The Weekly Wire: Mailbag Edition!

A weekly summer series breaking down the most relevant news impacting your devy, dynasty, and C2C rosters.

Welcome back to another edition of The Weekly Wire: Devy, Dynasty & C2C Edition. Every week, we’re diving into the latest takeaways across all formats to help you stay ahead — whether you're building contenders, dominating drafts, or just trying to find that next breakout.

But we’re switching it up a bit this week.

Instead of the usual format, we opened up the mailbag and pulled some of your best questions covering everything from dynasty trades and CFF risers to C2C draft strategy and even a little real-life talk. Appreciate everyone who submitted, and if you like this format, we’ll make it a regular rotation.

Let’s dive in.

Dynasty

📬 Mailbag Question – From Gene

"What is the most effective/efficient way to tier up from good players to even better players in dynasty?"

Tiering up comes down to timing, packaging, and most importantly understanding your league mates.

You’re not getting Garrett Wilson for Jameson Williams straight up. But if you’re dealing with someone who values draft picks or rookies, you can absolutely bridge that gap. A deal like Jameson Williams plus a 2025 2nd, or a combo like Jameson and Luther Burden, can get it done with the right manager. Rookie picks and devy names carry perceived upside, which you can use to your advantage.

I’ve also found it’s easier to tier up when targeting players who’ve lost some shine recently but still have elite upside. Garrett Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Kyler Murray, Breece Hall all guys who fit that mold. If your conviction is still there, this is the exact tier of player to go after before they bounce back.

But here’s the real key: understanding league dynamics. If you know how a manager values certain assets or which players they’ve always loved, you can package a deal that speaks to them specifically. That’s how you get deals done in sharp leagues.

If you enjoy thinking through dynasty strategy like this, I wrote a full piece on my dynasty theory called "Applying the Covey Matrix to Dynasty Fantasy Football." You can check that out below — it might help refine how you approach trades and team-building.

Devy/C2C

📬 Mailbag Question – From Wes

"Hey guys, not sure if it’s too late for this. I’m currently looking at a devy startup draft soon where there’s been a lot of trades for devy picks to move throughout the startup draft. So my question is related to where you see tiers in your rankings, and where you see value in devy startup picks that might be getting undervalued."

Great question. First off, I just want to say — in devy/dynasty combined startups, one thing I’ve consistently noticed is how much value can fall in your lap on the dynasty side. People tend to overvalue devy picks, which pushes established dynasty assets down the board. You can build a monster of a win-now squad if you’re disciplined.

When I’m in one of these combined drafts, I focus more on the dynasty players early on. In regular dynasty startups, my rule is I want to lock in as many top-75 assets as I can within the first 10 rounds. In devy/dynasty combined formats, I’ll push that to Round 12 — just to take advantage of the dip.

Now to your specific question: when it comes to devy tiers in these startups, there are really only five players I feel comfortable pulling the trigger on within the first 8 rounds based on our current rankings:

• Jeremiah Smith

• Arch Manning

• Ryan Williams

• DJ Lagway (though I'm a little more cautious depending on ADP)

• Cam Coleman

Outside of that, I usually wait. I tend to fade the running back position early in devy startups because the hit rate is rough. I’ll typically start taking my shots around Rounds 13–15, targeting backs who have clear paths or upside tied to depth chart attrition.

We actually just finished up one of these exact formats and broke it all down. If you want to see how it played out — plus a full draft board and my pick-by-pick analysis — check out the article linked below. That should give you a real feel for how I approach this kind of build.

📬 Mailbag Question – From Brian

"Hey guys, happy Thursday. What's a realistic chance Taz Williams gets serious playing time this year? Also, sorry to be greedy but Malachi Toney going to start this year? Thanks in advance."

Let’s start with Taz. I do think it’s realistic he sees the field this year but there’s some depth ahead of him, and a lot of it comes down to the Ashtyn Hawkins situation. If you missed it, Hawkins announced on IG Live that the NCAA denied him an extra year of eligibility, despite previously being cleared in January. He had a strong spring and was expected to be in the mix. There’s still a sliver of hope he returns, but for now, he’s out. If he is out that would help Taz.

Even with Hawkins possibly out, it’s a crowded room. Josh Cameron is back after leading the team in catches (52) and touchdowns (10). Baylor also hit the portal hard adding Alabama transfer Kobe Prentice, who brings legit speed to the slot, and Kole Wilson from Texas State, who caught over 100 passes the last two seasons. Spavital’s system should spread the ball around, but I wouldn’t expect a massive role for Taz right away unless things open up. He’s more of a 2026 play for me, but there’s enough talent there that I’ll be watching closely.

Now, on to Malachi Toney. I’m way more optimistic here. Miami just doesn’t have much proven depth at receiver, and Toney made a statement this spring. He caught a touchdown (should’ve had two), finished with eight catches for 106 yards in the spring game, and looked like the best wideout on the field. Mario Cristobal even praised his maturity and preparation after the game which, for a true freshman, matters a lot.

As of now, I’d peg him around WR4 behind JoJo Trader, CJ Daniels, and Ray Ray Joseph but I wouldn’t be surprised if he leapfrogs Joseph at some point this season. If you're looking for a true freshman who could carve out a role early, Toney’s definitely one to stash.

Miscellaneous

📬 Mailbag Question – From Cristian

"How has the curveball in your current life situation changed your outlook on life, and what are you going to do differently going forward?"

In case you didn’t know, I had a serious health scare about a month and a half ago where I went legally blind in my left eye. It was terrifying. Turns out I have an autoimmune condition that I’ve likely had my entire life, and we just didn’t know. As scary as it was, it finally gave me answers to all the random health issues I’ve been dealing with for decades.

It hasn’t been easy. It’s been a long, frustrating process. From managing symptoms to dealing with the nightmare that is insurance not covering the medication I need. Thankfully, my vision is slowly coming back, and I’m holding on to that progress.

As far as my outlook? I wouldn’t say it’s made me radically change anything, but it has grounded me even more in who I try to be. I already strive to be a present father and husband. I try to give my kids the experiences I never had. I’m not overly religious, but I do go to church, and I live by a strong set of values and principles.

If anything, this situation just made me appreciate seeing my kids clearly, literally and figuratively. I’ve made a commitment to eat better, take care of myself, and hopefully, if I can get on the medication soon, get back to living the kind of life I want to live.

📬 Mailbag Question – From Lilo & Stitch

"On a more serious note, I’d like to know how you guys decide which NCAA game to watch on a Saturday. Is it more about the teams in the matchup, or will you forgo a 'better game' for the chance to watch a future NFL prospect?"

First off, I try to catch every Michigan game I can, assuming they’re playing at least a decent opponent. That’s my squad, and through all the highs and lows, I’ll always root for them.

Outside of that, I usually lean into the best matchup on the slate. I’m not one to chase individual prospects on Saturdays because I tend to wait for the All-22 film to really dive in on those guys later.

That said, I’ll admit there are a few exceptions this year. I’ll absolutely be tuning in for games featuring Arch Manning, Demond Williams Jr., and LaNorris Sellers. I just love watching those dudes play, and I’ll be rooting for their upside all year. Sometimes it’s not just about scouting, it’s about enjoying good football.

📬 Mailbag Question – From Vince

"If you could give the new dad version of yourself one piece of advice, knowing what you know now, what would that be?"

That it’s okay to make mistakes. No one nails fatherhood right out of the gate. The real part is learning from those mistakes and making sure you don’t keep repeating them.

And here’s the other thing I’d say: spilled milk is just spilled milk. You can clean it up. But your reaction to that spilled milk? That’s what sticks. That’s what can cause emotional damage if you’re not careful. Staying calm in those little moments matters more than you realize.

It’s also okay to have your time. Seriously don’t lose yourself in parenting. Keep your hobbies, protect your passions, and make space for the things that bring you joy. Doing that actually makes you a better parent in the long run.

📬 Mailbag Question – From Vince

"What are some of your favorite Over/Under bets on team wins this season in college football? Or I guess, which teams do you think will surprise people—good or bad—compared to expectations?"

I’ll be diving deeper into these as the season gets closer, but for now, I’m going to highlight one team I believe will exceed their current win total and one I think could fall short. Let’s start with the positive.

📈 Southern Miss – Over 4.5 Wins

I love this over. Southern Miss feels like a sleeper to not only hit the over but maybe even compete in the Sun Belt. They brought in Charles Huff as head coach, the same Charles Huff who just won the Sun Belt last year with Marshall. He didn’t just bring the juice, he brought the players too. Huff has already flipped the roster, and the talent infusion is real.

Quarterback Braylon Braxton transferred from Marshall, where he was the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year last year, and he followed Huff to Southern Miss. That’s a massive get. Huff also brought over 12 players from Marshall’s defense, mostly in the secondary, and has a squad full of guys who’ve already won in this conference.

They’ve got a favorable schedule and a quarterback who can win them games. I think this team clears 4.5 wins and potentially pushes for 7-8 in Year 1 under Huff. It wouldn’t be shocking to see them compete for the conference either,

📉 Miami – Under 9.5 Wins

Now let’s talk about a team I’m lower on than consensus: Miami. I’m taking the under on their 9.5 win total.

Yes, Mario Cristobal made strides last season going from 5-7 to 7-6 and then to a 10-3 finish. But let’s be real: that record masks a lot of concerns. The fundamentals still aren’t where they should be, the defense continues to have lapses, and I just don’t trust this coaching staff to win the games that matter most.

The offense has question marks everywhere. Cam Ward is gone, and while there's hype around Carson Beck stepping in, I’m not sold. I don’t think he’s the guy to lead them through the gauntlet of their schedule. And honestly, we’ll know pretty quickly when they face Notre Dame if they’re legit but my bet is that the answer will be no.

Mario Cristobal’s teams always find a way to drop a few they shouldn’t. I just don’t see a 10-win team here, especially not with the losses on both sides of the ball. Too many question marks, not enough answers. Give me the under.

📬 Mailbag Question – From Tony H

"Do you have any advice for content creators just starting or general advice about the fantasy space?"

This is a fun one — especially because I’ve thought a lot about this over the last few years.

First, for context: I’ve been in this space for about four and a half years now. I never had dreams of doing this full-time. I have a full-time job that I love and find incredibly rewarding, but I have interviewed for full-time fantasy roles, worked at two of the biggest sites in the space (FantasyPros and Footballguys), been part of smaller brands, and helped build our own brand at TDR. So with all that in mind, let’s get into it.

Let’s Be Real — This Space is Cutthroat

Before we get too far, you need to know this: the fantasy content space is incredibly competitive and, honestly, pretty ruthless. There’s only so much money to go around, and most full-time salaries barely scratch $36K. That means your “friend” at a site or in the community might turn on you for a paycheck. That’s not bitterness — it’s just the truth. People will smile in your face and cut your legs out from under you to get ahead. Be careful who you trust, especially if they’re creating similar content to you.

Alright, with that out of the way, here’s the real advice.

Try Every Medium

Figure out what you enjoy and where your strengths lie — but try everything:

Writing
I got my start by writing for a small brand. That’s still a valid path, and I’m happy to point you to some if needed. But honestly, in 2025, you don’t have to do that. This is a great time to be independent. Launch a Substack. Get reps. Build a portfolio. Then, if you want to work for a bigger brand, you’ll have something tangible to show.

Podcasting
Everyone has a podcast now and it’s easily the hardest medium to grow. My biggest tip here: don’t rely on guests. Make people come to your show for you. Get your reps in by guesting on other pods, keep it simple, and focus on consistency and content quality.

YouTube
YouTube’s a grind. Editing, thumbnails, algorithm. It’s a beast. But if you’re willing to learn the backend and be consistent, it can absolutely work. Just know the time investment is real.

After six months or so, reassess. Focus on what’s working and double down there.

Setting Goals & Understanding the Industry

If your goal is to work full-time in the space, here’s the unfiltered truth:

I had a great experience at FantasyPros. It was a massive learning opportunity and they were professional. That said, you are just a number at big sites. You’re a content filler, not family, no matter what any company says. One regime change and they’ll replace you without a second thought. So build your own audience. Build it around you. That’s your leverage if and when things go sideways. That way when you leave the audience will stay with you!

And just being honest this space runs on connections and nepotism. You’re more likely to land a job if you make someone laugh at the Fantasy Expo than if you grind out killer articles all year. It sucks. But that’s the reality. So network, be present, and study the culture of any company you’re looking to join. Watch how their creators engage with others online. That’s where you’ll see what they’re really about.

Starting Your Own Brand

Building something yourself is incredibly rewarding but hard. I’ve learned that the only way it works is with reliable, trustworthy people. We’ve made mistakes at TDR. But I can say this: I’m thankful for Christian and what he’s brought to the team. We’ve weathered storms and grown together.

Here’s the blueprint:

• Find committed people who want to build

• Define your value: why would someone pay for your stuff?

• Make tools. Be different. Stay creative.

• Create community. Discord, Substack, whatever people need to feel connected to you, not just the content.

• Be consistent. Set a content calendar and deliver.

• Cut dead weight fast. If someone isn’t in it anymore, don’t hang on for nostalgia. This was our biggest mistake.

• Be honest with your team about goals. If someone secretly wants to jump ship for another company, it’s better to know early.

Here are some other off the cuff tips:

Fantasy Community
It’s a great place to start. You’ll find friends and support. But don’t get trapped. If your goal is to monetize and grow, spending all your time “in the community” posting and praising others will stunt that. Support causes and creators but carve out space to grow your brand too.

Social Media
Like it or not, X (Twitter) is still the king. That’s where your audience grows. Period. You can mess with other platforms, but if you're not visible on X, you're invisible in the space.

Handling Criticism
This one’s tough. Criticism can crush your confidence. But unless the person criticizing you pays for your content or you actually asked them for advice… who cares? Don’t give power to people who aren’t invested in your success.

Define Success for Yourself
Set goals. Revisit them. Don’t compare yourself to someone who’s been in this for 10 years. Define your own win condition and measure your growth accordingly.

Avoid Drama
Don’t get into a piss-match with other companies. Just don’t. It never ends well. Compete quietly and professionally. And never fully trust people working for competitors. That’s not paranoia, that’s protecting your work.

Most Importantly: Have Fun (And Embrace Change)

This space can eat you alive if you let it. If you're not having fun, it will become toxic. Find joy in the grind, build with people you trust, and stay true to yourself. That’s the only way you make it long term.

And while we're here, one more thing that I think is really important: you need to embrace AI. People will tell you to avoid it, or that using it makes you less of a creator. But that’s just fear talking. Just like every other major shift (moneyball in baseball, spread offenses in football, etc.), the industry changes. You either adapt or you die. AI is a tool, and like every tool, it’s about how you use it. Whether it’s helping brainstorm content, clean up your writing, generate video thumbnails, or streamline editing, it can save you time and make your work better if you use it smartly.

Thanks again to everyone who sent in questions this week. I had a blast answering them, and I always appreciate the engagement from our community. If you ever want to contribute a question for a future mailbag, whether it’s about dynasty, devy, C2C, CFF, or just life, feel free to DM me anytime. Always happy to chop it up.

Appreciate y’all for being here. Let’s keep building.