Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Shady & The Wild Weekend + Roster Cut Madness
Release Date: September 3, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

Timestamp [00:33] The episode kicks off with the hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—welcoming listeners back to week one of the NFL season. They share light-hearted banter about the previous Labor Day off and express excitement for the upcoming fantasy football action.

Buffalo Bills Roster Changes: LaShawn McCoy's Release

Timestamp [06:23] A significant highlight of the episode is the discussion surrounding the Buffalo Bills' decision to release veteran running back LaShawn McCoy.

• Andy Holloway: "The Bills released running back LaShawn McCoy... All offseason long, the moves the Bills made pretty much pointed towards releasing the Sean McCoy." ([06:23])

Impact on the Bills' Backfield:

• Devin Singletary: A rookie running back whose stock has risen due to McCoy's release.
• Frank Gore: Continues to demonstrate strong performance and is expected to share the workload with Singletary and TJ Yelden.
• TJ Yelden: A valuable pass-catching back whose role remains significant.

Fantasy Implications:

• Mike Wright: Suggests that Singletary might not be the primary back immediately, stating, "I think that Frank Gore and Singletary will share the first and second down role." ([08:38])
• Jason Moore: Recommends drafting Singletary at a higher position than current Average Draft Position (ADP) indicates. "I would draft him higher right now. He's in the ninth round." ([10:17])

The hosts debate the future usage of Singletary, emphasizing that while his opportunity has increased, his immediate production might not meet high expectations.

Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Situation: Damian Williams vs. LaShawn McCoy

Timestamp [10:43] The discussion transitions to the Kansas City Chiefs' backfield dynamics following McCoy’s release.

• Andy Holloway: Emphasizes his preference for Damian Williams as the primary back due to his proven performance. "Damian Williams will be the primary pass-catching running back." ([11:46])

Key Points:

• LaShawn McCoy's Career Stats:
  • "LaShawn McCoy, 2,346 career carries." ([22:14])
• Damian Williams' Value:
  • Despite limited carries last season, Williams has been a consistent performer and is expected to continue as the lead back.
• Volatility Concerns:
  • Andy Holloway: "To me, Kansas City does not run the ball a lot... If Damian Williams goes out and he gets eight carries and he doesn't score, those are the games I'm afraid of." ([23:54])

The hosts agree that while McCoy adds experience, Williams remains the cornerstone of the Chiefs' running game, posing less of a fantasy risk.

Houston Texans Acquiring Carlos Hyde: Fantasy Impact

Timestamp [28:01] The Houston Texans' acquisition of running back Carlos Hyde from the Chiefs is dissected for its fantasy implications.

• Andy Holloway: Declares, "Carlos Hyde does nothing for fantasy owners." ([29:03])
• Mike Wright: Disagrees slightly, recognizing Hyde's role as a backup but emphasizing his limited fantasy value. "I don't think he's drafting Carlos Hyde." ([29:26])

Discussion Points:

• Backfield Competition:
  • Duke Johnson vs. Carlos Hyde: The Texans are expected to split carries, with Duke Johnson likely receiving the majority due to his established role.
• Fantasy Strategy:
  • Jason Moore: Advises against drafting Hyde, viewing him as a low-impact player for fantasy teams.

The consensus is that while Hyde brings depth, his effectiveness in the Texans' offense doesn't translate into valuable fantasy production.

Melvin Gordon and Ezekiel Elliott Contract Situations

Timestamp [35:02] The episode covers the tumultuous contract negotiations surrounding running backs Melvin Gordon (San Diego Chargers) and Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys).

• Melvin Gordon:

  • Jason Moore: "I still believe there's a chance he misses the whole season." ([37:48])
  • Andy Holloway: Considers Gordon a high-risk, low-reward pick in drafts due to potential holdout. "Gordon is basically a dart throw at the back half of drafts." ([37:07])

• Ezekiel Elliott:

  • Mike Wright: Reports that Elliott is close to signing a six-year, $90 million extension. "Reports are the Cowboys are close to signing Ezekiel Elliott to a six year, $90 million extension." ([38:51])
  • Jason Moore: Views Elliott's potential contract as a positive for his fantasy value, believing it resets the market for running backs.

Fantasy Implications:

• Melvin Gordon: Viewed as a high-risk pick; avoid in drafts unless you’re willing to gamble on his return.
• Ezekiel Elliott: If the contract is finalized, Elliott remains a top-tier fantasy running back, solidifying his value.

Arizona Cardinals Roster Cuts and Future Players

Timestamp [52:21] The hosts discuss recent roster cuts by the Arizona Cardinals, highlighting the release of Ricky Seals-Jones and its impact on their offense.

• Andy Holloway: "They don't use tight ends that much. This is going to be a four wide receiver set on the, on the reg. And Clay will certainly be the main tight end." ([52:21])
• Jason Moore: Notes the shift back to a wide receiver-heavy offense, diminishing the tight end's role and, by extension, Ricky Seals-Jones' fantasy value.

Fantasy Advice:

• June Cut: Ricky Seals-Jones is deemed fantasy irrelevant post-release, implying that tight end positions may require different strategies moving forward.

Streaming Defenses: Seattle Seahawks Highlighted

Timestamp [55:04] A new segment introduces advice on streaming defenses for week one. The Seattle Seahawks defense is touted as a top pick due to their matchup and performance metrics.

• Andy Holloway: Recommends streaming Seattle against Andy Dalton's team. "We like the Seattle Seahawks defense because... they already have Wagner running around doing Wagner things and now you get to break out Jadavian Clowney." ([56:00])
• Mike Wright: Agrees, emphasizing Seattle's ability to disrupt Dalton. "Seattle Seahawks defense... Andy Dalton is going to get sacked." ([57:08])

Additional Recommendations:

• Dallas Cowboys Defense: Noted for their strong upcoming schedule against Giants, Washington, and Miami.
• Detroit Lions Defense: Suggested as a viable alternative, especially against the Arizona Cardinals' unpredictable offense.

Player Injury Updates and Fantasy Advice

Timestamp [44:35] The hosts provide updates on player injuries and their availability for week one, offering strategic advice for fantasy managers.

• Amari Cooper (Dallas Cowboys): Returning to practice and expected to play in week one.
• Robbie Anderson (New York Jets): Trending towards being available. Andy states he's uncomfortable playing him in week one but is open to changes based on performance.
• Jordan Reed (Washington Football Team): Still in concussion protocol, with advice to avoid starting him despite potential high upside if cleared.

Fantasy Strategies:

• Wide Receivers: Emphasis on cautious approaches with players like Jordan Reed who have injury histories.
• Running Backs: Encouragement to capitalize on value picks like Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida, who are expected to see significant workloads.

Conclusion

Timestamp [60:05] The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of their weekly rankings and encouraging listeners to utilize their website for detailed projections and tools. They highlight the new "Defense vs. Offense" segment, advising on optimal streaming defenses for week one. The episode concludes with acknowledgments to sponsors and a humorous recap of a jersey mishap that highlights the fun and engaging nature of the show.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Andy Holloway: "We also want to thank Navy Federal... We’re going to be back with you tomorrow morning. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Take care." ([60:25])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway on Bills' Move:
  "The Bills released running back LaShawn McCoy... All offseason long, the moves the Bills made pretty much pointed towards releasing the Sean McCoy." ([06:23])

• Mike Wright on Singletary’s Role:
  "I think that Frank Gore and Singletary will share the first and second down role." ([08:38])

• Jason Moore on Drafting Singletary:
  "I would draft him higher right now. He's in the ninth round." ([10:17])

• Andy Holloway on Kansas City’s Run Game:
  "To me, Kansas City does not run the ball a lot... If Damian Williams goes out and he gets eight carries and he doesn't score, those are the games I'm afraid of." ([23:54])

• Andy Holloway on Carlos Hyde:
  "Carlos Hyde does nothing for fantasy owners." ([29:03])

• Jason Moore on Melvin Gordon:
  "I still believe there's a chance he misses the whole season." ([37:48])

• Mike Wright on Ezekiel Elliott:
  "Reports are the Cowboys are close to signing Ezekiel Elliott to a six year, $90 million extension." ([38:51])

• Andy Holloway on Streaming Seattle Defense:
  "We like the Seattle Seahawks defense because... they already have Wagner running around doing Wagner things and now you get to break out Jadavian Clowney." ([56:00])

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast delves deep into roster changes and their fantasy implications, particularly focusing on the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs' running back situations. The acquisition by the Houston Texans and contract negotiations for key running backs like Melvin Gordon and Ezekiel Elliott highlight the dynamic nature of the NFL offseason. Additionally, strategic advice on streaming defenses offers valuable insights for fantasy managers gearing up for week one. The hosts blend expert analysis with engaging banter, making complex fantasy decisions accessible and entertaining for all listeners.