Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "WR Rankings Part Two + Buy/Sell, Sam Bowie'd" (August 12, 2020)

In the August 12, 2020 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the second part of their wide receiver (WR) rankings. The episode also features their Buy/Sell segment, where they evaluate specific receivers outside their top 20 for potential draft advantages. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Buy/Sell Segment: Evaluating Wide Receivers

Focus Player: Keenan Allen

• Discussion: The trio begins by assessing Keenan Allen, noting his unusual clavicle as seen on "Hard Knocks" and its potential impact on his performance.

  Jason Moore [03:43]: "Keenan Allen might be the absolute hardest wide receiver to rank this year because he's a great player... but he has to see that volume."

• Insights:

  • Keenan Allen's performance heavily relies on quarterback play, specifically whether the team sticks with Tyrod Taylor or moves to Justin Herbert.
  • Mike Wright expresses uncertainty about Allen's consistent fantasy output due to these factors.

  Mike Wright [05:06]: "He could be a top 12 wide receiver, but we have to see that volume."

• Conclusion: Both Mike and Cortland Sutton decide to sell Keenan Allen, anticipating potential underperformance relative to his Average Draft Position (ADP).

2. Wide Receiver Rankings Analysis

A. Adam Thielen

• Discussion: Thielen's ranking is scrutinized due to his injury-plagued 2019 season and the Minnesota Vikings' shift to a run-heavy offense.

  Jason Moore [15:32]: "He had 391 yards and six touchdowns through the first six games... I would love to draft Thielen in the third round."

• Insights:

  • Despite last year's setbacks, both Mike and Cortland view Thielen as a viable WR1 option if he regains his previous form.
  • Concerns remain about the Vikings' offensive strategy and defense strength.

  Cortland Sutton [17:00]: "He was a top 10 wide receiver... he's still a great wide receiver who's the clear one for a team that is going to have a pretty good offense."

• Conclusion: The hosts are optimistic about Thielen's bounce-back potential, positioning him favorably in their rankings.

B. Cooper Kupp

• Discussion: Kupp's role in the Rams' offense and his consistency are topics of debate.

  Jason Moore [19:06]: "Hard to predict touchdown totals year over year... Kupp's one of those players that I'd put in the top five with the double-digit touchdown capability."

• Insights:

  • Concerns about Kupp's reception perception against press coverage and the overall offensive scheme of the Rams.
  • Mike Wright remains cautious, citing uncertainties within the Rams' offense.

  Mike Wright [20:45]: "Cooper Cup won't return on where he's being drafted in my projections."

• Conclusion: While Cortland Sutton remains bullish on Kupp, Mike Wright opts to hold back, reflecting varying confidence levels among the hosts.

C. Allen Robinson

• Discussion: Robinson's consistent undervaluation due to past injuries and subpar quarterback play is examined.

  Jason Moore [24:33]: "He is being drafted as the wide receiver 12."

• Insights:

  • Disparities in rankings highlight Robinson's potential versus his current ADP.
  • The impact of a new quarterback, Nick Foles, is considered pivotal for Robinson's performance.

  Cortland Sutton [25:00]: "I believe in Robinson. He's a great wide receiver."

• Conclusion: The hosts recognize Robinson's talent but remain divided on his draft position, with some advocating for higher rankings based on his potential resurgence.

D. Mike Evans

• Discussion: Evans' ranking sparks significant disagreement, with Cortland expressing strong dislike for his placement.

  Cortland Sutton [33:00]: "He is a great wide receiver. I hate my ranking."

• Insights:

  • Mike Evans' consistent 1,000-yard seasons and improved quarterback play under Tom Brady are weighed against his current draft position.
  • The offensive strategy and Brady's propensity to target Evans in the red zone are debated.

  Jason Moore [34:09]: "He shares the field with another great wide receiver... Tom Brady's got a level of determination that is unmatched."

• Conclusion: While Mike Evans is undeniably talented, his current ADP doesn't align with the hosts' assessments of his value, leading to mixed feelings about his ranking.

E. DJ Chark & A.J. Brown

• Discussion: Both receivers are analyzed for their breakout potential and fit within their respective teams.

  Jason Moore [41:49]: "DJ Chark's last year ranks first among all players in separation over expectation."

• Insights:

  • DJ Chark's historical performance and potential under a favorable offensive scheme are highlighted.
  • A.J. Brown's boom-bust nature and dependency on Ryan Tannehill's quarterback play are scrutinized.

• Conclusion: Calvin Ridley and Odell Beckham Jr. receive attention for their high ceilings but are tempered with concerns about consistency and team dynamics. Ty Hilton and JuJu Smith-Schuster are discussed as undervalued picks with significant upside, though injury risks remain a concern.

3. Discussion on "Hard Knocks" and COVID-19 Impact

Reflection on "Hard Knocks" Episode

• Discussion: The hosts share their reactions to the "Hard Knocks" episode focusing on COVID-19 and its effects on NFL teams.

  Mike Wright [11:25]: "Seeing Anthony Lynn really talk about getting the virus... it was refreshing to see these players as human beings."

• Insights:

  • Optimism about the NFL's handling of COVID-19 protocols despite challenges.
  • Appreciation for players' transparency and vulnerability regarding their experiences with the virus.

  Cortland Sutton [12:42]: "It's always refreshing to see these players as human beings."

• Conclusion: The hosts express a positive outlook on the NFL's measures to manage COVID-19, acknowledging both the risks and the human element involved.

4. Final Rankings and Recommendations

Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide individualized rankings and recommendations for numerous wide receivers, balancing their historical performances, team dynamics, and potential for the upcoming season. Key takeaways include:

• High-Value Picks: Players like Adam Thielen and Cooper Kupp are viewed as strong candidates to outperform their ADP, provided their health and offensive environments remain favorable.

• Cautious Selections: Receivers such as Mike Evans and Allen Robinson are approached with caution due to concerns about their current team setups and potential inconsistencies.

• Undervalued Gems: Ty Hilton and JuJu Smith-Schuster are identified as undervalued options that could provide significant upside, especially in deeper leagues.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore [03:43]: "Keenan Allen might be the absolute hardest wide receiver to rank this year because he's a great player... but he has to see that volume."

• Mike Wright [05:06]: "He could be a top 12 wide receiver, but we have to see that volume."

• Cortland Sutton [17:00]: "He was a top 10 wide receiver... he's still a great wide receiver who's the clear one for a team that is going to have a pretty good offense."

• Jason Moore [24:33]: "He is being drafted as the wide receiver 12."

• Cortland Sutton [33:00]: "He is a great wide receiver. I hate my ranking."

• Mike Wright [34:09]: "He shares the field with another great wide receiver... Tom Brady's got a level of determination that is unmatched."

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers' August 12, 2020 episode provides in-depth analysis of wide receiver rankings, highlighting the complexities of player valuations based on team dynamics, historical performances, and potential for the upcoming season. The hosts offer a blend of optimism and caution, encouraging listeners to consider both the upside and risks associated with each receiver. By incorporating notable quotes and comprehensive discussions, this episode serves as a valuable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to refine their draft strategies.