Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - AFC East, Josh Gordon News, Keep/Trade/Cut
Release Date: July 26, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway and Jason Moore
Duration: Approximately 59 minutes

1. AFC East Divisional Breakdown

A. New England Patriots

Andy and Jason delve into the Patriots' quarterback situation, focusing on Tom Brady's potential suspension and the impact of Jimmy Garoppolo stepping in.

• Tom Brady’s Impact:

  • Andy (00:54): "Well, they are back half to middle to back half."
  • Discussion centers on Brady’s elite fantasy production last season, leading in passing touchdowns and solid rankings in key passing categories. Andy expresses skepticism about Brady's future fantasy value, suggesting he might drop to the "back of the sixth."

• Jimmy Garoppolo’s Role:

  • Jason (05:04): "I think Geno Smith is bad with Geno Smith."
  • Concerns are raised about Garoppolo’s ability to maintain the Patriots’ high-powered offense. The hosts anticipate a potential decline in offensive output due to quarterback uncertainty.

• Key Players:

  • Julian Edelman: Predicted to have reduced production early in the season due to split reps with Garoppolo.
  • Martellus Bennett: Highlighted as an intriguing tight end option if the Patriots can effectively scheme their early games.

B. New York Jets

The discussion transitions to the Jets, focusing on their receiving corps and quarterback prospects.

• Brandon Marshall vs. Thomas Rawls:

  • Jason (04:26): "Brandon Marshall, even though he's at the top of the third."

  • Jason favors Brandon Marshall as a third-round pick, citing his proven compatibility with various quarterbacks and potential high fantasy output despite Geno Smith uncertainties.

  • Andy (07:28): "Thomas Rawls."

  • Andy surprises listeners by favoring Thomas Rawls, believing Rawls has the potential to outperform expectations and serve as a high-upside third-round selection.

• Josh Gordon’s Reinstatement:

  • Andy (26:10): "NFL reinstates wide receiver Josh Gordon, suspends him for the first four games."
  • The reinstatement of Josh Gordon with a four-game suspension is a significant topic, leading to debates on his draft value and long-term potential.

C. Miami Dolphins

Andy and Jason express their skepticism about the Dolphins’ offensive prospects under Adam Gase, highlighting issues with quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the tight end position.

• Ryan Tannehill’s Performance:

  • Jason (38:04): "I'm staying away from the stinking Dolphins."
  • The hosts criticize Tannehill’s inconsistency and the Dolphins' poor offensive rankings, advising listeners to avoid drafting Dolphins players except for Jarvis Landry in PPR formats.

• Key Players:

  • Jarvis Landry: Recognized as a reliable PPR option.
  • Sammy Watkins: Viewed as a talented but volume-limited receiver, dependent on improved offensive schemes.

D. Buffalo Bills

The Bills are identified as offseason sleepers with a focus on their running back depth and the potential of Sammy Watkins.

• Running Backs:

  • Andy (46:23): "LaShawn McCoy has to stay healthy."
  • Emphasis is placed on LaShawn McCoy’s potential to become a top-tier fantasy option if he remains healthy, supported by the Bills’ strong rushing offense.

• Quarterback and Receivers:

  • Tyrod Taylor: Praised for his dual-threat capabilities, making him a valuable fantasy quarterback.
  • Sammy Watkins: Continued focus on his talent and the expectation that an improved offensive scheme could boost his fantasy value.

2. Josh Gordon News

A major update reveals that Josh Gordon has been reinstated by the NFL but will miss the first four games due to a suspension.

• Reinstatement Details:

  • Jason (26:07): "Josh Gordon joins the show."
  • While the reinstatement is positive news, the four-game suspension introduces uncertainty regarding his immediate fantasy value.

• Draft Implications:

  • Andy (26:36): "Josh Gordon should go in the highest… sixth round."
  • Andy advises that Gordon could be a high-value pick in the sixth round but cautions against overestimating his immediate impact.

• Long-Term Potential:

  • Both hosts acknowledge Gordon’s talent but remain cautious about his consistency and fit within the Jets’ offensive system.

3. Keep/Trade/Cut Segments

Listeners submitted various Keep/Trade/Cut scenarios, which Andy and Jason addressed with their recommendations.

A. Arizona Cardinals Receiving Corps

Players in Consideration: Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Michael Floyd.

• Andy’s Decision:

  • Andy (52:03): "I'm going to cut Larry Fitzgerald. I'm going to keep John Brown."
  • Chooses to retain John Brown for his long-term potential and leadership, opting to cut veteran Larry Fitzgerald.

• Jason’s Decision:

  • Jason (52:09): "I'm going to keep Mike Evans for the long term."
  • Contrary to Andy, Jason decides to keep Michael Floyd, valuing his current production over Fitzgerald's experience.

B. Running Backs: Eddie Lacy, C.J. Anderson, Melvin Gordon

Players in Consideration: Eddie Lacy, C.J. Anderson, Melvin Gordon.

• Andy’s Decision:

  • Andy (56:08): "I'm going to keep Eddie Lacy and trade C.J. Anderson. I’ll cut Melvin Gordon."
  • Retains Eddie Lacy due to offensive potential, trades C.J. Anderson, and cuts Melvin Gordon for potential value elsewhere.

• Jason’s Decision:

  • Jason (56:13): "I'm going to keep C.J. Anderson. I'll trade Eddie Lacy and cut Melvin Gordon."
  • Focuses on retaining C.J. Anderson while trading away Eddie Lacy and cutting Melvin Gordon.

C. Running Backs: Big Benjamin, Dion Lewis, Lamar Miller, C.J. Anderson, Melvin Gordon

Players in Consideration: Big Benjamin, Dion Lewis, Lamar Miller, C.J. Anderson, Melvin Gordon.

• Andy’s Decision:

  • Andy (57:04): "I'm going to cut Deion Lewis and CJ Anderson because Lamar Miller's so good."
  • Prioritizes Lamar Miller’s potential, opting to cut Deion Lewis and C.J. Anderson.

• Jason’s Decision:

  • Jason (57:08): "I'll trade C.J. Anderson and cut Deion Lewis."
  • Similar to Andy, Jason trades away C.J. Anderson and cuts Deion Lewis to focus on Lamar Miller.

D. Dynasty Consideration: Josh Ferguson, Keith Marshall, Wendell Smallwood

Players in Consideration: Josh Ferguson, Keith Marshall, Wendell Smallwood.

• Andy’s Decision:

  • Andy (58:55): "I'm keeping Keith Marshall."
  • Chooses Keith Marshall for his talent and potential upward trajectory within the Eagles.

• Jason’s Decision:

  • Jason (58:09): "I think Smallwood is the most talented. I’ll keep him."
  • Prefers Wendell Smallwood over Josh Ferguson and Keith Marshall due to his involvement in PPR formats.

4. Question of the Day: Favorite Third-Round Selection on Half-Point PPR

Listener Query: "Who's your favorite third-round selection right now on a half-point PPR based on ADP?"

• Candidates Discussed:

  • Brandon Marshall, Brandon Cooks, Thomas Rawls, Cam Newton, Ty Hilton, Kelvin Benjamin, Demarius Thomas, Aaron Rodgers, Zamari Fredrick, Sammy Watkins, C.J. Anderson, Latavius Murray.

• Jason’s Favorite: Brandon Marshall

  • Jason (04:55): "Brandon Marshall."
  • Highlights Marshall’s proven ability to perform with various quarterbacks and his high fantasy value despite team uncertainties.

• Andy’s Favorite: Thomas Rawls

  • Andy (07:28): "Thomas Rawls."
  • Advocates for Rawls as a high-upside pick, anticipating his performance to surpass expectations and offer significant fantasy returns.

• Key Points:

  • Both hosts agree on the high value of Brandon Marshall.
  • Andy introduces Thomas Rawls as a surprising yet potentially rewarding choice.
  • Discussion includes considerations of team offensive schemes and player health.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brandon Marshall’s Value:

  • Andy (05:04): "Brandon Marshall belongs in the middle of the second."

• Josh Gordon’s Draft Position:

  • Andy (06:35): "I think Brandon Marshall belongs in the middle of the second."
  • Andy (26:36): "Josh Gordon should go in the… sixth round."

• Patriots’ Offensive Outlook:

  • Jason (18:30): "They are going to have some up and down."

• Keep/Trade/Cut Insights:

  • Andy (52:03): "I'm going to cut Larry Fitzgerald. I'm going to keep John Brown."
  • Jason (56:13): "I'm going to keep C.J. Anderson. I'll trade Eddie Lacy and cut Melvin Gordon."

Conclusion

Andy and Jason provide comprehensive insights into the AFC East for the 2016 season, emphasizing key player evaluations and strategic draft decisions. They highlight Josh Gordon’s reinstatement as pivotal news affecting drafts and offer actionable Keep/Trade/Cut recommendations based on listener submissions. Their analysis is rooted in player performance, team dynamics, and fantasy football strategy, offering valuable guidance for fantasy owners preparing for the upcoming season.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Fantasy Footballers community at fantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @theffballers for more updates and exclusive content.