Detailed Summary of "AFC South + Gordon Drama, Breaking News" - Fantasy Footballers Podcast (July 27, 2019)

In the July 27, 2019 episode of Fantasy Footballers Podcast titled "AFC South + Gordon Drama, Breaking News," hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the pressing issues affecting fantasy football enthusiasts. The episode primarily focuses on the Melvin Gordon contract saga, provides updates on other NFL holdouts and injuries, and offers a comprehensive analysis of the AFC South division. Below is a structured breakdown of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The hosts kick off the episode with enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of staying updated with the latest NFL news to gain a competitive edge in fantasy football drafts.

2. Melvin Gordon Contract Drama

Current Situation

• [00:43] Andy Holloway introduces the primary topic: Melvin Gordon's uncertain contract status with the Los Angeles Chargers. Gordon is currently holding out, leading to significant speculation about his future with the team.

• [04:10] Mike Wright echoes Holloway's concerns, stating, "I moved him down too," referring to adjusting Gordon’s fantasy rankings due to the ongoing drama.

Fantasy Football Implications

• Andy Holloway explains that Gordon’s rankings have been adjusted downward, placing him between the 17th to 20th tier for running backs. He cautions fantasy owners against spending first or second-round picks on Gordon given the uncertainty.

  Andy Holloway [04:34]: "As of right now, he's somewhere in the lower 17. I don't remember where he landed 17 to 20 at running back now because if I drafted today, I don't have enough confidence in spending a first round picking him."

• [05:28] Mike Wright compares Gordon’s situation to Le'Veon Bell’s holdout the previous year, highlighting the financial penalties Gordon faces ($30,000 per day) if he continues to skip training camp. This makes Gordon's position more precarious, as he remains under contract and potentially subject to fines.

  Mike Wright [04:11]: "Because here is the lay of the land for Melvin Gordon. It is different than Le'Veon Bell last year."

Host Recommendations

• Despite the risks, Jason Moore suggests that Gordon could still be a valuable pick in later rounds if he resolves his contract situation mid-season.

  Jason Moore [10:31]: "I would still draft Melvin Gordon."

• Andy Holloway advises fantasy owners to prepare for both scenarios: Gordon staying out and requiring investments in alternatives like Austin Ekeler or Justin Jackson.

  Andy Holloway [07:50]: "...you might have Melvin Gordon, they want to know do I invest in Echler or Justin Jackson."

Conclusion on Gordon’s Situation

The hosts agree that while Gordon presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario, the prudent approach is to monitor ongoing developments and consider him a late-round asset unless his contract is settled favorably early.

3. Other NFL Holdouts

Zeke Elliott and Michael Thomas

• [14:58] Andy Holloway notes that Zeke Elliott has not yet joined the Cowboys at training camp, adding another layer of uncertainty for fantasy owners.

• [15:09] Jason Moore highlights Michael Thomas’s holdout, indicating that while a deal is imminent, the Chargers' salary cap constraints make it difficult for the team to meet his demands.

  Jason Moore [15:15]: "...a lot easier to throw a lot of money at a top level wide receiver than a top level running back."

• The hosts predict that Michael Thomas will soon agree to a five-year extension, minimizing his impact on fantasy drafts for the upcoming season.

  [15:24] Andy Holloway: "He's just taking a very long Uber drive to camp."

4. Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy Football

Key Player Injuries

• Julian Edelman: Recovering from a broken thumb, expected to miss only a few weeks.

  [17:26] Andy Holloway: "Julian Edelman, Sterling Shepherd... he should only miss a few more weeks."

• Sterling Shepard: Fractured thumb confirmed, no surgery required, but practice reps missed could hinder performance.

  [17:52] Jason Moore: "He should be good to go for week one."

• Corey Coleman (Giants): Torn ACL, season-ending injury.

  [18:09] Andy Holloway: "No Corey Coleman, no Sterling Shepherd for a while."

• Calvin Ridley and Daeshun Hamilton (Titans): Both tweaked hamstrings, increasing their risk ratings for fantasy purposes.

  [19:07] Andy Holloway: "Calvin Ridley and Daeshun Hamilton both tweaked their hamstrings."

Impact on Fantasy Strategies

The hosts emphasize the importance of monitoring these injuries as they can significantly affect player availability and performance, thereby influencing draft strategies and weekly lineup decisions.

5. AFC South Divisional Breakdown

Houston Texans

• Deshaun Watson: Positioned as a potential top fantasy quarterback due to his dual-threat capability. Expectations are high for Watson to lead in fantasy points if he remains healthy and the receiving core performs well.

  Andy Holloway [29:13]: "If those three guys stay healthy, Watson is one of the guys that can challenge Mahomes and end up as the number one quarterback."

• Receiving Core: DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, and Kiki QT are highlighted as primary targets. The hosts discuss the balance between these receivers and how their performance affects Watson’s fantasy value.

  Mike Wright [29:30]: "He's a great player. He runs the ball."

• Offensive Line Concerns: Despite having two early-round tackles, the Texans’ offensive line struggles could lead to increased pressure on Watson, potentially affecting his performance.

  Andy Holloway [31:30]: "Therefore they... have a quarterback that is comfortable outside the pocket and moving around."

• Chris Carson: Confirmed healthy and undervalued in drafts, making him a strong RB2 option.

  Andy Holloway [20:23]: "Chris Carson... entering training camp took a 40-yard screen pass and practice one to the house full sprint, healthy."

Indianapolis Colts

• Marlon Mack: Viewed as a great value at running back with potential for high workload if healthy. The hosts recommend him as an RB2 or RB3 option in later rounds.

  Jason Moore [54:00]: "He is a great value in the fourth round."

• Deontay Foreman: Discussed as a possible late-round pickup, but concerns remain due to his recovery from an Achilles tear.

• Wide Receivers: Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, and Keelan Cole are analyzed for their contributions. Delaney Walker is suggested as a late-round TE option.

Tennessee Titans

• Marcus Mariota: Multiple injuries last season affected his performance. Offseason additions like Adam Humphries are expected to bolster the receiving corps.

• Tyreek Hill: Continues to be a top-value wide receiver for fantasy players due to his consistent yardage accumulation.

  Andy Holloway [47:06]: "Ty Hilton's fantasy value is never hinged upon touchdown, efficiency, effectiveness."

• Marlon Mack vs. Derek Henry: The discussion revolves around Mack’s versatility and Henry’s efficiency. Jason Moore prefers Mack over Henry due to Henry's potential burnout risks.

  Jason Moore [57:58]: "I think he's a good running back and I think they figured out how to use him."

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Nick Foles: Brought in to lead the offense with an emphasis on a high-volume passing strategy under new Offensive Coordinator John D. DeFilippo.

• Leonard Fournette: Evaluated as a high fantasy point option if he remains healthy, though his role might be influenced by the increased pass volume.

  Jason Moore [65:17]: "He is a good fantasy option over the last two years."

• Wide Receivers: Dede Westbrook, Marquis Lee, and Chris Conley are discussed, with recommendations to consider Delaney Walker as a late-round TE option due to the crowded receiving corps.

  Andy Holloway [55:27]: "Corey Davis's time has come and gone."

6. Fantasy Football Draft Strategies and Recommendations

• Deshaun Watson: Recommended as a late-round quarterback option due to his potential upside if he leads the Texans’ offense effectively.

  Andy Holloway [32:20]: "Deshaun Watson... back in the fifth round."

• Marlon Mack: Highlighted as a solid RB2 pick with high upside potential.

  Jason Moore [54:00]: "Marlon Mack is a great value."

• Tyreek Hill: Strongly recommended as a must-draft wide receiver due to his consistent performance and high yardage accumulation.

  Andy Holloway [47:06]: "I don't bank on any... guaranteed, if he's healthy."

• Leonard Fournette: Advises re-evaluating Fournette’s role and considering him a valuable late-round RB2/RB3 if he maintains health.

  Andy Holloway [65:38]: "If you can get him at a value and you no longer think of him as this anchor for your roster..."

• Delaney Walker: Suggested as a late-round tight end option due to limited competition in his position within the Jaguars’ offense.

  Jason Moore [55:48]: "He would be entertaining him late in the draft."

7. Closing Remarks and Final Insights

The hosts conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of flexibility and staying informed with the latest NFL news to make informed decisions during fantasy drafts. They encourage listeners to keep an eye on breaking news, especially concerning Melvin Gordon’s contract status, and to adjust their strategies accordingly.

Andy Holloway [70:47]: "Melvin Gordon, please sign a deal because we took you in."

The episode wraps up with reminders about upcoming shows and promotions, ensuring listeners remain engaged and prepared for the fantasy football season.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway [04:34]: "As of right now, he's somewhere in the lower 17. I don't remember where he landed 17 to 20 at running back now because if I drafted today, I don't have enough confidence in spending a first round picking him."

• Jason Moore [10:31]: "I would still draft Melvin Gordon."

• Andy Holloway [29:13]: "If those three guys stay healthy, Watson is one of the guys that can challenge Mahomes and end up as the number one quarterback."

• Andy Holloway [47:06]: "Ty Hilton's fantasy value is never hinged upon touchdown, efficiency, effectiveness. He's always been a six, seven touchdown guy."

• Jason Moore [54:00]: "He is a great value in the fourth round."

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts, offering strategic insights and real-time analysis of player performances, contract negotiations, and injury updates. By focusing on the nuanced implications of these factors, the Fantasy Footballers provide listeners with actionable advice to enhance their fantasy football team-building strategies.