Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary: "PPR Mock Draft + Buy or Sell, PlayerPagers™" (Released August 5, 2020)

Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, the Fantasy Footballers deliver expert analysis and engaging discussions tailored for fantasy football enthusiasts. In this episode, the trio delves into a Points Per Reception (PPR) mock draft, explores their buy or sell opinions, and introduces the innovative PlayerPagers™ feature.

1. Introduction to the Mock Draft

[01:24] Andy Holloway kickstarts the episode by welcoming listeners to a special PPR mock draft show. He humorously sets the stage, hinting at potential playful manipulations among the hosts as they navigate the draft.

"Every moment leading into the mock draft will be marked by potential manipulation of you two gentlemen." — Andy Holloway

The mock draft is configured for a full PPR, 12-team league with the following roster requirements:

• Three Wide Receivers (WR)
• Two Running Backs (RB)
• One Quarterback (QB)
• One Tight End (TE)
• One Flex

This setup emphasizes the importance of WR depth and RB versatility in a PPR environment.

2. Buy or Sell Segment: The Joe Burrow Debate

Before diving into the draft, the hosts engage in a spirited Buy or Sell discussion centered around Joe Burrow, the rookie quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.

[04:00] Andy Holloway presents the scenario: Given Joe Burrow's rookie stats—over 3,700 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns over his six full years as Andy Dalton's starter—should fantasy managers buy into a similar rookie's potential?

[05:33] Mike Wright expresses caution, acknowledging the high bar set for rookie quarterbacks but remains optimistic about Burrow's prospects.

"I have him for 4200 yards and 27 passing touchdowns." — Mike Wright [07:15]

[06:41] Alan Lazard counters by highlighting the rarity of rookies achieving such numbers, referencing historical performances.

"Rookie quarterbacks nowadays, this is not a hard line to hit." — Andy Holloway [05:56]

Conclusion: The consensus leans towards buying, given the evolving landscape of passing offenses in the NFL and the increased opportunities for rookies to excel.

3. Detailed Walkthrough of the Mock Draft

The heart of the episode revolves around the mock draft, where each host strategically selects players to build competitive fantasy teams. The discussions reveal diverse strategies tailored to a PPR, three-WR format.

Round 1 Highlights

• Jeff McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley are top picks, reflecting their high usage and versatility in both rushing and receiving.
• Michael Thomas secures a spot ahead of Ezekiel Elliott, emphasizing WR priority in PPR leagues.

Round 2 Highlights

• Alan Lazard opts for Austin Eckler, prioritizing team diversity over high-profile RBs like Aaron Jones.

  "I'm not starting. I'm not pulling a Jason Moore miss with my second-round pick. I got to diversify on the teams where I am." — Alan Lazard [21:24]

• Andy Holloway selects Chris Godwin, reinforcing his commitment to elite WRs.

"I took Chris Godwin here. I think I can do that." — Mike Wright [45:00]

Strategic Decisions and Key Picks

• Wide Receiver Focus: Given the league's structure, hosts prioritize WRs to maximize PPR points. Picks like DeVante Adams, Calvin Ridley, and A.J. Brown are highlighted for their high target volumes and scoring potential.

  "He was dominant. I mean, you're talking. This is a wide receiver who can hit that 30% market share." — Alan Lazard [15:51]

• Running Back Flexibility: Balancing between RB depth and WR dominance, hosts select versatile RBs like Josh Jacobs and Le'Veon Bell to ensure consistent scoring.

• Quarterback and Tight End Strategy: Late-round QB picks like Matthew Stafford reflect a strategy of securing a reliable passer without compromising earlier RB and WR selections. Tight ends are approached with caution, opting for depth rather than early investment.

Notable Conversations and Humor

• Alan Lazard’s Playful Interjections: Throughout the draft, Alan Lazard adds a layer of humor, discussing fictional elements like PlayerPagers™ and referencing pop culture figures to keep the atmosphere light.

  "If you want to talk about, you know, let's say you look at Green Bay and you found out that I don't know, Devonte Adams was out for the year." — Alan Lazard [10:22]

• Player Risk and Reward: Discussions often veer into the potential risks associated with certain picks, such as injury-prone players or those in volatile team situations, juxtaposed with their upside.

4. Concluding the Mock Draft and Final Strategies

As the draft progresses into the later rounds, hosts grapple with balancing their teams, addressing positional needs, and mitigating risks.

• Final Picks: Strategies focus on securing high-upside backups and filling out the roster with players who offer potential late-season boosts.

  "He is going to have a great season. So when I've got four wide receivers in my first six picks, that's the situation where I want to take shots on huge breakouts." — Mike Wright [44:35]

• Reflecting on Decisions: After completing the draft, hosts reflect on their choices, acknowledging what worked and what might be improved in actual drafts.

  "I think it's a solid pick right there." — Alan Lazard [39:22]

5. Episode Highlights and Takeaways

• Emphasis on WRs in PPR Leagues: The mock draft underscores the importance of securing elite WRs early to capitalize on reception-based scoring.

• RB Depth with Versatility: Selecting RBs who contribute both on the ground and through the air provides a stable foundation for any fantasy team.

• Balancing Risk with Upside: Hosts navigate the fine line between high-floor players and those with breakout potential, aiming to build robust and competitive rosters.

• Humor and Community Engagement: The playful banter and engaging discussions foster a sense of community and make complex strategies accessible and entertaining.

Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Andy Holloway [05:56]:

  "Well, I just mean rookie quarterbacks have opportunity. And the passing offenses in today's NFL, they are just more conducive to the yardage totals."

• Mike Wright [07:15]:

  "I have him for 4200 yards and 27 passing touchdowns. So I do believe."

• Alan Lazard [15:51]:

  "I'm going to take this here in the fifth round. I think that's a solid pick right there."

This episode provides invaluable insights into drafting strategies tailored for PPR leagues, highlighting the nuanced decisions fantasy managers must navigate. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to fantasy football, the Fantasy Footballers offer a blend of expert analysis, humor, and practical advice to enhance your draft prowess.