Summary of "Fantasy Football 2017 - Zekepocalypse + Undrafted Gems, Pump the Brakes"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
• Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Zekepocalypse + Undrafted Gems, Pump the Brakes
• Release Date: September 6, 2017

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with Andy Holloway welcoming listeners and setting the stage for a diverse range of topics. Mike Wright humorously describes the episode as "all over the map," likening their discussion to "picking fruit from all over the tree of fantasy wisdom." The hosts outline the key subjects, including Zeke Elliott's suspension, Hurricane Irma's impact, undrafted player gems, depth chart updates, and week one matchup insights.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright [01:34]: "We are standing beneath the tree of fantasy wisdom, picking fruit from all over."

2. Undrafted Gems for Week One

The hosts delve into valuable undrafted players available on the waiver wire, emphasizing their potential impact in week one. They highlight several players who could provide significant value in various league formats.

Key Players Discussed:

• Tyler Lockett: Returning from a broken ankle with excellent reception skills and a favorable matchup against Green Bay.
• Josh Dashiell: High upside despite negative offseason perceptions; in Washington, his college pedigree suggests potential.
• Mike Williams: A top 10 option with new opportunities under Philip Rivers.
• Corey Davis: Another promising undrafted receiver to monitor.
• Chris Carson: Seattle Seahawks' running back who could emerge if initial starters underperform.
• Kobe Fleener: Potential breakout at tight end if Willie Snead remains out.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [03:12]: "Tyler Lockett... excelled in reception perception."
• Jason Moore [06:50]: "Bilal Powell is a great candidate to watch."

3. Zeke Elliott Suspension Updates

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to the ongoing saga surrounding Ezekiel Elliott's suspension. The panel discusses the legal battles and the NFL's stance, weighing the risks and rewards of drafting Elliott.

Key Points:

• Elliott filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to challenge his suspension.
• The NFL has ruled Elliott eligible to play in week one pending legal outcomes.
• The hosts debate whether drafting Elliott is worth the potential mid-season suspension.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [10:53]: "Zeke could end up playing 16 this year. So it is definitely a mess."
• Andy Holloway [14:17]: "How much risk are you willing to take on for your fantasy team and at what draft cost?"

4. Impact of Hurricane Irma on NFL Games and Fantasy

The episode addresses the postponement of the Buccaneers vs. Dolphins game due to Hurricane Irma. This delay shifts players' bye weeks, affecting fantasy rosters.

Key Points:

• The game has been moved to week 11, altering the original bye weeks for several players.
• Players affected include Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, Doug Martin, and others.
• The postponement leads to a stretch of 16 consecutive games for some players without a bye.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [16:33]: "They have to play 16 consecutive games, which is ridiculous."
• Mike Wright [15:43]: "It's not just for fantasy, but for the Dolphins and the Bucs as well."

5. Depth Chart News and Week One Rankings

The hosts provide updates on various teams' depth charts, emphasizing changes that could influence fantasy decisions.

Key Updates:

• Steelers: Jeremy Hill named the starting running back over Thomas Rawls, indicating a shift in the backfield hierarchy.
• Patriots: Tyrod Taylor has cleared concussion protocol and will start week one. Jordan Matthews is also expected to start.
• Rams: Cooper Cup is listed behind Robert Woods, signaling potential changes in their receiving corps.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [17:55]: "Joe Mixon is going to be the guy very soon."
• Andy Holloway [16:09]: "It's just a scary kind of running back situation."

6. Week One Matchups: Patriots vs. Chiefs Analysis

A detailed analysis of the Patriots vs. Chiefs game highlights strategic fantasy considerations.

Key Points:

• Patriots:

  • Multiple running backs (Gillislee, Burkhead, White, Lewis) complicate predicting usage.
  • James White is seen as the most reliable back due to his role in the offense.
  • Offensive weapons like Gronkowski and Cooks will influence Tom Brady's performance.

• Chiefs:

  • Tyreek Hill's explosive potential versus a solid Patriots defense.
  • Tom Brady is emphasized as a must-start quarterback given his offensive prowess.
  • Alex Smith is critiqued as a less favorable option compared to Brady.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [22:50]: "This is his best overall offense that he's had in recent memory."
• Andy Holloway [24:00]: "In James White, he feels like the safest running back on the team."

7. Pump the Brakes: Running Back Selections

In the "Pump the Brakes" segment, the hosts caution against overly enthusiastic picks, recommending careful consideration of certain players.

Key Recommendations:

• Bilal Powell: Advised to limit usage due to inconsistent opportunities and team dynamics.
• Matthew Stafford: Suggested to be cautious in draft strategies due to a tough week one matchup.
• Leonard Fournette: Warned about potential underperformance following a foot injury.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [35:20]: "I'm pumping the brakes on Leonard Fournette."
• Mike Wright [33:00]: "I'm going to pump the brakes on Bilal Powell heading into the season."

8. Mailbag Highlights

The hosts answer listener questions, offering personalized advice and insights into specific fantasy scenarios.

Featured Questions:

• Keenan Allen vs. Other Receivers: Advice on starting Allen against Denver’s defense.
• Rookie Running Backs Hype: Identification of Leonard Fournette as a potentially overrated rookie.
• Handling Ty Hilton: Strategies for playing or trading Hilton as a wide receiver.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [38:25]: "I play Garcon over Keenan against the Panthers."
• Mike Wright [39:11]: "I believe Leonard Fournette is an incredibly good back."

9. Conclusions and Final Remarks

The episode concludes with final thoughts on the discussed topics and reminders about resources available to listeners, such as NFL Game Pass and DFS support through the podcast's platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [47:17]: "$21,772,024 is what the Houston Flood Relief Fund by J.J. Watt has now raised."
• Andy Holloway [46:45]: "Check out the All 22 Coaches film. And that's all on the NFL Game Pass."

This episode of Fantasy Footballers offers comprehensive coverage of early-season fantasy football intricacies, from undrafted player opportunities to navigating complex player situations like Ezekiel Elliott's suspension. The hosts provide strategic advice, grounded in detailed analysis and a touch of humor, making it a valuable resource for both novice and seasoned fantasy managers.

Tune in next week for more expert insights and fantasy football advice!