Twitter has long been an excellent source of instantaneous news and wide-ranging opinions. We ran a series of interviews two years ago to help users new and old get to know some of our favorite tweeters.
Our series is back for 2014. Today we interview Andrea Hangst, AFC North Lead Writer for Bleacher Report and PFF Fantasy writer. She is a rare breed among fantasy analysts. Get to know her below.
The next five months are just going to be a series of arguments about Johnny Manziel and what everyone should/shouldn't do, right?
— Andrea Hangst (@FBALL_Andrea) May 16, 2014
Who Am I?
Name: Andrea Hangst
Twitter handle: @FBALL_Andrea
Tweeting since: May, 2007
Number of tweets: 57,119
Follower count: 4,123
Hometown: Ellwood City, PA, currently residing in Chicago, IL.
Day job: AFC North Lead Writer for Bleacher Report
Family life: Two cats, Quincy and Squinchy. A roommate, Kaitlyn. A partner in crime/neighbor/podcast co-host Brian (@bfat65).
Quick bio (who you are, site(s) you represent, etc.): I'm full-time AFC North Lead Writer for Bleacher Report. I also write about fantasy football for Pro Football Focus and host the F*BALL NFL Podcast (fball.podomatic.com or f-ball.tumblr.com)
What is something unique about you that few would know about? I went to a very small, progressive college that had only one cable-connected television on campus.
What you do for fun during the football offseason: There's an offseason?
Favorite NFL team(s): I grew up in Western PA, so obviously there's a team I grew up supporting. However, writing about the NFL has changed things. I am very protective of the AFC North, otherwise I like teams that play well and/or have great coaches. So right now, I really like the Seahawks and what they've built and I'm excited about the Mike Zimmer Vikings. One of my favorite all-time teams was the Schottenheimer-Rivers-Tomlinson-Merriman Chargers.
Favorite NFL player(s): Luke Kuechly, LaDanian Tomlinson, Hines Ward, Josh Gordon, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Leon Hall, Gio Bernard… the list is extraordinarily long. Don't even get me started on my "draft crushes."
Give us your “must follows” on Twitter: @ChrisTrapasso, @Cianaf, @RumfordJohnny, @AllbrightNFL, @MattBowen41—these guys know approximately everything.
What do you like most about Twitter? Building a community of NFL weirdos and always having someone to talk to about it.
Years playing fantasy football: 4
How many leagues, typically? Two—my redraft "home" league I've been in since 2011 and my dynasty IDP league which I joined as an expansion team in 2012. Brian is my co-GM in that one.
If Greg Little needs me as a reference, uh, well, he blocks mighty fine.
— Andrea Hangst (@FBALL_Andrea) May 16, 2014
Inside the Guru’s Studio
What is your favorite fantasy word? Waiver wire (okay, that's two).
What is your least favorite fantasy word? Handcuff.
DC Comics or Marvel? I know nothing to very little about comics. Which one has Wonder Woman? That one. DC?
What is your favorite film? The Godfather, either 1 or 2, it changes.
What is your favorite book? London Fields by Martin Amis.
Cake or ice cream? Pie. Pie all the way. But between cake and ice cream, I'll take cake. Hold (most of) the frosting.
Star Wars or Star Trek? Neither. I know. I'm sorry. (Interviewer's note: Time to dive into the Machete Viewing Order of Star Wars.)
What sound do you hate? Loud, open-mouthed chewing.
What sound do you love? The NFL on CBS song: It means it's time.
Film or Stats? This is a trick question, right?
Why has McCarron slid? Because he's a jerk, really. That's the only explanation. A jerk who hasn't earned jerk status.
— Andrea Hangst (@FBALL_Andrea) May 10, 2014
Predictions and Advice
Favorite fantasy style or combination of styles of play (Dynasty, Redraft, Auction, Best Ball, Daily, Survivor, etc.): I love, love, love redraft but I've learned so much in my IDP dynasty league. It all keeps you sharp, really.
Studs ‘n Duds or Value Based Drafting? I'd love to say value-based, but I feel like my personal strategy lines up more with studs and duds.
What's the biggest mistake you see fantasy players make? Picking players from their favorite team(s) or just names they recognize.
How much of fantasy football is skill? How much is luck? It's 50-50. You have no control over injuries, or if someone gets caught with a DUI. But there are some skills—you can know beforehand that A.J. Green will be shut down by Revis or that Dalton hates the Dolphins' pressure and adjust accordingly.
Go out on a limb—give a wild prediction about the 2014 season that would shock the world if it happened: A Browns Super Bowl victory is too obvious, right? How about the Niners finishing 4th in the NFC West.
Super Bowl XLVI Teams and Score: Saints 27, Bengals 20.
2014 Fantasy MVP: Gio Bernard.
2014 Fantasy Most Improved: The optimist in me says Trent Richardson. Also, Ray Rice.
2014 Fantasy Bust of the Year: The pessimist in me says Trent Richardson. How about Antonio Gates? Free Ladarius Green!