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
Apr 7, 2026 • 40min
1092: A Weak Running Back Class
Jeff Bell, Footballguys analyst who scouts prospects with a film-first approach. They break down why Jeremiah Love projects as the class's three-down back. They debate volatile profiles like Jadarian Price and high-upside bodies such as Mike Washington. Discussion also covers gritty receivers like Emmett Johnson, Penn State duo contrasts, and sleeper late-round targets.
Apr 3, 2026 • 24min
1091: Mailbag - ZAP Model Misses, Zero RB, and More
A mailbag deep dive into the biggest ZAP Model misses and what those surprises teach about prospecting. A conversation about why draft capital nudges prospect rankings and when one wideout might edge another. A look at why fantasy managers are moving away from strict Zero RB strategies and how league trends drive that change.
Apr 2, 2026 • 1h 2min
The Show: Biggest Prospect Movers, Rookie Tight End Comps, and More
They dig into which prospects surged or slipped in draft capital since the guide launched. They compare this rookie tight end class to recent NFL players using athletic and usage profiles. They dissect offseason roster moves, veteran free-agent oddities, and how media and industry shifts affect creators.
12 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 29min
1090: A Questionable Quarterback Class
Alfredo Brown, owner of Pretend GM Fantasy Football and author of the Pretend GM Rookie Draft Guide, breaks down this year's questionable quarterback class. He compares NFL fit versus fantasy upside. He profiles prospects like Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, Cole Payton, and a surprise longshot Taylor Green. Short takes on other arms and who might be worth a late-round dart.
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.
