Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - Regress or Impress Candidates for 2017
Release Date: May 16, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

The episode kicks off with an energetic introduction highlighting the creation of the Ultimate Draft Kit, praised by all three hosts. Mike Wright enthusiastically promotes the kit, quoting Jason Moore: “when I saw all the content in the ultimate draft kit, I felt my knees and wept. I wept like a baby” (00:08).

Quick Question Segment

Topic: Rookie Tight Ends' Fantasy Impact

Jason Moore poses a trivia question about rookie tight ends, sparking a lively debate about the potential of O.J. Howard, David Njoku, and Evan Ingram for the 2017 season.

• Trivia Highlights:
  • Question 1: Number of rookie tight ends with 50+ receptions in the past decade.
    • Answer: Three (03:28)
  • Question 2: Rookie tight ends with over 600 receiving yards.
    • Answer: One (04:15)
  • Question 3: Rookie tight ends scoring five or more touchdowns.
    • Answer: Seven (04:49)

Discussion Insights:

• Evan Ingram's Role: Mike Wright discusses Ingram's potential transition from a "tweener" to a regular tight end, citing concerns about his usage and blocking responsibilities (05:42).
• Fantasy Projections: Andy Holloway expresses skepticism about any of the three tight ends achieving significant fantasy stats this year, while Jason Moore remains optimistic about all three surpassing five touchdowns (06:37).

Regress or Impress Segment

The core of the episode analyzes eight players who had standout performances in the previous season, evaluating whether they will regress or continue to impress in 2017.

A. Quarterbacks

Candidates: Kirk Cousins vs. Dak Prescott

• Kirk Cousins:

  • Analysis: Mike Wright examines Cousins' historical performance after throwing over 4,900 yards, noting that regression in yardage is common but increased touchdowns could offset this (17:10).
  • Consensus: Jason Moore and Mike Wright lean towards Cousins impressing him by maintaining or slightly improving his touchdown numbers, while Andy Holloway anticipates a slight regression due to team changes (20:15).
  • Notable Quote: "I do think he's going to regret this year. There's just too many changing parts." — Andy Holloway (20:51)

• Dak Prescott:

  • Analysis: Jason Moore doubts Prescott can replicate his efficient touchdown-to-interception ratio, projecting a fall to 13th in standard leagues (22:42).
  • Consensus: Mixed views with a general expectation of regression due to defensive changes and questions about the offensive line's stability.
  • Notable Quote: "I have him at 13 range, just outside the top 10. So he's a regression, but not to a desperate point of view." — Jason Moore (22:42)

B. Running Backs

Candidates: Isaiah Crowell vs. Tevin Coleman

• Isaiah Crowell:

  • Analysis: Andy Holloway acknowledges Crowell's efficiency issues despite team improvements, questioning his workload and consistency (27:55).
  • Consensus: Generally, the hosts anticipate a regression due to Crowell's limited carries and reliance on big plays.
  • Notable Quote: "I agree with Jason that the offseason for the Cleveland Browns has been spectacular for Isaiah Crowell." — Mike Wright (31:09)

• Tevin Coleman:

  • Analysis: Jason Moore finds Coleman uncomfortable as a second running back, while Mike Wright cites concerns over his workload and target distribution (33:28).
  • Consensus: Mike Wright opts for regression, suggesting Coleman may not replicate his previous year's high efficiency.
  • Notable Quote: "I'm going regress." — Mike Wright (35:32)

C. Wide Receivers

Candidates: Michael Thomas vs. Devonte Adams

• Michael Thomas:

  • Analysis: Andy Holloway is confident Thomas will continue to impress, drawing parallels to Marquise Colston's sophomore year success (39:19).
  • Consensus: Strong consensus among hosts that Thomas will either maintain or slightly improve his performance.
  • Notable Quote: "I think that Michael Thomas is as safe as anyone in fantasy football can be." — Andy Holloway (39:27)

• Devonte Adams:

  • Analysis: Jason Moore anticipates regression, expecting Adams to have fewer receptions but maintained touchdown output (43:20).
  • Consensus: Mixed views with Mike Wright leaning towards impression due to Adams' role and Andy Holloway acknowledging potential regression.
  • Notable Quote: "I was going to say regress, but I'm glad you have these numbers. They're unbelievable." — Andy Holloway (35:09)

D. Tight Ends

Candidates: Kyle Rudolph vs. Zach Ertz

• Kyle Rudolph:

  • Analysis: Mike Wright praises Rudolph's sustainable production despite fluctuating draft positions, while Jason Moore views Rudolph as a regression candidate due to changes in the Minnesota Vikings' offense (47:27, 51:13).
  • Consensus: Divided opinions with Andy Holloway supporting Rudolph's continued impressing and Jason Moore predicting regression.
  • Notable Quote: "He's going to finish as a top six." — Andy Holloway (52:22)

• Zach Ertz:

  • Analysis: Jason Moore expects Ertz to impress by maintaining or slightly improving his performance, while Mike Wright cites potential target competition and touchdown issues (54:19).
  • Consensus: Generally leaning towards regression due to increased competition for targets.
  • Notable Quote: "He just doesn't score touchdowns. That has been the huge problem." — Jason Moore (54:21)

News and Notes

The hosts briefly discuss Josh Gordon's petition for reinstatement, noting he's unlikely to return this season due to ongoing issues with his agent and the NFL's stance on his situation (08:35 – 09:57).

Mailbag: Listener Questions

Question 1: Commissioner's Dilemma on Kickers
Listener Jimbo seeks advice on balancing the league's mixed opinions on kickers by possibly adjusting scoring rules.

• Hosts' Advice:
  • Jason Moore: Suggests nerfing rather than removing kickers, proposing a flat three points for field goals regardless of distance (58:19).
  • Andy Holloway: Agrees, recommending three points per field goal and one point per extra point without penalties (58:43).

Question 2: Drafting Alshon Jeffrey vs. Other Wide Receivers
The listener questions why to draft Alshon Jeffrey with a high pick when other receivers like Doug Baldwin and Keenan Allen are available.

• Hosts' Response:
  • Jason Moore: Emphasizes Jeffrey's potential upside but acknowledges uncertainty with Carson Wentz's passing touchdowns and other offensive dynamics (60:14).
  • Andy Holloway: Recommends opting for Doug Baldwin over Jeffrey due to more consistent performance (61:55).
  • Mike Wright: Advises against drafting Jeffrey in the third round, favoring more reliable options like Larry Fitzgerald (62:06).

Question 3: Kelvin Benjamin's Bounce-Back Potential
A listener trades away Michael Thomas for Kelvin Benjamin and wonders if Benjamin can rebound.

• Hosts' Advice:
  • Andy Holloway: Sees potential upside if Benjamin resurges but rates him as a high-variance pick (64:35).
  • Jason Moore: Expresses skepticism about Benjamin's consistency and motivation (63:26).
  • Mike Wright: Highlights challenges Benjamin faces with the offense and quarterback changes (65:23).

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a promotion for the Ultimate Draft Kit, encouraging listeners to take advantage of pre-order pricing. The hosts remind listeners to visit their website and follow them on Twitter for more fantasy football insights.

Notable Closing Quote:
Mike Wright: "Hope you're ready for trophies." (66:03)

Highlights

• Tight End Trivia: Understanding the rarity of rookie tight ends achieving significant fantasy stats.
• Regress or Impress Analysis: In-depth evaluations of key players across positions, balancing past performance with upcoming season variables.
• Listener Engagement: Practical solutions for common fantasy league dilemmas, emphasizing community interaction.

Key Takeaways

• Player Performance Prediction: The importance of analyzing both statistical history and team dynamics to forecast a player's fantasy impact.
• Draft Strategy: Balancing high-upside picks with reliable performers to optimize team strength.
• League Customization: Tailoring league rules (e.g., kicker scoring) to fit the preferences of league members for enhanced enjoyment.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the Fantasy Footballers' 2017 episode on player projections, offering valuable guidance for both new and seasoned fantasy football enthusiasts.