Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Valentines + 2018 RB Rookie Review
Release Date: February 14, 2019

I. Introduction and Valentine's Day Banter

The hosts kick off the episode with playful banter surrounding Valentine's Day. They humorously discuss last-minute gift shopping, debating between options like Target and Walgreens, and joke about the significance of their chosen "Fantasy Valentines."

• Jason Moore [01:13]: "It's Valentine's Day."
• Mike Wright [02:01]: "Honey, this is the only coffee maker they have at Walgreens. Congratulations. Happy Valentine's Day."

II. Fantasy Valentines

The segment focuses on selecting top fantasy football players as Valentines, highlighting players who have made significant impacts or have high potential in the upcoming season.

A. Nick Chubb

• Jason Moore [04:57]: "Nick Chubb, a player that needs a little bit of love... He had the highest elusive rating in the NFL for any player over 60 carries."

Nick Chubb is lauded for his performance despite not having an obvious path to a high number of carries. His ability to avoid tackles and consistent performance make him a valuable fantasy asset.

• Mike Wright [04:47]: "Even some of those lower carry guys that might have broken some big plays, broken tackles, he had more avoided tackles than Saquon."

B. Jarvis Landry

• Andy Holloway [06:36]: "I'm going with Jarvis Landry."

Jarvis Landry is praised for his high target volume and consistent role in the offense, making him undervalued in drafts.

• Jason Moore [07:38]: "He's just making so much money, too."

C. JuJu Smith-Schuster

• Mike Wright [08:10]: "He is good enough in the NFL to be a primary target. So I am all about JuJu Smith-Schuster, your valentine is in the mail."

JuJu Smith-Schuster is highlighted for his consistent target volume and potential boost in performance with changes in team dynamics, especially with Antonio Brown's situation.

• Jason Moore [08:31]: "If I were to send him a message on slide into his DMs on Twitter, is he going to corroborate this relationship?"

III. News and Notes

A. Joe Flacco Trade to Denver Broncos

The hosts discuss the Baltimore Ravens' decision to trade Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos, analyzing the implications for both teams.

• Jason Moore [11:45]: "The Ravens have agreed in principle to trade Joe Flacco to what? The Denver Broncos."
• Mike Wright [12:14]: "If you look at their career stats, it's unbelievable... Joe Flacco set to be a Denver Bronco."

They debate the rationale behind the trade, questioning the Broncos' move to acquire a veteran quarterback and its impact on their Super Bowl odds.

• Jason Moore [13:01]: "The Broncos moved from 100 to 1 odds to win the Super Bowl to 125 to 1."

B. Antonio Brown's Trade Request

Antonio Brown's public request to be traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers is a hot topic, with the hosts speculating on his future.

• Mike Wright [18:53]: "Antonio Brown has officially asked to be traded. He went on his Twitter and basically said goodbye."
• Jason Moore [19:36]: "The Steelers were right because they... he's not going back there."

They discuss the challenges Pittsburgh faces in accommodating Brown's trade desires without incurring significant dead cap space.

• Andy Holloway [20:16]: "You're talking 20 plus million dollars just of dead cap for the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade him away."

IV. 2018 Rookie Review: Running Backs

The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the 2018 rookie running back class, evaluating their performances and potential for the upcoming season.

A. Saquon Barkley

• Mike Wright [25:02]: "Saquon Barkley should be in the conversation for the number one overall pick next year."

Saquon Barkley's dominance, especially against lower-ranked teams, and his consistency make him a cornerstone for fantasy teams.

• Jason Moore [25:48]: "He was basically perfect for his rookie season. He probably won't be lower than fourth. He's in tier one."

B. Rashad Penny

• Jason Moore [27:07]: "Rashad Penny, 419 yards rushing on only 85 carries... didn't live up to expectations."

Despite a challenging rookie year plagued by injuries and limited opportunities, Rashad Penny shows flashes of potential that could make him a valuable asset if given more playing time.

• Andy Holloway [28:17]: "I believe Rashad Penny will be great. I just don't know that the opportunity will come."

C. Ronald Jones

• Andy Holloway [37:12]: "It's going to be tough for Ronald Jones... he couldn't beat out Peyton Barber last year."

Ronald Jones faces questions about his fit under new coaching and his ability to secure a consistent role in the offense.

• Mike Wright [38:30]: "I would rather have Rashad Penny than Sony Michelle. Like, without a doubt."

D. Kerryon Johnson

• Jason Moore [40:37]: "Kerryon Johnson's a guy that I tried to get in every dynasty situation I'm in."

Kerryon Johnson is seen as a rising talent who showed promise despite inconsistent usage during his rookie season. The Lions' offensive strategy under new coaching could unlock his potential.

• Andy Holloway [41:03]: "Carry on Johnson... wherever he's drafted, I'm taking him higher than that."

E. Darius Gallies

• Andy Holloway [44:13]: "He is clearly the best running back there. They want to run the ball and he can."

Darius Gallies emerges as a potential breakout candidate if the Colts stabilize their quarterback situation and optimize their offensive scheme.

• Jason Moore [46:43]: "You believe in the future of Philip Lindsay? He is 5.4 yards per carry."

V. Pristine Deal of the Day

The hosts highlight a noteworthy deal from PristineAuction.com, emphasizing the value of a Saquon Barkley signed Giants jersey acquired for $88—a steal considering Barkley's talent.

• Andy Holloway [55:17]: "Fans are scooping up Barkley jerseys for Rashad Penny's."

VI. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts remind listeners to engage with their community platforms and take advantage of special offers from sponsors like HelloFresh and Fantasy Champs.

• Jason Moore [10:15]: "Find us on YouTube... Instagram.com fantasy footballers, Twitter @theffballers."

They extend their well-wishes for Valentine's Day and encourage listeners to join their fantasy football community for continued insights and updates.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [04:58]: "I'm willing to fall out of love with Nick Chubb if Kareem Hunt gets a four game suspension."
• Mike Wright [07:38]: "I'm going to give him a bridge. You can pull that fedora off in a couple weeks."
• Andy Holloway [20:33]: "They wanted to run the ball, and he can. So I'm, I believe in Philip Lindsay."

This episode offers a blend of insightful analysis and entertaining commentary, providing valuable information for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to optimize their teams for the upcoming season.