Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football 2018 - Rookie Steals + Big Questions
Release Date: May 8, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

Introduction and Overview

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter among the hosts, discussing recent social events and personal anecdotes. They establish the main topics for the episode: identifying rookie steals for the upcoming fantasy football season and addressing significant free agency moves, particularly the signing of C.J. Anderson by the Carolina Panthers.

Rookie Steals Discussion

Timestamp: 05:15 - 12:00

The hosts delve into favorite rookies who are not typically drafted in the first round, emphasizing the importance of finding value in later picks for dynasty leagues.

• Jason Moore highlights Dante Pettis of the San Francisco 49ers as an underrated wide receiver. He notes, “[Pettis] has a path to opportunity” (06:21) and believes he’s poised to make significant contributions, especially in leagues that reward special teams performance.

• Mike Wright introduces Calum Baloch, a running back from Arizona State, praising his speed and potential as an every-down back in Miami’s offense. He remarks, “He’s built to be a potential every down runner” (09:03).

• Andy Holloway selects Daeshun Hamilton of the Denver Broncos, commending his route-running skills and pro-ready technique. He mentions, “He’s an excellent wide receiver already” (10:04), positioning Hamilton as a strategic stash for future seasons.

Free Agency News

Timestamp: 14:11 - 18:01

The signing of C.J. Anderson by the Carolina Panthers is a significant focus. The hosts discuss the implications for Christian McCaffrey and the Panthers' running back roster.

• Mike Wright states, “C.J. Anderson is going to get around 175 carries” (15:30), predicting a substantial role that complements McCaffrey’s workload.

• Jason Moore concurs, mentioning, “Christian McCaffrey is going to have to carry the ball more” (16:33), and appreciates the landing spot for both players, which he believes will keep McCaffrey healthy and productive.

Listener Q&A

Timestamp: 23:09 - 52:20

The hosts address questions from listeners, covering a range of topics from player evaluations to draft strategies.

• Julio Jones Outlook (26:48 - 28:44):

  • Jason Moore affirms Jones as a top-tier receiver with over 150 targets, stating, “I expect that he's got a solid, really solid three years” (27:07).
  • Mike Wright agrees, noting Jones as a "bounce back candidate" after a less productive season.
  • Andy Holloway emphasizes Jones’s sustainability, comparing him to past elite receivers and maintaining his high draft value.

• Draft Strategies (41:54 - 42:38):

  • Andy Holloway advises against overvaluing youth in dynasty drafts, recommending focusing on veterans who offer immediate value. He suggests, “Look for the value in veterans who are just dropping to the middle rounds” (42:03).
  • Mike Wright and Jason Moore support this approach, highlighting the benefits of winning now while building for the future.

• Dealing with Trade Remorse (23:09 - 25:49):

  • Mike Wright and Jason Moore discuss strategies for overcoming regret after unfavorable trades, emphasizing the importance of rationalizing decisions and focusing on future opportunities. Andy Holloway shares a personal anecdote about a past trade gone wrong, highlighting the emotional challenges involved.

• Player Comparisons and Evaluations:

  • Dalvin Cook vs. Joe Mixon (39:23 - 40:25):

    • Jason Moore prefers Cook for his consistent performance and offensive scheme, declaring, “Dalvin Cook is, you know, he was on pace to have an unbelievable year” (39:50).
    • Andy Holloway agrees, noting Cook’s impressive training camp performance and potential under a healthy offensive line.

  • David Johnson's Draft Position (32:18 - 35:46):

    • Andy Holloway caps his valuation of Johnson at the 103rd draft spot, placing him behind stars like Le'Veon Bell and Todd Gurley (32:41).
    • Mike Wright aligns with this view, suggesting Johnson sits ahead of Zeke Elliott but acknowledges differing opinions on his value.

Key Takeaways and Conclusions

• Rookie Selections: Targeting undervalued rookies like Dante Pettis, Calum Baloch, and Daeshun Hamilton can provide significant advantages in dynasty leagues, offering future upside and filling essential roles without high draft capital costs.

• Free Agency Moves: The Carolina Panthers' acquisition of C.J. Anderson is seen as a strategic move that benefits both Anderson and Christian McCaffrey, enhancing the Panthers' running game and providing depth for fantasy managers.

• Draft Strategies: Emphasizing veteran value over youth helps maintain competitive balance and ensures immediate performance, which is crucial for both dynasty and redraft leagues.

• Player Evaluations: Consistent performance and offensive schemes heavily influence player rankings and draft positions. Players like Julio Jones and Dalvin Cook remain highly valued due to their proven track records and projected roles within their teams.

• Handling Trade Decisions: Emotional intelligence and rational analysis are essential in managing trade decisions and overcoming remorse. Focusing on long-term strategies and remaining adaptable can mitigate the negative impact of unfavorable trades.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore on Julio Jones: “I expect that he's got a solid, really solid three years” (27:07).
• Andy Holloway on Veteran Value: “Look for the value in veterans who are just dropping to the middle rounds” (42:03).
• Mike Wright on Calum Baloch: “He’s built to be a potential every down runner” (09:03).

Final Thoughts

The Fantasy Footballers provide insightful analysis and strategic advice for both rookie drafts and managing existing rosters. By focusing on undervalued players and making informed free agency moves, fantasy managers can enhance their teams' performance and competitiveness for the upcoming season.

Connect with the Hosts:

• Website: thefantasyfootballers.com
• Twitter: @theffballers
• Join the Community: jointhefoot.com