Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Episode: AFC North Breakdown, News, Mailbag
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers dive deep into the intricacies of the AFC North, analyzing team dynamics, player performances, and their implications for fantasy football. The hosts also tackle listener questions, providing expert advice to help fans navigate their fantasy leagues effectively.

Quick Question of the Day

"Fantasy teams are going to miss the playoffs this year because of..."

• Jason Moore (02:01):
  "I'm gonna go Tom Brady. ... He's a middle of the pack quarterback that you're reaching for in the seventh and then having to draft another guy. I just don't think it's gonna help anybody's team."

• Andy Holloway (02:38):
  "I don't draft Tom Brady. He's off my board. He's a waste."

• Jason Moore (03:05):
  "We talk so much about the value of your picks... but then people throw that out the window and throw a pick out the window by drafting Tom Brady... But that doesn't help your fantasy team this year."

Summary:
The hosts argue against drafting high-profile quarterbacks like Tom Brady in the middle rounds, suggesting that it can dilute a fantasy team's overall value. They emphasize the importance of maximizing draft picks by selecting players who offer consistent fantasy points rather than relying on famed but potentially average performers.

News and Notes from Around the League

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Ben Roethlisberger's Performance:
  "He had eight games with one or less touchdowns... and the cost for Big Ben, you're kind of locking in a guy that you're going to want to keep in the roster."
  (Mike Wright, 20:07)

• Martavis Bryant's Potential:
  "If Martavis Bryant is going to do what we want and expect him to do, doesn't that kind of fill those holes that Big Ben has been missing and take away those games or not?"
  (Jason Moore, 22:50)

Summary:
The Steelers' offense presents a mixed bag. While Ben Roethlisberger has shown moments of brilliance, his inconsistency poses a risk for fantasy owners. Martavis Bryant emerges as a promising asset, capable of stepping up and providing reliable fantasy points, especially if he integrates well into the offense.

Baltimore Ravens

• Offensive Changes:
  "Mark Tressman's coming in, you pick up Rashad Perryman in the first round, you sign or you draft Max Williams at the tight end position..."
  (Andy Holloway, 27:50)

• Justin Forsett's Role:
  "Justin Forsett, I think he's going to get 75 catches, which will be huge for him."
  (Jason Moore, 27:50)

Summary:
With significant changes to the Ravens' offensive lineup, there's uncertainty surrounding their fantasy prospects. Justin Forsett is highlighted as a key player who could dominate the receiving yards, while Steve Smith's veteran presence is balanced against emerging talents like Rashad Perryman.

Cincinnati Bengals

• Jeremy Hill's Value:
  "Jeremy Hill is a monster almost every single game."
  (Jason Moore, 32:20)

• Tyler Eifert's Potential:
  "Tyler Eifert is stepping into a role as the full-time tight end... he's going to be the moving tight end."
  (Mike Wright, 33:51)

Summary:
Jeremy Hill continues to be a reliable PPR (Points Per Reception) asset for the Bengals, with his dual-threat capability as both a runner and receiver. Tyler Eifert is positioned as a sleeper pick, potentially offering significant fantasy value if he solidifies his role in the offense.

Cleveland Browns

• Quarterback Situation:
  "Josh McCown, without question."
  (Jason Moore, 42:26)

• Wide Receiver Outlook:
  "Steve Smith has the better year and he's going obviously later."
  (Jason Moore, 31:03)

Summary:
The Browns present a challenging scenario with inconsistent quarterback performances. Josh McCown is viewed as an upgrade over Brian Hoyer, offering better stability. On the wide receiver front, Steve Smith remains a dependable choice, while Rashad Perryman's role is debated, making him a potential late-round flyer.

Mailbag

Quarterback Backups

Listener Question:
"I'm projecting to have at least four of these next few guys... which two would you take? If Anderson and Foster were gone, would you take two more solid receivers or try to reach for first set for another running back?"

• Jason Moore:
  "Ryan Fitzpatrick is a guy that will be starting in week four or five once he's healthy and will perform."
  (50:30)

• Andy Holloway:
  "Miguel Jones is a good one."
  (52:09)

Advice:
Ryan Fitzpatrick emerges as a viable backup quarterback option, while alternatives like Ryan Mallet are suggested for their potential to start mid-season.

Trading Alshon Jeffery for Jeremy Hill

Listener Question:
"Should I trade Alshon Jeffery for Jeremy Hill given my current roster?"

• Mike Wright:
  "You're not as stacked as you think you are."

• Jason Moore:
  "Don't team it."

• Andy Holloway:
  "Don't do that trade."

Advice:
The consensus is to avoid trading Alshon Jeffery for Jeremy Hill outright. Instead, consider packaging additional assets (e.g., DeAndre Hopkins) to secure Jeremy Hill, ensuring a fair exchange without depleting the wide receiver depth.

Wide Receiver Handcuffs

Listener Question:
"What are your thoughts on drafting wide receiver handcuffs?"

• Jason Moore:
  "Very few wide receiver handcuffs are worth it. The only ones that come to mind are Devonte Adams if you own Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb."
  (60:25)

• Andy Holloway:
  "I'd rather spend what you would think would be on the handcuffed wide receiver situation on another flyer."

Advice:
Avoid investing heavily in wide receiver handcuffs unless you have specific scenarios where their primary receivers star players are highly valuable and have clear backups.

Key Insights and Conclusions

1. Draft Strategy:

   • Avoid Overreliance on High-Ranked Quarterbacks: Selecting mid-round quarterbacks like Tom Brady can hinder overall team depth.
   • Prioritize Consistent Performers: Focus on players who offer steady fantasy points rather than relying solely on high-profile names.
   • Leverage Sleeper Picks: Players like Martavis Bryant and Tyler Eifert present valuable opportunities if they carve out significant roles in their offenses.

2. Team-Specific Evaluations:

   • Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger's inconsistency is a fantasy risk, but Martavis Bryant offers a promising upside.
   • Ravens: Justin Forsett is a must-have, while Steve Smith remains a reliable veteran option amid offensive changes.
   • Bengals: Jeremy Hill is invaluable in PPR formats, and Tyler Eifert could emerge as a key tight end.
   • Browns: Josh McCown improves the quarterback situation, and Steve Smith remains a top receiver option.

3. Mailbag Takeaways:

   • Quarterback Depth: Backup options like Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Mallet are recommended for their potential mid-season starts.
   • Trading Wisdom: Avoid one-for-one trades that can devalue your team's depth; consider package deals instead.
   • Handcuff Strategies: Generally discouraged unless specific conditions justify their value.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore (02:01):
  "I'm gonna go Tom Brady... I don't think it's going to help anybody's team."

• Andy Holloway (02:38):
  "I don't draft Tom Brady. He's off my board. He's a waste."

• Mike Wright (20:07):
  "He had eight games with one or less touchdowns. That was a kind of crippling thing."

• Jason Moore (22:50):
  "If Martavis Bryant is going to do what we want and expect him to do, doesn't that kind of fill those holes that Big Ben has been missing?"

• Jason Moore (31:03):
  "I think Steve Smith has the better year and he's going obviously later."

• Jason Moore (40:34):
  "I think Josh McCown is an upgrade from the 29th best quarterback to the 27th best quarterback."

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the AFC North's impact on fantasy football, emphasizing strategic drafting and player evaluation. The hosts provide valuable insights into optimizing team rosters, making informed trades, and navigating keeper leagues, ensuring listeners are well-equipped for the upcoming fantasy season.

For more insights and updates, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow the hosts on Twitter @theffballers.