Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Top 10 WR Rankings + Jason Takes a Dive
Release Date: August 11, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into their Top 10 Wide Receiver (WR) Rankings for the upcoming fantasy football season. Alongside their comprehensive analysis, Jason shares a humorous personal anecdote titled "Jason Takes a Dive," adding a lighthearted touch to the discussion.

Top 10 Wide Receiver Rankings

#1 Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas reigns supreme as the top wide receiver in fantasy football. Last season, he shattered the NFL reception record with 149 catches, totaling 1,725 yards and 9 touchdowns on 185 targets—averaging nearly two receptions per play.

• Mike Wright remarks at [14:27]:
  "Michael Thomas is an incredible player. Any reason for us to think that not more of the same for Michael Thomas in 2020?"

However, despite his stellar performance, Jason Moore expresses reservations about Thomas maintaining his number one status, citing an 11% probability of him remaining the top WR after accounting for potential changes in team dynamics and defenses.

• Jason Moore states at [14:56]:
  "I put it at like 11%."

Andy Holloway echoes a similar sentiment, estimating about a 15% chance for Thomas to retain the top spot.

#2 Davante Adams

Davante Adams holds the second spot, buoyed by his exceptional target share and route-running prowess. In 12 games last season, Adams amassed 83 receptions for 997 yards and 5 touchdowns.

• Andy Holloway praises Adams at [19:16]:
  "He's one of those guys where you can make the easy bet of should Davante Adams go over nine and a half touchdowns. Oh, I'm going to take the over."

Despite a minor dip in snap percentage due to injuries, Adams remains a cornerstone for fantasy managers seeking high-volume targets.

#3 Julio Jones

Julio Jones offers unparalleled consistency, having finished in the top five fantasy WRs consecutively since 2014. With 90 receptions and 1,100 yards last season, his touchdown tally at 2 was his only significant drawback.

• Mike Wright comments at [21:55]:
  "He's being drafted in the second round as the wide receiver, five off the board. So we all actually have him higher at the wide receiver position than others."

The hosts agree that if Jones can elevate his touchdown numbers, he has the potential to reclaim the number one WR position.

#4 Tyreek Hill

Tyreek Hill faces scrutiny due to last season's injuries, which impacted his consistency. Comparing Hill to Stefon Diggs, the hosts engage in a playful debate over who had the better impact over the past two seasons.

• Mike Wright initiates the challenge at [26:01]:
  "We're going to play a game called Tyreek Hill or Stefon Diggs."

While Hill boasts a higher touchdown rate (19 vs. 15) and more top-six week finishes, his inconsistency remains a concern. The consensus places him at number four, balancing his explosive potential against weekly reliability.

#5 Chris Godwin

Chris Godwin emerges as a solid fifth choice, having demonstrated elite route-running and target mastery. Last season, he averaged 95 yards per game and was a pivotal part of his team's offense despite a new quarterback situation.

• Jason Moore highlights Godwin's system fit at [35:19]:
  "He's extremely consistent. He gets the ball. He is, you know, you saw at the end of last season when Koop and Cooks were kind of splitting time in the snap percentages 60 in the 60% range. Robert Woods doesn't leave the field."

The addition of new offensive personnel like CD Lam is expected to bolster Godwin's fantasy output further.

#6 Kenny Golladay

Kenny Golladay secures the sixth spot as his route-running significantly improved, making him a more reliable fantasy option. With aspirations to be mentioned alongside elite WRs like DeAndre Hopkins and Michael Thomas, Golladay's potential is evident.

• Andy Holloway praises Golladay at [37:39]:
  "Kenny Golladay is one of those guys who, who could rely on just his natural athletic ability and size to someone who is becoming a polished route runner."

Despite some reservations about his reception count and touchdown upside, Golladay's ceiling remains high for those willing to take a calculated risk.

#7 Amari Cooper

Amari Cooper lands at number seven, though his ranking reflects his inconsistencies over recent seasons. With a formidable blend of target volume and yardage, Cooper's touchdown variability is a focal point of discussion.

• Mike Wright critiques Cooper's volatility at [44:31]:
  "Amari Cooper is extremely inconsistent. He has half of his games great. Half of his games suck."

The addition of CD Lam is anticipated to aid Cooper in maintaining his target share and enhancing his touchdown potential.

#8 DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins transitions to the eighth spot following his move to Arizona. While Hopkins remains an elite talent, the change in offensive schemes and increased competition for targets raises questions about his fantasy ceiling.

• Andy Holloway expresses concerns at [48:25]:
  "He could be installed in Arizona and just be the target machine like he was for Houston. I just don't see it happening that way."

Hopkins' consistent performance remains a strong asset, but his new environment introduces significant variables impacting his fantasy viability.

#9 D.J. Moore

D.J. Moore's ninth position stems from his move to Carolina and the uncertainty surrounding the team's quarterbacking and offensive strategy. Last season, Moore showcased his athleticism but was demoted to the eighteenth spot due to limited touchdowns and variable performance.

• Jason Moore emphasizes Moore's potential at [53:18]:
  "If he takes another step forward in that third year with an offensive system, that's, that's coming in, you know, Teddy Bridgewater."

His role as a focal point in Carolina's offense could propel him higher, contingent upon increased target volume and quarterback efficiency.

#10 Robert Woods

Rounding out the top ten is Robert Woods, who offers stability and high target volume. Despite finishing eighteenth last season due to a low touchdown count, Woods remains a dependable option, especially in PPR formats.

• Mike Wright defends Woods at [55:23]:
  "Robert Woods is the linchpin of the passing offense, the passing offense that throws the ball more than anybody in football is."

Woods' consistent reception numbers and role as a primary target ensure his place among the elite WRs, with his fantasy performance hinging on an uptick in touchdowns.

Jason Takes a Dive: A Lighthearted Moment

Adding a dose of humor, Jason recounts a mishap where he "takes a dive" to avoid what he initially thought was a rat invading his garage.

• Jason Moore narrates at [12:00]:
  "I finally worked my way back over to the garage door to try to look and see what happens. It was a wrapper... So I injured myself and made a fool of myself because of a wrapper."

This amusing story not only entertains but also showcases the camaraderie and offbeat moments that define the Fantasy Footballers podcast.

Conclusion

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide an in-depth analysis of the top wide receivers for the fantasy football season, balancing statistical prowess with team dynamics and player consistency. Their rankings offer valuable insights for fantasy managers aiming to optimize their drafts and weekly lineups. Additionally, the hosts' engaging banter and personal stories enrich the listening experience, making complex analyses both accessible and entertaining.

For those looking to enhance their draft strategies, the episode serves as an essential guide to navigating the WR landscape, ensuring a competitive edge as the fantasy football season approaches.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [14:29]:
  "Yes, I'd say maybe about a quarter. Probably 15% for me."

• Mike Wright [21:55]:
  "He's being drafted in the second round as the wide receiver, five off the board."

• Jason Moore [35:19]:
  "He's extremely consistent. He gets the ball."

• Andy Holloway [37:39]:
  "Kenny Golladay is one of those guys who could rely on just his natural athletic ability and size."

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the strategic discussions around WR rankings while maintaining the engaging dynamics of the hosts. Fantasy enthusiasts can leverage these insights to make informed decisions in their leagues.