Answering Your Most Pressing Questions Ahead of Labor Day Drafts! | ESPN Fantasy

Hey, I'm Liz Loza. That's Daniel Dopp. This is Facts versus Feelings. And today's fact is that we have got a bonus mailbag episode inspired by your voicemails. Thank you all for calling in. Dopp, should we just jump right into it? Let's get into it, Liz. This is a safe place. It's a place where we can feel free sharing our feelings. First voicemail we have comes from our front anonymous who has a hot take themselves after watching our last episode. Oh my God. That was amazing. Well done, kids. That was hilarious. Red hot butt juice. Dopp can't handle his heat. Wow. Love it. Hot take. Basil Tutin. Top 10 RV. Woo. Liz. All right. Talk to me about this. How do we get Basil Tutin to be a top 10 running back? What's the narrative here? I mean, it's going to take a lot. I do think we're a little bit on our way because LaQuint Allen, the past catching running back in Jacksonville is dealing with a soft tissue issue currently. He's likely a game time decision for week one. But as we know, this season is not just one week long. And Chris Rodriguez has been showing off between the tackles as a power runner. I am getting increasingly nervous that Rodriguez who by the way was coached by Liam Cohen at Kentucky in college might have a bigger portion of this pie than we anticipated. Liz, I love what you're trying to say here. I love Basil Tutin as an option to be honest as an RB two with where we've gotten. He's kind of risen up my ranks coming recently. I'm not sure though I can get to you a top 10 running back. It would take a lot. But that's why it's a hot take, right? We love the hot take. That's the point. All right. This next one. I will keep my, I will to say I'll keep my fingers crossed for it because I have plenty of shares of Tutin. So anonymous but juice appreciation guy. I hope you're right. I hope he's right too. All right. This next question comes from Brett who wanted to ask you about some tight ends. Oh, nice specialty. This is Brett from St. Louis. I drafted in a startup dynasty link with two tight ends. Kulcher loved one. Jimmy Jeremiah loves and Jordan loves just the way the draft style. What good love. Can I name my team? Thank you. Well, first of all, I love a dynasty startup with two tight ends. That's not difficult at all. It's not like that position is without its volatility. But I think live laugh, lovelin, live laugh. Oh, that's not bad. Liz, right? Yeah. I feel like it's something you could go into a home good and like, yes, exactly. Yes. I don't see it. You can join a gains having it on their shipwrapped wall. That's exactly what it would look like when they're doing their fantasy drafts. Yes. That's it. I think that's it. That's it. I'm going to stick with. No, I'm going to stick with yours. That is the answer. Live laugh. I have one more. I have one more because as a Midwesterner, I am familiar with the state of Missouri. And I know that St. Louis has a specialty in toasted ravioli. So I was thinking maybe toasted ravioli and tough love as a nod to his city and his team. No, okay. I should have stuck with the first one. I got it. What is toasted ravioli? Liz, I have so many more questions now. Okay. We're going to ask you this one, the show. We have one more question. This one is from Patrick in Tennessee. I shouldn't have said that. He's going to say that. Sorry about that. Let's go. Yes. This is a project from Tennessee. I'm calling about a unique fantasy football league that is full-point TPR, two-quarterback, three-receiver, three-running-back, two-tight-end, and one-flex-spot that can be running-back, tight-end, receiver. I have the ninth pick and I'm looking at what to do at the two, three, and four. Thank you so much. Once again, our listener/viewers coming in with the unique formats. Love this for everybody. Love that we're evolving. Also really bummed that he's picking in the ninth spot because given that many, given that number of starters, I was hoping this was only an 18-league. Okay, so round one, Daniel, we assume he's taking a quarterback, right? If it's a two-cubi league, we am assuming he's not talking, he's going to do that in round one, which is why he's asking about rounds two, three, and four. I think because it is a start to tight-end league, you have to then grab an elite tight-end in the second round, which at the ninth spot, I think he could probably do because most people are going to grab their quarterbacks in the first round and then he could probably get at least a herald fan-in in round two as his tight-end one. I think I'm with you on that. If I go quarterback the first round and we go elite tight-end in the second round, when I come back at that point, just given the next position, that dries up the fastest, I would probably want to target the running back position and save wide receiver for last, just given how deep that whole position group is. Is that what you were thinking to? Yeah, cubi tight-end anchor running back and then maybe in rounds three, or rounds four, I might depending on how many people have snagged a quarterback, get another quarterback, and then at the turn, since he's towards the end, start loading up my wide receivers. I might go cubi tight-end running back cubi. Yeah, honestly tight-end wide receiver may be the thing and that I do last. There's a chance that based on how crazy this is, I do both of my quarterbacks and both of my tight-ends and get at least one anchor running back before I even start at the wide receiver position, just given how thin the other two are at and you've got to start two of them. So crazy. And those wide receivers. I do too. Just one last note, those wide receivers, I want high volume guys. I'm okay with a Michael Pittman or like a Wondell Robinson. That's the crew, since it's one point, PPR. That's the like tier of wide receivers I'm looking because I know that Drake London, for example, is not going to be available. Yep. All right, this next question is about Chase and TDs, Liz. What's up, guys? This is Brad. Love to show. I have found myself consistently landing Dallas Carter in drafts and I don't know why. I believe it's a touchdown. I feel like they're still going to be there and not regress as much without AJ Brown in there. Is that a good outtake or total dog to do? Rams house. Love it. So is that a touchdown take list? It is a touchdown take. I mean, it is, it is a spike for sure. Here's, Dallas Goddard is coming off of a career high career high 11 touchdowns in 2025. He's never done that before. I mean, that's why I feel like there's going to be a regression 18% of Goddard's 18% of Goddard's catches last season were on scores. And that's a massive spike compared to the 7% touchdown rate. He managed over the rest of his career, right? That's a giant cap. If you were to factor that into his overall percentage, you would move from like tight on five to like tight end 18. So I understand the calculus without AJ Brown there. Then Goddard should continue to see the red area of the field. But I just don't think the efficiency will be there to the tune of double digit scores. I think I agree with you there. I see more regression coming see more sick one, Barclay and just more spreading the ball around to the plethora of pass catchers, they added in Don Tavion wicks and they're rookie, who Michael lemon, who I understand is, and then you still have Elijah Moore and Hollywood Brown. And it feels like there's a lot of mouths that they could potentially get the ball to in that offense. Alright, Liz, next one is a hot take. They wanted to see the last dab and raise this one. Oh, please don't. Hey guys, my hot take for this year is Devont Space Smith will be a top five water seeker and fantasy. Thanks. Love the show. Fine. Another Eagles take this one. I feel like is more possible. Yes. Of the two. This is the one that I think could potentially happen. I'm with you. Yeah. Of the Eagles hot takes this one. I mean, Devont to Smith has cleared 100 targets and every season save 2024 when he missed time. He has averaged nearly seven targets per game over his five year career I think he's probably going to draw upwards of 120 looks this season. My only question mark about Devont to Smith is whether or not he can perform like a true alpha because I do think when you look at AJ Brown's specific skill set, it was complimentary to the that, to that of Smith's, but Smith has now been in the lead quite a bit. And so hopefully his skill set has evolved to the place in which he can, you know, really, really hold down a physical and speedy approach to the game. So I think volume wise, it should be their fingers crossed. Jalen Hertz and he can and continue to connect, I like it. I think maybe top 12 is more realistic, but top five makes it spicy. - Yes, top five makes it spicy. We all love the slim reaper as long as he can stay healthy and he is legitimately the number one in that offense. I think there is a shot at least that he could have that top five, but I like top 12. All right, this next one Liz is someone who loves the alliteration in our name, which I appreciate. I also fancy football analysts whose names illiterate. I am fond because I got a question about bonus points. In my league, they are rewarding players who throw four over 200 yards, 300 yards, and 400 yards with big bonuses. There's also six point pass and touchdowns on the sleeve. You think that that elevates to your quarterbacks, like back press dodge or rock party into higher round considerations or should I just stick with valuing quarterbacks that you guys have been talking about? Thanks, bye. - Liz, this guy is on to it. I think he's doing the right thing. Like, to me, this sounds like you want like a high volume pure pocket passer who is also attached to a team with a bad defense. - Yes, I'm with you on that. So I think it at least opens the door to probably four or five more quarterbacks that I wouldn't normally consider in fantasy. Two of them are very obvious off the top of my head, just because of the high volume of passing and the touchdown equity they could potentially have, even though they don't utilize their legs. One of them is my favorite quarterback in the NFL, it's I'm sure you can guess. - Yes. - In Jared golf. The only quarterback over the last three seasons to have 450 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in each of the three seasons. He's a guy that has a high floor or a higher floor at least in a six point per passing touchdown league. The other one Liz used to play for my team if you know what I'm talking about. - Matthew Stafford? - Yes, exactly. - Yes, I think I like an understand both of those. I would add Joe Burrow into the mix. Like to me, Joe Burrow is now in a given this scoring format in a tier of his set by himself. I mean, he would be the prime example elite passer. We don't have to worry about the lack of rushing upside incredible weapons. Okay, yes, an improved defense, but by how much? Otherwise, I agree with you. And then, you know, he mentioned, the caller mentioned Brock Purdy. I think that's a good one, not for the same reasons, but because Kyle Shanahan's offense does rely so much on yards after the catch that Purdy then benefits. So I think if there's like, you know, a lot of yak receivers that could help boost Purdy as well. So I like him too, but I think this is another exciting format and one that makes you re-tool the way you think about the position and strategy. - I love, I love that Liz. - Imagine setting your makeup, then forgetting it's even theirs. Meet new grippy setting mist from Mabelie, New York. Gel to mist technology locks in your look for up to 24 hours with flexible all day comfy grip. No tightness, no stickiness, no residue. Just plump, dewy, hydrated skin. That still feels like your skin. Try new grippy setting mist from Mabelie, New York. - Maybe it's Mabelie. - All right, this next question is from one of our favorite people in the entire universe, Lizlosa. - Lizlosa, this is Steve Thorn, and my question is, I'm picking number seven and a 12 team lead, and I really like Josh Allen. Which round should I try and target Josh Allen so that I can make sure I get him before anyone else does? And I honestly, I don't remember my Instagram handle, but Quentin knows it. Okay, thank you. - Ah! - Liz. - I am a real, ah! - Liz. - Liz. - Sitting here thinking, one of our favorite people, what is a Steven Thorn? Who is a Steven Thorn? And then he says, "Quentin's daddy." - That's right. - Okay, I love this Mr. Thorn. - I forget what he asked. What did he ask? - He wants to drop Josh Allen. So he's clearly not listening to the content that his son is producing because we've said, "Don't do that, daddy." I would say Mr. Thorn. - Yeah, I would say, "Don't call him, let's call him Mr. Thorn, don't call him daddy." - Well, out of respect to Quentin. - Yes. - But I would say respectfully, if you are really insistent on drafting Josh Allen, then please don't do it until the second round after which you have secured at least an anchor running back. - I am with you on that. And actually, Quentin just handed me his Instagram handle. It's actually Hot Daddy Thorn on Instagram. So, all right, this next question we have, Liz. - C.M. from him, I gotta go back. - I bet you probably have. Yeah, it's probably in there. We should go back and check it out. - I'll talk about some fantasy names. - Yeah. - Okay. - Oh, let's just keep moving. - Okay. - Hey, Liz, hey Daniel. It's me, it's me. It's the P-O-N-G. They call me Pong. And I got a question that I believe needs to be amended in the fantasy law. - Can you name your fantasy team name these fun creative pun names that we have and not have that player on your team? Is that allowed? Yes or no? - Thanks, love the show. - I gotta, I got something to say about this. So I'm gonna let you take the floor first and then I'll finish it out. - I guess the question is, if there is a player that you really adore, but that player is not on your specific team, are you still allowed to name your team after that player? And I feel like you can do whatever you want with your hobby. But when your name is P-O-N-G Pong, why are you not naming your team after yourself? I would name my, how about Pong live the king or Pong distance field goals or short yardage Pong gains? Hello? - That's not a bad one, Liz. Well, you passed the Pong over to me. I'm gonna say, I completely disagree with you. You can not name your team after someone who's not on your team. No, absolutely not. You can do fun team names with a guy that's already on your team. But if you don't draft that player, you legally lose the rights to name your fantasy team after them. It's been written into law. I promise you that. You don't need to look it up. Just trust me. - Why? Why are we so stringent about this? - What am I saying? - No comment. Can we have the next voicemail please? - Yep. - Hey guys, this is Richie from Sun City, Arizona. - Sun City. - I have a question for you. And I do love the hot takes. There was a steamy one today. Anyway, I'm in a Vegas league. 12-man team TPR, two person keeper lead. There's a couple sharks in the lead. So I gotta be careful. I got a problem. I got rock bowers. I got Ashton Gentley. I got JFM. And I also have Kenny Walker. I need to know who to keep. I got a pretty good idea, but it's touchy. Thank you. Have a good day. - I didn't know that being in a Vegas league meant drafting all the players from the. - Stop it. Liz, I don't want to stop it. Richie seems sweet. Honestly, this is a tough one because what do you do? Do you take in the positional value of running back in tight end when you're making these decisions, Liz? - I mean, to me, this is not that difficult given the Ashton Gentley potential injury news. I want JSN and rock bowers. Like, I'll roll the. I never say this, but I will roll the dice on running back because you happen to have the top two players at the other positions at your avail. I agree, I am 100% behind you. I wouldn't draft rock bowers this high, but if I already had him on my squad, I am keeping the number one tight end potentially on my squad. So I would go with JSN, rock bowers, and then I would figure out my running back situation because Ashton Gentley may come back to you. You may still be able to get him with the same risk you have, or there may be someone else that you like a little bit more. So I'm with you on that. (upbeat music) - All right, Liz, that's the end of our voicemails. That was a ton of questions answered. We don't want to be done though. We definitely want to do this again. I love being able to just dive into the mailbag here. Please send in more questions. The line is 3-2-3, 3-9-1, 4-8-5-5-Liz. We definitely have to make sure we do this another time. - We're going to do it every week. Fantasy Therapy is a mainstay on the Facts versus Feelings podcast and digital show. Thank you guys so much for calling, for tuning in. And Daniel and I will probably go drink some milk 'cause we might still be recovering from debaum. - Yes, please, sir. (laughing) (upbeat music) - Imagine setting your makeup. Then forgetting it's even theirs. Meet new grippy setting mist from Maybelline, New York. Gel to mist technology locks in your look for up to 24 hours. [BLANK_AUDIO] Flexible all day comfy grip, no tightness, no stickingness, no residue. Just plump, dewy hydrated skin that still feels like your skin. Try new groupie setting mist from Mavily New York.