Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Top 20 Quarterbacks, NumberFire's JJ Zachariason, News
Release Date: August 20, 2015

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, kicks off the episode with their characteristic banter and light-hearted humor. They emphasize their dedication to providing expert analysis and valuable insights to help listeners win their fantasy football leagues.

Rankings and Player Movement

Question of the Day: Mike Wright poses a question to the hosts: "Who has moved up the most in your rankings since the preseason began?" ([01:43])

• Jason Moore highlights Chris Ivory, noting his clear path to the starting role:
  "Chris Ivory has moved up my rankings the most because it's clear now that there's nobody behind him that is really going to compete with him for the job." ([01:55])

• Andy Holloway mentions Brandon Cooks, acknowledging his previous low ranking and recent rise:
  "The man who has moved up the most for me would be Brandon Cooks, mostly because I was extremely low on him." ([03:00])

• Mike Wright discusses Marvin Hilton and Mr. Coleman from New Orleans, considering their potential as valuable wide receivers:
  "He could be a name to pay attention to. He's certainly worth a flyer because you get him for free right now at this point." ([03:21])

League News Updates

The hosts dive into recent league news, addressing key player injuries and team updates.

• Kelvin Benjamin Injury:

  • Mike Wright breaks the news: Kelvin Benjamin has torn his ACL and will miss the season:
    "Torn ACL out. See you later." ([04:30])

  • Discussion on Cam Newton's Value:

    • Andy Holloway and Jason Moore debate the impact of Benjamin's injury on Cam Newton's fantasy value, suggesting it may neutralize his overall worth.
    • Jason Moore conservatively rates Cam Newton’s future:
      "He'll throw for fewer touchdowns and fewer yards. So I think it'll pretty much work itself out to be about neutral." ([04:46])

• C.J. Spiller Update:

  • Mike Wright reports that Sean Payton indicated Spiller should be ready by week one, but Andy Holloway expresses concerns due to his new team and injury history:
    "I still would be concerned about Spiller." ([06:02])

• David Cobb's Future with the Panthers:

  • Mike Wright questions the reliability of GM David Cobb’s statements regarding rookie running back Ezekiel Sankey’s role.
  • Jason Moore remains skeptical, noting the offensive limitations:
    "It's not on a very high power offense and there's a reason he wasn't drafted till the fifth round." ([06:49])

• Melvin Gordon Updates:

  • Mike Wright shares Gordon's minor ankle injury and the Chargers' run-oriented strategy, leading to a consensus to avoid drafting him early:
    "I will probably not have him in no league, sir." ([07:55])

• Mike Upati's Injury:

  • Andy Holloway emphasizes the impact of Cardinals' left guard Mike Upati's knee surgery on Andre Ellington’s performance:
    "He's going to get smaller. You got to beware of this situation." ([08:13])

Streaming Quarterbacks with JJ Zacharysson

The highlight of the episode is a guest appearance by J.J. Zacharysson, Editor-in-Chief of NumberFire and co-host of the Living the Stream podcast. He provides an in-depth look at the streaming quarterback strategy.

Understanding Streaming Quarterbacks

JJ Zacharysson explains streaming quarterbacks as a viable fantasy strategy based on the supply and demand dynamics of the quarterback position:

• Surplus of Performant QBs:
  "Last year, 41 different quarterbacks had at least one top 12 performance, which is nine more than there are teams in the NFL." ([11:03])

• Predictability and Efficiency:

  • QBs have a high volume of pass attempts, making their performances more predictable.
  • Emphasizes the importance of using Vegas team totals to gauge potential fantasy output:
    "If a quarterback is a favorite in those games, he's tending to be more efficient and therefore they're going to score more points." ([13:10])

Evaluating Streaming Decisions

Mike Wright probes how owners can make informed streaming choices rather than relying on hindsight.

JJ Zacharysson advises leveraging Vegas team totals and focusing on quarterback efficiency rather than sheer passing attempts:

• "There's no correlation between passing attempts and fantasy output. You should pinpoint efficiency and team totals." ([14:31])

Targeting Quarterbacks Pre-Draft

When asked about target quarterbacks pre-draft, JJ mentions:

• Sam Bradford due to his favorable early-season schedule.
• Ryan Tannehill for his potential top-five upside.
• Colin Kaepernick as a high-upside, late-round gamble:
  "He's cheap now, there's some upside there because of what we know." ([15:46])

Opinions on Specific Quarterbacks

• Tom Brady:
  JJ recommends avoiding drafting Brady early due to his suspension and the need to stash him on the bench:
  "I'm telling them to avoid the situation completely." ([16:50])

• Matt Ryan:
  JJ prefers early-round QBs like Aaron Rodgers over Matt Ryan, viewing Ryan as replaceable through streaming:
  "Matt Ryan epitomizes a QB8... replaceable through streaming." ([17:12])

• Joe Flacco:
  Treated primarily as a streaming QB with limited upside:
  "I'm treating him as a streamer this season mostly because the weapons there are not very strong." ([20:49])

Top 20 Quarterbacks Rankings

The hosts and JJ Zacharysson collaboratively discuss their Top 20 Quarterbacks, providing insights into each player's fantasy potential.

1. Aaron Rodgers

   • Universally ranked as the top QB due to his efficiency and consistent performance.
   • Jason Moore praises Rodgers:
     "He's one of the most efficient quarterbacks of all time." ([23:53])

2. Andrew Luck

   • Second only to Rodgers, with improvements from his offense and strong future prospects.
   • Jason Moore acknowledges the enduring gap between Rodgers and Luck:
     "There's a huge tear for me, a drop off on points after these two guys." ([25:41])

3. Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson

   • Matt Ryan receives high marks for his system and offensive support.
   • Peyton Manning is lauded for his history and ability to carry winning teams:
     "He can carry you when he's on." ([28:55])

4. Calvin Johnson and Other Mid-Ranked QBs

   • Discussed in relation to supporting offensive weapons and team dynamics.
   • Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of offensive trends over individual talent:
     "Which offense is trending up for the passing game." ([30:57])

5. Ryan Tannehill

   • Improved metrics and a robust supporting cast make Tannehill a valuable pick:
     "They have an up-tempo offense. I like Tannehill very much." ([35:05])

6. Eli Manning, Colin Kaepernick, Tony Romo

   • Eli Manning is appreciated for his renewed offensive system and receiving weapons:
     "I really like Eli Manning. I like the weapons there." ([37:23])
   • Colin Kaepernick is recommended as a late-round gamble with rushing upside:
     "He is available so late that if you take a chance on him and you swing and miss, don't come crying to me." ([36:30])
   • Tony Romo is considered a streamer with potential upside:
     "I think Romo is a guy who should be higher, but he's at 20th." ([44:54])

7. Additional Ranked QBs (4-20):

   • Ryan Tannehill, Cam Newton, Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson, Big Ben vs. Drew Brees, Andy Dalton, Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer, Tony Romo, Andy Dalton, Alex Smith, Andy Dalton, etc.
   • The rankings emphasize a balance between proven efficiency, offensive systems, and potential for high weekly scores.

Deep Dive: Big Ben vs. Drew Brees

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the debate between Ben Roethlisberger ("Big Ben") and Drew Brees.

• Ben Roethlisberger:

  • Mike Wright appreciates Big Ben's explosive games but notes inconsistency:
    "They have some huge games, but they've also had many games with one or less touchdowns." ([30:42])

• Drew Brees:

  • Jason Moore critiques Brees' recent performance trends, suggesting a regression despite his Hall of Fame credentials:
    "There's a regression here and his name is what's carrying him, not his performance last year." ([32:33])

  • Mike Wright counters by emphasizing Brees' consistent touchdown production and team dynamics:
    "He has seven straight 30 plus touchdown years." ([33:56])

The debate highlights the complexity of evaluating quarterbacks based solely on past performance versus future potential and team context.

Additional Quarterbacks (15-20)

• Ryan Tannehill, Cam Newton, Eli Manning, Colin Kaepernick, Tony Romo:

  • Evaluated based on their offensive systems, supporting casts, and potential for high fantasy scores through both passing and rushing.

• Phil Rivers, Carson Palmer, Andy Dalton:

  • Discussed as underrated or polar-opposite QBs with specific strengths and streaming potential.

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating the importance of strategic quarterback selection and teasing the next episode focused on tight ends. They encourage listeners to submit questions and engage with them via their website and Twitter.

Notable Quotes:

• JJ Zacharysson on Streaming:
  "It's taking advantage of the predictability aspect of the quarterback position." ([11:03])

• Jason Moore on Matt Ryan:
  "Matt Ryan epitomizes a QB8... replaceable through streaming." ([17:12])

• JJ on Tom Brady:
  "I'm telling them to avoid the situation completely." ([16:50])

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of quarterback rankings, strategic insights into streaming QBs, and updates on critical NFL news affecting fantasy football. With expert opinions from the hosts and guest JJ Zacharysson, listeners gain valuable perspectives to inform their draft strategies and waiver wire decisions for the upcoming season.

For more insights and rankings, visit www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @theffballers.