Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Early Top 10 WR Rankings, Dave Gettleman Speaks
Release Date: April 9, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
The Fantasy Footballers kick off the episode by diving straight into their Early Top 10 Wide Receiver (WR) Rankings for the upcoming fantasy football season. They discuss the methodologies behind their rankings, emphasizing the importance of evaluating offseason coach statements against team actions and player performances.
Methodology for Ranking WRs
Timestamp: [03:50]
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Jason Moore underscores the significance of aligning coach speak with actual team acquisitions and transactions. For example, if a team vocalizes support for a player but signs additional talent that dilutes that player's role, it signals potential regression.
"My number one method for cutting through coach speak is to compare it to what the team's actions are and see if they line up." — Jason Moore [03:39]
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Andy Holloway prefers coach statements that support his narratives about favored players, ensuring consistency in his rankings.
"I prefer that coach speak fits my narrative and what I want them to say about players that I like." — Andy Holloway [03:39]
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Mike Wright highlights the importance of monitoring disciplined target distribution and reliability, pointing out that negative comments about players from coaches often indicate genuine concerns.
"You’ve got to pay attention to anything that's not super positive." — Mike Wright [05:20]
Top 10 Wide Receiver Rankings
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DeAndre Hopkins
Timestamp: [07:36]-
Consensus: Number 1
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Stats (Previous Season): 115 receptions, 1,572 yards, 11 touchdowns, 163 targets.
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Analysis: Hopkins maintains a high target share (>30%) despite team dynamics and supporting cast uncertainties. His ability to secure first downs and minimal drop rates solidify his top spot.
"DeAndre Hopkins is a force who can stay healthy, is an elite wide receiver and he's going to pull in a plus 30% target share." — Andy Holloway [08:01]
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Davante Adams
Timestamp: [11:07]-
Consensus: Number 2
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Stats (Previous Season): 111 receptions, 1,386 yards, 13 touchdowns, 169 targets.
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Analysis: Adams' consistent high target volume and touchdown production make him a reliable top-tier WR. His rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers ensures sustained performance.
"Devonte Adams always helped your fantasy team last year and he can come through with monster games." — Jason Moore [13:00]
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Julio Jones
Timestamp: [15:14]-
Consensus: Number 3
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Stats (Previous Season): 113 receptions, 1,677 yards, 8 touchdowns, 170 targets.
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Analysis: Julio's consistent yardage and dominance as a field stretcher keep him near the top. Despite questions about his touchdown consistency, his overall performance remains elite.
"He's the only wide receiver in the NFL to have over 1,400 yards in each of the last five seasons." — Mike Wright [16:16]
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Michael Thomas
Timestamp: [18:50]-
Consensus: Number 4
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Stats (Previous Season): 125 receptions, 1,405 yards, 9 touchdowns, 147 targets.
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Analysis: Thomas leads the league in receptions with an impressive catch rate (85%) but faces concerns about target depth and consistency. His role in the Saints' offense provides a solid floor but limited upside compared to top-tier WRs.
"He just does not have the aura and feeling that he is going to give you monster games consistently." — Mike Wright [19:23]
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Odell Beckham Jr.
Timestamp: [24:28]-
Consensus: Number 5
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Stats (Previous Season): Not specified
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Analysis: Beckham brings elite speed and breakaway potential. However, his transition to a new team and quarterback (Baker Mayfield) introduces uncertainty regarding target volume and offensive chemistry.
"Odell Beckham Jr. is the best pure wide receiver." — Jason Moore [26:20]
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Tyreek Hill
Timestamp: [31:49]-
Consensus: Number 6
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Stats (Previous Season): 12 touchdowns, 1,479 yards, 87 receptions, 22 carries.
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Analysis: Hill's explosive playmaking ability makes him a top fantasy WR. Despite legal issues and potential team changes, his on-field performance remains exceptional, offering high ceilings in fantasy leagues.
"You need to focusing on players who can just have monster win it for you game so early in the draft." — Jason Moore [34:44]
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Juju Smith-Schuster
Timestamp: [37:59]-
Consensus: Number 7
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Stats (Previous Season): 166 targets, 1,297 yards, 15 touchdowns.
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Analysis: Juju's role in the Steelers' offense, especially with Patrick Mahomes as quarterback, positions him as a high-upside player. His target volume and potential for touchdowns make him a valuable asset.
"Juju will be a top three again, given his talent and target share." — Jason Moore [41:24]
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Antonio Brown
Timestamp: [42:21]-
Consensus: Number 8
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Stats (Previous Season): 15 touchdowns, 1,297 yards, 168 targets.
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Analysis: Despite team changes and age concerns, Brown's elite talent and touchdown potential keep him in the top 10. His value is contingent on quarterback play and offensive strategy in Oakland.
"I don’t think Antonio Brown can fall out of the top 12 as much as I'm crapping on Derek Carr right now." — Andy Holloway [45:13]
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Mike Evans
Timestamp: [46:07]-
Consensus: Number 9
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Stats (Previous Season): 86 receptions, 1,500+ yards, 8 touchdowns, 138 targets.
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Analysis: Evans is underrated due to his consistent production and high yardage per reception. Despite less PPR upside, his touchdown potential and role in the Buccaneers' offense under Bruce Arians make him a reliable WR1.
"Mike Evans won’t be going in the first round of your draft, so he won’t be your number one pick. But that's why he's going to be of values." — Jason Moore [48:53]
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Ty Hilton
Timestamp: [50:50]-
Consensus: Number 10
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Stats (Previous Season): 1,270 yards, 6 touchdowns, 120 targets, 76 receptions.
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Analysis: Hilton offers stability with high catch rates and yards after catch. However, his ceiling is limited by team offensive dynamics and competition for targets, positioning him just inside the top 10.
"Ty Hilton has only played in 14 games and has been really consistent in the ones he played." — Jason Moore [52:19]
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Mailbag / Listener Questions
Timestamp: [53:48]
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Keeper Decision: James Conner vs. George Kittle
- Question: Devin Collin from Saskatoon asks whether to keep James Conner or George Kittle for his fantasy team.
- Advice:
- Mike Wright recommends keeping James Conner, emphasizing draft value and positional needs.
- Andy Holloway concurs, suggesting that Conner offers better overall value.
- Jason Moore supports the decision to keep Conner, noting Kittle's higher draft cost relative to the value he provides.
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Targeting Sammy Watkins Amid Tyreek Hill Uncertainty
- Question: Ty from Georgia inquires about the viability of targeting Sammy Watkins considering ambiguity around Tyreek Hill's status.
- Advice:
- Mike Wright views Watkins as having limited growth potential and suggests he may not be a top-tier WR1.
- Jason Moore believes Watkins could elevate his performance if Tyreek Hill's situation resolves favorably.
- Andy Holloway is less concerned, maintaining confidence in Watkins' role within a dynamic offense.
Conclusion
The hosts reaffirm their Top 10 WR rankings, highlighting the depth and talent available at the position. They emphasize the importance of balancing consistency with high upside when drafting wide receivers and encourage fantasy managers to consider both statistical performance and team dynamics in their decisions.
Notable Quotes
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"DeAndre Hopkins is a force who can stay healthy, is an elite wide receiver and he's going to pull in a plus 30% target share." — Andy Holloway [08:01]
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"Devonte Adams always helped your fantasy team last year and he can come through with monster games." — Jason Moore [13:00]
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"Mike Evans won’t be going in the first round of your draft, so he won’t be your number one pick. But that's why he's going to be of value." — Jason Moore [48:53]
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"Tyreek Hill is the definition of a game breaker." — Jason Moore [32:16]
Final Rankings Recap
- DeAndre Hopkins
- Davante Adams
- Julio Jones
- Michael Thomas
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Tyreek Hill
- Juju Smith-Schuster
- Antonio Brown
- Mike Evans
- Ty Hilton
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