Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Episode "The TRUTH: Top 10 TEs + SB Lineups, Kupp of Sadness"
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction & Pre-Super Bowl Context
In the episode's opening, the Fantasy Footballers gear up for the Super Bowl, reflecting on past matchups and setting the stage for their final "Truth" segment of the season.
- Andy Holloway [02:14]: "Thursday, February 6th. Last show before the Super Bowl, so we can get our thoughts in about that."
The hosts reminisce about attending the previous Super Bowl matchup between the Chiefs and Eagles in Glendale, highlighting the excitement surrounding these powerhouse offenses and quarterbacks.
Major News & Trade Rumors
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around emerging trade rumors, particularly concerning Cooper Kupp.
- Jason Moore [06:43]: "A friend of the show Cooper Kupp announced on social media that the Rams are looking to trade him."
Key Points:
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Cooper Kupp's Trade Speculation: Kupp, turning 32 in June, has seen a decline in target share (11% in the final stretch), making him a potential trade target. His performance dipped significantly when sidelined, leading to the Rams' decision.
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Potential Replacements: The conversation shifts to possible replacements like Jordan Whittington and comparisons to players like Adam Thielen, suggesting that Kupp could still be a valuable asset if traded to a team with a solid quarterback.
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Travis Kelce's Future: The hosts also touch upon Travis Kelce's statements about his longevity, noting his fluctuating performance and the uncertainty surrounding his future as he ages.
- Mike Wright [12:38]: "Kelsey is always the number one tight end. Even last year when he finishes the number two."
The Truth: Top 10 Tight Ends
This segment delves deep into the tight end landscape for fantasy football, analyzing consistency, performance, and future potential.
Overview of Tight End Consistency and Trends
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Jason Moore [15:13]: "The Ravens tight ends had 18 receiving touchdowns for the Ravens... That's as many as the Cowboys, Colts, Giants, Rams, Panthers, Chargers, Jags, and Texans combined."
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Mike Wright [17:31]: "These are stars who are... Have found themselves into good situations that they can actually shine and be the focal point."
The hosts highlight a trend of increasing receptions among tight ends, attributing it to evolving offensive strategies and the emergence of new talent.
Detailed Rankings
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George Kittle - San Francisco 49ers
- Rank: #1
- Consistency: High, with a consistent target share and reliable performance.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [20:03]: "He was a wonderful draft pick. This was a fifth, sixth round draft pick that was the number one tight end on the season."
- Analysis: Despite his age (31.2 years) and being in the final year of his deal, Kittle remains a top-tier fantasy asset, especially with his strong red zone presence.
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Brock Bowers - [Team Name Not Specified]
- Rank: #2
- Consistency: Moderate, with a mix of great and bust games.
- Quote:
- Jason Moore [22:10]: "There's nobody I want more at my tight end spot than Brock Bowers for probably the next eight years."
- Analysis: A seventh-round pick who quickly became a fantasy sensation, Bowers benefits from high target volume and positions himself as a future first-round tight end.
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Trey McBride - Arizona Cardinals
- Rank: #3
- Consistency: High in the second half of the season.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [29:03]: "Trey McBride is going to be a really valuable fantasy asset next year."
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Sam LaPorta - [Team Name Not Specified]
- Rank: #4
- Consistency: Inconsistent, tied to team dynamics and offensive focus.
- Quote:
- Jason Moore [33:42]: "Sam Laporta can be good. He is a very, very serviceable option in this offense."
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Johnny Smith - [Team Name Not Specified]
- Rank: #5
- Consistency: Mixed; strong second half but shaky start.
- Quote:
- Jason Moore [35:27]: "Johnny Smith was the number four most consistent and number four overall."
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Travis Kelce - [Team Name Not Specified]
- Rank: #6
- Consistency: Declining, with a high bust rate but still produces when active.
- Quote:
- Jason Moore [44:02]: "He is Travis Kelsey's story. He is, he, he, he..."
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Dallas Goddard
- Rank: #7
- Consistency: Middle-tier with occasional strong performances.
- Quote:
- Jason Moore [56:16]: "Dallas Goddard is the tight end seven in our consistency rankings."
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Zach Ertz - [Team Name Not Specified]
- Rank: #9
- Consistency: Declining performance, not meeting past standards.
- Quote:
- Jason Moore [51:34]: "Zach Ertz did it."
Note: The transcript primarily covers the top rankings, with some discussion on players beyond the top 10 being minimal or non-existent.
Fantasy Face Off & Super Bowl Lineups
In the episode's finale, the hosts engage in a playful competition to draft their ideal Super Bowl fantasy lineups.
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Andy Holloway [59:07]: "That's who I'm talking about."
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Mike Wright [61:04]: "I'll be drafting them very, very high right now as the tight end too."
Key Points:
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Captain Choices: Both Mike and Jason choose Saquon Barkley as their team captain for its high point potential.
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Player Selections: The lineups feature a mix of top-performing receivers and tight ends, emphasizing the strategic importance of selecting reliable players with high target volumes.
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Notable Selections:
- Hollywood Brown [60:04]
- DeAndre Hopkins [61:04]: Hoped to capitalize on his touchdown potential despite inconsistent targeting.
Conclusions & Final Thoughts
The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of selecting top-tier tight ends and being cautious with mid-tier options. They emphasize the evolving dynamics of tight end performances and encourage listeners to focus on consistent performers or high-upside options for their fantasy rosters.
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Jason Moore [62:13]: "Focus on those next year for tight end."
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Andy Holloway [62:17]: "I like my nasty boy. Tight ends."
The episode concludes with reminders about responsible gambling and promotional content for DraftKings, signifying the end of the season’s Fantasy Football discussions.
Notable Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [15:07]: "You want answers?"
- Jason Moore [15:13]: "The Ravens tight ends had 18 receiving touchdowns..."
- Mike Wright [20:03]: "He was a wonderful draft pick."
- Jason Moore [22:10]: "There's nobody I want more at my tight end spot than Brock Bowers..."
- Jason Moore [56:16]: "Dallas Goddard is the tight end seven in our consistency rankings."
- Jason Moore [62:13]: "Focus on those next year for tight end."
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football enthusiasts focusing on tight end strategies, providing in-depth analysis, player rankings, and actionable insights to optimize their fantasy rosters going into the Super Bowl.