Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - The TRUTH About Fantasy WR's in 2015, Part 2
Release Date: January 28, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
The Fantasy Footballers return with the second installment of their series dissecting the performance and future of fantasy football wide receivers from the 2015 season. Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, the episode dives deep into player evaluations, potential breakout candidates for the 2016 season, and various NFL news impacting fantasy football strategies.
Breakout Candidates for 2016
Andy Holloway (00:57):
Andy kicks off the show by introducing the focus on identifying "way too early" breakout candidates for the upcoming season, emphasizing the uncertainty inherent at this stage.
Jason Moore (03:16):
Jason predicts Jay Ajayi as a breakout candidate, highlighting his talent and previous limited action in the offense.
Mike Wright (05:07):
Mike selects Tyler Lockett, praising his speed and Seattle’s investment in him:
"I like Tyler Lockett. This guy is a freak. He is super fast." ([05:11])
Andy Holloway (07:02):
Andy adds Michael Floyd to the breakout list, citing his improved performance when healthy and potential for a top-tier fantasy season:
"I think Michael Floyd is my way too early breakout candidate. I feel pretty good about that." ([08:54])
News and Updates
The hosts transition to general NFL news affecting fantasy football.
- Fitness Struggles:
Jason humorously comments on aging and fitness challenges:
"Andy and I have started playing in the mornings and we used to do this a long time ago and now I'm having a hard, difficult time moving my body." ([09:17])
- Marshawn Lynch's Future:
Discussion revolves around potential retirement and contract implications for Marshawn Lynch, questioning whether he might return at a lower salary or hold out:
"Peyton Manning's dancing is the best thing... Manning is going to retire." ([12:31])
- Tony Horton and Eddie Lacy:
Tony Horton offers help to Eddie Lacy for offseason training, aiming to improve Lacy’s performance:
"Tony Horton has reached out to Eddie Lacy to offer him help to get into shape this offseason." ([13:07])
- Eagles' Contract Extensions:
The Eagles secure Brent Selleck with a three-year extension, ensuring stability alongside Zach Ertz:
"He doesn't allow being banged up to take him out of being productive." ([14:38])
- HGH Investigations & Super Bowl Predictions:
Speculation about possible HGH investigations for Peyton Manning is discussed, alongside Super Bowl predictions, with Andy shifting his pick to Denver:
"I want Peyton Manning to win. I'd like him to have the same amount as Eli. I think that'd be great." ([11:22])
In-Depth Analysis of Wide Receivers
The core of the episode delves into evaluating wide receivers ranked beyond the top 12 from the previous analysis.
13. Demaryius Thomas
- Performance Concerns:
"He finished with six touchdowns. He had 105 receptions, just over 1300 yards... He did have the lowest touchdowns in four years." ([17:25])
- Future Outlook:
Andy and Mike discuss whether his lower performance was due to offensive changes or quarterback play, with Mike suggesting:
"He's right back where he should be at the top." ([18:08])
14. Alan Hearns
- Consistency:
Jason commends Hearns for consistent performance regardless of facing top or bottom defenses:
"He really was very consistent. He put up near the same amount of points per game." ([21:17])
- Future Projections:
Andy and Jason agree Hearns can be a reliable fantasy asset, though caution is advised against over-drafting due to potential regression:
"I like Alan Hearns moving forward, I like the just the way the offense is." ([22:39])
15. Jarvis Landry
- Performance Evaluation:
Jarvis Landry showed strong PPR performance but concerns about target volume and new coaching staff impact his future projections:
"165 targets... I would look for those targets to come down." ([25:29])
- Fantasy Outlook:
Mike expresses doubt about Landry maintaining high target numbers under new offensive schemes:
"I would look for those targets to come down... overall, just all of his numbers will come down." ([26:06])
16. Sammy Watkins
- Breakout Potential:
Sammy Watkins displayed significant potential but struggled with consistency and injuries, leading to a lower ranking than expected:
"He should have a little bit more consistency now." ([28:07])
- Draft Strategy:
Andy and Jason debate whether Watkins should be prioritized over other receivers, with Mike eventually leaning towards Jeremy Macklin:
"But I think Jasper Matthews. He's a guy that should be owned, should be drafted and has potential to do this." ([35:11])
17. Jeremy Macklin
- Reliability:
Jeremy Macklin is highlighted as a dependable receiver despite modest stats, though Mike hesitates due to team strength:
"He's the number one on a football team... he's on an Alex Smith team." ([34:56])
- Future Outlook:
Hosts consider Macklin as a high-end receiver but discuss concerns about being overshadowed by team dynamics:
"I pretty much agree with that take and where I would project him to be. I'd love to have him as my 2." ([34:56])
18. Emmanuel Sanders
- Performance Issues:
Emmanuel Sanders had fewer receptions and consistency issues, attributed to quarterback play, leading to a downward projection:
"He only finished with 76 receptions, a big role in the offense, a guy who makes big plays but isn't a wide receiver one." ([37:47])
- Future Strategy:
Hosts suggest Sanders might drop in rankings depending on quarterback stability:
"It's kind of here that, you know, what's going to be." ([37:27])
19. Michael Crabtree
- Inconsistency:
Michael Crabtree had nine touchdowns but inconsistent yardage, questioning his reliability next season:
"I personally would not finish. I don't think he's gives me a." ([41:06])
- Future Projections:
Andy and Jason express skepticism about Crabtree's ability to improve significantly, considering offensive dynamics:
"I think they are opening up more for Blake Bortle. So the yards per pass." ([43:05])
20. Jordan Matthews
- Underperformance:
Jordan Matthews finished lower than expected due to inconsistent play and team dynamics, leading to debates about his future value:
"It just is a downward spiral... gets a fresh reset off season." ([43:04])
- Draft Considerations:
Andy and Mike discuss the potential for Matthews to rebound but express concerns about his draft position:
"I don't know if Aguilar is a good wide receiver." ([45:25])
21-25. Additional Receivers
- Amari Cooper, Ted Ginn, Mike Evans, Randall Cobb, Travis Benjamin, Alvin Kamara, and Tavon Austin are briefly mentioned with varying opinions on their fantasy value, consistency, and team roles. Notably, Tavon Austin is critiqued for underperformance despite being a versatile player:
"He had six rushing attempts and nine total touchdowns... is he just annoying to own or did we just miss projecting him higher?" ([62:05])
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The hosts wrap up by teasing upcoming content for the offseason, including:
- Early sleeper and breakout predictions
- Draft previews and rookie overviews
- Strategy tips and tricks for fantasy football success
Andy encourages listeners to visit their website and engage with their community for continued support and updates:
"We're an independent podcast. You can check out jointhefoot.com." ([67:18])
Notable Quotes
-
Mike Wright on Tyler Lockett:
"This guy is a freak. He is super fast." ([05:11]) -
Andy Holloway on Michael Floyd:
"I think Michael Floyd is my way too early breakout candidate. I feel pretty good about that." ([08:54]) -
Jason Moore on Josh Gordon:
"Josh Gordon is going to be a fun one. He was almost." ([56:21]) -
Andy Holloway on Tavon Austin:
"He was a weapon. He had nine touchdowns total touchdowns, I believe. Five through the air, four on the ground." ([62:05])
Final Thoughts
This episode provides an exhaustive analysis of wide receivers in fantasy football, balancing statistical performance with team dynamics and future projections. The hosts engage in lively debates, offering listeners diverse perspectives to inform their fantasy strategies for the upcoming season. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or new to the game, this episode equips you with insights to enhance your roster decisions.
Stay Connected:
Visit fantasyfootballers.com for more content and join the fantasy football community at jointhefoot.com. Follow the hosts on Twitter @theffballers for updates and live discussions.