Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: REAL Preseason Takeaways + RB Rankings, Jason’s Mixon Love
Release Date: August 10, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

1. Preseason Takeaways

The hosts delve into the first night of preseason football, highlighting significant observations and their implications for fantasy football.

a. Christian McCaffrey’s Usage

• Observation: Christian McCaffrey dominated running back snaps, including goal-line situations.
• Quote:
  Mike Wright [06:03]: “It was all Christian McCaffrey. Including the goal line.”
• Insight: The consistent usage in various offensive scenarios alleviates concerns about his workload and suggests he remains a top fantasy asset.

b. The Josh Allen Narrative

• Discussion: The hosts address the negative sentiment surrounding Josh Allen based on a limited number of preseason plays.
• Quotes:
  Andy Holloway [11:41]: “Josh Allen being Josh Allen... Two errant throws out of 19.”
  Mike Wright [13:36]: “He has an NFL arm talent, but I was watching for... decision making.”
• Insight: Despite some criticisms on social media, the hosts believe Josh Allen showed promise, emphasizing that preseason stats can be misleading.

c. Antonio Callaway and Baker Mayfield

• Observation: Antonio Callaway is integrating well with Baker Mayfield, suggesting increased opportunities.
• Quote:
  Mike Wright [07:46]: “If there was any buy low window left from Antonio Callaway getting in trouble with the law...”
• Insight: Callaway's improved performance under Mayfield's leadership indicates potential value in dynasty leagues.

d. Jeremy Hill’s Role with the Patriots

• Discussion: Jeremy Hill is projected to be a key short-yardage and goal-line back, potentially surpassing Mike Gillislee.
• Quote:
  Mike Wright [08:39]: “Jeremy Hill could end up just being a pain in the butt for those situations.”
• Insight: Hill's utilization in specialized roles could translate to reliable fantasy points, positioning him as a valuable asset.

2. Running Back Rankings

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of running back rankings, incorporating the latest preseason developments.

a. Jerick McKinnon vs. Christian McCaffrey

• Ranking Adjustments:
  Andy Holloway [24:20]: “Number 11 is Jerick McKinnon.”
  Jason Moore [25:27]: “Christian McCaffrey is going to... get 100 targets this year.”
• Insight: McKinnon’s dual-threat ability in rushing and receiving mirrors McCaffrey’s skill set, enhancing his fantasy value despite offensive line concerns.

b. Devonta Freeman’s Bounce Back

• Performance Analysis:
  Jason Moore [30:52]: “He’s one of the safest picks in his range.”
  Mike Wright [29:44]: “Devonta Freeman can get back to that top seven.”
• Insight: Freeman’s strong performance last season, combined with improved offensive dynamics, positions him as a potential top-tier running back.

c. Joe Mixon’s Potential

• Talent Evaluation:
  Jason Moore [33:08]: “I am a full believer in Joe Mixon.”
  Andy Holloway [34:19]: “Chris Carson looks good. And Royce Freeman at 21.”
• Insight: Mixon’s versatility and opportunity with the Bengals make him a frontrunner for RB1 status, especially if the offensive line stabilizes.

d. Jordan Howard and LaShawn McCoy

• Prospects:
  Andy Holloway [35:18]: “Nine touchdowns last year on a bad team is impressive.”
  Mike Wright [37:48]: “LaShawn McCoy is trending far more to him playing.”
• Insight: Both backs have shown strong finishers on subpar teams, suggesting high upside if their teams’ offenses improve.

e. Deion Lewis vs. Derek Henry

• Comparison:
  Jason Moore [50:04]: “I don’t agree that he will be inefficient. I think he will be a good fantasy running back.”
  Mike Wright [51:02]: “Don’t take Derek Henry at the back of the third.”
• Insight: While Derek Henry is projected as effective, his high draft price may deter drafters, making Deion Lewis a more cost-effective option with similar upside.

3. Injury News

Injury updates play a critical role in fantasy football strategy, and the hosts provide timely information on key players.

a. Darius Geist’s Knee Injury

• Update:
  Andy Holloway [16:17]: “Initial diagnosis was a sprained MCL.”
  Jason Moore [17:04]: “He would be the starter.”
• Impact: Geist’s injury could hinder his preseason evaluation, affecting his draft position and early-season usage.

b. Marlon Mack and Bobby Turbin

• Details:
  Andy Holloway [17:14]: “Marlon Mack exited with a hamstring injury.”
  Mike Wright [17:26]: “Robert Turbin is suspended... next man up is Christian Michael.”
• Impact: Losses in the RB depth chart signal increased opportunities for backups, though suspensions may complicate fantasy options.

c. George Kittle and Matt Burrita’s Shoulder Injuries

• Implications:
  Jason Moore [18:40]: “Congratulations Brooks for trading for George Kittle.”
  Mike Wright [18:56]: “Matt Burrita getting hurt is unfortunate.”
• Impact: Injuries to emerging tight ends like Kittle may delay their fantasy breakout, while teammates like Burrita’s injury could open up spots for others.

4. Key Discussions and Insights

a. Importance of Preseason Evaluation

• Thoughts:
  Mike Wright [02:19]: “Preseason is very difficult because... you can't take them all in.”
  Andy Holloway [18:07]: “We have to talk about all the time on this show, hamstring injuries are the worst.”
• Insight: The unpredictable nature of preseason games necessitates cautious interpretation of early performances, emphasizing the focus on tangible takeaways like injuries and usage patterns.

b. Best Ball Bonanza Segment

• Overview:
  Jason Moore [54:56]: “Best ball is a great format... you draft and the best players every week from your entire roster go in the starting lineup.”
  Andy Holloway [56:24]: “Drafting Kalen Bellage... even if Bellage does not have a big impact.”
• Insight: Best ball formats reward depth and strategic late-round picks, with hosts recommending targeting versatile players who can deliver high-value games sporadically.

c. Kenyon Drake’s Potential

• Analysis:
  Jason Moore [52:13]: “Kenyon Drake, to me, looked good... I am actually rising on Kenyan Drake.”
  Mike Wright [53:41]: “I think Drake is the best running back on the team, but the usage is why I am avoiding him.”
• Insight: Drake exhibits strong talent and versatility, but inconsistent usage and team dynamics introduce uncertainty, positioning him as a high-risk, high-reward option in drafts.

5. Final Rankings and Recommendations

a. Consensus Running Back Rankings (Selected Positions)

• Jerick McKinnon: Positioned higher due to his dual-threat capabilities.
• Christian McCaffrey: Maintains top-tier status with increased target expectations.
• Joe Mixon: Viewed as a strong RB1 candidate with high potential if Bengals’ offense flourishes.
• Jordan Howard: Expected to capitalize on improved team offense under new coaching.
• LaShawn McCoy: Rising in rankings as his off-field issues seem to resolve, increasing his draft reliability.

b. Late-Round Targets for Best Ball

• Running Backs: Kalen Balaj, Jeremy Hill, Peyton Barber.
• Wide Receivers: John Ross, Tawan Taylor, Dante Pettis, James Washington.
• Insight: The hosts recommend selecting late-round players with breakout potential or consistent high-upside performances to maximize weekly best ball scores.

6. Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up the episode by emphasizing the importance of staying informed during the preseason, utilizing tools like the Ultimate Draft Kit, and remaining adaptable to evolving team dynamics and player performances.

Quote:
Andy Holloway [60:06]: “Enjoy your weekend. Enjoy the rest of preseason week one. We will be back, as always, on Monday with another great show.”

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a thorough analysis of the initial preseason games, focusing on running back performances, injury impacts, and strategic draft recommendations. By dissecting player usage, team strategies, and emerging narratives, the hosts equip listeners with actionable insights to refine their fantasy football strategies ahead of the regular NFL season.