Fantasy Football Almanac Updates + Reactions to JK Dobbins and Jonnu Smith Moves

📌 In This Post:

• Fantasy Football Almanac update schedule
• Discounted digital copies of both the Standard and Gold editions
• First impressions of JK Dobbins to Denver & Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh
• Latest episode of the Fantasy Football Almanac Podcast: QB rushing workshare breakdown

Fantasy Football Almanac Update Schedule

Hello everyone, and happy (almost) 4th of July! This time of year, I receive a lot of questions about book updates, so here’s a quick overview to keep you in the loop.

Good news: Both the Standard and Gold Edition of the Almanac will be updated at the same time. If you’ve already purchased either, you’ll receive a download link via email that stays active all offseason. Starting in 2026, updates will be managed directly through my website. I could enable that now, but didn’t want to require everyone to create a new login just yet.

📅 Update Schedule:

• On or before August 6 – First Update
  • Includes custom draft spreadsheet and auction sheet
• On or before August 13 – Second Update
  • Includes Week 1 preseason analysis and updated rankings based on ADP/mocks
• On or before August 20 – Third Update
  • Includes Week 2 preseason analysis
• On or before August 27 – Final Update
  • Includes Week 3 preseason insights

I expect to release an update in late July, following the recent player movement (Dobbins to Denver, Smith to Pittsburgh, Waller to Miami).

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💰 Digital Almanac Editions – 50% Off

If you haven’t yet purchased the Fantasy Football Almanac, here’s a quick reminder:

• Print versions: Available exclusively on Amazon (links below).
• Digital versions: Available here at 50% off – and yes, they’re printable.

Buying early guarantees free updates, and the price of the Standard version will increase in the next update (likely in 2–3 weeks).

Reactions to JK Dobbins and Jonnu Smith Moves

JK Dobbins to Denver – Fantasy Impact

One of the frustrating aspects of publishing this Almanac is the late-summer roster shake-ups. But that’s why I keep it updated throughout the offseason—and soon, during the regular season as well (via membership access).

From a fantasy perspective: I’m not thrilled.

In the initial version of the book, I projected RJ Harvey to be the primary early-down back, with Jaleel McLaughlin having a larger role than most outlets predicted. Now, with JK Dobbins joining the mix, everything shifts.

• Audric Estime likely becomes irrelevant. He was already behind Harvey, and now sits at best fourth on the early-down depth chart. His ranking will drop significantly in the next update.
• Dobbins has talent—particularly on short yardage and 3rd down—but durability is a huge question.
• Expect a three-headed committee:
  • Harvey = highest ceiling
  • Dobbins = safest pick
  • McLaughlin = “watch list” material, not draftable

Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh and Darren Waller to Miami

This is a tougher call. Each year, I spotlight a few undervalued TEs. In 2024, those were Sam LaPorta and Evan Engram. Last year, Zach Ertz.

I had high hopes for Jonnu Smith in Miami—he was being undervalued and looked like a top-3 fantasy tight end candidate based on offensive scheme. That’s now gone.

📍 Miami: Waller Steps In

• The Dolphins are committed to getting the ball out of Tua’s hands fast—Waller fits that need.
• If Waller stays healthy and committed, he’s likely a better receiving option than Jonnu Smith.
• FantasyPros ADP hasn’t adjusted yet, but I expect Waller to land in the 120–130 range.
  • My ranking will likely place him 20–25 spots higher than his ADP—providing great value.
  • I see him as 6th-round talent, though I won’t rank him quite that high on my draft board.

📍 Pittsburgh: A Messy Tight End Room

Arthur Smith is now in Pittsburgh, and he has a history with Jonnu Smith from their Titans days. He also spreads the ball around way too much.

• Pat Freiermuth: Talented, but uncertain role under Smith
• Darnell Washington: Still developing
• Jonnu Smith: Will be involved, but not consistently enough for fantasy

➡️ Bottom line: Avoid the Steelers TE group altogether. All three will be used, none will be reliable.
➡️ I’d much rather draft Darren Waller than gamble on the Pittsburgh TE carousel.

New Fantasy Football Almanac Podcast Episode

Quick programming note: I’ll be updating the podcast logo soon—David is no longer on the show (he’s moved on to new projects). If the show grows enough to become a full-time gig, I’ll bring in a new co-host. Until then, it’s a solo effort.

In this week’s episode, I give listeners a sneak peek into the Gold Edition’s quarterback rushing workshare content.

• Obvious names like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Jayden Daniels are discussed
• But some surprising QBs also make the top 10 based on team usage

If you’re curious who my top sleeper QB is for 2025, and haven’t read the Almanac yet, I drop a little spoiler in the episode.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or directly here.