Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "My Guys" Episode (August 31, 2016)

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, released on August 31, 2016, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into fantasy football strategies, player analyses, and key updates ahead of the upcoming season. The episode prominently features their annual "My Guys" segment, where each host selects three standout players they believe are must-drafts for fantasy managers.

Recent News and Updates

Teddy Bridgewater’s Injury Impact on Minnesota Vikings

The hosts begin by addressing the significant injury news surrounding Teddy Bridgewater, the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback. Bridgewater suffered a torn ACL and a dislocated knee, raising concerns about his availability for the 2017 season.

• Mike Wright emphasizes Bridgewater’s importance:
  "[08:30] Mike Wright: The Vikings, we all know the Vikings announced... They do expect him to recover."

• Jason Moore contrasts Bridgewater with Tony Romo’s injury in Dallas:
  "[10:00] Jason Moore: The difference between Tony Romo and Teddy Bridgewater injury from fantasy..."

• Andy Holloway remains optimistic about the running back situation without Bridgewater:
  "[09:34] Andy Holloway: Prepare for Adrian Peterson to break the all-time rushing attempts record."

Other Injury Updates

• Bruce Ellington of the New Orleans Saints is placed on season-ending IR, diminishing his fantasy upside for the year.
• Jamal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs is behind schedule in his recovery, causing concern about his role as the lead back.
• Carlos Hyde of the Carolina Panthers has been cleared for non-football activities after suffering a concussion, providing a glimmer of hope for his return.

My Guys Segment

Each host presents their top three fantasy players, providing in-depth analysis and reasoning behind their selections.

Andy Holloway's Picks

1. Willie Snead (WR, New Orleans Saints)

   • Value & Performance: Last season, Snead amassed 69 catches for nearly 1,000 yards with three touchdowns. Holloway praises his connection with Drew Brees and his underrating in drafts.
     "[20:12] Andy Holloway: I cannot seem to pass his value... 69 catches, almost a thousand yards and only three touchdowns."

2. Ryan Matthews (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)

   • Role & Efficiency: Matthews is highlighted for his exceptional yards after contact (2.4 YPC) and his pivotal role behind DeMarco Murray. Despite health concerns, Holloway believes Matthews offers high upside due to his versatile usage.
     "[32:12] Andy Holloway: Demarco Murray... Ryan Matthews can catch the ball... he's a value pick to me going in the middle of the fifth round."

3. Dante Moncrief (WR, Indianapolis Colts)

   • Offensive Fit & Scalability: Moncrief is touted for his physical attributes and role in the Colts' offense, especially with Andrew Luck's potential return. Holloway commends his ability to make critical catches in tight spaces.
     "[40:43] Jason Moore: The strength of schedule for Matthew Stafford..."
     "And here's the deal... he's going to be the go-to possession guy."

Mike Wright's Picks

1. Mark Ingram (RB, New Orleans Saints)

   • Consistency & Usage: Ingram is selected for his reliable workload and consistent performance, making him a dependable RB2 option with potential for higher output.

2. Brandon Marshall (WR, New York Jets)

   • High Floor & Red Zone Targets: Despite being behind Mike Evans, Marshall's talent ensures significant target volume, especially in the red zone, making him a high-floor asset.
     "[27:19] Mike Wright: It's Brandon Marshall... he's one of the best at yards after the catch."

3. Matthew Stafford (QB, Detroit Lions)

   • Quarterback Potential & Strength of Schedule: Wright praises Stafford's improvement and the Lions' strong offensive schedule, projecting him as a top-tier QB with high touchdown potential.
     "[38:31] Mike Wright: Matthew Stafford is my third my guy pick... 32 touchdowns last year."

Jason Moore's Picks

1. Kobe Fleener (TE, New Orleans Saints)

   • Target Volume & Reliability: Fleener is valued for his consistent target share in the Saints' pass-heavy offense, offering a solid TE option without the need for frequent streaming.
     "[22:17] Jason Moore: ...Kobe Fleener... he really is my guy in that situation."

2. John Brown (WR, Arizona Cardinals)

   • Upside & Role in Offense: Moore highlights Brown's breakout potential under coach Bruce Arians, drawing parallels to Antonio Brown's performance. He underscores Brown's safety in being a primary target without concussion concerns.
     "[37:10] Jason Moore: ...John Brown, a wide receiver... he did not go in the first round."

3. Lamar Miller (RB, Houston Texans)

   • Workhorse Role & PPR Value: Miller is commended for his heavy workload in both rushing and receiving, making him a top RB option with a high floor and significant upside in PPR leagues.
     "[30:27] Jason Moore: Lamar Miller... he's going to be in on first and second and third."

Player Highlights and Analysis

Willie Snead vs. Devonta Parker

• Andy Holloway consistently drafts Snead over other receivers due to his high value and potential for improvement.
  "[20:54] Mike Wright: [...] Willie Snead, Mike's my guy."

Jamal Charles’ Recovery Timeline

• Jason Moore expresses concerns about Charles not regaining his feature back role in time for week one, affecting his fantasy value.
  "[15:20] Mike Wright: Chiefs reporter Adam Teicher reports Jamal Charles has not regained his feature back role yet."

Brandon Marshall’s Value in Jets’ Offense

• Mike Wright emphasizes Marshall’s high target potential despite the presence of Mike Evans, making him a valuable WR2 with upside.
  "[27:19] Mike Wright: It's Brandon Marshall... he's one of the best at yards after the catch."

Matthew Stafford’s Quarterback Outlook

• Mike Wright projects Stafford as a top fantasy QB due to his improved performance, strong offensive weapons, and favorable schedule.
  "[38:31] Mike Wright: Matthew Stafford is my third my guy pick... 32 touchdowns last year."

Concluding Thoughts

The "My Guys" episode offers listeners a wealth of insights into undervalued players and strategic picks for the upcoming fantasy football season. The hosts emphasize the importance of drafting based on value and fitting players into their respective offensive systems. As the draft day approaches, the detailed analyses provided by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright serve as invaluable resources for fantasy managers aiming to bolster their rosters with reliable and high-upside players.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway:
  "[20:12] I cannot seem to pass his value... 69 catches, almost a thousand yards and only three touchdowns."

• Jason Moore:
  "[22:17] ...Kobe Fleener... he really is my guy in that situation."

• Mike Wright:
  "[38:31] Matthew Stafford is my third my guy pick... 32 touchdowns last year."

For more detailed analyses and fantasy football strategies, tune into future episodes of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast and join their thriving community at jointhefoot.com.