Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Todd Gurley, AFC South, Fantasy News
Release Date: July 21, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Guest: Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams

AFC South Division Overview

The Fantasy Footballers delved deep into the dynamics of the AFC South, analyzing each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and key players poised to impact fantasy football outcomes this season.

Houston Texans

Quarterback Analysis: Brock Osweiler
The discussion began with Brock Osweiler's role in the Texans' offense. The hosts debated his potential as a fantasy asset, considering his integration with Lamar Miller and the wide receiving talent like DeAndre Hopkins.

• Andy Holloway (05:00): “Brock Osweiler is being overlooked as a quarterback, too.”

Running Backs: Lamar Miller and DeAndre Hopkins' Impact
Lamar Miller was highlighted as a significant asset if healthy, with projections placing him potentially in the top ranks of fantasy running backs.

• Mike Wright (24:03): “If Miller is healthy and gets the workload, it would not shock me if he’s a top three running back.”

Deep Dive on Lamar Miller
The hosts discussed Lamar Miller’s workload under Coach Bill O'Brien, projecting around 240-250 carries which could position him as a top-five back in fantasy rankings.

• Jason Moore (25:33): “He can be a top five back. He just needs to stay healthy.”

Sleeper Pick: Tyler Irvin
Tyler Irvin was identified as a sleeper, offering potential late-round value due to his role in the Texans' backfield.

• Mike Wright (23:56): “If you're looking at a late pick flyer, I would throw Tyler Irvin on your watch list.”

Indianapolis Colts

Key Players: Philip Dorsett and Josh Ferguson
Philip Dorsett emerged as a key point of discussion, with the Colts adopting a three-wide receiver offense under Mike Wells. Josh Ferguson, an undrafted running back, was recommended as a must-grab late-round pick with potential to contribute.

• Jason Moore (28:35): “Josh Ferguson is a must grab late on in your draft.”

Fantasy Strategy: Drafting the Colts
The hosts encouraged drafting the Colts due to their high offensive potential and undervalued running back depth, despite last season’s offensive struggles.

• Mike Wright (30:08): “You need to draft the Colts. They were drafted high for a reason.”

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback Performance: Blake Bortles
Blake Bortles was scrutinized for his high turnover rate last season. Despite his explosive potential, his consistency remains a concern for fantasy managers.

• Jason Moore (36:13): “Blake Bortles had 26 turnovers, which can get old for fantasy quarterbacks.”

Wide Receivers: Rashad Green vs. Philip Dorsett
A debate ensued over drafting Rashad Green versus Philip Dorsett, with a consensus leaning towards Dorsett for his more consistent fantasy production.

• Mike Wright (36:56): “I choose Philip Dorsett over Rashad Green by a country mile.”

Tennessee Titans

Running Back Choice: DeMarco Murray vs. Derek Henry
DeMarco Murray was favored over Derek Henry due to his involvement in both the running and passing game, enhancing his fantasy value.

• Mike Wright (42:37): “I would rather have Murray than Carlos Hyde because Murray can catch the ball.”

Wide Receiver Strategy: Kendall Wright vs. Rashad Matthews
The discussion highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Kendall Wright’s role, with Rashad Matthews emerging as a more reliable option for consistent targets.

• Jason Moore (42:27): “I want Rashad Matthews over Kendall Wright.”

Todd Gurley Interview

Adjusting to Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley shared his positive experiences adjusting to the move to Los Angeles, emphasizing team dynamics and his role within the offense.

Breakout Performance and Role Evolution
Reflecting on his breakout game against the Arizona Cardinals, Gurley discussed his aspirations to enhance his receiving role in the Rams' offense, mirroring his college versatility.

• Todd Gurley (49:04): “I definitely want to get better in the passing game.”

Leadership and Team Dynamics
Gurley highlighted the influence of veteran teammates like Roger Sappho and the emergence of younger players stepping into leadership roles.

• Todd Gurley (50:08): “Having guys like Roger Sappho on the line definitely helps out a lot.”

Fantasy Football Perspective
When asked about his stance on fantasy football rankings, Gurley confidently positioned himself as a top fantasy pick, challenging other players like David Johnson.

• Todd Gurley (51:12): “Tell David to sit down.”

Key Takeaways and Fantasy Insights

• AFC South Potential: The division is ripe with fantasy opportunities, especially with undervalued running backs and emerging wide receivers.
• Sleeper Picks: Players like Tyler Irvin (Houston Texans) and Josh Ferguson (Indianapolis Colts) present late-round value with upside.
• Quarterback Decisions: Balancing turnovers versus potential upside remains crucial, with quarterbacks like Brock Osweiler and Blake Bortles under scrutiny.
• Influence of Player Roles: Understanding player roles within their respective offenses is essential for maximizing fantasy output, as seen with DeMarco Murray's dual-threat capability.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway (05:00): “Brock Osweiler is being overlooked as a quarterback, too.”
• Mike Wright (24:03): “If Miller is healthy and gets the workload, it would not shock me if he’s a top three running back.”
• Jason Moore (25:33): “He can be a top five back. He just needs to stay healthy.”
• Jason Moore (28:35): “Josh Ferguson is a must grab late on in your draft.”
• Mike Wright (30:08): “You need to draft the Colts. They were drafted high for a reason.”
• Mike Wright (36:56): “I choose Philip Dorsett over Rashad Green by a country mile.”
• Mike Wright (42:37): “I would rather have Murray than Carlos Hyde because Murray can catch the ball.”
• Jason Moore (42:27): “I want Rashad Matthews over Kendall Wright.”
• Todd Gurley (49:04): “I definitely want to get better in the passing game.”
• Todd Gurley (51:12): “Tell David to sit down.”

Conclusion

This episode provided comprehensive insights into the AFC South's fantasy prospects, emphasizing the importance of identifying undervalued players and understanding team dynamics. The interview with Todd Gurley offered a unique perspective on his role in the Rams' offense and his value in fantasy football. Whether you're a seasoned manager or preparing for your draft, the Fantasy Footballers delivered actionable advice to enhance your fantasy strategy.