Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Risers and Fallers, Preseason Week 2, News, Mailbag
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Preseason Week 2 Insights

The Fantasy Footballers kicked off the episode by diving into the performances from Preseason Week 2. The hosts analyzed standout players and emerging trends, providing listeners with actionable insights for their fantasy drafts.

David Johnson Shines for Packers
David Johnson emerged as a notable performer despite recent injury concerns. Initial rustiness was quickly addressed as he adapted to a more controlled running style, impressing the hosts with his versatility.

• Andy Holloway remarked, “It's going to be goal lines taken away from Andre Ellington. They're going to go to David.” ([04:13])

Carlos Hyde Gains Momentum
Carlos Hyde showcased significant improvement, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and demonstrating his potential as a feature back. Jason Moore expressed his enthusiasm about Hyde’s prospects for the upcoming season.

• Jason Moore stated, “Hyde looked fast. He looked like they were going to overload him with carries this year.” ([05:03])

Chris Ivory’s Versatility
Chris Ivory impressed by not only his rushing ability, highlighted by a 33-yard touchdown run, but also his improved role in the passing game. Andy highlighted Ivory’s potential as a three-down back, which could elevate his fantasy value.

• Andy Holloway noted, “I really liked the fact that he caught three passes all last year. Todd Bowles is saying Ivory can be a three down back.” ([06:06])

Devonte Adams as a Draft Target
With Jordy Nelson's injury, Devonte Adams became a hot topic. The hosts recommended drafting Adams in the fifth round, emphasizing his potential to fill the receiving void effectively.

• Mike Wright advised, “I look for him in the fifth. He's jumping up to a wide receiver, too, automatically.” ([12:02])

2. News and League Updates

The episode covered significant league news, including player injuries and team strategies that could impact fantasy values.

Jordy Nelson’s Injury Concerns
Jordy Nelson suffered a non-contact injury during a preseason game, raising fears of a potential ACL tear. The hosts discussed the implications for the Packers’ offense and fantasy managers holding Nelson.

• Jason Moore shared, “The initial diagnosis is ACL tear for Jordy Nelson. It is pretty much depressing for everybody involved.” ([07:53])

Potential Acquisition of Reggie Wayne by Packers
In response to Nelson's injury, reports suggested the Packers might pursue veteran receiver Reggie Wayne from the Patriots, adding depth to their receiving corps.

• Jason Moore mentioned, “I saw a report about an hour ago that Green Bay will be calling Reggie Wayne.” ([09:25])

Impact on Aaron Rodgers
The absence of Nelson could affect Aaron Rodgers' performance. However, historical splits showed minimal impact on Rodgers' stats with or without Nelson.

• Mike Wright analyzed, “Aaron Rodgers’ career splits with and without Jordy Nelson have only a one-point difference.” ([11:22])

Steady Performers Amid Changes
Eddie Lacy and Randall Cobb were highlighted as reliable options, with Cobb’s consistency now assured despite roster changes.

• Jason Moore commented, “I don't see a way that the Green Bay Packers don't have a WR1 at the end of the year.” ([10:54])

3. Risers and Fallers

The hosts evaluated players moving up (risers) and down (fallers) on their draft boards based on preseason performances and team dynamics.

Risers:

• Brandon Cooks: Increased usage and solid preseason performances moved Cooks higher in draft rankings.

  • Mike Wright stated, “He looks very solid. They're getting plenty of bubble screens.” ([17:32])

• Lamar Miller: Demonstrated swift running and effective gameplay for the Dolphins, making him a valuable RB1 option.

  • Jason Moore praised, “Lamar Miller really did look good. Ryan Matthews stole the touchdown on that first drive.” ([22:37])

Fallers:

• CJ Spiller: Health concerns and inconsistent usage led to Spiller slipping on draft boards.

  • Andy Holloway expressed, “Too many times to have promise blown up in your face.” ([30:13])

• Rashad Jennings: Limited preseason appearances and a crowded backfield raised doubts about Jennings' fantasy value.

  • Jason Moore observed, “They keep giving him carries. He led the team in rushing this past week.” ([26:52])

4. Listener Mailbag

The hosts addressed listener questions, offering personalized advice to enhance fantasy team strategies.

Alfred Morris vs. Matt Jones in a 14-Team League
Andrew from Canada inquired about the potential impact of Matt Jones on Alfred Morris's touches. The hosts advised maintaining faith in Morris’s proven performance over Jones’s potential upside.

• Jason Moore advised, “I'm undervaluing Alfred Morris again because he's just gonna produce.” ([32:57])

Drafting Strategy for a 12-Team League
Julius needed tips for transitioning his draft strategy from a 10 to a 12-team league. The hosts recommended maintaining preparation and continuing to prioritize the best available players, emphasizing adaptability in larger leagues.

• Andy Holloway encouraged, “Pick the best players when they come up.” ([38:06])

5. Future Episodes and Teasers

Towards the end, the hosts teased upcoming episodes, including a draft day tips and interviews with notable figures like John Paulson and Chris Harris.

• Jason Moore teased, “We’re going to talk to John Paulson. We’re going to have Chris Harris back on the show.” ([39:06])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway: “It's going to be goal lines taken away from Andre Ellington. They're going to go to David.” ([04:13])

• Jason Moore: “Hyde looked fast. He looked like they were going to overload him with carries this year.” ([05:03])

• Andy Holloway: “I really liked the fact that he caught three passes all last year.” ([06:06])

• Mike Wright: “I look for him in the fifth. He's jumping up to a wide receiver, too, automatically.” ([12:02])

• Jason Moore: “The initial diagnosis is ACL tear for Jordy Nelson. It is pretty much depressing for everybody involved.” ([07:53])

• Jason Moore: “I saw a report about an hour ago that Green Bay will be calling Reggie Wayne.” ([09:25])

• Mike Wright: “Aaron Rodgers’ career splits with and without Jordy Nelson have only a one-point difference.” ([11:22])

• Jason Moore: “I don't see a way that the Green Bay Packers don't have a WR1 at the end of the year.” ([10:54])

• Mike Wright: “He looks very solid. They're getting plenty of bubble screens.” ([17:32])

• Jason Moore: “Lamar Miller really did look good. Ryan Matthews stole the touchdown on that first drive.” ([22:37])

• Andy Holloway: “Too many times to have promise blown up in your face.” ([30:13])

• Jason Moore: “They keep giving him carries. He led the team in rushing this past week.” ([26:52])

• Andy Holloway: “Pick the best players when they come up.” ([38:06])

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provided comprehensive coverage of Preseason Week 2, highlighting key player performances, significant injuries, and strategic draft advice. With detailed analyses and engaging discussions, the hosts equipped fantasy managers with the knowledge to optimize their teams effectively.

For more insights and updates, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @FFballers.