Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Shocking Stats from 2019 + Buy or Sell"
Release Date: February 11, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
In the episode titled "Shocking Stats from 2019 + Buy or Sell," the Fantasy Footballers—Mike Wright, Jason Moore, and Andy Holloway—dive deep into surprising statistics from the 2019 NFL season and provide their expert analysis on player valuations in the "Buy or Sell" segment. The hosts kick off the show with updates on their latest offerings and exciting news about expanding their team.
Team Expansion Announcement
Jason Moore [03:14]:
“We have a very close, tight-knit staff... we might be expecting soon and adding to the family because this is a very true rarity.”
The trio announces a job opening for a high-end front-end web developer and marketer to join their team. They emphasize the need for someone with exceptional UX/UI design and web development skills, playfully insisting the candidate must share the first name "Andy" to maintain team synergy. Applications are being accepted through their careers page with a limited timeframe.
Shocking Stats Analysis
The primary focus of the episode revolves around astonishing statistics from the 2019 NFL season that left fantasy managers both thrilled and frustrated.
Philip Lindsay: Will He Reach 1,000 Rushing Yards Again?
Jason Moore [06:23]:
“Philip Lindsay is a truly excellent running back. Like when we watch him, he is fast to the hole, he's quick, he's shifty, he's everything you need.”
Mike Wright [09:21]:
“I think he will miss the thousand-yard benchmark for 2020. He was the most frustrating running back in fantasy football history...”
Despite Lindsay's back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, his efficiency and reception numbers posed challenges. With a new offensive coordinator, Pat Shermer, who has a history of fostering strong rushing offenses, the duo debates whether Lindsay can overcome previous inefficiencies. Ultimately, both hosts lean towards selling Lindsay, citing concerns over his consistency and role-sharing in Denver's backfield.
Lamar Jackson: A Safe Bet for Rushing Yards
Jason Moore [13:45]:
“I would definitely buy the thousand-yard benchmark for Lamar Jackson.”
Mike Wright [13:58]:
“Lamar Jackson is an absolute locked-in safe floor.”
Comparing Lamar Jackson to other dynamic quarterbacks, the hosts agree that Jackson's rushing prowess makes him a reliable asset in fantasy leagues. They discuss the increasing trend of mobile quarterbacks contributing significant rushing yards and touchdowns, predicting this will continue to elevate their fantasy value.
Will Golladay: Regression or Steady Improvement?
Jason Moore [24:22]:
“He was phenomenal for fantasy...”
Mike Wright [25:35]:
“I'm buying in. As long as we can get Stafford like some adamantium for his spine…”
Will Golladay's performance sparks debate over his regression despite leading in high-value target categories like deep and red-zone targets. The comparison to Alan Robinson's 2015 season highlights concerns that Golladay may not sustain his previous level of production, especially with changes at the quarterback position.
Le'Veon Bell: An Ominous Outlook
Jason Moore [28:31]:
“I am not buying into that narrative...”
Mike Wright [31:04]:
“I don't trust Adam Gase as an offensive mind to get the most out of his players.”
Le'Veon Bell's decline is dissected, emphasizing his low rushing yards per game despite high carry volume. The hosts express skepticism about his future productivity, attributing his struggles to both offensive line issues and coaching inadequacies under Adam Gase.
Adrian Peterson: The Next Frank Gore?
Jason Moore [32:08]:
“He might just be a really great running back because all he's done is be really good everywhere.”
Mike Wright [33:43]:
“Would you trade a third-round rookie pick for Adrian Peterson? Sure, I think most fourth-rounders would.”
Adrian Peterson's performance is evaluated with a nod to his enduring talent, likening his consistency to legendary Frank Gore. While acknowledging his age and physical wear, the hosts consider Peterson a viable mid-round pick in dynasty leagues, especially if he maintains his role in a revitalized Washington Redskins offense.
Buy or Sell Segment
The "Buy or Sell" portion of the episode featured an in-depth analysis of multiple players' fantasy prospects based on their 2019 performance and upcoming season expectations. Key takeaways include:
- Philip Lindsay: Sell due to inconsistency and potential role-sharing.
- Lamar Jackson: Buy as a safe and valuable rushing quarterback.
- Will Golladay: Sell anticipating regression despite strong target metrics.
- Le'Veon Bell: Sell due to declining performance and poor team dynamics.
- Adrian Peterson: Considered a Buy in mid-rounds for dynasty leagues.
Tight Ends Market Share
Jason Moore [34:49]:
“In 2019, five different tight ends had over a 22% market share of their team's targets...”
The discussion highlights a significant increase in tight ends commanding a larger portion of their team’s targets, with notable performers like Darren Waller and Mark Andrews emerging as fantasy staples. The hosts examine whether this trend will continue or if it's a fleeting spike, considering factors like team strategies and player development.
Mike Wright [36:43]:
“I think Gasicki is worth monitoring...”
Mike brings up Mike Gasicki's pre-breakout performance, discussing his potential to ascend within the tight end ranks if the new offensive scheme and quarterback play favor his usage.
Team Performance Shifts
The hosts analyze unexpected team performances, focusing on the Rams, 49ers, and Bears.
Los Angeles Rams: A Sudden Downfall
Jason Moore [39:53]:
“The real issue here was the offensive line in the running game.”
From a powerhouse to ranking 26th in rushing yards per game, the Rams' decline is primarily blamed on their offensive line's struggles and Todd Gurley's lingering knee issues. The hosts express doubt over Gurley's ability to regain his pre-injury form and criticize the overall offensive strategy.
San Francisco 49ers: Rushing Dominance
Mike Wright [40:22]:
“Coming into this season, we should have seen major offensive line problems...”
Conversely, the 49ers' substantial improvement, jumping to second in rushing yards per game and second in points scored, is discussed with a mix of skepticism and acknowledgment of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive prowess. The sustainability of this performance surge remains uncertain.
Chicago Bears: From Solid to Struggling
Jason Moore [44:18]:
“Jordan Howard might just be a really great running back because all he's done is be really good everywhere.”
The Bears' dramatic drop in performance, linked to the departure of running back Jordan Howard and significant injuries at the tight end position, is analyzed. The transition to David Montgomery and the overall offensive instability under Matt Nagy raise concerns about their future productivity.
Hot Takes
In the "Hot Takes" segment, the hosts offer bold predictions about team performances:
-
Baltimore Ravens: Expected to fall out of the top ten in offensive rankings despite Lamar Jackson's explosive potential.
Jason Moore [47:07]:
“...the 9% touchdown passing rate that will come down will come crashing down.”
-
Pittsburgh Steelers: Anticipated to climb from one of the worst offenses to a top-15 unit, aiming for an offensive resurgence.
-
New York Giants: Predicted to improve significantly on offense with the emergence of Daniel Jones and a bolstered wide receiver corps, potentially making them a powerhouse despite quarterback turnover.
Mailbag Q&A
Listeners' questions form the final segment of the episode, where the hosts provide personalized advice:
-
Dynasty League Rankings: Joseph Mixon vs. Devin Singletary vs. Joshua Jacobs
Jason Moore [50:54]:
“I would order them. Joshua Jacobs, Joe Mixon.”
The recommendation favors Joshua Jacobs for his rookie potential and youthful upside over the more established Mixon and Singletary.
-
Rule Changes in the NFL
Jason Moore [54:20]:
“I want to nerf holding...”
The hosts express desires to reduce the severity of offensive holding penalties and adjust pass interference rules to enhance game flow and fairness.
-
San Francisco 49ers Running Backs in 2020 Redraft
Jason Moore [55:30]:
“I would go Tevin Coleman first because he's got...”
The discussion centers on Tevin Coleman as the starter, with considerations for Jericho McKinnon and Jeff Wilson Jr. Potential roster changes and contract considerations are also mentioned.
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, the Fantasy Footballers reiterate their promotions and career opportunities, encouraging listeners to engage with their community and explore their resources for optimized fantasy football strategies.
Mike Wright [57:46]:
“Thank you for joining us. We'll see you in a couple days.”
Jason Moore [57:59]:
“Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast...”
Listeners are reminded to visit jointhefoot.com for community perks, pre-order the Ultimate Draft Kit at UltimateDraftKit.com, and explore career opportunities at thefantasyfootballers.com/careers.
This episode offers a comprehensive look into the tumultuous statistics of the 2019 NFL season, providing valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to navigate their leagues with informed decisions.