Fantasy Footballers Podcast: Early QB Rankings Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football 2018 - Early QB Rankings
Release Date: April 19, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction and Episode Focus

The Fantasy Footballers kick off the episode by diving into their primary topic: Early Quarterback (QB) Rankings for the 2018 fantasy football season. They briefly touch upon upcoming discussions on rookie quarterbacks, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of established and emerging QBs.

2. Drafting Strategies and QB Selection

The hosts discuss various strategies for drafting quarterbacks, emphasizing the value of selecting a high-performing QB early versus waiting for a reliable option in later rounds. They highlight the benefits of streaming quarterbacks, where managers can pick and switch QBs based on weekly matchups to maximize points without committing to a single player early on.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [02:02]: "When you spend a late draft pick on a quarterback that ends up being a year-long starter, you don't even have to play the week-to-week game. You just lock him in."

3. Detailed Early QB Rankings

a. Aaron Rodgers – Number 1

Aaron Rodgers leads the rankings, praised for his consistency and high touchdown potential. Despite missing Jordy Nelson, Rodgers remains a fantasy powerhouse due to his ability to produce substantial points each game.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright [08:07]: "Aaron Rodgers is my, by far, my number one guy."

b. Russell Wilson – Number 2

Russell Wilson secures the second spot thanks to his dual-threat capability, combining passing yards with significant rushing yards. However, the hosts express concerns over early-season struggles and potential team changes that might affect his performance.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [12:00]: "Aaron Rodgers is my, by far, my number one guy."

c. Tom Brady – Number 3

Tom Brady is ranked third, lauded for his exceptional game management and reliable production. While Brady offers remarkable consistency, there's a debate over whether his performance truly justifies his placement above other top-tier QBs.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [17:55]: "So in that scenario, I would much rather have Cam."

d. Cam Newton – Number 4

Cam Newton is placed fourth, recognized for his explosive rushing ability that significantly boosts his fantasy value. However, his high variance in performance leads to discussions about his reliability compared to more consistent QBs like Brady.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright [18:10]: "Cam Newton will give you huge monster games."

4. Mid-Tier QB Evaluations

e. Kirk Cousins – Number 5

Kirk Cousins is somewhat controversially placed at number five, with the hosts debating his overhyped potential versus actual performance metrics. While some see value in his consistent passing yards, others question his overall impact on fantasy success.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [19:17]: "Kirk Cousins, I have him at nine. Jason has him at six. Mike has him at five."

f. Drew Brees – Number 6

Drew Brees occupies the sixth spot, sparking a heated discussion about his recent performance dip. While his passing yards remain impressive, the decrease in touchdown rates raises concerns about his fantasy reliability.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [21:33]: "He is a Hall of Famer. He's great. But I think that this is the Drew Brees we're going to see is, you know, a manage the game, be smart, be accurate."

g. Deshaun Watson – Number 7

Deshaun Watson is tied for seventh, noted for his high touchdown rate but also for the unpredictability of his performance. The hosts debate the sustainability of his peak performance levels and the risks associated with his injury history.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright [31:08]: "That's impossible. But what can he actually do when we're out of the realm of the stratosphere and castles on clouds?"

h. Andrew Luck – Number 8

Andrew Luck is ranked eighth, with significant concerns about his injury history overshadowing his potential. The hosts discuss the uncertainty surrounding his return and the impact it may have on his fantasy value.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [34:12]: "He hasn't thrown the Duke yet."

5. Lower-Tier QB Discussions

The conversation moves towards quarterbacks ranked from ninth onward, including Matthew Stafford, Philip Rivers, and Jimmy Garoppolo. The hosts weigh the pros and cons of each, considering factors like offensive weapons, consistency, and injury risks.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright [43:44]: "The reemergence of Keenan Allen, he did. He got the interceptions under control last year."

6. Mailbag Segment: Listener Questions and Advice

The hosts address listener inquiries, providing tailored advice based on different league settings and specific player scenarios.

a. Tight Ends and Wide Receivers Sharing Roster Spots

Question: How does having tight ends and wide receivers share roster positions affect draft strategies?

Response: The hosts advise that in such setups, top-tier tight ends like Gronkowski and Ertz can be highly valuable but are limited. Managers are encouraged to prioritize wide receivers first and only draft tight ends if they fall within the expected draft range without overcommitting resources.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [52:07]: "If you're not backed into starting a tight end, don't have to start a tight end."

b. Trading Antonio Brown in Dynasty Leagues

Question: Is this the right offseason to trade Antonio Brown in Dynasty leagues, and what should be expected in return?

Response: The consensus is that trading Antonio Brown is viable for teams looking to rebuild. However, trading him would likely mean sacrificing current performance for potential future gains, making it risky for managers aiming to compete immediately.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [54:28]: "If you're in the running, which I feel like if you've got Antonio Brown, that's a pretty darn good building block to build a team around."

c. Comparing Josh Gordon and Jarvis Landry in PPR Leagues

Question: Will Josh Gordon outscore Jarvis Landry, and will either outscore Larry Fitzgerald in PPR leagues?

Response: Mike Wright confidently predicts that neither Josh Gordon nor Jarvis Landry will surpass Larry Fitzgerald in PPR formats. He suggests prioritizing reliability over potential high ceilings with these players.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright [56:08]: "They will not outscore Larry and I would in a PPR league."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of strategic quarterback drafting and being mindful of each player's potential and risks. They encourage listeners to leverage their detailed rankings and strategies to dominate their fantasy leagues.

Takeaway: Selecting the right quarterback early can set the foundation for a successful fantasy season. Managers should consider factors like consistency, offensive support, and injury history when making their choices.

For more insights and detailed player evaluations, listeners are encouraged to visit thefantasyfootballers.com and join their fantasy football community.