Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: AFC West Breakdown + Vegas Super Bowl Picks
Release Date: July 16, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction & Community Highlights

The episode kicks off with the trio engaging in their signature banter, setting a lively and welcoming tone for seasoned listeners and newcomers alike. Andy Holloway invites fans to join the Foot Clan community for premium resources and league participation, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the podcast.

Andy Holloway [00:00]:
"Become part of the Foot Clan@jointhefoot.com that's where our community gathers."

Upcoming Events: MegaLeague & Listener League

The hosts introduce exciting upcoming events, including the highly anticipated MegaLeague—a massive tournament open to all Foot Clan members. Andy explains that the winner will secure automatic entry into next year's Listener League, adding an extra layer of competition and engagement for listeners.

Andy Holloway [02:50]:
"The Megalobol is going to be a giant massive tournament with every Foot Clan member that wants to join up into that league."

News and Notes

The segment covers recent NFL news affecting fantasy football prospects:

1. Melvin Gordon & Ezekiel Elliott Contract Situations

   • Mike Wright discusses the implications of Melvin Gordon demanding a new contract and Ezekiel Elliott potentially holding out, assessing the impact on their respective teams and fantasy value.

   Mike Wright [07:33]:
   "Well, Melvin Gordon came out last week and said, hey, I'm not showing up without some money."

2. Darius Gile’s Hamstring Injury

   • Concerns arise over Gile's recurring injuries, with Jason Moore expressing skepticism about his return to form post-ACL tear.

   Jason Moore [09:05]:
   "Darius Guy suffered a hamstring injury... This is no good, man."

3. Ronald Jones’ Weight Gain

   • The discussion centers on Ronald Jones adding 13 pounds, with mixed feelings about his increased weight potentially affecting his agility and pass-protection skills.

   Jason Moore [12:35]:
   "I hate when running backs put on weight. It doesn't pay off in the way that I look at it."

4. Proposed 18-Game NFL Schedule

   • Andy Holloway critiques the NFL's proposal for an 18-game schedule capped at 16 regular-season games for player participation, highlighting its potential disruptions to team dynamics and fantasy strategies.

   Andy Holloway [14:19]:
   "The NFL's preposterous proposal... I can't imagine it happens either."

AFC West Divisional Breakdown

The core of the episode delves deep into the AFC West, analyzing each team’s prospects for the upcoming season and their fantasy implications.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

   • Patrick Mahomes' Production: The hosts debate whether Mahomes can replicate his stellar touchdown numbers without Tyreek Hill, considering the introduction of Sammy Watkins as a potential replacement. Jason Moore expresses doubts about Mahomes maintaining high touchdown totals, citing historical quarterback performances.

     Jason Moore [18:35]:
     "Three times in the history of the NFL, only three times has a quarterback thrown 50 or more touchdowns... I'm going to look at the analytics and the probability of him throwing 40 or more touchdowns."

   • Damian Williams vs. Carlos Hyde: Andy Holloway advocates for drafting Damian Williams as a late-round flyer, while Jason Moore remains cautious about Carlos Hyde's efficiency as a pass-catcher.

     Andy Holloway [21:57]:
     "I think Damian Williams is going to succeed in this offense if he's been given the green light to be the guy."

   • Hunter Henry’s Fantasy Value: Andy predicts over 700 receiving yards for Hunter Henry, positioning him as a strong tight end option.

     Andy Holloway [31:13]:
     "I have Hunter Henry as one of the top half tight ends this year in fantasy, just behind Vance McDonough and O.J. Howard."

2. Los Angeles Chargers

   • Keenan Allen’s Consistency: The discussion revolves around Keenan Allen's value in the third round after a slightly disappointing previous season. Andy Holloway views him as a fair third-round pick, while Mike Wright questions whether his average draft position (ADP) reflects his true potential.

     Andy Holloway [28:09]:
     "I wouldn't call him a value because he's not one of these guys that goes out and just completely dominates for a season in fantasy."

   • Philip Rivers’ Stability: Philip Rivers is characterized as a consistent but middling quarterback option, suitable for streaming based on favorable matchups.

     Jason Moore [34:15]:
     "I would rather stream the position and get a guy. I'll stream Philip Rivers. I'll look at the matchups where he's got a great matchup and throw him in there."

3. Denver Broncos

   • Emmanuel Sanders & Cortland Sutton: Mike Wright and Andy Holloway evaluate Sanders' comeback from injury and Sutton’s potential rise as the team's primary wide receiver.

     Mike Wright [37:00]:
     "I'm raising my range on Emmanuel Sanders, trusting his recovery... Cortland Sutton offers more touchdown upside."

   • Philip Lindsay vs. Royce Freeman: The debate centers on drafting Philip Lindsay at a favorable ADP over Royce Freeman, given Lindsay’s recent injury but high upside upon return.

     Jason Moore [44:10]:
     "If I have to take one of them, I'll still take Lindsay there."

4. Oakland Raiders

   • Derek Carr’s Performance: The hosts express skepticism about Carr’s ability to maintain his quarterback performance, citing changes in offensive coordination and the departure of key players like Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams.

     Jason Moore [45:31]:
     "How do you catch with those pads on your fingertips? Is it the claws?"

   • Antonio Brown’s Fantasy Impact: Despite uncertainties around Carr, Andy opts to prioritize Antonio Brown due to his high target volume, though he notes a potential drop in touchdown opportunities.

     Andy Holloway [49:00]:
     "I still have him with an astronomical target volume. What won't be there the way it was in Pittsburgh is the touchdown numbers."

Mailbag: Listener Questions and Advice

The hosts address listener inquiries, offering tailored advice to enhance fantasy team management:

1. Bench Size & League Settings

   • Keith from Albuquerque suggests removing kickers to add an extra flex position, questioning the ideal bench size for effective waiver wire management.

     Jason Moore [53:49]:
     "I would just keep it at six."

2. Position Projection Strengths

   • Derek from Orange County asks which positions each host excels at projecting. Andy acknowledges his strength in scouting running backs, while Mike notes his accuracy with running backs and wide receivers during the season.

     Andy Holloway [54:47]:
     "I know when it comes to like rookie scouting, I am better at scouting running backs than quarterbacks."

3. Running Back Preferences: Joe Mixon vs. James Conner

   • Henry from Cincinnati inquires about the preference between drafting Joe Mixon or James Conner, especially in PPR leagues.

     Jason Moore [56:24]:
     "I would much rather take James Conner than Joe Mixon."

     Andy Holloway [56:28]:
     "I would definitely rather have James Conner than Joe Mixon."

4. Platform Recommendations & Player Valuations

   • Henry from Cincinnati also asks about convincing leagues to switch to the Sleeper app and whether Zach Ertz is being drafted at his ceiling.

     Jason Moore [58:31]:
     "Yes, he's being drafted at his ceiling to me."

     Mike Wright [58:42]:
     "They are very customizable and they're always listening, trying to make the platform better and better."

Final Thoughts & Resources

As the episode concludes, the hosts promote their Ultimate Draft Kit as an invaluable resource for fantasy players, emphasizing its comprehensive tools and continuous updates to aid in draft preparation.

Jason Moore [27:00]:
"The Ultimate Draft Kit is a research tool. It's not just a point at that player you should draft. There's tons and tons of information in here that you can actually form your own opinion."

They also highlight PristineAuction.com and FantasyChamps.com, encouraging listeners to utilize promotional codes for exclusive deals.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore [20:12]:
  "Look, I think the odds are that... you're going to be hurting your fantasy roster."

• Andy Holloway [31:13]:
  "I think Damian Williams is going to succeed in this offense if he's been given the green light to be the guy."

• Mike Wright [37:00]:
  "What do you guys think?"

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a thorough analysis of the AFC West, providing insightful projections and strategic advice for fantasy football enthusiasts. The hosts blend expert knowledge with engaging discussions, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to make informed decisions for their fantasy teams.