Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Fantasy Football 2017 - Top 10 Running Backs + ADP Price Check
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
1. Introduction to the Episode
In this August 8, 2017 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into the 2017 fantasy football landscape, focusing primarily on evaluating the top 10 running backs and conducting an ADP (Average Draft Position) price check for several key players.
2. ADP Price Check Segment
a. Jaquiz Rogers
- Discussion: The trio begins by assessing Jaquiz Rogers' current ADP, which was previously the 5th pick of the 11th round on July 7th.
- Mike Wright [05:18]: "I'm willing to go eighth, ninth round for this rental. Who's going to give me three starters?"
- Conclusion: Jason and Mike agree to target him around the 10th round, considering his potential as a valuable rental option.
b. Cameron Meredith
- Discussion: Originally the first pick of the 10th round, Cameron Meredith's ADP has remained relatively unchanged at 9th pick of the 9th round.
- Jason Moore [07:00]: "I like Cameron Meredith a lot. I would take Cameron Meredith in the eighth round, depending on who else is on the board."
- Conclusion: Meredith's ADP hasn't shifted significantly, maintaining his value as a late-round pick.
c. Latavius Murray
- Discussion: Murray, with an ADP of the 12th pick of the 7th round, faces uncertainty due to position changes.
- Jason Moore [08:07]: "I think he's going to be double digit rounds. Yeah. 10th round, 11th round."
- Conclusion: Increased uncertainty, moving Murray to around the 10th-11th round due to depth chart changes.
d. Jameson Crowder
- Discussion: Crowder's ADP has not moved much from the back of the 6th round to the top of the 7th round.
- Mike Wright [09:39]: "I just don't worry about him at all because he has been better when..."
- Conclusion: Crowder remains a stable late-round option with slight movement upwards.
e. Rashad Matthews
- Discussion: Matthews has seen a notable drop, moving from the 11th pick of the 10th round to around the 12th pick of the 7th round.
- Jason Moore [10:17]: "He's looking like a steal in the draft."
- Conclusion: Matthews is considered a value pick, slipping further into later rounds.
3. Running Back Rankings
#1. David Johnson
- Overview: Johnson tops the rankings due to his dual-threat capability as both a rusher and a receiver.
- Jason Moore [22:49]: "He's number one in almost in the majority of analyst rankings and in ADP, he's the clear number one."
- Andy Holloway [23:07]: "Through the air. He is ridiculous. Two players in. One, he's a wide receiver."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 1,239 rushing yards, 879 receiving yards, 20 total touchdowns.
- High usage in goal-line and passing plays.
- Consistently a top performer with a secure role in the Arizona offense.
#2. Le'Veon Bell
- Overview: Bell is praised for his high target volume and consistent performance when healthy.
- Jason Moore [25:48]: "I would take Le'Veon Bell over David Johnson if it wasn't for the possible injury risk."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 1,200 rushing yards, 75 receptions.
- Strong offensive line support.
- Potential concerns over injury risk and holding out during training camp.
#3. LaShawn McCoy
- Overview: McCoy is valued for his heavy workload and consistent RB1 or RB2 performances.
- Jason Moore [31:09]: "You have new smoking J. Cudi in town."
- Andy Holloway [27:18]: "He is a scat back. He's a scat pack."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 1,200 rushing yards, 50 receptions.
- Reliant on a run-heavy scheme supported by a strong offensive line.
- Concerns about injury history but remains a reliable workhorse.
#4. Ezekiel Elliott
- Overview: Elliott is highly regarded for his rushing prowess, though his ADP is subject to potential suspension risks.
- Andy Holloway [31:15]: "Don't feel guilty taking Lashawn McCoy."
- Jason Moore [33:05]: "He's worthy of the third pick."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 1,740 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns.
- Exceptional yards per reception among RBs.
- Potential floor concerns due to possible suspensions.
#5. DeVonta Freeman
- Overview: Freeman is noted for his versatile role in both rushing and receiving, making him a valuable PPR asset.
- Jason Moore [35:29]: "I have no fear in Freeman at all."
- Andy Holloway [35:25]: "He gets enough goal line work and passing down work."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 1,200 rushing yards, 462 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns.
- Solid consistency and integral to the Atlanta Falcons' offense.
- Maintains high value despite some regression concerns.
#6. DeMarco Murray
- Overview: Murray remains a dependable option as the Titans' primary back, expected to carry a significant workload.
- Jason Moore [40:02]: "DeMarco Murray is legit great."
- Mike Wright [39:09]: "I drop in my confidence a little bit after him."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 1,200+ rushing yards, 53 receptions.
- Fully integrated into the Titans' run-heavy scheme.
- High consistency with minimal risk of losing his workhorse status.
#7. Melvin Gordon
- Overview: Gordon is seen as a top-tier running back with high usage, though concerns about touchdown consistency and injuries persist.
- Jason Moore [44:37]: "He could certainly... the offensive line is better."
- Andy Holloway [43:55]: "His role is secure. I'm not sure the leading the league or leading the team in receptions thing is more a reflection on his ability as a pass catcher."
- Key Points:
- Last season: Over 1,200 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, 50+ receptions.
- Expected to thrive with a competent offensive line in Los Angeles.
- Concerns about fluctuations in touchdown totals and potential injuries.
#8. Jay Ajayi
- Overview: Ajayi is valued for his potential as a workhorse back in Miami, balancing rushing and receiving roles.
- Jason Moore [50:04]: "If you have a quarterback that says you can't stack the box. We have deep threats."
- Andy Holloway [49:25]: "He's saying, don't throw me the ball."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 1,300 rushing yards, 410 receiving yards.
- Shares workload with Benny Cunningham, potentially affecting his consistency.
- Versatile in both rushing and receiving, making him a strategic flex option.
#9. Jordan Howard
- Overview: Howard is praised for his efficiency and potential upside, though offensive scheme concerns may limit his touchdown potential.
- Andy Holloway [52:26]: "He didn't play week one. He was kind of wrestling the job."
- Mike Wright [54:04]: "He is a really, really good running back."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 1,304 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, 29 receptions.
- Highly efficient with high yards per carry.
- Offensive changes in Chicago could impact his scoring opportunities.
#10. Todd Gurley
- Overview: Gurley rounds out the top 10 with high floor and potential growth, despite last season's drop in production.
- Jason Moore [57:25]: "Todd Gurley is going at the back of the second round."
- Mike Wright [58:20]: "He is going to have to suck to not be top 12 next."
- Key Points:
- Last season: 300+ carries, 1,200+ rushing yards, numerous receptions.
- Improvement under new head coach Sean McVay, with increased involvement in the passing game.
- Seen as a safe pick with high upside potential in a revamped Rams offense.
4. Conclusion and Teasers for Next Episode
The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating their top 10 running backs list:
- David Johnson
- Le'Veon Bell
- LaShawn McCoy
- Ezekiel Elliott
- DeVonta Freeman
- DeMarco Murray
- Melvin Gordon
- Jay Ajayi
- Jordan Howard
- Todd Gurley
They tease the next episode, promising to discuss running backs ranked 11 and beyond, along with sleeper picks to enhance listeners' leagues. Additionally, announcements about their live show scheduled for September 4th in Phoenix, Arizona, are highlighted, encouraging listeners to secure tickets.
Notable Quotes
- Mike Wright [05:37]: "Who’s going to give me three starters?"
- Jason Moore [07:00]: "I like Cameron Meredith a lot. I would take Cameron Meredith in the eighth round."
- Jason Moore [22:49]: “He’s number one in almost in the majority of analyst rankings and in ADP, he’s the clear number one.”
- Jason Moore [25:48]: "I would take Le'Veon Bell over David Johnson if it wasn't for the possible injury risk."
- Andy Holloway [23:07]: “Through the air. He is ridiculous. Two players in. One, he's a wide receiver.”
- Jason Moore [33:05]: “He’s worthy of the third pick.”
- Andy Holloway [35:25]: “He gets enough goal line work and passing down work where I have no fear in Freeman at all.”
- Jason Moore [40:02]: “DeMarco Murray is legit great.”
- Mike Wright [43:55]: “His role is secure. I'm not sure the leading the league or leading the team in receptions thing is more a reflection on his ability as a pass catcher.”
- Jason Moore [50:04]: “If you have a quarterback that says you can't stack the box. We have deep threats.”
- Andy Holloway [49:25]: “He's saying, don't throw me the ball.”
- Jason Moore [57:25]: “Todd Gurley is going at the back of the second round.”
Final Thoughts
This episode offers comprehensive insights into the 2017 fantasy running back landscape, providing listeners with informed rankings, strategic draft advice, and valuable ADP analysis. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the Fantasy Footballers deliver actionable content to optimize your draft strategy and enhance your team's performance throughout the season.