Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: Top 10 TE Ranks, Sleeper Picks, MEGALABOWL OPENS!
Release Date: August 14, 2019
Introduction
In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the world of fantasy football, focusing on tight end rankings, sleeper picks, and the exciting launch of the MEGALABOWL tournament. The conversation is rich with expert analysis, strategic insights, and engaging banter, making it a must-listen for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to dominate their leagues.
Listener League and MEGALABOWL Tournament
The hosts kick off the episode by expressing heartfelt gratitude to their listeners for their overwhelming participation in the listener league. Andy Holloway humorously remarks, “We hate you” (03:32), emphasizing the challenge of selecting winners from a flood of impressive entries. They announce the reopening of the MEGALABOWL, a grand tournament offering a coveted 2020 Listener League spot and a personal invite to join the hosts for Wild Card Saturday.
Key Highlights:
- MEGALABOWL Extension: Previously limited in participant numbers due to high demand, the tournament is now more accessible with nearly 600 entrants already registered. Mike Wright notes, “It is an enormous tournament. Maybe the biggest” (06:51).
- Participation Benefits: Winners not only gain league honors but also enjoy exclusive interactions with the hosts, fostering a strong community spirit among the Foot Clan members.
Buy or Sell Segment
The Buy or Sell segment is a staple of the podcast, providing actionable advice on whether to acquire or trade specific players based on their performance and potential.
1. Corey Davis – Sell (07:48-10:28)
Andy Holloway opens the discussion with Corey Davis, questioning his ability to outperform his Average Draft Position (ADP) of 906. "I'm selling. I don't think he outperforms it" (09:21) is Andy's decisive take, citing Davis's reduced target share and the Seahawks' run-heavy offensive strategy. Jason Moore concurs, expressing disappointment in Davis's performance trajectory.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “I'm selling. I don't think he outperforms it.” (09:21)
2. Chris Carson – Buy (10:28-12:10)
Shifting to defenses, Andy highlights Chris Carson's receiving potential, advocating for purchasing him with the expectation of over 30 receptions this season. Despite some debate over setting the reception line at 40, the consensus leans towards buying Carson for his increased opportunities and the Seahawks' improved offensive line.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “I'm buying. I think he does work.” (10:14)
3. Alshon Jeffery – Sell (12:10-13:10)
Alshon Jeffery is another subject considered for selling, with Andy expressing skepticism about Jeffery surpassing 900 receiving yards. While Jason suggests that Jeffery's yards are close to the threshold despite missing games, the hosts lean towards selling, anticipating that Jeffery won't meet the yardage target due to offensive uncertainties.
Notable Quote:
Jason Moore: “If he’s not getting 900 yards receiving, your prediction of Carson Wentz leading the league in passing yards is not happening.” (13:10)
News and Notes
The hosts provide a comprehensive update on the latest NFL news, focusing on player injuries, roster changes, and other pertinent developments impacting fantasy football decisions.
1. Andrew Luck’s Injury Concerns (14:03-17:21)
Andy Holloway discusses the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Andrew Luck's ankle injury, referencing Colts GM Chris Ballard’s vague reports and insights from Dr. David Chow. The expectation is that Luck won't be 100% ready for the regular season opener, raising concerns about his mobility and overall performance.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “There's very little chance that Andrew Luck will be 100% week one of the regular season.” (15:57)
2. Golden Tate’s Suspension (19:40-20:19)
The hosts touch on Golden Tate's four-game suspension, noting Jason Moore’s lack of excitement over the outcome. They discuss the implications for the Eagles' offense and Tate's availability, which is crucial for fantasy managers relying on his production.
Notable Quote:
Jason Moore: “I didn’t think it should have been.” (20:03)
3. Kenyan Drake’s Injury (20:15-47:17)
Kenyan Drake's ongoing injury woes are highlighted, with Andy reporting him being spotted in a walking boot and Jason expressing concerns over his status. The discussion pivots to the uncertainty Drake brings to fantasy rosters and the potential opportunity cost of drafting him.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “Kenyan Drake was spotted in a walking boot.” (20:17)
Top 10 Tight End Rankings
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the top 10 tight ends, their performance last season, and projections for the upcoming year. The hosts critically assess each player's reliability, potential, and value relative to their draft positions.
1. Travis Kelce – Number One
Travis Kelce remains the gold standard at the tight end position, with consistent high performance and integration into one of the NFL's most potent offenses. Andy underscores Kelce’s unmatched value, stating, “Travis Kelce is the number one tight end in football for the last three years” (28:27).
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “Travis Kelce is the number one tight end in football the last three years.” (28:27)
2. George Kittle – Number Two
George Kittle is lauded for his explosive ability and integral role in the 49ers' offense. Despite concerns about his pass-catching consistency, Mike Wright defends Kittle’s high target volume and physical dominance.
Notable Quote:
Mike Wright: “He is a physical dominant freak.” (38:45)
3. Evan Ingram – Number Four
Evan Ingram is presented as this year's George Kittle, emphasizing his breakout potential and role as a primary target in the Giants' offense. The hosts commend Ingram's athleticism and big-play capability, making him a valuable mid-round pick.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway: “Evan Ingram is this year's George Kittle.” (41:27)
4. O.J. Howard – Number Five
O.J. Howard is discussed as a strong contender for top-tier tight end status, provided he remains healthy. His athletic prowess and connection with quarterback Cam Newton position him as a valuable asset, though injury concerns temper some optimism.
Notable Quote:
Mike Wright: “O.J. Howard is the one human that might go up to George Kittle.” (45:06)
5. Hunter Henry – Number Six
Hunter Henry is recognized for his potential boost in target share, especially in the absence of key offensive players. However, his athletic limitations and the high cost of drafting him in the sixth round lead to mixed opinions among the hosts.
Notable Quote:
Jason Moore: “He is one, he is a great player.” (49:18)
6. Vance McDonald – Number Seven
Vance McDonald is evaluated as a high-upside but risky pick due to his injury history and recent trade to the Steelers. The hosts acknowledge his potential to secure a significant target volume but caution about his reliability.
Notable Quote:
Mike Wright: “He's the last guy that is somewhat tempting to me in the middle rounds.” (52:34)
7. Jared Cook – Number Eight
Jared Cook is portrayed as a valuable late-round option, especially in systems where he can secure a prominent role. His consistency and integration into the Saints’ offense make him a dependable choice for fantasy managers.
Notable Quote:
Jason Moore: “Jared Cook could step in and be the third highest targeted player on the team.” (55:49)
8. Eric Ebron – Number Nine & 10. David Njoku – Number Ten
Eric Ebron and David Njoku round out the top ten, though the hosts express indifference towards these picks. Their performances are deemed comparable, with little distinction in fantasy point differences, leading to a lack of enthusiasm for drafting them.
Notable Quote:
Mike Wright: “There is so little difference in my stats between these players.” (56:53)
Sleeper Picks and Strategy
Beyond the top ten, the hosts discuss potential sleeper tight ends who could outperform their draft positions. They emphasize the importance of flexibility and the ability to pivot to streaming tight ends based on weekly matchups, especially given the consistency challenges at the position.
Key Points:
- Mark Andrews: Highlighted as a promising late-round option due to his integration into the Ravens' offense and potential as a primary target.
- Jordan Reed: Discussed with humor regarding his injury history, though noted for his high ceiling when healthy.
Notable Quote:
Mike Wright: “I'm not picking in Joku. I'm not picking Cook.” (56:53)
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with final thoughts on tight end strategies, emphasizing the necessity of securing a reliable tight end early or finding value in the middle to late rounds. The hosts encourage listeners to utilize the Ultimate Draft Kit for comprehensive rankings and sleeper picks, reinforcing the podcast’s role as an essential resource for fantasy football success.
Closing Remarks: Andy Holloway: “Our rankings projections for each and every tight end in the Ultimate Draft kit give me a sleeper tight end that did not make the top 10 consensus that you'll take a look at.” (57:59)
Notable Quotes Summary
- Andy Holloway (09:21): “I'm selling. I don't think he outperforms it.”
- Andy Holloway (10:14): “I'm buying. I think he does work.”
- Jason Moore (13:10): “If he’s not getting 900 yards receiving, your prediction of Carson Wentz leading the league in passing yards is not happening.”
- Andy Holloway (15:57): “There's very little chance that Andrew Luck will be 100% week one of the regular season.”
- Mike Wright (38:45): “He is a physical dominant freak.”
- Andy Holloway (28:27): “Travis Kelce is the number one tight end in football the last three years.”
- Mike Wright (45:06): “O.J. Howard is the one human that might go up to George Kittle.”
- Andy Holloway (41:27): “Evan Ingram is this year's George Kittle.”
- Mike Wright (56:53): “There is so little difference in my stats between these players.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast provides a thorough analysis of tight end rankings and strategic insights into player acquisition and drafting. With expert opinions backed by statistical analysis and a keen understanding of the evolving NFL landscape, listeners are well-equipped to make informed decisions for their fantasy football teams. The introduction of the MEGALABOWL tournament adds an exciting competitive edge, further engaging the dedicated Foot Clan community.
For more detailed rankings, sleeper picks, and draft strategies, listeners are encouraged to explore the Ultimate Draft Kit available at ultimate draftkit.com.
Disclaimer: The opinions and strategies discussed in this summary reflect the views expressed by the podcast hosts and are intended for informational purposes. Fantasy football outcomes can be unpredictable, and listeners should conduct their own research before making draft decisions.