Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - NFC West Breakdown, News, Mailbag
Release Date: June 18, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, greeting listeners and setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the NFC West division. They transition from playful banter about Game of Thrones and the fate of Jon Snow to diving into fantasy-relevant NFL offseason news.

NFC West Division Breakdown

The trio meticulously examines each team within the NFC West, focusing on offseason acquisitions, departures, and their potential impact on fantasy football.

Arizona Cardinals

• Quarterback Situation:

  • Carson Palmer's Return: The Cardinals' offense struggled last season without a stable quarterback, making Carson Palmer's return pivotal. Palmer has been active in OTAs and is described as "mentally and physically ready" ([11:05]).

• Key Additions:

  • D.J. Humphreys (1st Round Pick): Valued for his run-blocking prowess, ranked as the "second best run blocking guard" by Pro Football Focus.
  • David Johnson (3rd Round Pick): Highly anticipated as a primary back, though Jason Moore expresses caution, suggesting Andre Ellington's health will determine Johnson's role ([14:27]-[15:26]).
  • AQ Shipley: Improved center aiming to replace the underperforming Lyle Sendlein.

• Running Backs Analysis:

  • Andre Ellington vs. David Johnson:
    • Ellington is expected to remain the starter unless injuries arise. David Johnson is projected as a solid RB2 with possible RB1 upside if Ellington is sidelined.
    • Jason Moore Quote ([02:45]): "I really do think that could be the end for Arian Foster" indicating concerns about injuries impacting RB performance.

• Wide Receivers:

  • John Brown vs. Michael Floyd:
    • Both hosts prefer John Brown due to his enhanced physical condition and Bruce Arians' history with speedier receivers.
    • Jason Moore on John Brown: Praises his physical upgrades and potential to lead Arizona's WR corps ([15:46]-[16:57]).

• Defense & Other Notes:

  • The defense remains strong, bolstered by the return of Patrick Peterson and anticipated stability despite minor offseason changes.

Seattle Seahawks

• Offseason Additions:

  • Jimmy Graham: Acquired to bolster the red zone, moving from a top-tier tight end to fit into an offense that needs improved red zone efficiency.
  • Impact on WRs: Introduces competitive dynamics among wide receivers with increased targets potentially limiting consistency.

• Key Players:

  • Marshawn Lynch:

    • Discussed as a fantasy staple with consistent high-yardage and touchdown numbers. Concerns about a lingering back injury and workload are noted.
    • Andy Holloway Quote ([22:23]): "Having played through injuries, how long can that really keep going?"

  • Wide Receiver Depth:

    • Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Chris Matthews, Kevin Norwood, Tyler Lockett: Limited fantasy upside due to the Seahawks' overall passing struggles.
    • Jason Moore Insight ([23:20]-[24:22]): Skepticism about drafting Seahawks WRs given the team's passing strategy and existing talents.

San Francisco 49ers

• Offseason Turmoil:

  • Significant roster changes with departures like Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, and key defensive players.
  • New Head Coach: Jim Tomsula replacing Jim Harbaugh, introducing uncertainty.

• Quarterback Analysis:

  • Colin Kaepernick:
    • Highly rated by Mike Wright, projected to throw for 3,300 yards and 25 touchdowns, and rush for 690 yards and 5 touchdowns ([28:02]-[31:07]).
    • Jason Moore Quote ([27:25]-[31:07]): Emphasizes Kaepernick's potential and the offensive adjustments to maximize his dual-threat capabilities.

• Running Backs:

  • Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush: Expected to share workloads, with Bush projected for significant receiving roles.

• Wide Receivers:

  • Anquan Boldin and Reggie Bush: Highlighted as key contributors, with Boldin previously underrated but poised for a stronger season.
  • Chris Matthews: Potential breakout candidate due to increased opportunities.

• Fantasy Outlook:

  • The 49ers' offense is expected to improve with Kaepernick's leadership, though defensive uncertainties remain a concern.
  • Mike Wright Summary ([33:05]): "Depend on how often he's on the field... he's going to have some fantasy relevance."

St. Louis Rams

• Offseason Moves:

  • Todd Gurley Drafted in the First Round: Expectations are high, but concerns linger due to his recent ACL injury.
  • Quarterback Changes: Trade of Sam Bradford and acquisition of Nick Foles, with rumors about a long-term deal.
  • Offensive Line Improvements: Focus on securing the run game through new tackles and guards.

• Running Back Analysis:

  • Tre Mason vs. Todd Gurley:
    • Tre Mason's Consistency: Noted for strong home performances but inconsistent away.
    • Jason Moore's View ([37:16]-[38:46]): Highlights Mason's potential value contingent on Gurley's health and usage.

• Wide Receivers:

  • Brian Quick vs. Kenny Britt:
    • Hosts show preference for Kenny Britt due to his sneaky value despite inconsiderate offseason transactions.
    • Jason Moore Observation ([38:53]-[39:24]): Britt viewed as a valuable asset, whereas Quick's potential is tied to Gurley's offensive scheme.

• Fantasy Outlook:

  • Nick Foles is deemed a low fantasy asset with limited upside, while Gurley's return is critical for the Rams' run-heavy strategy.

Key Player Insights and Fantasy Projections

The hosts provide detailed projections and analyses for several key players, integrating statistical insights and personal opinions.

• Carson Palmer (QB, Arizona): Positioned as a top fantasy quarterback with stability returning to Arizona's offense.

• Colin Kaepernick (QB, 49ers):

  • Mike Wright's Projection ([28:02]): "25 touchdowns and 690 rushing yards make him a top fantasy QB."
  • Jason Moore's Endorsement: Supports high rankings due to dual-threat capability and offensive scheme enhancements.

• Andrew Ellington vs. David Johnson (RB, Arizona):

  • Ellington remains favored as the primary back unless injuries impact his performance.
  • Johnson offers depth with RB2 upside, contingent on Ellington's health.

• Marshawn Lynch (RB, Seahawks): A reliable fantasy asset with consistent performance, though injury concerns are noted.

• John Brown (WR, Arizona) vs. Michael Floyd (WR, Arizona): Both are solid options, but Brown's physical upgrades and coach's history make him the preferred choice.

• Jimmy Graham (TE, Seahawks): Expected to enhance red zone performance but may see a slight dip in overall fantasy value.

• Nick Foles (QB, Rams): Viewed skeptically by hosts, with limited fantasy relevance expected.

Offseason Moves and Roster Changes

The discussion delves into significant offseason transactions, highlighting how these moves shape team dynamics and fantasy prospects.

• Arizona Cardinals: Strengthening the offensive line and adding versatile running backs and wide receivers bolster their fantasy potential.

• Seattle Seahawks: Introducing Jimmy Graham aims to resolve red zone inefficiencies but may complicate wide receiver usage.

• San Francisco 49ers: High-profile departures and the introduction of Colin Kaepernick signal a rebuilding phase with mixed fantasy implications.

• St. Louis Rams: Drafting Todd Gurley and acquiring Nick Foles reflect a focus on the run game, with limited fantasy upside unless Gurley returns fully healthy.

Mailbag: Listener Questions and Host Responses

The hosts engage with listener inquiries, providing personalized advice and sharing insights from their own fantasy leagues.

Handcuffing Running Backs ([46:08]-[51:27]):

• Question: Should fantasy managers draft handcuffs like Ryan Matthews for DeMarco Murray or Jay Ajayi for Lamar Miller?
• Response:
  • Andy Holloway: Advocates for drafting handcuffs for high-quality replacements, especially for RB1s to secure playoff positions ([46:42]).
  • Jason Moore: Emphasizes flexibility and suggests not overcommitting to handcuffs if better value players are available ([47:45]-[48:23]).
  • Mike Wright: Recommends having valuable backups and not panicking if handcuffs are already taken, leveraging waiver wire opportunities ([48:34]-[48:40]).

Rams Wide Receivers: Brian Quick vs. Kenny Britt ([51:32]-[53:15]):

• Question: Are Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson good values, and how should managers handle having multiple receivers from the same team?
• Response:
  • Jason Moore: Supports Vincent Jackson's bounce-back potential while cautioning against overvaluing Mike Evans based on ADP.
  • Andy Holloway: Open to pairing receivers from a high-powered offense if the team can support multiple fantasy contributors ([53:03]-[53:20]).
  • Mike Wright: Prefers not to overload roster slots with multiple top receivers from the same team unless the offense can sustain it ([53:15]-[53:20]).

Redraft League Trade Advice ([50:23]-[51:27]):

• Question: Advice on trading picks in a 16-team redraft league, specifically trading a first-round and tenth-round pick for a second and fourth-rounder.
• Response:
  • Andy Holloway: Suggests moving back seven spots to maximize pick value.
  • Mike Wright & Jason Moore: Agree that adjusting the draft position can provide better overall value ([51:00]-[51:27]).

Additional Listener Interactions:

• League of Record Insights: Hosts share anecdotes about their competitive and engaging fantasy league dynamics, emphasizing camaraderie and strategic play ([42:00]-[45:39]).
• Defensive Concerns: Brief mentions of San Francisco's defense issues following offseason changes, though not extensively covered ([33:07]-[33:38]).

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage through their website and social media platforms. They highlight resources like FantasyDraftWizard.com for mock drafts and promote their active presence on Twitter. The episode ends with light-hearted remarks tying back to their earlier Game of Thrones references, ensuring an entertaining close to a comprehensive breakdown of the NFC West.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore ([02:45]): "I really do think that could be the end for Arian Foster."
• Mike Wright ([28:02]): "Can Colin Kaepernick throw for 3,300 yards? Absolutely."
• Andy Holloway ([22:23]): "How long can Marshawn Lynch play like a monster?"

This episode provides a thorough analysis of the NFC West, offering valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts. From quarterback returns and wide receiver depth to running back handcuffs and strategic draft advice, the Fantasy Footballers equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions for the upcoming season.