Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: NFC West Breakdown, Jerick McKinnon, Annoying Situations
Release Date: July 24, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Guest: Jerick McKinnon

1. Introduction to the Show

The Fantasy Footballers kicked off the episode by outlining their agenda: a comprehensive breakdown of the NFC West, updates on key players like Jerick McKinnon, and a discussion on "Annoying Situations" that could impact the 2018 fantasy football season.

2. Annoying Situations

Quick Question of the Day:
The hosts shared players or situations they anticipate being frustrating to discuss throughout the season.

• Jason Moore:
  "For me, it's going to be Jon Gruden all season long. We're going to be talking about either he's the worst or the best" (05:07).

• Andy Holloway:
  "I'm going to be annoyed trying to figure out what players I can stream in Dallas. It's going to change every week this season" (06:07).

• Mike Wright:
  Expressed frustration over the tendency to sell stud players too quickly after a couple of bad performances.

Discussion Highlights:

• The overreaction to coaching changes and player performances, particularly with Jon Gruden and Le'Veon Bell.
• Challenges in managing streaming options for teams like Dallas and Jacksonville, where player reliability is questionable.

3. News and Updates

David Johnson:

• Andy Holloway:
  "David Johnson did not hold out of training camp. Reported to training camp" (09:19).

• Discussion:
  Positive signs as Johnson appears ready to play, alleviating earlier concerns about his commitment.

Andrew Luck:

• Andy Holloway:
  "A report came out that he will not be limited in training camp" (10:17).

• Discussion:
  GM Chris Ballard confirmed Luck’s readiness, though some skepticism remains about Luck’s consistency and health.

Josh Gordon:

• Andy Holloway:
  "Josh Gordon had been placed on the non-football illness list by the Browns" (12:19).

• Discussion:
  NFL's handling of Gordon was criticized for lacking transparency. Gordon himself stated he is doing well mentally and physically, taking proactive steps to avoid past setbacks.

4. NFC West Breakdown

Los Angeles Rams

• Andy Holloway:
  "The Rams woke up from a long slumber with a 478 point score, number one in the league" (17:26).

• Discussion:

  • Sean McVay's Leadership:
    McVay credited for the Rams' resurgence.
  • Fantasy Impact:
    Jared Goff remains a central figure with additions like Brandon Cooks expected to bolster the offense. Debate on whether Cooks or Robert Woods offers better fantasy value.
  • Defensive Upgrades:
    Rams' defense expected to perform well, translating to better fantasy production for running backs like Todd Gurley.

Seattle Seahawks

• Andy Holloway:
  "The Seahawks have lost key defensive players like Richard Sherman and Cam Chancellor" (26:21).

• Discussion:

  • Offensive Strategy:
    Hiring Brian Schottenheimer signals a run-first approach, which may conflict with the team’s current offensive line struggles.
  • Key Players:
    Russell Wilson remains a top fantasy quarterback, with Doug Baldwin highlighted as a crucial wide receiver. Concerns over Brandon Marshall’s role and potential red zone contributions.
  • Fantasy Outlook:
    Wilson and Baldwin remain strong fantasy assets, but offensive line issues could limit overall production.

Arizona Cardinals

• Andy Holloway:
  "David Johnson returns to the Arizona Cardinals this season after an injury" (35:00).

• Discussion:

  • Quarterback Uncertainty:
    Sam Bradford's health and performance are pivotal, with backups Ryan Fitzpatrick and Mike Glennon as potential contributors.
  • Wide Receiver Depth:
    Larry Fitzgerald remains a cornerstone with Christian Kirk emerging as a high-upside asset.
  • Fantasy Implications:
    David Johnson paired with Fitzgerald offers sneaky upside, though offensive line concerns persist.

San Francisco 49ers

• Andy Holloway:
  "The 49ers finished last season at 6-10 but showed promise with Jimmy Garoppolo" (35:00).

• Discussion:

  • Jerick McKinnon’s Role:
    Newly signed to enhance the running game, McKinnon is expected to be a significant fantasy asset.
  • Quarterback Dynamics:
    Garoppolo’s performance remains under scrutiny, with his high draft cost weighed against his potential for yardage without consistent touchdowns.
  • Wide Receiver Outlook:
    Trent Taylor and Pierre Garcon discussed as key receivers, with cautious optimism on their fantasy contributions.

5. Interview with Jerick McKinnon

Jerick McKinnon joins the podcast to discuss his move to the San Francisco 49ers and his role in the fantasy football landscape.

• Jason Moore:
  "Jerick McKinnon, the Fantasy Footballers are very high. We are very bullish on you this year" (50:26).

• Jerick McKinnon’s Responses:

  • Commitment to Performance:
    "Just don't draft me. And don't be mad when you lose and I'm on somebody else's team."

  • Decision to Join the 49ers:
    Emphasized the fit within Kyle Shanahan’s system and the opportunity to showcase his multi-tool skill set.

  • Strength and Conditioning:
    Discussed his training regimen and physical preparation, highlighting his bench press performance at the combine as a testament to his dedication.

• Jason Moore:
  "Congratulations on the contract. Nobody improved their draft stock in fantasy more than you did" (51:03).

• Andy Holloway:
  Reflected humorously on McKinnon’s impressive physical strength during the interview (54:46).

6. Fantasy Football Insights and Predictions

• Rams:
  Despite their offensive line success, there's skepticism about sustaining last year’s high scoring. Expect regression without a star quarterback.

• Seahawks:
  Russell Wilson remains a solid pick, but offensive line and defensive changes could cap overall fantasy value. Doug Baldwin is highlighted as a must-start receiver.

• Cardinals:
  Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson offer reliable fantasy options, with Christian Kirk as a high-upside sleeper. Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones suggested as a potential breakout candidate.

• 49ers:
  Jerick McKinnon is projected as a top-12 running back if healthy. Jimmy Garoppolo is a risky high-cost quarterback option, with alternatives like Ryan Fitzpatrick and Mike Glennon discussed.

7. Closing Remarks

The hosts reiterated their excitement for upcoming live shows in Philadelphia, New York, and Phoenix, encouraging listeners to attend for exclusive fantasy football insights and community engagement.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason Moore on Jon Gruden's Impact:
  "He's either going to be the worst or the best." (05:07)

• Andy Holloway on Streaming Players in Dallas:
  "Reliability of Dallas pass-catching options is something that I'm not looking forward to dealing with." (06:07)

• Jerick McKinnon on Joining the 49ers:
  "I just can't ask for a better situation." (51:09)

• Andy Holloway on Josh Gordon’s Status:
  "The NFL could care less about the perception of Josh Gordon. Nothing. They do not care one bit." (13:40)

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers provided an in-depth analysis of the NFC West, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each team from a fantasy perspective. The discussion on "Annoying Situations" offered valuable insights into potential challenges fantasy managers might face during the season. The interview with Jerick McKinnon added an exclusive viewpoint, enhancing the overall value of the episode for listeners aiming to optimize their fantasy football strategies.