Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Super Bowl Picks + Roster Madness, Draft Blitz
Release Date: September 8, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Super Bowl Predictions
The hosts kicked off the episode with enthusiastic Super Bowl predictions for the 2020 NFL season.
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Mike Wright: Predicted a Pittsburgh Steelers comeback, emphasizing their elite defense and the return of Big Ben. He stated, “Vegas is expecting big things for the Steelers this year” (04:34). Additionally, Mike backed the New Orleans Saints from the NFC to reach the Super Bowl.
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Jason Moore: Opted for a less conventional choice by selecting the Buffalo Bills to win the Super Bowl, highlighting their continuity under coach Sean McDermott and the development of Josh Allen. He remarked, “Bruce Arians is a really good head coach. He has the personnel to get them over the hump” (05:55).
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Alan Robinson: Aligned with Mike in selecting the Steelers and the Saints, focusing on their defensive strengths and solid team structure. He confidently stated, “I have the Steelers making it. The defense was elite enough... and I'm taking the Pittsburgh Steelers to win Super Bowl” (04:05).
NFL MVP Candidates
The discussion then shifted to potential MVP contenders for the season.
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Mike Wright: Named Patrick Mahomes as his MVP choice, citing Mahomes' exceptional talent and consistent performance. He noted, “He's the best” (07:12).
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Jason Moore: Selected Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, tying his MVP candidacy to the team's projected success. “I'm going to go with Josh Allen. Obviously, I have the Bills winning the super bowl, having a great season” (07:35).
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Alan Robinson: Backed Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, believing his leadership and performance would carry the team. “I got Drew Brees... and I got Brees being the one carrying him there” (07:11).
Offensive Rookie of the Year
The hosts deliberated on promising rookies for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
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Mike Wright: Favored Jonathan Taylor, projecting a significant impact in his role with the Colts. “It's going to be Jonathan Taylor, who means far more to the Colts if he gets the opportunity” (09:03).
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Jason Moore: Recommended Clyde Edwards-Helaire from Kansas City, citing his immediate role in the offense. “Clyde Edwards-Helaire for Kansas City. That offense from day one” (09:35).
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Alan Robinson: Proposed Antonio Gibson, targeting a running back with dual-threat capabilities. “I'm going with Antonio Gibson” (08:53).
News and Notes
The episode covered a variety of NFL updates impacting fantasy football decisions.
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Contracts and Extensions:
- Deshaun Watson: Secured a four-year, $160 million extension with the Texans, the second-highest contract for a quarterback.
- Alvin Kamara: The Saints extended Kamara's contract, ensuring his availability and impact despite Drew Brees potentially retiring after the season.
Mike Wright highlighted the significance of Watson’s contract: “$160 million, which just makes... second highest, behind Patrick Mahomes' $500 million contract” (10:07).
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Team Changes and Injuries:
- Detroit Lions: Signed Adrian Peterson to a one-year deal, addressing their running back depth. Discussions included how this affects DeAndre Swift’s role.
- Dallas Cowboys: Released DeAndre Washington and other roster adjustments, signaling shifts in their defensive lineup.
Jason Moore humorously discussed Adrian Peterson’s signing: “Adrian Peterson could get some run here. He could in Detroit” (13:26).
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Roster Strategies:
- Emphasis on using the last roster spot for IR-eligible players to maximize flexibility.
- Recommendations to monitor injury updates and adjust fantasy rosters accordingly.
Mike Wright advised on dynasty league strategies: “I'm hoping to sell high. I'm hoping to get out of them because Camara still has an enormous amount of value” (12:09).
Mailbag Highlights
Listeners posed questions concerning player starts and roster decisions, which the hosts addressed with strategic insights.
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Christian Kirk vs. Larry Fitzgerald (4-point PPR):
- Mike Wright: Favored Christian Kirk for his youth and potential growth.
- Jason Moore: Suggested Larry Fitzgerald could outperform through the early weeks, referencing Fitzgerald’s strong starts from previous seasons. “I would not be shocked... if somehow Larry Fitzgerald is the better fantasy wide receiver through three weeks” (39:04).
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Mark Ingram vs. Jonathan Taylor (Flex Decision):
- Mike Wright and Jason Moore: Recommended starting Mark Ingram due to his established role and consistency over the less proven Jonathan Taylor.
- Alan Robinson: Agreed with prioritizing Ingram unless Roster needs dictate otherwise. “Mark Ingram would be my start” (40:21).
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Super Bowl Picks Stack – Russell Wilson and Chris Carson:
- Mike Wright: Generally not in favor of stacking unless both players are strong pass-catchers.
- Jason Moore and Alan Robinson: Acknowledged potential benefits if the team’s offense is prolific, though generally cautious about pairing QB and RB from the same team.
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James Robinson vs. Zach Moss/Chris Thompson:
- Alan Robinson: Prioritized James Robinson for his starting role in Jacksonville.
- Mike Wright: Recommended holding onto Chris Thompson and Zach Moss over James Robinson due to their potential upside. “I'm definitely hanging on to Chris Thompson and Zach Moss” (43:18).
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Jonathan Taylor vs. Marlon Mack (RB2 Start):
- Mike Wright: Opted for Marlon Mack for his proven performance and immediate impact.
- Alan Robinson: Encouraged taking the chance on Jonathan Taylor, betting on his breakout potential.
- Jason Moore: Expressed hesitance due to potential shared backfield usage but leaned towards Marlon Mack for reliability. “I would start Marlon Mack Week one” (47:31).
Final Thoughts
The hosts wrapped up with strategic advice on roster construction, emphasizing adaptability and responsiveness to emerging news and injuries. They encouraged listeners to stay active on the waiver wire and make informed decisions based on the latest updates.
Mike Wright concluded with a reminder to leverage community resources: “FootClan Leagues.com is a website that we've set up to bring all the Foot Clan members together” (49:37).
Timestamp References:
- 04:05
- 04:34
- 05:55
- 07:11
- 07:12
- 07:35
- 08:53
- 09:03
- 09:35
- 10:07
- 12:09
- 13:26
- 39:04
- 40:21
- 43:18
- 47:31
- 49:37
Note: Timestamps are relative to the podcast transcript provided.
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