Chapter 8: Top Talking Touts
In the world of fantasy football, rankings are everything. Jake Ciely, a well-known figure in the industry, is no stranger to the art of ranking. As a writer for The Athletic and the host of the “All In Fantasy” podcast, Ciely has made a name for himself by accurately predicting player performances. But his ranking expertise extends beyond football. In a lighthearted interview, Ciely reveals his favorite candy bar (Reese’s, but only the holiday shapes), preferred airline (Delta), and top sports-themed movie (surprisingly, “Rookie of the Year”). Ciely’s knack for ranking stems from his early days in the industry, where his bosses at The Athletic encouraged him to showcase his skills. And it’s paid off – Ciely has become one of fantasy football’s most accurate rankers.
Ciely’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Ciely relocated to Virginia as a child. After earning a marketing degree from Old Dominion University, he found himself working at a local meat distributor. It was during this time that he received an unexpected call from none other than Tony Kornheiser. Ciely had sent packages of his fantasy sports thoughts to 30 top sportswriters in America, and Kornheiser was one of the few who responded. Though Ciely was caught off guard and didn’t ask the right questions during their conversation, Kornheiser’s advice to keep trying stuck with him. Another call from ESPN’s Mike Greenberg further fueled Ciely’s ambition to break into the industry.
However, Ciely’s path to success wasn’t straightforward. He faced financial struggles and declared bankruptcy in 2015. But with determination and support from outlets like RotoExperts and The Athletic, Ciely was able to turn things around. When faced with the decision of whether to join The Athletic or NFL Network, Ciely sought advice from Matthew Berry, also known as the “Talented Mister Roto.” Berry urged him to take the job at The Athletic, emphasizing the opportunity for growth and the chance to become a respected figure in the industry.
Ciely’s passion for fantasy football extends beyond rankings. He actively participates in seasonal redraft leagues and enjoys debating and arguing about the game. However, he has scaled back on daily fantasy sports (DFS), feeling that it has become too focused on algorithms and math. While Ciely’s rankings have garnered him recognition, he acknowledges that accuracy in rankings doesn’t necessarily equate to being a good fantasy manager. It’s just one piece of the puzzle, and the stories behind the rankings are just as important.
To help fantasy football players navigate the sea of expert advice, FantasyPros has been charting the accuracy of prognosticators since 2009. The platform provides Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR), which are widely used across different fantasy football websites. FantasyPros’ President, Andrew Sears, explains that the platform was created to address the lack of consolidated and accountable advice in the industry. They measure the accuracy of experts by comparing their rankings to actual player performances. While some analysts have reservations about the new methodology, FantasyPros remains committed to providing a platform for experts to showcase their rankings and contribute to the accuracy competition.
Not all experts participate in FantasyPros’ rankings, and some even choose to boycott the platform. One prominent figure who abstains is Matthew Berry, who cites ethical concerns as his reason for not supporting FantasyPros. The specifics of the feud between Berry and FantasyPros remain unclear, but it is believed to be related to issues surrounding rankings updates and intellectual property.
Despite the disagreements, FantasyPros continues to maintain its reputation as a reliable source of expert rankings. According to Sears, one of the most consistent and trustworthy experts in their competitions is Sean Koerner of the Action Network. Koerner has consistently performed well in the rankings and has won the competition multiple times. His expertise in predictive analytics and his role as a co-host on various fantasy football podcasts have solidified his position as one of the industry’s most trusted voices.
While superstars like Koerner and Berry may dominate the fantasy football landscape, there are countless other experts who work tirelessly in the industry. Cejaay Landry, a knowledgeable and friendly personality, has been playing fantasy football since the early ’80s. His YouTube channel, “Dirty Landry’s NFL Fantasy Report,” may not have a large following, but it provides a warm and fuzzy perspective on the game. Landry emphasizes the importance of using pencil and paper to manage teams, as it helps players retain information better.
Dr. Kevin Murray, a chiropractor and passionate fantasy football enthusiast, gained recognition when his league, The Murray Fantasy League (MFL), won ESPN and Pizza Hut’s “Commissioner of the Year” award. Murray’s dedication to the game extends beyond his own league. He hosts a podcast and interviews over 100 analysts and writers in the industry. His goal is to promote others’ work and foster a deeper love for fantasy football.
In a world saturated with fantasy football experts, it’s important to separate the wheat from the chaff. While rankings play a significant role in decision-making, they are just one aspect of the game. Experts like Ciely, Koerner, and Landry bring unique perspectives and insights that enhance the overall fantasy football experience. Whether it’s through accurate predictions, passion for the game, or creating a supportive community, these experts play a vital role in shaping the landscape of fantasy football.