Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary: "Regress or Impress? CBS Sports Jamey Eisenberg, News"
Release Date: May 26, 2016
Introduction and Announcements
In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into the dynamic world of fantasy football, providing listeners with expert analysis, strong opinions, and actionable advice. The episode features a special guest appearance by Jamey Eisenberg from CBS Sports, who joins the trio to discuss key players poised to either regress or impress in the upcoming season.
Key Announcements:
- Podcast Awards Nomination: The Fantasy Footballers are thrilled to announce their nomination for both the Best Overall Sports Podcast and the People's Choice Award at podcastawards.com. From [03:11], the hosts encourage listeners to vote daily from May 29th for two weeks to support and potentially win exclusive giveaways, including a signed Adam Schefter jersey and a spot in the Fantasy Footballers Listener League.
The State of the Running Back Position
The episode opens with a comprehensive analysis of the running back position, a perennial cornerstone of fantasy football strategy.
Mike Wright's Insight:
- Undervalued Talent: Wright posits that the running back position is currently undervalued and poised for resurgence. He states, “I think it is going to be undervalued by the majority of the fantasy football community” [06:37].
- Evolution of the Role: He highlights the shift from relying solely on workhorse three-down backs to valuing versatile players like Charles Sims and Danny Woodhead, who contribute significantly both in rushing and receiving yards.
Jason Moore's Perspective:
- Depth and Value: Moore challenges the traditional scarcity of running backs by comparing the position to a "New York steak," asserting that this year's running back class is exceptionally deep and full of reliable producers [08:00-08:21].
- Strategic Adjustments: He emphasizes the importance of adapting draft strategies to capitalize on this depth, suggesting that fantasy managers can be more selective and avoid the frantic early-round rush for running backs.
Andy Holloway's Take:
- Strategy Evolution: Holloway agrees with his co-hosts, noting the emergence of dominant wide receivers like Odell Beckham Jr., Julio Jones, and Antonio Brown has altered the overall strategy, making the running back position more accessible and adaptable [10:11].
Latest News Highlights
The hosts transition into a news segment covering significant updates that could impact fantasy football decisions.
Tyler Ifert's Ankle Surgery:
- Injury Concerns: Tyler Ifert’s ankle surgery is a focal point, with Adam Schefter reporting his uncertainty for Week 1 [11:07]. The discussion revolves around the implications for fantasy owners, debating Ifert’s draft value and potential impact on his backup, Tyler Croft.
Eddie Lacy's Weight and Performance:
- Weight Management: Eddie Lacy remains a topic of interest, with his weight holding steady in the 240s. The hosts discuss coach Mike McCarthy’s confidence in Lacy’s performance, although concerns about his ability to meet weight targets linger [18:13].
Super Bowl Locations:
- Future Venues: Announcements confirm that the 2019 through 2021 Super Bowls will be held in Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles, respectively [19:51-20:12].
Regress or Impress: Player Analysis
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to evaluating players who might either regress or impress in the upcoming season. Jamey Eisenberg from CBS Sports provides his expert opinions alongside the hosts.
Travis Benjamin (San Diego Chargers)
- Mike Wright: Sees Benjamin as a potential boom-or-bust play due to his role in a pass-heavy offense [22:43].
- Jason Moore: Predicts regression, citing potential similarities to Malcolm Floyd's inconsistent performance [24:13].
- Conclusion: The consensus leans towards regression, with Benjamin unlikely to surpass previous performance levels [25:40].
Jarvis Landry (Miami Dolphins)
- Stats Overview: Last season's 111 receptions for 1,160 yards and four touchdowns make Landry a solid PPR option.
- Mike Wright: Anticipates a possible decrease in yardage but an increase in touchdowns [26:21].
- Jason Moore: Optimistic about Landry maintaining consistency, especially in PPR leagues, despite roster changes [27:46].
- Conclusion: Mixed outlook with potential for consistent performance, leaning towards impress [30:46].
Kirk Cousins (Washington Redskins)
- Previous Performance: Last season, Cousins threw for over 4,100 yards and 29 touchdowns with a completion rate just under 70% [30:56].
- Mike Wright: Now views him as a solid fantasy quarterback, anticipating continued strong performance despite postseason struggles [31:12].
- Jason Moore: Initially viewed as a streamer, Moore has shifted his perspective, now believing Cousins will impress due to improved offensive weapons [35:13].
- Conclusion: Optimistic outlook with Cousins expected to impress, potentially ranking higher than competition like Blake Bortles [35:35].
Devontae Freeman (Cleveland Browns)
- Jamey Eisenberg's Analysis:
- Regression Expected: Freeman's role is likely to diminish with the addition of Tevin Coleman, leading to fewer touches [36:50].
- Draft Strategy: Suggests value in Coleman over Freeman for drafts, cautioning against early overreliance on Freeman [38:04].
Matt Forte (New York Jets)
- Decreased Value: Forte faces a new backfield competition with Bilal Powell and Kyrie Robinson, leading to potential regression [40:21].
- Jamey Eisenberg's Take: Recommends avoiding Forte unless drafted in later rounds, highlighting the uncertainty of his role [41:41].
Latavius Murray (Oakland Raiders)
- Positive Outlook: Improved Oakland offensive line and stable backfield roles make Murray a valuable fourth-round pick [42:07].
Brandon Cooks (New Orleans Saints)
- Breakout Potential: Despite a subdued first half last season, Cooks is expected to thrive with a more defined offensive identity and healthy Drew Brees [43:37].
- Willie Snead's Role: Enhanced by the addition of Michael Thomas, Snead is poised to secure a reliable spot as a wide receiver [45:24].
TJ Yeldin (New York Giants)
- Value Assessment: Yeldin is considered a draft value, though uncertainty remains regarding his role alongside Elijah Pitts [47:31].
Mailbag Highlights
Listeners pose intriguing questions, prompting thoughtful discussions among the hosts.
Nick from Akron, Ohio:
- Roster Decision: Faced with choosing between Alan Robinson (4th), Ryan Matthews (7th), Eric Decker (8th), and Jeremy Hill (11th) in a full-point PPR league.
- Response: The hosts largely agree that Alan Robinson offers the most reliable PPR production, reinforcing his selection over others despite differing opinions on others' rankings [50:11-51:30].
Garrison from California:
- First Overall Pick Dilemma: Torn between selecting Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, or Adrian Peterson in a standard scoring league.
- Advice: While Mike Wright favors Antonio Brown for his consistent wide receiver production over the other running backs, Jason Moore suggests considering Odell Beckham Jr. for his high touchdown potential, advising flexibility based on league settings [51:44-53:37].
Steve Balls:
- Wide Receiver Development: Questions whether wide receivers see their biggest breakout between their sophomore and third seasons.
- Andy Holloway's Response: Confirms that while many receivers improve significantly by their third year, the actual timing can vary, emphasizing the importance of opportunity and player pedigree [53:40-55:53].
Bryson from Salt Lake City:
- Auction Sabotage: Concerned about league mates attempting to sabotage his auction strategy after his success.
- Advice: The hosts recommend maintaining integrity, not engaging in collusion, and focusing on strong drafting strategies to overcome any sabotage attempts [56:20-57:59].
Conclusion
The Fantasy Footballers Podcast meticulously covers a range of topics essential for fantasy managers, from evaluating the evolving running back position and breaking news to in-depth player analyses and listener Q&As. With expert guest Jamey Eisenberg providing additional insights, the episode equips listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions for the upcoming fantasy football season.
Key Takeaways:
- Running Back Depth: Embrace the increased depth and versatility in the running back position.
- Player Evaluation: Carefully assess players’ roles and potential for regression or improvement.
- Strategic Voting: Support the podcast by voting in the Podcast Awards for a chance to win exclusive prizes.
- Listener Engagement: Utilize the insights from the mailbag to enhance your fantasy strategies and overcome league challenges.
Stay tuned for more expert advice and entertaining discussions in future episodes of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast!
For more content, questions, and to support the show, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @theFFBallers.