Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Rookie Rundown RB & TE, News, Mailbag
Release Date: February 4, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Rookie Rundown: Tight Ends

Max Williams (Baltimore Ravens)

• Overview: Discussed as a first-round draft pick with high potential. Although his rookie season showed moderate usage due to competition, the hosts anticipate significant improvement.
• Jason Moore [15:31]: “I think Max Williams is needed for the Ravens. I don't see Betty Crockett Gilmore as really standing in his way.”
• Projections:
  • Andy Holloway: Expects Williams to secure at least 50 receptions and increased red-zone targets next season.
  • Mike Wright: Believes Williams has the potential to break into the top-tier tight ends but remains cautious about immediate impact.

Will Tye (New York Jets)

• Overview: Showed promise by stepping up during an injury to the starting tight end. Recorded 42 receptions for 464 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Jason Moore [18:02]: “I don't expect him to just be the guy next year because he put up the best rookie numbers as a tight end this year.”
• Projections:
  • Andy Holloway: Interested in how Will Tye fits into the Jets' depth chart, considering potential improvements in team dynamics.
  • Mike Wright: Appreciates Tye's athleticism and versatility, predicting he could become the primary tight end if he leads the depth chart.

Clive Walford (Oakland Raiders)

• Overview: A third-round pick who saw increased targets in the latter part of the season. Logged 33 receptions for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• Andy Holloway [19:44]: “Clive Walford is a guy who started to come on later in the season because most rookies don't make a contribution in the beginning of the year.”
• Projections:
  • Mike Wright: Expects Walford to maintain his role and possibly emerge as a fringe top-10 tight end.
  • Jason Moore: Confident in Walford's potential to be a reliable fantasy option, given the Raiders' offensive trends.

2. Rookie Rundown: Running Backs

Todd Gurley (St. Louis Rams)

• Overview: Highly praised for an outstanding rookie season with 1,106 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing three games.
• Jason Moore [23:09]: “You couldn't have dreamed for more.”
• Projections:
  • Andy Holloway [26:53]: Projects Gurley for 1,400 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, and an increase to 25 catches for 250 receiving yards.
  • Mike Wright [27:18]: Foresees Gurley achieving around 1,250 yards on the ground with consistent performance.

Melvin Gordon (Cleveland Browns)

• Overview: Displayed workhorse capabilities but struggled with efficiency, averaging 3.5 yards per carry and fumbles.
• Andy Holloway [28:07]: “Melvin Gordon is not shy.”
• Projections:
  • Jason Moore [28:23]: Believes there’s no room for regression; expects continued stability.
  • Mike Wright [30:26]: Anticipates improvement with better offensive line health and more consistent usage.

T.J. Yeldon (Jacksonville Jaguars)

• Overview: Reliable back with 740 rushing yards and some injury concerns.
• Andy Holloway [32:53]: “I like him because he's just reliable.”
• Projections:
  • Jason Moore [33:19]: Expects similar total numbers next year, possibly benefiting from increased consistency.
  • Mike Wright [34:02]: Prefers Yeldon over Gordon in certain contexts, valuing his reliability.

Amir Abdullah (Washington Redskins)

• Overview: Showed strong yards per carry but was inconsistent with volume and fumbles.
• Andy Holloway [37:38]: “Amir Abdullah’s fumbled a touchdown ratio was 2 to 1.”
• Projections:
  • Mike Wright [35:15]: Concerned about Abdullah’s fumbles and inconsistent usage, making him a risky fantasy option.
  • Jason Moore [37:21]: Labels Abdullah’s rookie year as a bust due to limited contribution and inconsistency.

Tevin Coleman (San Francisco 49ers)

• Overview: Started strong but was overshadowed by Devonta Freeman, leading to limited opportunities.
• Andy Holloway [38:35]: “Tevin Coleman was virtually unused in the passing game.”
• Projections:
  • Jason Moore [39:43]: Suggests being cautious with Coleman, favoring Ryan Matthews over him.
  • Mike Wright [40:26]: Prefers taking the over on Coleman’s carries, despite anticipating a reduced role.

David Johnson (Arizona Cardinals)

• Overview: Demonstrated versatility with both rushing and receiving capabilities, totaling 12 touchdowns.
• Andy Holloway [43:39]: “David Johnson had eight touchdowns on the ground, he had another four through the air.”
• Projections:
  • Mike Wright [44:37]: Considers Johnson a top pick in PPR formats due to his balanced skill set.
  • Jason Moore [45:49]: Recommends Johnson as a number one pick, highlighting his touchdown potential and role in a high-scoring offense.

Carlos Williams (San Francisco 49ers)

• Overview: Explosive player with 7 touchdowns on 93 carries, but dependent on LaShawn McCoy’s health.
• Andy Holloway [62:52]: “Carlos Williams is probably the best fifth-round handcuff.”
• Projections:
  • Jason Moore [63:33]: Values Williams as a strong handcuff, especially in PPR leagues.
  • Mike Wright [64:25]: Agrees Williams is above Tevin Coleman as a handcuff choice.

3. NFL News and Updates

Peyton Manning and LA Rams

• Discussion: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Rams are considering signing Peyton Manning if he doesn’t retire. The uncertainty around Manning’s future creates speculation about the Rams’ quarterback situation.
• Andy Holloway [07:05]: “ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported the Rams have had internal discussions about signing a certain Peyton Manning.”
• Projections: The Rams' QB landscape remains uncertain, influencing fantasy projections for potential quarterbacks.

Johnny Manziel’s Future

• Discussion: The hosts debated which struggling franchises might consider signing Johnny Manziel, concluding that only teams like the Rams or Washington might take a chance due to desperation.
• Andy Holloway [09:47]: “I think Johnny Manziel should not be signed. If I was the general manager...”
• Projections: Considered highly unlikely to impact fantasy due to instability and performance issues.

Tyler Iford and Team Injuries

• Discussion: Minor injury updates on players like Tyler Iford, deemed non-impactful for fantasy considerations.
• Andy Holloway [08:31]: “Tyler Iford has a sprained ankle... not going to be relevant.”

Carolina Panthers and Super Bowl Predictions

• Discussion: The hosts shared their Super Bowl predictions, with Jason Moore initially rooting for Carolina but shifting towards Denver.
• Andy Holloway [11:09]: “Don't sell yourself short... I am rooting for Denver.”
• Projections: Super Bowl predictions remained speculative with no direct fantasy implications.

4. Mailbag Highlights

Keeper League Dilemma: Odell Beckham Jr. vs. David Johnson

• Question: In a keeper league allowing players to retain their draft round slots, which pick is more valuable: keeping OB Jr. as a seventh-rounder or David Johnson as a 16th-rounder?
• Andy Holloway [67:12]: “I will take David Johnson with the last pick.”
• Responses:
  • Jason Moore [67:37]: Prefers keeping David Johnson, citing his dependable role and higher fantasy impact.
  • Mike Wright [68:16]: Agrees with Johnson’s higher fantasy value, especially if he remains the starter.

Rookie Tight End Impact: Will Tye vs. Clive Walford

• Question: Which rookie tight end will have a greater fantasy impact next year?
• Andy Holloway [68:31]: Chooses Clive Walford.
• Jason Moore [68:32]: Initially appears undecided but leans toward Will Tye if he leads the depth chart.
• Mike Wright [68:40]: Favors Will Tye, expecting improvements and better utilization.

5. Conclusions and Final Thoughts

The hosts provided an in-depth analysis of rookie running backs and tight ends, emphasizing the potential breakout candidates for the upcoming fantasy football season. Todd Gurley and David Johnson emerged as the top running back prospects, while Max Williams and Clive Walford were highlighted as promising tight ends. The discussion also touched on NFL news affecting fantasy projections, such as potential quarterback changes with the LA Rams and Johnny Manziel’s uncertain future.

In the mailbag segment, the value of keeper league decisions was debated, with a consensus favoring David Johnson over Odell Beckham Jr. for their higher and more consistent fantasy output. Additionally, the rookie tight end impact question showcased the differing opinions on which players might emerge as significant fantasy contributors.

Overall, the episode offered comprehensive insights and projections, equipping listeners with valuable information to make informed decisions for their fantasy football teams.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [15:31]: “I think Max Williams next year is absolutely a wide receiver. We were one year too early on him. He will be there next year.”

• Andy Holloway [23:19]: “No, you couldn't have dreamed for more.”

• Mike Wright [27:18]: “And touchdowns, it'll be right around the same. Maybe, maybe a little bit of regression there.”

• Andy Holloway [43:39]: “David Johnson had eight touchdowns on the ground, he had another four through the air.”

• Jason Moore [67:37]: “If David Johnson is the starter, I'm going to keep my seventh rounder and take David Johnson.”

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