The Extra Point: Late-Round League Winners + Draft Strategy & Trades (Ep. 2156)

JJ Zachariason discusses A.J. Brown as a potential round-two option in a 10-team league, noting he would consider taking Brock Bowers over Brown at pick 11 if the drafter already secured a running back in round one, due to the positional advantage of tight end in full PPR scoring.

In a 12-team dynasty league soft reset, A.J. Brown is identified as one of the four core keepers the team owner is retaining, indicating he is valued as a keeper-tier wide receiver in dynasty.

AJ Brown targeted in mock drafts for a 14-team full PPR league after taking three straight wide receivers early, indicating viability as a secondary wide receiver option when top RBs are avoided.

Amon-Ra St. Brown characterized as a high floor, high ceiling player considered for first wide receiver pick in 14-team full PPR league, though JJ Zachariason opts for Puka instead despite acknowledging the pick is not crazy.

Amonra St. Brown characterized as a high floor, high ceiling player considered for first wide receiver pick in 14-team full PPR league, though JJ Zachariason opts for Puka instead despite acknowledging the pick is not crazy.

Braylon Allen is ranked number two on the co-host's late-round running back sleeper list; the co-host believes Allen is "kind of a beast" and might have some touch equity, disagreeing with consensus that Corey Dillon Hall is the top option.

Andrew Erickson expressed confidence in Brock Bowers' ceiling despite injury concerns, noting that tight end has such a low floor that chasing boom upside with elite players like Bowers is worthwhile; Bowers smashed in his first game back from injury, though first-game-back performance from injured players is typically unpredictable.

JJ Zachariason compares Brock Bowers to Drake London as an alpha target earner, but with tight end eligibility; he's comfortable taking Bowers early in round 2 of 10-team leagues (around pick 12-16), valuing the positional advantage in full PPR scoring.

JJ Zachariason compares Bowers favorably to Drake London, suggesting Bowers should go one spot ahead due to the tight end position advantage in full PPR scoring. Zachariason states he has no issue taking Bowers in round two of a 10-team league and would take him at pick 11 over A.J. Brown if he already has a running back from round one, citing the elite positional advantage tight end provides.

Brock Purdy is mentioned as going after Dak Prescott in draft ADP, positioning him as an alternative quarterback option in the same value tier.

Brock Purdy is mentioned alongside Kyler Murray as a quarterback going in late rounds, part of the late-round quarterback strategy discussion.

JJ Zachariason cautions against reaching for Caleb Williams in round 8 in 10-team PPR leagues, noting that while he is a tier above Kyler Murray, his ADP is volatile and could spike to round 6 given the Chicago Bears' offseason hype. In shallow leagues, the marginal value gain does not justify the early capital when late-round quarterbacks like Kyler are available and waiver-wire depth is plentiful.

JJ Zachariason still likes Christian McCaffrey and expects to spend high on running backs in auction formats, positioning McCaffrey as a premium target despite the need to allocate auction dollars strategically.

Christian McCaffrey avoided in 14-team full PPR mock drafts at the four spot, with the drafter preferring wide receiver options over CMC despite his typical elite status.

Colston Loveland is used as a pricing comparison point in auction strategy, with the example showing him potentially going for $27 while Kyle Pitts goes for $22, illustrating how market prices shift and create value opportunities in the first two rounds of auction drafts.

Colston Loveland is mentioned as a tight end to be ready to take early in 10-team leagues, part of the strategy to push tight end investment higher in draft order.

JJ Zachariason identifies Andre Swift as a middle-round player available at a reasonable auction price with a locked-in RB2 floor; if the Bears offense performs as expected, Swift could break out as an RB1, making him a value target in auction leagues.

Dak Prescott was identified as the number one quarterback league winner across aggregate analysis of industry consensus, suggesting he is undervalued relative to his upside; however, he also appeared on some league loser lists, indicating polarized opinion on his ranking.

JJ Zachariason argues Dak Prescott represents good value relative to his ADP compared to Joe Burrow, who goes multiple rounds earlier despite similar production potential. The quarterback position is deep in 2026, making Prescott a sensible alternative to higher-drafted signal-callers. Zachariason notes Prescott's lack of rushing upside limits his ceiling relative to mobile quarterbacks, and the improved Dallas Cowboys defense (versus last year's shootout-prone unit) may reduce his volume, but these factors are already priced into his draft position, making him a value pick.

JJ Zachariason says Dak is a good value where he goes in 2026 drafts, though he notes there are many good quarterback values available this year, so Dak is not a must-draft but a solid option if available at your pick.

Dak Prescott is referenced as part of the quarterback discussion, with the hosts noting they will discuss him further in the sleeper segment.

JJ Zachariason highlights Devon Achane as a PPR-format running back he likes to spend on early in auction drafts, suggesting strong value in PPR scoring systems.

Debo Samuel is ranked number three on JJ Zachariason's late-round wide receiver sleeper list; Zachariason notes that despite being used in specific ways, Debo finished as a top-24 receiver in half-PPR last year and has significant touchdown equity, making him a viable sleeper even with Mike Evans banged up.

Drake London is used as a draft position comparison point for Brock Bowers; JJ Zachariason suggests Bowers should go one pick ahead of London due to the positional advantage of tight end eligibility.

Chris Welsh had Drake Maye as a sleeper quarterback pick that contributed significantly to his top-seven overall sleeper ranking accuracy; Welsh notes that his sleeper picks in quarterback and tight end positions pushed him higher in sleeper rankings than in draft rankings, where he was historically weak at QB.

Dylan Sampson is ranked number one on the co-host's late-round running back sleeper list, though the co-host expresses uncertainty about whether he truly loves Sampson as the top option, suggesting some hesitation about the ranking.

JJ Zachariason targets Garrett Wilson as a middle-round receiver who doesn't generate significant buzz despite being a proven producer; Wilson is unlikely to attract bidding wars in auction, making him a value pick for serviceable production at a good price.

JJ Zachariason notes that Garrett Wilson does not feel like he will be a good auction value, implying his price will not justify his production relative to other options in auction formats.

Greg Dulcich is ranked number two on both analysts' late-round tight end sleeper lists; both JJ Zachariason and the co-host independently ranked Dulcich at number two, making him a consensus second-tier tight end sleeper.

JK Dobbins appeared as a worst-case running back option in 14-team full PPR mock drafts after three-wide-receiver early strategy, indicating limited upside in this league format when RB scarcity is high.

JJ Zachariason is willing to overspend on elite players in auction drafts and cites Jamar Chase as an example of a player he overpaid for and can live with, indicating confidence in Chase's elite tier status despite paying above projected cost.

Jalin Hyatt mentioned as a potential first wide receiver option in 14-team full PPR mock drafts alongside Puka Nacua and Amonrao, though not explicitly endorsed over alternatives.

Jared Goff was secured in round 14 of a 16-team Tailgate fantasy draft, demonstrating the value of punting quarterback in deep leagues; acquiring elite QB late allows the rest of the roster to be significantly stronger.

In a dynasty league soft reset scenario where a team owner was considering cutting Jaden Daniels to stack with Caleb Williams, JJ Zachariason strongly advises against it, stating 'I would not cut Jaden Daniels. Even if I have Caleb,' indicating Daniels' dynasty value is too high to cut even when paired with another elite QB option.

Jalen Waddle was identified as near the top of wide receivers in league-winner consensus, suggesting he is undervalued relative to his upside.

JJ Zachariason identifies Jalen Waddle as a must-have player he wants on his auction teams, indicating he's willing to spend early to secure him as a core piece of his roster construction strategy.

JJ Zachariason dislikes being forced into overpaying for Jalen Waddle in auction drafts because the player is widely known and hyped, creating bidding wars that drive up his cost above his projected value; Zachariason prefers to overpay for true elite players instead of mid-tier buzzy names.

Jaylen Warren cut from a 14-team full PPR roster after being drafted, with the drafter stating he needs to prove himself before being kept, indicating lack of confidence in his fantasy value and role.

Jaylen Warren cut from a 14-team full PPR roster after being drafted, with the drafter stating he needs to prove himself before being kept, indicating lack of confidence in his fantasy value.

Jalen Warren appeared as a worst-case running back option in 14-team full PPR mock drafts after three-wide-receiver early strategy, indicating limited upside in this league format when RB scarcity is high.

Jonah Coleman is the consensus number one late-round running back sleeper between both analysts; both JJ Zachariason and the co-host independently ranked him at number one, making him the only running back sleeper they agreed on and the designated face of the show's sleeper team.

Jonathan Taylor avoided in 14-team full PPR mock drafts at the four spot, with the drafter preferring wide receiver options over JT despite his typical elite status.

Jonathan Brooks was passed over in the Tailgate fantasy draft in favor of Roman Doonsay; the team prioritized wide receiver depth, but a running back run occurred, suggesting Brooks may have been a better value pick that was missed.

Jonathan Brooks appeared consistently across 14-team full PPR mock drafts after three-wide-receiver early strategy, serving as both worst-case RB2 and best-case RB2 option, indicating he's a reliable mid-round running back target in this league format.

JJ Zachariason warns that Jonathan Brooks will go for significantly more than his projected auction cost because he's a widely-known sleeper pick; Zachariason dislikes being forced into overpaying for such buzzy mid-tier players and prefers to overpay for true elite players instead.

JJ Zachariason warns that Jonathan Brooks will command astronomical auction prices, cautioning that targeting him as a value play is unrealistic given how aggressively he will be bid up in auction formats.

In a 12-team dynasty league soft reset where a team owner must cut three players and keep seven, the owner states they are 'cutting Josh Downs,' indicating Downs is the first player to be cut from their keeper list.

Justin Herbert was mentioned as a comparable quarterback option when discussing Dak Prescott's league-winner status, suggesting Herbert is also in the conversation for undervalued quarterback picks.

JJ Zachariason prefers to overpay for elite players like Justin Jefferson in auction drafts rather than mid-tier buzzy players, indicating Jefferson is in the elite tier worth the auction premium.

JJ Zachariason notes that if a drafter takes Justin Jefferson at pick nine (round one), the decision to take Brock Bowers in round two becomes more complicated, as the drafter would have already committed to wide receiver in round one and would need to prioritize elite running backs in round two.

Juwan Johnson is ranked number one on both analysts' late-round tight end sleeper lists; both JJ Zachariason and the co-host independently ranked Johnson at number one, making him the consensus top tight end sleeper and part of the show's all-sleeper team.

Chris Welsh had Kyle Pitts as a sleeper tight end pick that contributed significantly to his top-seven overall sleeper ranking accuracy; Welsh notes that his sleeper picks in tight end positions pushed him higher in sleeper rankings than in draft rankings, where he was historically weak at TE.

Kyle Pitts is cited as an example of a player who can offer auction value when he goes for $4-5 less than Colston Loveland (e.g., $22 vs. $27), demonstrating that aggressive early bidding can uncover deals as market prices shift after the first two rounds.

JJ Zachariason endorses a late-round quarterback strategy in 10-team PPR leagues, specifically targeting Kyler Murray in the 14th round or later rather than reaching for Caleb Williams in round 8. The rationale: in shallow 10-team formats, quarterback depth on waivers is abundant, allowing flexibility to stream or pivot if the pick underperforms; Kyler's ADP is reliably late, whereas Caleb's could spike to round 6 given Chicago's hype, making the opportunity cost of waiting on Kyler minimal while preserving early picks for running backs, receivers, and tight ends.

JJ Zachariason identifies Kyler Murray as his number one quarterback sleeper, going in late rounds; both hosts confirm he's on their sleeper lists, positioning him as a late-round league winner at the position.

Kyler Murray is designated as the consensus sleeper quarterback for the show's all-sleeper team, representing the quarterback component of the team built from both analysts' independent sleeper rankings.

JJ Zachariason mentions Kyren Williams as a running back who 'seems to always' be available later in drafts, though he notes this doesn't necessarily qualify him as elite, suggesting he is a mid-tier option rather than a premium early-round target.

Fantasy Pros projections rank Malik Willis number two in rushing yards at quarterback with over 600 projected yards; JJ Zachariason cites research showing 28 quarterbacks with 500+ rushing yards over the last 10 years, with only three failing to finish as top-10 fantasy quarterbacks and an average finish of QB5, supporting Willis's upside as a sleeper.

Marshawn Lloyd is ranked number three on JJ Zachariason's late-round running back sleeper list; Zachariason likes Lloyd in the context of Josh Jacobs' situation and Lloyd getting run, suggesting he could move higher in final rankings.

In a 12-team dynasty league soft reset where the team owner must cut three players, JJ Zachariason advises cutting Marvin Harrison Jr., stating 'I'm cutting Harrison,' indicating Harrison is not valued as a keeper-tier player compared to other options like Travon Dunze and Rasheed Rice.

Mike Washington is ranked number four on the co-host's late-round running back sleeper list; the co-host believes he might get some early production and that the pick "speaks for itself," suggesting strong upside in the late rounds.

JJ Zachariason cautions that Parker Washington will be bid up to astronomical prices in auctions, making it unlikely that drafters will actually secure him at a discount despite his appeal as a value target.

Patrick Mahomes was secured in round 13 of a 16-team Tailgate fantasy draft, demonstrating the value of punting quarterback in deep leagues; acquiring elite QB late allows the rest of the roster to be significantly stronger.

JJ Zachariason prefers to overpay for elite players like Puka Nakua rather than mid-tier buzzy players, suggesting Nakua is in the elite tier worth the auction premium despite widespread knowledge of his value.

JJ Zachariason prefers Puka Nacua over JSN and Amonrao as the first wide receiver pick in a 14-team full PPR league with four spots ahead, citing the need for safety in early picks despite Amonrao's high floor/ceiling profile.

In a 12-team dynasty league soft reset, Rasheed Rice is discussed as one of the final keeper options the team owner is considering. JJ Zachariason advises keeping Rice over Marvin Harrison Jr., indicating Rice is valued as a keeper-tier player in the dynasty format.

Rashid Shaheed is ranked number two on the co-host's late-round wide receiver sleeper list; the co-host went with Shaheed as the top available option in the wide receiver sleeper pool, suggesting strong conviction in his late-round value.

JJ Zachariason references the scarcity of elite running backs after the first two rounds in 10-team leagues, emphasizing that drafters should avoid punting the position early. He notes that in 10-team leagues, elite backs like Saquon Barkley (referred to as 'Jinty') have fallen to pick 15, raising the question of whether he could fall to round three.

In a 12-team dynasty league soft reset, Saquon Barkley (referred to as 'Jenty') is identified as one of the four core keepers the team owner is retaining, indicating he is valued as a keeper-tier running back in dynasty.

Stefon Diggs is ranked number one on JJ Zachariason's late-round wide receiver sleeper list; Zachariason compares Diggs to Keenan Allen from last year, calling it "the best pick you could have made" and suggesting a "rinse and repeat" scenario, indicating strong conviction in Diggs as a late-round value play.

Tank Bigsby is ranked number four on JJ Zachariason's late-round running back sleeper list; he performed well last year when most of the Eagles offense struggled, plays behind an older running back, and the team has been talking positively about him potentially having some type of role, making him a candidate for early production without necessarily requiring an injury.

Tank Dell is ranked number four on the co-host's late-round wide receiver sleeper list; the co-host has been a Tank Dell guy for months and believes he's still a beast, expecting that after a couple of weeks of adjustment (possibly related to C.J. Stroud's injury), Tank will start producing in the back half of the season.

JJ Zachariason targets Tee Higgins as a middle-round receiver who doesn't generate significant buzz despite being a proven producer; Higgins is unlikely to attract bidding wars in auction, making her a value pick for serviceable production at a good price.

Tee Higgins emerged as the best-case RB1 in 14-team full PPR mock drafts after three-wide-receiver early strategy, indicating strong availability and value when prioritizing wide receivers early.

Tony Pollard emerged as a best-case running back option in 14-team full PPR mock drafts after three-wide-receiver early strategy, indicating strong availability and value when prioritizing wide receivers early.

Trey Harris is ranked number four on JJ Zachariason's late-round wide receiver sleeper list; Zachariason states "I'm obsessed" with Harris, indicating strong conviction despite trying to be realistic about his ranking.

Trevor Lawrence was mentioned as a comparable quarterback option when discussing Dak Prescott's league-winner status, suggesting Lawrence is also in the conversation for undervalued quarterback picks.

In a 12-team dynasty league soft reset, Trey McBride is identified as one of the four core keepers the team owner is retaining (along with Jaden Daniels, A.J. Brown, and Saquon Barkley), indicating he is valued as a keeper-tier tight end in dynasty.

Chris Welsh had Tyler Warren as a sleeper tight end pick that contributed significantly to his top-seven overall sleeper ranking accuracy; Welsh notes that his sleeper picks in tight end positions pushed him higher in sleeper rankings than in draft rankings, where he was historically weak at TE.

JJ Zachariason highlights Zay Flowers as a third wide receiver he can't help himself from targeting in 10-team leagues, positioning him as a value pick that enables flexibility in draft strategy by allowing earlier tight end investment.

Zay Flowers targeted in mock drafts for a 14-team full PPR league after taking three straight wide receivers early, indicating viability as a secondary wide receiver option when top RBs are avoided.