Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - AFC South Breakdown + HYPE Train!
Episode Details:
- Title: AFC South Breakdown + HYPE Train!
- Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
- Release Date: August 7, 2018
Introduction
The episode kicks off with the Fantasy Footballers promoting their Ultimate Draft Kit, essential for preparing listeners for their fantasy football drafts. Andy Holloway and Dede Westbrook from the Jacksonville Jaguars make a brief appearance before the hosts officially welcome listeners to the show. Light-hearted banter ensues among the hosts, setting an engaging and humorous tone for the episode.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway (00:00): “Get the ultimate draft kit@ultimatedraftkit.com... this is DD Westbrook.”
HYPE Train Segment
The hosts introduce the "HYPE Train," a segment dedicated to evaluating preseason hype surrounding various NFL players. They discuss the credibility of hype based on sources and tangible performance metrics.
Key Discussions:
-
Melvin Gordon Receiving Ability
- Jason Moore (06:30): Reports that Chargers' coach Anthony Lynn praised Melvin Gordon's receiving skills.
- Mike Wright (07:01): Rates the hype as medium, acknowledging Gordon's increased involvement in the passing game but remains cautious.
-
Marlon Mack's 1500-Yard Projection
- Andy Holloway (07:18): Expresses skepticism about Jim Irsay's optimism regarding Marlon Mack reaching 1500 yards.
- Consensus (08:44): Hosts agree to "take the under" on Mack's projection.
-
Ryan Grant vs. Dion Kane
- Jason Moore (09:44): Debates whether to prioritize Ryan Grant over Dion Kane, eventually leaning towards Grant.
- Mike Wright (10:13): Prefers Eric Ebron over both Grant and Kane for flex options.
-
Jordan Howard's Improving Reception Skills
- Charles London (10:45): Reports that Jordan Howard is practicing catching extensively.
- Andy Holloway (11:25): Appreciates Howard's dedication but remains cautious about his performance under game pressure.
- Consensus (12:08): Predicts potential early-season struggles for Howard.
-
DeSean Jackson's Role in Tampa Bay
- Mike Wright (14:12): Acknowledges DeSean Jackson's value despite shifting roles.
- Jason Moore (14:53): Updates Ultimate Draft Kit by removing Jackson as a value based on recent performance and team dynamics.
- Andy Holloway (14:53): Considers Ryan Grant and Eric Ebron as more reliable options.
-
Cordarrel Patterson's Hype
- Mike Wright (15:35): Dismisses Patterson's prolonged hype, referring to him as the “Snowpiercer.”
- Andy Holloway (16:26): Suggests Patterson is only valuable in return yardage leagues or dynasty formats.
-
Sam Darnold as Colts' QB Starter
- Jason Moore (17:02): Mentions Sam Darnold's fair shot to start Week 1.
- Consensus (17:08): Hosts support Darnold as the likely starter, expressing some hesitancy due to his inexperience.
-
Darren Sprols' Potential Role
- Jason Moore (17:38): Questions whether Darren Sprols could secure a significant role.
- Mike Wright (18:14): Believes Sprols might see sporadic usage but remains doubtful about his fantasy impact.
-
Cortland Sutton's Development
- Jason Moore (18:39): Discusses observations on Sutton’s athleticism and box-out capabilities.
- Moderated Discussion: Hosts compare Sutton’s style to basketball rebounding, incorporating humor about sports references.
-
Carry On Johnson vs. Marlon Mack Debate
- Andy Holloway (19:44): Advises against drafting Carry On Johnson, despite his talent, due to the Lions' offensive uncertainties.
- Consensus (19:55): Hosts recommend focusing on reliable running backs rather than speculative picks like Johnson.
Notable Quotes:
- Mike Wright (15:35): “Cordarrel Patterson has been on the hype train so long, I am going to refer to him as the Snowpiercer.”
- Andy Holloway (10:45): “I love that he's working on it. But catching from the machine is so different than running a route.”
AFC South Breakdown
The hosts delve into a comprehensive analysis of the AFC South division, discussing each team's strengths, weaknesses, and fantasy football implications.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Overview: The Jaguars emphasize a strong running game and solid defense, relying heavily on Leonard Fournette.
Key Points:
- Running Emphasis: Jaguars ran the ball on 47.6% of plays last season, the highest in the NFL (24:58).
- Leonard Fournette: Considered a top-10 running back with minimal injury concerns (24:58).
- Offensive Line Improvements: Signing of Andrew Norwell enhanced protection for both Fournette and QB Blake Bortles (25:56).
- Blake Bortles' Value: Undervalued in fantasy drafts due to the offense's run-first approach and perceptions about his QB skills (26:37).
Wide Receivers:
- Target Pool: Marquis Lee, Dede Westbrook, Dante Moncrief, Keelan Cole, and newly drafted DJ Shark.
- Recommendation: Focus on Dede Westbrook for target potential, with a skeptical view on other WR options (29:53).
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway (23:57): “I think Leonard Fournette as a top 10 running back.”
2. Tennessee Titans
Overview: The Titans underwent significant coaching changes with Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur. The return of Dalvin Cook and the introduction of Derrick Henry are focal points.
Key Points:
- Coaching Changes: New head coach and OC bring fresh offensive strategies (31:32).
- Derrick Henry vs. Dion Lewis: Competition between Henry and Lewis may lead to a running back by committee approach (36:14).
- Offensive Line Strength: Ranked fifth by Pro Football Focus, promising better protection for QB Marcus Mariota and the running game (36:24).
- Marcus Mariota: Potentially a second-half fantasy asset due to a tough early schedule (33:39).
- Running Backs Discussion: Concerns about Ronald Henry’s draft value despite high potential (37:40).
Notable Quote:
- Mike Wright (36:14): “I do like Henry. I think he will be a very, very valuable fantasy running back.”
3. Houston Texans
Overview: The Texans boast the dynamic duo of Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins, with Lamar Miller as a running back of significant value.
Key Points:
- Deshaun Watson: Highly invested in fantasy due to his high draft position, but concerns about sustainable performance (41:35).
- DeAndre Hopkins: Top-five wide receiver with a commanding target share (46:54).
- Lamar Miller: Despite aging concerns, remains a solid fantasy option due to his usage and offensive line strength (44:20).
- Wide Receiver Depth: Options like Will Fuller and Emmanuel Sanders provide flexibility, though Fuller’s value is debated (47:37).
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway (41:37): “Deshaun Watson will 100% be a terrible draft pick in fantasy football this season because of where you're drafting him.”
4. Indianapolis Colts
Overview: The Colts are transitioning with the potential return of Andrew Luck, aiming to revitalize their offense.
Key Points:
- Andrew Luck's Return: Expected to start Week 1, significantly boosting both his value and Ty Hilton's (50:46).
- Ty Hilton vs. Leonard Fournette: Hilton remains a reliable option, especially with Luck’s presence (51:14).
- Run-Heavy Offense Concerns: Past reliance on running limits QB's fantasy value and WR opportunities (52:33).
- Offensive Line Investments: Improved protection enhances overall offensive efficiency (52:33).
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway (50:46): “Andrew Luck is supposed to be healthy. There are no restrictions on him in the preseason... I am confident that he is going to start Week one for the Indianapolis Colts.”
Interview with Dede Westbrook
The episode concludes with an interview featuring Dede Westbrook, a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Key Highlights:
-
Draft Day Experience (59:14):
- Westbrook shares an emotional moment upon being drafted, expressing feelings of achieving a lifelong dream.
- Quote (60:04): “I started crying in the backseat of the car... it felt surreal.”
-
Rookie Season Challenges (60:26):
- Discusses the difficulty of missing games due to injury and the supportive team environment.
- Highlights the importance of team camaraderie and brotherhood.
- Quote (60:26): “All those guys uplifted me. They were pretty much there when my surgery happened.”
-
Role in the 2018 Season (61:17):
- Westbrook emphasizes his big goals for the season and his commitment to contributing significantly to the Jaguars.
- Quote (62:12): “If it's in God's hand and I stay completely healthy, it's going to be a really big year for both me and the Jaguars.”
Notable Quote:
- Dede Westbrook (60:26): “I have really big goals, you know, and this year... it's going to be a really big year for both me and the Jacksonville Jaguars.”
Concluding Remarks
The hosts wrap up the AFC South analysis with reflections on draft strategies, emphasizing the importance of value and realistic expectations. They hint at upcoming segments, including a top 10 list and listener league announcements.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore (62:58): “Philosophical when you decide between a guy like... it's a philosophical decision.”
Final Thoughts
This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the AFC South, blending player evaluations with strategic fantasy football insights. The HYPE Train segment offers critical perspectives on preseason buzz, while the divisional breakdown equips listeners with valuable information for their drafts. The interview with Dede Westbrook adds a personal touch, highlighting the human aspects of fantasy football dynamics.
Resources Mentioned:
- Ultimate Draft Kit: ultimatedraftkit.com
- Draft the Fantasy Footballers: draft.thefantasyfootballers.com
- Follow on Social Media:
- Twitter: @the_fffballers
- Instagram: instagram.com/fantasyfootballers