Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Early 2018 Busts, Backfields to Avoid, Hate Blockers"

Release Date: June 14, 2018

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

The June 14, 2018 episode of Fantasy Footballers delves deep into the realm of potential early draft busts, problematic backfields to steer clear of, and introduces the humorous concept of "Hate Blockers." The trio offers astute analysis, engaging banter, and actionable advice to help fantasy managers navigate the complexities of their drafts.

1. Defining a "Bust" in Fantasy Football

Andy Holloway opens the discussion by clarifying what constitutes a bust in fantasy football. Contrary to common misconceptions, a bust isn't necessarily a player who falls dramatically in performance but rather one who significantly underperforms relative to their draft position.

Andy Holloway [20:21]: "Because loaded. It's easy to interpret that to mean something as extreme as you believe that this player that was great is going to fall off the face of the earth and become irrelevant. And that is not what we're saying when we talk about bus either here on the early Bus show..."

2. Early 2018 Bust Candidates

The hosts identify several players they believe might not live up to their draft expectations:

• Deshaun Watson (QB)
  Mike Wright presents an intriguing case against drafting Deshaun Watson in the fourth round. While Watson showcases potential, Wright argues that if Watson finishes as the fourth-best quarterback, drafting him at his current position would result in a significant bust.

  Mike Wright [21:22]: "This is the first time that anything like this has ever happened in my memory. But my bust candidate is also ranked as my fourth highest quarterback... If he finishes as quarterback four and you take him where he is currently being Drafted, you have made a gigantic bust decision."
  Andy Holloway [25:08]: "Based on the progression of Andrew Luck, which despite the interpretation of the press conference was a step forward for him, he was throwing the ball in public to other players. Are you adjusting anything based on where we're at?"

• Corey Davis (WR)
  Jason Moore names Corey Davis as his primary bust candidate, positioning him at Wide Receiver 27. Despite Davis's talent, Moore emphasizes concerns over his target volume and offensive situation, which may limit his fantasy production.

  Jason Moore [26:22]: "The player I fear will not return value on his draft position is Jarvis Landry..."
  Andy Holloway [30:00]: "27Th wide receiver off the board with perceivably top 15, 16 upside to me. Would you disagree? That's the upside."

• Jarvis Landry (WR)
  Jason Moore also points to Jarvis Landry as a potential bust, critiquing the Miami Dolphins' offensive strategies and the limited target share Landry might receive under head coach Hugh Jackson.

  Jason Moore [45:35]: "Now, as an OC, he's had some really high level wide receivers, but he's not. He is the head coach. And here's what I'm talking about with the pie..."
  Andy Holloway [51:07]: "Yeah, yeah. No, I make sense. Jarvis Lander. You hear the quote he said this morning?"

• LaShawn McCoy (RB)
  Mike Wright and Jason Moore debate LaShawn McCoy's potential to become a bust. Wright cites concerns about McCoy's age and volume, given his heavy usage in past seasons.

  Mike Wright [35:01]: "I will draft LaShawn McCoy and I will get a couple games and I will trade him that. I don't think he's going to hold up this year behind that offensive line. That's my worry."
  Jason Moore [43:32]: "To call him a bust at the back of the second for a running back that should touched the ball easily over 300 times. He is their best receiving option."

3. Backfields to Avoid

The discussion shifts to identifying entire backfields that fantasy managers should avoid, primarily due to inefficient offensive strategies or questionable player performances.

• Miami Dolphins' Backfield
  Andy Holloway expresses skepticism about Miami's rushing offense, highlighting their last-place finish in rushing attempts per game last season. With a backfield comprising Frank Gore, Kenyon Drake, Calum Balaj, and the rookie Marlon McFall, Holloway questions the overall effectiveness and volume these players will receive.

  Andy Holloway [09:50]: "The backfield I'm avoiding, it actually ties into one of my busts. So put the pieces together if you want to, but it's Miami's backfield..."
  Mike Wright [10:10]: "Yes, he will have some games where the value is there. You can get some starts, some flex opportunities."

• Derek Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans)
  Andy Holloway and Mike Wright discuss Derek Henry's potential decline, citing his low yards per carry and struggles in third-down situations. Holloway points out that despite Henry's talent, the offensive line's inefficiency and evolving backfield dynamics could hamper his fantasy output.

  Andy Holloway [32:15]: "The Titans... could not run the ball last year. Okay. In the first half of games, spanning 500 carries for that offense, Henry averaged 3.1 a carry..."
  Mike Wright [34:30]: "I love the pick. I would absolutely qualify him as a bus candidate..."

• Buffalo Bills' Backfield
  The trio scrutinizes the Bills' offensive line issues, with Andy noting significant retirements and lack of replacements, leading to concerns over the line's performance and its impact on the backfield's effectiveness.

  Andy Holloway [38:54]: "They did not replace their left tackle... Left side of the line."
  Mike Wright [39:00]: "They are going to stack the box like they've never done before in Buffalo."

4. Introducing Hate Blockers

The hosts humorously introduce "Hate Blockers" — sunglasses worn by Jason Moore — purportedly to shield him from negative comments about his bust picks. This lighthearted segment adds a playful dynamic to the serious discussions.

Mike Wright [02:34]: "I got my hate blockers on because I know already that my two bust candidates, people are gonna be like, yard, I hate you."
Jason Moore [09:28]: "I do hate you."

5. News and Notes

Brief segments address the latest happenings in the NFL, including player signings and team strategies. For instance, the signing of Terrence West by the Saints and its implications on their backfield is analyzed.

Jason Moore [11:52]: "He'll get the first opportunity."
Andy Holloway [13:18]: "I think they're going to use Mark Ingram situation..."
Mike Wright [16:56]: "We want to thank Pristine Auction for sponsoring today's podcast."

6. Listener Questions (Mailbag)

The episode features listener-submitted questions, which the hosts address with their characteristic blend of expertise and humor.

• Dynasty Draft Strategies
  Alexa from Tampa inquires about integrating rookies into a dynasty startup draft or maintaining separate rookie drafts. Jason Moore recommends separating the drafts, especially for newcomers, to better value rookies without skewing the main draft.

  Jason Moore [54:13]: "I think for people who are new to Dynasty, it's more, it would be better for them to separate the drafts..."

• Third Round Reversal Drafts
  Cole from Florida asks about the effectiveness of third-round reversal drafts. The hosts generally view this format favorably, appreciating its attempt to balance drafting advantages.

  Jason Moore [55:38]: "I don't mind it."
  Mike Wright [55:47]: "Yeah, I'm fine with it..."

• Trading Ezekiel Elliott for Jordan Howard and Dalvin Cook
  Joshua from Oklahoma poses a trade scenario involving Ezekiel Elliott. Mike Wright leans towards acquiring Jordan Howard and Dalvin Cook, believing both can finish as RB1s, while Andy Holloway prefers keeping Elliott due to his consistent performance.

  Mike Wright [56:14]: "I think I would rather have Jordan Howard and Dalvin Cook."
  Andy Holloway [56:55]: "I probably would keep Zeke."

• Managing Kickers in Fantasy Leagues
  Doug from Massachusetts questions the value of keeping kickers in his lineup, citing arbitrary scoring impacts. The hosts debate the role of kickers, with Mike Wright advocating for eliminating kickers and using flex spots instead, while Andy Holloway prefers nerfing their influence rather than removing them entirely.

  Mike Wright [57:24]: "So to me, I say add another flex spot, get rid of the kicker and have leagues that are even more active..."
  Andy Holloway [58:25]: "My official opinion on kickers is I like them."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides fantasy managers with critical insights into potential draft busts and offers strategic guidance on navigating backfields that may underperform. Through engaging discussions and relatable humor, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions, all while maintaining the entertaining and high-quality standard that Fantasy Footballers is known for.

For more insights and detailed analysis, tune into future episodes or join the community at FantasyFootballers.com.