Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Sleepers & Values, Scary Performances + Kyle Rudolph
Release Date: August 28, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright
I. Introduction and Preseason Highlights
The episode kicks off with a light-hearted exchange among the hosts, setting a casual and engaging tone for the discussion. Andy Holloway mentions their recent live show, highlighting its intense and exciting nature, which left listeners eager for more content.
Key Points:
- Preseason Week 3 Reactions: The hosts delve into their reactions to Week 3 of the preseason, analyzing team performances and player impacts. They focus on how Week 3 serves as a critical period for assessing player readiness and team dynamics before the regular season commences.
II. Scary Preseason Performances
The hosts share their concerns regarding specific team performances that could impact fantasy football rankings.
A. Buffalo Bills' Struggles
- Josh Allen's Performance: Mike Wright expresses deep concern about the Bills’ offensive line, stating, “The Buffalo Bills have me trembling” (04:28). He critiques Josh Allen’s early struggles, including five sacks in the first quarter of a preseason game.
- Offensive Line Decimation: The lack of stability and experience on the Bills’ offensive line is highlighted as a significant issue that could derail their fantasy potential.
B. Indianapolis Colts' Offensive Line Issues
- Andrew Luck's Challenges: Andy Holloway is particularly worried about the Colts’ offensive line, noting, “I was afraid for Andrew Luck” (06:01). He contrasts the Colts’ struggling line with that of the 49ers, emphasizing the potential negative impact on Luck’s performance and the overall offense.
C. Cincinnati Bengals' Offensive Line Concerns
- Joe Mixon's Outlook: Jason Moore discusses Joe Mixon's situation, expressing unease about his ability to perform without a solid offensive line. He mentions, “Mix cannot get it going on the ground” (07:53), questioning whether the Bengals can improve their out-of-sorts offensive line.
Notable Quotes:
- Mike Wright: “The Buffalo Bills have me trembling” (04:28).
- Andy Holloway: “I was afraid for Andrew Luck” (06:01).
III. Sleepers and Value Picks
The main segment revolves around identifying potential sleeper and value picks for fantasy football drafts. Each host presents their unique selections, emphasizing players who may be undervalued or poised for breakout performances.
A. Sleepers
-
Ricky Seals Jones (Arizona Cardinals - TE)
- Performance Potential: Andy praises Seals Jones for his route-running and high snap count in preseason, suggesting he could become a reliable target for Sam Bradford.
- Supporting Facts: Seals Jones has been involved in 87% of the first-team snaps and faces defenses that are receptive to tight ends, making him an appealing sleeper pick.
- Quote: “Ricky Seals Jones is going to be a favorite target for Sam Bradford” (25:07).
-
Keelan Cole (Jacksonville Jaguars - WR)
- Undrafted Success: Jason Moore highlights Cole’s college dominance despite coming from a smaller school, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and his increased target rate in the latter half of the previous season.
- Value Proposition: Cole is seen as a safe sleeper due to the Jaguars’ need for wide receiver production following Marquis Lee’s injury.
-
Alan Hearns (Buffalo Bills - WR)
- Opportunity for Growth: Mike Wright points out Hearns’s potential to become the primary receiver for the Bills, especially with Dez Bryant and Jason Whitten no longer in the picture.
- Competitive Landscape: Hearns stands to gain significant targets, with junior receivers facing tougher competition for opportunities.
B. Value Picks
-
Kelvin Benjamin (Buffalo Bills - WR)
- Target Volume: Andy emphasizes Benjamin’s big-frame and red-zone potential, asserting that he remains the top option in Buffalo’s passing offense despite past criticisms.
- Draft Strategy: Positioned as a ninth-round pick, Benjamin offers substantial value given his role as the primary receiver on the team.
- Quote: “Kelvin Benjamin feels as close to [a safe sleeper] as possible right now” (35:29).
-
Kenny Stills (Miami Dolphins - WR)
- Opportunity Amidst Injuries: Mike Wright advocates for Stills due to the absence of primary receivers like Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker, positioning Stills as the number one receiver for Miami.
- Fantasy Usability: Stills demonstrated usability last season with consistent usage and a solid touchdown record.
- Quote: “Kenny Stills is going to add” (19:45).
C. Contrasting Opinions on Value Picks
- Kelvin Benjamin vs. Alan Hearns: The hosts engage in a spirited debate over the merits of drafting Benjamin versus Hearns, with Andy advocating for Benjamin’s guaranteed target volume and Jason considering Hearns’s potential upside.
- Final Decision: Despite differing opinions, Kelvin Benjamin emerges as a favored value pick due to his secured role and consistent target share.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore: “He was a fourth round selection until he got injured. He’s no longer injured. He’s an eighth rounder. That is the definition of a value” (38:57).
- Andy Holloway: “Kelvin Benjamin feels as close to a safe sleeper as possible right now” (35:29).
IV. Special Guest Interview: Kyle Rudolph
The episode features an insightful interview with Kyle Rudolph, a two-time Pro Bowl tight end for the Minnesota Vikings and an ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s Crucial Catch program.
A. Commitment to Crucial Catch
- Personal Motivation: Rudolph shares his personal connection to the cause, revealing that his younger brother survived neuroblastoma. This experience fuels his passion for supporting pediatric cancer awareness and broader cancer initiatives.
- Quote: “My brother was born with neuroblastoma. I was about 15 months old at the time” (45:09).
B. Contributions and Community Engagement
- Supporting Survivors: Rudolph recounts surprising cancer survivors and their families with Vikings tickets during training camp, fostering community support and engagement.
- Quote: “We had over 10 survivors and their families out to practice during training camp” (46:16).
C. Fantasy Football Insights
- Impact of Fantasy on Fandom: Rudolph discusses the symbiotic relationship between fantasy football and fan engagement, noting how fantasy leagues enhance overall interest in the sport.
- Quote: “Fantasy football has really taken off and it's kind of what rules the roost nowadays” (47:29).
D. Player Performance and Team Dynamics
- Vikings' Offensive Strengths: He highlights Latavius Murray’s comeback from injury and the potential synergy with Dalvin Cook, predicting a strong year for the Vikings’ backfield.
- Quote: “Latavius looks as good as I've ever seen him” (50:00).
Key Takeaways:
- Kyle Rudolph emphasizes the importance of community support in cancer awareness.
- He provides valuable insights into the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive strategy and key player performances.
Notable Quotes:
- Kyle Rudolph: “Fantasy football has really taken off...it’s what rules the roost nowadays” (47:29).
- Kyle Rudolph: “Latavius looks as good as I've ever seen him” (50:00).
V. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content
The hosts conclude the episode by promoting upcoming shows and additional content for their audience.
A. Upcoming Episodes:
- Preseason Lessons: The next episode will cover preseason lessons and insights.
- Average Draft Position Analysis: They plan to discuss risers and fallers in average draft positions as drafts draw near.
B. Promotions and Community Engagement:
- FanDuel Survivor Contest: The hosts encourage listeners to participate in FanDuel’s Survivor Contest with a $250,000 prize pool, providing a unique opportunity for fantasy enthusiasts.
- Quote: “To get into the free $250,000 Survivor contest, just go to FanDuel.com fantasy footballers” (52:05).
C. Additional Content:
- DFS Podcast Relaunch: Announcement of the relaunch of their Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) podcast, scheduled to release new episodes starting the following Friday.
- Quote: “The Fantasy Footballers DFS podcast is relaunching this week” (54:00).
D. Final Thoughts:
- The hosts express excitement about future episodes and engage in humorous banter, maintaining a lively and relatable atmosphere for listeners.
Conclusion
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of preseason performances, highlights potential sleeper and value picks for the upcoming fantasy football season, and features an inspiring interview with Kyle Rudolph. The hosts provide actionable insights and foster an engaging community through their discussions and promotions, ensuring listeners are well-prepared and entertained as they navigate their fantasy football drafts.
Links and Resources:
- Ultimate Draft Kit: ultimatedraftkit.com
- FanDuel Contest: FanDuel.com Fantasy Footballers
- American Cancer Society Crucial Catch: cancer.org/crucialcatch
- Pristine Auction: pristineauction.com
- Fantasy Footballers YouTube: YouTube.com/thefantasyfootballers
Timestamps for Notable Quotes:
- 04:28: Mike Wright on Buffalo Bills' struggles.
- 06:01: Andy Holloway expresses concerns about Andrew Luck.
- 07:53: Jason Moore discusses Joe Mixon's situation.
- 19:45: Mike Wright declares Gronk as his MVP.
- 25:07: Andy Holloway on Ricky Seals Jones as a sleeper.
- 35:29: Andy Holloway advocates for Kelvin Benjamin as a value pick.
- 38:57: Jason Moore defines Kelvin Benjamin's value.
- 45:09: Kyle Rudolph shares his personal connection to cancer awareness.
- 47:29: Kyle Rudolph on fantasy football’s impact on fandom.
- 50:00: Kyle Rudolph highlights Latavius Murray’s potential.
This summary captures all critical discussions, insights, and interactions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.