Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Top 10 RB Rankings + Duke’s Out, Chubb’s Up
Episode Information:
- Title: Top 10 RB Rankings + Duke’s Out, Chubb’s Up
- Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
- Release Date: August 8, 2019
1. Introduction
The episode begins with a brief advertisement for the Ultimate Draft Kit (UDK) from Fantasy Footballers, highlighting its comprehensive features essential for dominating fantasy drafts. After the promotional segment, the hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—welcome listeners to the show and set the stage for the primary topics of discussion.
Quote:
- Andy Holloway [00:03]: "The information I glean from the UDK is beyond value. Not even the tiny green one can keep up with my draft dominance."
2. Breaking News: Duke Johnson Traded
Jason Moore opens the discussion with breaking news about Duke Johnson’s trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Houston Texans. This unexpected move is set to significantly impact the fantasy landscape, particularly affecting players like Nick Chubb.
Quotes:
- Jason Moore [01:24]: "Some breaking news. Duke Johnson traded. We'll get into that with the quick question on the show today."
- Mike Wright [01:46]: "Look, I actually won. I applaud him for getting that news in right before we start recording the show."
3. Impact of Duke's Trade on Cleveland and Houston & Nick Chubb
The hosts delve into the ramifications of Duke Johnson’s departure. Houston Texans acquiring Johnson is viewed positively, especially for their quarterback Deshaun Watson, who will benefit from having a reliable pass-catching running back. Conversely, Cleveland Browns lose a key asset, which directly elevates Nick Chubb’s value in fantasy football.
Key Points:
- Houston Texans: Gain a talented pass-catching RB in Duke Johnson, an upgrade from Deonta Foreman.
- Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb is expected to receive more opportunities, compensating for the loss of Duke Johnson.
- Fantasy Implications: Nick Chubb's involvement in the passing game is anticipated to rise, enhancing his fantasy value.
Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [05:01]: "We do not recommend in a single quarterback league to take one of those early quarterback draft picks. So somewhat irrelevant."
- Mike Wright [06:40]: "Nick Chubb will be involved in the passing game. It's just about, you know, impossible for him not to get a major tick up in receptions."
4. Running Back Rankings Overview
Transitioning from the trade news, the hosts introduce the main segment: the Top 10 Running Back Rankings for the upcoming fantasy football season. They emphasize the importance of strong running back depth in building a competitive fantasy team.
Key Points:
- Running backs are crucial anchors for fantasy teams.
- Previous season’s performance showed a high correlation between preseason rankings and final rankings.
- Emphasis on the value of consistent performance and injury history.
Quotes:
- Jason Moore [10:29]: "Top 10 running backs on the show today are consensus half point per reception rankings."
5. Detailed Ranking of Top 10 Running Backs
1. Saquon Barkley
Overview: Saquon Barkley remains the consensus number one running back, praised for his versatility and high ceiling in both rushing and receiving.
Key Points:
- Barkley's performance is deemed "bulletproof," though concerns remain about his offense's overall effectiveness.
- His ability to generate significant fantasy points consistently keeps him at the top.
- Injury history is monitored, but his talent ensures a high floor.
Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [12:51]: "He seems bulletproof to me. He’s not going to drop out of the top 10 running backs in fantasy."
- Mike Wright [13:58]: "He catches just too many passes."
2. Christian McCaffrey
Overview: Christian McCaffrey is ranked just below Barkley, with strong emphasis on his pass-catching prowess and involvement in the offense.
Key Points:
- McCaffrey’s role as a primary pass catcher is highlighted, making him extremely valuable in PPR leagues.
- Concerns about potential workload management by the offense are discussed but ultimately deemed minimal.
- His consistency and high usage ensure a reliable performance.
Quotes:
- Jason Moore [16:10]: "Christian McCaffrey will be on the field now."
- Andy Holloway [17:45]: "He is the best pass catching running back in football."
3. Alvin Kamara
Overview: Alvin Kamara continues to impress with his efficiency and value per touch, maintaining his position as a top-tier running back.
Key Points:
- Kamara’s yards per touch surpasses other running backs, highlighting his effectiveness.
- His role in the Saints’ offense remains stable, ensuring steady fantasy production.
- High scoring opportunities keep him securely within the top rankings.
Quotes:
- Jason Moore [25:08]: "Every touch he has is more valuable than any touch any other running back has."
- Andy Holloway [26:23]: "Camara is the guy."
4. Ezekiel Elliott
Overview: Ezekiel Elliott is positioned as one of the elite running backs, valued for his dual-threat capability in rushing and receiving.
Key Points:
- Elliott’s increased role as a pass-catcher boosts his fantasy value.
- Potential competition from Tony Pollard is a concern but Elliott's established role remains strong.
- His high usage in the Cowboys’ offense underscores his reliability.
Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [27:52]: "Zeke is the best pure running back in the NFL."
- Mike Wright [28:53]: "Dalvin Cook didn't put up Derek Henry's numbers."
5. David Johnson
Overview: David Johnson is recognized for his revival in the Cardinals’ offense, expecting an uptick in opportunities and production.
Key Points:
- Johnson’s involvement in the passing game is expected to increase, enhancing his fantasy upside.
- The Cardinals’ offensive strategy focuses more on utilizing him despite team’s overall performance.
- Injury recovery is a factor, but his talent remains undeniable.
Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [34:16]: "He is going to catch the ball in the offense, he's going to get goal line opportunities."
- Jason Moore [34:56]: "He deserves to be at the number five spot."
6. Dalvin Cook
Overview: Dalvin Cook is lauded for his consistent performance and high usage in the Minnesota Vikings' offense, making him a reliable top-five option.
Key Points:
- Cook’s role as a primary back ensures steady fantasy output.
- His ability to produce big games without high variance keeps him valuable.
- Health and workload are monitored, but his established role provides stability.
Quotes:
- Mike Wright [50:54]: "He's going to be a top five back."
- Andy Holloway [51:18]: "He was always an RB2 or better running."
7. Le'Veon Bell
Overview: Le'Veon Bell is ranked with some reservations due to his changing team and potential adaptation to a new offensive environment.
Key Points:
- Bell’s move to the Jets raises questions about his offensive line and overall utilization.
- Concerns about his fit in a new system and potential competition from teammates.
- Nevertheless, his past performance and skills keep him within the top 10.
Quotes:
- Mike Wright [44:30]: "He is in his opinion by far the best pass catching running back on the team."
- Andy Holloway [44:43]: "He still has so much going around."
8. Damien Williams
Overview: Damien Williams emerges as a strong contender due to his explosive performances and role in the high-powered Kansas City offense.
Key Points:
- Williams’ versatility and involvement in both rushing and receiving increase his fantasy value.
- His tenure with a top offensive team provides ample scoring opportunities.
- Concerns about durability and competition are balanced by his high ceiling.
Quotes:
- Jason Moore [45:03]: "If he's on the field as the 1 in the Kansas City offense, I like him at 8."
- Andy Holloway [46:04]: "He's great."
9. Dalvin Cook (Correction/Alternate Discussions)
Overview: There is some discussion suggesting adjustments in Cook’s ranking based on previous performances and consistency, but overall he remains a top-tier running back.
Key Points:
- Consistency in weekly performances is emphasized.
- Comparison to past performances, highlighting his reliability.
- The importance of his role in the offense to maintain his ranking.
Quotes:
- Andy Holloway [53:41]: "Those are still really good."
- Jason Moore [54:17]: "He was always an RB2 or better running."
10. James Conner
Overview: James Conner rounds out the top 10 with optimism for his role in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense, despite some concerns about offensive line performance.
Key Points:
- Conner’s dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver enhances his fantasy appeal.
- The Steelers’ offensive dynamics and his recovery from injuries are points of focus.
- Potential fluctuations in his usage based on team performance and offensive strategy.
Quotes:
- Jason Moore [55:05]: "How can it go wrong for James Conner in 2019 that Big Ben sucks."
- Andy Holloway [55:43]: "I think he'll succeed at it."
6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, the hosts briefly discuss additional running backs like Dalvin Cook and James Conner, reinforcing their rankings and addressing listener questions. They also engage in a light-hearted bet regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' performance within their division, reflecting the competitive and analytical nature of the podcast.
Closing Remarks:
- Jason Moore [60:34]: "We'll talk to you again tomorrow after these preseason games. We'll have some reaction in the morning."
- Andy Holloway [60:56]: "Join our fantasy football community on JoinTheFoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Andy Holloway [00:03]: "The information I glean from the UDK is beyond value."
- Jason Moore [01:24]: "Duke Johnson traded."
- Mike Wright [05:01]: "Deshaun Watson has never had a specialist in the passing game."
- Andy Holloway [12:51]: "He seems bulletproof to me."
- Jason Moore [16:10]: "Christian McCaffrey will be on the field now."
- Andy Holloway [17:45]: "He is the best pass catching running back in football."
- Jason Moore [25:08]: "Every touch he has is more valuable than any touch any other running back has."
- Andy Holloway [27:52]: "Zeke is the best pure running back in the NFL."
- Jason Moore [45:03]: "If he's on the field as the 1 in the Kansas City offense, I like him at 8."
- Jason Moore [55:05]: "How can it go wrong for James Conner in 2019 that Big Ben sucks."
This detailed summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Fantasy Footballers' episode on running back rankings and the implications of Duke Johnson's trade. It serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners and those who couldn't tune in, providing valuable information for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their draft strategies.