Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: The TRUTH About Fantasy RBs in 2018, Part 2
Release Date: January 24, 2019

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deeper into the performance and consistency of fantasy running backs from the 2018 NFL season. Building upon their initial analysis, Part 2 focuses on running backs ranked from #11 onward, providing listeners with comprehensive evaluations to inform their fantasy football strategies.

Anecdote: The "Sack of Potatoes" Incident

[03:03] Jason Moore:
Jason shares a humorous anecdote from their morning pickleball session, where he was labeled a "sack of potatoes" by an elderly opponent. This light-hearted story sets the tone for the episode, emphasizing camaraderie and the hosts' approachable personalities.

Dynasty League Draft Timing

The hosts address a listener's question from Willie Z in Green Bay, Wisconsin, regarding the optimal timing for starting a dynasty fantasy football league draft.

[05:05] Jason Moore:
Jason explains the challenges of scheduling a dynasty draft during the offseason, highlighting the uncertainty of player performances and free-agent signings. He emphasizes the importance of waiting until after the NFL Draft to ensure informed decision-making.

[06:24] Mike Wright:
Mike concurs, suggesting that holding the draft shortly after the NFL Draft provides the best balance between early preparation and access to comprehensive player information.

Running Back Rankings and Consistency

The core of the episode involves a detailed analysis of running backs' performance consistency and their fantasy football value. The hosts utilize proprietary metrics to evaluate each player's ability to deliver dependable fantasy points.

11. Kareem Hunt

[09:42] Mike Wright:
Mike discusses Kareem Hunt's inconsistency due to his abrupt exit from the season following an off-field incident. Despite being the 7th most consistent RB through Week 11, Hunt's absence leaves uncertainty in the Chiefs' backfield.

[12:53] Jason Moore:
Jason critiques the hype around Damian Williams, asserting that Hunt’s potential replacement may not offer reliable fantasy value, especially if drafted in the early rounds.

Notable Quote:

[12:01] Andy Holloway: "Having seen the playoff games now, I believe that Damian Williams will be the foundational back for that backfield next year."

12. Philip Lindsay

[15:15] Andy Holloway:
Andy praises Philip Lindsay's emergence as a consistent weapon for the Denver Broncos, noting his ability to produce significant fantasy points despite missing two weeks.

[17:50] Jason Moore:
Jason addresses concerns about Lindsay's durability, comparing him to resilient backs like Darren Sproles, and remains optimistic about his future contributions.

Notable Quote:

[19:16] Jason Moore: "He is a great running back. His pro day was like 4, 3, 3 speed. He is really good and I think with this defensive-minded coach, the consistency that you saw from Philip Lindsay this year, the truth on Philip Lindsay is he's good."

13. Tariq Cohen

[20:36] Mike Wright:
Mike expresses interest in Tariq Cohen despite his 31% consistency ranking, attributing early-season struggles to coaching strategies and defensive matchups.

[22:23] Mike Wright:
He acknowledges Cohen's volatility but maintains that overall, Cohen remains a safe top-20 running back option.

Notable Quote:

[22:23] Mike Wright: "He is, is going to be safe to be a top."

14. Derek Henry

[25:00] Andy Holloway:
Andy scrutinizes Derek Henry's fantasy performance, noting his 50% bust rate and inconsistent carry usage despite explosive potential.

[27:10] Jason Moore:
Jason warns against overvaluing Henry's potential breakout, emphasizing the unpredictability of his carry counts and efficiency.

Notable Quote:

[27:10] Jason Moore: "Don't buy into his end of season rankings. But then it kept going."

15. Chris Carson

[29:41] Andy Holloway:
Andy commends Chris Carson's role as a reliable RB2 in Seattle, highlighting his pass-catching abilities and high yards after contact.

[30:43] Andy Holloway:
He addresses Carson's injury risks, suggesting that while he remains consistent when healthy, injuries pose a significant uncertainty.

Notable Quote:

[29:41] Andy Holloway: "He feels like the number one guy in Seattle."

16. Nick Chubb

[32:59] Jason Moore:
Jason lauds Nick Chubb's performance, positioning him as a top-tier running back with a bright future, especially with Freddie Kitchens returning as offensive coordinator.

[33:21] Andy Holloway:
Andy highlights Chubb's quality play, noting his Pro Football Focus rating and his potential to remain a cornerstone in Cleveland's offense.

Notable Quote:

[35:06] Mike Wright: "Freddie Kitchens was back. He's calling the shots. I'm very excited for Chubb."

17. Kenyon Drake

[37:22] Jason Moore:
Jason criticizes Kenyon Drake's lack of production and consistency, deeming him an unreliable fantasy asset.

[39:13] Andy Holloway:
Andy echoes Jason's sentiments, expressing disappointment in Drake's performance and questioning the coaching strategies that limited his workload.

Notable Quote:

[38:35] Andy Holloway: "Damian Williams is what I'm saying, Jason."

18. Adrian Peterson

[40:22] Andy Holloway:
Andy reflects on Adrian Peterson's inconsistent season, recognizing his high touchdowns but also his limited offensive opportunities and injury concerns.

[42:12] Jason Moore:
Jason acknowledges Peterson's potential but underscores his boom-bust nature, advising caution when considering him for fantasy teams.

Notable Quote:

[41:19] Andy Holloway: "Adrian Peterson will be back, in my opinion, with the Washington Redskins."

19. Tevin Coleman

[43:41] Mike Wright:
Mike critiques Tevin Coleman's underwhelming performance with limited carries, suggesting that his fantasy value has diminished.

[46:55] Andy Holloway:
Andy speculates on Coleman's future, pondering whether his explosive potential can be harnessed by another team or if he will decline further.

Notable Quote:

[44:42] Andy Holloway: "I don't know if he's the key to getting you to the playoffs."

Additional Running Backs Discussed

Marlon Mack (#21)

[48:22] Mike Wright:
Mike positions Marlon Mack as an RB1 contender, contingent on the Colts maintaining their current offensive line and coaching strategies.

[50:22] Mike Wright:
He highlights the Colts' high-powered offense and Mack's role within it, endorsing him over other running backs like Jordan Howard.

Notable Quote:

[50:27] Andy Holloway: "He would love Damian Williams to be the guy."

Lamar Miller (#22)

[51:14] Andy Holloway:
Andy praises Lamar Miller's consistency and Pro Bowl selection despite his fluctuating performance, categorizing him as a reliable asset.

Notable Quote:

[51:14] Andy Holloway: "He was an anomaly himself... He was very good."

Aaron Jones (#23)

[51:19] Andy Holloway:
Andy expresses high expectations for Aaron Jones, anticipating a significant role in the Packers' offense under the new coaching staff.

Notable Quote:

[52:15] Andy Holloway: "If Jamal Williams runs out there week one, that'll be one of those things."

Tevin Coleman (#19) and Dalvin Cook (#31)

[55:20] Andy Holloway:
Andy contrasts Tevin Coleman’s and Dalvin Cook’s fantasy value, emphasizing Cook’s explosive capabilities and reliability despite age-related concerns.

Notable Quote:

[55:20] Andy Holloway: "Dalvin Cook has a great future ahead of him."

Sony Michel and Leonard Fournette

[55:19] Andy Holloway:
Andy advocates for Sony Michel's undervalued potential, citing his increased usage towards the end of the season amidst various team variables.

[57:02] Mike Wright:
Mike discusses Leonard Fournette's inconsistent performance but acknowledges his ability to dominate against top defenses, keeping him as a potential fantasy asset.

Notable Quote:

[56:34] Mike Wright: "It is a mystery."

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the episode by summarizing their findings on the consistency and fantasy value of various running backs from the 2018 season. They emphasize the importance of considering both past performance and future potential, cautioning against overreliance on volatile players while highlighting those who offer reliable output.

[59:35] Andy Holloway:
Andy thanks the audience and promotes their community resources, reinforcing their commitment to helping listeners succeed in their fantasy leagues.

Notable Quote:

[56:46] Andy Holloway: "You have a different group of running backs. Last year was..."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a nuanced analysis of fantasy running backs, blending statistical evaluation with personal insights from the hosts. By examining each player's consistency, potential upside, and situational factors, the Fantasy Footballers offer valuable guidance for fantasy managers aiming to optimize their rosters for the upcoming season.

Stay Connected:
Join the fantasy football community at jointhefoot.com and follow the hosts on Twitter @the_ffballers.