Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: NFC North Breakdown + Depth Chart Takeaways, Christian Kirk
Release Date: August 6, 2018

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the NFC North teams, analyze off-season moves, and discuss depth chart implications for the upcoming fantasy football season. Additionally, they feature an exclusive interview with Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Christian Kirk, providing insights into his integration into the team and potential fantasy value.

Depth Chart Takeaways

The hosts begin by examining unofficial depth charts circulating on Twitter, highlighting surprising placements and their fantasy implications.

• Dolphins Wide Receiver Shuffle:

  • Andy Holloway notes the unexpected listing of Eric Decker ahead of Kenny Britt post-trade (03:56).
  • Jason Moore points out the shift of Danny Amendola to the starting slot receiver position, relegating Albert Wilson to a backup role (05:32).
  • Brooks expresses surprise over Amendola's placement, given Wilson's proven track record as a slot receiver (05:47).

• Running Back Depth Charts:

  • Kenyon Drake and Frank Gore being listed as co-starters raises concerns about Drake's average draft position (07:02).
  • Sony Michel's injury is flagged as a significant concern for fantasy owners, leading to potential adjustments in drafting strategies (11:00, 12:28).

Notable Quote:

“If you are in or around the Phoenix area, we've got one more live show on our Fantasy for the People tour... it's going to be hot.”
— Andy Holloway 03:56

NFC North Breakdown

The podcast provides an in-depth analysis of each NFC North team, focusing on key players, off-season transactions, and their fantasy football outlook.

Minnesota Vikings

• Quarterback Situation:

  • Transition from Case Keenum to Kirk Cousins brings both opportunities and pressures.
  • Jason Moore rates Kirk Cousins as a potential top-five fantasy quarterback, citing his synergy with the Vikings' array of receivers and tight ends (24:56).

• Running Back Analysis:

  • Dalvin Cook is highlighted as a high-value pick, with Jason Moore expressing strong confidence in his potential despite a hamstring injury early in the season (28:11, 29:05).
  • Concerns about Cook's role in the red zone and overall workload are discussed (30:33).

Notable Quote:

“Kirk Cousins is 100% locked and loaded as a top five... but with huge changes... my overall worry...”
— Jason Moore 24:56

Green Bay Packers

• Wide Receiver Corps:

  • Injury concerns with Randall Cobb affecting the Packers' passing game.
  • Depth chart uncertainty with Geronimo Allison potentially vying for targets alongside established receivers like Davante Adams (13:36).

• Running Back Strategy:

  • Debate between drafting Aaron Jones versus Jamal Williams, with Andy Holloway favoring Jones due to his consistent performance and efficiency (31:13, 47:53).

Notable Quote:

“If you believe in Aaron Jones, you have to not only believe that he'll be good, but that also he'll get the opportunity after a couple weeks in.”
— Jason Moore 47:13

Chicago Bears

• Offensive Overhaul:

  • New head coach Matt Nagy and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich introduce fresh strategies.
  • Acquisition of Trey Burton as a key tight end, aiming to bolster the receiving options (53:43).

• Running Back Focus:

  • Jordan Howard is positioned as a potential breakout star, with discussions on his role versus Dalvin Cook and Sony Michel (55:24, 55:52).

• Wide Receiver Dynamics:

  • Golden Tate and Alan Robinson emerge as focal points, with Jason Moore advocating for Robinson's value despite his recent challenges (40:36, 60:36).

Notable Quote:

“Jordan Howard can score 15 touchdowns, half point PPR.”
— Andy Holloway 55:39

Detroit Lions

• Offensive Line Improvements:

  • Pro Football Focus ranks the Lions' offensive line as eighth, signaling significant enhancement over the previous season.

• Running Back Considerations:

  • Kerryon Johnson is a contentious pick due to his uncertain role and injury status, with Jason Moore advising caution in mock drafts (09:05, 30:49).

Notable Quote:

“Do not draft Kerry. I am making a campaign... keep that ADP low.”
— Jason Moore 09:05

Player Highlights and Analysis

• Sony Michel's Injury:

  • Mike Wright highlights the impact of Sony Michel's knee procedure on his availability and fantasy value, urging managers to adjust their drafts accordingly (11:00, 12:28).

• Corey Coleman Trade:

  • Andy Holloway and Brooks discuss the trade of Corey Coleman from the Browns to the Bills, assessing its implications for both teams' fantasy outlooks (16:51, 17:03).

• Kyle Rudolph's Value:

  • Debate over Kyle Rudolph's ranking between Andy Holloway and Jason Moore, with varying opinions on his ceiling and role in the offense (31:27, 32:01).

Notable Quote:

“You're supposed to take those... mix in a couple scoops of your league scoring... and take all that into account.”
— Andy Holloway 33:41

Interview with Christian Kirk

The episode features an interview with Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Christian Kirk, offering firsthand insights into his integration with the team and his readiness for the upcoming season.

Key Highlights:

• Chemistry with Teammates:

  • Christian Kirk discusses his rapport with quarterback Josh Rosen and their chemistry developed during workouts in Los Angeles (63:06).

• Role in Offense:

  • Emphasis on learning from head coach Steve Keim and adapting to the Cardinals' dynamic offensive system.

• Competition and Versatility:

  • Kirk highlights the competitive environment for the number two wide receiver spot, mentioning Bryce Butler, J.J. Nelson, and Chad Williams as potential contenders (65:27).

• Position Flexibility:

  • Christian Kirk expresses confidence in his ability to perform both in the slot and outside, enhancing his versatility and fantasy value (66:14).

• Season Goals:

  • Aiming for the playoffs and striving for a division championship, Kirk underscores the team's ambition and his role in achieving it (66:47).

Notable Quotes:

“We've been able to take a lot of snaps together... I'm excited to just, you know, keep going and developing with those guys.”
— Christian Kirk 63:43

“It's like a ten. He's one of the smartest coaches I've been around.”
— Mike Wright 64:55

Concluding Remarks

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of tailored drafting strategies based on individual league settings and the nuanced analysis provided throughout the discussion. They encourage listeners to leverage resources like the Ultimate Draft Kit for comprehensive insights and adjustments.

Final Quote:

“It's a holistic approach where you take the news, the information, the rankings, the consensus... and that all has to go into the way that you factor the value of a player, right?”
— Andy Holloway 34:14

Key Takeaways

• Depth Charts Matter: Understanding team depth charts can unveil hidden gems and highlight potential risks in fantasy drafts.

• NFC North Insights: Each NFC North team presents unique opportunities and challenges, making it crucial to adjust player valuations accordingly.

• Player Injuries and Trades: Staying updated on player injuries and trades is essential for making informed drafting decisions.

• Interview Insights: Emerging players like Christian Kirk can offer significant fantasy value if they secure their roles within their teams.

For more detailed strategies and fantasy football advice, tune into the Fantasy Footballers Podcast and stay ahead in your league!