Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2016 - The TRUTH About Fantasy RB's in 2015, Part 2 Release Date: January 21, 2016

Introduction

In the second installment of their deep dive into fantasy running backs for the 2015 season, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright reconvene to continue dissecting the performances and futures of various RBs. Recorded amidst the bustle of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association Conference in Dallas, the hosts set the stage for an engaging analysis filled with candid opinions and strategic insights.

Playoff Challenge Update

[03:34] Jason Moore:
"I started the first week. I've never done this before. I punted the first week. I had almost nobody... Come in this last week, I had almost everyone on two times."

Jason shares his journey in the Playoff Challenge, highlighting a rocky start followed by a significant turnaround as his team began scoring points more consistently. Andy Holloway humorously acknowledges his own struggles, mentioning a particularly low score from the Kansas City Chiefs defense.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway at [05:31]:
"It's a monster week... Packers losing the quarterback for the multiplier is a tough one."

Projections for NFC and AFC Title Games

Moving beyond player analysis, the trio shifts focus to the impending NFC and AFC title games, offering their predictions and rationale.

[05:47] Mike Wright:
"I have been a Denver to the super bowl from the AFC guy... I think the Patriots are going to beat that Denver team."

Jason Moore counters with his confidence in the Carolina Panthers, emphasizing their dominance at home and the likelihood that no team can overcome them on their turf.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore at [06:40]:
"Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Super Bowl. That would be a good game."

Andy Holloway balances both perspectives, expressing excitement over a potential Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning showdown, regardless of the surrounding dynamics.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway at [07:35]:
"It's Brady versus Manning. Great television. At the end of this game, it's going to come down to whether or not Peyton Manning can hang with Tom Brady."

Running Backs Analysis

Following the title game projections, the hosts delve back into their primary focus: analyzing running backs' performances and future prospects.

Overview of Top 10 RBs

In their previous episode, they outlined the top 10 fantasy RBs based on performance metrics. This session continues with RBs ranked 11 and beyond, providing in-depth evaluations.

Analysis of RBs Ranked 11-25

1. Danny Woodhead

[09:05] Andy Holloway:
"Danny Woodhead was the number 11. Right."

Discussion Points:

• Consistent Performance: Woodhead's ability to find the end zone emphasizes his value.
• Injury and Team Strategy: After initial success, team shifts and injuries affected his fantasy reliability.
• Future Outlook: Despite last-minute drop-offs, Woodhead remains a valuable late-round pick due to his target volume.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway at [10:10]:
"He pooped his pants twice. So what in the world is Danny Woodhead next year?"

2. Frank Gore

[16:37] Andy Holloway:
"Frank Gore... the worst yards per carry he's ever had in his career."

Discussion Points:

• Declining Performance: Gore's drop in yards per carry raises concerns about his future output.
• Team Dynamics: The Colts' struggles without a strong offensive system further limit Gore's potential.
• Draft Consideration: While not a top-tier pick, Gore's experience keeps him relevant in mid-round drafts.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore at [18:53]:
"Frank Gore was never utilized that way... I didn't see a guy that couldn't run well."

3. Darren McFadden

[20:47] Mike Wright:
"Darren McFadden... he's the main running back on that team with Tony Romo and Dez Bryant."

Discussion Points:

• Workload Management: McFadden emerges as a fantasy stud upon joining Dallas, capitalizing on a strong offensive line.
• Team Strategy: Dallas' offensive decisions heavily influence McFadden's fantasy value.
• Future Projections: Assuming Dallas remains stable, McFadden's role should solidify his fantasy standing.

Notable Quote:
Mike Wright at [21:14]:
"So Darren McFadden is the guy... he was the main running back... Darren McFadden would be great."

4. Jeremy Hill

[24:34] Andy Holloway:
"Jeremy Hill, the most disappointing... 223 for 794."

Discussion Points:

• Inconsistency: Hill's fluctuating performance against top-tier defenses hampers his reliability.
• Usage Patterns: Limited pass involvement and confidence lapses contribute to his underwhelming season.
• Future Potential: Despite a disappointing year, Hill's youth and situational opportunities offer upside in subsequent seasons.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore at [25:28]:
"If Jeremy Hill was drafted where Danny Woodhead was, we'd all be singing his praises."

5. Mark Ingram

[28:32] Andy Holloway:
"Mark Ingram, 769 yards on the ground with a good average, six touchdowns."

Discussion Points:

• Versatility: Ingram's dual-threat as a runner and receiver enhances his fantasy value, especially in PPR formats.
• Team Stability: Continuity within the Saints' offense ensures Ingram remains a reliable option.
• Performance Metrics: Consistent snap counts and responsible usage underpin his steady fantasy presence.

Notable Quote:
Mike Wright at [29:47]:
"He's a guy that... he's game flow, you know, safe."

6. Jonathan Stewart

[32:25] Andy Holloway:
"Jonathan Stewart... a guy who I am rising on for next year."

Discussion Points:

• Consistency Issues: Stewart's performance ebb and flow, combined with team injuries, affects his fantasy reliability.
• Trade Decisions: Past trades and team management decisions play a role in Stewart's current status.
• Future Prospects: Healthy Stewart on a balanced offense presents opportunities for improved fantasy output.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore at [33:27]:
"Jonathan Stewart... got back to some sort of superstardom."

7. LaShawn McCoy

[34:00] Andy Holloway:
"LaShawn McCoy was a pleasant surprise, obviously."

Discussion Points:

• Injury Concerns: McCoy's injuries have limited his consistency, making him a risk-reward pick.
• Performance Metrics: Despite setbacks, McCoy's ability to produce when healthy keeps him in consideration.
• Team Adjustments: Buffalo's offense and potential additions like Carlos Williams impact McCoy's future role.

Notable Quote:
Mike Wright at [35:45]:
"He was very consistent. He was our sixth best, most consistent running back... that's what you're looking for."

8. DeMarco Murray

[37:18] Andy Holloway:
"DeMarco Murray... Did you want DeMarco Murray on your team this year?"

Discussion Points:

• Inconsistent Usage: Murray's fluctuating performance tied to coaching changes affects his fantasy reliability.
• Team Strategy: Potential shifts in Denver's offensive philosophy may either bolster or hinder Murray's output.
• Future Outlook: With uncertainty surrounding coaching and team dynamics, Murray remains a speculative pick.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway at [38:11]:
"DeMarco Murray is a running back who needs to line up like Adrian Peterson... If they build the offense around him, I can't see anything."

9. Ronnie Hillman

[42:18] Jason Moore:
"Ronnie Hillman is their guy going forward."

Discussion Points:

• Role Clarity: Hillman's ability to complement C.J. Anderson creates a balanced backfield.
• Performance Metrics: High snap counts and effective run distribution bolster Hillman's fantasy profile.
• Team Dynamics: Future offensive decisions will determine Hillman's prominence and, consequently, his fantasy value.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway at [43:10]:
"Ronnie Hillman gets to the edge... They’re complimentary, which means you should compliment him every once in a while."

10. Rashad Jennings

[45:36] Jason Moore:
"Rashad Jennings was completely worthless this whole year."

Discussion Points:

• Underperformance: Jennings' lackluster season amidst a crowded backfield diminishes his fantasy worth.
• Team Decisions: Buffalo's overuse of running backs dilutes Jennings' opportunities to shine.
• Future Potential: Unless Buffalo alters their offensive strategy, Jennings remains a low-value pick.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway at [45:36]:
"Rashad Jennings was completely worthless... can't rely on them for the vast majority of the year."

Additional Running Backs Outside Top 25

The discussion briefly touches upon RBs like Andre Williams, James Starks, and other lesser-ranked runners, highlighting the challenges in finding reliable mid to late-round picks outside the top tiers. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding team dynamics, coaching decisions, and player consistency when evaluating these options.

Final Thoughts on Running Backs

Concluding their analysis, the Fantasy Footballers underscore the volatile nature of the running back position, driven by factors such as injuries, team strategy shifts, and player consistency. They advocate for a balanced drafting approach, valuing both high-upside and consistent performers to mitigate risks throughout the fantasy season.

Notable Quote:
Mike Wright at [54:00]:
"Fantasy football is, can I fail less than you."

Conclusion

In this comprehensive exploration of fantasy running backs, the Fantasy Footballers provide nuanced evaluations of each player's 2015 performance and future prospects. Their candid discussions, supported by detailed metrics and team dynamics, offer invaluable insights for fantasy managers aiming to optimize their rosters. Whether assessing the stability of Mark Ingram or the upside of Danny Woodhead, the trio equips listeners with the knowledge to make informed drafting and trading decisions.

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