Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Early 2018 Values + Movie/Player Comparisons
Release Date: June 19, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
1. Movie and Player Comparisons
Timestamp: 04:21 - 11:00
In this segment, the hosts engage in a fun and insightful comparison between NFL players/teams and popular movies, adding a unique twist to their fantasy football discussions.
Andrew Luck as "Dumb and Dumber 2"
Andy Holloway [04:46]
Andy likens Andrew Luck to the movie "Dumb and Dumber 2," expressing disappointment in Luck's injury history and questioning his ability to live up to his early career promise.
"Andrew Luck was drafted to be one of those hall of fame, first ballot caliber guys, and he was great. You loved him. And you want to know what you wanted? You wanted more. I wanted a sequel to Dumb and Dumber."
Tom Brady and the Patriots as "The Departed"
Jason Moore [06:43]
Jason compares the New England Patriots and Tom Brady to "The Departed," portraying the team as a mob organization dealing with internal turmoil and high-stakes drama.
"His weapons have Departed... you're going to need a vintage Jack Nicholson performance from Tom Brady to pull things together again this year."
Raiders as "Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"
Mike Wright [08:10]
Mike draws a parallel between the struggling Las Vegas Raiders and the critically panned sequel "Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," highlighting disappointment in both franchises' performances.
"The Raiders once proud franchise now resembles a fourth Indiana Jones movie that didn’t live up to expectations."
Additional Comparisons:
The hosts briefly touch upon other movie analogies, such as correlating Kareem Hunt with superhero movies, emphasizing the highs and lows associated with big-name players and blockbuster films.
2. Early 2018 Fantasy Football Values
Timestamp: 11:07 - 38:00
The core of the episode focuses on identifying undervalued players in fantasy football drafts, offering listeners strategic insights to maximize their team’s potential.
a. Devontae Booker – Running Back, Denver Broncos
Jason Moore [11:07]
Jason introduces Devontae Booker as a misunderstood PPR (Point Per Reception) value. He highlights Booker's role as a third-down pass catcher, which often goes unnoticed due to his limited running plays.
"As a third down running back, he's been great, averaging 9.8 yards of target since the beginning of the 2016 season."
Andy Holloway [14:00]
Andy echoes the sentiment, suggesting that Booker could provide consistent PPR value in the early weeks, similar to players like Paul Perkins.
"Spending an 11th-round pick on Devontae Booker is a steal."
b. D.J. Moore – Rookie Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
Andy Holloway [17:14]
Andy presents D.J. Moore as a high-upside, late-round wide receiver pick. Despite rookie wide receivers often being unreliable, Moore’s college performance and NFL athleticism make him a standout value.
"D.J. Moore was very productive in college and possesses a 92nd percentile athletic profile."
Jason Moore [19:07]
Jason points out the skepticism surrounding rookie WRs but emphasizes Moore's potential to outperform his draft position.
"D.J. Moore is a value in drafts; he’s being overlooked despite his talent."
c. Emmanuel Sanders – Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
Mike Wright [21:03]
Mike highlights Emmanuel Sanders' improved situation with Case Keenum as the quarterback, leading to better offensive performance and increased targets, making him a prime PPR value.
"Emmanuel Sanders is going in the eighth round, which is ridiculous value for someone of his caliber."
Jason Moore [25:03]
Jason appreciates Sanders’ talent but notes concerns about his age and the influx of younger receivers like Cortland Sutton and Demaryius Thomas potentially limiting his opportunities.
"He can easily hit a thousand-yard season, but there are variables with the team's dynamic."
d. Trey Burton – Tight End, Chicago Bears
Jason Moore [26:28]
Jason advocates for Trey Burton as a late-round tight end with significant upside. Despite limited historical data, Burton’s athleticism and role in the Bears' offense present a high-reward opportunity.
"Trey Burton offers immense upside at a great value as a tight end in the eighth round."
Andy Holloway [30:00]
Andy concurs, positioning Burton as the last desirable tight end tier option, ideal for those targeting late-round TEs with potential high returns.
"He's the last guy in the tier of tight ends that I want, making him a perfect late-round pick."
e. Frank Gore – Running Back, Buffalo Bills
Andy Holloway [31:29]
Andy discusses Frank Gore as a potential value pick due to his consistent performance despite age-related decline. Though not flashy, Gore could provide steady production, especially if he secures a prominent role in Buffalo’s backfield.
"Frank Gore is a guy you can play in your flex and get some starts out of him this year."
Jason Moore [32:52]
Jason expresses cautious optimism, comparing Gore to seasoned players like Fred Jackson, but acknowledges Gore’s potential to contribute meaningfully if given ample carries.
"He doesn’t have a huge upside, but he’s a guy you can play in your flex and expect some starts."
f. Kenny Stills – Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
Mike Wright [34:19]
Mike identifies Kenny Stills as an undervalued WR option, citing his improved quarterback situation and role in the Dolphins' offense. Despite mixed past performances, Stills’ consistent target percentage makes him appealing in the 12th round.
"Kenny Stills is going in the 12th round and can outproduce his draft price with the Dolphins’ need to throw the ball more."
Jason Moore [35:10]
Jason supports the value proposition, emphasizing Stills’ touchdown potential and the Dolphins' offensive challenges that could lead to increased targets.
"Someone is going to emerge Miami as a fantasy weapon at the wide receiver position."
3. Mailbag Q&A
Timestamp: 38:00 - 47:00
Listeners submit questions, and the hosts provide expert advice on various fantasy football scenarios.
a. Waiver Wire Restrictions Impacting Draft Strategy
Listener: RJ from the Real World [40:01]
Question: "In my league, we have a limited number of waiver transactions (sixteen total). Does that change the way you draft? Do you stock up on quarterbacks to avoid using waiver spots weekly?"
Mike Wright [40:10]
Mike suggests that in leagues with strict waiver restrictions, drafting multiple quarterbacks can provide flexibility and reduce the need to use waiver moves frequently.
"I would draft two quarterbacks in that form of league as two that I could trade between."
Andy Holloway [40:45]
Andy agrees, recommending drafting quarterbacks later tier-wise due to the likelihood of other managers employing similar strategies.
"I might draft them even later, tier-wise, because I'm sure the rest of the league is also doing this."
b. Joe Mixon vs. Jerick McKinnon in PPR Leagues
Listener: Matthew from Saskatoon, Canada [42:28]
Question: "If you could see the future, who would finish higher in a PPR league: Joe Mixon or Jerick McKinnon?"
Responses:
Both Jason and Andy lean towards Jerick McKinnon due to his potential consistency and versatility in the offense.
Mike Wright: "I'll take McKinnon."
Andy Holloway: "Yeah, I will as well."
c. Keeper Dilemma: Adam Thielen vs. Ezekiel Elliott
Listener: Jeff from Jersey [43:28]
Question: "I'm hooked on Adam Thielen and can keep him for a seventh-round pick, but he’s a higher draft pick (10th overall) compared to Ezekiel Elliott for a first-round pick. Which should I choose?"
Jason Moore [43:26]
Jason advises taking Ezekiel Elliott, emphasizing the significant advantage elite running backs bring to a fantasy team.
"I think I take Zeke. It's just those running backs are such a massive advantage."
Andy Holloway [43:32]
Andy concurs, stating that Ezekiel Elliott offers better value despite being a first-round pick.
"Zeke is a great value here. Even though it's a first-round, you're back of the first and you know, Zeke is."
Discussion:
The hosts engage in a hypothetical scenario where keeping Thielen would require compensating with other picks, ultimately reinforcing the preference for Elliott's high-impact role.
Conclusion
The episode masterfully balances entertainment with strategic insights, offering listeners both engaging content through player/movie comparisons and practical advice on identifying undervalued players in their fantasy football drafts. The hosts' chemistry and expertise provide a comprehensive resource for both novice and seasoned fantasy managers aiming to optimize their teams for the upcoming season.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore [06:22]: "His weapons have Departed... you're going to need a vintage Jack Nicholson performance from Tom Brady."
- Andy Holloway [17:14]: "D.J. Moore is being drafted as the 48th wide receiver off the board and he's a steal in the 11th round."
- Mike Wright [34:42]: "Kenny Stills is completely free in drafts because 80% of your league is thinking you can find this type of wide receiver production wherever you want."
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