Fantasy Football 2017 - The “My Guys” Episode + Early Targets
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: August 22, 2017
Introduction
In the August 22, 2017 episode of Fantasy Footballers, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into their personal selections—referred to as "My Guys"—for the upcoming fantasy football season. This episode is designed to help listeners identify undervalued players who could provide significant returns, thereby enhancing their chances of winning their leagues.
Targeting Team Defenses
Before delving into their personal picks, the hosts discuss strategies for selecting team defenses in fantasy drafts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering both elite defenses and those with favorable early-season matchups.
Jason Moore begins by advocating for super elite defenses like the Denver Broncos, especially if you're able to secure them without overreaching in your draft. He states:
"I'm looking for a super elite defense. Let's say I'm, you know, I drafted first and I've got that last turn and everybody's picking their defense at the end. Then, you know, I'll grab the Denver Broncos because they're, they're a great defense and hopefully, yeah, they repeat."
(03:29)
If an elite defense isn't available, Moore suggests targeting defenses with strong early schedules:
"I'm immediately looking at that week one schedule or possibly the first, you know, week one, two, three, you know, the schedule to open the year."
(04:00)
Mike Wright adds to the conversation by recommending the Miami Dolphins, noting their favorable matchups and the positive impact on both their defense and offensive players:
"I feel like the offensive players for Miami will do well, which creates a positive situation for your defense. If you know what the other offense has to do, you can key up on just sacking the quarterback. Get some turnovers."
(05:05)
Andy Holloway cautions against drafting great defenses with challenging early matchups, using the Kansas City Chiefs as an example:
"The worst team you can draft in your fantasy draft for defense is the Kansas City Chiefs. Because they're a great defense...you got to play them against New England, not me. So then why draft them?"
(06:01)
"My Guys" Selections
Each host presents three players they're particularly excited about for the 2017 fantasy season. These selections are based on the players' potential to outperform their current draft positions, offering significant value to fantasy teams.
Jason Moore's Selections
-
Zach Ertz (Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles)
Ertz is Moore's top pick, praised for his consistency and potential to be a top-five tight end. Moore argues that Ertz's overall season performance, when accounting for missed games, positions him as a reliable and high-value option:
"Zach Ertz was great the whole year long, but he was injured and he missed a couple games after that week one... he's in the ninth round. I think that is great value."
(12:07) -
Mark Ingram (Running Back, New Orleans Saints)
Moore defends Mark Ingram against prevailing skepticism, highlighting his consistent workload and role in the Saints' offense:
"Mark Ingram is a guy that's being disrespected right now. If you want to draft him, you can get him way after Adrian Peterson in the draft right now, which I think is silly."
(26:57) -
Dak Prescott (Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys)
As a rising star, Dak Prescott is lauded for his rookie performance and potential to continue delivering consistent fantasy points:
"Dak Prescott is a great quarterback. He has the third best fantasy season since the year 2000 for a rookie quarterback... he is legit good."
(38:41)
Mike Wright's Selections
-
Michael Crabtree (Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers)
Crabtree is highlighted for his route-running prowess and red-zone efficiency, making him a valuable asset despite being undervalued in drafts:
"In 14 games, including missed weeks, he would have been 89 total receptions... putting him in half point PPR as the number two tight end overall."
(13:43) -
Martavis Bryant (Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers)
Bryant is presented as a high-ceiling, risky pick due to off-field issues but with significant upside if he overcomes these hurdles:
"...his production has been absolutely outrageous. In 2015... he put up a line of 48 receptions, 760 yards and six touchdowns."
(30:18) -
Stefan Diggs (Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings)
Diggs is lauded for his consistent target share and potential for explosive performances, making him a strong late-round value:
"He had a three game stretch where every single game he's over 10 targets a game. They had a sensational rookie year... he is projecting wide receiver one for Stefan Diggs."
(42:54)
Andy Holloway's Selections
-
Todd Gurley (Running Back, Los Angeles Rams)
Gurley is chosen for his high usage and potential rebound after a challenging previous season, backed by a new offensive scheme:
"I think he's your guy and I love him... this is where he belongs."
(17:29) -
Doug Martin (Running Back, Baltimore Ravens)
Martin is seen as a redemption story, poised to return to his top form after overcoming personal issues and suspension:
"Doug Martin is one year removed from 1400 plus yards in 2015... he's going to be the guy."
(34:44) -
Cam Newton (Quarterback, Carolina Panthers)
Newton is praised for his dual-threat capabilities and the evolution of his role in the Panthers' offense, despite criticisms of his passing accuracy:
"Cam Newton, I'm telling you, come and ride with me... he's a ninth, he's almost a ninth round pick."
(46:14)
In-Depth Discussions and Insights
Zach Ertz vs. Tight End Values:
Moore defends Ertz against narratives that downplay his early-season performance, emphasizing his consistent production and undervaluation in drafts.
Mark Ingram's Underappreciated Role:
Despite concerns about workload distribution with Adrian Peterson's presence, Moore argues that Ingram remains a reliable RB with significant opportunities, especially in a high-powered Saints offense.
Dak Prescott's Rookie Potential:
Prescott is highlighted as a transformative rookie quarterback who offers stability and consistent fantasy points, making him a valuable late-round QB option.
Michael Crabtree's Route Mastery:
Crabtree's technical skills and red-zone efficiency make him a high-upside pick, especially in leagues that reward receptions (PPR formats).
Martavis Bryant's High Ceiling:
Bryant is presented as a gamble with considerable upside, contingent on him returning to form and overcoming his suspension-related setbacks.
Stefan Diggs' Target Share:
Diggs' consistent target volume and potential for explosive games position him as a strong late-round wide receiver, particularly in improved Minnesota offense settings.
Todd Gurley's Rebound Potential:
After a disappointing previous season, Gurley is seen as a top option thanks to increased opportunities and a revamped offensive scheme aimed at maximizing his talents.
Doug Martin's Redemption Arc:
Martin's ability to return to his previous form after personal and professional challenges makes him a compelling mid-round running back pick with upside.
Cam Newton's Dual-Threat Efficiency:
Despite criticisms of his passing accuracy, Newton's rushing ability and evolving role in the Panthers' offense make him a valuable quarterback option with high fantasy potential.
Conclusion
The "My Guys" episode offers a comprehensive look into each host's strategic picks for the 2017 fantasy football season. By focusing on undervalued and high-potential players, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright provide listeners with actionable insights to enhance their fantasy rosters. Whether it's Zach Ertz's tight end reliability, Mark Ingram's steady role, or Cam Newton's dual-threat capabilities, the episode equips fantasy managers with the knowledge needed to make informed draft decisions.
Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage with the Fantasy Footballers community across various platforms, ensuring they stay connected and updated throughout the fantasy season.
Notable Quotes:
-
Jason Moore on Zach Ertz:
"Zach Ertz was great the whole year long... he is being drafted as the 27th running back being drafted right now."
(12:07, 26:57) -
Andy Holloway on Drafting Defenses:
"The worst team you can draft in your fantasy draft for defense is the Kansas City Chiefs."
(06:01) -
Mike Wright on Martavis Bryant:
"He is absolutely ridiculous... he has the ceiling that Martavis has."
(31:43, 32:53) -
Jason Moore on Dak Prescott:
"Dak Prescott is a great quarterback... he's going to transform your fantasy team."
(38:41) -
Andy Holloway on Cam Newton:
"Cam Newton, I'm telling you, come and ride with me... he's a ninth, he's almost a ninth round pick."
(46:14) -
Mike Wright on Stefan Diggs:
"He has looked excellent... projecting wide receiver one for Stefan Diggs."
(42:54)
This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and insights from the Fantasy Footballers' "My Guys" episode, offering valuable guidance for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to optimize their team selections for the 2017 season.