Fantasy Footballers Podcast – Early Top 20 QB Rankings + Draft Hype!
Episode Release Date: April 16, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction and Context
In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers trio dives deep into their Early Top 20 Quarterback (QB) Rankings and explores the draft hype surrounding the upcoming NFL season. Released during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hosts navigate through the uncertainties of quarantine life while providing valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts gearing up for their drafts.
Current News and Updates [00:53 - 10:34]
Before delving into the rankings, the hosts share casual conversations about life in quarantine, online grocery shopping mishaps, and upcoming shows like Jason's "Jason Eats." They briefly discuss the Ultimate Draft Kit, highlighting its upgrades and the advantage of accessing dynasty and rookie rankings early.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [01:36]: “I am freaking out excited for next week. This coming week is going to be incredible.”
Transition to QB Rankings Discussion [10:34 - 19:00]
Andy Holloway steers the conversation towards the main topic—Quarterback Rankings—emphasizing the complexity and importance of selecting the right QB in fantasy drafts. The hosts acknowledge the challenges in predicting QB performance due to various variables inherent to the position.
Key Points:
- Importance of QB position in fantasy drafts.
- Decision-making trade-offs between selecting a QB early vs. other key positions like running backs or wide receivers.
Early Top 20 QB Rankings [19:00 - 46:05]
1. Patrick Mahomes vs. Lamar Jackson
The debate kicks off with the top two QBs:
- Jason Moore and Mike Wright rank Patrick Mahomes as #1.
- Andy Holloway prefers Lamar Jackson as #1 due to his explosive performances and dual-threat capabilities.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore [22:43]: “Mahomes is my number one, Mike's number one. But Mahomes had a down year... I'm going back to Pat Mahomes because Lamar Jackson's touchdown rate was just too unsustainable.”
- Andy Holloway [21:21]: “Mahomes is part of a great offense with explosive weapons.”
3. Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson
- Kyler Murray is discussed for his rushing prowess and potential impact in fantasy.
- Deshaun Watson is praised for his dual-threat ability, making him a valuable pick despite concerns about his offensive system.
Notable Quotes:
- Mike Wright [35:44]: “Dak is a really, really good quarterback... I think he's very, very safe... almost hit 5,000 yards.”
- Jason Moore [26:05]: “Pat Mahomes could be an unbelievably good fantasy asset when he's 38 years old. Lamar Jackson isn't going to be running like an RB one at 38.”
4. Josh Allen
- Ranked #5, Josh Allen gains traction due to his rushing ability and improved passing game. The addition of top-tier receivers like Stefon Diggs enhances his fantasy value.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore [36:27]: “Josh Allen continues to dominate on the ground. That's why I've got him at number four.”
5. Drew Brees
- Despite age, Drew Brees remains a solid fantasy option due to his accuracy and the strengthened New Orleans offense with new additions like Emmanuel Sanders.
Notable Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [40:46]: “Drew Brees at 8 feels comfy. I think he certainly could finish a lot higher than eight.”
6. Aaron Rodgers
- Aaron Rodgers is ranked #9, with concerns about his consistency and recent performances, making him a lower priority despite his historical excellence.
Notable Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [43:57]: “Having him at nine, I just don't know if I'm going to take Aaron Rodgers in any league.”
7. Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz
- Matt Ryan (#10) is valued for his solid performance and weaponry, while Carson Wentz (#11) faces scrutiny due to his previous season's performance and team dynamics.
Notable Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [34:18]: “He just had a solid fantasy year... I think he belongs in that top five for me after the QB2 finish.”
Draft Strategy and Value Considerations [46:06 - 52:36]
The hosts discuss strategic considerations when drafting QBs, emphasizing:
- Trade-offs between selecting a QB early versus securing high-value running backs or wide receivers.
- Value-based drafting, determining at which round top QBs like Mahomes and Jackson offer the best return on investment.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [20:22]: “The quarterback position is tough at the top... you are making a decision to go quarterback over another important position.”
Injury Concerns and Consistency [52:36 - 60:53]
Discussion shifts to QBs with injury histories or consistency issues, such as:
- Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, Matthew Stafford, Tom Brady
- Impact of team changes and offensive schemes on QB performance (e.g., Russell Wilson's offense under Pete Carroll).
Notable Quotes:
- Mike Wright [50:32]: “He will end up being a player that I'm willing to be wrong about.”
- Jason Moore [52:36]: “It's brutal.”
Conclusions and Final Rankings
The hosts summarize their rankings, considering each QB’s fantasy potential, consistency, and team dynamics. They reiterate the importance of balancing QB selections with other key positions to build a competitive fantasy team.
Final Top 20 QB Rankings Highlights:
- Patrick Mahomes
- Lamar Jackson
- Kyler Murray
- Deshaun Watson
- Josh Allen
- Drew Brees
- Aaron Rodgers
- Matt Ryan
- Carson Wentz
- Matthew Stafford
- Tom Brady
- Daniel Jones
- Jared Goff
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Philip Rivers
Key Insights and Takeaways
- Dual-Threat QBs like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are highly valuable due to their ability to accumulate points both through passing and rushing.
- Consistency and offensive support are critical factors in determining a QB’s fantasy value.
- Strategic Drafting involves balancing the risk of early QB selections against securing top-tier players at more replaceable positions like RB and WR.
- Injury History and team dynamics significantly influence QB rankings and draft strategies.
Notable Quotes
- Jason Moore [22:43]: “Mahomes is my number one, Mike's number one. But Mahomes had a down year... I'm going back to Pat Mahomes because Lamar Jackson's touchdown rate was just too unsustainable.”
- Andy Holloway [21:21]: “Mahomes is part of a great offense with explosive weapons.”
- Mike Wright [35:44]: “Dak is a really, really good quarterback... I think he's very, very safe... almost hit 5,000 yards.”
- Jason Moore [36:27]: “Josh Allen continues to dominate on the ground. That's why I've got him at number four.”
- Andy Holloway [20:22]: “The quarterback position is tough at the top... you are making a decision to go quarterback over another important position.”
This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the early QB rankings, emphasizing the strategic depth and critical considerations necessary for successful fantasy football drafting. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to the game, the insights shared by Andy, Jason, and Mike offer valuable guidance to help you build a championship-winning roster.