combining younger players with seasoned veterans—sound advice for sure.
Survivor Strategy: An Early Look at Week 1
Now, as we look ahead to the NFL season, let’s dive into some strategies for our Survivor Pools. JDawg and I are both participating this year, and we’re a bit skeptical about playing in high-stakes matchups too early in the season.
I’m leaning towards picking the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. The rationale? Historically, the reigning Super Bowl champs have a solid track record in their opening game, and if I can secure a win, it sets my Survivor Pool ticket up nicely for the rest of the season. Plus, if disaster strikes and I lose, I can re-enter the contest for another shot.
JDawg, however, is a bit more cautious. He points to the unpredictability of Week 1 games and urges me to reconsider. “Pick against teams you trust,” he advises, “You don’t want to burn your Survivor card too soon.” It’s a fair point; last year, an alarming number of contestants went out in the first week due to high-profile losses.
Week 1 Predictions and Risk Management
As we gear up for the season, understanding the landscape of rookie quarterbacks and the intricacies of new head coach dynamics is crucial. Historically, road division underdogs have shown surprising resilience, and JDawg and I are keen on uncovering the best matchups.
In closing, there’s no shortage of excitement in the air as fall approaches, and we can’t wait to see how this NFL season unfolds. Whether you’re diving into fantasy drafts or plotting your Survivor strategies, the thrill of competition is about to kick off in full force.
Be sure to follow us on our Substack for even more insights and behind-the-scenes analysis. Here’s to a fantastic season ahead, sports fans!
Until next time, I’m Michael Benatar signing off!
