Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Mid Round Madness + Waiver Tips, Leeches - August 6, 2020

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into mid-round draft strategies, waiver wire tips, and analyze key NFL news impacting fantasy football. The discussion is rich with expert insights, strategic advice, and in-depth player evaluations designed to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues.

Waiver Wire Tips and FAB Strategy

Duration: 03:16 – 07:10

The hosts address a listener's question about FAB (Free Agent Budget) strategy in leagues utilizing a budget-based waiver system. Mike Wright emphasizes the importance of not being overly conservative with FAB funds, especially in the early weeks:

“Don’t be afraid to spend it. People who are brand new to the system generally get a little bit greedy and hoarding with the money.” (04:17)

Jason Moore adds that early investments in FAB can secure valuable players who provide consistency throughout the season:

“It's about prioritizing the player that you want. Sometimes you have to make a decision of if I wake up in the morning and see that I have lost out on that player, then bid more.” (05:50)

The hosts recommend staying engaged with their weekly waiver wire breakdowns on Tuesday episodes to maximize FAB usage effectively.

NFL News Highlights

Duration: 07:14 – 13:03

Raiders’ Henry Ruggs in the Slot

Andy Holloway discusses Henry Ruggs being positioned in the slot by the Raiders’ offensive coordinator Greg Olson:

“This really just throws some water on Hunter Renfro's potential PPR productivity.” (08:55)

Mike Wright concurs, highlighting that Hunter Renfro may see reduced targets:

“He’s going to be games where, you know, without a touchdown, Kareem Hunt disappears is my worry.” (18:00)

Dolphins’ Running Back Situation

The conversation shifts to the Dolphins' running back roster, focusing on Jordan Howard and Matt Breida. Mike Wright notes:

“Matt Breida's work ethic, which is stellar. He’ll be the lead back according to one of his trusted sources.” (10:40)

Andy Holloway underscores the importance of target volume for players like Devonte Parker and Mike Gasicki, making them viable fantasy options.

Opt-Out Deadline Implications

With the NFL's opt-out deadline looming at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, the hosts anticipate potential changes in player availability, which they plan to explore in subsequent episodes.

Mid Round Madness Segment

Duration: 13:20 – 50:37

Overview of Mid Round Madness

The segment kicks off with the hosts introducing their "Mid Round Madness" feature, where each host selects standout players from rounds four to eight of fantasy drafts. The objective is to identify undervalued players with high upside, akin to mining for gems in challenging draft rounds.

Kareem Hunt: A Mid-Round Gem

Jason Moore passionately advocates for drafting Kareem Hunt of the Cleveland Browns in the mid-rounds:

“He is a home run league-winning pick.” (17:06)

Moore highlights Hunt's consistent performance despite his role as a backup to Nick Chubb, noting his high usage and potential:

“He had 62.5% of his games as a top 24 back. That was the 15th best score, ironically tied with Nick Chubb.” (15:01)

Andy Holloway probes into Hunt's reliability during games where Chubb might underperform or be sidelined, reinforcing Hunt's value as a safe, high-upside pick.

Hollywood Brown: Potential vs. Draft Position

Andy Holloway critiques Hollywood Brown being drafted late, especially given his physical attributes and previous performance:

“His ceiling is probably now we have him ranked 29, 25, and 28. I think his ceiling is to finish at about wide receiver 20 for his... an amazing value to get in the late seventh round.” (24:38)

Jason Moore appreciates Brown's talent but cautions against expecting him to become a primary target:

“He's going to have some volatile... but he's going to have some up-and-coming potential.” (26:53)

The hosts agree that while Brown is a solid mid-round pick, his role may limit his fantasy ceiling compared to higher-tier receivers.

Terry McLaurin: A Rising Star

Mike Wright introduces Terry McLaurin as a standout mid-round wide receiver, drawing comparisons to legends like Julio Jones:

“Terry McLaurin is the number one guy on this team and... his ceiling is to finish as a top 15 wide receiver.” (31:28)

Jason Moore echoes the sentiment, emphasizing McLaurin's rookie production and potential for continued growth:

“Terry McLaurin could be a top 20 wide receiver if he takes that step forward.” (32:04)

The hosts highlight McLaurin's consistent target volume and role as the primary option in Washington's offense, making him a valuable mid-round selection.

Tyler Lockett: Consistency with Ceiling Constraints

Jason Moore and Mike Wright discuss Tyler Lockett as a reliable but somewhat limited mid-round wide receiver option:

“He is a top 15 wide receiver two years in a row... the passing volume does open up.” (40:58)

While acknowledging Lockett's consistency and low bust rate, the hosts note that his ceiling is inherently capped by the offense's passing volume and his position in the receiver hierarchy.

DJ Chark: A No-Brainer Mid-Round Pick

Mike Wright presents DJ Chark as an excellent mid-round wide receiver due to his breakout potential:

“DJ Chark is an absolute no brainer pick. Last year he finished as the wide receiver 16 and a half...” (51:41)

Andy Holloway agrees, adding that Chark's athleticism and improved offensive situation make him a high-value target:

“He has a lot of upside. I think moving forward with him is the bona fide one on the team.” (56:22)

The consensus is that Chark's consistent performance combined with a better quarterback and offensive line promises continued fantasy success.

Ronald Jones: Undervalued in Drafts

Andy Holloway champions Ronald Jones as a mid-round running back undervalued in drafts:

“He was being drafted at 36 according to the ADP data we have today, which I think is kind of probably not going to come to fruition. But I brought it up... turning it into the fourth, fifth round.” (45:37)

Jason Moore concurs, emphasizing Jones's role in Tampa Bay's evolving offense and his explosive playmaking ability:

“He's going to have some new tattoos. Final day of Pristine week. By the way, check them out @pristine auction.com...” (56:16) (Note: This quote appears to be part of a promotion and may be excluded from a focused content summary.)

Mike Wright adds that Jones provides security in a murky backfield, making him a safe and high-ceiling mid-round pick.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide actionable insights into mid-round drafting strategies, emphasizing the importance of targeting players like Kareem Hunt, Terry McLaurin, DJ Chark, and Ronald Jones for their consistent performance and high upside. The hosts also navigate through recent NFL news, offering nuanced perspectives on player roles and team dynamics that influence fantasy football decisions. By leveraging their expert analysis and strategic advice, listeners are well-equipped to make informed decisions and enhance their chances of winning their fantasy leagues.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (04:17): “Don’t be afraid to spend it. People who are brand new to the system generally get a little bit greedy and hoarding with the money.”

• Jason Moore (05:50): “It's about prioritizing the player that you want. Sometimes you have to make a decision of if I wake up in the morning and see that I have lost out on that player, then bid more.”

• Jason Moore (17:06): “He is a home run league-winning pick.”

• Jason Moore (31:28): “Terry McLaurin could be a top 20 wide receiver if he takes that step forward.”

• Mike Wright (51:41): “DJ Chark is an absolute no brainer pick. Last year he finished as the wide receiver 16 and a half...”

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