Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - "The TRUTH: Second Tier QBs in 2019"

Release Date: January 30, 2020

In this episode of Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the performances of second-tier quarterbacks (QBs) from the 2019 NFL season. The discussion provides insightful analyses on their consistency, fantasy value, and projections for future seasons, helping fantasy managers make informed decisions.

1. Patrick Mahomes

Consistency Ranking: #5
Games Played: 14

Patrick Mahomes, often touted as one of the elite QBs, finished the season at number seven overall. Despite playing only 14 games, his consistency ranked fifth. The hosts discussed the natural regression from his astounding 5,000-yard and 50-touchdown season, attributing his drop to missed games and inconsistent performances.

• Andy Holloway ([09:53]): "Patrick Mahomes was amazing, but expecting him to replicate last year’s 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns was unrealistic."

• Jason Moore ([11:25]): "He was the best quarterback, but his touchdown regression hit due to missed games."

The trio concluded that while Mahomes remains a top-tier QB, fantasy managers should exercise caution regarding his touchdown projections and consider his current draft value.

2. Kyler Murray

Consistency Ranking: #17
Status: Rookie

Kyler Murray ended the season at number eight among QBs, bolstered by his rushing ability. Although he threw for fewer than 4,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, his over 500 rushing yards contributed significantly to his fantasy ranking.

• Andy Holloway ([16:04]): "Kyler’s ability to rush adds a valuable dimension to his fantasy output, making him a top 10 QB."

The hosts noted his potential for improvement, especially if the Arizona Cardinals enhance their receiving corps, suggesting that Murray's rushing efficiency could lead to increased fantasy value in subsequent seasons.

3. Aaron Rodgers

Consistency Ranking: #25

Aaron Rodgers experienced a disappointing season, finishing 25th in consistency. The decline was attributed to reduced red zone efficiency and the lack of reliable pass-catching options.

• Mike Wright ([23:58]): "Aaron Rodgers must accept new realities in fantasy football; his performance this year doesn't align with his past greatness."

Rodgers' struggles were linked to his offensive system and limited receiving weapons, prompting the hosts to recommend caution when considering him for fantasy rosters.

4. Carson Wentz

Consistency Ranking: #10

Carson Wentz showcased consistency but fell short of expectations, finishing tenth overall. Injuries and the evaporation of key offensive weapons hampered his fantasy performance.

• Jason Moore ([32:31]): "Despite a solid start, injuries and lack of weapons led to Wentz’s inconsistent late-season performance."

The discussion highlighted the challenges Wentz faced in maintaining his early-season form and the importance of stable offensive support for his fantasy viability.

5. Matt Ryan

Consistency Ranking: #12

Matt Ryan delivered a mediocre fantasy season, marked by high interception rates and reliance on inconsistent offensive support.

• Andy Holloway ([39:10]): "Matt Ryan's touchdown numbers were below average, and his consistency suffered due to missing key offensive players."

The hosts expressed skepticism about Ryan's future performance unless significant improvements are made to his offensive lineup, emphasizing the need for reliable receiving options.

6. Jared Goff

Consistency Ranking: #11

Jared Goff faced a regression year, leading the league in passing attempts but failing to convert that volume into touchdowns effectively.

• Andy Holloway ([41:41]): "Jared Goff's increase in passing attempts did not translate into higher fantasy production due to inefficiencies."

The decline was primarily attributed to offensive line issues and a lack of defensive support, suggesting that Goff may not be a reliable fantasy option in the near term.

7. Ryan Tannehill

Consistency Ranking: #2

Ryan Tannehill surprised many with his robust performance, achieving a high consistency ranking despite a mid-season surge.

• Jason Moore ([46:31]): "Tannehill's efficiency and improved passing accuracy make him a valuable fantasy option, especially if Derek Henry remains healthy."

The hosts praised Tannehill's balanced play between passing and rushing, recommending him as a dependable QB choice in fantasy drafts, contingent on the health of key offensive players.

8. Matthew Stafford

Consistency Ranking: #8
Games Played: 8

Matthew Stafford had a standout performance in the limited games he played, maintaining a high consistency rank and projecting impressive stats if given a full season.

• Andy Holloway ([50:01]): "Stafford’s high yardage and touchdown rate in the games he played suggest significant upside for next season."

However, the inconsistency against stronger defenses and reliance on specific offensive conditions were noted as potential drawbacks.

9. Drew Brees

Consistency Ranking: #6
Games Played: 11

Drew Brees returned from injury with a commendable touchdown rate, finishing number 21 in fantasy rankings. Despite missing several games, his late-season performance boosted his consistency.

• Jason Moore ([53:05]): "Brees demonstrated resilience and effectiveness, though sustaining this touchdown rate remains uncertain."

The hosts acknowledged Brees' reliability when healthy but cautioned about his ability to maintain such performances consistently.

10. Baker Mayfield

Consistency Ranking: #20

Baker Mayfield had an erratic season, showcasing high touchdown rates in limited games but failing to sustain performance across the board.

• Andy Holloway ([54:38]): "Mayfield's impressive touchdown numbers were not sustainable, leading to skepticism about his long-term fantasy value."

The discussion concluded that while Mayfield has potential, his inconsistent performances warrant cautious optimism for future fantasy seasons.

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers provided a comprehensive analysis of second-tier quarterbacks from the 2019 NFL season, highlighting the challenges and considerations fantasy managers must account for. Key takeaways include:

• Consistency and Health: Injuries and inconsistent performances significantly impact a QB's fantasy value.
• Offensive Support: Reliable receiving targets and a strong offensive line are crucial for sustaining high fantasy output.
• Projection and Value: Understanding a QB's regression or improvement from previous seasons aids in making informed draft decisions.

By dissecting each QB's strengths and weaknesses, the hosts equipped listeners with valuable insights to navigate their fantasy football strategies effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore ([09:19]): "I want the truth."
• Mike Wright ([23:58]): "Aaron Rodgers must accept new realities in fantasy football."
• Andy Holloway ([16:04]): "Kyler’s ability to rush adds a valuable dimension to his fantasy output."
• Jason Moore ([27:17]): "There's almost no area where I would draft Aaron Rodgers."

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