Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Tyreek News + Head to Head Mock Draft"

Release Date: July 20, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Episode Title: Tyreek News + Head to Head Mock Draft

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway and Mike Wright dive into critical updates surrounding Tyreek Hill and engage in a spirited head-to-head half-point PPR mock draft. The episode provides listeners with in-depth analysis of current NFL developments and practical draft strategies to enhance their fantasy football teams.

Tyreek Hill News and Fantasy Implications

The episode kicks off with breaking news regarding Tyreek Hill, the star wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL has decided not to suspend Hill following an extensive investigation into allegations of child abuse, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the fantasy football community.

Andy Holloway articulates the gravity of the situation:

"This is an extremely polarizing situation. ... We just give you the facts and head off from there. So to me you're talking low probability now that Tyreek Hill will receive any type of suspension."
[04:48]

Mike Wright adds his perspective, emphasizing the uncertainty and low likelihood of further consequences:

"I feel very uneducated to be able to really answer this question. ... As of now, you got to feel like that's a low percentage chance that something else is going to surface because the two people closest involved in the situation, Tyreek Hill and his fiance, they don't want to talk about anything."
[04:48]

The hosts discuss the immediate fantasy implications for Tyreek Hill, noting that despite the absence of a suspension, Hill's situation may affect his availability and performance. Andy reflects on Hill’s past performance and questions whether his full return will restore his fantasy value:

"Tyreek was an absolute fantasy star last year. ... What is the risk that is out there for Tyreek Hill as it pertains to his availability this year?"
[12:33]

Fantasy Footballers’ Analysis:

• Balancing the Roster: With Hill's status uncertain, managing the Chiefs' wide receivers becomes more complex. Andy and Mike discuss the potential need to adjust rankings and projections for other Chiefs players like Sammy Watkins and Mikole Hardman.
• Impact on Travis Kelsey: They also explore whether Hill’s absence would impact Travis Kelsey's performance, concluding that Kelsey remains a top-tier tight end irrespective of Hill’s status.

Key Takeaways:

• Tyreek Hill remains a high-risk, high-reward player for fantasy managers.
• Andy and Mike advocate for cautious optimism, suggesting that Hill is likely to return without suspension but advising flexibility in draft strategies to accommodate possible changes.

Head-to-Head Half-Point PPR Mock Draft

Following the Tyreek Hill segment, Andy and Mike transition into a live head-to-head half-point PPR mock draft. This segment showcases their drafting philosophies, strategic decisions, and real-time adjustments as they build their fantasy teams.

Draft Setup

• League Format: 12-team, half-point PPR
• Draft Order: Determined by Brooks, resulting in Andy having the 11th pick and Mike the 7th pick.
• Platform: Sleeper

Mock Draft Highlights

1. Early Rounds:

   • Andy starts by prioritizing elite running backs, selecting Dalvin Cook at the 111th pick, believing in Cook’s upside despite concerns about the Chiefs' offense dynamics.
   • Mike leans towards wide receivers early, opting for Devonta Adams in the 7th round, followed by Odell Beckham Jr. and Stefaan Diggs, aiming to build a robust receiving corps.

   Mike: "I'm going with Devonte Adams at the seventh pick and we'll see what happens with my team starting with wide receiver."
   [20:08]

   Andy: "I'm going to take Dalvin Cook at 111."
   [17:07]

2. Mid Rounds:

   • Andy faces tough decisions between securing another running back or diversifying his roster with wide receivers. He ultimately prioritizes running backs, selecting Todd Gurley to strengthen his backfield.
   • Mike continues to load up on wide receivers, focusing on high-upside players like Julio Jones and later securing DeSean Jackson and Marquez Valdez.

   Andy: "I think I like Cook more than Connor. So Dalvin Cook off the board."
   [22:23]

   Mike: "I have Devonte Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., Stefan Diggs as my starters, and then Curtis Samuel as the potential breakout guy."
   [25:25]

3. Late Rounds and Final Picks:

   • Andy bolsters his roster with wide receivers like Marvin Jones and AJ Green, ensuring depth and potential breakout candidates.
   • Mike fills out his team with running backs and secures quarterback spots, opting for Lamar Miller and Curtis Samuel to complement his strong wide receiver lineup.

   Andy: "I am going to take Sean Watson as my QB."
   [36:10]

   Mike: "I'm going to take Lamar Miller as my running back."
   [36:12]

Notable Strategies and Decisions:

• Andy’s Running Back Priority: Andy emphasizes securing high-value running backs early to anchor his team, reflecting a traditional draft strategy focusing on RB strength.

• Mike’s Wide Receiver Focus: Mike opts to build a formidable receiving group first, banking on consistent high performance from elite receivers to maximize PPR scoring benefits.

• Risk Management: Both hosts illustrate the importance of balancing reliable starters with high-upside players to navigate potential injuries and performance fluctuations.

Key Quotes:

Andy: "I'm going to commit to the running back position, which means deciding in my mind between Mixon, Cook and Gurley."
[21:33]

Mike: "Devonte Adams, Odell Beckham Jr. Stefan Diggs as my starters, and then Curtis Samuel as the potential breakout guy."
[25:25]

Post-Draft Analysis

After concluding the mock draft, Andy and Mike analyze their respective teams, highlighting strengths and potential vulnerabilities.

Andy’s Team:

• Strengths: Strong running back lineup with Dalvin Cook and Todd Gurley, complemented by versatile wide receivers like Marvin Jones and AJ Green.
• Weaknesses: Limited depth in the wide receiver position, relying heavily on breakout candidates like Julian Edelman and DeSean Jackson.

Mike’s Team:

• Strengths: Elite wide receivers including Devonte Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., and Stefan Diggs provide a reliable and high-scoring receiving core.
• Weaknesses: Running back depth is thinner, depending on occasional performances from Lamar Miller and potential breakout runs from players like Devonta Freeman.

Quotes:

Andy: "Josh Allen is a QB1 this season. I feel great about drafting him there."
[54:32]

Mike: "Devonta Freeman locked and loaded. ... between Lamar Miller, Miles Sanders, Tevin Coleman and Adrian Peterson, I believe that I can get a second running back in there on a weekly basis."
[56:53]

Conclusion

The episode culminates with the hosts reflecting on their draft strategies and the teams they've assembled. They acknowledge the inherent risks and rewards of their choices, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and waiver wire management throughout the season. Andy and Mike wrap up by teasing upcoming episodes focused on divisional breakdowns, promising continued expert insights for fantasy football enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers valuable insights into handling unforeseen NFL developments, exemplified by the Tyreek Hill situation, and demonstrates effective mock drafting techniques. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the discussions provide actionable strategies to navigate draft day and optimize your team for success.

For more detailed analyses and fantasy football strategies, tune into the Fantasy Footballers Podcast weekly and join their community at jointhefoot.com. Follow them on Twitter @the_ffballers for real-time updates and tips.