Are you sick and tired of your dry fantasy football content? Have you ever thought, “What type of candy would Saquan Barkley be”? No? What’s wrong with you? For sure, you’ve thought, “I would love to categorize Jeremiyah Love’s fantasy value by what sitcom would best represent it? “ On my podcast, Analytics Are For the Nerds, we play this game regularly.
I know we all want to get our fantasy content from a “film bro” that wears the official “I know ball outfit”, a nostalgic jersey, and a backwards hat. This isn’t quite that. For this exercise, we pick a pool of players and a set of categories and use thewheelofnames.com to pair them. For this game, we will categorize players by their dynasty value. Let’s play:
Player: Kyler Murray- Category: Types of Currency
There may be no other free agent who gained more value in the fantasy football streets than Kyler Murray this offseason, especially in redraft. In dynasty, that ascent might not happen just yet. Murray signed a modest 1 year contract for 1.2 million, the league minimum. It was anything but a commitment. With that said, Murray only has JJ McCarthy in his way to starting at QB for a team that not only has one of the best offensive minds in Kevin O’ Conell at the helm, but oh yeah, there’s that guy Justin Jefferson at WR.
Considering all this, Murray’s dynasty value right now is absolutely a crypto shit coin. His value is at an affordable price right now. Because of the lack of commitment, this is the time to bet on Murray working out this year and gaining an extension with Minnesota or a free agent contract somewhere else. If he has a good first 6 games, you can instantly “short” your investment (pun so intended). There is a scenario where his play tails off or he suffers a season-ending injury. Kyler not working out in this premier environment would basically render him worthless in dynasty circles. I’m betting on the former and a big bounce year from my short king.
Player: Kenneth Walker III – Category: Game of Thrones Characters
Kenneth Walker III signed a massive 3-year, 43-million-dollar deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, and the fantasy football world is a buzz. Walker is coming off a great Super Bowl run with the Seattle Seahawks. The hype can’t be much bigger when you pair arguably the best free agent running back with one of the best offenses in football. Yet, I would hold back some of this optimism and mostly be looking to sell high. Kansas City has not had a running back score more than 8 rushing touchdowns in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Walker III has never had more than 9, and that number has decreased each year of his career, with only five touchdowns on the ground last year. Andy Reid is known for trickery inside the five, designing plays that don’t involve running back runs up the middle. I guess it’s obvious that I think KW3 is a little overrated at this point.
Which is why he absolutely is the Night King. Dude shows up, looking cool as hell, and rocks the whole Game of Thrones world. It had nerdy virgins everywhere predicting great things for the Night King and his army, the White Walkers. He did kick ass that first season, and I think that is all very possible for Walker. They might start the season without Mahomes, who will surely be coming back at less than 100%. The offense may have to run through Walker for a couple of months.
That’s why I like him a lot more in redraft fantasy football. But like the Night King, who left us way too early (SPOILER ALERT), I feel like the offense will eventually run through the air again soon and leave Walker III owners holding bags. In this case, Rashee Rice will play the part of Arya, which is fitting because he is the one who would most likely stick an ice dagger in someone’s eye. My suggestion? Sell Walker III for 27 draft class on any rebuilds. On a win-now team, I’d be looking at guys like James Cook, Garrett Wilson, or Luther Burden if I can find a buyer.
