Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: This or That ADP Game + Clenching While Drafting
Release Date: May 26, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Responding to Listener Questions: Best NFL Receiving Core

Timestamp: 04:00 - 08:39

The episode kicks off with a listener question from Trent on Instagram: "What team has the best receiving core in the NFL?" The hosts engage in a lively discussion, debating the merits of various teams' receiving groups.

• Jason Moore advocates for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, highlighting players like Mike Evans, Dante Pettis, and the addition of O.J. Howard:

  "As a four of all time. Yes. You know, and as of right now, Cameron Brait's still there. You've got, you know, who's the best tight end group in the league. It's... Tampa Bay, right?" (05:12)

• Mike Wright counters by suggesting the Baltimore Ravens, but the conversation shifts as the Philadelphia Eagles enter the mix:

  "Amari Cooper... Calvin Ridley... their wide receiver core is impressive." (05:58)

• Andy Holloway introduces the Arizona Cardinals, emphasizing Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk as key components:

  "I'm talking about the Arizona Cardinals... shout out to the postman who always delivers." (07:09)

The debate underscores the complexity of evaluating receiving cores, considering both established stars and emerging talents.

2. News and Updates from Around the League

Timestamp: 08:39 - 14:20

The hosts delve into recent NFL developments affecting fantasy football decisions.

• Carlos Hyde Signing with Seattle Seahawks:

  "The Seahawks have signed running back Carlos Hyde to a one-year contract." (08:56)

  Mike Wright shares his dynasty league trade involving Miles Sanders, trading him for Raheem Mostert, Deontay Johnson, and draft picks:

  "I traded Miles Sanders in a dynasty... At least 15% of people think it's the worst trade." (09:29)

• Devonta Freeman's Career Uncertainty:

  "Devonta Freeman is willing to sit out the season, AKA retire." (10:59)

  Jason Moore emphasizes the potential negative impact on teams betting on Freeman:

  "I would personally be more concerned about Freeman than Carlos Hyde because he's a good quality pass catcher." (13:59)

• Seattle's Running Back Room:

  "Chris Carson is still the starter, with Carlos Hyde and Rashad Penny as backups." (12:43)

The segment highlights strategic considerations for fantasy owners regarding player acquisitions and team depth.

3. This or That ADP Game

Timestamp: 14:32 - 55:14

The core of the episode features the "This or That ADP Game," where the hosts choose between two players of the same position and similar Average Draft Position (ADP), discussing their merits for fantasy drafts.

a. Veteran Running Backs: Todd Gurley vs. David Johnson

Timestamp: 15:00 - 21:18

• Jason Moore leans towards David Johnson due to his versatility and consistent usage:

  "Why would you say David Johnson? I think you definitely should pick me... his volume will be there." (15:51)

• Andy Holloway and Mike Wright argue for Todd Gurley, citing his role in Atlanta and offensive opportunities:

  "I think it's more likely to be the guy... week one and week two." (20:37)

Ultimately, Andy Holloway and Jason Moore favor David Johnson, while Mike Wright supports Todd Gurley, reflecting differing risk assessments regarding health and role stability.

b. Wide Receivers: Amari Cooper vs. Cooper Kupp

Timestamp: 21:29 - 24:46

• Mike Wright critiques Cooper Kupp's performance under man coverage, preferring Amari Cooper for reliability:

  "I think Amari Cooper is more... there's less risk of something strange happening." (22:46)

• Andy Holloway emphasizes Amari Cooper's consistent performance, while acknowledging Cooper Kupp's potential:

  "I flip flopped Cooper cup and Robert woods in my rankings..." (23:38)

Both Andy Holloway and Mike Wright conclude in favor of Amari Cooper, citing his proven track record and lower risk profile.

c. Quarterbacks: Big Ben Roethlisberger vs. Kirk Cousins

Timestamp: 28:22 - 37:36

• Mike Wright prefers Big Ben Roethlisberger for his high ceiling despite injury concerns:

  "I'll probably go Big Ben because I want the ups, I want the ceiling." (28:26)

• Jason Moore supports Big Ben as well, highlighting his offensive scheme and potential:

  "I'm all in on Big Ben... his upside is tremendous." (30:19)

Andy Holloway concurs with Big Ben, focusing on his historical performance and potential when healthy:

"I would rather take Teddy Bridgewater and get the upside of the surrounding cast." (36:23)

The consensus among the hosts leans towards Big Ben Roethlisberger, despite concerns over his recovering elbow injury.

d. Running Backs: Damian Williams vs. Marlon Mack

Timestamp: 38:43 - 42:48

• Mike Wright and Jason Moore prefer Damian Williams for his role and reliability as a starter:

  "I think I would go Damian Williams." (41:40)

• Andy Holloway echoes the preference for Damian Williams, citing his secure position:

  "I think I would go Damian Williams." (42:18)

Both hosts favor Damian Williams over Marlon Mack, considering team dynamics and opportunity for consistent fantasy production.

e. Wide Receivers: Anthony Miller vs. Preston Williams

Timestamp: 43:19 - 49:25

• Mike Wright opts for Anthony Miller due to his performance stretches and quarterback play:

  "I like Anthony Miller more than Williams." (43:39)

• Jason Moore surprisingly prefers Preston Williams, citing his path to the starting role despite ACL recovery:

  "I lean Preston Williams out of these two guys." (44:10)

• Andy Holloway sides with Anthony Miller, pointing out his confusion and reliability:

  "I was impressed with Miller having the stretch of games..." (44:28)

The hosts are split, with a slight preference for Anthony Miller due to consistency and fewer injury concerns.

4. Mailbag Segment

Timestamp: 46:22 - 55:14

The mailbag section addresses various listener questions, fostering engaging interactions.

a. Geography Challenge: New England States

Timestamp: 47:10 - 49:25

Listeners test the hosts' knowledge of New England states, leading to humorous exchanges and corrections.

• Mike Wright jokingly challenges Jason Moore and Andy Holloway on state names, clarifying that New England includes:

  • Maine
  • Vermont
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut

  Jason Moore struggles but eventually names most states correctly, highlighting the hosts' camaraderie and playful banter.

b. Replacement Running Backs for James Conner

Timestamp: 49:28 - 50:38

Listener Thomas from Juneau, Alaska, asks about the best replacement for James Conner if he misses time.

• All Hosts agree on Benny Snell as the most reliable option over rookies Anthony McFarlane Jr. and Jalen Samuels:

  "I believe based on what has been said from the team and what we saw last year, I think it will be Benny Snell." (49:44)

c. Tight Ends: Travis' Question on Handcuffing Zach Ertz

Timestamp: 53:56 - 55:14

Listener Travis from Kyle, Texas, inquires about handcuffing Zach Ertz with Dallas Goddard in a standard scoring, six-bench spot league.

• All Hosts advise against handcuffing tight ends unless in a deep dynasty league:

  "It's never worth handcuffing a tight end unless you're talking about a dynasty league." (54:04)

They emphasize focusing on starting-caliber players rather than speculative backups in standard leagues.

5. Closing Remarks and Promotions

Timestamp: 55:14 - 56:16

The episode concludes with brief mentions of upcoming giveaways and sponsor promotions, which are skipped as per the summary guidelines.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore:

  "I am on the Todd Gurley side and here's why..." (15:51)
  "I think Amari Cooper is going to have a phenomenal year." (22:46)
  "I lean Preston Williams out of these two guys." (44:10)

• Mike Wright:

  "I traded Miles Sanders in a dynasty... At least 15% of people think it's the worst trade." (09:29)
  "I like Anthony Miller more than Williams." (43:39)
  "I think to be honest, I would personally be more concerned about Freeman than Carlos Hyde." (13:59)

• Andy Holloway:

  "I'm talking about the Arizona Cardinals... shout out to the postman who always delivers." (07:09)
  "I would rather take Teddy Bridgewater and get the upside of the surrounding cast." (36:23)
  "I think I would go Damian Williams." (42:18)

Insights and Conclusions

• Player Evaluation: The hosts emphasize balancing reliability and upside when selecting players, especially in late-round drafts. Health status and team dynamics are crucial factors influencing their choices.

• Strategic Drafting: Understanding team schemes and player roles can significantly impact fantasy success. The discussion highlights the importance of staying informed about roster changes and player transactions.

• Risk Management: The debate around players like David Johnson vs. Todd Gurley showcases the need to assess injury risks and positional stability to minimize potential setbacks during the fantasy season.

• Player Potential: Emerging talents such as Preston Williams and Damian Williams represent high-risk, high-reward options, illustrating the fine line fantasy managers walk between potential breakout performances and consistent production.

For those looking to enhance their fantasy football strategies, this episode offers valuable discussions on player selection, draft strategies, and managing team dynamics effectively.