Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Early QB Rankings Show
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the realm of quarterbacks, dissecting their importance in fantasy football and presenting their early rankings for the season.
Rams-Titans Trade Analysis
The episode kicks off with a discussion about a significant NFL trade where the Rams exchanged multiple draft picks with the Titans to secure the number one overall pick.
Jason Moore highlights the magnitude of the trade:
"The Rams have swapped first-round picks and essentially gave up two second-round picks this year and a first and a third next year to move up from what, 15?"
This move is seen as a strategic investment for the Rams' future, echoing previous trades like the Redskins acquiring RG3.
Quarterback Position: Importance and Strategy
A critical debate ensues about the quarterback position's significance in fantasy football. Andy Holloway initially downplays the position's importance:
"In sports, but not in fantasy football."
However, Mike Wright counters, emphasizing quarterbacks' high scoring potential:
"The quarterbacks score the most points."
The hosts agree that while quarterbacks are pivotal, the abundance of scoring quarterbacks allows fantasy managers to find value later in drafts without sacrificing team strength.
Top 10 Quarterback Rankings
The core of the episode revolves around the hosts' consensus top 10 quarterback rankings, accompanied by detailed analysis and differing perspectives.
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Aaron Rodgers
Andy Holloway commends Rodgers' consistency:
"Over three of the last four years, Aaron Rodgers has been a top three guy."
Despite a slightly less stellar previous season, Rodgers remains the top choice due to his exceptional career statistics and reliability. -
Cam Newton
Jason Moore praises Newton's dual-threat capabilities:
"35 touchdowns through the air and 10 on the ground."
The hosts discuss Newton's potential to replicate his breakout season, weighing his high upside against the risk of inconsistent performance. -
Tom Brady
Mike Wright highlights Brady's impressive yardage and touchdown totals:
"He throws for over 4,700 yards and 36 touchdowns."
Concerns about possible injuries and off-field issues lead Andy Holloway to rate Brady with a moderate risk factor. -
Russell Wilson
Jason Moore positions Wilson as a high-upside, value-driven pick:
"Russell Wilson has the highest upside of any quarterback that can be drafted because of where you'll get him."
His consistent performance and the Seahawks' reliance on his playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset. -
Drew Brees
Mike Wright defends Brees' steady production despite early-season challenges:
"He has thrown for 30 or more touchdowns and over 4,300 yards for eight straight seasons."
Enhanced offensive weapons and improved team chemistry bolster Brees' ranking. -
Andrew Luck
The trio acknowledges Luck's talent and potential for a comeback:
"Andrew Luck could be the number one quarterback this year."
While not projecting his utmost performance, they see Luck as a safe investment with high rewards. -
Carson Palmer
Andy Holloway emphasizes Palmer's stable production within a high-powered offense:
"Carson Palmer was a successful quarterback and gives you a back-end QB."
The addition of key playmakers like David Johnson and Michael Floyd supports Palmer's ranking. -
Eli Manning
Jason Moore expresses skepticism about Manning's consistency:
"Eli Manning is the guy I kind of don't want to play."
Despite steady yardage and touchdowns, Manning's fluctuating performance makes him a wildcard in fantasy leagues. -
Blake Bortles
Andy Holloway underscores Bortles' potential regression despite his promising past:
"Blake Bortles threw a lot in the red zone but has regression here."
Concerns about his offensive support and touchdown dynamics influence his lower ranking. -
Philip Rivers
Mike Wright discusses Rivers' dependence on key receivers:
"Philip Rivers was putting up massive numbers until Keenan Allen went out."
The inconsistency in his performance when key players are unavailable affects Rivers' position in the rankings.
Drafting Strategies and Streaming Quarterbacks
The hosts advocate for drafting quarterbacks in the mid to late rounds, leveraging the depth of the position. They emphasize the viability of streaming quarterbacks based on weekly performance rather than investing early draft picks.
Andy Holloway advises:
"If you are one of those guys that can't pass up quarterbacks early, this is where you look."
This strategy allows fantasy managers to maximize value by prioritizing other positions early in the draft.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Towards the episode's conclusion, the hosts promote their Foot Clan community and tease upcoming features like an NFL-style combine, enhancing listener engagement and offering additional resources for fantasy enthusiasts.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jason Moore [01:00]: "Not just go through our top 10 rankings, which we will be doing, but also talk about how we view quarterbacks."
- Andy Holloway [12:00]: "In 2015, there were 11 quarterbacks who threw for 30 plus touchdowns. That's the most in NFL history."
- Mike Wright [24:14]: "I would have him at a five or the six," referring to Cam Newton's risk factor.
- Andy Holloway [25:18]: "Russell Wilson right now is the fifth quarterback off the board going in the fifth round."
- Jason Moore [27:52]: "I'm going out on the Cam Newtons, I'm out on the Aaron Rodgers, I'm probably out on the Brady's."
Conclusion
This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the quarterback landscape in fantasy football, balancing statistical insights with strategic drafting advice. The Fantasy Footballers provide valuable perspectives for both novice and seasoned fantasy managers, reinforcing the importance of informed decision-making in building a championship-winning team.
For more insights and detailed rankings, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and join the Foot Clan community.