Detailed Summary of "Fantasy Football 2017 - Breakouts + Keep/Trade/Cut" Episode from Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Release Date: August 24, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts introducing themselves and sharing humorous anecdotes about their trip to Anaheim, California. The camaraderie among Andy, Jason, and Mike sets a friendly and engaging tone for the discussion ahead.

Jason Moore [01:27]: "Everyone's like, where's the ballers? Recording everyone this episode first. It's a breakout episode. I'm very excited about it."

2. Keep/Trade/Cut Analysis

The trio delves into their favorite segment, Keep/Trade/Cut, where they evaluate specific players to retain, trade, or drop from their fantasy rosters.

First Round: Pierre Garcon, Terence West, Jeremy Maclin

• Andy Holloway [05:39]: "I'm trading Terrence West. I'm going to keep Jeremy Maclin because I believe he has the highest upside. He's still in his prime. And I'll cut poor Pierre Garcon."

• Jason Moore [05:44]: "I'll go with the running back. I'll keep West, trade Maclin to Mike for value, and cut Garcon with respect."

• Mike Wright [06:34]: "I'm keeping Maclin. He has the potential to be a low-end one if things fall into place, despite some doubts regarding his move to Baltimore and injury history."

Second Round: Jeremy Hill, John Brown, Marvin Jones

• Jason Moore [07:01]: "I'm keeping Marvin Jones. I think Jeremy Hill is going to let you down, so I'll trade him and cut John Brown."

• Andy Holloway [08:00]: "I'm keeping Marvin Jones. With the negative news surrounding John Brown, trading Hill for value seems prudent."

• Mike Wright [08:51]: "I'm keeping Jeremy Hill. His potential remains high, especially if Joe Mixon emerges in Cincinnati."

This segment showcases the hosts' strategic thinking, balancing player potential against current performance and injury concerns.

3. Fantasy Football News and Updates

The hosts discuss the latest NFL news impacting fantasy football decisions:

• Le'Veon Bell's Holdout:
  Jason Moore [09:43]: "Le'Veon Bell is still my number two pick."

  The anticipation of Bell reporting from his holdout is highlighted as a significant positive for fantasy managers.

• Odell Beckham Jr.'s Ankle Sprain:
  A listener's question sparks a debate on whether Beckham retains his draft value despite a minor injury.

  Mike Wright [10:14]: "If Odell drops to nine in their draft, should you still take him ahead of Jordy Nelson and A.J. Green? I don't think so."

• Injury Updates:

  • Brandon Marshall's shoulder injury and Danny Woodhead's hamstring issues are discussed, with Andy noting Woodhead's age and its potential impact on recovery speed.

  Andy Holloway [11:25]: "Danny Woodhead is still in his prime for PPR leagues, but monitoring his recovery is crucial."

• CJ Prosise's Groin Strain:
  Jason Moore [12:16]: "CJ Prosise is out of our sleeper candidate list due to ongoing injury concerns."

• Deshaun Kizer's Starting Role:
  The focus shifts to Tampa Bay naming Deshaun Kizer as the starting quarterback over Brock Osweiler, affecting Isaiah Crowell's fantasy value.

  Jason Moore [13:22]: "Deshaun Kizer's dual-threat ability makes him a top 20 quarterback in fantasy."

4. Breakout Candidate Predictions

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to identifying potential breakout players for the upcoming fantasy season. Each host presents their picks, complete with rationale and supporting statistics.

Jason Moore's Picks: Terrell Pryor and Jameson Crowder

• Terrell Pryor:
  Jason Moore [22:13]: "Terrell Pryor is my first breakout candidate for 2017. In a 5,000 passing yard offense, his red zone utilization and rapport with Kirk Cousins position him for significant fantasy output."

  Andy concurs, emphasizing Pryor's breakout potential with the Chiefs.

• Jameson Crowder:
  Jason Moore [35:32]: "Jameson Crowder is a prime candidate to leap into the top 20 range. With a powerful offense and increased snap counts, Crowder could surpass his previous season's 67 receptions for 847 yards and seven touchdowns."

Andy Holloway's Picks: Tyreek Hill and Marcus Mariota

• Tyreek Hill:
  Andy highlights Hill as a standout breakout, particularly due to his athleticism and increased role within the offense.

• Marcus Mariota:
  Andy Holloway [41:56]: "Marcus Mariota has the potential to finish this year as a top five quarterback. His involvement in both passing and rushing games makes him a valuable fantasy asset."

Mike Wright's Picks: Tariq Cohen and Amir Abdullah

• Tariq Cohen:
  Mike Wright [32:11]: "Tariq Cohen has passed all eye tests in preseason. With a solid offensive line and a versatile skill set, Cohen is projected to become a reliable three-down back in PPR leagues."

• Amir Abdullah:
  Mike Wright [38:12]: "Amir Abdullah is a perfect breakout candidate. As the lead back for the Lions, his involvement in both the running and passing game offers significant fantasy value, especially at his fifth-round price point."

5. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on breakout candidates and a light-hearted farewell as the hosts prepare for upcoming events and awards.

Jason Moore [47:26]: "That is it for today's episode on the road here in Anaheim. Wish us luck."

The hosts reinforce the importance of staying informed and strategic in fantasy football drafts, encouraging listeners to leverage the insights shared to gain a competitive edge.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Player Management: Effective evaluation of players' current performance and potential future upside is crucial in maintaining a strong fantasy roster.

• Injury Monitoring: Staying updated on player injuries and their recovery progress can significantly impact draft and weekly lineup decisions.

• Identifying Breakouts: Recognizing players poised for a breakout can provide a significant advantage in fantasy leagues, especially when drafted in later rounds.

• Flexibility in Drafting: Balancing high-potential players with reliable veterans ensures a well-rounded and resilient fantasy team.

By dissecting player performances, injury reports, and potential breakout stars, the Fantasy Footballers provide valuable guidance for fantasy managers aiming to "win their league—in style."