Fantasy Footballers Podcast: AFC North Breakdown, Surprise WR1’s, Courtland Sutton
Release Date: August 2, 2018
Introduction
In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the intricacies of the AFC North, discuss potential breakout wide receivers outside the top 10, and feature an exclusive interview with Broncos rookie wide receiver Courtland Sutton. The conversation is enriched with expert analysis, spirited debates, and actionable fantasy football advice to help listeners dominate their leagues.
Quick Questions and Listener Interaction (00:02 - 03:40)
The episode kicks off with a lighthearted banter among the hosts, highlighting their post-workout energy and humorous exchanges about staying cool during the recording. Jason introduces the segment on quick questions, focusing on wide receivers outside the top 10 who could finish as the number one overall pick.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore (04:07): “What wide receiver outside of the top 10... can finish number one overall?”
Surprise WR1 Picks: Stefan Diggs and Amari Cooper vs. Josh Gordon (04:40 - 10:39)
The hosts tackle the challenge of identifying top-tier wide receivers beyond the established top 10. Cortland Sutton advocates for Stefan Diggs of the Minnesota Vikings, praising his route-running prowess and high-ceiling game potential. He emphasizes Diggs' ability to produce monster games, essential for a WR1.
Notable Quote:
- Cortland Sutton (05:22): “Stefan Diggs can score 15, 16 touchdowns. He has that ability.”
Andy Holloway concurs but also highlights the difficulty of finding wide receivers who can consistently perform at a WR1 level outside the top 10. He proposes Amari Cooper as a viable alternative, citing his integral role in his team's offense and potential for increased targets under new quarterback Jon Gruden.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway (06:27): “Amari Cooper is a top 10 NFL draft pick and he's going to step forward this year.”
Jason Moore introduces a controversial pick: Josh Gordon. He draws parallels to Randy Moss's 2013 season, arguing that Gordon possesses the physical tools to replicate such a breakout year if he can overcome his off-field issues and maintain consistency.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore (07:58): “Josh Gordon can outscore Randy Moss if he stays healthy and consistent.”
The discussion also touches on the skepticism surrounding Gordon's reliability, leading to a spirited debate among the hosts.
News and Notes: Doug Baldwin and Team Updates (10:54 - 18:05)
The conversation shifts to recent NFL news affecting fantasy rosters. Jason reports on Doug Baldwin's potential preseason absence due to injury, urging fantasy managers to consider alternative wide receiver options like Tyler Lockett.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore (12:14): “Doug Baldwin may miss most, if not all, of the preseason.”
Further updates include the release of Jordan Matthews from the Patriots due to a hamstring injury and discussions about other wide receivers such as Kenny Britt and Philip Dorset. The hosts emphasize the importance of monitoring player health and team dynamics when making fantasy decisions.
Divisional Breakdown: AFC North Analysis (18:05 - 58:24)
Pittsburgh Steelers
The hosts dissect the Steelers' offensive strategy, focusing on key players like Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, and the potential impact of Big Ben (Ben Roethlisberger). They debate Bell's future given his contract situation and the offensive line's health, ultimately expressing confidence in his continued high performance.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway (25:37): “Le'Veon Bell is still my number one running back in half-point PPR leagues.”
Jason and Cortland discuss the wide receiver corps, highlighting Juju Smith-Schuster and James Washington. Jason critiques Juju's sustainability post-Martavis Bryant, while Cortland remains optimistic about his potential.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are analyzed with a focus on running backs Alex Collins, Danny Woodhead, and the dynamic of Lamar Jackson's passing game. The hosts agree that Collins represents great value in drafts, citing his consistent performance and the team's improved offensive line.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway (36:17): “Alex Collins is a great value. If I can draft him at his current average draft price, I'm taking him every time.”
Jason raises concerns about the Ravens' passing volume but concedes that with Todd Haley as the offensive coordinator, there is potential for increased efficiency and player utilization.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' struggles from the previous season are acknowledged, with specific attention to their underperforming offense. However, the hosts express cautious optimism about improvements, especially with key additions like AJ Green and the emerging talent of Joe Mixon.
Notable Quote:
- Cortland Sutton (45:14): “AJ Green is personally responsible for the reason why a top five pick is so incredible this year.”
Discussion also covers the draft prospects and the potential impact of rookies like Mark Walton and John Ross.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns receive a detailed breakdown, focusing on the influx of new talent such as Tyrod Taylor, Nick Chubb, and Jarvis Landry. The hosts debate the future role of veterans like Duke Johnson and the impact of Todd Haley’s offensive schemes on the team's passing game.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore (55:11): “I think that distribution of the yards and things like that could cause issues to me, but not passing volume.”
Courtland Sutton Interview (58:24 - 63:10)
The highlight of the episode is an exclusive interview with Courtland Sutton, a rookie wide receiver for the Denver Broncos. Sutton shares his emotional draft day experience, the support from family, and his excitement about working alongside Pro Bowl veterans Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas.
Notable Quote:
- Courtland Sutton (60:36): “I just want to go show them that they didn't make a mistake in making that pick.”
Sutton discusses his goals for his rookie season, emphasizing his desire to contribute to the team and continuously improve through guidance from his experienced teammates.
Conclusion and Upcoming Segments (63:10 - End)
As the episode wraps up, the hosts briefly touch on their plans for upcoming shows, including a mock draft segment where they'll draft their own teams live and engage in head-to-head comparisons. They also acknowledge listener feedback from their Reddit post, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the show's quality based on audience input.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore (64:55): “Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast.”
Key Takeaways
- Stefan Diggs and Amari Cooper emerge as strong WR1 contenders outside the traditional top 10, each bringing unique strengths to the fantasy landscape.
- Josh Gordon presents a high-risk, high-reward option for fantasy managers willing to gamble on his potential breakout season.
- Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens offer valuable insights into their offensive strategies and key player performances, crucial for informed draft decisions.
- Cincinnati Bengals' and Cleveland Browns' evolutions are critical for fantasy managers tracking upcoming season changes and player dynamics.
- The exclusive interview with Courtland Sutton provides a fresh perspective on emerging talent in the NFL, highlighting his potential impact in both real and fantasy football.
Final Thoughts
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast delivers a comprehensive analysis of the AFC North, integrates current NFL news, and offers listeners actionable advice through expert discussions and an insightful rookie interview. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or new to the game, the hosts' deep dives and strategic recommendations provide valuable tools to enhance your fantasy football experience.
For more insights and updates, join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter @ffballers.