Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: The Fantasy MVP Show + Team DEF Strategy
Release Date: August 22, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Guests: Brad Evans (Yahoo Sports), Matt Harmon (Yahoo Sports), Ross Tucker (Fantasy Feast Eatin Podcast), Liz Loza (Yahoo Sports), TJ Hernandez (fourforfour.com), Ben Cummins (FF Ballers DFS Podcast), J.J. Zachariason

Introduction and Show Overview

The episode kicks off with the hosts gearing up for an engaging session focused on identifying the top Fantasy MVP candidates for the 2018 NFL season. After a brief promotional segment for their Ultimate Draft Kit, the hosts and guests dive straight into their fantasy football strategies and player analyses.

Team Defense (DEF) Strategy

Jason Moore and Brad Evans initiate a discussion on drafting team defenses, emphasizing the importance of targeting defenses with favorable Week 1 matchups.

• Jason Moore mentions, “[...] if you're going to pick somebody at the end of a draft. We had our listener league draft yesterday and I queued up a bunch of defenses for my final pick and it was all based on week one schedule because I'm going to play that position week to week” ([05:14]).

Brad Evans suggests the Baltimore Ravens as a strong pick due to their favorable early-season matchups against rookie quarterback Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and the Bengals with Dalton.

• He states, “They open the season at home against what we can presume will be Josh Allen. A Josh Allen led Buffalo Bills. The Baltimore Ravens defense versus a rookie in his first game” ([07:15]).

Mike Wright highlights the adaptability of streaming defenses, pointing out that relying on a single defense can be risky due to potential matchups and personnel changes.

• Mike Wright advises, “...you can stream an Indianapolis Colts defense against the right matchup and you'll have a top five weekly play” ([05:43]).

The consensus among the hosts is to avoid over-drafting team defenses due to variability and instead focus on streaming based on weekly matchups.

Fantasy MVP Selections

The core of the episode revolves around each host and guest presenting their Fantasy MVP picks for the season, accompanied by detailed justifications.

1. Brad Evans (Yahoo Sports) - Royce Freeman, Denver Broncos

   • Reasoning: Freeman is projected as a high-value rookie with significant rushing capabilities. He’s seen as the second most valuable rookie rusher in fantasy after Ezekiel Elliott.
   • Quote: “Romance the fantasy heavens. But Freeman [...] built like a Sherman tank” ([13:09]).

2. Matt Harmon (Yahoo Sports) - Matt LaFleur, Tennessee Titans (Coach as MVP)

   • Reasoning: LaFleur is recognized for transforming the Titans’ offensive strategy, increasing the pace of play, and maximizing the team’s offensive talent.
   • Quote: “[...] team that last year ranked 28th in pace of play [...] now being taken over on the offensive coaching side by Matt LaFleur” ([16:09]).

3. Ross Tucker (Fantasy Feast Eatin Podcast) - Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Line

   • Reasoning: The Eagles' offensive line continues to be a cornerstone for their offense, especially with the addition of Jason Peters. Players like Nelson Agholor and Darren Sproles offer significant PPR value.
   • Quote: “They were already the best in the NFL a year ago and now they get my former teammate, future hall of Famer Jason Peters back at left tackle” ([30:21]).

4. Liz Loza (Yahoo Sports) - J. Crowder, Washington Redskins

   • Reasoning: Despite injuries last season, Crowder showed high touchdown conversion rates and is expected to benefit from a stronger offensive scheme and a better quarterback situation.
   • Quote: “J. Crowder is gonna rebound, and not just for a couple of games” ([34:36]).

5. TJ Hernandez (fourforfour.com) - Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

   • Reasoning: Allen is poised for a breakout season with increased target share and red zone opportunities, especially with Hunter Henry out for the season.
   • Quote: “Allen could also challenge for the lead league and targets and the overall wide receiver 1 in all scoring formats” ([38:22]).

6. Ben Cummins (FF Ballers DFS Podcast) - Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks

   • Reasoning: Lockett is highlighted as a high-value WR with increased opportunities due to offseason changes in the Seahawks’ roster, including injuries to key targets.
   • Quote: “[...] 2018 is the year Tyler Lockett finally blows up” ([41:16]).

7. J.J. Zachariason (Friend of the Show) - Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots

   • Reasoning: Burkhead is seen as a versatile RB with RB1 upside, benefiting from goal-line work and a flexible role in the Patriots’ offense.
   • Quote: “Rex Burkhead was going to be my fantasy mvp” ([24:43]).

8. Mike Wright (Host) - Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks

   • Reasoning: Baldwin is projected to surge due to the departure of key offensive players, increasing his targets and touchdown opportunities.
   • Quote: “[...] Doug Baldwin will be near the league lead and you can have him right now as a locked and loaded wide receiver” ([44:35]).

9. Jason Moore (Host) - Stefan Diggs, Minnesota Vikings

   • Reasoning: Diggs is lauded for his route-running precision, high success rate against man coverage, and consistent improvement, positioning him as a top-tier WR.
   • Quote: “teammates may refer to Stefan Diggs as the solution” ([51:58]).

Injury Updates and Player News

Throughout the episode, the hosts share pertinent updates on player injuries and their fantasy implications:

• Doug Baldwin is confirmed to be ready for Week 1 after recovery from a sore knee, making him a viable fantasy asset.
• Adam Shaheen, the Bears’ tight end, is diagnosed with a sprained foot, easing previous injury concerns.
• Jordan Reed is announced to miss Week 3 and beyond due to injury, influencing draft strategies concerning Washington’s receiver options.

Listener League Draft Insights

The hosts discuss strategies from their listener league drafts, emphasizing the importance of depth and flexibility in deep leagues (14-team formats). Brad Evans shares his approach of selecting Corey Clement and Darren Sproles later in the draft for their standalone value and potential upside.

• Brad Evans: “In that draft I took Ajayi and then around the eighth or ninth round I grabbed Corey Clement and I was incredibly happy to have two guys who have value” ([32:53]).

Mike Wright expands on the value of Darren Sproles, suggesting he’s often underdrafed and can provide significant PPR value in deeper leagues.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway: “Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to crush, humiliate and totally destroy your competition in your fantasy football draft. It's incredibly simple.” ([00:04])

• Brad Evans: “You can be a rhinoceros.” ([23:10])

• Jason Moore: “Stefan Diggs is the solution.” ([51:58])

Conclusion and Upcoming Content

The episode wraps up with the hosts promoting upcoming shows, including a live show in Phoenix and a mock draft episode. They encourage listeners to join their fantasy football community and participate in their various contests and giveaways.

• Brad Evans: “The live shows are stupendous. They are really incredulous. Really, they are fantastic.” ([53:49])

• Jason Moore: “The season is almost here. Stay with us because we're always here.” ([54:29])

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast offers a comprehensive look into the strategic considerations for the upcoming fantasy football season, with in-depth analyses of potential MVPs, defense drafting strategies, and real-time listener league insights. The engaging discussions, supported by expert opinions and notable quotes, provide valuable guidance for both novice and seasoned fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to dominate their leagues.