Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Free Agent Preview & Predictions + Silent Andy
Release Date: March 3, 2020
Introduction and Show Setup
The episode begins with hosts Mike Wright ("The Fantasy Hitman") and Jason Moore welcoming listeners. Mike humorously notes that Andy Holloway is present but unable to speak, likening his voice to a "squeaky mouse" (00:53). Despite his vocal challenges, Andy is diligently working on show materials, adding a light-hearted dynamic to the episode.
Buy or Sell: Aaron Rodgers
Segment Duration: 03:26 – 08:23
Mike introduces the Buy or Sell segment sponsored by Pristine Auction, focusing on Aaron Rodgers' fantasy value. The central question: "Aaron Rodgers will not be a top 10 fantasy quarterback. Are we going to buy or sell?"
Discussion Highlights:
-
Declining Performance: Rodgers has seen a decrease in touchdowns from an average of 38 per season (2011-2016) to 25.5 in recent years. Jason notes, “He was the man” during his peak years (04:59), emphasizing the decline in his fantasy output.
-
Impact of Davante Adams’ Absence: Despite Adams being injured, Rodgers' fantasy numbers paradoxically improved, suggesting issues beyond target volume (04:29).
-
Future Outlook: Jason leans towards Rodgers remaining a low-end top 10 quarterback, citing a potential rebound in touchdown rates and possible improvements in the wide receiver lineup (06:14). However, Mike opts to sell the notion that Rodgers won't remain in the top 10, believing Rodgers will maintain at least a 4,000-yard season with upper-20 touchdown totals (07:37).
-
Conclusion: Jason concludes with a sell, acknowledging Rodgers' likely persistence in the top 10 despite recent inconsistencies (07:38).
Notable Quote: Jason Moore at 07:33: “I am probably not going to pay up for his name and his inconsistency. But where do you land on the buy or sell?”
News and Notes
Segment Duration: 08:51 – 22:31
The hosts delve into various NFL updates, focusing on player movements, contract statuses, and team strategies.
Key Topics:
-
NFL Combine Reactions: Light-hearted banter about punters at the combine showcasing unexpected bench press prowess. Mike jests, “What GM has ever looked to the bench press for the punter?” (09:10).
-
Franchise Tags and Player Movements:
-
AJ Green: Reported to receive a franchise tag from the Bengals. Jason supports this move, highlighting Green’s value if he returns strong: “He is a top five wide receiver in the NFL” (11:17).
-
Dak Prescott: Expected to be franchise tagged by the Cowboys, securing his position and affecting Amari Cooper’s contract negotiations (12:04).
-
Hunter Henry: The Chargers are anticipated to franchise tag tight end Hunter Henry, believing it a wise move given his talents and the team's needs (12:44).
-
Jameis Winston: Discussed potential return to Tampa Bay with improvements, but Mike speculates on risks of his performance consistency (26:07).
-
-
Contract Terminology Explained:
Notable Quote: Jason Moore at 23:55: “Dead money is money that has been guaranteed to a player who is basically not on the team anymore.”
Combine Takeaways
Segment Duration: 14:33 – 19:43
The hosts share insights and personal reactions to NFL Combine performances, focusing on running backs and wide receivers.
Highlights:
-
Running Backs:
-
Cam Akers and Jonathan Taylor: Jason praises their standout performances, noting Taylor’s impressive time: “He ran a 43.9” (17:15).
-
Kenyon Drake: Discussed as a talented free agent, with Mike predicting a move to Atlanta Falcons (37:24), while Jason counters that Drake will return to Arizona due to favorable team conditions (38:54).
-
-
Wide Receivers:
-
Henry Ruggs: Confirmed as extremely fast, likely improving his draft stock.
-
Chase Claypool: Emerges as a highly athletic receiver with potential Calvin Johnson-like traits.
-
C.J. Lamb: Recognized for his impressive physique, “CD Lamb just looked like a beast” (19:22).
-
Notable Quote: Jason Moore at 19:43: “That's just not fair.”
Free Agent Preview & Predictions
Segment Duration: 21:50 – 57:43
A comprehensive analysis of potential free agency moves, focusing on quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.
Key Predictions:
-
Quarterbacks:
-
Dak Prescott: Expected to remain with the Cowboys, with no plausible transition plans (26:54).
-
Ryan Tannehill and Tom Brady: Speculations include Tannehill moving to the Patriots if Brady joins the Titans, creating a quarterback swap (31:24).
-
Tom Brady: A humorous prediction by Jason suggesting Brady’s potential move and subsequent quarterback shifts (31:33).
-
-
Running Backs:
-
Melvin Gordon: Mike predicts a move to Houston Texans with fantasy value as a RB10-RB15 (35:08), while Jason leans towards a less favorable move, possibly to Detroit (36:18).
-
Kenyon Drake: Mike anticipates a move to Atlanta Falcons, whereas Jason believes Drake will return to Arizona (38:39).
-
Kerryon Johnson: Considered a secondary option but with concerns about team fit (36:20).
-
Brandon Cooks: Potential restructuring in Rams’ contract situations was briefly touched upon.
-
-
Wide Receivers:
-
AJ Green: Consensus on returning to the Bengals with a franchise tag (11:17).
-
Amari Cooper: Predicted to stay with the Cowboys, potentially receiving a large contract to prevent departure (42:41).
-
Robbie Anderson: On Mike’s radar for the Green Bay Packers, while Jason speculates a move to the Philadelphia Eagles (45:54).
-
Brashad Perryman: Expected to sign with a team that might regret the decision due to performance inconsistency (49:50).
-
Eric Ebron: Jason predicts a move to Green Bay Packers, with Mike highlighting challenges with tight end integration (53:21).
-
Austin Hooper: Mike anticipates a move to Pittsburgh Steelers, while Jason suggests Green Bay (56:41).
-
Notable Quotes:
-
Mike Wright at 32:00: “Melvin Gordon in Houston becomes very, very interesting.”
-
Jason Moore at 36:18: “Andy kind of agrees with me. He has him going to Detroit as well.”
Closing Remarks
Despite having Andy on the show, his inability to speak leads to humorous interactions and speculation about his opinions. Mike wraps up the episode by celebrating his birthday and thanking listeners, encouraging them to follow the podcast on social media platforms for more fantasy football insights.
Notable Quote: Mike Wright at 58:17: “Happy birthday to me.”
Conclusion
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers provides an in-depth look into free agency movements, fantasy implications of player performances, and NFL contract intricacies. With engaging banter and expert analysis from Mike and Jason, listeners receive valuable insights to navigate the upcoming fantasy football season effectively.
Stay Connected:
Follow the Fantasy Footballers on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and focuses solely on the content-driven discussions.