Fantasy Footballers Podcast: 2017 - Shocking Stats from 2016!
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Overview
In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the most surprising and impactful statistics from the 2016 NFL season. They analyze how these statistics influence fantasy football strategies for the upcoming 2017 season, providing listeners with actionable insights and expert opinions.
News and Updates
Before diving into the statistics, the hosts touch upon several significant news items that shape the NFL landscape:
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Colts' Leadership Stability ([04:54]): ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Chuck Pagano will remain the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, signaling stability after Ryan Grigson's departure. Jason Moore remarks, "I don't think Pagano is a great coach," sparking a discussion on the Colts' future.
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Chargers' Running Back Situation ([06:10]): The team looks to retain free agent Danny Woodhead, though Jason notes, "I do not adjust him due to Danny Woodhead." The focus remains on maintaining Melvin Gordon's fantasy value despite Woodhead's potential return.
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Carson Palmer's Uncertain Future ([08:27]): Arizona Cardinals' QB Carson Palmer expresses uncertainty about his participation in the 2017 season, leading to speculation about possible replacements like Tony Romo or Mike Glennon.
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49ers' GM Hire ([09:29]): The San Francisco 49ers have hired John Lynch as their new GM with a six-year contract, raising questions about future team direction and player evaluations.
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Steelers' Defensive Concerns ([10:52]): Discussions about Ladarius Green's potential release due to injury concerns and the Steelers' broader defensive strategy.
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Martavis Bryant's Return ([12:29]): Wide receiver Martavis Bryant officially applies for NFL reinstatement, with hopes for a comeback despite past off-field issues.
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Bengals and Ravens Updates ([21:24] - [25:00]): Various updates on players like Tyler Boyd and Marcus Mariota, along with team strategies moving forward.
Shocking Statistics from 2016
The core of the episode revolves around dissecting unexpected stats from the previous season and their implications for fantasy football.
Quarterbacks
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Dak Prescott's Rookie Surge ([27:30])
- Highlight: Dak Prescott achieved 10 QB1 weekly performances, the highest by a rookie since Cam Newton in 2011.
- Quote: Jason Moore states, “He never finished lower than QB13 in that span.”
- Implication: Despite being a late-round pick, Prescott's consistency makes him a valuable fantasy asset for 2017.
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Marcus Mariota's Consistency ([32:30])
- Highlight: Mariota maintained QB1 status for eight consecutive weeks, averaging a league-leading 24.6 fantasy points per game during that stretch.
- Quote: Andy Holloway comments, “I have trust in Marcus Mariota.”
- Implication: Mariota emerges as a high-upside, late-round quarterback option worth considering in drafts.
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Philip Rivers' Decline ([33:47])
- Highlight: Rivers failed to register another top-12 performance after week five, leading the NFL with 21 interceptions.
- Quote: Jason Moore questions, “Which way do you bend for next year, Mike?”
- Implication: Rivers presents a risk-reward scenario, with potential volatility affecting his fantasy value.
Running Backs
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Kenneth Dixon's Limited Opportunity ([35:41])
- Highlight: Dixon, despite averaging 12.9 fantasy points over six weeks, struggled with limited backfield trust from the Ravens.
- Quote: Andy Holloway notes, “We need a better back.”
- Implication: Dixon may be undervalued if he secures a primary role in the Ravens' offense for 2017.
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LeGarrett Blount's Touchdown Efficiency ([35:57])
- Highlight: Blount led the league with 25 carries inside the five-yard line, converting 12 into touchdowns.
- Quote: Jason Moore remarks, “LeGarrett Blount finishes eighth in six-point leagues.”
- Implication: High touchdown potential makes Blount a tempting but potentially risky fantasy RB pick.
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Matt Forte's Regression ([39:00])
- Highlight: Forte dropped from RB6 in the first 10 weeks to RB59 by season's end.
- Quote: Jason Moore asserts, “If you're going to feed the ball to Matt Forte, he belongs on your roster.”
- Implication: Forte might be undervalued in drafts due to unexpected regression, presenting a buy-low opportunity.
Wide Receivers
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Tyreek Hill's Potential ([17:20])
- Highlight: Andy Reid suggests Hill could double his snaps, potentially making him the highest-scoring WR in fantasy history.
- Quote: Jason Moore declares, “He is one of the most weaponized players in the NFL.”
- Implication: Hill's explosive potential makes him a high-upside pick, especially if his snap count increases.
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Amari Cooper's Inconsistency ([45:49])
- Highlight: Cooper failed to crack the top 24 in PPR leagues after a strong start, resembling Ted Ginn Jr.'s fantasy performance.
- Quote: Amir Abdullah states, “People are drafting him like he's an every week, very consistent type of guy.”
- Implication: Cooper's fluctuating performance poses a risk, urging caution in draft selections.
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Brandon Cooks' Record-Setting Play ([47:54])
- Highlight: Cooks secured the longest touchdown reception of 2016 at 98 yards, earning more fantasy points than Demaryius Thomas in a single game.
- Quote: Jason Moore notes, “Brandon Cooks' play says a lot about Luck's extended plays.”
- Implication: Cooks showcases the ability for game-breaking plays, increasing his value as a flex or stash option.
Tight Ends
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Zach Ertz's Breakout Potential ([49:08])
- Highlight: Ertz led tight ends in receptions and showed the capability to be a top-tier fantasy option.
- Quote: Jason Moore emphasizes, “Zach Ertz represents that guy who could be a top three tight end next year.”
- Implication: Ertz's upward trajectory makes him a valuable TE target, particularly in later rounds.
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Hunter Henry's Red Zone Efficiency ([50:07])
- Highlight: Henry recorded eight red-zone touchdowns, tying for the most among tight ends.
- Quote: Andy Holloway states, “I can't get him in our dynasty league.”
- Implication: Henry's red-zone prowess enhances his appeal as a reliable TE starter.
Kickers and Other Positions
- Kickers' Undervalued Performance ([51:33])
- Highlight: Six of the top 12 kickers in 2016 were undrafted, challenging the notion of kickers being unreliable fantasy assets.
- Quote: Jason Moore counters, “Contrary to Jason's opinion that the kicker is the most important fantasy football position…”
- Implication: Identifying elite kickers in later rounds can provide significant weekly advantages without sacrificing valuable draft picks.
Concluding Insights
The Fantasy Footballers hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of understanding past performance trends to inform future draft strategies. They encourage listeners to explore the detailed articles on their website for an exhaustive list of shocking stats and to remain engaged with the fantasy community for continuous updates.
Notable Quotes
- Jason Moore ([27:30]): “He never finished lower than QB13 in that span.”
- Andy Holloway ([32:30]): “I have trust in Marcus Mariota.”
- Jason Moore ([31:04]): “He represents the value that Kirk Cousins does.”
- Amir Abdullah ([45:49]): “People are drafting him like he's an every week, very consistent type of guy.”
- Jason Moore ([47:54]): “That play was more than Demaryius Thomas.”
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to navigate the complexities of player performances and team dynamics. By highlighting unexpected statistics and providing expert analysis, the Fantasy Footballers equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge in their leagues.