Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - Early Breakouts & Busts
Release Date: June 8, 2017

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the early season predictions for fantasy football—highlighting potential breakout performers and early busts. The trio combines their expertise to provide listeners with in-depth analysis, strong opinions, and actionable advice to dominate their fantasy leagues.

Quick Questions: Players to Avoid This Year

The show kicks off with a segment where each host identifies players they won't own this season based on Average Draft Position (ADP) or personal assessment.

• Mike Wright ([02:29]):
  "Leonard Fournette will not be on any of my teams."
  He cites Fournette's increasing ADP and the high-risk nature of owning a rookie running back on a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars team.

• Jason Moore ([04:57]):
  "The guy that I will not have on any of my teams is Doug Martin."
  Concerns revolve around Martin's inconsistent performance and risk of injury, making him a vulnerable pick despite being a consistent RB1.

• Andy Holloway ([07:03]):
  "Tyreek Hill's injury risks make me hesitant to own him."
  Although Hill is a dynamic player, the uncertainty surrounding his health keeps Andy from drafting him.

News and Updates

The hosts discuss recent NFL news that impacts fantasy football decisions:

• Eric Decker's Trade or Release ([09:23]):
  Decker's uncertain future with the Jets has fantasy managers concerned about his availability and performance.

• Dennis Pitta Released by the Ravens ([10:15]):
  "Releasing Dennis Pitta is a smart cap-saving move," says Mike Wright. This decision frees up $2.5 million and likely signals the end of Pitta's career due to a hip dislocation.

• Jeremy Maclin's Potential Move to the Ravens ([11:58]):
  Jason Moore anticipates Maclin joining Baltimore, which could disrupt existing team dynamics and fantasy rosters.

• Mike Williams' Injury ([12:18]):
  "Mike Williams' herniated disc will likely sideline him for the season," notes Mike Wright, causing Andy to downgrade Williams in his rankings.

• John Brown's Hamstring Tweak ([13:03]):
  Concerns about Brown repeating his past hamstring issues could hinder his breakout potential.

Early Breakouts

The trio identifies players poised to exceed expectations this season:

1. Rashad Perryman ([22:07]):
   "With 335 targets available, Perryman is set to capitalize on his opportunities," Andy Holloway explains. Despite a rocky start to his career, Perryman's improved rapport with Joe Flacco and increased target share make him a sleeper pick.

2. Stefon Diggs ([15:29]):
   "Stefon Diggs is poised for a third-year breakout," Mike Wright asserts. Despite injury concerns, Diggs' performance metrics and the Vikings' offensive improvements suggest significant fantasy potential.

3. Willie Snead ([24:14]):
   "Willie Snead’s route-running and consistency set him apart," Jason Moore highlights. Snead's ability to outperform coverage and his elevated role in the Saints' offense position him as a valuable PPR asset.

Early Busts

Conversely, the hosts warn against drafting certain players too early:

1. Carlos Hyde ([29:04]):
   "Drafting Carlos Hyde in the third round is too shaky," Jason Moore warns. Hyde's injury history and uncertain role within the new 49ers regime raise red flags for fantasy managers.

2. O.J. Howard ([33:22]):
   "O.J. Howard is likely to be an 11th tight end off the board," Jason Moore predicts, deeming him a bust due to limited touchdown potential and existing competition within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' receiving corps.

3. Brandon Cooks ([36:13]):
   "Starting Brandon Cooks as a WR1 is a bust," Mike Wright critiques. Despite flashes of brilliance, Cooks' inconsistent target share and the emergence of other receivers make him a risky second-round pick.

Listener Questions: Mailbag Highlights

The hosts address listener inquiries, offering tailored advice:

• Late Round Rookie RB to Unseat Starter ([41:05]):
  "Samaj P. Ryan has a better chance to usurp Rob Kelly," Jason Moore responds, favoring Ryan's potential over Kelly's entrenched role.

• Rookie WR Impact ([43:53]):
  Andy prefers Corey Davis as the standout rookie WR, while Mike Wright highlights Kenny Golladay for Detroit as a high-upside target in a pass-first system. Jason Moore adds JuJu Smith-Schuster as a promising contributor in Pittsburgh's offense.

• Dynasty Leagues to Join ([45:50]):
  Mike Wright recommends FootClanLeagues.com, emphasizing its active community and engaged participants, ideal for dedicated fantasy managers.

• Moving Out of Top Three Picks ([46:52]):
  The hosts agree that maintaining a top-three pick is crucial unless significant value is found elsewhere, such as DeMarco Murray or Jordy Nelson, which is unlikely.

Sponsor Messages

The episode includes promotional segments for Omaha Steaks and BarkBox, offering listeners exclusive discounts and special offers. While these are skipped in the summary per user instructions, they play a role in supporting the podcast's production.

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a comprehensive look at early-season fantasy football prospects. By identifying promising breakouts like Rashad Perryman and Stefon Diggs, while cautioning against early busts such as Carlos Hyde and O.J. Howard, the hosts equip fantasy managers with the insights needed to make informed draft decisions. Additionally, the listener questions provide practical advice tailored to common fantasy challenges, ensuring that even newcomers can benefit from the expertise shared.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright ([02:29]):
  "Leonard Fournette will not be on any of my teams."

• Jason Moore ([04:57]):
  "The guy that I will not have on any of my teams is Doug Martin."

• Jason Moore ([22:07]):
  "Stefon Diggs is poised for a third-year breakout."

• Jason Moore ([24:14]):
  "Willie Snead’s route-running and consistency set him apart."

• Mike Wright ([36:13]):
  "Starting Brandon Cooks as a WR1 is a bust."

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