Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode Title: The TRUTH: QBs Part 2 + Deep Dives, Pendulum Swings
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Episode Overview

In this episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deeper into their ongoing "The Truth" series, focusing on quarterbacks' performances during the 2024 NFL season. The trio offers in-depth analyses, strong opinions, and strategic advice for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their quarterback selections. Additionally, they cover significant news and notes from around the league, including coaching changes and team updates.

2. Weekly Football Recap

Key Highlights:

• Buffalo vs. Kansas City: Mike Wright expresses excitement about the potential matchup, referencing a memorable comeback by the Chiefs against Buffalo. He remarks, “... the fact they won and then, man." ([02:51], [03:14])

• Refereeing and Flopping: The hosts discuss the controversial officiating in recent games, particularly criticising Patrick Mahomes' on-field antics. Andy Holloway comments, “...like he was a flop, dude. It's a flop.” ([04:09], [04:12])

• Fan Sentiment on Chiefs: Jason Moore highlights a poll showing a significant shift in fan opinions towards the Kansas City Chiefs, noting, “76% are on. I can't stand the Chiefs.” ([05:57])

3. The Truth: Quarterbacks Part 2

a. Kyler Murray

• Performance Analysis: The hosts critique Murray's inconsistency, emphasizing that his fantasy value fluctuated based on his rushing performance. Mike Wright states, “... he was so much worse in the second half because the first half of the season his consistency score was number five.” ([20:14], [20:34])

• Strategic Advice: They advise caution when drafting Murray, suggesting he could be a high-risk, high-reward pick in double-digit rounds. Andy Holloway remarks, “I want to be out.” ([24:10], [24:27])

b. Brock Purdy

• Season Performance: Purdy is acknowledged for performing reasonably given his team’s struggles. “Brock Purdy did the best he could do this year.” ([26:59], [27:07])

• Fantasy Implications: While consistent, Purdy lacked standout games necessary for championship contention. Jason Moore notes, “... he's not going to win you a championship.” ([28:32])

c. Justin Herbert

• Consistency Issues: Herbert's fantasy relevance is questioned due to a lack of explosive games, though there was improvement in passing efficiency later in the season. “He never had a great game.” ([29:15], [29:30])

• Future Outlook: The hosts remain cautiously optimistic about Herbert's future in fantasy football, expecting potential growth with offensive additions. Jason Moore states, “I really do think [Herbert] will be... relevant for fantasy football purposes.” ([31:15])

d. Caleb Williams

• Rookie Season Struggles: Williams faced significant challenges, including a high number of sacks and turnovers, leading to a poor fantasy finish. “This was more catastrophic by far. This is worse than the Kyler one.” ([45:19], [45:43])

• Development Potential: Despite the rough start, there's hope for improvement with new coaching strategies under Ben Johnson. Jason Moore suggests, “...if he [turns it around], he will be relevant for fantasy football from time to time.” ([56:26], [56:34])

e. Geno Smith

• Declining Performance: Smith’s fantasy value has diminished, with a noticeable drop from previous seasons. “He was a two quarterback guy.” ([37:31])

• Team Dynamics: His performance is tied to the Seahawks' offensive changes, including the departure of key wide receivers. Andy Holloway comments, “He was the only 16 over the first half because...” ([39:11])

f. Jordan Love

• Inconsistency Issues: Love struggled with touchdown rates and was heavily influenced by the Packers' reliance on running back Josh Jacobs. “7% great. 21% good. 43% bust.” ([41:58], [42:04])

• Future Prospects: The hosts remain skeptical about Love’s long-term fantasy viability, citing the Packers' offensive strategy. Jason Moore states, “He's the quintessential pocket passer...” ([43:22])

g. C.J. Stroud

• Rookie Performance: Stroud faced a challenging rookie season but showed signs of improvement towards the end. “This was, I would say, you can't win with that.” ([45:19], [46:26])

• Fantasy Relevance: Despite setbacks, he holds potential for future fantasy seasons if supportive offensive pieces are added. Jason Moore advises, “I will be very relevant for fantasy.” ([47:15])

h. Anthony Richardson

• Disappointing Season: Richardson is highlighted as a major fantasy bust, with low completion rates and high bust game percentages. “This was obviously one of the biggest busts in fantasy football.” ([56:26])

• Future Outlook: The future remains uncertain, as he faces potential benching due to inconsistent performances. Mike Wright notes, “this was one of the biggest busts.” ([56:46])

i. Bryce Young

• Mid-Season Improvement: Young showed promise in the latter half of the season, regaining some confidence and performance. “He was happy in a big way.” ([60:19], [60:34])

• Fantasy Potential: While not a top-tier fantasy quarterback, Young could offer value in deep rounds or super flex leagues. Jason Moore suggests, “...he'll probably be a better value than the guys around him.” ([62:03])

4. News and Notes: Coaching Changes and Team Updates

Key Highlights:

• Chicago Bears: The Bears hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach, aiming to revitalize the team’s performance. “Ben Johnson goes to Chicago.” ([12:42], [13:02])

• Colts and Falcons: The Colts appointed Lou Anarumo as their defensive coordinator, while the Falcons hired Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach. “Colts hired Lou Anarumo... Falcons hired Jeff Ulbrich.” ([13:27], [13:50])

• Miami Dolphins: Discussions centered around the Dolphins' offensive strategy and the future role of Tua Tagovailoa amid coaching decisions. “What is the future of the Miami Dolphins...” ([51:18])

• Coaching Dynamics: The impact of new coaches on quarterback development and team strategies was a recurring theme, especially concerning young quarterbacks like Caleb Williams.

5. Final Thoughts and Future Projections

QB Drafting Strategy:

• The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding quarterback consistency and variability. They caution against overvaluing quarterbacks with high ceilings but low floors, advocating for a balanced approach in drafts.

Fantasy Football Advice:

• High-Risk QBs: Players like Kyler Murray and Anthony Richardson are portrayed as high-risk, high-reward options, suitable for late-round picks or super flex leagues.

• Reliable Picks: Quarterbacks showing consistent performance, such as Justin Herbert and Jordan Love, are discussed with nuanced views on their fantasy relevance based on team dynamics and offensive support.

Future Episodes:

• The hosts tease upcoming episodes that will continue to explore quarterback performances and extend their analysis to running backs, promising further insights and strategic guidance for fantasy football enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright: “He’s the flop at the end where the ref didn’t call it and it was just. It was full soccer flop.” ([04:12])

• Jason Moore: “76% are on. I can’t stand the Chiefs.” ([05:57])

• Andy Holloway: “I want to be out.” ([24:10])

• Mike Wright: “This was obviously one of the biggest busts in fantasy football.” ([56:26])

This episode provides valuable insights into quarterback performances, offering fantasy football managers nuanced analyses to inform their drafting and in-season management strategies. The hosts blend statistical analysis with personal opinions, making it an informative and engaging listen for both seasoned and novice fantasy football participants.