Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast Episode: Busts + Buy or Sell: Hot Takes Edition
Release Date: August 21, 2019

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of Fantasy Footballers, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the realms of fantasy football, focusing on potential busts and bold buy or sell predictions for the 2019 season. The trio offers astute analysis, shares strong opinions, and provides matchup-winning advice to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues.

Understanding Busts

Andy Holloway begins by defining what constitutes a "bust" in fantasy football. He explains that busts are projections where players underperform relative to their Average Draft Position (ADP). Unlike breakouts or sleepers, busts carry a negative connotation, often disappointing fantasy managers who drafted them.

Andy Holloway [02:05]: "Busts are the ones the biggest statement. It feels like... just a negative connotation."

Mike Wright adds that busts are hard to project because they represent players who were highly touted but fail to deliver fantasy value, either due to performance issues or injuries.

Mike Wright [02:27]: "You're saying that player sucks. You're saying they won't return fantasy value compared to where the market has them going."

Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of avoiding busts, as they can waste valuable draft picks and bench spots.

Jason Moore [03:02]: "Busts are... the players to avoid. That is so important in fantasy football."

Buy or Sell: Bold Predictions

The hosts present bold predictions from Andy's recent article, encouraging listeners to decide whether to buy or sell these picks based on their insights.

1. Sam Darnold vs. Mitch Trubisky

• Prediction: Sam Darnold will have more QB1 weeks than Mitch Trubisky in 2019.

  Mike Wright [06:11]: "Sam Darnold is a better quarterback than Mitch Trubisky in my opinion."

  Jason Moore [06:37]: "Because fantasy scoring is so in the favor of rushing for quarterbacks, Mitch Trubisky is a great runner."

• Outcome: Both hosts opt to sell this prediction, citing Trubisky's rushing ability as a significant factor in fantasy scoring.

2. Rams Wide Receivers' Fantasy Performance

• Prediction: All three Rams wide receivers will rank outside the top 12 in total fantasy points.

  Mike Wright [07:51]: "They're all not in the top 12. That means that three Rams are in the range of 13 to 20."

  Jason Moore [08:09]: "I like the prediction. It could very easily happen."

• Outcome: Both hosts decide to sell, believing that at least one Rams receiver will break into the top 12.

3. Dalvin Cook Leading NFC in Rushing Yardage

• Prediction: Dalvin Cook will lead the NFC in rushing yardage in a healthy 2019 season.

  Mike Wright [08:33]: "Dalvin Cook stays healthy, leads the NFC in total rushing yardage."

  Jason Moore [08:58]: "I don't think he's going to take over that role. He's a great third-down guy."

• Outcome: Both hosts agree to sell this prediction, questioning Cook's ability to outpace other NFC running backs.

4. Mo Ali Cox Touchdowns for the Colts

• Prediction: Mo Ali Cox will score twice as many touchdowns as Jack Doyle this season.

  Mike Wright [09:51]: "Mo Ali Cox, tight end, scores twice as many touchdowns, twice as many as Jack Doyle."

  Jason Moore [10:34]: "He's going to be a top QB1. Foot Clan will not partake in drafting Kareem Hunt."

• Outcome: Both hosts buy this prediction, recognizing Ali Cox's potential to surpass Doyle in touchdowns.

News and Notes

The trio transitions to the latest news impacting fantasy football, sharing updates and insights that can influence draft strategies.

1. Dallas Cowboys' Extension for Jalen Smith

• Discussion: The Cowboys extended linebacker Jalen Smith's contract, surprising many who expected extensions for high-profile players like Dak Prescott or Ezekiel Elliott.

  Mike Wright [12:19]: "That's an excellent move for your defense... just a fish slap to the face for all of us."

2. Preseason Updates

• Darius Guyce: Expected to play in the Thursday preseason game against the Falcons, offering potential depth at his position.

• Derek Henry & Duke Johnson:

  • Henry: Resumed practicing after a calf injury.
  • Johnson: Returned to practice post-hamstring injury.

  Jason Moore [15:02]: "I would rather have Pollard for the upside that you start the season with a stud running back."

3. Ravens' Marquis Brown and Chargers' Dontrell Inman

• Marquis Brown: Rookie wide receiver showing promise but may not yield significant fantasy value this year.

  Andy Holloway [16:14]: "Marquis Brown right now is going to be a deep threat. Taking the top off at times, but fantasy wise, not this year."

• Dontrell Inman: Re-signed by the Chargers, potentially offering reliable depth but limited fantasy impact.

  Mike Wright [16:40]: "Inman had a fine year back in 2016... not really fantasy relevant."

4. David Montgomery and RB Hype

• Discussion: Encouraging excitement around rookie running back David Montgomery, highlighting his potential role and workload.

  Jason Moore [17:32]: "David Montgomery... he's in a good system, he's going to be used, and he's talented back."

  Andy Holloway [17:56]: "Montgomery should have more work from week one, guaranteed to him."

Bust Picks Discussion

The hosts delve into specific players they believe to be bust picks for the upcoming season, providing detailed reasoning and analysis.

1. Damian Williams

• Perspective:

  • Andy Holloway argues that Williams is being drafted too high, citing his limited career usage and high risk due to potential regression.

    Andy Holloway [22:16]: "He's the player that represents the most risk at the running back position in his tier and that's bar none."

  • Mike Wright defends Williams, emphasizing his talent and the opportunity he has within the Chiefs' system.

    Mike Wright [27:18]: "Damian Williams is actually a talented running back... he might not be Carlos Hyde, but he's safer."

  • Jason Moore leans towards Williams busting, concerned about his consistency and reliance on maintaining a starting role.

    Jason Moore [26:59]: "If Damian Williams loses it for a moment, he might not get it back."

• Conclusion: Andy decides to categorize Damian Williams as a bust, whereas Mike maintains faith in his potential.

2. Kareem Hunt

• Prediction: Kareem Hunt will be a significant bust, largely due to his limited role and low fantasy output.

  Jason Moore [30:17]: "The game strategy of drafting Kareem Hunt is nonsensical."

  Jason Moore [31:11]: "You're not going to play him that week because you don't know what the role is... you're talking about week 11 now."

• Outcome: Both hosts agree to sell Hunt, warning listeners against drafting him despite his enticing name.

3. Russell Wilson

• Prediction: Russell Wilson will underperform relative to his ADP, experiencing a significant drop in passing touchdowns.

  Mike Wright [33:37]: "Russell Wilson is going to bust compared to his ADP."

  Mike Wright [36:01]: "I think Russell Wilson is now my QB1. Imagine that."

  Jason Moore [37:53]: "He's going to be a top 12 quarterback."

• Andy Holloway debates whether Wilson will continue his high performance or regress to more average numbers, but both hosts ultimately decide to sell Wilson.

4. Kerryon Johnson

• Prediction: Kerryon Johnson is likely to underperform due to durability concerns and limited role in the Lions' offense.

  Andy Holloway [38:11]: "He runs too upright. He might not hold up to the long haul."

  Jason Moore [41:01]: "I usually take opportunity over talent... This year I'm going with Kerryon."

• Outcome: Despite recognizing Johnson's talent, concerns about his durability and usage lead Andy to classify him as a bust, while Jason opts to buy into his potential.

5. James White

• Prediction: James White will fail to replicate his previous season's performance, struggling with a reduced workload and increased competition.

  Mike Wright [48:17]: "I just don't see a world where James White sees anywhere near the same workload that he received last year."

  Jason Moore [52:02]: "He had a 21.4 target share... It just doesn't add up."

• Outcome: Both hosts agree to sell James White, viewing him as a less reliable option compared to other available running backs.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts remind listeners to access all 32 bold predictions on their website and utilize resources like the Ultimate Draft Kit to fine-tune their draft strategies. They also announce their collaboration with SiriusXM radio, offering an additional live show every Thursday from 5 to 7 PM Eastern.

Andy Holloway [55:30]: "Today's show brought to you by Mugsy Jeans... use the code footballers for $10 off."

Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide a balanced mix of analytical insights and entertaining banter, ensuring that both seasoned and novice fantasy managers gain valuable knowledge to enhance their gaming experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [02:05]: "Busts are the ones the biggest statement. It feels like... just a negative connotation."

• Jason Moore [03:02]: "Busts are... the players to avoid. That is so important in fantasy football."

• Mike Wright [06:11]: "Sam Darnold is a better quarterback than Mitch Trubisky in my opinion."

• Jason Moore [30:17]: "The game strategy of drafting Kareem Hunt is nonsensical."

• Mike Wright [36:01]: "I think Russell Wilson is now my QB1. Imagine that."

• Andy Holloway [38:11]: "He runs too upright. He might not hold up to the long haul."

For more detailed insights and to access the hosts' resources, visit the Fantasy Footballers website or follow them on Twitter.