Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: NFC East Breakdown + Late Round Gold
Release Date: July 11, 2019

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the intricacies of the NFC East, providing comprehensive analyses of each team’s prospects for the upcoming fantasy football season. Additionally, they explore valuable late-round picks that can offer significant returns for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters without breaking the bank.

NFC East Divisional Breakdown

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are dissected as the powerhouse of the NFC East, with a focus on their offensive dynamics and key player movements.

• Ezekiel Elliott (Zeke) and Dak Prescott:
  Andy Holloway emphasizes Zeke Elliott's role as a top-tier running back, stating, “Zeke is always on the conversation. He just doesn’t have bust games” (19:21).
  Jason Moore highlights Prescott’s elevated status in fantasy drafts, suggesting, “He can actually be a late round quarterback” (28:44).

• Amari Cooper vs. Randall Cobb:
  The hosts debate the consistency of Amari Cooper, with Andy noting his “career of inconsistency” (16:09), while Jason argues that Cooper remains a solid WR1 option when healthy.

• Late Round Targets:
  Mike Wright recommends targeting players like Devin Funches and Matt Breida in the later rounds for potential breakout performances (06:15).

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “Amari Cooper is incredibly talented. Something is just missing. He is very inconsistent.” (16:09)

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are portrayed as a team on the rise, with significant offseason acquisitions aimed at strengthening their run game and overall offensive versatility.

• Carson Wentz:
  Jason Moore expresses strong confidence in Wentz, predicting a standout season: “I am all in on Carson Wentz. I think he is going to have a fantastic year” (28:44).

• Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard:
  The addition of Miles Sanders is discussed as a potential RB1 with “the ability to potentially take third down” (25:53). Andy underscores the need for Sanders to excel in pass protection and receiving to maximize his fantasy value.

• DeSean Jackson and Evan Ingram:
  DeSean is highlighted as an incredible value late-round pick, while Evan Ingram is lauded for his separation metrics, positioning him as a potential flagship tight end for fantasy managers: “He is the absolute leader in average separation” (49:48).

Notable Quote:
Mike Wright: “DeSean Jackson is an incredible value in fantasy drafts.” (33:55)

Washington Redskins

The Redskins are analyzed with a focus on their injury woes and unstable offensive strategies, making them a challenging team for fantasy considerations.

• Offensive Line and Running Backs:
  The constant injuries to key positions like the offensive line and running backs like Darius Slay and Adrian Peterson are discussed, highlighting the team’s fragility:
  Andy Holloway: “They’ve struggled with injuries over the past couple of years” (35:36).

• Dwayne Haskins and Receivers:
  Concerns about rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins and the instability at wide receiver positions (e.g., Jordan Reed) make the Redskins a risky fantasy option.
  Jason Moore remarks, “I just want to avoid this” when referencing the unpredictability of the team’s offense (40:32).

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “This is one of the wide receiver cores you're avoiding.” (41:07)

New York Giants

The Giants are assessed with a spotlight on Saquon Barkley and the quarterback transition from Eli Manning to Daniel Jones.

• Saquon Barkley:
  Barkley remains a cornerstone for the Giants, with the hosts affirming his reliability:
  Jason Moore: “It’s hard to craft a narrative where Saquon busts” (44:21).

• Daniel Jones vs. Eli Manning:
  The uncertainty surrounding Daniel Jones' ability to replicate Eli Manning’s production presents a significant fantasy dilemma.
  Andy Holloway predicts, “I don’t think it’s going to be a terrible offense” if Daniel Jones steps up effectively (45:26).

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore: “If Daniel Jones can step up, Evan Ingram could absolutely be this year's George Kittle.” (48:41)

Late Round Gold

The hosts delve into strategic late-round picks that can provide unexpected value and upside in fantasy drafts.

• Ted Ginn Jr. and Tre'Quan Smith:
  Mike Wright recommends Ted Ginn Jr. as a valuable late-round WR due to his role in a high-powered offense.
  Tre'Quan Smith is highlighted as a potential breakout candidate, with Andy referencing Drew Brees’ confidence in his development:
  Andy Holloway: “This is going to be the jump year for Tre'Quan Smith” (04:34).

• Dallas Targets:
  Players like Matt Breida (RB) and Devin Funches (WR) are discussed as advantageous additions in the final rounds for their potential high-impact performances.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “Luck could throw four in week one, and two of them could be to DeSean Jackson” (07:00)

Mailbag Highlights

Question from Jackson in South Carolina: Tampa Bay Carries & PPR Preferences

Question:
“Who do you think will be getting the bulk of the carries in Tampa Bay? And who would you rather have in a PPR format? Would you rather have Rojos or Barber before you answer?” (50:46)

Response:
Both hosts agree on Peyton Barber as the preferable choice over Rojos for bulk carries in Tampa Bay.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore: “I would go with Peyton Barber. I believe that he is actually the better back.” (51:29)

Question from Steve in Calgary: Drafting Todd Gurley vs. David Johnson in Dynasty Leagues

Question:
“Where would you be comfortable taking Todd Gurley in a dynasty startup draft?” (52:01)

Response:
The consensus is wary of drafting Todd Gurley due to injury concerns. Andy prefers David Johnson over Gurley, citing Johnson’s better health history.
Jason Moore emphasizes prioritizing secure and high-upside players over Gurley:
Jason Moore: “If I'm on the board in the second round where Gurley is going, there's no chance in the world I would ever draft him.” (55:08)

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “I would take David Johnson.” (54:43)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their key takeaways: the NFC East presents a mix of high-potential and risky teams for fantasy managers, and strategic late-round picks like Ted Ginn Jr., Tre'Quan Smith, and DeSean Jackson can provide substantial value. Additionally, the mailbag segment offers practical advice for specific fantasy dilemmas, emphasizing the importance of health, consistency, and player roles in maximizing fantasy success.

Final Notable Quote:
Jason Moore: “If you draft DeSean Jackson, you should plug him in because you're going to have to take those shots week in and week out to get his big games.” (34:09)

Timestamp Key:

• [04:34] - Andy on Tre'Quan Smith's breakout potential
• [07:00] - Andy discussing luck with DeSean Jackson
• [16:09] - Andy on Amari Cooper's inconsistency
• [19:21] - Discussion on Ezekiel Elliott's reliability
• [25:53] - Jason on Miles Sanders' potential
• [28:44] - Jason and Andy on Carson Wentz's value
• [33:55] - Mike on DeSean Jackson's value
• [34:09] - Jason on DeSean Jackson in fantasy
• [35:36] - Andy on Washington's injuries
• [41:07] - Andy on avoiding Washington's offense
• [44:21] - Jason on Saquon Barkley's reliability
• [45:26] - Andy on Daniel Jones and the Giants' offense
• [48:41] - Jason on Evan Ingram’s potential
• [50:46] - Mailbag question from Jackson
• [51:29] - Jason on Tampa Bay's running backs
• [52:01] - Mailbag question from Steve in Calgary
• [54:43] - Andy on choosing David Johnson over Todd Gurley
• [55:08] - Jason on avoiding Todd Gurley in Dynasty drafts
• [57:05] - Mike on Todd Gurley's injury concerns

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This summary captures the essence of the episode, providing valuable insights and actionable advice for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to excel in their leagues.