Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Ice & Fire Picks, Surprise RB1's – LIVE in NYC"

Release Date: July 31, 2018

The Fantasy Footballers hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright deliver an engaging and insightful episode focused on identifying under-the-radar running backs (RBs) poised to become top-tier performers in the upcoming fantasy football season. Filmed live in New York City, this episode blends expert analysis with lively interactions, including a special appearance by ESPN's Matthew Berry.

1. Quick Question of the Day

[02:02]
Mike Wright: "What running back not currently being drafted in the top 10 at the position has the best chance of ending up the year number one overall at the running back position?"

The hosts dive into selecting an RB outside the traditional top 10 who could ascend to the top spot by season's end. Andy Holloway introduces Darius Geist as a potential sleeper pick, highlighting his opportunity in Washington's offense and his ability to accumulate receptions similar to Eddie Lacy.

Andy Holloway:
"Darius Geist... can catch the ball. If we can get Eddie Lacy type receptions for Darius Geist... if he has 10 plus touchdowns on the ground, I will have no shock in my face."
[05:26]

Meanwhile, Mike Wright advocates for Jerick McKinnon, citing his versatility and potential for increased reception totals under Shanahan's system.

Mike Wright:
"I think Jarrett could be that surprise guy... Jerick McKinnon has this clear path to reception totals."
[06:48]

Jason Moore offers a fresh perspective by suggesting Jordan Howard, emphasizing his performance over the past two seasons and the expected offensive enhancements under Matt Nagy's coaching.

Jason Moore:
"Jordan Howard has a legitimate chance. He's a guy... he's going to be great. I think Jordan Howard has a legitimate chance."
[10:12]

2. Ice Picks: Under-the-Radar RBs

The "Ice" segment focuses on RBs who are currently flying under the draft radar but possess the potential to make significant fantasy impacts.

a. Rashad Penny vs. Cory Johnson

The debate centers around whether to draft Rashad Penny or Cory Johnson. Mike Wright expresses confidence in Penny's workload potential despite his fourth-round ADP, while Andy Holloway notes Cory Johnson's current draft position.

Mike Wright:
"Rashad Penny is being drafted in the fourth round. And there is a lot of risk. So, like, if I have to decide between Rashad Penny in the fourth or Cory Johnson in the seventh, I would rather have Cory Johnson."
[22:03]

Andy Holloway:
"I'm more confident in the workload of Rashad Penny."
[22:38]

b. Jimmy Graham - An Unexpected TE Pick

Andy Holloway critiques the value of drafting Jimmy Graham as a tight end, arguing that his reduced performance and aging stats don't justify a fifth-round selection.

Andy Holloway:
"Jimmy Graham... he went from 14.2 yards per reception down to 9.1 last year, the lowest of his career... He's catching 10 touchdowns because he can't do what he used to do."
[24:18]

Jason Moore concurs, emphasizing the overvaluation of Graham given his current production.

Jason Moore:
"I wouldn't dream of drafting him in the fifth round in any kind of startup redraft keeper, anything like that in Best Ball."
[26:58]

3. Fire Picks: Breakout Candidates

The "Fire" segment spotlights players expected to exceed expectations and deliver standout performances.

a. Corey Davis

Mike Wright champions Corey Davis as a "Fire" pick, highlighting his college pedigree, recent performance, and the Titans' potential offensive improvements.

Mike Wright:
"Corey Davis is the all-time receiving yards leader in college. He's very talented... I think Corey Davis can do it."
[34:00]

Jason Moore adds that Davis's increased role and improved offensive scheme under new coaching could lead to a breakout season.

Jason Moore:
"Corey Davis... the most accurate quarterback for Matt Nagy says Jordan can play all three downs... we're going to use him."
[10:12]

Andy Holloway:
"For me, Corey Davis, like I've said it comes down to touchdowns... air yards..."
[36:30]

b. Rex Burkhead

Andy Holloway presents Rex Burkhead as another "Fire" candidate, discussing his role in the Patriots' offense and potential for increased touchdowns.

Andy Holloway:
"Rex Burkhead's true run began his second game back from injury... he's a grinder and can rack up 12 plus rushing touchdowns."
[40:20]

4. Mailbag Segment with Matthew Berry

A notable highlight of this episode is the live mailbag segment featuring ESPN's Matthew Berry. Addressing listener questions, the hosts and Berry engage in dynamic discussions covering topics such as draft strategies, player evaluations, and league settings.

a. Scoring Bonuses and Draft Strategies

One listener inquires about the impact of awarding extra points for long touchdowns. Andy Holloway appreciates the excitement it brings but acknowledges it doesn't influence his drafting strategy.

Andy Holloway:
"I don't count on a player getting two extra 50 yard touchdowns. It's fantastic to have it in my league, but it does not affect the way that I draft players."
[51:08]

Matthew Berry agrees, emphasizing the importance of assembling the best team rather than chasing unpredictable bonuses.

Matthew Berry:
"I agree... I wouldn't try to stack someone to try to get those rare five point bonuses. I would just assemble the best team I can."
[52:10]

b. Favorite Players and Attachment

Another question explores whether the hosts have players they favor despite past disappointments. Andy Holloway shares his emotional attachment to Robert Griffin for his performance, while Matthew Berry discusses the joy of drafting players one roots for.

Matthew Berry:
"If you're going to enjoy this game more by picking a player you're rooting for, even if it's not the best ADP or the best value, so what?"
[57:45]

c. Dynasty Draft Strategies

For listeners entering dynasty leagues, the discussion pivots to whether to prioritize individual defensive players (IDP) or defenses/special teams (DST). The consensus leans towards favoring DST over IDP for simplicity and relevance.

Jason Moore:
"I would go DST."
[59:08]

5. Special Guest Interaction: Matthew Berry

Matthew Berry brings additional insight, reinforcing the hosts' analyses and offering his perspectives on player potentials and league dynamics. His interaction adds depth to the discussions, particularly regarding RB assessments and quarterback impacts on wide receiver performances.

Matthew Berry:
"Tyrod Taylor's arm is made for Josh Gordon... Josh Gordon is the perfect Tyrod Taylor type player."
[67:40]

6. Giveaway and Audience Engagement

The episode concludes with an exciting giveaway of an Odell Beckham Jr. helmet, courtesy of Pristine Auction. The hosts express gratitude to their sponsors and engage warmly with the audience, including on-air congratulations to the giveaway winner.

Andy Holloway:
"Of the sign. Odell Beckham, New York Giants helmet, full size helmet courtesy of Pristine Auction helmet. Thank you for the helmet. Congratulations."
[74:34]

Key Takeaways

• Darius Geist and Jerick McKinnon are highlighted as RBs outside the top 10 with high upside potential.
• Corey Davis and Rex Burkhead are identified as breakout "Fire" picks for the season.
• Strategic drafting involves balancing risk and opportunity, especially when targeting players with high upside but lower ADPs.
• Listener engagement through the mailbag provides valuable insights and diverse perspectives, enriched by Matthew Berry's expert commentary.
• Emotional attachments to players can influence drafting decisions, but objective analysis remains crucial for success.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright on Darius Geist:
  "He can catch the ball. If we can get Eddie Lacy type receptions for Darius Geist... 10 plus touchdowns on the ground."
  [05:26]

• Jason Moore on Jordan Howard:
  "Jordan Howard has a legitimate chance. He's a guy... he's going to be great."
  [10:12]

• Andy Holloway on Corey Davis's Touchdowns:
  "It's getting me sweaty. I'm not going to lie to you."
  [36:30]

• Matthew Berry on Scoring Bonuses:
  "I agree with your assessment there in terms of trying to draft towards that. I think it's tough because big players are so unpredictable."
  [52:10]

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers provides a comprehensive analysis of potential RB sleepers, strategic drafting advice, and interactive segments that enrich the fantasy football experience. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to the game, the expert insights and lively discussions offer valuable guidance to optimize your fantasy roster.