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Jared Smola Author Image

Jared Smola

Lead Analyst
Company
Draft Sharks
Education
St. John Fisher University
Notable Mentions/Awards
No. 1 in FSWA Preseason Projections Accuracy
No. 1 in Fantasy Pros Draft Rankings Accuracy

Who is Jared Smola

You might say Jared was born to be a fantasy analyst.

By four years old, he could name the starting AND backup QB for every NFL team. He started playing fantasy football at age-9 … and won his first championship at 10 on the back of a huge season from Barry Sanders.

Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks 1st among 133 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.

When he’s not buried in his spreadsheets, you can find Jared chasing around his two daughters, traveling, or golfing.

Articles

2024 NFL Mock Draft

Will six QBs really go in Round 1? Where will the top WRs in the class land? And how about Brock Bowers? Jared Smola takes a crack at how the first round will unfold on Thursday night.

Apr 24, 2024
Keon Coleman Dynasty Value

The highlight reel is as impressive as any WR in this class. But there are multiple reasons to be worried about Keon Coleman's dynasty value.

Apr 18, 2024
Xavier Legette Dynasty Value

It took Xavier Legette five college seasons to break out. Should you look past that and buy this size-speed freak? Jared Smola examines Legette's dynasty value.

Apr 15, 2024
Jonathon Brooks Dynasty Value

Jonathon Brooks spent less than one full season as Texas' lead back and is coming off a torn ACL. So why do many consider him the top RB in the class? Let's dive into what makes Brooks' dynasty value so exciting.

Apr 11, 2024
Fantasy Football Sleepers 2024

Supercharge your fantasy draft with these seven 2024 fantasy football sleepers. Learn which late-round picks are poised for breakout seasons.

Apr 08, 2024
Why I'm Not Using Zero RB Strategy ... And You Shouldn't Either

Zero-RB strategy has become very popular in fantasy drafts. That's exactly why it won't work in 2024. Jared says don't shy away from early-round RBs.

Apr 08, 2024
Draft Sharks 2024 Rookie Prospect Guide

Get the info you need on the 2024 rookie class. Rankings, scouting reports, advanced metrics, player comps, and more.

Apr 05, 2024
Fantasy Football Draft Guide: 12-Team PPR Draft Strategy

This comprehensive fantasy football draft guide takes you pick-by-pick through 12-team PPR draft strategy. We'll help you crush your draft from any spot.

Apr 03, 2024
132 Things I Learned Doing 2024 Fantasy Football Projections

From Lamar Jackson's dwindling rushing volume to Rashee Rice's elite second half, here are 132 things I learned doing 2024 fantasy football projections.

Apr 01, 2024
Malik Nabers Dynasty Value

Malik Nabers is not a perfect prospect. But his elite speed and athleticism have him in contention to be the top WR in 2024. Let's dig into just how much dynasty value Nabers holds.

Mar 28, 2024
Brian Thomas Jr. Dynasty Value

He's ready to make an immediate impact as a deep threat. But Brian Thomas' dynasty value will hinge on whether he can become a complete receiver. Can he? Let's dig in ...

Mar 28, 2024
Dynasty Trade Calculator

Take the guesswork out of your dynasty trades. Find out how our Dynasty Trade Calculator will help you make the right moves for your team. (Updated 2024)

Mar 22, 2024
Troy Franklin Dynasty Value

Troy Franklin was a big-play machine at Oregon the past two seasons. His speed will be a weapon in the NFL. But how big a concern is his 6'2, 176-pound frame for his dynasty value?

Mar 21, 2024
Here’s the Best Ball Playbook You Need to Win in 2024

Best ball fantasy football places even more emphasis on the draft. That's why we've collected all the tools and strategy you need to win. (Updated 2024)

Feb 29, 2024
Best Ball Fantasy Football | What Is It, How Does It Work

Interested in playing best ball fantasy football? Let's run through everything you need to know about this exciting format, before you draft. (Updated 2023)

Feb 23, 2024
ESPN Fantasy Football, 6 Tips to Win

Does your league play on ESPN? These 6 simple tricks can give you an advantage over your competition and propel you to a championship. (Updated 2023)

Jan 22, 2024
2024 FFPC Playoff Challenge: Crunching the Numbers for a Winning Lineup

All the data you need to build a winning lineup in the 2024 FFPC Playoff Challenge.

Jan 09, 2024
Week 18 DraftKings Cash-Game Picks

Top DraftKings picks at every position for Week 18 head-to-head and 50/50 contests.

Jan 07, 2024
Week 18 DraftKings Tournament Picks

Top stacks and positional targets for Week 18 DraftKings tournaments.

Jan 06, 2024
Pass Rate Over Expected Data - Week 17

Pass rate over expected for and against data for all 32 teams through Week 17. Useful information when making waiver-wire moves and start/sit decisions.

Jan 04, 2024
Premium Content Premium ContentFantasy Football Matchups That Matter - Week 17

A quick look at the most important matchup data to consider when making Week 17 start/sit decisions.

Dec 31, 2023
Week 17 DraftKings Cash-Game Picks

Top DraftKings picks at every position for Week 17 head-to-head and 50/50 contests.

Dec 30, 2023
Week 17 DraftKings Tournament Picks

Top stacks and positional targets for Week 17 DraftKings tournaments.

Dec 30, 2023
Premium Content Premium ContentFantasy Football Matchups That Matter - Week 16

A quick look at the most important matchup data to consider when making Week 16 start/sit decisions. Plus sneaky starters at every position!

Dec 24, 2023
Week 16 DraftKings Tournament Picks

Top stacks and positional targets for Week 16 DraftKings tournaments.

Dec 23, 2023
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