Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football 2018 - Early WR Rankings Part 2
Release Date: April 12, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode Overview

In the second part of their early wide receiver (WR) rankings for the 2018 fantasy football season, the Fantasy Footballers delve deep into positions 11 through 20. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright offer comprehensive analyses, debating the merits and potential pitfalls of each player. This episode is packed with expert opinions, strategic insights, and spirited discussions aimed at helping fantasy managers make informed drafting decisions.

Wide Receiver Rankings 11-20

11. Doug Baldwin

• Analysis: Doug Baldwin's ranking was a point of contention among the hosts. While he showcased consistency, Baldwin struggled with total yards and receptions in the previous season.
• Jason Moore: “Doug Baldwin has never been consistent. His consistency scores are not.”
• Mike Wright: “I think that would be the surprise for listeners is he was 13 last year. We are projecting an improvement for Doug Baldwin.”
• Insight: Despite a downturn in performance, Baldwin remains a viable option due to his established rapport with quarterback Russell Wilson and potential for offensive rebound.

12. Tyreek Hill

• Analysis: Tyreek Hill is viewed as a high-upside player who could flourish with the anticipated arrival of Patrick Mahomes.
• Jason Moore: “I usually want that outside guy who can score more per reception versus a slot guy like.”
• Mike Wright: “Tyreek Hill is a touchdown gobbler. Nine touchdowns that saved his whole season.”
• Insight: The uncertainty surrounding Hill’s target share with Mahomes introduces both risk and opportunity, making him a valuable yet volatile pick.

13. Sammy Watkins

• Analysis: Sammy Watkins is considered a more prototypical wide receiver compared to Hill, with better red-zone efficiency.
• Jason Moore: “I would rather have Sammy Watkins... if I knew they were both going to be the same amount of targets, the same amount at the end of the day, I would rather have Watkins.”
• Andy Holloway: “Are we underestimating the red zone impact that Sammy Watkins will have against Travis Kelsey?”
• Insight: Watkins offers reliability and red-zone targets, balancing the high-ceiling but inconsistent nature of Hill.

14. Amari Cooper

• Analysis: Amari Cooper is viewed as a polarizing figure with significant potential but also notable concerns regarding his route efficiency.
• Andy Holloway: “Amari Cooper needs to carry a team's wide receiver load. You have Jordy Nelson... Looked bad last year.”
• Jason Moore: “Alan Robinson should have a huge target market share.”
• Insight: Cooper's integration into a new offensive system under Bruce Arians presents a high-upside opportunity, albeit with risks related to his contested catch rate.

15. Larry Fitzgerald

• Analysis: Larry Fitzgerald remains a top-tier receiver primarily due to his high target volume and durability.
• Mike Wright: “If Sam Bradford is playing 16 games, Larry Fitzgerald's locked and loaded as a top 10 wide receiver.”
• Andy Holloway: “Larry Fitzgerald needs 91 receptions to pass Tony Gonzalez for second all-time. Larry Fitzgerald is an intelligent man.”
• Insight: Fitzgerald’s veteran presence and consistent target share make him a safe, albeit slightly aging, option for fantasy managers.

16. Alshon Jeffrey

• Analysis: Alshon Jeffrey is praised for his touchdown potential but criticized for his inconsistent target conversion.
• Mike Wright: “Alshon Jeffrey is a touchdown gobbler... He was the 12th most consistent receiver.”
• Jason Moore: “My actual biggest issue with Alshon... is the health of both him and Carson Wentz.”
• Insight: Jeffrey's ability to score touchdowns makes him valuable, but his dependency on team dynamics and health status introduces variability.

17. Allen Robinson

• Analysis: Allen Robinson is expected to flourish in Chicago with increased targets and a revamped offensive strategy.
• Mike Wright: “Allen Robinson should have a huge target market share.”
• Jason Moore: “Alan Robinson and Brooks pointed out, he was a stud with Blake the Snake.”
• Insight: Robinson's potential rise is tied to Chicago's offensive improvements and his role as the primary target, positioning him as a strong mid-round pick.

18. Josh Gordon

• Analysis: Josh Gordon is highlighted as a high-risk, high-reward option. His performance heavily depends on team offenses and quarterback stability.
• Mike Wright: “Josh Gordon has tremendous upside. His yards per catch was at 18.6.”
• Andy Holloway: “Josh Gordon is a gamble of these guys. Tremendous upside. The ceiling can't hold it.”
• Insight: Gordon’s explosive play potential makes him enticing, but legal and team uncertainties make him a speculative choice.

19. Dez Bryant

• Analysis: Dez Bryant is viewed skeptically due to his poor catch rate and offensive line issues, though there remains a slim chance for revival.
• Jason Moore: “There are a lot of targets that are credited towards Dez Bryant that are absolute garbage.”
• Andy Holloway: “Dez Bryant had 53 untouchable balls thrown at him.”
• Insight: Bryant is considered a risky pick with minimal upside unless significant improvements in his offensive environment occur.

20. Stefon Diggs

• Analysis: Stefon Diggs is appreciated for his consistency and red-zone efficiency but remains ranked lower due to team uncertainty and potential competition.
• Mike Wright: “Stefon Diggs is the better value of the combo... he's got to stay healthy.”
• Andy Holloway: “Diggs had only four games with fewer than 50 yards or no touchdown.”
• Insight: Diggs offers reliable production and high upside, making him a valuable late-round target if he maintains health and target volume.

Insights on Rankings and Strategies

• Consistency vs. Upside: The hosts frequently debated the balance between a player's consistency and their potential for breakout performances. For instance, while Doug Baldwin offers reliability, Tyreek Hill presents a high-upside option that could dramatically outperform if his role expands with a new quarterback.

• Impact of Team Changes: Many rankings were influenced by roster changes, such as the introduction of Patrick Mahomes for Tyreek Hill or Bruce Arians’ influence on Amari Cooper's role. These changes can significantly alter a receiver's fantasy value.

• Reception Perception: Amari Cooper's reception perception ratings sparked discussions about his efficiency and ability to secure contested catches, impacting his fantasy reliability.

• Health Concerns: Players like Alshon Jeffrey and Josh Gordon were noted for their health issues, which could affect their availability and performance throughout the season.

• Veteran vs. Young Talent: The balance between experienced players like Larry Fitzgerald and rising stars like Allen Robinson and Stefon Diggs was a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of blending veteran reliability with young potential in drafts.

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers provided an in-depth analysis of wide receivers ranked 11 through 20 for the 2018 season, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, and situational factors affecting each player’s fantasy potential. With a mix of consistency, high-upside talent, and team dynamic considerations, the hosts offered valuable insights aimed at helping fantasy managers navigate their draft strategies effectively.

For more detailed rankings and player breakdowns, listeners are encouraged to visit the Fantasy Footballers' Ultimate Draft Kit and join their community at jointhefoot.com.

Note: All opinions expressed in this summary are based on the content of the podcast episode and do not reflect any personal viewpoints.