Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Top 20 RB's, Preseason, Fantasy News, Mailbag
Release Date: August 11, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers delve deep into the preseason activities, evaluate the top 20 running backs for the upcoming fantasy season, discuss the latest fantasy news, and engage with listener questions from their mailbag. The hosts provide expert analysis, share strong opinions, and offer matchup-winning advice to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues.
Hall of Fame Game Insights
The hosts kick off the discussion by reflecting on the Hall of Fame game and its implications for the upcoming season.
-
Andy Holloway [01:35]:
"Did you really learn anything from that mostly meaningless Hall of Fame game?" -
Mike Wright [01:48]:
"Don't draft Sean Swisham."
"He tackled. Tackled. He went, big man for the Hall of Fame game."
Despite the game's limited significance, the hosts glean valuable insights, particularly concerning player injuries and performances. They highlight Adrian Peterson's sharp appearance despite not playing, emphasizing his readiness for the season.
- Jason Moore [02:48]:
"Adrian Peterson looked really sharp in that uniform. That's true."
News and Notes
The podcast transitions into the latest fantasy news, covering team camp updates and player statuses.
Saints Camp:
- Andy Holloway [05:34]:
"Saints camp Ben Watson is listed officially as the number one tight end on the Saints' first depth chart of the season. Not Josh Hill."
"RIP Josh Hill's fantasy value was never there. It was an illusion."
The hosts discuss how Ben Watson's promotion affects Josh Hill's fantasy prospects, attributing Hill's initial rise to the "Alpha Blue effect" and clarifying that Hill cannot replicate Jimmy Graham's role.
Bears Camp:
- Andy Holloway [06:42]:
"First-round wide receiver Kevin White could miss the entire preseason."
"Eddie Royal is looking better and better as weeks go by."
The Bears' tight ends situation is scrutinized, with concerns over Kevin White's availability and a shift towards Eddie Royal's potential in the passing game.
Steelers Camp:
- Andy Holloway [07:13]:
"Martavis Bryant had the cast removed from his elbow... was a good news for him."
Updates on Martavis Bryant's injury and his recovery are shared, along with observations on Landry Jones' performance and the emergence of rookie wide receivers like Sammy Coates.
Top 20 Running Backs Rankings
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unveiling and analyzing the consensus rankings of the top 20 running backs for the fantasy season.
1. Adrian Peterson
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Andy Holloway [12:07]:
"The consensus number one on our boards across all three of our rankings is Adrian Peterson once again, all day." -
Jason Moore [12:32]:
"Adrian Peterson is one of the most athletic freaks that have ever graced the NFL."
"For PPR value, AP normally takes a slight hit. I think he gets a boost."
Despite Peterson being 30 years old and having missed a full season, his consistent performance justifies his top ranking.
2. Eddie Lacy & Le'Veon Bell
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Mike Wright [14:27]:
"He had the best hands on the team in a high-scoring offense with the best quarterback." -
Jason Moore [14:48]:
"Le'Veon Bell's points spiked massively... seven to eight points a game."
Both Eddie Lacy and Le'Veon Bell share the second spot, with emphasis on their involvement in the passing game and their touch efficiency.
4. C.J. Anderson
- Jason Moore [17:33]:
"C.J. Anderson is being used with the first team because he is the starting running back."
"He has great hands, can play all aspects of the game."
C.J. Anderson's rise is attributed to his training camp performance and his role as the primary back, especially in a team led by a functional QB.
5. Marshawn Lynch
-
Andy Holloway [19:35]:
"DeMarco is first in everybody's hearts last year... he gets underdrafted every single year because he's not sexy." -
Jason Moore [20:24]:
"He is the ultimate inconsistency. He's the only guy to finish in the top five three straight years."
Recognized for his consistent production despite not being a typical draft favorite, Marshawn Lynch remains a valuable but underrated asset.
6. Jamal Charles
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Andy Holloway [21:17]:
"Jamal Charles is the most efficient running back in football." -
Jason Moore [22:13]:
"He has a nose for when he gets down there. He finds a way to split on the ground."
Jamal Charles is commended for his efficiency and goal-line prowess, despite concerns over workload and team offensive strategies.
7-20. Additional Running Backs
The hosts continue to evaluate other running backs, discussing their strengths, potential, and fantasy prospects:
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Jeremy Hill [23:22]:
"He is incredibly talented. He is a gigantic man who can run like the wind."
"He has a nose for the end zone and he's got that potential and speed." -
DeMarco Murray & Justin Forsett [25:10]:
"DeMarco Murray... high volume and efficiency make him a valuable pick."
"Justin Forsett is a reliable option with consistent production." -
Frank Gore [36:04]:
"Frank Gore has been underdrafted three consecutive years and outperformed his ADP."
"He catches passes, has great hands, and is on a strong offense."
The rankings emphasize a mix of established veterans and emerging talents, each with unique attributes that make them viable fantasy options.
Mailbag: Listener Questions
The hosts address questions submitted by listeners, providing personalized advice on fantasy strategies.
Strategy for Last Pick in Snake Draft
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Adam from Canada [48:23]:
"What should my strategy be for the last pick? Should I go wide receiver?" -
Jason Moore [49:22]:
"I’m taking an elite wide receiver such as Desmond Briant and Julio, and then Jeremy Hill." -
Andy Holloway [48:44]:
"If you're in that position, you're also going to wait another 20 picks to draft your first running back."
The hosts suggest balancing elite wide receivers with potential high-impact running backs like Jeremy Hill to maximize value.
Drafting Peyton Manning and C.J. Anderson Together
-
Brian from New York [53:24]:
"Should I draft both Peyton Manning and C.J. Anderson?" -
Jason Moore [49:46]:
"You do not need to give them a bonus for being on the team. Don't be afraid to pair them."
The consensus is that pairing a quarterback with a running back from the same team can be beneficial without mutual interference.
Choosing Between Arian Foster and Todd Gurley
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Caleb from Arkansas [50:18]:
"Recent news seems more optimistic on Arian Foster's return. Would you feel more comfortable taking Foster or Todd Gurley based on ADP?" -
Jason Moore [51:25]:
"I lean towards Arian Foster... most leagues have an IR spot where Foster can be placed."
The hosts recommend prioritizing Arian Foster if he returns within a manageable timeframe, especially if the league accommodates IR placements.
Drafting Le'Veon Bell vs. Eddie Lacy vs. Charles in Keeper League
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Nick from New York [53:24]:
"Who do you take with the first overall pick: Le'Veon Bell, Eddie Lacy, or Charles in a 12-team keeper league?" -
Jason Moore [53:54]:
"Le'Veon Bell is a must with his consistent performance and team strategy."
The recommendation leans towards selecting Le'Veon Bell due to his dual-threat capabilities and strong team environment.
Closing Remarks
The hosts wrap up the episode by promoting upcoming shows, announcing special guests like Christopher Harris from HarrisFootball.com and JJ Zacharison, and reminding listeners to subscribe and leave reviews. They also mention moving to four shows a week to provide more in-depth coverage and insights.
- Andy Holloway [57:09]:
"We have a show on Thursday with Christopher Harris... special guests coming up next week."
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast through various platforms, ensuring they stay updated with the latest fantasy football strategies and advice.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Mike Wright [01:48]:
"Don't draft Sean Swisham."
[00:00 - 08:31] -
Jason Moore [12:32]:
"Adrian Peterson is one of the most athletic freaks that have ever graced the NFL."
[12:28 - 14:10] -
Andy Holloway [19:35]:
"He gets underdrafted every single year because he's not sexy."
[19:35 - 20:34] -
Jason Moore [49:22]:
"I’m taking an elite wide receiver such as Desmond Briant and Julio, and then Jeremy Hill."
[49:05 - 49:22] -
Jason Moore [53:54]:
"Let’s check our tape."
[53:27]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Fantasy Footballers' August 11, 2015 podcast episode. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy player or new to the game, the expert analysis provided by Andy, Jason, and Mike equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and enhance your fantasy football experience.