2021 Keeper Preview [Part 1]
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Pst. DVFFL. It’s time.
It’s time to wake up!
Draft season is here boys! We’re less than 2 months away from Cal emptying his wallet for three overpriced players. Less than 9 weeks away from Kory asking us the night of the draft if we like his team. Less than 10 Sundays from Brian saying “fuck it” and overspending on four rookie running backs.
It’s almost here.
But first, there is a potentially season-defining decision to be made before the draft. Keepers. Make the right call, and you’ve got a cheap option for years to come. Make the wrong call, and well, you just wasted extra draft dollars. It’s time to reveal the true intention of this article. I’m going to profile every team in the DVFFL and help identify the keeper options that are on the table for that team. Additionally, I will show the keeper price of that team’s roster. Hopefully giving you a better idea of what your leaguemates could be thinking.
Sound like a plan?
Good.
Now, let’s get started.
#14 Cody (4-9) $250
2020 In A Nutshell: The international man of few mysteries. Cody led the charge on tanking. Unceremoniously ending his championship run Week 10 of the 2020 season. With his new shifted view, Cody has seemingly collected a lion share of young talent. Something even Brian would be jealous of. However, Cody is under a lot of pressure. He gave up on the season and won the Sacko all for this exact moment. He has the max amount of cash and the most to lose.
Roster / 2021 Keeper Price:
Hurts $10 (FA)
Bell $52
Bernard $2
Claypool $10 (FA)
Lamb $20
Akins $10 (FA)
Gibson $30
Koo $2
Football team $10 (FA)
Edmunds $8
L. Perine $10
Watkins $6
Cole $10 (FA)
Jeudy $12
Green $10 (FA)
Cardinals $10 (FA)
J. Robinson $10 (FA)
Cody’s Big Decisions:
Gibson $30
Lamb $20
Hurts $10
Claypool $10
Jeudy $12
Cody has a lot of options here. Ask me week 16 who his keeper would be, and I would unanimously say James Robinson. However, life comes quickly and luckily Cody has other options. What he has to do is weigh the long term value he has on these players. If he lets some of these guys go, their value will never be this cheap again. If I were Cody, I would keep Gibson. You’ve tanked to get this much money, you can get a guy for 10-20 dollars under market value, and still have more money than 80% of the league. Stretching his budget on solid WR2 options like Jeudy, Claypool or Lamb is just in his current budget’s best interest. If he does make that investment, he should be signing up for at least another year of these WR. Because I believe their true value won’t come up this year, but in 2022.
Verdict: Keep Gibson
#13 Brandon (3-10) $212
2020 In A Nutshell: So 2019 was an aberration. Because this is the Brandon the DVFFL knows and loves. His team was just bad from the start. He did make some minor moves to bounce his total draft cash up near the end of the season. But I think if Brandon is being honest, he didn’t get a Cody like haul because all of Brandon’s players sucked and no one was willing to spend big money on the likes of: Ebron. Gore. Sanders (not miles). Renfrow. The man non-ironically was starting Bridgewater. It’s time for an ANUSTART.
Roster / 2021 Keeper Price:
Bridgewater $10 (FA)
Gaskin $10 (FA)
Gore $2
E. Sanders $8
Thielan $64
E. Ebron $2
Anderson $6
Bailey $10 (FA)
Giants $10 (FA)
Ballage $10 (FA)
Edwards-Helaire $122 (LOL)
H. Higgins $10 (FA)
T. Smith $2
Renfrow $10 (FA)
Fulgham $10 (FA)
Bengals $10 (FA)
J. Brown $8
Brandon’s Big Decisions:
Gaskin $10
Anderson $6
T. Smith $2
I didn’t think we’d already be at that point where maybe the best advice is to not keep at all, but here we are. On paper the assets are CEH and Thielan. But even Cody can’t afford to keep CEH for $122. It’s in the best interest of the league to let that price reset itself. Leaving Brandon with only one logical option: keeping Robby Anderson. The situation for CAR has improved with no Samuel and the arrival of Darnold. The price is only a mere $6. It doesn’t matter if Anderson regresses to a high-end WR3, that’s still incredible value. It’s just up to Brandon to fill out the rest of his team. Which I’m not going to hold my breath on.
Final Verdict: Keep Anderson.
#12 Christian (6-7) $230
2020 In A Nutshell: Pretty terrible. I don’t think Christian would disagree with that statement at all. He went from almost making the playoffs to finishing right above Brandon. Thankfully, Christian was able to absorb some cash before he plummeted into the Earth. Thanks in large part to the Cal Zeke trade and the Peyton Keenen trade. Christian may not have the luck of the fantasy gods in-season, but he is the first team on this list that is semi-competent at drafting. So the extra $24 could go a long way.
Roster / 2021 Keeper Price:
Rodgers $6
Henderson $4
Pollard $12
Chark $42
Hardman $6
Andrews $46
Dio. Johnson $10
Butker $4
Bills $4
Mayfield $10 (FA)
Hyde $2
Mal. Brown $2
Elliott $146
Parker $10
Pittman $6
Packers $10 (FA)
Christian’s Big Decisions:
Hardman $6
Rodgers $6
Dio. Johnson $10
Parker $10
Pittman $6
Pollard $12
Damn. Christian understands the assignment. Look at these values. If anything, Christian is going to be tortured by multiple decisions, but honestly, he’s set himself up here that he really shouldn’t feel bad about any of them. Hell, I could even understand grabbing Rodgers, the MVP, for $6. You know he’ll be going for more (depending on his Packers situation). Pollard also has a solid case, $12 is a tad rich for a handcuff, but we know he can ball, and if Christian is looking long term, he can keep Pollard, if he is the future, for $24 next year, and $48 the year after that. That’s not bad for 3 years of service.
But in the current landscape, I see him nabbing Pittman. He’s the greatest unknown, yet highest upside. Johnson is a close second, but we don’t know how much the Steelers are going to suffer behind Ben this year. Pittman has the chance to emerge as the number 1 with a new QB and Christian can keep that value for years to come. Even if Pittman becomes nothing more than DJ Chark type, that’s still good value.
EDIT: +6 from Rodgers trade
Final Verdict: Keep Pittman.
#11 Mitch (4-9) $237
2020 In A Nutshell: Par for the course. Mitch has just one signature winning season under his belt, this year was much of the same for the green goblin. He smartly capitalized on teams in win-now mode, and ended up fetching $43 extra draft dollars. But like Brandon and Cody, isn’t exactly a scary drafter. Maybe with the extra buffer, that can inspire savvier risks rather than dropping $21 on TY Hilton.
Roster / 2021 Keeper Price:
Tannehill $10 (FA)
Conner $88
Dobbins $30
Agholor $10 (FA)
Godwin $68
Ertz $40
Hanson $10 (FA)
Myers $10 (FA)
Panthers $10 (FA)
White $16
Coleman $6
Duke. Johnson $8
Harris $8
Snell $6
Kirk $12
J. Smith $2
Mitch’s Big Decisions:
Tannehill $10
Dobbins $30
Harris $8
Smith $2
First of all. None of us drafted Tannehill? What? Tua and Minshew were drafted by Mitch. And not Tannehill? Now, his value would be higher if he had been grabbed for a dollar. But for $10 you get a QB who is throwing to two of the most electric WRs in Julio and AJ Brown, it’s not a bad tradeoff. Mitch also has the money to make a big money keeper in Dobbins, who is going to be leading that backfield this year. This is the last year of affordability for him, so that could be a win now move. Harris is the wise pick. He’s cheap. He’s starting. He’s good. However, he’s on NE. Investing in NE backs doesn’t pay off. But you know what does? Investing in NE TE. And Smith could be the guy. It’s a position of scarcity. A $2 shot to find out if you have a top 6 TE is pretty worth it. However, RB’s are just too hard to pass up.
-6 from Rodgers trade.
Final Verdict: Keep Rodgers
#10 Kaden (5-8) $250
2020 In A Nutshell: Brotherly love. Kaden’s mediocre season was bailed out by a late trade deadline deal that gifted him $44 for trading away a package including Kyler Murray. Again, Cody gave away Chubb to Gare for $8. Kyler and pieces were $44. This. Market. Makes. No. Sense. As for the season, Kaden had a fairly complete team with one RB sized hole. His solution? He got David Johnson and sold off the rest of the team for parts. His reward for this bold vision? 10th. And $250 draft dollars.
Roster / 2021 Keeper Price:
Tua $2
Drake $86
Taylor $68
Lockett $60
Aiyuk $4
Engram $22
Du. Johnson $8
Blankenship $10 (FA)
Colts $2
Ryan $4
G. Edwards $10 (FA)
Ty. Johnson $10 (FA)
Mar. Jones $14
Crowder $14
Reager $2
Hurst $6
Kaden’s Big Decisions:
Tua $2
Aiyuk $4
Edwards $10
Reager $2
Kaden has the cash to make a big move and keep Taylor. But is Taylor actually worth that value? I would firmly say no. Where I think Kaden could make a splash is keeping the Gus Bus. He’s second in command behind Dobbins. Clearly is liked. And could operate as Kaden’s 4th RB, giving him a safety blanket and extra cash to nab some bigger names. Reager I’m sure will get some looks. I think he sucks. Aiyuk is also very fun, and is worth the shot just to see – especially if Lance takes over.
Final Verdict: Keep Aiyuk.
#9 Dylan (6-7) $150
2020 In A Nutshell: Spain without the “s.” Dylan went all in as a championship contender whose team was .500 for most of the season and was mediocre at best. So when his team didn’t make the playoffs, it only surprised one person in the entire league: Dylan. Dylan did do one thing in 2020 that had a lasting effect on the league. He was able to identify really good talent for stupid low draft prices. For example, the total cost of: Aiyuk, J. Smith, Geodert, Stafford, Harris AND Mack combined is $34 dollars. Six players and using their 2021 keeper price, and they only cost $34 dollars! That’s a bundle of values. And he’s going to need to do it again for this draft if he wants to have a chance.
Roster / 2021 Keeper Price:
Murray $40
Kamara $108
Carson $84
Ridley $54
Kupp $60
Fant $6
AJ Brown $52
Zuerlein $4
Chargers $2
L. Murray $20
J. Wilson $10 (FA)
Mattison $8
Singletary $24
Ahmed $10 (FA)
Coutee $10 (FA)
Saints $2
Dylan’s Big Decisions:
Fant $6
Chargers $2
Saints $2
Dylan legit can’t afford to overspend on anyone this year. If he really believes in Fant, getting him for $6 could preserve his long term value for Dylan on the team. And knowing that fact, Dylan could use that as trade piece. Selling to teams that need a TE, and giving them one that they can keep next year. For other teams, having $6 for an uncertain TE1 isn’t a big deal. But for Dylan, $6 represents 4% of his budget. He also could just eat it a little and pick a D/ST. It’s two dollars, but at least he knows he can get a top 10 option. But let’s be honest, Dylan isn’t keeping this year.
EDIT: -3 from M. Davis trade
Final Verdict: Mike Davis
PODLY UNDERGROUND 2020 WRAPPED
That’s all folks.
Thank you all for listening. The podcasts have been a huge success this year. It’s meant a lot to record them, and it’s meant even more that you all have listened.
This is the final episode of the 2020 season. It’s a fun show with awards, rule discussions and some keeper thoughts. It’s fun, it’s long and I hope you all enjoy.
NUT REPORT WEEK 16
It’s all over man!
The article I mention at the end of the pod is here.
Predicted it from the very beginning.
NUT REPORT
HISTORICAL STATS
KEEPER VALUES
NUT REPORT WEEK 13
Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.
NUT REPORT WEEK 13
HISTORICAL STATS
KEEPER VALUES
NUT REPORT WEEK 12
Two weeks left in the season and we have only one team statistically clinched in the playoffs (Brian). And 9 other teams in the hunt for the last 7 spots.
Below I wanted to put together a bit of a cheat sheet of the next two weeks for the playoff race. With the schedule for each team, their last 4 weeks in scoring and W/L.
1. Brian (9-2) - WK12: Christian (6-5) / WK 13: Jadon (6-5) | Last 4 W/L: 3-1 / Last 4 PPG: 101.6
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2. Kory (7-4) - WK12: Peyton (7-4) / WK13: Zach (6-5) | Last 4 W/L: 2-2 / Last 4 PPG: 98.4
3. Peyton (7-4) - WK12: Kory (7-4) / WK13: Christian (6-5) | Last 4 W/L: 3-1 / Last 4 PPG: 95.9
4. Cal (7-4) - WK12: Brandon (2-9) / WK13: Kaden (4-7) | Last 4 W/L: 1-3 / Last 4 PPG: 63.8
5. Dylan (6-5) - WK12: Jesse (5-6) / WK13: Garrett (6-5) | Last 4 W/L: 3-1 / Last 4 PPG: 85
6. Jadon (6-5) - WK12: Kaden (4-7) / WK13: Brian (9-2) | Last 4 W/L: 1-3 / Last 4 PPG: 86.2
7. Zach (6-5) - WK12: Cody (3-8) / WK13: Kory (7-4) | Last 4 W/L: 3-1 / Last 4 PPG: 83.7
8. Christian (6-5) - WK12: Brian (9-2) / WK13: Peyton (7-4) | Last 4 W/L: 3-1 / Last 4 PPG: 97.3
9. Garrett (6-5) - WK12: Mitch (3-8) / WK13: Dylan (6-5) | Last 4 W/L: 4-0 / Last 4 PPG: 86.7
10. Jesse(5-6) - WK12: Dylan (6-5) / WK13: Cody (3-8) | Last 4 W/L: 1-3 / Last 4 PPG: 78.7
As for this week. The NUT Report power rankings are definitely feeling the trends. As Cal would say, the past doesn’t matter. So you’ll see Garrett and Christian both in Tier 1, with both teams being the hottest teams in the league right now. Christian with 3 straight 100+ games and Garrett on a 4 game winning streak. And Cal in Tier 2 despite being 7-4. In the last 4, as you see he’s averaging Neal like scoring with 63.8 PPG and is 1-3.
I’m going to try and record a pod this week, however I am on a pitch and may not get the chance tomorrow.
All other info as you usually see it below.
NUT REPORT WEEK 12
HISTORICAL STATS
KEEPER CHEAT SHEET
NUT REPORT WEEK 11
Nut Bot has traded 15 draft bucks to liquor.
WEEK 11 REPORT
HISTORICAL STATS
KEEPER CHEAT SHEET
WARNING: Cody it’s rough.
NUT REPORT WEEK 10
Halfway point and a very special episode. Taking us away from the usual readout, this week we are looking back at the road trip of this season.
Additionally, I have included a Keeper Value Cheat Sheet to help you all visualize how much it will cost to keep players that were drafted. This will also included in the League Info page, so you can check in whenever you want. If you are looking for a certain player CMD + F and type in the last name of the player to see if they were drafted, and if they were, what their price is.
WEEK 10 NUT REPORT
HISTORICAL REPORT
KEEPER VALUE CHEAT SHEET
