Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Preseason Week 2 Recap + Rising Stars

Release Date: August 21, 2017

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the highlights and lowlights of the NFL Preseason Week 2. They provide in-depth analysis of player performances, identify rising stars to watch, and share valuable insights to help fantasy managers prepare for the upcoming season.

Rising Stars of the Week

The episode kicks off with the "Raising Canes, Rising Stars of the Week" segment, where each host highlights players who showed potential during Preseason Week 2.

1. Cooper Kupp – Los Angeles Rams

• Mike Wright praises Cooper Kupp's performance, stating, "Cooper Kupp looked great. He had solid route running, good hands. He's going to be a PPR value late in your draft." ([03:09]-[04:15])
• Andy Holloway adds, "I think he's got to be a three or four reception guy a game." ([04:05]-[04:15])

2. D'Angelo Henderson – Denver Broncos

• Jason Moore expresses admiration for Henderson's preseason showing, remarking, "He was hopping and scooching, making guys miss. He looked like Deion Lewis." ([04:53]-[06:21])

3. Rex Burkhead – New England Patriots

• Mike Wright underscores Burkhead's efficiency in the Patriots' offense, noting, "Rex Burkhead is a solid player and can be very efficient." ([06:21]-[09:05])

News and Notes from Around the League

The hosts share critical updates affecting various teams and players:

Anquan Boldin's Retirement

• Andy Holloway reports, "Anquan Boldin has decided to retire after less than two weeks with the Bills." ([09:10]-[09:16])
• Mike Wright concurs, adding, "Good for you, Boldin." ([09:16]-[09:35])

Quarterback Situations

• Andy Holloway discusses the uncertainty surrounding the Bills' quarterback situation, mentioning the potential absence of Joe Flacco and the signing of Tom Savage as an emergency Week 1 play. "There's a chance... I have to sign Tom Savage this morning as an emergency Week one play." ([09:42]-[11:23])

• Jason Moore and Mike Wright delve into the Washington Redskins' quarterback dynamics, highlighting concerns about Tyrod Taylor's health and the return of Jordan Reed. "I don't believe that Tyrod Taylor has the starting position locked down for 16 games." ([10:19]-[11:23])

Weekly Rewind: Preseason Game Takeaways

The trio analyzes performances from various preseason matchups, extracting key takeaways relevant to fantasy football.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins

• Mike Wright points out the Ravens' reliance on Joe Flacco, stating, "Their quarterback situation is a problem." ([13:57]-[15:19])
• Andy Holloway adds frustration over Baltimore's offensive struggles without Flacco, emphasizing defensive play. "If he's not there week one, I wouldn't start a single Baltimore Raven." ([14:40]-[15:19])

Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings

• Andy Holloway commends Russell Wilson's performance while expressing cautious optimism about Dalvin Cook. "Dalvin Cook will catch 50 passes. He better." ([24:56]-[26:22])
• Jason Moore reinforces Cook's value in PPR leagues, asserting, "I think Dalvin cook will catch 50 passes." ([25:31]-[26:22])

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Jason Moore discusses LaShawn McCoy's potential decline due to the Eagles' quarterback uncertainties, mentioning, "If you're taking LaShawn McCoy ahead of Antonio Brown, that's a no." ([15:53]-[17:14])
• Andy Holloway concurs, highlighting the impact of quarterback instability on McCoy's fantasy value. "You're going to need injury to find him snaps." ([16:17]-[17:14])

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals

• Jason Moore and Andy Holloway debate the roles of Spencer Ware and Kareem Hunt, ultimately agreeing that Ware is the starter but Hunt has significant upside. "Spencer Ware is worth his draft price." ([34:00]-[38:55])
• Mike Wright adds, "Spencer Ware is worth his draft price because I don't think it's Ware's job for at least the majority of the season." ([37:57]-[38:55])

New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers

• Jason Moore laments Carson Wentz's poor performance, saying, "He is horrifically bad. He has no business being on an NFL field." ([42:34]-[43:48])
• Andy Holloway praises the 49ers' offense and Todd Gurley's resurgence, noting, "Todd Gurley had a pep and a step that he hasn't had in about 20 games." ([51:12]-[52:45])

Chicago Bears vs. Arizona Cardinals

• Andy Holloway expresses concern over Jordan Howard's pass-catching ability, stating, "If I had to predict somebody to bust out of the first couple rounds, Jordan Howard is there." ([54:05]-[55:38])
• Mike Wright defends Howard's potential, emphasizing his role in a strong offensive line. "Cohen's success speaks to Jordan Howard having success as well." ([55:38]-[56:39])

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons

• Jason Moore analyzes James Conner's performance, asserting, "I do like him from college and I like the role behind Le'Veon Bell." ([61:03]-[61:51])
• Mike Wright comments on the Steelers' depth, saying, "Martevis Martavis is doing work." ([61:58]-[62:57])

New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers

• Andy Holloway highlights Alvin Kamara's impressive performance, noting, "Alvin Kamara is absolutely dynamic." ([62:48]-[63:42])
• Jason Moore underscores Kamara's value in a pass-heavy offense, stating, "He'll be fantasy relevant this year and he's being drafted really late." ([63:42]-[64:09])

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts encourage listeners to utilize resources like the Ultimate Draft Kit to prepare for their fantasy drafts. They also promote upcoming live podcasts and events, ensuring fans stay engaged and informed.

Key Takeaways:

• Rising Stars like Cooper Kupp, D'Angelo Henderson, and Rex Burkhead offer valuable late-round options.
• Quarterback uncertainties in teams like the Bills and Redskins could impact fantasy strategies.
• Dalvin Cook emerges as a reliable PPR asset for the Vikings.
• Carolina's LaShawn McCoy faces challenges due to offensive instability.
• Spencer Ware and Kareem Hunt present interesting choices for the Chiefs' backfield.
• Alvin Kamara is a must-watch for his dual-threat capability in the Saints' offense.

By dissecting preseason performances and team dynamics, the Fantasy Footballers Podcast equips fantasy managers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and optimize their rosters for the 2017 season.

For more insights and updates, join the Fantasy Footballers community at joiTheFoot.com and follow them on Twitter @theffballers.