Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2016 - Tier Breakdowns, Pat Mayo from FNTSY Network, News

Release Date: June 9, 2016

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into comprehensive tier breakdowns for key fantasy football positions, feature insights from special guest Pat Mayo of the Fantasy Sports Network, and discuss the latest fantasy news to help listeners gain a competitive edge for the upcoming season.

Tier Breakdowns: Quarterbacks

Time Stamp: 18:31

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of quarterback tiers in six-point leagues. The Fantasy Footballers introduce their tier system, beginning with Tier 1:

• Tier 1: Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton stand alone as the elite quarterbacks. Mike Wright emphasizes Rodgers' consistent dominance, stating, “[19:30] Jason Moore: ...he is a real difference maker,” highlighting Rodgers' ability to be a top performer almost every season.

• Tier 2: Russell Wilson and Drew Brees are categorized here, offering strong value in the fifth and sixth rounds respectively. Andy Holloway praises Brees, noting, “[20:45] Mike Wright: ...his numbers last year were awesome and I don't want to miss the boat on David Johnson.”

• Tier 3: Includes Andrew Luck, Carson Palmer, and Tom Brady. The hosts discuss the potential and risks associated with each, particularly focusing on Brady's uncertain availability due to suspension concerns. Mike Wright comments, “[22:41] Andy Holloway: ...there's so much mystery and unknown about what's going on with him.”

• Tier 4: Features Eli Manning, Blake Bortles, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. The discussion touches on Rivers' potential, especially with Keenan Allen as a reliable target, and the regression expected from Bortles.

Notable Quote:

[19:32] Jason Moore: “He is a real difference maker. ...he hasn't been at this good of a draft value in the last couple of years because he kind of disappointed people last year.”

Tier Breakdowns: Running Backs

Time Stamp: 25:38

Shifting focus to running backs in half-point PPR leagues, the Fantasy Footballers outline their tier distinctions:

• Tier 1: Le'Veon Bell dominates the top spot with his versatility in both the running and passing games. Pat Mayo concurs, stating, “[50:12] D: ...he can be a top five back without having to pay any sort of price on it.”

• Tier 2: Comprises David Johnson, Todd Gurley, Jamal Charles, and Adrian Peterson. The hosts discuss the potential variability and injury concerns associated with some backs in this tier.

• Tier 3: Features Mark Ingram, Lamar Miller, LaShawn McCoy, Ezekiel Elliott, Doug Martin, Eddie Lacy, and Devonta Freeman. The conversation highlights the balance between proven performance and potential regression, particularly with players like Doug Martin and Ezekiel Elliott.

• Tier 4: Includes Thomas Rawls, Ryan Matthews, Jon Stewart, Carlos Hyde, Demarco Murray, Matt Jones, and C.J. Anderson. The tier is described as a "tier of death" due to the high variance and injury risks associated with these backs.

Notable Quote:

[50:12] D: “...D'Angelo Williams is a great way to potentially seize an opportunity to get a top five back without having to pay any sort of price on it.”

Tier Breakdowns: Wide Receivers

Time Stamp: 35:39

The hosts present their wide receiver tiers with a focus on half-point receptions:

• Tier 1: Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, and Odell Beckham Jr. are positioned as elite receivers, each providing significant fantasy upside. Andy Holloway defends Beckham Jr.'s position, “[36:38] Andy Holloway: It's just too good.”

• Tier 2: AJ Green, Dez Bryant, and DeAndre Hopkins lead this group, followed by Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Allen Robinson, and Brandon Marshall. The discussion emphasizes the balance between proven performers and valuable risks.

• Tier 3: Includes Keenan Allen, Jordy Nelson, Demarius Thomas, Sammy Watkins, Julian Edelman, Brandon Cooks, and Amari Cooper. The hosts highlight the consistency and potential upside of players in this tier, while acknowledging the risks.

• Tier 4: Features Golden Tate, Jeremy Maclin, and Ty Hilton. The conversation notes concerns about offensive changes and chemistry but maintains optimism for their potential contributions.

Notable Quote:

[35:39] Andy Holloway: “OBJ. Yeah, we got those three guys in their tier by themselves, appropriately...”

Tier Breakdowns: Tight Ends

Time Stamp: 48:19

The tight end position is broken down into four tiers:

• Tier 1: Rob Gronkowski stands alone, combining high production with longevity despite injury concerns. Mike Wright notes Gronkowski’s reliability, “[44:04] Mike Wright: I do not blame them.”

• Tier 2: Jordan Reed is the sole representative, offering strong value for those willing to take a gamble on his health and performance.

• Tier 3: Comprises Greg Olsen, Travis Kelce, and Gary Barnidge, providing consistency and solid draft value without the elite status of Tier 1.

• Tier 4: Includes Zach Ertz, Antonio Gates, Delanie Walker, Tyler Eiford, and Eric Ebron. The hosts discuss the potential and concerns surrounding these players, emphasizing the unpredictability of tight end performance.

Notable Quote:

[44:17] Mike Wright: “The only problem I have is because I actually put personally, me personally, not you guys. I put Jordan Reed up in tier one with Rob Gronkowski.”

Fantasy News Highlights

Time Stamp: 13:34

The podcast transitions into the news segment, covering various updates:

• Sammy Coates Offseason Performance: Offensive coordinator Todd Haley praises Coates, “[14:06] Mike Wright: It's just good to hear because Coats as far as physical talents and gifts.”

• Gio Bernard's Contract: Gio Bernard secures a three-year, $15.5 million extension, celebrated by Andy Holloway and Jason Moore as a significant achievement for a running back.

• Miami Dolphins and Arian Foster: Reports indicate the Dolphins are not pursuing Foster unless there are significant injuries or deficits in their running back lineup.

• Reuben Randall's Impact: Doug Peterson highlights Reuben Randall's performance during OTAs, suggesting he’s undervalued and poised to make an impact.

• Arizona Cardinals' Running Back Situation: The Cardinals are expected to rely heavily on David Johnson, with Andre Ellington and Chris Johnson as secondary options, positioning Johnson as a strong fantasy asset given his workload.

Notable Quote:

[14:27] Jason Moore: “...running backs, they don't make that much money anymore. And here you get a $15 million three year deal...”

Guest Segment: Pat Mayo from Fantasy Sports Network

Time Stamp: 49:14

Special guest Pat Mayo joins the hosts to provide additional insights and hot takes on various fantasy topics:

• Running Back Insights: Mayo emphasizes the versatility and PPR (points per reception) value of Le'Veon Bell, comparing him to a "top five guy without having to pay any sort of price on it." He advocates for drafting D'Angelo Williams as a valuable backup rather than traditional handcuffs.

• Mark Ingram and Ezekiel Elliott: Mayo defends Mark Ingram's potential despite doubts, expressing skepticism about Ezekiel Elliott’s rookie season due to the uncertainty around his offensive line and quarterback play.

• David Johnson's Upside: He highlights David Johnson's potential to be a top fantasy performer, likening him to a "mini Le'Veon Bell" with significant involvement in both the running and passing games.

• Offensive Coordinator Impact: Mayo discusses how offensive schemes and quarterback stability (e.g., Geno Smith's role with Eric Decker) can dramatically influence player performance and draft value.

Notable Quote:

[50:12] D: “...he is a great way to potentially seize an opportunity to get a top five back without having to pay any sort of price on it.”

Key Takeaways and Conclusions

• Tier-Based Drafting: The Fantasy Footballers strongly advocate for tier-based drafting as a strategic approach to maximize value and differentiate between player significance within their tiers. This method aids in making informed decisions during drafts, especially when determining whether to prioritize one position over another.

• Player Evaluations: Comprehensive evaluations of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends provide listeners with detailed rankings and rationales, helping them navigate draft complexities and make strategic selections.

• Injury and Performance Considerations: The hosts and guest underscore the importance of accounting for injuries, team dynamics, and player versatility when evaluating draft prospects, emphasizing that staying informed on player health and team changes is crucial for fantasy success.

• Fantasy News Integration: Up-to-date news on player contracts, team strategies, and positional updates are seamlessly integrated into the discussion, ensuring that listeners receive a well-rounded perspective on the fantasy football landscape.

Closing Remarks:

The episode concludes with further promotions for the Fantasy Footballers' community and upcoming content, encouraging listeners to engage via their website and social media channels. The hosts reiterate the importance of voting for their podcast awards and preview future episodes focused on mock drafts and listener mailbags.

Notable Quote:

[65:10] Mike Wright: “Sunday is the last one. And then we will not talk about it for another calendar year when we come in for our defense and then we'll mention it for a couple weeks.”

This episode serves as a valuable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts, offering strategic tier breakdowns, expert analyses from both the hosts and guest Pat Mayo, and the latest news to equip listeners with the knowledge needed to excel in their fantasy leagues.