Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Important Questions + Injuries, Rookies, and Unobtanium" (August 24, 2020)

Welcome to a comprehensive summary of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode released on August 24, 2020. Hosted by the expert trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—this episode delves into critical fantasy football questions, player injuries, rookie performances, and valuable insights to aid in your drafting strategy.

1. Host Dynamics and Introduction

Mike Wright opens the episode solo, stepping in as the primary host due to Andy Holloway and Jason Moore attending to family obligations. This marks a unique recording moment, emphasizing the adaptability and camaraderie of the Fantasy Footballers team.

[01:19] Mike Wright: "This is quite possibly the strangest recording of this show that we have ever had."

Jason Moore acknowledges the change, highlighting the support system behind the scenes that ensures the show's quality remains intact despite the unusual setup.

[02:21] Jason Moore: "I'm glad I'm not you, but at least you've got Brooks, Jeremy, the producers extraordinaire."

2. Key Discussion Topics

a. Las Vegas Raiders' Signing of Theo Riddick

The hosts delve into the Raiders' recent signing of running back Theo Riddick, analyzing its potential impact on the team's dynamic and Josh Jacobs' role.

[03:21] Mike Wright: "The Raiders have added depth for pass-catching running backs, but Josh Jacobs remains a solid draft pick."

Jason Moore remains unfazed, emphasizing Jacobs' superiority as a pass-catcher over Riddick, who is considered a third-down specialist with uncertain roster prospects.

[04:38] Jason Moore: "Josh Jacobs is a better pass-catching back than whoever is on the roster."

b. Injuries and Rookies Updates

The podcast provides updates on various players' health statuses and rookie performances, crucial for fantasy managers to adjust their strategies accordingly.

• Detroit Lions' DeAndre Swift: Suffers a leg injury during practice.

  [07:47] Jason Moore: "Lions rookie DeAndre Swift suffered a leg injury at Thursday's practice."

• Dallas Goedert (Eagles): Reports of a hairline thumb fracture require monitoring, affecting tight end depth.

  [09:22] Mike Wright: "Dallas Goedert suffered a hairline fracture in one of his thumbs."

• 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk: Leaves practice early with a hamstring injury, raising concerns about the wide receiver depth chart.

  [10:34] Mike Wright: "Brandon Aiyuk left practice early suffering an apparent hamstring injury."

• Rams' Darrell Henderson: Diagnosed with a mild hamstring injury, potentially paving the way for Cam Akers to take a more prominent role.

  [13:39] Mike Wright: "Darrell Henderson suffered a mild hamstring injury."

• Chargers' Mike Williams: Shoulder sprain updates suggest a week-to-week prognosis, influencing target distributions.

  [14:48] Mike Wright: "Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams has been diagnosed with a shoulder sprain."

• Chiefs' Tyreek Hill and Browns' Nick Chubb: Both players are cleared to return to practice, offering positive news for their upcoming seasons.

  [15:49] Mike Wright: "Tyreek Hill and Nick Chubb have been cleared to return to practice."

c. Rookie Performance and Team Strategies

Discussion centers on rookie performances and team strategies influencing fantasy outcomes, such as the Rams' handling of wide receivers and the Chiefs' offensive plans.

[12:43] Jason Moore: "He has been with Frank Reich before. He is healthy and playing for this team."

3. Listener Questions and Mailbag

The heart of the episode features a series of listener-submitted questions, providing personalized advice and strategic recommendations.

a. PPR Pick: Devonte Adams vs. Derek Henry

A listener at the seven overall pick in a full PPR league asks whether to draft wide receiver Devonte Adams or running back Derek Henry.

[24:06] Jason Moore: "Adams is great, but I would take Derek Henry if it's my team."

Mike Wright leans towards Adams for his elite PPR capabilities, emphasizing his consistent target volume.

[26:54] Mike Wright: "I'm going with Devonte Adams because in PPR he is elite."

b. Dynasty League Decision: Alvin Kamara vs. Clyde Edwards-Helaire

In a dynasty context, the choice is between established running back Alvin Kamara and rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

[28:26] Jason Moore: "In a dynasty league, I'm taking Clyde Edwards-Helaire."

Mike Wright concurs, valuing Clyde's potential in a high-powered offense.

c. Keeper League: Kyler Murray vs. DJ Chark

A keeper league dilemma presents Kyler Murray in the 13th round versus DJ Chark in the seventh.

[30:08] Jason Moore: "I am switching and taking Chark ahead of McClaurin."

Mike Wright advocates for Murray, projecting him as a breakout quarterback despite the higher draft round.

[30:53] Mike Wright: "Kyler Murray... is very difficult to pass on."

d. Running Back Strategy: Miles Sanders vs. Aaron Jones

Choosing between Miles Sanders and Aaron Jones for flexibility and injury risk management.

[32:26] Mike Wright: "I'm taking Miles Sanders."

Jason Moore supports Sanders for his consistent touch volume and lower volatility compared to Jones.

[33:56] Jason Moore: "I'm taking Miles Sanders here."

e. QB Comparison: Drew Lock vs. Joe Burrow

Evaluating which quarterback is more likely to finish in the top 10: Drew Lock or Joe Burrow.

[37:53] Jason Moore: "I'm going to take Joe Burrow as far as who has the higher ceiling for a true breakout."

Mike Wright opts for Lock, citing his explosiveness and potential for a high-performing season.

[41:12] Mike Wright: "I'll take Drew Lock here."

4. Player Analysis and Strategic Insights

The hosts offer in-depth analysis of various players, discussing their potential fantasy impact based on current performances and team dynamics.

a. Chris Thompson – Jacksonville Jaguars

Jason Moore recommends Chris Thompson as a valuable late-round PPR pick, highlighting his efficiency and role in an offense that leverages passing backs.

[36:00] Jason Moore: "Chris Thompson is a wonderful super late last round pick, especially in PPR leagues."

b. Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray Comparisons

The discussion touches on quarterbacks' historical performances and their projected growth, influencing their draft strategies.

[39:13] Jason Moore: "He has a rocket arm and is mobile. He can get out of the pocket."

5. Strategic Takeaways and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers emphasize the importance of staying informed about player statuses, leveraging depth charts, and making informed decisions based on injuries and team strategies.

• Draft Focus: Prioritize pass-catching running backs and elite wide receivers in PPR formats.

• Injury Monitoring: Keep a close eye on injury reports to adjust your lineup and draft strategy accordingly.

• Late-Round Value: Target efficient players like Chris Thompson and consider high-upside quarterbacks early due to their scarcity.

• Dynasty and Keeper Leagues: Balance current performance with future potential, favoring young talent in stable offensive environments.

Notable Quotes

• [04:38] Jason Moore: "Josh Jacobs is a better pass-catching back than whoever is on the roster."

• [14:48] Mike Wright: "Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams has been diagnosed with a shoulder sprain."

• [24:54] Mike Wright: "I'm taking Miles Sanders, I think."

• [26:54] Mike Wright: "Devonte Adams is elite in PPR."

• [33:56] Jason Moore: "I'm taking Miles Sanders here."

• [37:53] Jason Moore: "I'm going to take Joe Burrow as far as who has the higher ceiling for a true breakout."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers valuable insights into player evaluations, injury impacts, and strategic draft decisions. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to fantasy football, the expert analysis provided by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright equips you with the knowledge to enhance your team's performance and navigate the complexities of the fantasy season effectively.

For further engagement and detailed discussions, consider joining the Fantasy Footballers community at join.thefoot.com and following them on Twitter @the_ffballers.