Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: AFC North Breakdown + Hot Takes
Release Date: July 23, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

1. Introduction and League Structure Discussion

Timestamp [04:16] - [07:23]

The episode begins with the hosts addressing a listener question from Eric about making changes to fantasy football leagues, specifically the removal of kickers in favor of a second quarterback position.

Key Points:

• Voting Mechanism:
  Andy emphasizes the importance of initiating league changes through votes. He states, "You need an idea, a thought, a whisper in the wind to say, get rid of kickers from fantasy football." [04:21]

• Majority vs. Unanimous Decisions:
  The hosts debate whether changes should require a simple majority or a super majority. Jason suggests a 70% rule for fundamental changes like adding a second quarterback, while Mike adds that certain alterations, such as moving to a money league or implementing severe penalties, should require unanimous consent.

• Strategic Changes:
  Andy proposes indirectly encouraging the removal of kickers by reducing their point value: "Have you thought about just belittling them like changing their points to like 0.1 points for a 50-yarder." [07:04] This tactic may prompt managers to voluntarily exclude kickers due to their diminished value.

Conclusion:
The hosts agree that significant league modifications should involve substantial consensus, ensuring all members are aligned before implementing changes that impact the league's dynamics.

2. News and Notes

Timestamp [07:23] - [10:58]

The hosts transition to discussing recent NFL news affecting fantasy football players.

Key Points:

• PUP List Updates:

  • DeAndre Hopkins: Placed on the active PUP list due to a shoulder injury from the playoff loss to the Colts. Jason remarks, "The Texans placed DeAndre Hopkins, which was a little bit surprising." [10:18]
  • Julian Edelman: Sidelined for at least three weeks with a thumb injury. Jason ponders his fantasy value, considering potential missed games.
  • Will Fuller: Avoided the PUP list, which is positive for the Texans' offense and Fuller’s fantasy prospects.
  • Sony Michel: Activated from the PUP list, increasing Damien Harris and James White’s snap counts.

• Melvin Gordon Situation:
  Melvin Gordon is reportedly holding out for an extension with the Chargers. Jason advises fantasy managers drafting Gordon to avoid early investment due to the risk of potential missed games: "If I'm at a point in the back end of the first round … I'm drafting Joe Mixon without hesitation because I think there is a really good chance that Melvin Gordon misses a few games." [14:07]

• Other Moves:

  • Darren Sprols: Signed by the Eagles, adding depth to their running back corps.
  • Darren Sprols Usage: Discussed the limited but effective role he may play in the Eagles’ offense.

Conclusion:
Injuries and roster moves significantly impact player availability and value. Fantasy managers should stay informed and adjust their strategies accordingly to mitigate risks.

3. AFC North Breakdown

Timestamp [20:50] - [62:03]

The core segment of the episode focuses on analyzing the AFC North division, covering the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals.

a. Baltimore Ravens

Timestamp [20:50] - [31:59]

Roster Changes and Offseason Moves:

• Running Backs: Addition of Mark Ingram to complement Gus Edwards and Javorius Allen.
• Wide Receivers: Drafted Marquis Brown in the first round and Justice Hill in the fourth. Miles Boykin was selected in the third round.
• Tight Ends: Highlighted Mark Andrews as a potential breakout candidate.

Offensive Strategy:

• Lamar Jackson's Role: Lamar remains a pivotal player, but his productivity as a fantasy quarterback is under scrutiny. Andy notes, "Lamar Jackson himself, he was the number 11 quarterback from the time he took over in week 10." [22:34]
• Passing Targets: The Ravens have the second-highest number of vacated targets (55), raising questions about the viability of their receiving options as Lamar continues to manage the offense.

Fantasy Implications:

• Lamar Jackson: Despite being a dynamic quarterback, his inconsistent performance in passing limits his fantasy ceiling. Jason summarizes, "I think Lamar Jackson is a great fantasy option late in drafts." [24:12]
• Mark Andrews: Andy suggests Mark Andrews could become a valuable tight end if his target share increases: "Mark Andrews is … on pace in those same seven games … an important part of this offense." [30:00]

Conclusion:
The Ravens offer potential through Mark Andrews and Lamar Jackson as a late-round quarterback pick. However, the reliance on Lamar's dual-threat capabilities without a strong passing game may limit overall fantasy value.

b. Pittsburgh Steelers

Timestamp [32:21] - [43:14]

Roster Changes and Offseason Moves:

• Wide Receivers: Loss of Antonio Brown significantly impacts the receiving corps.
• Running Backs: James Conner emerges as a central figure following Antonio Brown's departure.
• Additions: Dante Moncrief (one-year deal), Deontay Johnson (third round), Benny Snell (fourth round), and Jesse James.

Offensive Strategy:

• James Conner: While Conner showed flashes, his consistency and durability raise concerns. Andy states, "I think James Conner is a good back but I've got him right now as my running back. 13 in half point PPR." [35:27]
• Wide Receivers: JuJu Smith-Schuster remains a reliable target, but the absence of Antonio Brown leaves questions about target distribution and overall offensive efficiency.

Fantasy Implications:

• James Conner: Viewed as a 12 to 15 finish due to his potential role as a workhorse back, overshadowed by ongoing offensive adjustments.
• JuJu Smith-Schuster: Potential to remain a top receiver, but his production may fluctuate with offensive changes and lack of a primary star receiver.

Conclusion:
The Steelers present a mixed bag for fantasy managers. James Conner offers solid mid-round value, while JuJu Smith-Schuster remains a consistent, though potentially volatile, option.

c. Cleveland Browns

Timestamp [43:14] - [58:39]

Roster Changes and Offseason Moves:

• Additions: Odell Beckham Jr., Kareem Hunt, Duke Johnson.
• Quarterback: Baker Mayfield’s ascension as the starter.
• Running Backs: Nick Chubb emerges as a premier RB option.

Offensive Strategy:

• Baker Mayfield: Undergoes a transformation to become more efficient and target-heavy, bolstered by star wide receivers.
• Nick Chubb: Positioned as a top-tier fantasy running back contingent on the Browns’ overall team performance.

Fantasy Implications:

• Nick Chubb: Highly valued due to his talent and the expectation that the Browns’ offense will be effective. Mike asserts, "Nick Chubb is a sensational running back. … he is worth the draft price." [52:22]
• Odell Beckham Jr.: While potentially a high-impact player, concerns about Jarvis Landry’s efficiency and Beckham’s injury history create a risk-reward scenario.

Conclusion:
The Browns offer significant upside with Nick Chubb and Baker Mayfield. However, Odell Beckham Jr.'s return introduces variability due to potential injury concerns and target competition.

d. Cincinnati Bengals

Timestamp [58:39] - [62:03]

Roster Changes and Offseason Moves:

• Head Coach: Hiring of Zach Taylor, an offensive-minded coach with ties to Sean McVay.
• Quarterback: Andy Dalton remains the starter, with uncertainties surrounding his efficiency and the team’s offensive potential.

Offensive Strategy:

• Wide Receivers: AJ Green’s injury history raises concerns about his reliability and overall fantasy output.
• Coaching Philosophy: Unproven head coach Zach Taylor brings potential offensive innovations, but his lack of extensive coaching experience poses a risk.

Fantasy Implications:

• AJ Green: Viewed as a high-risk, high-reward option. Jason highlights the challenge of maximizing his potential due to injury concerns: "If you want a wide receiver, A.J. Green, Amari Cooper, Stefan Diggs … I don't know if he can be a top three guy." [39:27]
• Andy Dalton: Generally not recommended for single-quarterback leagues, but could be considered in two-quarterback formats.

Conclusion:
The Bengals remain a speculative choice in fantasy drafts. While AJ Green offers potential, his injury history and the new coaching regime introduce significant uncertainty.

4. Final Thoughts

Timestamp [62:03] - End

The hosts wrap up the AFC North Breakdown, reiterating the importance of understanding each team's offensive dynamics and roster changes when making fantasy decisions. They emphasize the necessity to weigh risks, such as injuries and team performance variability, against potential rewards.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway on Lamar Jackson: "Lamar Jackson is a viable … he's a great fantasy option late in drafts." [24:12]
• Jason Moore on Nick Chubb: "Nick Chubb is a sensational running back … he is worth the draft price." [52:22]
• Mike Wright on Jake Landry: "He had 166 targets last year ... but you're worried about the touchdowns and efficiencies." [38:07]

Conclusion:

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the AFC North, offering valuable insights for fantasy football managers. By examining roster changes, offensive strategies, and player performances, the Fantasy Footballers equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed draft and in-season decisions.

Stay Connected:
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