Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary: "WR Rankings + Mike Becomes a Real Boy!"
Release Date: August 14, 2018
Introduction: Mike's Twitter Verification Celebration
The episode kicks off with a humorous and lighthearted segment where Mike Wright celebrates obtaining Twitter verification, transitioning from "the man of the people" to the esteemed "Mike the Fantasy Hitman." This newfound status sparks playful banter among the hosts, highlighting the camaraderie and entertaining dynamic of the Fantasy Footballers trio.
- Mike Wright [01:23]: “Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast coming to you from draft.comstud with your hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright.”
- Jason Moore [04:03]: “Heavy is the head. Brooks.”
Segment 1: Keep, Trade, or Cut – Wide Receiver Edition
The hosts engage in their popular "Keep, Trade, Cut" segment, focusing on three wide receivers: Robert Woods (Rams), Kelvin Benjamin (Bills), and Sterling Shepard (Giants). Each host provides their strategic decisions based on player performance, team dynamics, and draft value.
- Andy Holloway [06:18]: “I want the guy that I know is the one on the team... I'm going to trade Sterling Shepard to Brooks.”
- Jason Moore [07:28]: “He thinks Shepard will have a better season... I'll probably trade away Robert Woods and cut Shepard.”
- Mike Wright [07:44]: “I do need to make some adjustments... I'm going to keep Kelvin Benjamin because he's a touchdown machine.”
Segment 2: Wide Receiver Rankings Part 2
The bulk of the episode delves into an in-depth analysis of wide receiver rankings, continuing from previous discussions. The hosts meticulously evaluate players from ranks 11 to 24, offering insights into their potential performance for the upcoming season.
Rankings Highlights:
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Amari Cooper (#11 Consensus)
- Andy Holloway [21:14]: Discusses Cooper’s talent and previous performance, noting his physical gifts but questioning his catch rate.
- Mike Wright [22:12]: “Amari Cooper is talented... his hands have to be questioned.”
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Ty Hilton (#12 Consensus)
- Jason Moore [25:26]: Expresses concerns over Hilton’s inconsistent performance last season and its impact on his fantasy value.
- Andy Holloway [28:04]: Highlights Hilton's dependency on quarterback health, particularly Andrew Luck's.
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Mike Evans (#13 Consensus)
- Andy Holloway [30:15]: Analyzes Evans' need for high touchdown totals to achieve top rankings, emphasizing the shift in his team's offensive dynamics.
- Mike Wright [31:13]: “Mike Evans... The touchdown upside is just got to open them.”
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Stefon Diggs (#14 Consensus)
- Jason Moore [32:13]: Questions Diggs' consistency and potential first "wide receiver one" season.
- Andy Holloway [34:06]: Acknowledges Diggs’ talent but remains cautious about his injury history and health.
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Doug Baldwin (#15 Consensus)
- Andy Holloway [35:55]: Considers Baldwin’s high upside but notes his dropping draft position due to health concerns.
- Jason Moore [36:37]: “I think I would take Baldwin.”
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Demaryius Thomas (#16 Consensus)
- Mike Wright [38:10]: Critiques Thomas’ efficiency and aging, suggesting he’s not the same player as before.
- Jason Moore [39:24]: “They were very, very inefficient.”
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Marvin Jones (#17 Consensus)
- Jason Moore [41:04]: Points out Jones’ overreliance on touchdowns and inconsistent receptions as potential pitfalls.
- Andy Holloway [42:35]: Discusses the regression in Jones' performance metrics compared to previous seasons.
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Golden Tate (#18 Consensus)
- Jason Moore [43:05]: Balances Tate’s consistency in receptions with his lack of high-end boom potential.
- Mike Wright [44:43]: “He does not boom.”
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Tyreek Hill (#19 Consensus)
- Andy Holloway [46:32]: Predicts a slight dip in Hill’s target total and efficiency, considering the addition of Sammy Watkins to his team.
- Jason Moore [47:13]: “Keep, trade, cut Tyreek Hill.”
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JuJu Smith-Schuster & Allen Robinson (#20 & #21 Consensus)
- Mike Wright [49:33]: Compares Allen Robinson’s catch rate favorably over JuJu Smith-Schuster.
- Jason Moore [53:05]: “I think helper you guys are more in the Jones camp.”
Segment 3: Listener Mailbag
In the Mailbag segment, the hosts address listener questions, providing personalized advice on drafting strategies and league settings.
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Drafting Disliked Players for Trade
- Listener Daniel [61:36]: Asks if it’s acceptable to draft a player you dislike with the intention of trading him.
- Mike Wright [62:14]: Advises against it unless there’s a mutual agreement with the trading party.
- Andy Holloway [62:40]: Encourages building the best team based on performance, not personal preferences.
- Jason Moore [63:07]: Suggests that in early rounds, taking value over personal bias can be strategic.
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League Depth vs. Bench Size
- Listener Logan [65:19]: Inquires about optimal bench sizes for 10 vs. 12-man leagues in a 2-QB format.
- Andy Holloway [65:30]: Recommends managing waiver wire competitiveness based on bench size.
- Mike Wright [66:30]: Emphasizes focusing on value and flexibility in draft selections.
Closing Remarks:
The episode wraps up with a blend of final thoughts on player rankings and a touch of humor regarding Mike’s new social media status. The hosts reiterate their commitment to providing in-depth analysis and engaging content to help listeners succeed in their fantasy football leagues.
- Jason Moore [69:19]: “You better follow us on Twitter. Get that account ready. Draft.comball.”
- Andy Holloway [70:07]: “Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast.”
This episode offers comprehensive insights into wide receiver evaluations, strategic drafting tips, and interactive listener engagement, making it a valuable resource for both seasoned and new fantasy football enthusiasts.