Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Preseason Power-Up + Crucial Draft Questions (August 16, 2019)

Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, the Fantasy Footballers deliver expert analysis and actionable advice to help listeners dominate their fantasy football leagues. In this episode, the hosts delve into preseason performances, evaluate key players, and address listener questions about draft strategies.

1. Preseason Power-Up: Evaluating Early Performances

The Preseason Power-Up segment kicks off the episode with Mike Wright introducing the segment's focus on analyzing preseason games and their implications for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Kyler Murray’s Struggles and Team’s Offensive Line

Jason Moore begins by discussing Kyler Murray's lackluster performance against the Cardinals, highlighting the offensive line's poor play:

• Jason Moore [07:00]: “It was a rookie-ish performance from Kyler. It was a bad performance by the offensive line. It was a wonderful display of yellow. I've never seen more penalties by one team in a smaller period of time.”

Moore expresses concerns about Murray's rise in average draft position (ADP) due to these early signs.

David Johnson’s Risk Analysis

The conversation shifts to David Johnson, where Jason points out increased risk factors despite new coaching and quarterback scenarios:

• Jason Moore [08:49]: “David Johnson does carry more risk than we have been seeing, especially with the display of that offensive line.”

Ravens vs. Packers: Lamar Jackson’s Potential

Discussing the Ravens vs. Packers game, Jason praises Lamar Jackson's electrifying plays but remains cautious about his passer rating:

• Jason Moore [11:04]: “Lamar Jackson in his rookie season, better yards per attempt, better passer rating than Andrew Luck, Jared Goff…”

He defends Jackson's fantasy value by emphasizing his unique skill set and offensive context.

Sam Darnold Shines for the Jets

Sam Darnold's impressive preseason performance for the Jets garners praise, with Jason anticipating a rising value in dynasty leagues:

• Jason Moore [15:24]: “I think in Dynasty now's the time to trade for Sam Darnold before he breaks out.”

Joe Mixon and Offensive Line Concerns

Joe Mixon's performance is discussed with a focus on the Bengals' offensive line, raising questions about his efficiency:

• Jason Moore [21:00]: “I think Joe Mixon is one of those guys that I think we bring up. Carry on. Right. You're on a bad team. That's going to really hurt.”

Miles Sanders Emerges as a Valuable Asset

Miles Sanders' emergence as a potential starting running back for the Eagles impresses the hosts, suggesting his high value in fantasy drafts:

• Jason Moore [23:16]: “I'm taking a shot of Miles for sure.”

2. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Expert Advice

The Mailbag section features a variety of listener-submitted questions, with the hosts providing detailed responses.

Balancing Tier-Based Drafting with Overall Rankings

A listener named Joey from LA asks about balancing tier-based drafting with overall rankings during the draft.

• Jason Moore [29:02]: “If you haven't been in the ultimate draft kit... it's about roster construction. It’s about when you come onto the clock or you're close to, you know, when you're a couple picks away, look at your roster and say what position do I need.”

Jason emphasizes the importance of focusing on roster needs rather than strictly adhering to overall rankings, advocating for a positionally separated tier approach.

Drafting Todd Gurley: Risk vs. Reward

Jake from Instagram inquires about the earliest round to draft Todd Gurley, considering his knee issues.

• Mike Wright [32:27]: “I'm still going to take the shot on Todd Gurley.”

• Jason Moore [34:50]: “If I'm in the first round, I'm avoiding risk. The talent is there, the upside is there. I'm just going to avoid the busts.”

The hosts discuss Gurley's explosive potential against the backdrop of his knee concerns, advising caution but recognizing his high upside for early-round drafts.

Backup Quarterbacks in a 2-QB Dynasty League

Veronica, participating in a 10-team dynasty league already utilizing two quarterbacks, seeks advice on selecting a backup.

• Jason Moore [37:09]: “I don't think you're in trouble with your quarterback. I think you have great quarterbacks.”

He recommends considering players like Robert Griffin III and Josh Rosen to bolster the quarterback depth, while also mentioning potential pickups like Ryan Tannehill.

Auction Draft Tips for a $200 Budget

Josh from Facebook, an auction draft enthusiast, seeks advice on managing a tight budget.

• Jason Moore [40:56]: “Nominate players you don't necessarily like and try to get guys in the middle of a tier. They'll usually be the cheapest.”

The hosts suggest focusing on middle-tier players during nominations to maximize value and build a balanced team without overspending on high-profile names.

Choosing Between Kaylin Bell and Peyton Barber in PPR Leagues

Brett Carlson asks for advice on selecting between Kaylin Bell and Peyton Barber in a full PPR (Point Per Reception) league.

• Jason Moore [45:07]: “Kaylin Bellage has more upside. He's showing up strong in preseason and has the potential for explosive plays.”

Jason favors Bellage for his potential to deliver big plays and valuable receptions, making him a better fit for PPR formats.

Recommended Number of Bench Spots for a 10-Team League

Brett also inquires about optimal bench spots in a standard 10-team league.

• Jason Moore [44:52]: “I would do 6 and 2 Flex.”

He recommends having six bench spots to provide ample depth and flexibility throughout the season.

3. Key Takeaways and Strategic Insights

Prioritizing Roster Needs Over Strict Rankings

The hosts consistently advocate for flexibility in drafting, emphasizing the importance of addressing positional needs and leveraging tier-based strategies rather than relying solely on overall rankings.

Assessing Player Value Amid Preseason Performances

Preseason performances, while informative, are treated with cautious optimism. The hosts highlight the significance of underlying factors such as team dynamics, offensive lines, and injury statuses when evaluating player potential.

Navigating Risks with High-Upside Players

Players like Todd Gurley and Sam Darnold are discussed in terms of their high potential balanced against inherent risks, guiding listeners to make informed decisions based on their league formats and risk tolerance.

Maximizing Auction Draft Success

For auction draft participants, the advice centers on strategic nominations and finding value within player tiers to build a competitive team without overspending.

4. Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore [07:00]: “It was a rookie-ish performance from Kyler. It was a bad performance by the offensive line. It was a wonderful display of yellow.”

• Mike Wright [32:27]: “I'm still going to take the shot on Todd Gurley.”

• Jason Moore [37:09]: “I don't think you're in trouble with your quarterback. I think you have great quarterbacks.”

• Jason Moore [45:07]: “Kaylin Bellage has more upside. He's showing up strong in preseason and has the potential for explosive plays.”

5. Conclusion

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide a comprehensive analysis of preseason games, offering valuable insights into player performances and their implications for fantasy drafts. Through the Mailbag segment, they address diverse listener questions, delivering tailored advice that underscores the importance of strategic drafting and informed decision-making.

Listeners are encouraged to utilize tools like the Ultimate Draft Kit and engage with the Fantasy Footballers' community for ongoing support throughout the fantasy football season.

For more expert advice and detailed analyses, tune into future episodes of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast and join their vibrant fantasy football community.