Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - This or That Decisions + AFC East Breakdown
Release Date: August 1, 2017

Introduction

On August 1, 2017, The Fantasy Footballers—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—delve into pivotal fantasy football decisions and provide an in-depth analysis of the AFC East. This episode is packed with expert insights, strategic advice, and engaging discussions tailored for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to dominate their leagues.

Listener League Update

Listener League Overview:
The hosts announce the continuation of the Foot Clan Listener League, now in its third year. With last year's champion Jason Moore not returning, there are 11 open spots available in the 14-team league.

Eligibility and Entry:
To join, listeners must send an email to listenerleague@fantasyfootballers.com with a creative submission that stands out. The trio emphasizes the importance of originality, citing last year's successful entry where a listener provided a virtual tour of Hawaii, capturing their attention.

Jason Moore [03:31]: "A giant cool story in text does not catch our eye."

Ultimate Draft Kit Enhancements

Consistency Percentages Added:
The Ultimate Draft Kit has been upgraded to include consistency percentages for every player. These metrics indicate how often a player finishes within certain rankings, providing a clearer picture of their reliability.

Example Insight:
Tyrod Taylor was categorized as a quarterback 1 about 53% of the time, highlighting his frequent role as a consistent fantasy performer.

Jason Moore [05:27]: "We now have percentages for basically every player... you can look at and see, okay, well, this was how they did in 2016."

This or That: Eddie Lacy vs. Smash Jackson

Poll Results:
The Foot Clan conducted a "This or That" poll asking listeners to choose between running backs Eddie Lacy and Smash Jackson. Paul Perkins was also briefly mentioned but ultimately Eddie Lacy secured 63% of the vote.

Jason Moore [09:53]: "He just smashed Jackson. The Foot Clan knows now."

Analysis:
Both backs have similar situations with strong competition in their respective teams. However, Eddie Lacy is favored due to his proven talent and physicality, presenting a lower-risk option compared to Smash Jackson.

Jason Moore [07:19]: "I lean Eddie Lacey over Smash Jackson."

News and Notes

Injury Updates:

• Baltimore Ravens: Brashad Perryman has sustained a leg injury, raising concerns about health and performance.
• Detroit Lions: Eric Ebron is dealing with a hamstring injury, potentially impacting tight end depth.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rumors about Jamaal Charles' workload and the stability of Doug Martin's role.
• San Francisco 49ers: Tim Hightower is active, while Carlos Hyde has mixed reports due to fumbling incidents.

Key Highlight:

• James Conner is noted to be out with a possible suspension, making his status critical for fantasy considerations.

Jason Moore [10:23]: "Brandon Albert has chosen to retire after nine seasons."

AFC East Breakdown

New England Patriots

Offensive Strategy & Key Players:
The Patriots' offense remains a powerhouse, with additions like Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, Dwayne Allen, and Brandon Cooks enhancing their depth. The wide receiver corps, particularly Brandon Cooks and Julian Edelman, are focal points.

Wide Receiver Efficiency:
Brandon Cooks exhibits high efficiency with an average of 1.4 fantasy points per target, contrasting with Julian Edelman’s 0.8 points per target.

Jason Moore [25:00]: "Julian Edelman... his role is safe. It's carved out."

Running Backs Overview:
The Patriots have diversified their backfield to prevent predictability. Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee are poised to share carries, offering both running and receiving capabilities. This strategy introduces volatility but provides flexibility.

Jason Moore [30:54]: "Gillislee is extremely talented... it's a best ball league."

Miami Dolphins

Jay Ajayi vs. Melvin Gordon:
The central debate is between Jay Ajayi and Melvin Gordon. While Ajayi had a potent second half last season, concerns about his pass-catching abilities persist. The Listener League poll favored Melvin Gordon over Ajayi.

Jason Moore [33:00]: "I do fall in the Melvin Gordon camp along with the listeners."

Offensive Outlook:
With additions like Julius Thomas and adjustments in the tight end role, the Dolphins aim to bolster their passing game. However, the offense remains a moderate scoring unit, necessitating strategic tight end and receiver selections.

Jason Moore [34:09]: "I don't love the offense as a whole for Miami."

Buffalo Bills

Tyrod Taylor’s Rise:
Tyrod Taylor has emerged as a fantasy asset, finishing ninth in total points despite skepticism about his name recognition. His dual-threat capability, combining passing and rushing, makes him a valuable quarterback option.

Andy Holloway [42:06]: "Tyrod Taylor had by far the most carries in the fourth quarter."

Running Back Stability:
The Bills boast a strong running game with Le'Veon Bell, Dion Lewis, and James White. Mike Gillislee is highlighted as a versatile back who can handle both rushing and receiving roles, offering consistent fantasy production.

Mike Wright [29:35]: "Gillislee is unbelievably efficient the last two years."

New York Jets

Wide Receiver Concerns:
The Jets face a rebuilding phase with significant changes in their wide receiver lineup. Young talents like Austin Robinson and Kenny Stills present potential sleepers, though their production is contingent on quarterback performance and offensive consistency.

Running Back Choices:
Bilal Powell and Matt Forte are the primary backfield options. While Powell offers pass-catching prowess, Forte provides a veteran presence. Their roles may fluctuate based on team dynamics and game flow.

Jason Moore [45:42]: "I'll go ahead and say the quick question I was asking Brooks for. Where’s the player you're way higher than on others that you're not ashamed of? It’s Charles Clay."

Draft Strategy:
Given the Jets' uncertain offensive outlook, streaming wide receivers based on matchups is recommended. Austin Robinson stands out as a viable sleeper with potential breakout capabilities.

Jason Moore [51:15]: "I'm fully convinced that we see at least three quarterbacks play this year."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts emphasizing the importance of staying informed and adaptable throughout the fantasy football season. They encourage listeners to engage with their content, participate in the Listener League, and utilize the Ultimate Draft Kit for strategic advantage.

Andy Holloway [53:10]: "Let us know. Give us your feedback on twitter @theffballers. We are here for you."

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [03:31]: "A giant cool story in text does not catch our eye."

• Jason Moore [07:19]: "I lean Eddie Lacey over Smash Jackson."

• Jason Moore [09:53]: "He just smashed Jackson. The Foot Clan knows now."

• Jason Moore [25:00]: "Julian Edelman... his role is safe. It's carved out."

• Jason Moore [30:54]: "Gillislee is extremely talented... it's a best ball league."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing valuable information and strategic advice for fantasy football players targeting the AFC East.