Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Bounce Back Players, Favorite Fantasy Offenses
Release Date: June 29, 2017

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into two primary topics: identifying bounce back players poised to excel in the upcoming fantasy football season and discussing their favorite NFL offenses for fantasy purposes. The episode also features a mailbag segment addressing listener questions.

Favorite NFL Offenses for Fantasy Football

The hosts begin by sharing their favorite NFL offenses to target in fantasy drafts, emphasizing personal preference over outright supremacy.

• Mike Wright – Washington Football Team

  Mike champions Washington's offense, highlighting its high-powered and potent nature. He appreciates the value Washington offers in drafts, allowing fantasy managers to acquire key players without exhausting early-round picks. Key points include:

  • Kirk Cousins: Threw nearly 5,000 yards last season and is available in the 8th and 9th rounds.
  • Wide Receivers: Raul Pryor is valued around the 4th round, with Jameson Crowder and Josh Dockson providing significant upside as later-round picks.

  Notable Quote:

  "Kirk Cousins threw almost 5,000 yards last year. He's going to be an eighth and ninth-round pick."
  — Mike Wright [02:03]

• Jason Moore – Atlanta Falcons

  Jason favors the Atlanta Falcons' offense, citing the trio of Matt Ryan, Devonta Freeman, and Julio Jones as a "holy trinity" of fantasy points. He believes the Falcons' offensive machinery will continue to dominate, providing consistent and high-scoring options for fantasy teams.

  Notable Quote:

  "I firmly believe that the Atlanta Falcons offense this year... will win you your league—in style."
  — Jason Moore [04:34]

• Andy Holloway – Indianapolis Colts

  Andy aligns closely with Mike's preference for Washington but also highlights the Indianapolis Colts as a source of underdrafted talent, mentioning players like Frank Gore and Dante Moncrief as high-value additions.

  Notable Quote:

  "It's a good quick question today. Who is your favorite NFL offense for fantasy football?"
  — Andy Holloway [02:06]

Bounce Back Players

The core of the episode focuses on identifying six bounce back players—those who underperformed last season but possess the talent and circumstances to rejuvenate their fantasy value. The hosts present their top candidates, each supported by in-depth analysis and relevant statistics.

1. Sammy Watkins (Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills)

• Host: Andy Holloway

• Analysis:
  Sammy Watkins is highlighted as a prime bounce back candidate due to his proven ability to perform at a high level when healthy. Despite suffering from foot injuries and undergoing a second surgery, Watkins demonstrated significant upside in his return. Andy emphasizes his consistent performance in the latter half of his career and his potential to be a top-tier fantasy wide receiver.

  Notable Quote:

  "Sammy Watkins is being drafted... he's the 19th wide receiver."
  — Andy Holloway [16:58]

2. Doug Martin (Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

• Host: Jason Moore

• Analysis:
  Doug Martin's performance has been hampered by injuries, leading to limited playtime in recent seasons. However, Jason argues that Martin's talent remains undiminished, positing that a healthy season would see him return to his former glory as a high-upside running back. Despite concerns about his average draft position (ADP) reflecting skepticism, Jason believes Martin offers top-five running back upside if he regains his starting role.

  Notable Quote:

  "If he's healthy, I believe he'll bounce back."
  — Jason Moore [27:07]

3. Jeremy Maclin (Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens)

• Host: Andy Holloway

• Analysis:
  Jeremy Maclin is presented as an underestimated asset due to his transition between teams and previous injuries. Andy contends that Maclin's move to a team with a competent quarterback like Joe Flacco positions him for a resurgence. Despite being overlooked in drafts, Maclin's consistent route-running and high reception efficiency make him a valuable late-round pick.

  Notable Quote:

  "Macklin's assignment in the Chiefs offense somewhat restricts what he can do vertically."
  — Andy Holloway [31:07]

4. Ben Roethlisberger (Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers)

• Host: Mike Wright

• Analysis:
  Ben Roethlisberger, despite a subpar previous season, is viewed by Mike as a strong candidate for a bounce back. Drawing parallels to Martavis Bryant's performance fluctuations, Mike believes that Roethlisberger's experience and the Steelers' offensive capabilities will facilitate a return to form. He notes that Roethlisberger's ability to produce monster games makes him a valuable asset, especially in best-ball leagues.

  Notable Quote:

  "If you can see him falling in drafts... that's why I want to bring this up."
  — Mike Wright [35:01]

5. Adrian Peterson (Running Back, New Orleans Saints)

• Host: Jason Moore

• Analysis:
  Adrian Peterson is discussed as a traditional power back who hasn't had a full season plagued by injuries. Jason argues that Peterson's experience and the Saints' offensive line present a favorable environment for a strong performance. While acknowledging Peterson's age and wear-and-tear, Jason believes his unique talent still positions him as a dependable RB1.

  Notable Quote:

  "He's never played a full season and not been in RB1. That's never happened in his career."
  — Jason Moore [37:13]

6. Adrian Peterson vs. Mark Ingram

• Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike Wright

• Analysis:
  The discussion turns to a comparative analysis between Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram. While Jason supports Peterson's potential resurgence, Andy expresses skepticism regarding Peterson's ability to return to his peak. Instead, Andy favors Mark Ingram, who remains undervalued and offers consistent production as a reliable RB option.

  Notable Quote:

  "I have Mark Ingram ahead in my rankings right now and I certainly think he'll have a better season."
  — Andy Holloway [42:57]

Mailbag Segment

In the mailbag portion, the hosts address listener questions, offering tailored advice based on specific fantasy scenarios.

• Listener Brandon from Phoenix:
  Question: In a half-point PPR league, with a 7th-round pick, should you select Amir Abdullah, Willie Snead, or Dante Moncrief?
  Responses:

  • Andy Holloway: Recommends Willie Snead for volume or Dante Moncrief for higher touchdown potential.

    "I would bet on volume."
    — Andy Holloway [44:42]

  • Jason Moore: Leans towards Amir Abdullah for his dual-threat capability as a running back and receiver.

    "I'll take Amir Abdullah."
    — Jason Moore [45:09]

  • Mike Wright: Supports Amir Abdullah, highlighting his consistent participation across all games.

    "Amir Abdullah playing 16 games."
    — Mike Wright [45:10]

• Listener Luke from St. Louis:
  Question: In a half-point PPR, 10-team league with the first pick and the choice between LaShawn McCoy (2nd round pick) and Mike Gillislee (14th round pick), considering available top RBs or Antonio Brown at the first pick.
  Responses:

  • Jason Moore: Suggests taking LaShawn McCoy to secure a reliable RB, allowing flexibility in later rounds.

    "I would take LaShawn McCoy for the 2nd and then... choose a great RB in the first round."
    — Jason Moore [46:18]

  • Mike Wright: Contrary to expectations, opts for Mike Gillislee in the 14th round, emphasizing the value of acquiring quality RBs later.

    "I'm taking Gillislee."
    — Mike Wright [46:20]

  • Andy Holloway: Recommends LaShawn McCoy for early reliability, especially if confident in his performance despite team changes.

    "I would take LeSean McCoy... favoring his confidence despite team switches."
    — Andy Holloway [46:33]

• Listener William from Memphis (Dynasty Trade Question):
  Question: Tevin Coleman and Will Fuller for Tyreek Hill and Smash Jackson.
  Responses:

  • Jason Moore: Favors Tyreek Hill and Smash Jackson for their immediate impact and secure roles.

    "I'll take the Hill and Smash Jackson side."
    — Jason Moore [48:27]

  • Mike Wright: Agrees with Jason, advocating for the immediate benefits of Hill and Jackson.

    "I'm taking Hill and Smash Jackson as well."
    — Mike Wright [48:39]

  • Andy Holloway: Supports the trade, anticipating deeper offensive schemes and the future potential of selected players.

    "I expect Devonta Freeman to get a monster contract soon."
    — Andy Holloway [48:47]

• Andy and Jason debate a final question about selecting between Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson, with Andy ultimately favoring Ingram for his consistency and lower draft risk.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating the importance of strategic drafting, especially in identifying undervalued players and potential bounce backs. They encourage listeners to utilize resources like their Ultimate Draft Kit for insightful draft strategies and remind fans to join the Foot Clan community for ongoing support and updates.

Final Notable Quote:

"Our job on this show is to give you information to make your decision."
— Jason Moore [43:07]

Key Takeaways

• Favorite Offenses: Washington and Atlanta are top choices, offering high upside and valuable ADP options.
• Bounce Back Candidates: Sammy Watkins, Doug Martin, Jeremy Maclin, Ben Roethlisberger, and Adrian Peterson are highlighted for their potential to return to peak performance.
• Strategic Drafting: Emphasis on balancing high-upside picks with reliable performers, considering injury history and team dynamics.
• Listener Engagement: Thoughtful responses to mailbag questions provide practical advice tailored to various fantasy league configurations.

For more insights and strategies, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter at @theffballers.