X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

King's Classic 2019 - Industry Expert Draft Analysis

Dennis Clausen attended the 2019 King’s Classic to represent RotoBaller in an industry-wide fantasy football draft.

The 2019 King’s Classic took place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 17th and was broadcast live on @SiriusXMFantasy Sports Radio. With 32 sites spread across two divisions (Brown and Blanda), the fantasy world was given an inside look into the minds of some of the best contributors in the industry.

A special thanks to Bob Lung and Brad Evans (among others) for organizing such a wonderful event, with some of the proceeds going to a charity of choice. It was a humbling experience to be included and to be around some of the best writers in the business.

In this article, I will explain my rationale on how I approached each draft, in addition to explaining how I ended up with my respective rosters. I will also highlight some of the errors that I feel I made throughout the day in hopes that you avoid making the same mistakes in your personal drafts. Please give me a follow on Twitter @Den_Clausen and be sure to say hello.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Blanda Division - Auction

In preparing for the auction draft, my plan of attack was to be cautious with my spending, especially with 14 teams involved. With lineups composed of two flex positions, I had some flexibility to go after the guys I really wanted. Though I feel I was too conservative with my bids at times, I felt that having a more balanced team would be more beneficial, as opposed to those who opted to spend over a quarter of their budgets on guys like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley.

The first player up for bidding was Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, who sold for $35. Looking back, that would have been a great deal, especially since everyone in the room was waiting to bid hard on the “top-3,’ consisting of McCaffrey, Barkley, and Alvin Kamara. Though I wasn’t sad to see Cook go, especially since he wasn’t on my radar after his bouts of knee trouble throughout the years, I would have been comfortable obtaining his services for such a reasonable price. Lesson learned.

After Barkley ($62), Tyreek Hill ($42), Josh Gordon ($14), Le’Veon Bell ($37), Kerryon Johnson ($37), McCaffrey ($62), and Kamara ($61), all flew off the board (along with some other notables), I realized that I was being “too cautious” and would eventually end up with Leonard Fournette as my RB1 for $36. While I didn’t love the pick, I didn’t hate it either, especially for a guy who is slotted to get around 20 touches per game. If he holds up from a health perspective, that will turn into a great deal. Bottom line, however, by waiting, I would wage war with others who were also in the same boat that I was in, lacking a solid back. Looking back, I would have rather had Johnson or Bell for only a $1 more. But as I always say, this could go one of two ways, really good, or really bad. We will see. Learn from my mistake though, don’t wait or be afraid to spend your dough.

To balance out my roster, I also picked up Mark Ingram for just $25. Playing under a runner-friendly Greg Roman system, I have high hopes for him this coming season. I also felt comforted by the fact that I had two potential solid backs for around the same amount that others were paying for one player. In no way am I suggesting that both of them are more valuable than some of the studs, but in a 14-team league, if someone gets hurt, you will suffer dearly, especially since waivers will be bone-dry throughout the year.

My onslaught of the running back position would also lead me to selecting Derrick Henry ($23) and PPR-favorite James White ($25). As hesitant as I was to spend big, I was thankful to pick up these guys as they are proven producers. Henry eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last season and was on a roll towards the final stretch of the regular season, accumulating eight of his 12 touchdowns in December. Meanwhile, White would finish 2018 with 87 receptions and a total of 12 touchdowns, with seven of those coming on the receiving end. White has been as consistent as they come and will be a reliable option for quarterback Tom Brady, especially with health always being a concern for Julian Edelman and Sony Michel as well as consistent conduct issues for Gordon. Going to bed on Saturday night, I felt alright with a starting lineup that consistent of Fournette, Ingram, Henry, and White, even though those picks were met with criticism by some.

I also felt comfortable with the running backs on my bench as well. I took a shot on Peyton Barber for $5, while also picking up some guys who may get some decent playing time this season in Devin Singletary ($11) and Justice Hill ($9), who will serve as my handcuff for Ingram.

As good as I felt regarding my plethora of backs, the wide receiver position would prove to be a different story for me as I invoked a “zero-RB” strategy, though not entirely by choice, but rather as a result of how I felt about “the room.” After passing on Gordon, Alshon Jeffery, Edelman, Amari Cooper (and a few more), I would eventually end up with Calvin Ridley for $20. With 92 targets last season, he had some solid moments of production, finishing the year with 64 receptions and 10 touchdowns on 821 yards. With a year under his belt, compiled with the Falcons well-documented schedule of playing either indoors or in favorable climates this season, I am confident he will see an uptick in production, especially if Julio Jones misses time, which is possible.

To fill in my other starting spot, I had to accept that I ended up with Geronimo Allison for only $9. Though the verdict is still out who will be the second-best receiver in Green Bay, I am hoping for the best in this situation.

The rest of my receivers would be rounded out by the up-and-coming Michael Gallup ($8) and the suspended Golden Tate ($4). To be honest, I'm not overly excited about my receivers, but maybe my running backs will pull through to supplement the difference. Fingers Crossed.

My "steal of the day" came when I acquired Patrick Mahomes for $20. With the stigma surrounding selecting a signal-caller early in single-quarterback leagues, there was hesitancy in the room. After watching Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers go for $13, I happily accepted that I had to pay just $7 extra for the 2018 MVP. Another word of advice, if you want a top-tier quarterback like Mahomes or Rodgers in single-quarterback leagues, don't be afraid to take them, even if it means getting ridiculed by those in attendance.

For my tight end position, I ended up snagging Tyler Eifert for a $1. While everyone was hesitant about picking him up (for good reason), I remember when had caught 13 touchdowns in 2015. With the lack of options in Cincy, Eifert could be another steal in a very weak tight end class, especially if he can stay healthy, even though I have my doubts to be honest.

 

Blanda Division - Snake 

After a short break for lunch, the room reconvened for the snake draft. The order of the draft was determined by the pick of a card. Without getting into too much detail, I ended up with the 10th overall pick, which was actually where I was hoping to land.

After the first nine picks flew off the board, with the first eight being running backs, I selected Bengals running back Joe Mixon. Mixon was actually my desired pick for that round, even if it meant passing up on an elite receiver. Many would be quick to criticize, especially since the Bengals have one of the worst offensive lines in football, but he has demonstrated that he is able to make plays on his own. The fact that new head coach Zac Taylor is now the man in Cincy, I have high hopes for him this season, especially seeing how well Todd Gurley has played over the years.

With more running backs off the board, I had a tough personal decision to make as Michael Thomas was still available. However, I opted to select Kerryon Johnson with my second selection, with this move being highly criticized by many. I am very comfortable with my pick and I am standing firm with my belief that Johnson will finish the season as a top-10 back (possibly better). With running backs being so scarce, I am under the impression that there are far more receivers with high upsides, meaning it is easier to gamble on that position.

My third selection saw me pick up Marlon Mack, a man who got his fair share of touches in 2018. With Andrew Luck’s health always in question, Mack may be relied on more than ever, despite many not feeling comfortable picking him up in PPR formats.

After a short turnaround, I picked up Robert Woods in the fourth round. With Cooper Kupp still recovering from a season-ending knee issue, I expect Woods to beat out Brandin Cooks for production, at least until Kupp returns to full-strength to eat up some targets.

Pick five belonged to Josh Gordon. After a mixture of groans and laughter, Gordon was now the second receiver on my team. Gordon is very talented and was once one of the best receivers in the league. If he can stop getting suspended and keep his head right, I expect big things this season, especially with Edelman’s ability to remain healthy always an issue. With Rob Gronkowski gone, I am hoping that Gordon will benefit tremendously.

The rest of my roster was rounded out by Lamar Miller, who I expect to continue to get touches in Houston, Eifert, and Jared Goff at quarterback.

I also felt OK with my bench at the conclusion of the day. I went receiver-heavy as I ended up with Sterling Shepard, Keke Coutee, Daesean Hamilton, Tre'Quan Smith, and Robert Foster. I also picked up Giovani Bernard  in case Mixon gets injured this season as he has been know to have a history of knee trouble.

 

Closing Thoughts

I had a long car ride back to Syracuse on Sunday, but I took that time to reflect on some things throughout the day.

Don't ever not listen. Put your ego aside and continue to learn as much as possible, especially from those who have been playing fantasy football for years.

Sometimes your picks will be met with criticism. While I don't recommend taking a defense in the fourth round, if you have your heart set on a player, have the courage to take him, as long as it's a reasonable pick at the time. I wouldn't suggest taking Aaron Rodgers in the first round of single-quarterback leagues, but if you like him in the fifth, take him. You'd be surprised on how many people win their leagues just by having a great quarterback.

When you are at an auction, don't be afraid to spend money, but don't over spend as a result of your initial reservations. If you don't spend early, you may end up over bidding on a player because you have to fill a slot. If you go above your running back budget, make adjustments as needed, but just don't spend just to spend!

Don't be "cute." Sometimes knowing less is better because you won't overthink things. My mother-in-law won an NCAA men's bracket because she picked the teams based on their location. If she'd rather live in Miami instead of North Carolina, she rolled with that!

Feel free to hit me up with any questions you may have. Happy drafting!

 

More Fantasy Football Draft Strategy




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF