Fantasy Footballers Podcast: "This-or-That ADP Game + Tough Decisions" Summary

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Podcast Information:
Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Description: The Fantasy Footballers deliver expert analysis, strong opinions, and matchup-winning advice to help you win your league in style.

I. Overview and Introduction

The episode begins with the hosts promoting their Ultimate Draft Kit, emphasizing the limited-time pre-order pricing available until June 1. They highlight the kit's comprehensive features, including award-winning rankings, over 100 player profile videos, expert picks and projections, custom scoring support, and a new mobile app.

Andy Holloway (00:00):
"You can get it all right now at pre order pricing. Few days left. Ultimate DraftKit.com."

II. "This-or-That" ADP Game

The core of the episode revolves around the "This-or-That" ADP (Average Draft Position) game, where the hosts debate selecting between two players who are similarly ranked in mock drafts. Each comparison delves into players' performance, potential, and risks, providing listeners with nuanced insights to aid their draft decisions.

A. A.J. Green vs. Tyler Boyd (03:14 - 09:03)

Discussion Highlights:

• A.J. Green: An early third-round pick known for his high upside but comes with injury concerns, including a persistent foot problem.
• Tyler Boyd: An early sixth-round pick offering consistency and lower cost, though lacking the explosive potential of Green.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (04:17):
  "I can't imagine drafting A.J. Green personally because I think a lot of these players, they get to a certain point."

• Mike Wright (05:53):
  "I don't blame you, Jason, that he's off of your draft board because of the injury risk, but I'm all for taking that risk, especially in the third round."

Conclusion:
While both players present risks, some hosts prefer the higher upside of Green despite his injury history, whereas others lean towards the safer, more consistent Boyd.

B. Mike Evans vs. Adam Thielen (16:42 - 22:32)

Discussion Highlights:

• Mike Evans: A consistent WR1 with high yardage potential in a pass-heavy offense, making him a valuable early-round pick.
• Adam Thielen: Offers strong PPR (Point Per Reception) value but has shown variability in performance based on team dynamics and defensive matchups.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (17:48):
  "Mike Evans just has a super disappointing bust year."

• Andy Holloway (18:46):
  "Evans is my pick as well... Under Bruce Arians, they'll be calling a lot of plays."

Conclusion:
Evans is generally favored for his reliability and higher ceiling, especially in offenses that emphasize the passing game, though Thielen remains a strong contender in PPR formats.

C. Philip Lindsay vs. Mark Ingram (25:24 - 31:17)

Discussion Highlights:

• Philip Lindsay: An undrafted RB with high potential but faces competition from Royce Freeman, leading to concerns about regression.
• Mark Ingram: A safer choice with a stable role in a Ravens' run-focused offense, offering consistent fantasy production.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (27:22):
  "I want Mark Ingram. I think he's barely being talked about because... it's boring to a lot of people."

• Jason Moore (27:23):
  "I believe in Philip Lindsay... he's a really good back."

Conclusion:
Ingram is preferred for his reliability and steady workload, while Lindsay's potential is recognized but tempered by uncertainty regarding his role and competition.

D. Alan Robinson vs. Robbie Anderson (32:32 - 39:18)

Discussion Highlights:

• Alan Robinson: A seventh-round pick with impressive size and upside but has struggled with injuries and inconsistent quarterback play.
• Robbie Anderson: Also a seventh-round pick, Anderson showed significant fantasy value in the latter part of the season and offers high upside with lower risk.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (34:09):
  "...Robbie Anderson I think could be the one, and if Sam Darnold takes that step forward..."

• Andy Holloway (34:31):
  "I prefer Robbie going the same place. I'm surprised they're the same place in drafts."

Conclusion:
Robbie Anderson is generally favored for his recent performance streak and potential, whereas Robinson's past high points are overshadowed by his injury history and inconsistent opportunities.

E. Dak Prescott vs. Mitch Trubisky (40:02 - 47:21)

Discussion Highlights:

• Dak Prescott: An experienced QB known for consistent performance and reliability, making him a safer, mid-round pick.
• Mitch Trubisky: A rookie QB with a higher ceiling but greater inconsistency and potential for injury, appealing to those seeking upside.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (41:08):
  "Mitch Trubisky is not going to be a great franchise quarterback, but you don't have to be a great franchise quarterback to be a good fantasy asset."

• Mike Wright (43:17):
  "I'm taking Dak. I'll take the guy who's never finished outside of the quarterback one range."

Conclusion:
Prescott is favored for his reliability and consistent fantasy output, while Trubisky is considered for his potential to surprise and deliver high-value performances amidst uncertainties.

III. News and Updates

The hosts provide updates on key NFL news affecting fantasy football players, offering strategic insights and implications for fantasy managers.

A. Ben Watson Suspension (11:15 - 12:18)

Details:

• Ben Watson, tight end for the New England Patriots, was suspended for four games due to violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. The Patriots were aware of this suspension prior to signing him.

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (11:05):
  "Ben Watson was suspended four games for violating the performance enhancing drug policy."

B. Todd Gurley's Knee Concerns (12:28 - 14:27)

Details:

• Todd Gurley, running back for the Los Angeles Rams, faces concerns regarding his knee health. There is uncertainty about his ability to sustain a workhorse role, impacting both his NFL performance and fantasy value.

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (12:28):
  "The biggest test will come early in the off season. They're going to try to use him as a workhorse."

C. San Francisco 49ers Running Back Situation (14:32 - 16:18)

Details:

• Multiple running backs for the San Francisco 49ers, including Jericho McKinnon, Raheem Mostert, and Tevin Coleman, are dealing with injuries. This creates uncertainty in their fantasy value and positions within the team.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (14:44):
  "Jericho McKinnon is not practicing. He is not participating in OTAs... Tevin Coleman is expected to be the lead guy."

IV. Strategic Insights and Discussions

Throughout the episode, the hosts delve into broader strategies and considerations for fantasy football drafts:

• Consistency vs. Upside: Balancing reliable performers with high-potential players to build a well-rounded team.

• Impact of Team Offenses: Understanding how a player's team offensive strategy (e.g., pass-heavy vs. run-focused) affects their fantasy output.

• Injury Risks and Management: Evaluating players based on their injury history and potential for sustained performance.

• Coaching and Scheme Changes: Assessing how changes in coaching staff or offensive schemes influence player roles and opportunities.

Andy Holloway (09:56):
"Lateral movement is easier with less variables. And a new offense can represent a variable that's all I'm saying, I'm not projecting it."

V. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the "This-or-That" game, reinforcing the importance of subjective decision-making in fantasy drafts based on individual team dynamics and player assessments. The hosts encourage listeners to utilize their Ultimate Draft Kit for a competitive edge and to stay engaged with the latest fantasy football strategies.

Andy Holloway (16:42):
"Come back, join us on Thursday."

Final Notable Quote:

• Jason Moore (47:03):
  "Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast."

This comprehensive episode provided valuable insights into player selections, strategic drafting, and current NFL news, equipping fantasy football enthusiasts with the knowledge to make informed decisions in their upcoming drafts.