Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - RB Rankings Pt. 2 + Sleepers Release Date: August 9, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - The ONE Fantasy Football Podcast

Introduction

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers dive deep into their continued analysis of running back rankings for the 2017 season, offering expert insights, strong opinions, and valuable sleeper picks to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues. The trio also addresses listener questions, shares important NFL news, and discusses drafting strategies to maximize team performance.

Podcast News and Updates

[07:38] Mike Wright: The hosts kick off the episode by sharing key NFL updates relevant to fantasy football.

• Devonta Freeman's Contract Extension:
  Brooks: "Devonta Freeman signing a 5-year deal Friday night."
  Mike Wright: Congratulates Freeman, highlighting Atlanta's commitment to him as their main back for the future.
  Brooks: Predicts, "Tevin Coleman knows now in two years, he's gonna go, he's gonna get paid somewhere else."

• Andrew Luck’s Status:
  Mike Wright: "Andrew Luck news broke this morning that all indications point to him not starting the season on the PUP."
  Jason Moore: Suggests Luck is a better value this year due to uncertainty around his start.
  Brooks: Considers this positive for quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers who might see Luck's draft stock decline.

Running Back Rankings Part 2

The hosts continue their comprehensive ranking of running backs from number 11 onward, providing detailed analysis and differing viewpoints.

Number 11: Lamar Miller

• Jason Moore ([11:03]): "Now, if this is who am I going to draft, I think it's an easy answer. It's Jamal Williams to me..."
  (Note: This appears to be a misattribution in the transcript; context suggests Lamar Miller discussion.)

• Brooks ([11:15]): Expresses strong support for Miller, emphasizing his over 1,000 yards in 14 games.

• Mike Wright ([14:33]): Highlights concerns about Miller’s increased carries impacting his efficiency, comparing him to Todd Gurley and favoring Gurley for higher ceiling prospects.

Number 12: Isaiah Crowell

• Brooks ([16:48]): Compares Crowell to previous Browns running backs, stressing the importance of volume and team offensive strategies.
• Jason Moore ([17:07]): Acknowledges Crowell's potential but is cautious due to Cleveland's inconsistent quarterback play.
• Mike Wright ([21:03]): Critiques inefficient rushing attempts last season and questions if Cleveland's offense will sustain his usage.

Number 13: Marshawn Lynch

• Early Rankings:
  Brooks ([24:57]): "I love Lamar Miller." [Seems to be a misplacement; correctly attributed to Marshawn Lynch discussion]
  Jason Moore ([26:13]): Projects Lynch's potential with Oakland's strong offensive line, tempered by age and injury concerns.
• Concerns:
  Brooks ([27:42]): Points out Lynch’s degenerative back issues, voicing fears about his longevity and potential to miss games.

Number 14: Leonard Fournette

• Mike Wright ([28:14]): Praises Fournette’s talent and roles within Jacksonville's offense, despite offensive line concerns.
• Jason Moore ([29:09]): Believes Fournette is a generational talent but remains cautious about Jacksonville's offensive line stability and play-calling.
• Brooks ([29:25]): Questions Fournette's dual-role effectiveness given potential conflicts with other backs and offensive strategy shifts.

Number 15: Mike Gillislee

• Discussion ([34:20]):
  Mike Wright ([34:20]): Highlights Gillislee’s versatility and potential upside with the Patriots, despite concerns about usage and lingering hamstring issues.
  Brooks ([34:40]): Emphasizes Gillislee’s efficiency and Patriots’ trust in him as a key replacement for LeGarrette Blount.
  Jason Moore ([35:39]): Notes Gillislee’s enhanced role in Patriots’ offense but remains wary of fluctuating game scripts.

Numbers 16-24: Additional Running Backs

• Danny Woodhead & Christian McCaffrey:
  Brooks ([41:02]): Recommends Woodhead as a valuable late-round PPR pick, while McCaffrey is lauded for his exceptional pass-catching abilities and fit within his team’s scheme.

• Carlos Hyde & Frank Gore:
  Brooks ([41:56]): Endorses Hyde for his elusiveness and recurring RB1 status, despite health concerns.
  Jason Moore ([43:25]): Praises Gore’s consistent performance and veteran presence, making him a reliable mid-round pick.

• Dalvin Cook, Mark Ingram, Joe Mixon:
  Brooks ([51:12]): Discusses Ingram’s role in the Saints’ offense and Mixon’s potential in Cincinnati, emphasizing their high draft value in later rounds.

Sleeper Recommendations

The hosts identify potential breakout running backs who could outperform their draft positions:

• Jamal Williams: Recognized as a sleeper with significant upside.
• Theo Riddick: Praised by Brooks for his performance in past seasons.
• Robert Turbin & Donnell Pumphrey: Suggested by Jason as valuable late-round or undrafted options.
• Jamal Charles: Mentioned by Mike Wright as a potential surprise performer if he proves healthy and active.

Notable Quote: Brooks ([53:19]): "I'll throw out. He shouldn't be a sleeper because if you play fantasy football, you should know who this running back is. But it's Theo Riddick always gets drafted far too late."

Listener Mailbag and Q&A

The hosts address listener questions, providing clarity on fantasy football terminologies and strategies.

• QB1/RB1 Designations:
  Jason Moore ([54:41]): Explains that QB1 or RB1 refers to players finishing within the top 12 in a 12-team league.
  Brooks ([55:10]): Adds, "QE2 is A. Is a big boat."

• Impact of Passing Touchdowns on Draft Strategy:
  Brooks ([55:49]): States, "It changes almost nothing. It might shift guys around a little bit as far as overall rankings... But it does not change at all. My belief in taking a quarterback late because they are replaceable in fantasy football."

• Overlooked and Overemphasized Statistics:
  Brooks ([57:07]): Suggests that reading team and coordinator tendencies is more crucial than raw statistics.
  Jason Moore ([57:12]): Critiques the overemphasis on touchdowns and highlights the importance of consistency metrics.

Notable Quote: Jason Moore ([58:14]): "I think the more overutilized one is touchdowns... And the most underutilized would be consistency metrics."

Drafting Strategies and Tips

• Positioning and Value Picks:
  The hosts emphasize the importance of targeting high-value players in the mid to late rounds, focusing on those with high upside and consistent performance.

• Consistency Over Explosiveness:
  Emphasizing players who consistently contribute week-to-week rather than those with sporadic high scores.

• Adaptability to League Settings:
  Adjusting strategies based on league formats, such as PPR (Points Per Reception) versus standard scoring systems.

Notable Quote: Jason Moore ([39:23]): "I think in standard leagues, you need to the 308 [ADP] and in PPR. Sure. But in a standard league that, that's... Too high for me, I agree."

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers offer a thorough and nuanced analysis of the running back landscape for the 2017 fantasy season. By dissecting player performances, team dynamics, and strategic drafting considerations, they equip listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and secure victory in their leagues.

Closing Remarks: Mike Wright ([61:31]): Encourages listeners to utilize their Ultimate Draft Kit and engage with the community for additional support and resources.
Brooks ([61:32]): Teases the next episode focusing on wide receivers.

Join the Fantasy Footballers Community:
For more insights, rankings, and interactive discussions, visit jointhefoot.com and follow the hosts on Twitter @TheFFBaller.

Disclaimer: The opinions and analyses shared in this summary are based on the podcast transcript from August 9, 2017, and reflect the hosts' views at that time.