Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: NFC South Breakdown, Stack Attack, RoJo

Episode Title: NFC South Breakdown, Stack Attack, RoJo
Release Date: August 8, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

1. Introduction and Partnership Announcement

Andy Holloway opens the show with an exciting announcement about the podcast’s new partnership.

• Andy Holloway [01:06]: Announces the partnership with the American Cancer Society and the NFL's Crucial Catch program, stating, “We’re going to be donating a portion of every Ultimate Draft Kit sale… to help the fight against cancer.” This collaboration aims to support cancer prevention and early detection efforts throughout the off-season and regular season.

2. Stack Attack: Favorite Quarterback-Wide Receiver Stacks

The hosts engage in the "Stack Attack" segment, discussing their preferred QB-WR pairings based on draft value rather than just performance.

• Mike Wright [06:16]: Shares his favorite stack, Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen, highlighting their consistent target share and Rivers’ ability to provide a stable quarterback option. “I think you stack him up with Philip Rivers and you’re going to have happy some happy days.”

• Jason Moore [05:00 – 05:04]: Suggests Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen as a value-based stack, emphasizing Rivers as a late-round quarterback pick paired with an elite wide receiver at a reasonable draft position.

• Andy Holloway [08:33]: Introduces his preferred stack: Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry, arguing that both players offer significant fantasy value with Taylor’s reliability and Landry’s role as a target hog: “Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry are my stack.”

Notable Discussion Points:

• The importance of balancing draft position and upside when selecting QB-WR stacks.
• The trade-offs between high-performing but expensive stacks versus value-based pairings.

3. NFC South Breakdown

The hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of each team in the NFC South, assessing their fantasy football potential.

a. New Orleans Saints

The Saints are highlighted for their dynamic offense and key player updates.

• Andy Holloway [16:48 – 20:11]: Discusses the Saints' strong offensive performance last season, emphasizing their reliance on both the run and pass games. He notes Mark Ingram’s suspension and the potential impact on the running game: “Mark Ingram has been the leading rusher for the Saints… [His suspension] is one of the biggest questions.”

• Jason Moore [23:27 – 26:10]: Argues that Drew Brees may not maintain last season’s value due to age and changing team dynamics. “Drew Brees right now is being drafted as the fifth quarterback off the board... he won’t be ahead of five.”

• Mike Wright [21:31 – 22:12]: Supports the value of Mark Ingram, placing him in the fifth round, believing he’ll return to a significant role once he debuts post-suspension.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [22:32]: “Sean Payton has no desire to let up on offense… [the Saints’ offense] is going to remain elite.”

• Jason Moore [25:32]: “If you are into the streaming quarterback, I don't always need to have the guy.”

b. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are analyzed for their dual-threat quarterback and emerging offensive weapons.

• Andy Holloway [29:50 – 35:22]: Highlights Cam Newton as a top fantasy pick with significant upside, especially with the addition of DJ Moore and Christian McCaffrey: “Cam Newton is the best combination of upside and value in fantasy drafts.”

• Mike Wright [37:18 – 38:32]: Focuses on CJ Anderson as a value pick in the eighth round, anticipating around 200 carries despite overall team offensive line concerns.

• Jason Moore [34:04 – 40:13]: Emphasizes Christian McCaffrey’s potential, debating his usage and comparing him to legendary backs like Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [29:50]: “Cam Newton… seventh round quarterback with number one quarterback potential.”

• Mike Wright [37:18]: “He's nearly guaranteed over 170 carries.”

c. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are examined for their offensive stability and receiver depth.

• Jason Moore [43:07 – 50:25]: Predicts improvement in the Falcons' offense for the upcoming season, citing better quarterback play and the addition of Torrey Smith.

• Mike Wright [45:55 – 46:35]: Discusses Torrey Smith’s speed and potential impact, though he notes concerns over his game speed declining.

• Andy Holloway [51:41 – 52:02]: Questions the relevance of existing wide receivers like Calvin Ridley versus veterans like Mohamed Sanu, ultimately leaning towards rostering Sanu for reliability.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [48:33]: “The Falcons in 2018 will be a much better offense than the Falcons in 2017.”

• Andy Holloway [51:41]: “Give me a handicap Calvin Ridley’s redraft value… would you rather roster Calvin Ridley with the unknown or Mohamed Sanu with the Brandon Lefell baseline?”

d. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are discussed in the context of their offseason moves and quarterback situation.

• Andy Holloway [52:38 – 60:34]: Reviews the Buccaneers' offseason changes, including the loss of Doug Martin and the drafting of Ronald Jones II, expressing skepticism about Jones’ role and effectiveness: “You’re going to be sharing touches with Peyton Barber…”

• Jason Moore [57:11 – 61:29]: Highlights Ronald Jones II’s potential but remains cautious about his production, suggesting he could be a valuable fifth-round pick if he emerges as the lead back.

• Mike Wright [54:07 – 60:34]: Advises caution with Ronald Jones II, anticipating he may share carries with Peyton Barber and Charles Sims, potentially limiting his fantasy upside.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [60:20]: “Fifteen touches through the first... I’ll take the under 15 touches.”

• Mike Wright [58:32]: “If you're a believer in Ronald Jones, trade for him after he's disappointing in the first two weeks because he's sharing touches by the end.”

4. Interview with Ronald Jones II

The podcast concludes with an interview featuring Ronald Jones II, a second-round running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• Ronald Jones II [63:37 – 65:45]: Discusses his transition to the NFL, his expectations, and his adaptability in both the run and pass games. He emphasizes his commitment to making an impact: “I just want to make plays... step up and block, you know, run routes.”

• Andy Holloway [65:09]: Inquires about Jones’s embrace of fantasy football, to which Jones responds modestly, acknowledging the fans’ interest but maintaining focus on his performance: “I know it's a game for them and they got to get their money.”

• Jones II [65:53 – 66:04]: Talks about the support from teammates like Jameis Winston and the collaborative environment that aims to improve his game.

Notable Quotes:

• Ronald Jones II [64:22]: “I expect a lot... I’m just trying to be the best I can be.”

• Andy Holloway [65:36]: “Do you embrace fantasy football? Do you like it when the fans come up and they...?”

• Ronald Jones II [65:45]: “They told me from day one, I got to come in here and work...”

5. Conclusion and Final Announcements

The hosts reaffirm the partnership with the American Cancer Society and the NFL's Crucial Catch program, encouraging listeners to support the cause through purchases of the Ultimate Draft Kit.

• Andy Holloway [66:04 – 67:05]: Reiterates the partnership, providing details on how listeners can contribute: “Every purchase of the Ultimate Draft Kit will go to benefit that very important program… you can go to cancer.org/crucialcatch.”

• Mike Wright [67:05 – 67:13]: Closes with a reminder to stay connected via Draft.com and follow on social media.

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Value Over Performance: Emphasizing draft value by considering a player's cost and upside rather than solely past performance.

• Strategic Team Analysis: In-depth breakdown of NFC South teams provides listeners with actionable insights for their fantasy drafts.

• Player Potential vs. Risk: Balancing high-potential players like Tyrod Taylor and Cam Newton with those who carry risks, such as Ronald Jones II.

• Integration of Community and Charity: Highlighting the podcast’s commitment to social responsibility through partnerships supporting critical causes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway [01:06]: “We’re going to be donating a portion of every Ultimate Draft Kit sale… to help the fight against cancer.”

• Mike Wright [06:16]: “That’s my favorite stack. But the other one I was going to throw out, Marvin Jones, Matthew Stafford.”

• Jason Moore [05:00]: “He is Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen… you don’t want everyone’s answer to be Devante Adams and Aaron Rodgers.”

• Andy Holloway [22:32]: “Sean Payton has no desire to let up on offense… that would be the historical argument for why Drew Brees will return to fantasy value.”

• Ronald Jones II [63:52]: “Personally I just want to come and make an impact... make plays.”

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a thorough examination of the NFC South with strategic insights into player selections, emphasizing value-based drafting while balancing potential risks. The engaging discussion, coupled with actionable advice, equips fantasy football enthusiasts with the knowledge to optimize their team selections for the upcoming season.