Fantasy Footballers Podcast: Camp Hype + Strategy Q & A, Miles Sanders News – August 19, 2020

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the latest training camp developments, provide strategic fantasy football advice, and address listener questions. Released on August 19, 2020, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to gain an edge as the season approaches.

1. Welcome and Show Overview [00:46 - 02:43]

The episode kicks off with the hosts exchanging light-hearted banter about hairstyles and the excitement surrounding the new Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. Mike Wright introduces the main topics of the day, including trade discussions in their Dynasty league, analysis of Mark Ingram’s performance, and reactions to the latest episode of Hard Knocks.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright [00:46]: "Today we have a great show for you. We're doing some buy sell, talking about Mark Ingram, which I think will be valuable, important looking forward."

2. Buy or Sell Mark Ingram [04:53 - 08:37]

The trio engages in their popular "Buy or Sell" segment, focusing on Mark Ingram and his projected 11 total touchdowns for the 2020 season. They analyze Ingram's past performance, potential regression in touchdown numbers, and his value in fantasy drafts.

Key Points:

• Last season, Ingram had 15 touchdowns in 15 games.
• Discussion on whether his touchdown regression to 11 is a realistic expectation.
• Comparison to Christian McCaffrey’s receiving touchdowns, emphasizing Ingram’s potential.
• The importance of touchdown efficiency in Ingram’s role within the offense.

Notable Quotes:

Jason Moore [05:14]: "I'm eight rushing, three receiving. But yeah, I mean, so Andy, you're going to have to be the one to buy or sell here now to pull back a little bit."

Mike Wright [06:15]: "I think that there's every opportunity for Mark Ingram to go double digits. Rushing touchdowns again. 10, 11, 12."

Conclusion: The hosts lean towards buying Mark Ingram, citing his reliability and the offensive scheme's support for his touchdown opportunities.

3. Miles Sanders Injury Update [09:53 - 12:15]

Breaking news centered on Miles Sanders being listed as week-to-week with a lower body injury, raising concerns for his availability and performance in the upcoming season.

Key Points:

• Sanders’ injury status poses a risk to his workload and fantasy value.
• Discussion on the implications for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense and Sanders' role.
• Comparison to other running backs’ injury histories and their impact on fantasy teams.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Wright [09:53]: "The Eagles have listed Miles Sanders as week to week with a lower body injury. That scared me a little bit."

Jason Moore [10:22]: "Do Staley. He like he's treading on some dangerous waters here."

Conclusion: The injury introduces uncertainty into Sanders' reliability as a fantasy asset, prompting the hosts to advise caution when considering him in drafts.

4. Running Backs Analysis [12:15 - 17:25]

A deep dive into the current landscape of running backs, focusing on prospects like Darrell Williams, DeAndre Washington, and the implications of training camp performances on the depth chart.

Key Points:

• Darrell Williams received first-team reps, indicating potential for more significant playing time.
• Discussion on the competition within backfields and the impact on fantasy value.
• Analysis of other running backs across various teams, assessing their fantasy potential based on training camp reports.

Notable Quotes:

Andy Holloway [15:25]: "Clyde Edwards Allaire got a day off, which revealed a little something about the backfield behind him."

Mike Wright [16:30]: "Darrell Williams just dying to go out there and give you eight for 13 again like he did in week four."

Conclusion: The segment emphasizes the importance of monitoring training camp developments to gauge the future performance of running backs, highlighting Darrell Williams as a promising option.

5. Wide Receivers Strategy [23:25 - 26:06]

Listener Cody from Los Angeles poses a question about determining the cutoff point for selecting a number one wide receiver, especially when favoring a running back-heavy draft approach.

Key Points:

• Evaluating wide receivers like Ty Hilton, A.J. Green, Cortland Sutton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
• Importance of reliability and target share in selecting a top wide receiver.
• Balancing runs on running backs with securing dependable wide receivers in drafts.

Notable Quotes:

Jason Moore [23:25]: "Robert woods is all reliable. You know, the offense is good. You know he's out there 100% of the snaps."

Andy Holloway [24:47]: "You've made the decision that you're going in on the running back position."

Conclusion: The hosts advise prioritizing wide receiver reliability to complement a strong running back roster, recommending players like Robert Woods and DJ Moore for their consistency and offensive roles.

6. Listener Mailbag Questions [28:30 - 46:54]

A series of listener-submitted questions covering various aspects of fantasy football strategy, including quarterback selections, dynasty league considerations, and player valuations.

a. Drafting Ryan Fitzpatrick [26:06 - 28:13]

A question about the viability of drafting Ryan Fitzpatrick as a starting quarterback.

Key Points:

• Fitzpatrick’s unpredictability and limited ceiling make him a risky fantasy pick.
• Recommendation to stream quarterbacks rather than invest a high draft pick in Fitzpatrick.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Wright [26:37]: "You could pick him up and stream him when you want to. You don't have to invest a draft pick on him."

Jason Moore [27:04]: "Yeah, there's no reason. Week one is the Pats. Week two is the Buffalo Bills."

Conclusion: The hosts discourage drafting Fitzpatrick early, suggesting instead to opt for more reliable quarterbacks and use the waiver wire for streaming options.

b. Philip Rivers’ Ceiling and Floor [28:30 - 32:10]

Discussion on Philip Rivers and his potential fantasy performance, particularly his ceiling and floor.

Key Points:

• Rivers is viewed as having a stable but limited ceiling, typically not exceeding QB11.
• Comparison to elite quarterbacks and analysis of his supporting cast's impact on his fantasy output.

Notable Quotes:

Andy Holloway [29:04]: "I think Rivers can easily crack the top 10."

Jason Moore [31:05]: "We did two episodes those first 20 guys. Then you could make a case for these players from 20 to 30."

Conclusion: While Rivers offers consistency, his fantasy ceiling is not high enough to warrant a top-tier draft position, making him a situational pick rather than a cornerstone of a fantasy team.

c. Eight-Team League Draft Strategy [33:00 - 34:43]

Advice on how draft strategies should adapt for an eight-team league, particularly regarding the prioritization of quarterbacks and tight ends.

Key Points:

• Early selection of premium quarterbacks and tight ends due to limited depth in eight-team formats.
• Emphasis on securing elite positions early to avoid being left with subpar options.
• Strategies to maximize value by balancing depth in running backs and wide receivers.

Notable Quotes:

Jason Moore [33:16]: "The difference between the tight ends are trash. They're going to go out there and poop the bed half of their games."

Andy Holloway [34:15]: "You have a great team. But there's only a few tight ends and you can argue."

Conclusion: In smaller leagues, it's crucial to secure top-tier quarterbacks and tight ends early to capitalize on their limited elite options while maintaining depth at other positions.

d. Robert Woods vs. DJ Moore [35:14 - 36:00]

Comparison between Robert Woods and DJ Moore as top wide receiver options for teams that prioritize running backs in the early rounds.

Key Points:

• Robert Woods offers consistency and reliability with less risk.
• DJ Moore presents higher upside and potential breakout performances.
• The decision hinges on team strategy: stability versus potential high reward.

Notable Quotes:

Jason Moore [35:58]: "He could break out and be a superstar. His athletic profile, his draft capital, a lot of things point to him having a true superstar ability."

Andy Holloway [35:14]: "For me it's DJ Moore for me."

Conclusion: Choosing between Woods and Moore depends on whether a team values predictable performance or is willing to gamble on a receiver with greater upside potential.

e. Same Team, Same Position Players [36:11 - 39:18]

Kevin from Indiana asks about reliable running back combinations akin to Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram from past fantasy successes.

Key Points:

• Identifying teams with established running back duos such as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
• Analysis of depth charts across the league to find other viable RB partnerships.
• Considerations for reliability and potential upside in selecting running back pairs.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Wright [36:30]: "Nick Chubb and Hunt are the one probable which is Chubb and Hunt."

Jason Moore [39:18]: "Chubb and Hunt. I think you could start them week in and week out."

Conclusion: Securing a reliable running back duo like Chubb and Hunt can provide consistent fantasy production, mirroring past success with players like Kamara and Ingram.

f. Sammy Watkins’ Fantasy Value [44:22 - 46:54]

Discussion regarding Sammy Watkins and why he may not be a popular draft pick despite being in a strong offense.

Key Points:

• Watkins’ inconsistent weekly fantasy performances despite being in an elite offense.
• Concerns over Watkins' reliability and role within the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynamic offense.
• The challenge of relying on a player with high variance week-to-week.

Notable Quotes:

Jason Moore [44:40]: "You can't do on the outside block in line like you, you're out there to run a route."

Mike Wright [46:04]: "Mike Garofalo is the one that reported it first lower body injury."

Conclusion: Watkins’ inconsistent scoring makes him a risky fantasy option, leading the hosts to advise against drafting him despite the high-powered offense he plays in.

7. Dynasty League and Super Flex Strategies [46:54 - 48:24]

Advice for drafting in dynasty and Super Flex leagues, emphasizing the importance of quarterback selection and long-term stability.

Key Points:

• Prioritizing quarterbacks early in dynasty leagues due to their longevity and impact.
• Importance of securing elite positions to ensure team competitiveness over multiple seasons.
• Strategies for balancing immediate needs with future potential picks.

Notable Quotes:

Andy Holloway [47:10]: "In a normal Super Flex or 2QB, a lot of times I try to get 2 middle tier guys."

Jason Moore [48:32]: "You should look at your tiers late and get a third starting quarterback."

Conclusion: In dynasty and Super Flex formats, securing quarterbacks early is crucial for maintaining team performance across multiple seasons, with an emphasis on balancing current and future needs.

8. Final Thoughts and Closing [50:03 - 51:11]

As the episode wraps up, the hosts remind listeners about upcoming giveaways and promote their Ultimate Draft Kit. They also briefly touch on the challenges Vegas might face in setting accurate game lines due to unique season conditions like empty stadiums and enhanced safety protocols.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Wright [50:03]: "But yours is so good."

Jason Moore [51:04]: "I am so excited."

Conclusion: The hosts conclude with enthusiasm for future episodes and encourage listeners to engage with the Fantasy Footballers community for continued support and expertise.

Overall Summary:

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football players navigating the complexities of the upcoming season. From in-depth analyses of player performances and trade evaluations to strategic drafting advice tailored for various league formats, the hosts provide valuable insights grounded in their extensive knowledge and experience. Listener engagement through mailbag questions adds a personalized touch, addressing common concerns and offering actionable recommendations. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, this episode equips you with the tools and information needed to dominate your league.