Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Early QB Rankings Part 2
Release Date: April 21, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, the expert trio delves deep into the early quarterback (QB) rankings for the 2016 fantasy football season, focusing specifically on quarterbacks ranked 11 through 20. The hosts provide comprehensive analyses, share strong opinions, and offer matchup-winning advice to help fantasy managers optimize their QB selections.

Quarterback Rankings 11–20

11. Ben Roethlisberger

• Overview: Ben Roethlisberger (Big Ben) is discussed as a strong yet potentially underrated fantasy QB. Despite being the sixth quarterback to be drafted on average, the hosts believe he's undervalued.
• Key Points:
  • Projected to surpass 4,500 passing yards and achieve around 4-5 touchdowns this season.
  • Concerns: Limited touchdowns compared to elite QBs like Tom Brady, and the impact of Martavis Bryant’s suspension on the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense.
• Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (09:10): “I would want Dan Roethlisberger on my NFL team, but I'm not going to have him on my fantasy team...”

12. Jameis Winston

• Overview: Jameis Winston enters the rankings with significant upside as a rookie QB showing promise.
• Key Points:
  • Performance: Threw for over 4,000 yards in his rookie season, the youngest to do so, with a strong showing in the second half of the year.
  • Improvements: Weight reduction and enhanced cardio, aiming to bolster his performance.
  • Projection: Expected to climb in fantasy rankings due to increased responsibility and weaponry on his team.
• Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (15:12): “22 years old right now, so he's 21 last year. And in four-point per passing touchdown leagues, he jumps from 16 to 11.”

13. Derek Carr

• Overview: Derek Carr is highlighted for his impressive sophomore season, comparable to Andrew Luck’s performance in his second year.
• Key Points:
  • Performance: Threw for nearly 4,000 yards with over 30 touchdowns.
  • Offensive Weapons: Amari Cooper's health significantly impacts his fantasy value.
  • Upside: High potential if offensive consistency is maintained and additional wide receivers are acquired.
• Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (17:14): “All of these guys at this range are so close in our points...”

16. Ryan Fitzpatrick

• Overview: Ryan Fitzpatrick experienced a career year, leading to his placement at number 16.
• Key Points:
  • Performance: Threw for 31 touchdowns but struggled with interceptions and consistency.
  • Fantasy Role: Best suited as a streaming option rather than a consistent starter.
• Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (31:20): “For him being ranked this high, he really falls into a streamer only category for me.”

17. Colin Kaepernick

• Overview: Colin Kaepernick's ranking is subject to debate, hinging on potential trades and fit within team offensive schemes.
• Key Points:
  • Potential Trades: Speculation around a possible move to Denver, which could enhance his fantasy value.
  • Offensive Fit: Compatibility with Chip Kelly’s system could lead to big games and increased rushing opportunities.
• Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (32:34): “We have the entertaining pleasure right now of having this standoff...”

18. Tony Romo

• Overview: Tony Romo is considered a valuable late-round pick with high upside, tempered by injury concerns.
• Key Points:
  • Performance: Led the league in completion percentage and yards per attempt in 2014.
  • Injury Risk: History of collarbone injuries poses a risk but his consistent production when healthy makes him an attractive option.
• Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (35:18): “I would not mind taking him with my third to last pick if he happened to be available.”

19. Kirk Cousins

• Overview: Kirk Cousins is recognized for his strong passing yards and touchdowns but is held back by inconsistency.
• Key Points:
  • Performance: Threw for over 4,100 yards and five rushing touchdowns but struggled with mental mistakes and turnovers early in the season.
  • Team Dynamics: The presence of healthy receivers like Jordan Reed and the potential return of Desean Jackson could enhance his fantasy value.
• Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (41:07): “It can kind of go any way with him and that's why he's down at 19 and higher.”

20. Matthew Stafford

• Overview: Matthew Stafford remains a polarizing figure, with strong yardage potential but concerns about his supporting cast.
• Key Points:
  • Performance: Showed significant improvement in the second half of the previous season, throwing for over 4,400 yards with reduced interceptions.
  • Supporting Cast: Loss of key wide receivers like Calvin Johnson impacts his effectiveness, though his arsenal still includes reliable targets like Golden Tate and Eric Ebron.
• Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (44:03): “If the attempts don't change for Matthew Stafford, he'll be efficient enough with them to make his mark in fantasy football.”

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Scoring Systems Impact Rankings:

   • The podcast utilizes a 6-point per passing touchdown scoring system, which slightly devalues running quarterbacks compared to a 4-point system.

2. Injury Considerations:

   • Ben Roethlisberger and Matthew Stafford carry injury risks that could impact their season-long fantasy performance.
   • Tony Romo’s history with collarbone injuries places him higher on the risk spectrum, rated around 6-7 out of 10.

3. Weapon Availability:

   • The health and productivity of key wide receivers like Amari Cooper and Jordan Reed are crucial for QBs like Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins to maximize their fantasy output.

4. Trade Speculations:

   • Colin Kaepernick’s potential trade to Denver could create a significant shift in his fantasy ranking, depending on the offensive strategies he adopts in a new environment.

5. Consistency vs. Upside:

   • Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kirk Cousins are seen as inconsistent producers, making them more suitable for streaming rather than as primary fantasy QBs.
   • Jameis Winston and Matthew Stafford offer high upside with the potential for explosive performances, but come with their own sets of risks.

Conclusions

The Fantasy Footballers provide a nuanced analysis of the mid-tier quarterbacks, emphasizing the delicate balance between consistency, injury risk, and offensive support. Managers are encouraged to consider these factors carefully when drafting or making moves throughout the season. The episode underscores the importance of understanding each quarterback's unique situation to make informed fantasy football decisions.

Looking Ahead

In anticipation of the upcoming draft, the hosts tease a draft preview with special guests, where they will discuss big offensive names, potential team assignments, and strategies to navigate the ever-evolving quarterback landscape. Listeners are encouraged to submit questions via the website and engage with the podcast community for deeper insights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jason Moore (09:10): “I would want Dan Roethlisberger on my NFL team, but I'm not going to have him on my fantasy team...”
• Andy Holloway (15:12): “22 years old right now, so he's 21 last year. And in four-point per passing touchdown leagues, he jumps from 16 to 11.”
• Jason Moore (35:18): “I would not mind taking him with my third to last pick if he happened to be available.”
• Andy Holloway (44:03): “If the attempts don't change for Matthew Stafford, he'll be efficient enough with them to make his mark in fantasy football.”

Stay Connected:
For more insights and to join the fantasy football community, visit fantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @FFballers.