Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Top 10 Quarterbacks + Bold Takes, Hype Train
Release Date: August 15, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
1. Introduction & Announcements
The episode kicks off with Andy Holloway promoting the Ultimate Draft Kit, highlighting its up-to-date projections and comprehensive features essential for draft day. Shortly after, the trio engages in light banter about their live show in Phoenix on August 24th, emphasizing a time change from 7 PM to 6 PM for extended meet-and-greet opportunities.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [02:20]: "Hashtag Stinky Brooks. Oh, that's going to be fun today."
2. News & Updates
The hosts delve into the latest NFL news, addressing injuries and team updates that could impact fantasy drafts.
-
Philip Dorsett's Injury: Initially reported as a possible serious injury, it was later confirmed that he only suffered a broken finger and will require surgery, sidelining him for 3-4 weeks. This injury elevates Chris Carson's prospects as Seattle's primary running back.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [11:09]: "Rashad Penny, rookie first-round running back for the Seattle Seahawks, is now dealing with surgery on a broken finger out three to four weeks."
-
Nick Vanette's Performance: Despite previous doubts, Vanette has shown promise in preseason games, suggesting he could be a valuable late-round pickup if he continues to receive opportunities.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [09:29]: "I think it was at Dixon and I didn't think Vanette even had the talent to do it. But I mean, just in that one game I went, oh, they're using him a lot."
-
Carolina Panthers' Kristen Michael: The discussion centers around Kristen Michael's resurgence as a reliable running back option amidst injuries to other Panthers backs, making him a potential value pick in deeper leagues.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [18:39]: "If you draft tomorrow... you need to look, there's going to be a point in your draft where he presents a huge value."
3. Top 10 Quarterbacks
The heart of the episode focuses on the hosts' consensus rankings of the top 10 quarterbacks for the upcoming fantasy season. Each host provides insights and justifications for their rankings, offering valuable perspectives for fantasy managers.
-
Aaron Rodgers
- Discussion: Acknowledged as the premier quarterback, Rodgers consistently delivers high fantasy points. Despite losing Jordy Nelson, his performance remains elite.
- Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [31:58]: "Aaron Rodgers will score more points than anybody."
-
Russell Wilson
- Discussion: Praised for his rushing ability and consistent performance, Wilson remains a top-tier fantasy quarterback. Concerns arise if key receivers like Doug Baldwin are injured.
- Notable Quote:
- Mike Wright [33:28]: "I like Russell Wilson. He's a stud. He's a rushing quarterback."
-
Cam Newton
- Discussion: Recognized for his rushing prowess and potential high fantasy upside, Newton is viewed as a valuable late-round quarterback pick.
- Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [40:33]: "The combination of upside and draft position. He's basically an 8th round pick."
-
Tom Brady
- Discussion: While Brady remains a reliable option, his higher draft cost compared to his performance raises questions about his value relative to other quarterbacks.
- Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [44:15]: "I like Tom Brady, but what Andy brought up the fifth round, that's where."
-
Drew Brees
- Discussion: Brees is seen as a rebound candidate with potential for a strong season, though concerns about defensive changes and offensive consistency persist.
- Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [46:06]: "I believe in the rebound of Drew Brees."
-
Matthew Stafford
- Discussion: Stafford is commended for his consistent 4,000+ passing yards and favorable early-season schedule, making him a solid late-round quarterback choice.
- Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [53:05]: "If you're drafting right now, Andrew Luck is actually a value. I probably have him too low at 13."
-
Andrew Luck
- Discussion: Despite injury concerns, Luck's return offers high upside given his offensive weapons and previous fantasy success.
- Notable Quote:
- Mike Wright [55:12]: "He's going to rise in 80."
-
Kirk Cousins
- Discussion: With a strong supporting cast in Minnesota, Cousins is positioned for success, though questions remain about his consistency and reliance on offensive schemes.
- Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [56:12]: "Kirk Cousins just has everything laid out for him."
-
Ben Roethlisberger
- Discussion: Roethlisberger is viewed as a dependable quarterback with a solid offensive lineup, though his ranking varies among the hosts.
- Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [58:22]: "He's usually a top five projected type of guy."
-
Deshaun Watson & Carson Wentz
- Discussion: Both quarterbacks have high potential but also carry risks due to recent injuries and inconsistent performances. Their rankings reflect their dual nature as high-reward, high-risk picks.
- Notable Quote:
- Mike Wright [61:08]: "With Carson Wentz and DeSean Watson, you don't know for sure how they're going to run this year."
4. Bold Takes & Predictions
The hosts share their boldly predicted outcomes for the season, offering unconventional insights that could give listeners an edge in their leagues.
-
Upcoming Rankings Fluctuations: Andy hints at a potential ranking shift, suggesting future rankings may see significant changes.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [59:55]: "Move on to another player you might know."
-
Player Draft Strategies: The trio discusses strategic drafting, such as whether to lock in certain players early or wait for potential value picks in later rounds.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [14:04]: "Sony Michelle went in the ninth round. So pay attention to the value of Sony Michelle."
5. Hype Train: Player Spotlights
The "Hype Train" segment highlights specific players garnering attention in preseason, evaluating their fantasy potential based on recent performances and team dynamics.
-
John Brown (Ravens): Viewed as a potentially strong WR option if he maintains health, despite past injury concerns.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [16:32]: "He is a great player. If he's healthy, if he's John Brown of old, he's a great wide receiver."
-
D.D. Westbrook (Jaguars): The discussion revolves around his preseason performance and the potential for increased targets, though some skepticism remains.
Notable Quote:
- Mike Wright [22:52]: "I buy the hype a little bit. It's tough because Marquis Lee was paid over everyone else."
-
Marquis Goodwin (Saints): Despite a crowded receiving corps, Goodwin is considered a high-value target due to his established role and offensive scheme.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [23:39]: "Marquis Goodwin could end up being the number one wide receiver on this team."
6. Draft Tips & Strategy
The hosts offer actionable advice for fantasy managers, focusing on maximizing value through informed drafting and strategic player selections.
-
Running Backs Focus: Emphasizing the volatility and injury risks associated with running backs, the hosts suggest targeting reliable options and leveraging value picks like Rashad Penny and Chris Carson in the later rounds.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [14:04]: "This injury... Chris Carson starts week one as the primary ball carrier."
-
Quarterback Selection: Advocating for a balanced approach, the hosts recommend targeting top-tier quarterbacks early while also considering late-round value options to optimize draft efficiency.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [29:53]: "We subscribe in almost all cases to a late-round quarterback philosophy."
7. Promotions & Community Engagement
The episode concludes with sponsors and community engagement reminders, encouraging listeners to utilize tools like NFL Game Pass and participate in FanDuel contests to enhance their fantasy experience.
-
NFL Game Pass: Promoted as a resource for watching out-of-market preseason games and reviewing player performances to make informed decisions.
Notable Quote:
- Mike Wright [25:57]: "The NFL Game Pass is how we watch all the action this preseason."
-
FanDuel Contests: Highlighted as an opportunity for both casual and serious players to engage in various contests, with current promotions offering bonuses for new sign-ups.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [26:57]: "FanDuel is ready for more ways to play, more ways to challenge your friends, and most importantly, more ways to win."
8. Conclusion
The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of their quarterback rankings and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more insights and sleeper picks in future episodes.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [65:40]: "Come back for some more quarterback talk tomorrow. Maybe some more names that you'll be paying attention to late in drafts."
Key Takeaways:
- Top Quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson dominate the early ranks, with Cam Newton and Tom Brady following as high-value picks.
- Injury Impacts: Player injuries, such as Rashad Penny's broken finger, significantly influence draft strategies and player valuations.
- Value Picks: Identifying late-round quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Andrew Luck can provide substantial fantasy benefits.
- Hype Train Highlights: Players like John Brown and Marquis Goodwin are poised to offer strong preseason and regular-season performances if they maintain health and team roles.
- Strategic Drafting: Balancing early picks of top players with later-round value selections is crucial for a competitive fantasy roster.
For more detailed analysis and ongoing fantasy football strategies, join the Fantasy Footballers community and follow them on Twitter.