Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Episode on Top 20 WRs, Kevin from The League, and Fantasy News (August 18, 2015)

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers kick off the episode with their usual camaraderie, expressing excitement about returning after a brief hiatus. They tease the main topics of the day: the top 20 wide receivers, a special guest from "The League," and the latest fantasy news.

Fantasy News and Updates (04:26 - 11:00)

The hosts delve into significant preseason developments impacting fantasy football enthusiasts:

• Ty Hilton’s Contract Extension: The Colts secured wide receiver Ty Hilton with a five-year, $65 million extension. Jason Moore remarks, “This puts Ty Hilton in a much better spot... he's going to be playing with Andrew Luck,” highlighting Hilton's value in dynasty and keeper leagues.

• Amir Abdullah’s Preseason Performance: Mike Wright praises Amir Abdullah's impressive preseason debut for the Detroit Lions, noting his 67 yards on seven carries. Andy Holloway adds, “It’s so weird that he’s really good,” emphasizing Abdullah's unexpected performance.

• Jonas Gray’s Dominance: Running back Jonas Gray led the Patriots with 74 yards and a touchdown against the Packers, showcasing his potential impact.

• Injury Updates:

  • Zach Ertz: Expected to miss a few weeks due to a groin injury, raising concerns about his reliability as a blocker.
  • Jordan Reed: Limited to one or two weeks of production before a season-ending injury.
  • Julius Thomas: The Jaguars’ $45 million investment is uncertain after a fractured hand, though a return by Week 1 is anticipated.
  • C.J. Anderson and Kevin White: C.J. Anderson exited the preseason opener with an ankle injury, while Kevin White faces surgery for a shin stress fracture, potentially sidelining him for the season.

• Eddie Royal’s Value: The Bears’ Eddie Royal has emerged as a valuable asset, reminiscent of Wes Welker in PPR leagues. Mike Wright states, “Eddie Royal is an extremely valuable potential Wes Welker, like a PPR monster.”

• Brandon Marshall and Martavis Bryant: Discussed briefly, highlighting Marshall’s consistency and Bryant's potential despite concerns over team dynamics.

Top 20 Wide Receivers Breakdown (11:17 - 55:31)

The core segment of the episode features an in-depth discussion of the top 20 wide receivers, incorporating consensus rankings and individual insights.

1. Julio Jones (11:24 - 13:58)

Julio Jones tops the list as the consensus number one wide receiver. Despite a quiet preseason game, Mike Wright confidently asserts, “A plus B equals draft. Julio Jones.” The trio emphasizes his high target volume and integration into Kyle Shanahan’s offense, drawing parallels to Andre Johnson’s success under the same system.

2. Antonio Brown (14:13 - 19:20)

Antonio Brown secures the second spot, with Jason Moore advocating his value even in standard leagues: “He is worthy of being the number one even in a standard league.” The discussion highlights Brown’s consistency, touchdown potential, and role as a dominant receiver.

3. Calvin Johnson (15:20 - 16:39)

Calvin Johnson occupies the third position. While acknowledging his age and injury history, Andy Holloway states, “There’s no reason to doubt Calvin Johnson,” supporting his continued elite performance.

4. Dez Bryant (16:52 - 17:36)

Dez Bryant is ranked fourth, praised for his touchdown reliability: “If there was anybody I had to put, you know, like a bet of my house down on getting double, double-digit touchdowns is Dez Bryant.”

5. A.J. Green (17:53 - 19:20)

AJ Green follows at fifth, recognized for his high floor and consistent performance. Jason Moore praises his potential to finish number one, noting, “He’s the guaranteed high floor.”

6. Jordy Nelson (19:16 - 20:44)

At sixth, Jordy Nelson benefits from the effective Rodgers-led Packers offense, ensuring consistent targets and touchdown opportunities.

7. Demarius Thomas (20:44 - 24:38)

Demarius Thomas ranks seventh, with Jason Moore advocating for his consistent top-three finishes and red-zone prowess: “He is very consistent. He’s a great red zone target.”

8-10. Alshon Jeffrey and Odell Beckham Jr. (22:11 - 28:10)

• Alshon Jeffrey: Positioned at eighth in some rankings, Jeffrey is highlighted for his high target volume and potential for increased fantasy points if he maintains health and offensive opportunities.
• Odell Beckham Jr.: Ranked ninth, Beckham Jr.’s dynamic playmaking ability is lauded despite some inconsistencies and injury concerns.

11-20. Remaining Wide Receivers (28:10 - 55:31)

The hosts continue to break down the rest of the top 20 wide receivers, including:

• Randall Cobb (11)
• Ty Hilton (12)
• Mike Evans (13)
• Jordan Matthews (14)
• Vincent Jackson (15)
• Emmanuel Sanders (17)
• Martavis Bryant (18)
• Andre Johnson (19)
• Brandon Marshall (20)
• Brandon Cooks (20)

Each player is evaluated based on preseason performance, team dynamics, injury status, and projected fantasy impact. Notable discussions include:

• Randall Cobb vs. Jordy Nelson: Debates over whether Cobb should be a primary WR1 versus Nelson’s consistency.
• Ty Hilton’s Role: Emphasis on Hilton’s elevated status with the Colts’ new contract and his synergy with quarterback Andrew Luck.
• Mike Evans vs. Vincent Jackson: Analysis of their respective target volumes and touchdown potentials, with Jason Moore stating, “Vincent Jackson could finish above Mike Evans,” based on target distribution.

Guest Interview: Steve Rannazizi ("Kevin from The League") (46:05 - 53:33)

The episode features an interview with Steve Rannazizi, known as "Kevin from The League," providing listeners with a humorous and insider perspective on the fantasy football landscape.

Highlights of the Interview:

• League Season Preview: Rannazizi shares insights into the upcoming season, including comedic elements like a cold open with Marshawn Lynch and appearances by football personalities such as Golden Tate and Randall Cobb.

• Listener Questions:

  • Draft Tips: Steve recommends hosting drafts at venues like Buffalo Wild Wings for an enhanced experience, emphasizing atmosphere and communal engagement.
  • League Trophy: Discussion about the league’s custom trophy, the Hazelton Cup, and its humorous parallels to iconic props like the Shiva and Sacco trophies.
  • Fantasy Picks: Responding to a question about choosing Le’Veon Bell vs. Adrian Peterson, Steve favors Peterson for his offseason conditioning and reduced wear and tear, aligning with Andy Holloway’s agreement.

• Future Plans: Steve teases his upcoming Comedy Central special "Breaking Dad" and a guest appearance on "New Girl," showcasing his multifaceted career beyond fantasy football.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Rannazizi on Adrian Peterson vs. Le’Veon Bell: “I would just for that sheer fact, you get more games out of Adrian Peterson, hopefully.” (49:23)
• Mike Wright on league trophies: “They bury it... in a prop warehouse somewhere.” (48:28)

Conclusion and Wrap-Up (55:31 - End)

The hosts express gratitude to Steve Rannazizi for joining the show and recap the wide receiver rankings. They announce an increase to four shows a week, promising deeper dives into wide receiver rankings, quarterback analyses, tight end discussions, daily news updates, and mailbag segments.

Andy Holloway humorously remarks, “I want somebody to go through the show and count how many times I said the word great,” emphasizing the enthusiastic tone of the episode.

Final Remarks:

• Encourage listeners to follow them on Twitter (@the_ffballers) and visit their website (www.thefantasyfootballers.com) for additional content and updates.
• Tease upcoming shows focusing on quarterbacks and tight ends, ensuring continual engagement and valuable fantasy insights.

Key Takeaways

• Top WR Rankings: Julio Jones and Antonio Brown lead the top ranks, with Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, and A.J. Green following closely.
• Injury Implications: Key injuries to players like Zach Ertz and Julius Thomas could impact their fantasy value.
• Player Value Analysis: Emphasis on evaluating players based on target volume, team dynamics, and consistency.
• Guest Insights: Steve Rannazizi provides a blend of humor and practical advice for fantasy enthusiasts.

This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the wide receiver landscape for the upcoming NFL season, enriched with expert analysis and entertaining discussions, making it a valuable resource for both seasoned and novice fantasy football players.