Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: AFC North Breakdown + Double Jump, Buy or Sell Release Date: July 9, 2020

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the intricacies of the AFC North division. Alongside the divisional analysis, the trio engages in their popular Double Jump, Buy or Sell segment, addressing key player movements and fantasy implications. The episode is packed with expert insights, strategic advice, and candid opinions designed to help fantasy football enthusiasts dominate their leagues.

Double Jump, Buy or Sell: Calvin Ridley

Timestamp: [02:59] – [08:21]

The episode kicks off with the Buy or Sell segment, focusing on Calvin Ridley, a highly anticipated wide receiver in the fantasy offseason. Jason Moore presents Ridley as a prime candidate for a significant performance jump, projecting him to achieve over 1,100 receiving yards this season—a substantial increase from his 2018 and 2019 performances.

• Jason Moore states, “Calvin Ridley will make the jump to 1,100 receiving yards. Now that would be a jump by definition. In 2018 he had 821 yards and in 2019 he only played 13 games, so he had 866 yards last year and then 2020.” [03:06]

Mike Wright shares his optimism, betting on Ridley exceeding the 1,100-yard mark by even projecting 1,201 yards:

• Mike Wright: “I have him down for 1,091 yards.” [04:05]

• Later, he elevates his projection: “That’s the highest number of wideouts in the NFL since 2001 to reach the 1,100 yard mark. So I do like Calvin Ridley as a breakout player. I don’t mind your 1,200 yard prediction, Mike, but 1,101 the two of us at least are buying the 1,100 yard mark for Ridley.” [05:26]

Jason Moore concurs, highlighting Ridley’s potential and the Falcons’ offensive stability:

• Jason Moore: “I agree Hayden Hurst is going to be there, but can Hayden Hurst really fill that level of void that Austin Hooper has while Calvin Ridley, first-round wide receiver who's like he's coming into a breakout age, breakout potential season here. I'm buying it, man. I'm buying that Calvin Ridley's going to hit the 1,100 yard mark.” [06:33]

The discussion emphasizes Ridley’s talent, the Falcons' offensive strategies, and the importance of a healthy season for Ridley to realize his potential.

News and Notes: Raheem Mostert and Rex Burkhead

Timestamp: [08:42] – [18:02]

Raheem Mostert Requests a Trade

The hosts shift focus to significant news involving Raheem Mostert, the dynamic running back for the San Francisco 49ers. Jason Moore reveals a breaking update:

• Jason Moore: “After months of unproductive talks with the 49ers about fairly adjusting Raheem Mostert's contract, we have requested a trade.” [09:24]

This revelation sparks a discussion about Mostert’s role and potential future:

• Mike Wright: “So my goodness, smashing the over.” [05:12]

• Unknown Speaker (likely Mike or Jason): “He’s 28 years old. If he doesn’t get paid now off the back of that great season, he’s not going to get another good contract.” [10:33]

The hosts debate the likelihood of Mostert securing a trade and the implications for his fantasy value. Concerns are raised about his replacement options and the 49ers' ability to meet his contract demands, with skepticism expressed about other teams' willingness to take on his contract.

• Jason Moore: “This is not good news, my friend. It doesn’t make me feel good at all.” [12:27]

• Unknown Speaker: “What team out there is thinking, man, I really want to give up something for Mostert so I could sign him to another deal?” [14:33]

The consensus suggests that Mostert is likely to remain with the 49ers, given the challenges of finding a trade partner willing to shoulder his contract.

Rex Burkhead Restructures Contract

Shifting to the Cleveland Browns, the podcast covers Rex Burkhead's contract restructuring:

• Jason Moore: “Rex Burkhead restructured his contract. He would have been cut if he didn’t do this.” [08:42]

This move signals Burkhead’s intention to stay with the Browns and offers stability to the team's backfield. Mike Wright reflects on Burkhead's impact:

• Mike Wright: “If Rex Burkhead is there, he will get touches. That’s my only point.” [16:15]

The discussion highlights how Burkhead’s presence affects other running backs on the roster, such as Sony Michel and Damien Harris, and the overall stability he brings to the Browns’ offense.

AFC North Divisional Breakdown

Timestamp: [19:33] – [57:10]

Baltimore Ravens

Timestamp: [19:33] – [24:39]

The Ravens are highlighted as the dominant force in the AFC North, with a strong track record from the previous season:

• Jason Moore: “Last year it was a beautiful sight to behold if you’re a Ravens fan. Number one in rushing yards per game, number two in rushing touchdowns, number one in passing touchdowns.” [20:03]

Roster Stability and Key Additions:

• Mike Wright: “They added J.K. Dobbins, getting another year for Hollywood. I’m super excited.” [21:14]

• Jason Moore: “Proche was considered the steal of the draft for them.” [21:47]

The hosts discuss the Ravens’ offensive improvements, including the addition of rookie J.K. Dobbins and Hollywood Brown, and the potential impact of developing young wide receivers like Mark Andrews. Jason Moore expresses uncertainty about the Ravens having a third fantasy-relevant wide receiver beyond Hollywood Brown and Mark Andrews.

• Mike Wright: “They will regress with their offense. But the formula of defense and running the ball is still going to work.” [23:22]

The conversation underscores the Ravens' balanced offense and robust defense, projecting continued dominance in the division.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Timestamp: [24:39] – [38:35]

The Steelers present a complex scenario, grappling with injury concerns and uncertain offensive performance:

• Jason Moore: “James Conner is a tough case for fantasy owners this year because he is injured frequently.” [28:30]

Running Back Quandary:

The discussion centers around James Conner and David Johnson, evaluating their reliability and fantasy potential:

• Mike Wright: “I believe if he is healthy and plays, you know, 14, 15 games, that he will end up as a top 12 running back.” [29:24]

• Jason Moore: “I would take David Johnson because both of those guys are going to slide in as my running back, too.” [31:11]

Wide Receiver Dilemma:

The debate shifts to wide receivers, particularly JuJu Smith-Schuster versus Deontay Johnson:

• Jason Moore: “I believe the odds of Deontay Johnson being the most fantasy-relevant wide receiver are high enough to where I’d rather have him in the eighth than JuJu in the fourth.” [35:32]

• Mike Wright: “I would take JuJu as well.” [36:29]

The hosts analyze the Steelers' wide receiver corps, questioning the potential breakout of Deontay Johnson while expressing reservations about JuJu Smith-Schuster's consistency.

Fantasy Strategy:

Jason Moore and Mike Wright deliberate on drafting strategies, weighing the risks of injury-prone running backs against the potential high floor of reliable players like David Johnson. They also consider the implications of coaching decisions and the offensive scheme on player performance.

• Jason Moore: “You don’t want to have these conversations because you look at the wide receivers that are going around these guys and have better options.” [33:02]

Cleveland Browns

Timestamp: [38:35] – [48:27]

The Browns emerge as a team poised for significant improvement, buoyed by a new coaching staff and strategic acquisitions:

• Jason Moore: “This is a make it or break it year for Baker Mayfield.” [41:07]

Coaching Changes and Offensive Upgrades:

With Kevin Stefanski as the new head coach and Alex Van Pelt as the offensive coordinator, the Browns undergo a transformative shift:

• Jason Moore: “They have a great defense. So I love the running game. I do think that the passing game will be so much more efficient this season with a healthy Odell Beckham.” [42:06]

Key Additions:

• Jack Conklin: Added to strengthen the offensive line.
• Austin Hooper: Brought in to stabilize the tight end position.
• Rex Burkhead: Contract restructured to stay with the team.

Baker Mayfield’s Potential:

The hosts discuss Baker Mayfield’s potential resurgence under the new coaching regime:

• Mike Wright: “But it’s hard to see Beckham is a tough case as well. This whole team is very interesting.” [43:34]

• Jason Moore: “I look at him a chance to succeed.” [45:21]

Fantasy Implications:

The Browns’ revamped offense is expected to create favorable conditions for fantasy production, particularly with the integration of Odell Beckham Jr. and the potential efficiency in the passing game.

• Jason Moore: “I was very in on Odell this year.” [48:21]

The consensus is that the Browns are set to be a formidable team in the AFC North, with multiple assets providing solid fantasy value.

Cincinnati Bengals

Timestamp: [48:27] – [57:10]

The Bengals are characterized as a team in the midst of rebuilding, armed with promising young talent and strategic draft picks:

• Jason Moore: “He is going to be a steal of drafts.” [52:26]

Key Players and Additions:

• Joe Burrow: The number one overall pick expected to be the team's future quarterback.
• Joe Mixon: A stellar running back positioned as the eighth pick in fantasy drafts.
• T. Higgins: Added in the second round as a key wide receiver to support Burrow.

Offensive Outlook:

The discussion focuses on the Bengals' offensive strategies, particularly the balance between the running and passing game:

• Jason Moore: “If Joe Burrow comes in and dominates the offensive line, steps it up and A.J. Green is fully healthy, then he’s going to be a steal of drafts.” [53:04]

Wide Receiver Concerns:

Concerns are raised about the depth and potential of the Bengals' wide receiver corps, particularly the roles of Tyler Boyd and A.J. Green:

• Unknown Speaker: “I would take JuJu over Tyler Boyd. I would take Michael Gallup over Tyler Boyd.” [55:01]

Fantasy Prospects:

The hosts evaluate the Bengals' potential for fantasy success, contingent on the health and performance of Joe Burrow and the emergence of rookie T. Higgins.

• Jason Moore: “If Joe Burrow dominates, then T. Higgins could be a major fantasy asset.” [53:17]

The conclusion for the Bengals suggests that while they have promising talent, their fantasy value will heavily depend on the integration of their young quarterback and the development of their offensive system.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide a comprehensive analysis of the AFC North, delivering valuable insights into player performances, team strategies, and fantasy implications. From the Ravens’ continued dominance to the Steelers' injury concerns, the Browns' promising rebuild, and the Bengals' potential resurgence, listeners are equipped with the knowledge to make informed fantasy decisions.

Key takeaways include:

• Calvin Ridley is a strong buy, with projections indicating a breakout season.
• Raheem Mostert's trade request remains uncertain, likely keeping his fantasy value intact.
• The Baltimore Ravens continue to be a powerhouse with solid roster additions.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers present a high-risk, high-reward scenario with running backs like James Conner and wide receivers weighing JuJu Smith-Schuster against Deontay Johnson.
• The Cleveland Browns show significant promise under new coaching, enhancing prospects for players like Baker Mayfield and Austin Hooper.
• The Cincinnati Bengals are in a rebuilding phase, with potential fantasy stars in Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon, contingent on system implementation and player development.

The hosts conclude with a reminder to listeners to join their fantasy football community and stay engaged for future insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore: “Calvin Ridley will make the jump to 1,100 receiving yards.” [03:06]

• Mike Wright: “I have him down for 1,091 yards.” [04:05]

• Jason Moore: “This is not good news, my friend. It doesn’t make me feel good at all.” [12:27]

• Jason Moore: “What team out there is thinking, man, I really want to give up something for Mostert so I could sign him to another deal?” [14:33]

• Jason Moore: “I do think that the Browns are set to be a formidable team in the AFC North, with multiple assets providing solid fantasy value.” [45:21]

• Unknown Speaker: “Do you believe he has that breakout year? He was the best wide receiver last year with the crappy quarterback play.” [34:46]

• Jason Moore: “I was very in on Odell this year.” [48:21]

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a crucial guide for fantasy managers navigating the complexities of player valuations and team dynamics within the AFC North. With expert analysis and strategic recommendations, the Fantasy Footballers equip their audience with the tools necessary to optimize their fantasy rosters and outmaneuver competitors. Whether it's identifying breakout candidates, assessing trade possibilities, or understanding team-wide shifts, this episode is an invaluable resource for anyone serious about winning their fantasy leagues.