Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - 10 Bold Predictions for 2016, Debate of the Week
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: September 1, 2016
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with a celebratory note as September marks the return of football season. Andy Holloway sets an enthusiastic tone, highlighting the excitement surrounding the upcoming games and the season's start on September 8th.
2. Debate of the Week: Will Josh Gordon Be a Bust in 2016?
The primary focus of the episode is a heated debate between Andy Holloway and co-host Nick Mangold (representing Jason Moore's stance) on whether Josh Gordon will underperform, or "bust," in the 2016 fantasy football season.
Andy Holloway's Argument (No, Gordon Will Not Be a Bust):
- Opportunity for Redemption: Gordon is returning with opportunities to play, participate in meetings, and fully integrate into the team's offense.
- Elite Talent: Recalling Gordon's impressive 2013 season with 89 receptions for over 1,600 yards and nine touchdowns, Andy emphasizes his high ceiling despite past struggles.
- Team Dynamics: With the Browns' quarterback carousel and the presence of Robert Griffin III, Gordon remains a valuable deep threat. Additionally, rookie Corey Coleman adds depth to the receiving corps.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [04:32]: "Josh Gordon is an elite talent. You cannot go out like in 2013 and put up those numbers..."
Nick Mangold's Argument (Yes, Gordon Will Be a Bust):
- Past Inconsistencies: Gordon's limited performance in subsequent seasons and his time on the bench raise concerns about his reliability.
- Draft Implications: Gordon is projected to be drafted in the fifth round due to speculation of his potential output. However, past performance suggests he may not meet the high expectations set by his draft position.
- Injury Concerns: Referring to Gordon's five-game stint with 24 receptions for 300 yards and zero touchdowns the previous season, Nick questions his ability to replicate past success.
Notable Quote:
Nick Mangold [05:25]: "Josh Gordon is living on 2013 karma. ... he did not play that well."
Verdict by Mike Wright:
- Balancing both sides, Mike sides with Andy, arguing that Gordon's potential and the team's offensive structure mitigate the bust risk.
- Final Decision: "Josh Gordon will not be a bust."
Notable Quote:
Mike Wright [07:20]: "Where I'm swayed is the point of him going in the fifth round... I'm going to have to go with the arguments that Josh Gordon will not be a bust." [07:53]
3. News and Notes
The hosts transition to discussing the latest NFL news affecting fantasy football decisions.
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Amir Abdullah's Prediction: Abdullah expects to receive the majority of carries, sparking discussion on his potential fantasy value.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [08:26]: "Amir Abdullah stated he's going to get all the carries. What does it mean for fantasy owners?"
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Jimmy Graham's Week One Status: Mixed signals from the Ravens' camp lead Mike predicts Graham will not play in Week One, a sentiment echoed by Nick.
Notable Quote:
Mike Wright [11:26]: "Jimmy Graham does not play week one." [11:42]
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Jamal Charles' Uncertainty: Reports suggest Charles might miss the season opener, prompting advice to consider drafting Spencer Ware as a backup.
Notable Quote:
Mike Wright [12:06]: "If Ware is available, go pick him up immediately." [12:45]
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Rob Kelly's Emergence: Undrafted free agent Rob Kelly impresses with his preseason performance, securing a backup role for Matt Jones. Andy and Mike discuss the potential fantasy implications, recommending drafting Kelly in the late rounds.
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Additional Player Updates:
- Thomas Rawls and Christian Michael: Debate on Rawls' starting role and the rise of Christian Michael as a potential breakout running back.
- Seattle Seahawks' Defensive Improvements: Mention of the team's defense being underrated and its impact on player performances.
4. 10 Bold Predictions for 2016
The core segment of the episode features the hosts presenting their most audacious predictions for the upcoming season.
Mike Wright's Predictions:
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Kirk Cousins as a Top Five Quarterback:
- Predicts Cousins will finish the season among the top five quarterbacks, bolstered by increased targets from Jordan Reed.
- Notable Quote:
Mike Wright [17:22]: "Kirk Cousins will finish the season as a top five quarterback because Jordan Reed will be the tight end, one above Rob Gronkowski." [17:22]
-
Antonio Brown Breaking Records:
- Forecasts Brown will surpass the single-season reception and receiving yardage records, aiming for over 2,000 yards.
- Notable Quote:
Mike Wright [23:22]: "Antonio Brown will break the single season reception yard and he will break the most yards in a single season." [23:15]
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David Johnson's Record-Threatening Season:
- Asserts Johnson will challenge the single-season yards from scrimmage record, potentially leading the Cardinals to a Super Bowl victory.
- Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [33:54]: "David Johnson will threaten the single season yardage mark from scrimmage and the Cardinals will win the Super Bowl." [34:07]
Jason Moore's Predictions:
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Ezekiel Elliott Not Finishing as Top Rookie RB:
- Predicts Elliott will not become the number one rookie running back, breaking a trend where highly drafted rookie RBs rarely finish atop their class.
- Notable Quote:
Nick Mangold [19:21]: "Ezekiel Elliott will not finish as the number one rookie running back in 2016." [19:30]
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Sam Bradford Starting More Than 16 Games:
- Boldly claims Bradford, currently in the CFL, will start the entire season for the Eagles, leading them to win the NFC East.
- Notable Quote:
Nick Mangold [26:10]: "Sam Bradford... will start more than 16 games this season." [26:12]
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Cam Newton Reverting to 2014 Form:
- Suggests Newton and the Panthers will regress to their 2014 performance levels, impacting their fantasy value negatively.
- Notable Quote:
Nick Mangold [29:21]: "Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers will revert to their 2014 form." [29:26]
Andy Holloway's Predictions:
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Julio Jones Breaking the Single-Season Reception Record:
- Predicts Julio Jones will surpass Antonio Brown in total receiving yards, setting a new single-season record.
- Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [24:56]: "Julio Jones will break the single season reception record." [24:42]
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Joe Flacco’s Career-High Passing Yards and Ravens Making the Playoffs:
- Forecasts Flacco will throw for over 4,000 yards, the Ravens will secure a playoff spot, and he will achieve personal statistical milestones.
- Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [22:34]: "Joe Flacco will throw for a career high of 4,000 plus yards and the Ravens will make the playoffs." [22:34]
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DeSean Jackson as the Top Wide Receiver:
- Predicts Jackson will finish as the number one wide receiver by scoring at least 10 touchdowns, benefiting from Kirk Cousins’ increased role.
- Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [27:51]: "D Sean Jackson ends the year as a wide receiver one." [28:00]
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Additional Bold Predictions:
- Nick Mangold: Jonathan Bold predictions including Sammy Baugh unlikely to repeat, and Malcolm Brown emerging as a top RB.
- Mike Wright: Endorses all bold predictions, emphasizing their potential impact on fantasy football strategies.
5. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the fun and speculative nature of their predictions. They encourage listeners to engage with the content, share their own predictions, and participate in the fantasy football community via their platforms.
Final Remarks:
Andy Holloway [36:05]: "Yeah, all of mine." [36:05]
Nick Mangold [34:14]: "Fun show." [34:14]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Andy Holloway:
"Josh Gordon is an elite talent. You cannot go out like in 2013 and put up those numbers..." [04:32]
-
Nick Mangold:
"Josh Gordon is living on 2013 karma..." [05:25]
-
Mike Wright:
"Jimmy Graham does not play week one." [11:42]
-
Andy Holloway:
"David Johnson will threaten the single season yardage mark from scrimmage and the Cardinals will win the Super Bowl." [34:07]
-
Mike Wright:
"Antonio Brown will break the single season reception yard and he will break the most yards in a single season." [23:15]
-
Nick Mangold:
"Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers will revert to their 2014 form." [29:26]
Conclusion
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a blend of strategic debate and bold forecasting, providing listeners with both analytical insights and entertaining predictions. Whether you're preparing for your fantasy draft or looking to refine your season strategy, the hosts deliver valuable content to enhance your fantasy football experience.
For more insights and community discussions, visit fantasyfootballers.com and join the conversation on Twitter @theffballers.