Continuing with our most accurate expert interviews, we ask Mike Clay (Pro Football Focus) a few questions after he finished second in the 2013 accuracy competition. This isn’t foreign ground for Mike either as he finished second last year as well. Mike has had a stellar two years now in accuracy and we’re thankful for his time in this Q & A.
Mike Clay Q & A
At Pro Football Focus, we watch, chart, and analyze every player on every snap of every game. It was this in-depth analysis that attracted me to PFF when I started their Fantasy section a few years ago. My team and I take the data and convert it into the best possible fantasy football advice on the web. Prior to working at PFF, I had my own Fantasy Football blog at the now defunct FantasyDC.com.
Q2: Can you briefly describe your process for coming up with your player projections/rankings?
I could write a book on my methodology, but to put it as simply as possible: I determine which variables are important and I learn as much about each of those variables as possible. Once I consider and/or factor in everything available to me, I go to work on building and adjusting my projections and rankings.
Q3: This is the 2nd year in row you’ve come on strong at the end of the season to earn 2nd place in the competition.What’s the secret to the late season success?
The more data I have available, the better. As the season goes on, the play-by-play database at PFF becomes larger and larger. I link to think my projection model thrives as the sample of data increases.
Q4: If you had to pick the fantasy writer atop your must-read list, who would it be?
It’s not fair to cut this down to one guy because there are a few analysts I really respect in this business. But I’ll do it anyways: Evan Silva. The guy can rank, develop a depth chart, and knows salaries…of offensive linemen. He knows all aspects of the NFL like the back of his hand and it’s worth reading anything he draws up.
Q5: I know it’s way too early for this discussion, but off the top of your head, name one “sleeper” for next year and tell us why he’ll surprise us.
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Thanks to Mike for stopping by to share his fantasy insight today and all season long. If you’d like to stay current on Pro Football Focus’ advice during the offseason, be sure to give them a follow on Twitter: @PFF_Fantasy.
