Welcome to an exclusive look into a live chat session with FantasyPros’ own Pat Fitzmaurice, held on the FantasyPros Discord server. This Q&A took place on July 11, 2024, where Pat answered a ton of questions from fantasy football managers. From draft strategies to player evaluations, Pat shared his expert insights and advice to help participants prepare for the upcoming season.

If you’re passionate about fantasy football and looking for a vibrant community to enhance your experience, the FantasyPros Discord server is the place to be. Join us to interact with top fantasy analysts and fellow fantasy football managers, get real-time advice, and join a community that shares your enthusiasm for the game. Don’t miss out on future AMAs, insider tips, and lively discussions that can give you the edge in your fantasy leagues.

Now, dive into the highlights of Pat Fitzmaurice’s recent AMA and see what valuable insights you can gain for your fantasy football journey.

Live Fantasy Football Discord AMA with Pat Fitzmaurice

Pat Fitzmaurice: Hey @everyone. Live chat starting now in the Pat Fitzmaurice AMA channel. See you there!

Jason: Fitz, is there ever a situation where you wouldn’t wait until the last two rounds of the draft to take a defence and a kicker?

Pat Fitzmaurice: Absolutely. Just had that type of situation in my first draft of the year for a managed redraft league. Had several viable options for my final positional player. So in an 18-round draft, I took a kicker in the 16th and a defense in the 17th, saving the final positional player for the 18th.

Irbs&cheese: I’m picking from the 2-spot in a 10-team Superflex PPR dynasty startup. Do you think it’s worth taking a WR in the first to try and push those guys early and hoping guys like Kyler Murray and Trevor Lawrence get back to me at the 2/3 turn? Or play it safe and take Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes at 2? 2-WR and 3-Flex spots. If WR, which of Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, or CeeDee Lamb is your preference?

Pat Fitzmaurice: I’d take Allen or Mahomes. Not quite as urgent to go early-round QB in a 10-teamer, but I still think those are the two most valuable players in a 10-team SF league.

FantasySportsRreal: Thanks for doing these! I’m doing an auction draft this year for the first time. What are some strategies you would use? Would you use the majority of the budget on as many stars as possible and then just save some budget and take shots on rookies? If yes, how many stars should I target in a 12-team league? Half PPR. Thanks as always!

Pat Fitzmaurice: Yeah, I think a stars-and-scrubs mix is generally the way to go in auctions. Hard to say how many stars — it depends on prices and how fast you start running out of money. I would recommend keeping your nose in the bidding for many of the top players early on until the bidding reaches a level of discomfort. In other words, don’t drop out of the bidding too early, assuming a player will fetch another $5 or more after you drop out. Sometimes, everyone drops out all at once. Nominate guys who you believe are overvalued, not necessarily just expensive players.

Ryan: @Pat Fitzmaurice Find myself in a bit of a pickle. My rookie draft hasn’t started yet, and I hold picks 3, 4, 5, 13, and 15. Was just informed Pick 2 will be Caleb Williams, who I was targeting at the 5. My QBs are Bryce Young and Russell Wilson, so I’m not in good shape. My team has two needs: young, high-upside WR (currently have Garrett Wilson, Nico Collins, Zay Jones, Jameson Williams, and Dontayvion Wicks as my top guys) and a QB. I have two options here: