Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Early Sleepers & Values + ADP Picks"

Release Date: June 20, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Vikings ADP Picks

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the Minnesota Vikings' player pool and their respective Average Draft Positions (ADP). The hosts discuss which Vikings players offer the best value for fantasy drafts, particularly in a half-point per reception league.

• Dalvin Cook (205 ADP): Jason Moore highlights Cook as a reliable second-round pick, emphasizing his consistency and potential to be a top-tier running back.
  "I'm feeling very comfortable about [Dalvin Cook] being drafted in the middle of the second round." [02:20]

• Adam Thielen vs. Stefan Diggs: Andy Holloway expresses his long-standing preference for Adam Thielen but acknowledges Stefan Diggs' rising value.
  "I am most likely going to end up with Stefan Diggs if the ADP holds." [04:05]

• Alexander Madison (1312 ADP): Mike Wright surprises many by selecting Alexander Madison as his top Vikings pick, citing his versatility and potential to surpass expectations.
  "Alexander Madison is a well-rounded running back with the opportunity to become the Latavius Murray of the Vikings." [05:57]

2. Contracts Impacting Fantasy Football

The conversation shifts to contract situations of key wide receivers and their implications for fantasy football.

• Michael Thomas: Andy Holloway downplays Thomas's contract concerns, emphasizing his youth and reliability.
  "Michael Thomas is irrelevant to me. He's young, he's going to get paid." [11:13]

• Julio Jones & A.J. Green: The hosts discuss the uncertainties surrounding Julio Jones and A.J. Green's contracts, particularly how these situations affect their long-term value in dynasty leagues.
  "A.J. Green is the most worrisome with his age and injury history." [11:41]

3. Josh McCown's Retirement

Jason Moore shares the news of veteran quarterback Josh McCown's retirement after 17 seasons, highlighting his resilience and longevity in the NFL.
"[Josh McCown] has one of the greatest chins in history, literally and figuratively." [12:32]
McCown transitions to a role as an ESPN analyst, marking the end of his playing career.

4. Player Hype: Dante Moncrief and Mo Ali Cox

The hosts turn their attention to emerging talents and hype surrounding specific players.

• Dante Moncrief: Mike Wright passionately advocates for Moncrief, detailing his physical attributes and potential impact within the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense.
  "Moncrief has a huge opportunity in Pittsburgh after the team traded away their best wide receiver." [42:50]

• Mo Ali Cox ("Gigantor"): The conversation humorously covers Mo Ali Cox's imposing presence on the field and his potential as a red-zone target, despite his unconventional appearance.
  "He's a red zone threat, but a distraction in the best way possible." [16:00]

5. Early Sleepers

The core of the episode revolves around identifying early sleeper picks—players drafted late or overlooked who could significantly outperform their ADP.

• Mike Wright: Albert Wilson (Miami Dolphins)
  "Albert Wilson excels in the short and intermediate game, making him a Julian Edelman-style asset for Miami's offense." [21:24]
  Wilson's integration into the Dolphins' new offensive scheme under head coach Brian Flores is seen as a key factor in his potential breakout.

• Andy Holloway: Deonta Foreman (Houston Texans)
  "Deonta Foreman is 100% healthy and has a clear opportunity to take over the running back role from Lamar Miller." [24:43]
  Foreman's recovery from a torn Achilles and his role in a revamped Texans offense make him a prime sleeper candidate.

• Jason Moore: Curtis Samuel (Carolina Panthers)
  "Curtis Samuel is a versatile receiver with touchdown potential, making him a valuable 11th-round pick." [30:55]
  Moore compares Samuel's late-round value to higher-drafted players like DJ Moore, emphasizing his dual-threat capabilities.

6. Early Value Picks

In addition to sleepers, the hosts discuss early value picks—players who offer significant production relative to their draft position.

• Andy Holloway: Cam Newton (Quarterback)
  "Cam Newton has been a top-four quarterback when healthy and is available in the ninth round, making him a tremendous value despite injury concerns." [35:24]
  Despite past injuries, Newton's consistent high-level performance when playing justifies his selection late in drafts.

• Jason Moore: Royce Freeman (Denver Broncos)
  "Royce Freeman is a flexible pass catcher and a reliable runner, offering guaranteed production as an eighth-round pick." [39:10]
  Freeman's adaptability in the Broncos' offense and potential for touchdown opportunities make him an attractive value pick.

• Mike Wright: Dante Moncrief (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  "Moncrief could be the number two wide receiver for Pittsburgh, offering upside at a late-round price." [42:50]
  Wright believes Moncrief's role in Pittsburgh's offense can provide significant fantasy returns if he secures a prominent position.

7. Additional News and Notes

• Antonio Brown Jersey Auction: The show highlights a signed Antonio Brown jersey available at PristineAuction.com, encouraging listeners to participate using the code "BALLERS."
  "If you're a Raiders fan, a signed Antonio Brown jersey is a must-have collector's item." [48:32]

• Sleeper Platform Update: Mike Wright introduces a new feature on the Sleeper app—tiered PPR rankings developed by Matthew Harmon, enhancing draft preparation tools.
  "Check out the Reception Perception Project at ultimatedraftkit.com for advanced drafting strategies." [07:52]

8. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on Mike Wright's return from his "vacation," teasing future live shows in Chicago and other cities. They encourage listeners to engage with their community and stay tuned for upcoming content.

Notable Quotes:

• "Dalvin Cook is a reliable second-round pick." – Jason Moore [02:20]
• "Alexander Madison is a well-rounded running back with opportunity." – Mike Wright [05:57]
• "Cam Newton is a top-four quarterback when healthy." – Andy Holloway [35:24]
• "Moncrief could be the number two wide receiver for Pittsburgh." – Mike Wright [42:50]

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers provides valuable insights into early sleeper and value picks, particularly focusing on Vikings' ADP options and the impact of player contracts on fantasy strategies. The hosts offer expert analysis, backed by statistics and personal opinions, making it an essential listen for fantasy enthusiasts aiming to optimize their drafts and roster decisions.