The Late-Round Fantasy Football Podcast
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Fantasy football doesn't have to feel so luck-driven. The award-winning Late-Round Fantasy Football Podcast is a fantasy football show that helps you win through bite-sized, analytically-driven episodes. Instead of just drafting from a list of players and crossing your fingers with the hopes that those players produce, host JJ Zachariason provides a process to help you find breakout candidates, sleepers, busts and more. The approach is logical. It's strategic. And it wins.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 27, 2026 • 1h 1min
Late-Round Perspectives: Steve Palazzolo
Steve Palazzolo, former pro baseball player turned data-driven football analyst and co-host of Check the Mic, walks through his evaluation workflow. He breaks down PFF grading, free agency fits like Kenneth Walker and Jalen Waddle, and grades the 2026 draft class. He highlights top and sleeper prospects at RB, WR, and TE, plus a few contrarian takes.
9 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 55min
The Show: Comparing the 2026 Draft Class, Rookie Wide Receiver Comps, and More
They compare the 2026 draft class to past classes, breaking down running back, wide receiver, and tight end depth. They share rookie wide receiver comps, matching prospects to comparable NFL players. They debate landing spots, off-field news, free agent moves, and how those factors reshape dynasty value and rookie-draft strategy.
11 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 19min
1089: Revisiting the Rookie Edge in Redraft Leagues
A re-evaluation of rookie value in redraft leagues after a disappointing year. Discussion of ADP as the cost metric and how drafting rookies earlier changes expectations. Trends showing more rookie wide receivers and running backs being taken high. Analysis of upside versus floor, recency bias from recent rookie swings, and practical advice on balancing rookie risk with draft insurance.
14 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 24min
1088: Mailbag - De'Von Achane's Outlook, ZAP Model Methodology, and More
A mailbag-style conversation tackles the fallout of the Jaylen Waddle trade and what it means for team fit and receiver room dynamics. They debate De'Von Achane's outlook after roster shifts and running back landing spots for late picks. The ZAP model gets a technical overhaul explanation, including why scoring changed and why historical databases stay private. A.J. Brown's risk and buy-low case is also examined.
14 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 57min
The Show: The Jaylen Waddle Trade, Rookie Running Back Comps, and More
They break down the Jaylen Waddle trade and how it reshapes Denver and Miami passing attacks. They survey recent wide receiver moves and where newcomers fit. They compare rookie running backs to historical comps using an analytical ZAP model. They flag sleepers, overhyped prospects, and best-ball targets for late-round drafts.
43 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 29min
1087: Free Agency Fallout
Rapid reactions to free agency reshaping fantasy rosters, from Kenneth Walker landing in Kansas City to Travis Etienne’s move to New Orleans. Quarterback shifts like Kyler Murray to Minnesota and Malik Willis in Miami get quick fits and fantasy angles. Wide receiver and tight end role changes, plus dozens of small running back signings, are highlighted for their roster implications.
Mar 13, 2026 • 2h 2min
Late-Round Perspectives: Derek Brown Returns
Derek Brown, FantasyPros NFL and fantasy analyst with scouting and prospect expertise, returns to discuss free agency and the draft class. They cover Kenneth Walker’s fit in Kansas City, shifting RB pecking orders in Jacksonville and New Orleans, and which rookie receivers show true WR1 traits. Short takes on landing spots, scheme impact, and top prospects round out the conversation.
9 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 20min
1086: The Truth About Draft Capital
A data-driven dive into how NFL draft slot influences fantasy value. Discussion covers tiered draft effects, run-back differences between early picks and later rounds, and when slot stops predicting running back outcomes. Analysis compares binning to pick-by-pick methods and highlights receiver volatility across draft days. Practical tips on prioritizing tiers and evaluating prospects within ranges.
6 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 25min
1085: Mailbag - Rome Odunze's Ceiling, Wide Receiver 40 Times, and More
Short takes on why 40-yard dash times may not predict wide receiver success. A debate about Rome Odunze’s upside compared to historical WR1s. A look at Minnesota’s backfield and whether Jordan Mason can seize a larger role. Discussion of how to balance draft capital, analytics, and small-school production when evaluating prospects.
Mar 5, 2026 • 1h 1min
The Show: Rumors, Biggest Combine Takeaways, and More
They unpack combine takeaways including selection bias and how testing skews evaluations. They discuss running back speed scores and which RBs tested best. Trade and roster rumor talk covers potential landing spots and market value for quarterbacks and receivers. They preview why certain rookie tiers may be overvalued and tease a new prospect guide.
