Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Top 15 Running Backs Part 2"

Release Date: August 4, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction

The podcast kicks off with the hosts expressing their excitement for the upcoming fantasy football season as August marks its official start.

• Andy Holloway [01:06]: "There is something magical in the air this time of year, man."
• Jason Moore [01:14]: "When it hits August, it's just official. It's fantasy football season."

They briefly mention the previous episode where they discussed the top seven running backs and set the stage for today's continuation covering ranks eight through fifteen.

2. Underrated NFL Offenses

A listener from Philadelphia, AJ5, posed a question about which NFL offense is the most underrated heading into the season. This segment delves into evaluating teams that may not be favored but possess hidden strengths beneficial for fantasy football strategies.

• Jason Moore [04:02]: "So here's one team that I think people avoid because of the offense, and I think it's unwarranted in 2016. That's the Buffalo Bills."

Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are highlighted as an underrated offense. Despite negative narratives surrounding Rex Ryan’s defensive focus, the Bills showcase potential through key players like LaShawn McCoy and Sammy Watkins. The discussion includes Tyrod Taylor's capabilities as a quarterback and the team's deep passing attempts when not relying heavily on tight ends.

• Andy Holloway [05:50]: "Because, you know, I haven't been the biggest Sammy Watkins fan over the years."

Baltimore Ravens Raiders
The Baltimore Raiders are another team discussed for their prolific passing game last year, leveraging Joe Flacco and Steve Smith as primary weapons. Despite fantasy question marks regarding player roles and potential injuries, the Ravens' offensive output makes them a potential undervalued asset.

• Mike Wright [06:04]: "We are in agreement."

3. Top 15 Running Backs Discussion

a. Recap of Top 7 Running Backs

The hosts briefly revisit last week's top seven running backs to maintain continuity.

• Mike Wright [20:47]: "Our number one consensus running back is David Johnson."

b. Running Backs 8-15

The core of the episode revolves around discussing running backs ranked eight through fifteen, evaluating their upside, potential downsides, and overall fantasy value.

Mark Ingram – Rank #8
Mark Ingram is praised for his dual-threat capability both rushing and receiving. His performance last year, especially in the passing game, makes him a valuable asset.

• Jason Moore [21:30]: "If he is what he was last year and he's catching passes out of the backfield, it's going to be very hard for him to not be a top 10 running back."

Le'Veon Bell – Rank #9
Le'Veon Bell's suspension for the first four games poses a strategic dilemma. The hosts discuss the necessity of drafting him despite the suspension, emphasizing the importance of planning for his return to maximize his elite potential.

• Jason Moore [26:34]: "When you talk about the all suspended team yesterday... finding a running back today is do they have a coach that wants to run the football."

Doug Martin vs. Eddie Lacy – Ranks #5, #6, #11-#15
A significant debate arises around Doug Martin's ranking. Andy positions Doug Martin higher (Rank #5-#6) based on his past performance and yards after contact, while Mike is more skeptical due to inconsistent recent performances. The hosts compare Martin to Eddie Lacy, discussing contract motivations and physical conditioning.

• Andy Holloway [28:43]: "I believe Doug Martin is an elite running back. Doug Martin only had... he had the most yards after contact of anybody in the league."

Devonta Freeman – Rank #11
Freeman's transition into becoming the main running back for Atlanta presents uncertainties. While his past performance was stellar, questions about his current form and the involvement of Tevin Coleman add complexity to his fantasy value.

• Mike Wright [35:53]: "Devonta Freeman is difficult for me to gauge what he's going to do."

Latavius Murray – Rank #14
Latavius Murray is lauded for his workload and involvement in the Raiders' offense. Despite concerns about efficiency, his volume provides consistent fantasy points, making him a reliable RB2 option.

• Jason Moore [48:18]: "I would love to go into a year with Latavius Murray and Deandre Washington. Absolutely tandem on my team."

Jonathan Stewart – Rank #15
Jonathan Stewart's reliability despite missing some games is discussed. His consistent performance when available positions him as a potential RB2 with borderline RB1 upside.

• Andy Holloway [50:28]: "It's Latavius, but I don't know. Yeah, it depends on my team makeup because I feel like Stewart is just..."

4. Injury Reports and Their Impact

The hosts address recent injury news, particularly focusing on key players like Ezekiel Elliott and Jonathan Stewart, analyzing how these injuries might affect their rankings and fantasy projections.

• Mike Wright [12:00]: "Missing two weeks of training camp, not good for a rookie running back who they need to perform."

5. Predicting Player Performances

Using preseason performance, training camp reports, and historical data, the hosts predict how running backs might perform in the upcoming season. They emphasize the importance of visual scouting and not solely relying on statistics.

• Andy Holloway [23:25]: "You need to trust your eyes a little bit. You can watch those preseason games and... trust your eyes on the individual player."

6. Humor and Team Dynamics

Interspersed with the analytical discussions are humorous exchanges among the hosts, including jokes about the "Bumblebee jersey" and friendly bets involving water-themed penalties for losing bets.

• Jason Moore [34:13]: "You lose a bet, you get wet."
• Andy Holloway [34:24]: "We spin. And if you lose a bet, you have to..."

7. Final Thoughts and Rankings

The episode concludes with final rankings and reflections on key players' potential value. The hosts reiterate their enthusiasm for the upcoming draft and encourage listeners to engage with their fantasy football community.

• Andy Holloway [53:43]: "Yeah, I agree with that."

Final Running Back Rankings Overview:

1. David Johnson
2. Todd Gurley
3. Jamal Charles
4. Lamar Miller
5. Adrian Peterson
6. Shady McCoy
7. Ezekiel Elliott
8. Mark Ingram
9. Le'Veon Bell
10. (Not specifically mentioned in the transcript)
11. Devonta Freeman
12. Eddie Lacy
13. Eddie Lacy
14. Latavius Murray
15. Jonathan Stewart

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [07:22]: "ASJ is fantasy football wise, currently dead to me."
• Mike Wright [32:07]: "He was the running back three."
• Andy Holloway [22:56]: "Trust your eyes on the individual player."
• Jason Moore [27:11]: "The combine is going to be... if you take him in the second is a very good pick."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers an in-depth analysis of running backs ranked eight through fifteen, debates on player motivations and performance, insights into underrated NFL offenses, and strategic advice for fantasy football enthusiasts. The blend of humor and expertise provides a comprehensive guide for listeners preparing for their fantasy drafts.