Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: AFC East Breakdown, Handcuffs, Doppler Effect
Release Date: July 9, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deep into the intricacies of the AFC East, discuss the importance of handcuffs in fantasy football, and share valuable insights to help listeners dominate their leagues.

2. Understanding Handcuffs in Fantasy Football

The conversation kicks off with an engaging discussion on the concept of handcuffs—backup players who can step in and perform exceptionally if the starter gets injured.

Andy Holloway emphasizes the strategic value of drafting handcuffs:

“[04:11] Andy Holloway: …you have the situation where Todd Gurley is probably being dialed back… Darrell Henderson, but you also have the situation of week two. He needs to take six months off… Darrell Henderson, we traded up for you for a reason.”

Mike Wright concurs, highlighting Darrell Henderson as the premier handcuff for 2019:

“[05:10] Mike Wright: …Darrell Henderson is going around Alshon Jeffrey, Evan Ingram, Rashad Penny… if Darrell Henderson hits, he's a league winner.”

The hosts agree that Henderson's potential makes him a must-have for fantasy managers looking to safeguard their rosters against unforeseen injuries.

3. AFC East Teams Breakdown

a. New England Patriots

The Patriots are a focal point, with discussions centered around their offseason moves and how they impact fantasy prospects.

Jason Moore notes the addition of tight ends:

“[14:41] Jason Moore: …added demarious Thomas, Dontrell Inman, Ben Watson at tight end with Rob Gronkowski retiring.”

Andy Holloway points out Dontrell Inman as an underrated asset:

“[14:41] Andy Holloway: …Dontrell Inman could very well start with a higher snap count… in camp.”

The retirement of Rob Gronkowski is also addressed, with hosts speculating on how his absence might reshape the Patriots' offensive dynamics.

b. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins' offseason changes are dissected, focusing on coaching hires and quarterback acquisitions.

Mike Wright discusses the addition of quarterbacks:

“[26:54] Mike Wright: …added two quarterbacks. They've brought in Ryan Fitzpatrick. They've brought in Josh Rosen.”

Jason Moore speculates on the team's future strategy:

“[26:58] Jason Moore: They may be tanking to position themselves for a future franchise quarterback.”

The potential fantasy value of Ryan Fitzpatrick is debated, with Andy Holloway advising caution:

“[28:13] Andy Holloway: It could be three games… I don't think you're drafting Ryan Fitzpatrick as a starter.”

c. Buffalo Bills

The Bills are analyzed with a focus on their running back depth and wide receiver options.

Andy Holloway praises Kenyon Drake:

“[32:58] Andy Holloway: …Kenyon Drake is a talented back… he has the ability to have a bad offensive line dance around, make a move and go for 40 yards.”

Jason Moore highlights the uncertainty surrounding LaShawn McCoy:

“[43:23] Jason Moore: I don't believe he will… he wasn't good last year.”

The balance between Devin Singletary and Frank Gore is also explored, with Jason Moore expressing skepticism about McCoy's improvement:

“[43:23] Jason Moore: I don't believe he will.”

d. New York Jets

The Jets' quarterback situation and their impact on fantasy football are dissected extensively.

Andy Holloway expresses optimism about Sam Darnold's progression:

“[48:29] Andy Holloway: …Sam Darnold take a step forward this year.”

Mike Wright discusses the potential of Robbie Anderson:

“[55:54] Mike Wright: …Robbie Anderson is easily a top 20 wide receiver when the year ends.”

The addition of tight end Chris Herndon-Aniwa is mentioned, though its fantasy impact remains uncertain.

4. Key Player Analyses

Darrell Henderson (Los Angeles Rams)

Regarded as the most valuable handcuff for 2019, Henderson is praised for his potential to become a league-winning asset:

“[05:10] Mike Wright: …if Darrell Henderson hits, he's a league winner.”

Sony Michel (New England Patriots)

Michel is highlighted as a valuable fourth-round pick with significant upside:

“[16:30] Andy Holloway: …he has the ability to have a bad offensive line dance around, make a move and go for 40 yards.”

Kenyon Drake (Buffalo Bills)

Drake is seen as a talented running back who could emerge as a top-tier fantasy back with increased workload:

“[32:58] Andy Holloway: …Kenyon Drake is a talented back.”

Robbie Anderson (New York Jets)

Anderson is considered a potential top-20 wide receiver, contingent on his quarterback's performance:

“[55:54] Mike Wright: …Robbie Anderson is easily a top 20 wide receiver when the year ends.”

Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

Allen is discussed as a dominant fantasy quarterback with high upside and late-round value:

“[40:14] Andy Holloway: …he is a great late round shot… he's got the upside to be a top five fantasy quarterback.”

5. Conclusions and Predictions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts place their bets on the New England Patriots to clinch the AFC East title, acknowledging the tough competition yet trusting the Patriots' strategic moves and player performances.

Andy Holloway confidently states:

“[57:37] Andy Holloway: …with the unbelievably difficult competition, I think they raised their game up, and I think I'm gonna give it to the Patriots.”

Mike Wright and Jason Moore echo similar sentiments, reinforcing the Patriots' dominance despite the fierce competition within the division.

6. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway on handcuffs:
  "[04:11] …you have the situation where Todd Gurley is probably being dialed back… Darrell Henderson…"

• Mike Wright on Henderson’s value:
  "[05:10] …if Darrell Henderson hits, he's a league winner."

• Jason Moore on Josh Allen:
  "[40:14] …he is a great late round shot… he's got the upside to be a top five fantasy quarterback."

• Andy Holloway on Sony Michel:
  "[16:30] …he has the ability to have a bad offensive line dance around, make a move and go for 40 yards."

• Andy Holloway on AFC East prediction:
  "[57:37] …I think it’s gonna be tough sledding for the Patriots… I think I'm gonna give it to the Patriots."

7. Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of the AFC East, emphasizing strategic player selections like Darrell Henderson and Kenyon Drake. The hosts provide actionable insights and thoughtful predictions, making it an invaluable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to gain an edge in their leagues.

For more detailed analysis and updates, visit The Fantasy Footballers and follow them on Twitter at @theffballers.