Podcast Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: "What If?" Scenarios for 2020 + Fournette Fallout
Release Date: August 31, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Fantasy Footballers, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into several pivotal "What If?" scenarios for the 2020 NFL season, with a particular focus on the fallout surrounding Leonard Fournette's release from the Jacksonville Jaguars. The trio offers in-depth analysis, strategic advice, and plenty of entertaining banter to help fantasy football enthusiasts navigate the complexities of the upcoming season.

Leonard Fournette's Release by Jaguars

The episode kicks off with the shocking news that Leonard Fournette has been released by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This development has significant implications for both the Jaguars' offense and fantasy football managers who had drafted Fournette.

• Jason Moore remarks on the suddenness of Fournette's release:

  “Leonard Fournette has been released by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was a bombshell that hit very early this morning. [02:00]”

• Mike Wright criticizes the Jaguars' handling of Fournette:

  “It's dirty at this point to have not let him test any sort of free agent market... [02:51]”

• Andy Holloway expresses sympathy for Fournette and discusses his chances of being picked up:

  “He will be signed by someone. I don't think he'll clear waivers and then be a free agent. [03:13]”

The hosts agree that Fournette's situation may worsen and speculate on potential teams that could add him to their rosters.

"What If?" Scenarios

1. AJ Green's Potential Impact if Fully Healthy

Jason Moore explores a hypothetical scenario where A.J. Green is 100% healthy and regains his dominant form, comparable to Julio Jones.

• Jason Moore analyzes Green's historical performance:

  “If he gets what he got in the past, these monstrous numbers, what would Joe Burrow support if he stays identical? AJ Green would have 93 receptions, 1341 yards and eight touchdowns... [04:06]”

• Andy Holloway discusses the realism of this projection:

  “I don't think that, you know, in the past with those other teams... I think he's still not someone that I'm projecting to be who he was. [06:00]”

• Mike Wright suggests alternative strategies if Green's performance declines:

  “If AJ Green does go down, I encourage every fantasy football player to run out and get Tyler Boyd. [06:56]”

2. Teddy Bridgewater Becoming a Deep Passer for the Panthers

The discussion shifts to the Carolina Panthers and the possibility of Teddy Bridgewater evolving into a deep passer under Coach Matt Rhule.

• Mike Wright hypothesizes about Bridgewater's potential transformation:

  “What if Teddy Bridgewater actually goes deep with frequency for the Carolina Panthers... [07:46]”

• Jason Moore compares Bridgewater's situation to Alex Smith under Andy Reid:

  “It reminds me of Alex Smith. He was always good at throwing deep. [09:46]”

• Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of coaching in unlocking Bridgewater's deep passing ability:

  “What if Matt Rhule unlocks the door and Teddy Bridgewater starts chucking it down the field?... [10:20]”

The hosts agree that if Bridgewater embraces a more aggressive passing strategy, it could significantly boost his fantasy value.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars as the Worst Team and Gardner Minshew's Prospects

Jason Moore contemplates the scenario where the Jacksonville Jaguars finish as the worst team in the NFL and the implications for Gardner Minshew's fantasy prospects.

• Jason Moore questions the Jaguars' management and Gardner's future:

  “What if Jacksonville really is the worst team in the NFL? What does that mean for the prospects of Gardner Minshew? [10:44]”

• Mike Wright points out the historical fantasy finish for quarterbacks on the worst teams:

  “27th is the average fantasy finish for the team that finishes last. [12:02]”

• Andy Holloway and Jason Moore discuss the organizational failures and Gardner's odds:

  “They have been a train wreck for 10 years... [12:53]”

The consensus is that Gardner Minshew faces long odds in Jacksonville, making him a risky fantasy pick.

Replacement Running Backs for Leonard Fournette

With Fournette's departure, the hosts explore potential running backs who could fill the void in Jacksonville's offense.

1. Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson emerges as a key candidate due to his familiarity with Coach Jay Gruden and his efficiency in the red zone.

• Jason Moore praises Thompson's red zone performance:

  “According to camp reports, Chris Thompson has been dominating in red zone work. [16:18]”

• Mike Wright highlights Thompson's effectiveness when on the field:

  “If he's on the field, the team is better than if Fournette is on the field. [16:28]”

2. Raikwell Armstead and Divine Azigbo

The discussion moves to Raikwell Armstead and Divine Azigbo as potential replacements.

• Jason Moore emphasizes Azigbo's potential and Armstead's conditional opportunities:

  “I think Divine Azigbo is the guy that I would prefer to take the shot on. [21:28]”

• Andy Holloway recommends Azigbo over Armstead due to limited opportunities:

  “That's last pick. That's dynasty waiver wire. [21:24]”

3. Other Running Backs

The hosts briefly touch on Devonta Freeman and Carry On Johnson, assessing their suitability as Fournette replacements.

• Jason Moore expresses skepticism about Freeman's move to Jacksonville:

  “I'm going to handicap that. It is zero percent chance. [21:28]”

• Mike Wright and Jason Moore discuss the notorious fantasy struggles associated with Carry On Johnson:

  “It's a starting running back, especially if you go Christian McCaffrey at one on one... [32:21]”

Eagles Injury Update

The Philadelphia Eagles face a setback as their wide receiver Jalen Reagor suffers a shoulder injury, impacting his availability for the start of the season.

• Jason Moore reports Reagor's injury details:

  “Eagles wide receiver Jalen Rager suffered a shoulder injury. It turned out that that was a partially torn labrum. [27:35]”

• Andy Holloway analyzes the broader implications on the Eagles' offense:

  “If you want to avoid that to avoid the injury dip, I'm fine with it. [28:24]”

The injury exacerbates concerns about the Eagles' already shaky offensive lineup, potentially diminishing Reagor's fantasy relevance.

Other Player News

The podcast covers various other player-related updates and fantasy implications.

• Blake Jarwin of the Cowboys is highlighted for his impressive camp performance:

  “Blake Jarwin has had an amazing camp. [39:30]”

• Lev Bell from the Jets faces uncertainty due to an MRI after an ankle injury:

  “Michael P. Ryan... He failed his physical after he was cut... [37:04]”

• Brian Edwards is recognized for his promising performance in Raider's camp:

  “Brian Edwards is the starting X receiver in Raiders camp. [39:18]”

• Malcolm Brown of the Rams is discussed as an overlooked running back with potential:

  “Look, it's chalk. Sometimes chalk is chalk for a reason... [40:18]”

Mailbag/Listener Questions

The hosts engage with listener questions, providing personalized advice on various fantasy football dilemmas.

1. Trading Kyler Murray for Patrick Mahomes

Listener Tyler from Minnesota asks about trading Kyler Murray for Patrick Mahomes.

• Mike Wright advises against a straightforward trade, suggesting additional assets would be necessary:

  “You're giving up a really good piece that's a second or a third round pick... [45:38]”

• Jason Moore recommends holding onto Kyler and considering future breakout potential:

  “You can sometimes get Kyler plus a huge piece and then bank on the Kyler breakout. [46:43]”

2. WR Touchdown Leader: Chris Godwin vs. Mike Evans

Listener Slim Brink inquires whether Chris Godwin is more likely to finish as the top wide receiver or if Mike Evans will lead the league in touchdowns.

• Jason Moore leans towards Evans leading in touchdowns but acknowledges both are long shots:

  “I guess it's more likely that Evans would lead the league in touchdowns. [47:22]”

• Andy Holloway concurs, emphasizing Godwin's reception potential:

  “If the touchdowns happen to go Godwin's way, Eileen Godwin. [47:43]”

3. Cam Akers vs. David Montgomery in PPR Leagues

Instagram User asks whether to draft Cam Akers or David Montgomery in a PPR league.

• Andy Holloway prefers Akers for his upside despite Malcolm Brown's involvement:

  “I'm looking for the upside, and we love Cam Acres talent. [48:37]”

• Jason Moore opts for Montgomery but is open to Akers if Montgomery's value drops:

  “I would take Montgomery. [48:37]”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a blend of strategic insights, player evaluations, and community engagement, providing listeners with valuable information to enhance their fantasy football strategies for the 2020 season.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore: “If AJ Green gets what he got in the past, these monstrous numbers... [04:06]”
• Mike Wright: “You caught me sweat. Like to work up a mental sweat. [05:54]”
• Jason Moore: “The team must feel confident that they can get whatever inefficiency Leonard Fournette was providing. [18:03]”
• Andy Holloway: “If you have a draft today, you have to include a really good piece. [45:47]”
• Mike Wright: “Don't ignore him because he won't be the start of the whole year. [32:50]”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Fantasy Footballers serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy managers, addressing the immediate concerns following Leonard Fournette's release and exploring various "What If?" scenarios that could shape the 2020 fantasy football landscape. The hosts' blend of expertise and humor ensures listeners are well-equipped to make informed decisions as the NFL season approaches.