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

Release Date: January 23, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Episode Title: The TRUTH: Second Tier RBs in 2019

Introduction

In this episode of The Fantasy Footballers, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into the analysis of running backs (RBs) from the 2019 NFL season. Focusing on second-tier RBs, they evaluate consistency, performance metrics, and the impact of injuries and team dynamics on fantasy football outcomes.

1. News and Updates (05:15 - 11:52)

NFL Draft on the Water:
The hosts kick off with exciting news about the upcoming NFL Draft, which is set to take place around the iconic Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. They humorously speculate on the logistics and potential mishaps of staging the draft on moving water.

• Jason Moore (05:19): "The NFL draft is legitimately going to have a fountain. They're going to have a fountain on the water of the Bellagio..."

• Andy Holloway (06:13): "I'm pretty sure that's a hoax. That's not real."

Browns Hiring Bill Callahan:
Bill Callahan is anticipated to take over as the interim head coach for the Cleveland Browns. The trio discusses how Callahan's offensive philosophy could benefit RB Nick Chubb, projecting him as a top-five back.

• Andy Holloway (07:37): "If Kareem Hunt signed somewhere else... that's going to be a top five back."

Jay Gruden Joins Jaguars:
Jay Gruden is appointed as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The hosts express optimism about his ability to elevate the team's offensive performance, particularly benefiting RB Leonard Fournette.

• Mike Wright (09:51): "I think this is a really solid hire. I think it's good news for Leonard Fournette and I'm excited to see what he can do."

2. Beat the Ballers Recap (12:02 - 15:00)

The hosts recap the "Beat the Ballers" competition, where listeners compete against them for a chance to win prizes. They highlight the performances of Mike Wright, Jason Moore, and themselves, discussing strategies and outcomes from the previous week’s competition.

• Jason Moore (12:13): "...Mike beat 28% of you. Jason beat 18% of you with 40 points. I beat just 11% of you with 36 points."

They also tease the upcoming "Ballers Bowl," a $10,000 prize pool competition where they will each pick one player from the Super Bowl to form a team.

3. Running Back Truth: Consistency Rankings (15:00 - 59:56)

The core of the episode centers on analyzing the consistency of various RBs from the 2019 season. The hosts use a ranking system to evaluate how reliable each RB was in delivering consistent fantasy points throughout the season.

a. Leonard Fournette (Consistency Rank: 9)

Fournette exceeded expectations in receptions, doubling last year's target projections, which contributed to his top-ten finish despite Jacksonville's offensive struggles.

• Jason Moore (15:00): "His receiving totals made up for the lack of touchdowns, which made him more consistent."

b. Saquon Barkley (Consistency Rank: 14)

Barkley's season was marred by injuries, leading to decreased performance upon his return. Despite strong potential, his consistency suffered due to limited targets and performance dips.

• Mike Wright (20:12): "He had a touchdown on every 88 carries."

c. Chris Carson (Consistency Rank: 17)

Carson showed great talent but struggled with fumbling issues early in the season. The hosts discuss his potential for future seasons if Seattle bolsters its depth chart.

• Mike Wright (27:05): "The dude's a beast. He fits perfectly in the system that Seattle wants to run."

d. Alvin Kamara (Consistency Rank: 6)

Despite touchdown regression, Kamara remained a reliable RB due to his yardage and reception totals. The hosts defend his consistency ranking, emphasizing his continued value in fantasy drafts.

• Mike Wright (30:07): "His yards per reception were still strong, making him one of the best fantasy running backs."

e. Joe Mixon (Consistency Rank: 22)

Mixon's performance improved significantly in the latter half of the season, aligning with the Jaguars' overall team performance. The hosts express high confidence in Mixon's potential for the next season.

• Jason Moore (37:46): "Joe Mixon is a player. What's his ceiling?"

f. Todd Gurley (Consistency Rank: 12)

Gurley struggled with decreased efficiency and reduced receiving involvement. The inconsistency stemmed from offensive line issues and coaching decisions.

• Andy Holloway (41:08): "He was a top five running back last year but didn't finish as one this year."

g. Miles Sanders vs. Devin Singletary (Consistency Ranks: 29 vs. 27)

Sanders, despite being a rookie with impressive stats, was weighed against Singletary, whose path as the primary RB for the Buffalo Bills remains clear but limited by team dynamics.

• Mike Wright (46:10): "It's difficult to put these two guys together because Devin Singletary's path is clear."

h. Le'Veon Bell (Consistency Rank: 13)

Bell was average throughout the season but showed potential for increased value with a more stable team environment. The hosts consider him a viable RB2 option.

• Jason Moore (52:07): "All I'm saying is you're going to be facing decisions in next year's draft about taking Hopkins, Thomas, Devonte Adams in the first round... I'm fine with Joe Mixon as my RB1."

i. Josh Jacobs (Consistency Rank: 10)

Jacobs demonstrated strong performance but was hindered by injuries. The hosts discuss his high ADP (Average Draft Position) and potential as a solid second-round pick.

• Jason Moore (54:31): "He's a top-five talent in the NFL."

j. James Conner (Consistency Rank: 20)

Conner's season was inconsistent due to injuries and team dynamics. The hosts debate his future potential, considering Pittsburgh's offensive direction.

• Andy Holloway (59:40): "I worry about James Conner next year just from what we saw this year."

k. Additional RBs: Melvin Gordon, Raheem Mostert, Damian Williams, etc.

The hosts briefly touch on other RBs, highlighting their consistency rankings and performance nuances, emphasizing the complexity of predicting future outcomes based on past inconsistencies.

4. Conclusion and Looking Ahead (59:56 - End)

Wrapping up, the hosts reiterate the importance of consistency in RB performance for fantasy football success. They tease upcoming episodes and competitions, encouraging listeners to stay engaged and utilize their insights for better draft strategies.

• Jason Moore (64:34): "The big game is this weekend. Go Pro Bowl. Goodbye."

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore (05:19):
  "The NFL draft is legitimately going to have a fountain. They're going to have a fountain on the water of the Bellagio..."

• Mike Wright (07:37):
  "Bill Callahan more man than Kevin Stefanski when it comes to running the ball."

• Andy Holloway (08:14):
  "If Kareem Hunt signed somewhere else... that's going to be a top five back."

• Jason Moore (37:46):
  "Joe Mixon is a player. What's his ceiling?"

• Andy Holloway (41:08):
  "He was a top five running back last year but didn't finish as one this year."

• Jason Moore (52:07):
  "All I'm saying is you're going to be facing decisions in next year's draft about taking Hopkins, Thomas, Devonte Adams in the first round... I'm fine with Joe Mixon as my RB1."

Key Takeaways

• Consistency is Crucial: Reliable RB performance is vital for fantasy football success. Players with steady outputs are more valuable than those with sporadic high scores.

• Injuries Impact Rankings: Injuries played a significant role in the inconsistency of several RBs, affecting their overall fantasy rankings.

• Team Dynamics Matter: Coaching changes, offensive line performance, and quarterback stability directly influence RB performance and their fantasy value.

• Draft Strategies: Understanding the nuances of each RB's season helps in making informed decisions during drafts, prioritizing players who are likely to offer consistent returns.

Final Thoughts

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the 2019 RB landscape, offering valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts. By dissecting individual performances and broader team impacts, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge to enhance their fantasy strategies for future seasons.