Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Top 10 Countdown + Upside Offenses
Episode Information
- Title: Top 10 Countdown + Upside Offenses
- Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright (with Jason Moore filling in)
- Release Date: July 5, 2018
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with Andy Holloway and Jason Moore welcoming listeners back to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Although Mike Wright isn't present for this episode, Jason aptly fills in, maintaining the show's dynamic energy.
Notable Quote:
- Mike Wright (Ad for Ultimate Draft Kit):
"I think it's the excitement only a future Foot Clan champion can feel." [00:01]
2. Top 10 Fantasy Football Players Countdown
The hosts engage in a detailed countdown of the top 10 fantasy football players for the 2018 season. Each player is evaluated based on their performance, potential, and overall fantasy value.
Number 10: Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. is initially placed in the top 10 but the hosts express skepticism about his placement due to uncertainties surrounding his offensive line and consistent snap counts.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"Why can we be. And can you be confident? I might rank him there, but are we confident he's going to finish there?" [18:04]
Number 9: Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley, the highly touted rookie from the New York Giants, secures the number 9 spot. The hosts praise his exceptional athleticism and versatility in both rushing and receiving.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway:
"He is a player that is hyper talented in that respect. He's on another level from what we saw in the combine." [19:51]
Number 8: DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins is lauded for his consistency and high target share with no significant bust weeks in the previous season, making him a reliable top-tier wide receiver.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"He's a very good running back and he gets so much work, there's no one on that team that's really going to come in and say, hey, I'm taking over." [25:00]
Number 7: Melvin Gordon
Melvin Gordon is favored over some wide receivers due to his guaranteed volume in the Chargers' rushing attack, despite some inefficiencies in his past performance.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"Although he's inefficient, that doesn't mean he's a bad running back. He's a very good running back and he gets so much work." [30:00]
Number 6: Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott is a controversial pick at number 6, with some believing he should rank higher. However, his consistent performance and role in the Cowboys' offense justify his placement.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway:
"If it's a standard league, I'm going Zeke." [32:25]
Number 5: Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara is highly regarded for his dual-threat capability in both rushing and receiving, making him a valuable asset in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"He has the passing game skills of McCaffrey with a much bigger, better NFL body." [35:13]
Number 4: Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown is celebrated for his outstanding reception numbers, consistently being a top target in the Steelers' passing game.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"No player reached either of those plateaus last season. Antonio Brown. Those are the numbers he has averaged." [37:34]
Number 3: David Johnson
David Johnson is recognized for his versatility and high usage in both the running and passing game, making him one of the elite running backs in fantasy football.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway:
"He is an unfathomable stud. If you took him with the first pick over." [39:01]
Number 2: Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley's explosive performance last season, especially in the passing game, secures his position as the number 2 fantasy running back.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"Their offensive line hasn't opened up great holes for him. He has been breaking tackles and doing quality work." [41:20]
Number 1: Le'Veon Bell
Le'Veon Bell tops the countdown as the premier fantasy running back, thanks to his unparalleled performance, high volume of touches, and consistent production.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"He runs like nobody else." [46:38]
3. Upside Offenses Analysis
The hosts delve into various NFL offenses that present significant upside opportunities for fantasy players in the 2018 season. They evaluate teams based on coaching changes, player health, and offensive strategies.
Atlanta Falcons (Matt Ryan)
Matt Ryan’s second year under new coach Kyle Shanahan shows promise with improved touchdown rates, making the Falcons' offense a valuable consideration.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway:
"Matt Ryan's first season with Kyle Shanahan he had a pretty low touchdown percentage... it jumped way up." [06:22]
Tennessee Titans (Marcus Mariota)
The Titans are highlighted due to the acquisition of Matt LaFleur, a promising offensive coordinator, and the return of a healthy Marcus Mariota, potentially elevating their offensive output.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"In Marcus Mariota's situation, not only did the coordinator leave because of poor performance, but the head coach did." [08:14]
Denver Broncos
Despite a disappointing previous season, the Denver Broncos show potential with new additions like Royce Freeman and rookie wide receivers, though concerns about quarterback consistency remain.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"Cortland Sutton. Yeah. I really like what Denver's done." [11:21]
Cleveland Browns
The Browns present uncertainties with changes at quarterback and the emergence of David Njoku, who could provide significant fantasy value if he secures a prominent role in the offense.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway:
"I will say that yes, I like Njoku to have a second year leap." [12:10]
New York Giants (Saquon Barkley)
Saquon Barkley is emphasized for his exceptional talent and the Giants' investment in his versatility, making him a top consideration despite team's offensive line concerns.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"I'm fully confident in Saquon Barkley's success." [20:14]
Arizona Cardinals (David Johnson)
David Johnson's dual-threat capability in rushing and receiving makes the Cardinals' offense an attractive option, especially with a healthy return and a stable offensive strategy.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"David Johnson is both an elite, an absolute elite wide receiver and one of the best goal line between the tackles." [41:34]
4. Player and Team News
Aaron Jones Suspension
Packers running back Aaron Jones faces a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, impacting his fantasy value and the Packers' running game depth.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway:
"Packers running back Aaron Jones was suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2018 regular season." [14:07]
5. Social Media and Live Shows Promotion
The hosts encourage listeners to engage with them on various social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. They also promote upcoming live shows in Dallas, Philly, New York, and Phoenix, emphasizing the interactive and energetic experience of attending these events.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore:
"If you want to see what's looking this year, that would be the best resource." [48:53]
6. Listener Questions and Advice
Listeners' questions are addressed towards the end of the episode, covering topics like auction drafts, PPR league strategies, and joining the Listener League. The hosts provide insightful answers, leveraging their expertise to guide fantasy football enthusiasts.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore on Auction Drafts:
"I love auctions. They are a really cool way that levels the playing field." [48:10]
7. Conclusion
Andy and Jason wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of joining their live shows and engaging with the Fantasy Footballers community. They highlight upcoming events and encourage listeners to participate actively in their fantasy leagues.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway:
"Because we love fantasy football. That has never changed." [54:18]
Overall Insights:
- Top Players: The countdown underscores the importance of balancing consistency and upside, with running backs like Le'Veon Bell and Todd Gurley topping the list due to their high workload and proven performance.
- Offensive Analysis: Evaluating team offenses provides valuable context for player performance, emphasizing the impact of coaching changes and player health on fantasy prospects.
- Strategic Advice: The episode offers strategic insights into draft strategies, emphasizing the value of versatile players and the potential benefits of auction drafts.
- Community Engagement: The hosts foster a strong community connection, encouraging interaction through social media and live events to enhance the listening experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize running backs with high usage and consistent performance.
- Monitor team offensive strategies and coaching changes for potential fantasy upside.
- Engage with the Fantasy Footballers community for additional insights and support.
Note: This summary encapsulates the main discussions and insights from the podcast episode, highlighting key player evaluations and strategic advice for fantasy football enthusiasts.