Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "NFC North Breakdown, Stack Attack, Chicken Salad"

Episode Details:

• Title: NFC North Breakdown, Stack Attack, Chicken Salad
• Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Release Date: July 25, 2019

1. Introduction and Giveaway Announcements

The episode opens with the hosts engaging in their typical banter before diving into the main topics. They mention ongoing giveaways, including a Patrick Mahomes signed jersey, and encourage listeners to support them by voting for the Podcast Awards ([03:12]).

2. Stack Attack: Drafting Multiple Players from the Same Team

Segment Highlights:

• Raymond's Question: The hosts address a listener’s question about which same-team player stack they anticipate drafting this season ([03:33]).

Jason Moore's Take:

"Every time I'm considering taking them, they are always there. 100% of the time. They're both disrespected. I don't get it. Because they're on one of the best three offenses in the league."

Jason discusses his preference for stacking players like Jared Goff and Robert Woods from the Lions, highlighting their value and potential to win championships together ([03:33]).

Andy Holloway's Preference: Andy expresses hesitation about running back and wide receiver stacks but remains open to early-round combinations like Ty Hilton and Marlon Mack if the draft falls to that point ([04:34]).

Discussion on Bengals Stack: Mike Wright introduces the idea of stacking AJ Green with Joe Mixon from the Bengals, debating the uncertainty of the Bengals' offense and its impact on the stack's reliability ([05:31]).

3. Cincinnati Bengals News and Analysis

Tyler Boyd's Contract: The hosts discuss Tyler Boyd’s four-year, $43 million extension with the Bengals, praising his decision to secure his future and the Bengals' investment in him ([07:23]).

AJ Green's Future: They debate AJ Green’s potential long-term role and contract, considering his health and performance risks. Andy emphasizes that Green won't settle for a discount, aiming for an elite wide receiver salary ([09:07]).

Julio Jones Injury Concerns: Mike Wright raises concerns about Julio Jones’ foot injury, questioning its impact on his availability and performance, which historically affects his fantasy reliability ([10:09]).

4. Atlanta Falcons Updates

Quadri Oleson's Role: The recent signing of rookie Quadri Oleson is highlighted as a move to bolster the Falcons' short-yardage and goal-line situations, potentially affecting Devonta Freeman’s usage ([11:42]).

Cooper Kupp's Status: Cooper Kupp is on the active PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list but is expected to participate in training camp, offering potential fantasy value as a week-one starter ([14:35]).

Fantasy Take: Jason Moore argues that the addition of Oleson is unlikely to significantly divert work from Freeman, maintaining Freeman’s fantasy value unless Oleson proves exceptionally effective ([13:53]).

5. NFC North Division Breakdown

A. Chicago Bears

Defensive Strength: Last season, the Bears boasted the number one rush defense and seventh in pass defense, setting a strong foundation ([19:15]).

Offensive Outlook:

• Quarterback Mitch Trubisky: Now in his second year under Matt Nagy, Trubisky's development is pivotal. Jason and Mike express skepticism about his potential to become a top-tier QB, despite flashes of brilliance ([28:23]; [28:38]).

• Running Backs: David Montgomery vs. Tariq Cohen:

  • Jason Moore: Prefers Tariq Cohen for his historical efficiency and value at his draft position, cautioning that David Montgomery may not offer the same consistency ([20:52]; [24:42]).
  • Andy Holloway: Shares concerns about Cohen’s regression and the rarity of his previous receiving metrics, potentially impacting his fantasy reliability ([22:47]).
  • Consensus: The hosts lean towards drafting Cohen as a higher-value, albeit riskier, option compared to Montgomery ([26:26]; [27:04]).

Wide Receivers:

• Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller: Discussed as key contributors, with Anthony Miller seen as a late-round sleeper due to his potential growth and current draft price ([31:12]).
• Trey Burton and Alan Robinson: Evaluated as middle-tier options with varying degrees of risk and upside ([29:38]; [32:12]).

Notable Quote:

"Tariq Cohen was still going to play. He's an excellent player. He's great for this offense." – Jason Moore ([21:56])

B. Minnesota Vikings

Team Analysis:

• Dalvin Cook: Central to the Vikings' offense, with high expectations for his fantasy performance provided he remains healthy ([35:01]; [39:28]).
• Wide Receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs: Recognized as a top-tier tandem, but concerns persist about offensive consistency and Thielen's recent performance dips ([40:47]; [40:53]).

Quarterback Kirk Cousins:

• Viewed as a solid to very good QB, enhancing the value of his elite wide receivers ([37:07]; [37:21]).

Dalvin Cook's Injury Proneness: Mike and Andy express concerns about Cook's durability, though they acknowledge his high ceiling if he stays healthy ([39:25]; [39:41]).

Notable Quote:

"The sky is the limit for Dalvin Cook." – Mike Wright ([39:28])

C. Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams:

• Aaron Rodgers: Projected as a top-five QB despite a less efficient previous season, with improvements in his wide receiver corps boosting his fantasy appeal ([42:17]; [44:23]).
• Davante Adams: Remains a key target, with uncertainty surrounding Kenny Golladay’s role and potential improvements from Marquez Valdez Scantling ([41:11]; [44:13]).

Wide Receiver Strategy:

• Geronimo Allison vs. Marquez Valdez Scantling: Jason prefers Valdez Scantling for his explosive potential and physical attributes, whereas Andy supports Geronimo Allison for his veteran experience ([48:35]; [49:38]).

Notable Quote:

"If his wide receiver core has improved, then it's going to be difficult to believe that they'll use Aaron Jones to the degree that fantasy football owners will want out of the backfield." – Mike Wright ([43:12])

D. Detroit Lions

Cam Newton’s Status: Breaking news confirms Cam Newton will not start on the PUP list and is healthy for the season, increasing his fantasy value ([51:07]).

Running Back Kerryon Johnson:

• Jason Moore: Strongly advocates for drafting Kerryon Johnson as a top-15 running back due to his performance last season despite Detroit’s offensive struggles ([56:48]).
• Mike Wright: Acknowledges the potential drop in Johnson’s performance if Detroit continues to struggle offensively but remains optimistic ([57:04]).

Offensive Changes:

• New Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell: Expected to implement a run-heavy offense, enhancing the value of Kerryon Johnson and solidifying his fantasy prospects ([54:20]; [55:09]).

Notable Quote:

"There's no world where Kerryon Johnson is not a top 15 back this year." – Jason Moore ([58:19])

6. Additional Fantasy Tips and Wrap-Up

Fantasy Defenses: The hosts advise against drafting defenses early, citing the unpredictability and variability in fantasy performance. They highlight the rare success of top-graded defenses maintaining their rankings year-over-year ([33:51]).

Rookie Tight Ends and Veterans:

• TJ Hawkins: Viewed as a solid blocker but not a significant fantasy asset unless he surprises.
• Danny Amendola: Recommended as a late-round valuable option for deep or larger leagues due to his consistent target-sharing ([60:19]; [61:24]).

Humorous Segment – Chicken Salad: A light-hearted exchange about chicken and tuna salads serves as a brief comedic interlude, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and humor ([27:18]).

Final Remarks: Andy announces the signing of Tariq Cohen Bears jerseys available on pristineauction.com, followed by a tease of future episode schedules with increased frequency ([62:06]).

Notable Quote:

"Danny Amendola has been very valuable every year for like a few weeks when he's playing." – Jason Moore ([61:50])

7. Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode with promotional mentions of their partnerships and subscriptions, reinforcing their commitment to providing high-quality fantasy football analysis ([63:12]).

Key Takeaways:

• Stacking Strategy: Valuable when drafting high-upside, undervalued players from the same team.
• NFC North Insights:
  • Bears: Focus on Trubisky’s development and RB depth with Montgomery and Cohen.
  • Vikings: Dalvin Cook’s health is paramount, with Thielen and Diggs as reliable WRs.
  • Packers: Aaron Rodgers remains a top QB with Davante Adams as a key WR.
  • Lions: Kerryon Johnson is a high-value RB despite offensive uncertainties, bolstered by Cam Newton’s readiness.
• Fantasy Draft Tips: Prioritize high-efficiency RBs and reliable WRs, avoid early defense picks, and consider late-round sleepers like Anthony Miller and Danny Amendola for deeper leagues.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jason Moore on Stacking:

  "Every time I'm considering taking them, they are always there. 100% of the time. They're both disrespected." ([03:33])

• Mike Wright on Dalvin Cook:

  "The sky is the limit for Dalvin Cook." ([39:28])

• Jason Moore on Kerryon Johnson:

  "There's no world where Kerryon Johnson is not a top 15 back this year." ([58:19])

• Jason Moore on Danny Amendola:

  "Danny Amendola has been very valuable every year for like a few weeks when he's playing." ([61:50])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and strategic advice provided by the Fantasy Footballers in their July 25, 2019 episode. Whether you're preparing for your fantasy draft or looking to optimize your current roster, the insights shared offer valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of the NFC North and beyond.