Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Value Picks + Ultimate Draft Day Foods
Release Date: August 23, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

1. Introduction and Draft Day Preparations

The episode kicks off with the hosts emphasizing the importance of preparing for the upcoming fantasy football draft. Andy Holloway highlights the resources available at ultimatedraftkit.com, urging listeners to equip themselves with comprehensive research, analysis, and projections to avoid being unprepared on draft day.

Andy Holloway [00:00]: "You don't want to get caught with your pants down. That's embarrassing."

Jason Moore reiterates the urgency, signaling that draft day is imminent.

Jason Moore [00:33]: "It's time."

2. Preseason Updates and Player Injuries

The hosts delve into recent preseason activities, focusing on key player updates and injuries that could impact fantasy drafts.

• Cam Newton's Injury: Cam Newton suffers a middle foot sprain, raising concerns about his availability for Week 1. However, the Panthers remain cautiously optimistic about his return.

  Jason Moore [07:20]: "Whenever you hear a ghost, we hope he's ready for week one."

• Jordan Reed's Concussion: Jordan Reed is forced out of the preseason game with a concussion, adding to his injury history and potentially removing him from fantasy draft considerations.

  Mike Wright [08:49]: "He's the first concussion history. This is extremely worrisome."

• Damian Harris's Usage: Injury worries surround Damian Harris, who handled two carries but may not be active on game day. The Ravens are monitoring his status closely.

  Andy Holloway [10:00]: "We already made the pivot. We had Reed, we dropped him and we picked up Delaney Walker."

• Darwin Thompson and Carlos Hyde: Reports suggest Darwin Thompson is overtaking Carlos Hyde on the Jaguars' depth chart, likely leading to Hyde being cut. This development influences fantasy drafts, especially for dynasty league players.

  Mike Wright [11:18]: "Carlos Hyde is not going to make this team."

3. Ultimate Draft Day Foods

Draft day isn't just about player selections; it's also about fueling up. The hosts share their favorite draft day foods, emphasizing practicality and personal preferences.

• Andy Holloway's Pick: Pizza Pizza remains a staple for Andy, offering ease and enjoyment throughout the draft.

  Andy Holloway [05:00]: "It's pizza for me. You got to have pizza there throughout the draft."

• Mike Wright's Sausage Dip: Mike promotes his signature sausage dip recipe, highlighting its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature.

  Mike Wright [04:23]: "It's so easy. One serving is take a half pound of sweet Italian sausage. You brown it up, then you throw that in a slow cooker..."

• Jason Moore's Handheld Snacks: Jason prefers foods that can be eaten without utensils, such as Oreos, churros, and Hostess apple pies, ensuring minimal distraction during the draft.

  Jason Moore [05:00]: "It's about desserts. So I want pick up food that I can go, okay. I just make my pick."

4. Value Picks for Fantasy Football Drafts

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to identifying value picks—players who offer high potential relative to their average draft position (ADP).

• Lamar Jackson (QB, Baltimore Ravens) [16:55]: Andy champions Lamar Jackson as a top value pick, even in the 10th round, due to his dual-threat capability and consistent rushing yardage.

  Andy Holloway [16:55]: "There's so much upside, tremendous value drafting Lamar Jackson even in the 10th round because of what he gives you from a high floor perspective with the rushing yardage."

  Jason echoes this sentiment, noting Lamar's record-breaking rushing attempts for a quarterback and his potential to lead the Ravens effectively.

  Jason Moore [28:22]: "What he can do on the ground is electric."

• Marvin Jones (WR, Detroit Lions) [30:00]: Mike Wright highlights Marvin Jones as an extreme value in the eighth round, emphasizing his consistent usage and touchdown potential.

  Mike Wright [30:00]: "He is definitely somewhere in the middle, making him an extreme value to me in the eighth round."

  Andy supports this by comparing Jones to higher-drafted receivers, suggesting Jones can outperform his ADP.

• Sammy Watkins (WR, Kansas City Chiefs) [33:23]: Jason defends Sammy Watkins as a valuable pick despite his drop in ADP, citing his past performance with Patrick Mahomes and touchdown potential.

  Jason Moore [33:23]: "He is going to be a Kansas City chief."

  Andy discusses the team's cap situation, cautioning dynasty owners about Watkins' future but acknowledges his current value.

  Andy Holloway [36:35]: "Dynasty owners of Sammy Watkins. I don't think you're going to be attached to Patrick Mahomes much longer."

• Sony Michel (RB, New England Patriots) [38:24]: Andy and Mike praise Sony Michel's performance in the preseason, positioning him as a monstrous value in the late fourth round due to his role in a run-heavy offense.

  Andy Holloway [28:49]: "Sony Michel going at the back of the fourth round is ridiculous to me. I think he's at monstrous value."

  Jason concurs, highlighting Michel's explosive play potential despite injury concerns.

  Jason Moore [41:07]: "He is phenomenal. And the worry for me is 100% injury and injury alone."

• Josh Gordon (WR, New England Patriots) [44:05]: Mike introduces Josh Gordon as a sneaky value in the seventh round, emphasizing his high ceiling when healthy and his role in the Patriots' offense.

  Mike Wright [44:12]: "Josh Gordon is just, he has to be talked about right now going at the beginning of the seventh."

  Andy supports this by discussing Gordon's potential resurgence and target opportunities without Rob Gronkowski.

  Andy Holloway [46:14]: "You can bet he's starting over Jacoby Meyers."

5. Additional Value Considerations

The hosts also touch upon other potential value picks and strategies, encouraging listeners to remain vigilant and adaptive during drafts.

• Matt Breida (RB, San Francisco 49ers) [51:29]: Jason Moore recommends Matt Breida as a valuable late-round pick, praising his breakaway speed and proven system within Kyle Shanahan's offense.

  Jason Moore [51:29]: "Matt Breida... he actually has probably more opportunity than a lot of those other guys I mentioned."

• Rodney Anderson (RB, Cincinnati Bengals) [53:26]: Andy and Jason discuss Rodney Anderson's potential, despite his injury history, positioning him as a stealthy late-round option.

  Jason Moore [54:01]: "He was the best rookie running back. Like he was my number one ahead of Josh Jacobs and everyone else."

6. Sponsor Promotions and Final Thoughts

While the podcast includes several advertisements and sponsor mentions, the hosts seamlessly transition back to content after each promotion. They encourage listeners to visit resources like ultimatedraftkit.com and pristineauction.com for draft tools and memorabilia.

Andy Holloway [55:18]: "You can buy a Tony Pollard signed jersey for $43 yesterday."

In closing, the hosts reiterate the importance of strategic drafting and staying informed on player statuses to maximize fantasy football success.

Jason Moore [56:31]: "Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast."

Key Takeaways:

• Preparation is Crucial: Utilize resources like Ultimate Draft Kit to stay ahead in drafts.
• Monitor Injuries: Stay updated on player injuries and their potential impact on fantasy teams.
• Identify Value Picks: Target players like Lamar Jackson, Marvin Jones, Sammy Watkins, Sony Michel, and Josh Gordon in later rounds for high upside.
• Draft Day Essentials: Choose foods that keep you energized and minimally distracted during the draft.
• Stay Flexible: Be ready to pivot strategies based on preseason performances and player news.

By focusing on these strategies and staying informed, fantasy football enthusiasts can enhance their draft performance and increase their chances of winning their leagues.