Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Early Top 10 QB Rankings, Splash Zone
Release Date: April 16, 2019

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode titled "Early Top 10 QB Rankings, Splash Zone," hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the early rankings of quarterbacks for the upcoming fantasy football season. They combine their expertise to provide insightful analysis, emphasizing the importance of quarterback performance in fantasy leagues.

2. News and Updates

Before diving into the quarterback rankings, the hosts discuss significant NFL news that could impact fantasy football decisions.

a. Russell Wilson's Contract Situation

• Discussion: The hosts talk about the uncertainty surrounding Russell Wilson's future with the Seattle Seahawks. They highlight reports suggesting Wilson may seek a departure from Seattle unless a new contract is swiftly negotiated.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [02:08]: "We're recording this show late April 15th for, you know, obviously now it's Tuesday, it's April 16th, but we don't know whether Russell Wilson has signed a contract with the Seahawks. Or not."

b. Adam Thielen's Contract Extension

• Discussion: The Minnesota Vikings have secured wide receiver Adam Thielen with a four-year, $64 million extension. This move significantly increases Thielen's salary from $8 million to $16 million per season, reflecting his value to the team.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [08:44]: "Adam Thielen, he got that bag. Adam Thielen four year, 64 million dollar contract extension."

c. Leonard Fournette's Legal Troubles

• Discussion: Leonard Fournette was arrested for speeding and driving with a suspended license. This incident raises concerns about his reliability and potential impact on his fantasy performance.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [12:02]: "Leonard Fournette was arrested in Jacksonville on Thursday for speeding and knowingly driving with a suspended license."

3. Quarterback Rankings

The core of the episode revolves around early rankings of the top 10 quarterbacks, assessing their fantasy potential based on past performance, team dynamics, and projected improvements or concerns.

a. Patrick Mahomes – Ranked #1

• Discussion: Patrick Mahomes retains the top spot due to his exceptional talent and previous performance. However, the hosts express skepticism about his ability to consistently replicate his breakout season.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [19:37]: "Pat Mahomes at number one, not surprising, finished number one, had 14 quarterback one weeks."

b. Andrew Luck – Ranked #2

• Discussion: Andrew Luck is ranked second despite his extended hiatus from football. His comeback has been impressive, with multiple games showcasing his high touchdown potential. The hosts believe Luck's history of performance secures his high ranking.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [23:28]: "Andrew Luck, 40, 39 touchdowns, 4593 yards... And he had an NFL record eight straight games with three or more touchdowns."

c. Aaron Rodgers – Ranked #3

• Discussion: Aaron Rodgers, despite a dip in performance the previous year, remains a top fantasy option. The discussion centers on his reduced red zone attempts and the potential for improvement with a healthier set of receivers.

• Quote:
  Mike Wright [26:49]: "Aaron Rodgers saw his touchdown percentage drop two full points from his career average from 6.2 down to 4.2."

d. DeSean Watson – Ranked #4

• Discussion: DeSean Watson is placed fourth due to his impressive statistics last season, including a high completion percentage and significant rushing yards. Concerns remain about his offensive line and potential regression.

• Quote:
  Mike Wright [30:09]: "He was sacked 62 times... I think Watson will be completely back to health, completely back to mental health."

e. Baker Mayfield – Ranked #5

• Discussion: Baker Mayfield garners the fifth spot with strong red zone efficiency and the backing of a solid offensive line. Despite some reservations from the hosts, his potential for high touchdowns keeps him highly ranked.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [33:42]: "Baker Mayfield had the second highest quarterback rating inside the 20 in the red zone last year."

f. Carson Wentz – Ranked #6

• Discussion: Carson Wentz is ranked sixth, reflecting his limited games last season and dependency on rushing performance. The hosts debate his durability and offensive support as key factors influencing his ranking.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [38:53]: "He just wasn't the same Carson Wentz you got when he was break, you know, MVP candidate."

g. Cam Newton – Ranked #7

• Discussion: Cam Newton occupies the seventh spot, with his fantasy potential contingent on health and offensive strategies. Despite a rocky return from injury, his rushing ability provides value.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [39:37]: "Cam Newton, when he is healthy, is always an elite fantasy football producer."

h. Matt Ryan – Ranked #13

• Discussion: Matt Ryan is somewhat controversially placed at thirteenth, reflecting concerns over his fluctuating performance and system changes. The hosts argue over his value, balancing past excellence against recent inconsistencies.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [36:06]: "Matt Ryan is not a guarantee. You've got to change at offensive coordinator."

i. Drew Brees – Ranked #10

• Discussion: Drew Brees is acknowledged for his consistent performance but noted for some underwhelming games. His high fantasy ceiling is balanced by occasional low production weeks.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [52:17]: "He threw for just a hair under my guy."

4. Strategic Insights

The hosts provide strategic advice on drafting quarterbacks, emphasizing value and the depth of the position.

• Streaming Quarterbacks: Given the depth in effective quarterbacks (41 QBs in top performances last season), the hosts suggest streaming the position and prioritizing value over early selection.

  Quote:
  Mike Wright [18:16]: "The point per game differential between Quarterback 8 and Quarterback 14 was less than a single point."

• Value Over Hierarchy: Focus should be on selecting quarterbacks who offer the best value relative to their draft position, rather than strictly adhering to traditional rankings.

  Quote:
  Jason Moore [11:22]: "They are very close to me, so. Yeah, so I would just take the better value."

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The hosts wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of smart quarterback selections and staying informed with the latest NFL developments to make advantageous fantasy decisions.

• Quote:
  Jason Moore [54:17]: "If you believe there's an 80%, then yes."

They also briefly mention upcoming promotions and community engagement, encouraging listeners to stay connected for future insights and giveaways.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jason Moore [02:08]: "We're recording this show late April 15th... we don't know whether Russell Wilson has signed a contract with the Seahawks."

• Jason Moore [19:37]: "Pat Mahomes at number one... had 14 quarterback one weeks."

• Mike Wright [26:49]: "Aaron Rodgers saw his touchdown percentage drop two full points from his career average..."

• Jason Moore [33:42]: "Baker Mayfield had the second highest quarterback rating inside the 20 in the red zone last year."

• Jason Moore [36:06]: "Matt Ryan is not a guarantee. You've got to change at offensive coordinator."

• Mike Wright [18:16]: "The point per game differential between Quarterback 8 and Quarterback 14 was less than a single point."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive early look at quarterback rankings for the fantasy football season, combining statistical analysis with expert opinions. The hosts encourage listeners to consider both value and position depth when drafting quarterbacks, ensuring strategic team building for fantasy success.