Recently, I asked a number of OWS contributors and Inner Circle members where they sourced their NFL news and why they trusted those sources. While most people were able to answer the first question, having a suitable answer for the second was lacking. Most really successful DFS players do not have solid reasons for why they trust certain content. It makes this class even more relevant and necessary.
The first question I find myself asking is, “Why do we need so much information before the season begins?” Before I found myself contributing as a fantasy analyst, the Week 1 Edge write-ups were usually my first introductions to the season, and I was still having success. There are many reasons why someone wants to keep track of the NFL news, and I do agree that it can give you an edge early in the season. The DFS players heavily involved in Best Ball drafts use information as a way to find deals in Average Draft Position (ADP). There are plenty of other DFS players who have been following other sports and need to catch up on what they have missed in the NFL offseason. There is almost an insatiable desire for NFL news and “hot takes” but what are the risks in entering into that sea of information?
First, let’s list the most common sources of information that good DFS players seek and trust:
Plenty of skilled players follow individual beat reporters on social media sites like “X” (Twitter). There are even accounts that retweet from a list of accepted beat reporters. Fantasy Football enthusiasts really like how an individual reporter will follow the teams closely, often watching practices and talking to people on the ground. It is believed that beat reporters have insight into unknown quantities that can help you get a jump on a player before others do.
There are plenty of websites and apps that track NFL news, such as injuries, signings, playing time battles, and more. It is very helpful to get the raw news, and it often comes with some reflection on the fantasy impact of the situation (or at least some small indication 🚀).
Most of the DFS players I talked to do not listen to these press conferences, but they do source information from individuals who are monetizing the process of consuming all of the raw information and filtering it through their minds to see what information stands out as actionable or trustworthy.
Everyone has certain people they like to follow for their “hot takes” and we trust these analysts based on a myriad of reasons that boil down to our familiarity with the analyst, our trust in data interpretation, or their eye for football, or simply our hope and belief in their accuracy.
I have even uncovered great DFS players who don’t do any NFL research until projections and ownership start getting released a week before the season.
