Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Pump the Brakes, Lev Bell News + TNF Preview" Episode: September 5, 2018

Episode Overview

In their landmark 600th episode, the Fantasy Footballers—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—kick off the 2018 NFL season with in-depth analyses, strategic advice, and engaging discussions tailored to help fantasy managers dominate their leagues. The episode centers around their "Pump the Brakes" segment, updates on Le'Veon Bell's situation, depth chart insights, listener mailbag questions, and a preview of Thursday Night Football featuring the Eagles vs. Falcons matchup.

Pump the Brakes: Player Start/Sit Decisions

Timestamp: 05:05 – 14:00

The trio reintroduces their popular segment, Pump the Brakes, where they evaluate players who may not be worth starting despite recent hype or impressive past performances.

• Rex Burkhead (09:47 – 08:24)

  • Jason Moore expresses concerns about starting Rex Burkhead in Week 1:

    "I don't think that there is a road to a very strong Week one performance for Rex Burkhead."

  • Key Points:
    • Burkhead has a history of injuries, including a rib contusion and knee strain that sidelined him for six games last season.
    • Currently dealing with a knee sprain during preseason, raising concerns about re-injury risks.
    • Facing a Texans defense that struggled against the run last year but could be tougher this season.
    • Conclusion: Jason recommends starting other running backs like Derek Henry, Jamal Williams, Alex Collins, or Lamar Miller over Burkhead for Week 1.

• Jimmy Garoppolo (08:47 – 11:04)

  • Andy Holloway urges caution with Jimmy Garoppolo:

    "If you drafted Jimmy G, he's on your roster. I would not let him go second because it's so bad."

  • Key Points:
    • Garoppolo is facing a challenging Week 1 matchup on the road against the Minnesota Vikings.
    • Suggests alternative quarterbacks such as Andy Dalton, Tyrod Taylor, Marcus Mariota, Sam Bradford, Dak Prescott, Alex Smith, and Blake Bortles.
    • Emphasizes that Pumping the Brakes doesn't mean disliking a player but managing expectations strategically.

• Jordan Howard vs. Other Running Backs (12:40 – 14:00)

  • Mike Wright discusses lowering expectations for Jordan Howard due to a tough matchup against the Packers:

    "It's unlikely given that we're just out of the draft, that you have the depth that you have two better options to play over Jordan Howard."

  • Strategy: Focus on ceiling plays and don't overreact to early season performances.

Le'Veon Bell Update: News and Implications

Timestamp: 14:00 – 21:52

The hosts delve into the ongoing saga surrounding Pittsburgh Steelers' star running back Le'Veon Bell, addressing his absence from team meetings and the implications for fantasy managers.

• Current Status:

  • Bell has missed the first team meeting and practice, leading to speculation about his availability for Week 1.
  • Jason Moore downgrades Bell, moving him out of his top 50 for the week:

    "I move Lev Bell out of my top 50 for this week."

• Leverage for Teams:

  • Mike Wright highlights James Conner as a viable alternative:

    "James Conner will be a top 12 running back for me against the Cleveland Browns."

  • Andy Holloway notes that without Bell, teams might explore trading him or seeking other running backs:

    "If you believe in him, drop some other fodder wide receiver from your roster."

• Fantasy Implications:

  • Managers are advised to monitor Bell's status closely and consider starting James Conner if Bell remains inactive.
  • Jason Moore emphasizes the uncertainty and advises not to win championships at the draft but through season-long management:

    "Don't overreact. You do not win your championship at the draft."

Depth Chart Insights and Player Evaluations

Timestamp: 21:53 – 37:29

The Fantasy Footballers analyze NFL team depth charts, assessing the fantasy value of various players based on their projected roles and matchups.

• New Orleans Saints Running Backs:

  • Mike Wright discusses Mike Gillislee being listed as the second running back:

    "I would not do that. Did you hear those Antonio Brown numbers?"

  • Andy Holloway underscores the Saints' multi-back system:

    "We've never seen the Sean Payton Saints use a true dominant workhorse."

• San Francisco 49ers Quarterback:

  • Jason Moore and Andy Holloway debate the track record of Jimmy Garoppolo, questioning his consistency and reliability in fantasy:

    "I wouldn't personally start every single one of those guys over Jimmy G on the road in Minnesota."

• Jacksonville Jaguars Receivers:

  • Evaluations of Keelan Cole, Dante Moncrief, and Dede West:

    "Keelan Cole has the potential to be a top 24 wide receiver." (Mike Wright, 39:41) "Chad Williams and Ricky Seals-Jones are reliable options." (Andy Holloway, 33:36)

• Seattle Seahawks Running Back:

  • Mike Wright expresses concerns about Chris Carson starting against Denver:

    "Chris Carson, Week 1 against Denver Broncos on The road, their defense because Earl Thomas is not going to show up."

Listener Mailbag: Audience Questions and Expert Advice

Timestamp: 37:29 – 54:29

The hosts address listener-submitted questions, offering personalized advice on roster decisions, trades, and league management.

• DEZ Bryant Dilemma:

  • Listener’s Question: What to do with free agent DEZ Bryant who hasn't signed.
  • Andy Holloway and Jason Moore recommend cutting Bryant:

    "I know for me I would cut him." "Are you going to drop Tyler Lockett for Des Bryant right now? Nope."

• Jaguars Wide Receiver Potential:

  • Question: Can Keelan Cole be a number two wide receiver, and are there other viable options?
  • Andy Holloway: "Keelan Cole has the potential to be a wide receiver One."
  • Mike Wright: Highlights Cole's recent performance metrics, favoring him over peers.

• League Payment Issue:

  • Listener’s Scenario: One team failed to pay league dues after auto-drafting.
  • Jason Moore, Andy Holloway, and Mike Wright advise setting deadlines, making the non-paying manager ineligible to win, or potentially replacing them if they fail to comply.

• Trade Proposal Analysis:

  • Listener’s Question: Should they trade Christian McCaffrey for Devonta Freeman and Brandon Cooks?
  • Andy Holloway and Mike Wright advise retaining McCaffrey for his higher value:

    "I would rather have McCaffrey."

  • Jason Moore notes the trade's close nature but leans towards McCaffrey's superiority.

• Steeling Running Backs Trade:

  • Question: Would trading Le'Veon Bell for Keenan Allen and Joe Mixon be beneficial?
  • Jason Moore contemplates the trade but ultimately decides against it:

    "I take back everything I said. That's the trade I normally would offer for Lev Bell. So he's going to play. That's what I really believe. I'm not doing the trade."

Thursday Night Football Preview: Eagles vs. Falcons

Timestamp: 54:29 – 55:29

The episode concludes with an insightful preview of the upcoming Thursday Night Football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons.

• Eagles Analysis:

  • Nick Foles is projected to start, with Zach Ertz as a reliable target:

    "Nick Foles is getting the start. I was encouraged that JJ. He's been practicing in full." (Jason Moore, 48:33) "Zach Ertz is a must-start." (Mike Wright, 48:49)

• Falcons Analysis:

  • Jason Moore discusses the Falcons' offensive dynamics and potential flex options:

    "Julio Jones, of course, is a start."

• Strategy Tips:

  • Andy Holloway recommends considering role perceptions and matchup strengths when setting lineups for Thursday games:

    "It's a matter of what you believe. Does Crabtree still got it?"

• Fantasy Recommendations:

  • Corey Clement is suggested as a safe flex play, albeit not overly exciting:

    "I'm comfortable flexing him... but it's certainly not exciting." (Andy Holloway, 53:35)

  • Mike Wright advises caution with certain players, promoting stability over risky choices.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Start/Sit Decisions: Early-week matchups and player health are crucial for Week 1 success. Utilize the "Pump the Brakes" segment to navigate high-risk players.
• Le'Veon Bell Situation: Remain vigilant on Bell's status and consider James Conner as a primary alternative if Bell remains inactive.
• Depth Chart Monitoring: Stay updated on NFL depth charts to identify undervalued players and exploit favorable matchups.
• Listener Engagement: Actively seek audience questions for personalized advice and foster a community-driven approach.
• Thursday Night Football Strategy: Leverage specific game insights to make informed lineup decisions, balancing safe plays with high-ceiling options.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore (05:30):

  "Pump the Brakes is where we take a look at a player who you are considering starting in your fantasy lineups this particular weekend."

• Andy Holloway (09:15):

  "If you're playing him over Big Ben... your team's going to put up 200 points and win no matter what you do."

• Mike Wright (21:04):

  "It's all guesswork right now, but in the end, he wants to be a great running back, and you can't be a great running back without being on the field."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and strategic insights from the Fantasy Footballers' 600th episode, equipping fantasy managers with the knowledge to navigate the early stages of the 2018 NFL season effectively.