Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Fantasy Football 2017 - Big Trades, Rising Stars, Rookie Recap + Pre. Wk 1"

Release Date: August 14, 2017

Introduction

The episode kicks off with hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright diving into the excitement of the new football season. They outline the show's agenda, which includes discussions on rising stars, preseason recaps, rookie performances, big trades, injury updates, and listener mailbag questions.

Rising Stars of the Week

1. Zach Ertz ([04:55] Andy Holloway)

• Analysis: With Jordan Matthews departing the team, Zach Ertz stands to benefit from increased volume. Andy highlights that Ertz resembles a Travis Kelsey-type tight end—not reliant solely on red-zone production.
• Quote: "Zach Ertz is moving up my board. He's been on the must draft list at the back end of any best ball at the back end of any league that I haven't taken an early tight end." – Andy Holloway ([05:44])

2. Leonard Fournette ([06:18] Jason Moore)

• Analysis: Leonard Fournette emerges as a rising star despite a foot injury. Jason appreciates Fournette's robust preseason performance and his ability to secure first downs through consistent handoffs.
• Quote: "I think he's going to be able to run the ball three times in a row and then run it again the next play because they're still on the field." – Jason Moore ([07:05])

3. Kenny Golladay ([08:50] Mike Wright)

• Analysis: Kenny Golladay impressed with smooth routes and acrobatic catches during preseason. Despite being lower on the depth chart, his athleticism makes him a valuable late-round pick or deep sleeper.
• Quote: "There's nobody really there. So there's an opportunity there." – Andy Holloway ([10:55])

Big Trades and News

Sammy Watkins Trade ([11:31] Andy Holloway)

• Details: Sammy Watkins was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in a three-team deal involving the Buffalo Bills and another team. This move was surprising given Watkins' recent performance.
• Fantasy Implications:
  • Downsides: Watkins' move to Jared Goff's offense is seen as a downgrade. Goff lacks the rapport Watkins had with Tyrod Taylor, potentially diminishing Watkins' fantasy value.
  • Quotes:
    • "Sammy Watkins in a contract year traded to probably the worst destination you could have imagined." – Andy Holloway ([13:20])
    • "He is no longer in a position where he's pretty much alone." – Jason Moore ([14:18])

Buffalo Bills' Acquisition of Jordan Matthews ([15:19] Jason Moore)

• Details: The Bills traded away Darby (a top performer) and a third-round pick to acquire Jordan Matthews from the Eagles. Matthews suffered a chip fracture, raising concerns about his immediate impact.
• Fantasy Implications:
  • The trade signals a potential downturn for the Bills' offense, impacting running backs like Anquan Boldin and Zay Jones.
  • Quotes:
    • "Now he'll be out with, you know, it's a bone chip so you're talking four to six weeks for it to heal up." – Jason Moore ([16:24])
    • "I think that offense would be in a ton of trouble if McCoy gets hurt." – Andy Holloway ([19:24])

Ezekiel Elliott Suspension ([19:32] Andy Holloway)

Overview:

• Ezekiel Elliott faces a six-game suspension due to off-field incidents, including a bar brawl and other undisclosed issues. Elliott plans to appeal the suspension.

Fantasy Implications:

• Draft Strategy: Elliott's ADP (Average Draft Position) is expected to drop significantly, potentially landing him between the second and fifth rounds. However, the uncertainty surrounding his appeal and possible additional penalties complicates drafting him early.
• Quotes:
  • "Zeke has been warned that if he violates the player policy again... he could just be full-on banned from the NFL." – Mike Wright ([21:08])
  • "He could do that, right? Or you can go the other way." – Andy Holloway ([22:46])

Hosts' Perspectives:

• Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and the negative impact of Elliott's actions on his brand and the NFL.
• Jason Moore discusses the balance between Elliott's potential high performance and the risks associated with his suspension.
• Mike Wright outlines the drafting considerations, recommending avoiding first-round picks for Elliott but acknowledging his potential as an RB1 if he returns.

Injury Updates ([23:01] Andy Holloway)

Key Injuries Discussed:

• Devonta Freeman: Concussion protocol for the Steelers game.
• J. Ajayi: Yet to receive medical clearance for a concussion.
• Leonard Fournette: Foot injury, currently sitting out practice.
• Carlos Henderson & Jonathan Williams: Battling injuries, impacting the Steelers' backfield depth.
• Paul Pierce (Seattle): AC joint sprain, affecting Paul Richardson’s availability.
• Other Notables:
  • Roberto Aguirre: Kicker cut by Buccaneers, claimed by the Bears.
  • Andrew Luck: Partially torn labrum, uncertain availability for Week 1.

Fantasy Implications:

• Injuries to key players necessitate monitoring their recovery timelines and potential impacts on team depth and performance.
• Quotes:
  • "He's still down on the depth chart, but he has... a spot for him on this roster." – Mike Wright ([10:05])
  • "He'll be out for this week and we'll see what happens from there." – Andy Holloway ([27:12])

Rookie Recap and Preseason Performances ([33:28] Andy Holloway)

Running Backs:

• Dalvin Cook (Vikings):

  • Performance: Shared carries and targets, showing potential as a pass-catching back.
  • Quote: "Dalvin Cook is very capable. I mean, he's talented as a pass-catching back." – Jason Moore ([34:14])

• Alvin Kamara (Saints):

  • Performance: Strong debut with 35 rushing yards and a touchdown across four attempts.
  • Quote: "Alvin Kamara is going to have a role on this roster." – Andy Holloway ([37:57])

• D'Angelo Henderson (Broncos):

  • Performance: Impressive speed with 54 rushing yards and a touchdown.
  • Quote: "If D'Angelo Henderson finds a crease with that rotation, he may be able to do something." – Andy Holloway ([38:25])

Wide Receivers:

• Kenny Golladay (Eagles):

  • Discussed earlier as a rising star with potential late-round value.

• Matt Collins & Dede Westbrook (Eagles):

  • Performance:
    • Collins impressed with his role, potentially stepping up as a key receiver.
    • Westbrook showcased big play ability with a 42-yard touchdown.
  • Quote: "Matt Collins could be a starting wide receiver for what could be a good offense." – Jason Moore ([47:07])

Quarterbacks:

• Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs):

  • Performance: Showed impressive arm strength and creativity, although some questionable plays.
  • Quote: "Mahomes is now officially bumped up to number two on the depth." – Mike Wright ([41:57])

• Case Keenum (Cleveland):

  • Performance: Solid debut with 184 passing yards and a touchdown, but needs to improve decision-making.
  • Quote: "He made NFL throws, tight windows, you know, deep ball accuracy. I really liked it." – Jason Moore ([42:39])

• Mitchell Trubisky (Bears):

  • Performance: Outperformed expectations with strong mechanics and decision-making.
  • Quote: "He certainly looked a whole lot better than Mike Glennon." – Jason Moore ([43:31])

Other Rookies and Players:

• Devonta Booker: Injured during preseason.
• Thomas Rawls & Eddie Lacy (Jets):
  • Performance: Rawls showed potential but remains uncertain due to Lacy's presence.
  • Quote: "It's trouble." – Andy Holloway ([49:22])

Draft Advice and Tools ([25:03] Jason Moore)

DraftDayApp:

• Functionality: Allows users to track drafted players, check off lists, and customize rankings.
• Recommendation: Highly endorsed by hosts for its ease of use and integration with The Fantasy Footballers’ rankings.
• Quote: "It's a great app. Check it out. It's DraftDayApp.com I think you'll love it." – Jason Moore ([25:33])

SeatGeek Sponsorship ([26:05] Mike Wright):

• Details: Promoted as the smartest way to buy tickets for fans, offering a $20 discount with promo code "footballers."

Note: Advertisements and sponsorship segments have been summarized but are not the focus of the content overview.

Ezekiel Elliott Draft Strategy Recap

Given Elliott's suspension and potential appeal outcomes, the hosts discuss optimal drafting strategies:

• Avoid First Round: Due to the uncertainty of his availability.
• Target Later Rounds (4th-5th): Balancing his high RB1 potential against the risk of missing six games.
• Bench Considerations: Drafting Elliott may consume valuable bench spots needed for flexibility.

Quotes:

• "If I'm in a draft, I think I would draft him in the fourth round." – Mike Wright ([54:30])
• "For me, the seventh has been a really easy pick. McCoy is there." – Jason Moore ([61:24])

Listener Mailbag

1. Draft Format Questions ([56:13] Jason Moore)

• Question: Should a 12-team PPR league with three keepers use a snake or linear draft?
• Advice:
  • Linear Draft: Recommended for balancing team strengths over multiple seasons.
  • Quotes:
    • "I think that helps balance, you know, year after year." – Jason Moore ([56:30])
    • "It's a snake draft." – Mike Wright ([56:31])

2. Drafting Zeke Elliott ([55:45] Jason Moore)

• Question: Where to draft Ezekiel Elliott considering his suspension.
• Advice:
  • Avoid First Round: Due to the six-game suspension.
  • Target Late Rounds (4th-5th): Depending on bench size and league settings.
  • Quotes:
    • "You cannot draft Ezekiel Elliott in the first Round." – Mike Wright ([52:24])
    • "He's still an RB1 because that's how far up his production is." – Mike Wright ([54:30])

3. Keeper League Management ([57:08] Andy Holloway)

• Question: How many leagues do the hosts manage and strategies to keep up.
• Advice:
  • Prioritize Core Leagues: Focus on a few leagues to maintain competitive edge.
  • Collaborative Ownership: Participating together in some leagues to streamline management.
  • Quotes:
    • "You prioritize." – Jason Moore ([57:19])
    • "I'm in three that I really, really care about and pay attention to." – Andy Holloway ([57:37])

4. Trading Picks for Top Players ([58:28] Andy Holloway)

• Question: Willingness to trade higher picks for first overall pick.
• Advice:
  • Aggressive Trading: Endorsed trading mid to late-round picks for top-tier players.
  • Quotes:
    • "I'd do that in a heartbeat." – Andy Holloway ([58:30])
    • "He gave up a third round pick and a number eight overall." – Mike Wright ([58:45])

5. Drafting in Challenging Spots ([60:58] Jason Moore)

• Question: With the seventh pick in a standard league, whom to draft among McCoy, A.J. Evans, Jordy, or others.
• Advice:
  • Running Back Priority: Favor McCoy if available; otherwise, consider wide receivers like A.J. Green or young RBs like Jordy.
  • Quotes:
    • "If McCoy's on the board, take him." – Jason Moore ([61:24])
    • "I would take either Freeman or Jordy." – Mike Wright ([61:46])

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of staying updated with preseason developments and adjusting draft strategies accordingly. They promote their upcoming quarterback ranking show and encourage listeners to engage with their content across various platforms.

Closing Remarks:

• Quote: "Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers." – Andy Holloway ([62:21])

Key Takeaways

• Rising Stars: Zach Ertz, Leonard Fournette, and Kenny Golladay are highlighted as players to watch for fantasy seasons.
• Big Trades: Sammy Watkins' trade to the Rams presents both opportunities and risks for fantasy managers.
• Ezekiel Elliott's Suspension: Significant impact on his draft strategy; recommended to draft him in mid to late rounds if at all.
• Injury Updates: Critical for adjusting roster expectations and waiver wire priorities.
• Rookie Performances: Important to monitor early signs of potential breakout players.
• Draft Tools: Utilize apps like DraftDayApp for streamlined drafting processes.
• Listener Engagement: Practical advice tailored to specific league formats and drafting scenarios.

For more insights and up-to-date fantasy football advice, visit fantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @theffballers.