Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Bold Predictions for 2020 + Rojo, Fantasy News" | September 3, 2020

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: September 3, 2020
Episode Title: Bold Predictions for 2020 + Rojo, Fantasy News

1. Introduction and Overview

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into bold predictions for the 2020 fantasy football season. The discussion encompasses critical player analyses, team news updates, and strategic insights aimed at helping listeners dominate their fantasy leagues. Skipping over advertisements and non-content segments, the trio focuses on delivering actionable advice and entertaining analysis.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Running Back Conundrum

A significant portion of the episode centers around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running back situation, specifically the impact of Leonard Fournette's signing on their fantasy football value.

Key Points:

• Leonard Fournette's Acquisition: Leonard Fournette joins the Buccaneers, raising questions about his role alongside Ronald Jones and LaShawn McCoy.

• Ronald Jones vs. Leonard Fournette: Andy Holloway argues that Ronald Jones remains the superior fantasy option due to his reliability and work ethic within the Buccaneers’ offense.

  Andy Holloway [06:21]: "Number one, it doesn't seem like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at a minimum, trust Ronald Jones... I do believe that he is the better running back than Leonard Fournette for this offense."

• Predicting Roles: Jason Moore aligns with Holloway’s perspective, forecasting Ronald Jones to handle the majority of first and second downs initially, with Fournette taking a smaller share.

  Jason Moore [09:07]: "I think 2/3 of the first, second down work go to Ronald Jones, 1/3 to Leonard Fournette. LaShawn McCoy locked down the third roll."

• Fantasy Implications: The hosts discuss the risks associated with drafting both Fournette and Jones, highlighting the uncertainty in their roles and the potential for limited fantasy returns.

  Mike Wright [10:14]: "I am out on this. I have Leonard Fournette projected to eventually take over the job, have more rushing touchdowns."

3. News Updates and Player Injuries

The podcast provides timely updates on several key players, influencing fantasy football strategies.

A. Alvin Kamara and Amari Cooper:

• Alvin Kamara's Status: Alvin Kamara has resumed practicing amidst ongoing contract negotiations, alleviating concerns about his availability and performance.

  Andy Holloway [12:42]: "Alvin Kamara has practiced... 'Life is good,' he did write in all caps on his Twitter."

• Amari Cooper's Health: Amari Cooper is dealing with a hand injury, with the Dallas Cowboys closely monitoring his condition using advanced muscle scanners to prevent further injuries.

  Jason Moore [13:29]: "They're talking about how they have the technology... He's at a point where the higher odds of tearing it."

B. Dwayne Haskins and Tyrod Taylor:

• Dwayne Haskins Confirmed: Dwayne Haskins is set as the week one starter for the Ravens, providing clarity for fantasy managers.

  Andy Holloway [15:01]: "Dwayne Haskins is the week one starter."

• Tyrod Taylor's Role: Tyrod Taylor is confirmed as the starter against the Bengals, solidifying his position in fantasy lineups.

  Andy Holloway [15:05]: "Tyrod Taylor is also the week one starter against the Bengals."

C. Patriots' Running Back Injury:

• Damian Harris' Injury: Damian Harris of the Patriots has sustained a hand injury, potentially missing the opening game, which impacts fantasy managers considering him as a late-round pick.

  Mike Wright [16:45]: "Damian Harris has a hand injury. Could miss the team's opening game against the Dolphins."

4. Patriots' Running Back Concerns

The Patriots' running back situation adds another layer of complexity for fantasy managers.

Discussion Points:

• Damian Harris' Availability: With Damian Harris potentially out, the Patriots may rely more on Ronald Jones and other backs, affecting their fantasy value.

• Fantasy Implications: Andy Holloway expresses disinterest in drafting Harris post-injury, while Jason Moore assesses the diminished fantasy prospects for Saul "Sony" Michel.

  Andy Holloway [17:33]: "I have no interest in Damian Harris now. None."

5. Bold Predictions for 2020

The centerpiece of the episode is the "Bold Predictions" segment, where each host shares audacious forecasts for the upcoming fantasy season.

A. Jason Moore's Predictions:

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a Fantasy Bust:

   • Rationale: Moore points to overvalued players like Tom Brady, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin. He predicts that the Buccaneers will underperform in fantasy despite potential team improvements.

     Jason Moore [26:11]: "It's a shortened off season where you have the greatest quarterback of all time, but an old quarterback who has known one system coming to a new system."

2. Marvin Jones Jr. Matching Kenny Golladay's Fantasy Points:

   • Rationale: Despite being drafted later, Jones has the potential to rack up receptions and touchdowns comparable to Golladay's performance last season.

     Jason Moore [38:20]: "Marvin Jones Jr. Scores as many fantasy points as Kenny Golladay even though there's such smooth routes from Kenny G."

B. Andy Holloway's Predictions:

1. Matthew Stafford as a Top Five Fantasy Quarterback:

   • Rationale: Stafford’s consistent yardage and touchdown potential make him a reliable top-tier fantasy QB, especially with an improved offensive scheme.

     Andy Holloway [31:11]: "My first bold prediction is that Matthew Stafford will end the year as a top five fantasy quarterback."

2. Joe Burrow’s Record-Breaking Rookie Season:

   • Rationale: Burrow's dynamic playstyle and the Bengals' improved offensive line could propel him to set rookie touchdown records, simultaneously boosting the team's competitiveness.

     Andy Holloway [44:08]: "Joe Burrow breaks the record and the Bengals are competitive."

C. Mike Wright's Predictions:

1. Brian Edwards as the Number One Rookie Wide Receiver:

   • Rationale: Despite dropping to the third round due to an injury, Edwards' potential for high target shares and consistent yardage make him a standout rookie.

     Mike Wright [34:13]: "Brian Edwards, rookie wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders. He will be the number one rookie wide receiver for fantasy purposes."

2. Chris Thompson as a Top 20 Running Back:

   • Rationale: Thompson’s secure role in Jacksonville's backfield and his pass-catching prowess position him as a valuable late-round fantasy asset.

     Mike Wright [48:05]: "Chris Thompson by the end of the year can be a top 20 guy and a real fantasy difference maker."

6. Listener Predictions and Host Opinions

The hosts review and handicap bold predictions submitted by listeners via Twitter, offering percentage odds on their likelihood of success.

Highlighted Listener Predictions:

• Gardner Minshew Top 10 QB:

  Mike Wright [51:35]: "I will put it down at like 15%."

• Justin Jefferson Outscoring Adam Thielen WR:

  Jason Moore [51:45]: "0%."

• Anthony Miller as a Top 15 Wide Receiver:

  Mike Wright [51:59]: "1%."

• Jonathan Taylor as a Top Five Running Back:

  Mike Wright [52:03]: "35%."

7. Tools and Resources Mentioned

• Ultimate Draft Kit: The hosts recommend the Ultimate Draft Kit for fantasy managers looking to optimize their drafts with up-to-date information and comprehensive cheat sheets.

  Jason Moore [22:08]: "The Ultimate Draft Kit. That's what I was using during the Listener League draft. It is phenomenal..."

• Megalobol League: Mentioned as the largest fantasy football redraft league, encouraging listeners to join via JoinTheFoot.com.

  Andy Holloway [04:28]: "If you want to play in the Megalobol..."

8. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reiterate their bold predictions and encourage listeners to engage with the Fantasy Footballers community through social media and their website. They express optimism about the insights provided and look forward to refining their strategies as the season progresses.

Jason Moore [53:38]: "Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers."

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [06:21]: "Number one, it doesn't seem like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at a minimum, trust Ronald Jones... I do believe that he is the better running back than Leonard Fournette for this offense."

• Jason Moore [31:11]: "My first bold prediction is that Matthew Stafford will end the year as a top five fantasy quarterback."

• Mike Wright [34:13]: "Brian Edwards, rookie wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders. He will be the number one rookie wide receiver for fantasy purposes."

This episode provides a blend of in-depth player analysis, strategic forecasting, and engaging discussions, equipping fantasy football enthusiasts with the knowledge to make informed decisions for the 2020 season.