Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Top 10 Quarterbacks + ADP Predictions
Release Date: August 15, 2017

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into their rankings of the top 10 quarterbacks for the 2017 fantasy football season. Additionally, they provide insights and predictions on Average Draft Position (ADP) shifts, helping fantasy managers make informed drafting decisions.

ADP Predictions and Player Movements

Andy Holloway [01:33]:
Andy kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the importance of staying updated with their Ultimate Draft Kit, highlighting its comprehensive coverage of player projections, sleepers, breakouts, busts, and value picks. He stresses that not utilizing this resource could leave fantasy managers at a disadvantage during drafts.

Jason Moore [02:45]:
Jason introduces the segment on ADP movements by spotlighting Andrew Luck, predicting a significant drop in his ADP due to ongoing concerns about his shoulder injury. He suggests that Luck’s reliability is in question, making him a potential value pick in the later rounds.

Mike Wright [04:32]:
Mike counters by promoting C.J. Anderson, anticipating a rise in his ADP as he secures a more prominent role with the San Francisco 49ers. He expects Anderson to outperform his current fifth-round ADP placement based on his readiness and matchup against a weak defense.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [02:59]: “Andrew Luck right now because of his shoulder injury, what's going to happen is the closer we get to week one, they are never going to say, guess what, he's starting week one.”

Top 10 Quarterbacks Rankings

The trio presents their consensus rankings, detailing each quarterback’s strengths, weaknesses, and fantasy potential for the upcoming season.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Consensus Ranking: #1
Analysis:
Aaron Rodgers tops the list due to his exceptional efficiency and consistency. Despite a slight dip in volume from the previous season, Rodgers remains a powerhouse with over 4,400 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and a mere seven interceptions. His rushing ability also adds valuable points, making him a top-tier fantasy quarterback.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [07:10]: “If he's won in the NFL, he's won in FFL.”

2. Andrew Luck

Consensus Ranking: #2
Analysis:
Andrew Luck is lauded for his potential despite injury concerns. Drafted in the seventh round, Luck offers high upside with 4,200 yards and 31 touchdowns projected. His history of reliability and big-play capability positions him as a steal, assuming he remains healthy and starts the season strong.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [12:22]: “Andrew Luck is actually the kind of when you combine draft strategy with high-end quarterback, he's one of those guys that actually makes sense for helping you win a championship.”

3. Tom Brady

Consensus Ranking: #3
Analysis:
Tom Brady remains a perennial favorite, boasting impressive low turnover rates and consistent performance. With an expected boost from a healthier offense and seasoned receivers, Brady is poised to compete closely with Rodgers and Luck for the top spot in fantasy rankings.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [17:02]: “That's 0.4%. Derek Carr was the second best with nine total turnovers.”

4. Drew Brees

Consensus Ranking: #4
Analysis:
Drew Brees is recognized for his unparalleled passing volume and accuracy. Despite some concerns about home-road splits and interception rates, Brees's ability to rack up yards and touchdowns places him high in the rankings. However, Jason suggests that his dependence on a single quarterback could necessitate drafting a backup in deeper leagues.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [25:19]: “...you have to invest in a second quarterback.”

5. Matt Ryan

Consensus Ranking: #5
Analysis:
Matt Ryan showcases strong statistics with over 5,000 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. Despite doubts about his consistency and turnover rates, Ryan's solid performance and arm strength make him a valuable mid-round pick. The hosts debate his ranking, with Jason expressing skepticism about his elite fantasy potential compared to peers.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [29:27]: “...everything you just named, you know the metrics and the stats that talk about, you know, the poor investment and giving up one of those high-end running back or wide receivers to go to a replaceable position at quarterback.”

6. Russell Wilson

Consensus Ranking: #6
Analysis:
Russell Wilson is celebrated for his dual-threat capabilities, combining efficient passing with significant rushing yards. Despite high ADP, Wilson's consistent top-tier performances make him a reliable choice for fantasy managers, though Andy ranks him slightly lower, favoring Luck's value proposition.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [31:20]: “Both of them finish ahead of Matt Ryan this year.”

7. Kirk Cousins

Consensus Ranking: #7
Analysis:
Kirk Cousins is appreciated for his steady performance, averaging nearly 5,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. With a solid supporting cast and improved red zone efficiency, Cousins is seen as a dependable quarterback who can provide consistent fantasy points without the premium cost of top-tier options.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [35:18]: “...a lot of dependency on Reed.”

8. Andy Dalton

Consensus Ranking: #8
Analysis:
Andy Dalton is viewed as the best value at this level, offering comparable fantasy production to Matt Ryan but at a significantly lower ADP. With an improved offensive line and a solid group of receivers, Dalton is poised for a step forward, making him an attractive late-round option.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [39:08]: “...he is the best quarterback value in all of fantasy football.”

9. Dak Prescott

Consensus Ranking: #9
Analysis:
Dak Prescott is recognized for his impressive rookie season, combining efficient passing with a reliable rushing component. Despite concerns about offensive line performance and potential defensive challenges, Prescott's balanced skill set makes him a promising mid-to-late-round pick.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [42:23]: “...he was doing it almost every week.”

10. Philip Rivers

Consensus Ranking: #10
Analysis:
Philip Rivers rounds out the top 10, benefiting from a healthier offensive unit and a return to form after a tumultuous previous season. With his strong passing abilities and a stable of experienced receivers, Rivers is expected to reduce interceptions and increase touchdown production, enhancing his fantasy value.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [46:18]: “...the weapons are back healthy.”

Insights on Draft Strategies

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of balancing quarterback selections with other high-value positions like running backs and wide receivers. They caution against overpaying for quarterbacks early in drafts, advocating for a value-based approach where managers can secure elite quarterbacks without sacrificing depth in other critical areas.

Andy Holloway [10:16]:
Andy highlights the strategic advantage of drafting top quarterbacks early, asserting their consistent high performance and point production. However, the overarching consensus leans towards prioritizing other positions first and addressing the quarterback spot with quality options in the mid to late rounds.

Mike Wright [15:09]:
Mike underscores the necessity of evaluating quarterbacks not just based on their past performance but also on their team dynamics and supporting cast, ensuring that managers select quarterbacks who can deliver reliable fantasy output.

Notable Strategy Tip:

Jason Moore [33:24]: “...the rules are in the NFL and the rules, how they work in fantasy football, quarterbacks are just devalued.”

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a recap of the top 10 quarterbacks, reinforcing the importance of strategic drafting and value assessment. The hosts encourage listeners to utilize their Ultimate Draft Kit for comprehensive preparation and remind them of upcoming live shows and giveaways.

Final Thoughts:

Andy Holloway [47:42]: “...That's why I absolutely agree with you. I think he's this year's Matt Ryan.”

Notable Quotes Recap

• Jason Moore [02:59]: “Andrew Luck right now because of his shoulder injury, what's going to happen is the closer we get to week one, they are never going to say, guess what, he's starting week one.”

• Jason Moore [25:19]: “If you grab Drew Brees, you have to be running two quarterbacks because while he will finish as, you know, a top six quarterback and very well will finish as a top three quarterback while he's done that, take the last two years as a sample size.”

• Andy Holloway [39:08]: “I think he's the best quarterback value in all of fantasy football.”

• Jason Moore [33:24]: “...the rules are in the NFL and the rules, how they work in fantasy football, quarterbacks are just devalued.”

Final Notes

This episode of Fantasy Footballers provides an in-depth analysis of the quarterback landscape for the 2017 season, offering valuable insights for both seasoned and novice fantasy football enthusiasts. By blending statistical analysis with expert opinions, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate their drafts successfully.

For more detailed strategies, rankings, and fantasy football tips, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast and explore their resources at fantasyfootballers.com.