Podcast Introduction and Context 00:05
The podcast welcomes listeners and introduces the hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright. The hosts engage in light banter, indicating familiarity with each other and a playful podcast atmosphere.
There is a humorous mention of a “Stinky Pete” nickname connected to a past incident involving Mike, suggesting a blend of personal anecdotes and comedy that characterizes the show.
“After 2,000 episodes, you have all the mailbags with different flourishes.”
Mock Draft Announcement 02:25
The hosts announce an upcoming mock draft, which is a central theme for the episode and features nearly the entire team, including notable characters like Falcon and Al Borland. This draft is emphasized as the final one before the season begins, heightening the sense of urgency and excitement.
Fans are also reminded about the ongoing preparations as the football season approaches, with a specific mention of tools to help them get ready.
“We’ve got everybody in the mock draft, so it should be a good one today.”
Player News and Updates 04:32
Mike shares news about key player situations, such as Jamar Chase’s practice status, which has become a source of concern for fantasy football players. Chase’s day-to-day status raises anxiety about his availability for the upcoming games.
The dialogue revolves around the complexities of contract negotiations in the NFL, illustrating the tension between players wanting to be compensated for their performance and teams holding back on extensions under existing contracts.
“I think we all move Jamar Chase’s risk rating up… it feels like there is a legitimate chance he’s not playing football next Sunday.”
The Brandon Aiyuk Situation and Its Impact on the 49ers 09:34
The conversation centers around Brandon Aiyuk‘s contract situation with the San Francisco 49ers, drawing parallels to Jefferson’s experience from the previous year. Aiyuk has turned down offers from other teams while the 49ers delay making a decision on whether to trade him or not.
As the NFL draft approaches, Aiyuk’s status creates uncertainty among fantasy football players. The speaker shares insights from a listener league draft, noting Aiyuk lingered longer than expected before being selected. Concerns arise about Aiyuk’s position, whether he’s to remain with the 49ers or risk falling behind in preparation.
The ongoing drama surrounding Aiyuk adds to the existing pressure on the team, especially after their recent Super Bowl loss. There’s recognition that repeating past successes in such a competitive league remains a tall order, particularly given the precariousness of player injuries and contractual negotiations.
The speaker also highlights the financial penalties Aiyuk faces for not attending practice, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The maximum fine could escalate significantly if he continues to miss practices, adding further urgency to resolve the situation.
“The Aiyuk situation feels more dire because he’s not even showing up like Jamar did.”
Potential Legal Uncertainty for Rashee Rice 11:46
Reports indicate that Rashi Rice is not expected to be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he will avoid immediate restrictions or penalties as legal matters unfold. This could mean Rice remains eligible to play for the entire season unless the situation changes drastically.
The discussion draws comparisons to past NFL cases, such as Ezekiel Elliott‘s, where legal uncertainties dramatically affected player availability and team strategies. The possibility of late-season penalties looms, causing league watchers and fantasy players to assess draft strategies with Rice in mind.
Consensus suggests drafting Rice under the assumption that he will fulfill the entire season or at least a significant portion of it, while being prepared for its unpredictable outcome.
“If it happens, it would be much later in the season.”
Quarterback Updates and Team Strategies 14:08
The announcement of Jacobi Brissett and Russell Wilson as week one starters for their respective teams is notable, as the season opener approaches. There’s consensus that while Brissett may not be the long-term answer for the Patriots due to their weak offensive line, it’s essential to set up the rookie quarterback for a successful start amidst a challenging schedule.
Mike Tomlin’s decision to confirm Wilson’s role aligns with expectations, reducing potential turmoil in the locker room early in the season. The Steelers’ history suggests that they’re likely to maintain a winning record, stabilizing the quarterback situation to avoid disruption.
Audience members express hope to see a more dynamic quarterback who can add excitement to the games, reflecting the desire for engaging sidelines antics from coaches like Tomlin.
“You’re not going to have Tomlin want to have the turmoil in the locker room of quarterback questions.”
Fantasy Draft Strategies and Player Rankings 19:29
The discussion opens with the selection of players in a fantasy draft, particularly focusing on a full PPR (point per reception) format which influences the choices coaches make. The speaker mentions being inclined toward Tyreek Hill as a prime selection, especially with Christian McCaffrey unavailable, emphasizing Hill’s explosive potential.
A notable pick is announced with Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is considered to have ascended into the top tier of wide receivers this offseason in full PPR formats. The discussion delves into the consistency of St. Brown’s performance, likening him to elite players like CeeDee Lamb and Ja’Marr Chase for his pivotal role within his team’s passing offense.
As picks progress, there is a sense of urgency as players like AJ Brown and Breece Hall are off the board. Players previously considered strong options, like Jamar Chase and Justin Jefferson, are now discussed with potential risk assessments during the drafting phase, showing how the selection process evolves based on previous choices.
The conversation highlights the excitement and unpredictability of the draft, with mentions of how player values can shift during each round. Selections of less-anticipated players like Kekoa Williams become points of debate, further emphasizing the challenge of balancing risk and reward when drafting players who may have variable outcomes during the season.
“In a full PPR, Amon-Ra St. Brown might belong right up there with CeeDee and Tyreek in that same tier.”
Player Draft Analysis and Strategy 28:40
The speaker discusses different player selections during a draft, highlighting his preferences for specific players. He notes that some players are rated higher based on his evaluations compared to others. Specifically, he compares the positions on his board for players like Chase and Nico.
The order of selections includes Devonte Adams and Travis Etienne before Josh Jacobs, whom the speaker rates highly due to current trends and injury concerns within the running back position. He believes Jacobs will have significant volume this coming season.
The speaker also reflects on drafting strategies concerning player projections and comparative rankings while factoring in mock drafts against (potentially less strategic) computer selections.
“I think I’m getting myself a nice 80 to 90 receptions with Rashad White.”
Reaction to Draft Sniping 29:50
The speaker experiences a reaction to a player being sniped during the mock draft. He humorously narrates a moment when another participant, referred to as “the Falcon”, made a pick he desired, thereby affecting his strategy moving forward.
He describes the competitive atmosphere of drafting, where teasing among participants can influence decisions. This dynamic illustrates the social aspect of fantasy drafting.
“The Falcon is trying to hurt us; that’s his best effort.”
Player Performance Considerations 31:30
As the draft progresses, the speaker analyzes incoming performances, comparing players based on recent trends. He mentions that despite injury fears with Jaylen Waddle, he views the actions of the Miami Dolphins positively—interpreting them as a sign of preparedness.
He continues this evaluation while making selections, indicating that his team composition emphasizes strategic pairing, especially with his choice of Tyreek Hill and Josh Jacobs.
“I’ll just say this: you know what I would love to do here is something I’ve done for pretty much this whole offseason.”
Building Winning Teams Through Stacking 34:40
The importance of stacking players during the draft is emphasized when discussing possible combinations, like pairing a quarterback with a receiver from the same team to maximize scoring potential.
The speaker shares thoughts on drafting strategies, addressing both positional requirements and optimizing points through player collaboration on the field.
“I love it, but I also love… I need a wide receiver.”
Choosing Running Backs and Passing on Tight Ends 38:12
The discussion starts with the notion of acquiring more receiving options for running backs, suggesting a strategy of diversifying the team’s skillset. The speaker reflects that passing on tight end Trey McBride is a difficult choice, emphasizing his potential connection with quarterback Kyler Murray, thereby boosting expectations for McBride’s receiving metrics.
In the draft, the speaker makes a selection, anticipating high reception counts for McBride, aiming for 80-90 receptions in the upcoming season.
“Passing on Trey McBride here would be pretty tough, but I’m going to take him and bank on his connection with Kyler.”
The Value of Rashee Rice and the Draft Strategy 39:21
In the fifth round of the draft, the speaker chooses Rashi Rice as a valuable pick, surprising themselves with the decision as they had hoped to select him later. The conversation shifts to average draft positions, indicating that Rice’s ADP may be misleading, as he has been performing well and should be prioritized if desired.
The speaker notes that while taking Rice might seem like a reach, it could pay off in the long run given his potential with Patrick Mahomes. The surrounding picks reveal the competitiveness as other players like Tank Dell and Mark Andrews are also selected swiftly.
“Rashi Rice is really interesting in drafts right now; you’re going to need to take him before you think you need to if you want him.”
Running Back Decisions and Player Comparisons 40:54
The speaker plans to select Derrick Henry to solidify their running back lineup, aiming for three strong workhorse backs. They express confidence in the choice, dismissing the notion that the full PPR format will deter them from choosing a back who has the potential for significant touchdown production.
Following the selection, discussions about player value ensue as they compare Henry with other running backs, considering touchdowns and past performance as critical decision-making factors.
“I’m not going to let full PPR dissuade me from potentially 15 touchdowns.”
Strategy and Player Focus in Rounds 43:21
As the draft progresses, the speaker analyzes the available players, contemplating whether to overload on players from the same team or spread out for a more balanced lineup. They express regret about passing on T. Higgins but settle for James Conner as an anchor running back, referencing the importance of maximizing points potential.
There is an interesting back-and-forth about player values, with the speaker favoring Conner over Raheem Mostert due to perceived touchdown opportunities, showcasing strategic thinking in player selections.
“Conner has more touchdowns than Raheem, so I’m going to take him here in the fifth.”
Evaluating Quarterbacks and Tight Ends 47:40
The discussion revolves around evaluating players for the upcoming fantasy football season, particularly focusing on a quarterback who is positioned as QB1. This quarterback’s week one expected stats include 452 rushing yards and 213 passing yards, totaling a promising 327 combined passing yardage.
There is significant value noted in selecting him based on his projected performance, suggesting that cost versus return is a critical component in player discussions.
Furthermore, Evan Ingram is highlighted as a strong tight end candidate, with the potential to finish as the overall tight end one this season, indicating a belief in his ability to improve on previous performances despite not being a frequent touchdown scorer.
The conversation emphasizes strategic choices between players, such as preferring Ingram in a PPR (Points Per Reception) league due to his consistent catching ability, especially after observing changes in his team’s receiving corps.
“That’s what every discussion about every player is about: what is the cost versus the return.”
Assessing Receiver Strategies 50:00
As the draft progresses, players like Keenan Allen are mentioned as valuable picks, particularly in a PPR context where consistent reception is key. Choosing Allen over a rookie like Rome Odunze aligns with a strategy of seeking reliability in the early part of the season.
The importance of selecting upside players later in the draft is introduced, with a mix of veterans and rookies enhancing team potential. The strategy suggested revolves around filling critical positions with dependable players while also allowing for growth with higher-risk picks.
Additionally, Deontay Johnson is noted for his solid potential this season due to improved quarterback play. His performance might mirror successful trends from previous seasons, suggesting a strong fit for the PPR format.
“I’m trusting the upgraded quarterback play, knowing that touchdowns could be a struggle.”
Building a Balanced Roster 51:00
When considering roster composition, flexibility and depth become paramount. Players like Najee Harris and David Njoku are selected for their stable performances and abilities to contribute effectively even in less productive offenses.
There’s a sense of urgency to secure reliable starters as the draft approaches its later rounds, emphasizing the need for backups that can still serve a purpose.
The dialogue shifts to focus on players in non-ideal situations but who may serve essential roles as the season unfolds, highlighting how adapting to changing circumstances can bolster fantasy teams effectively.
“I’m going to pull the trigger here on a full-time starter on a stinky offense.”
Running Back Strategies and Picks 56:37
The discussion centers on analyzing running back choices based on previous research, focusing on players like Taj Spears and Jerome Ford. The importance of having reliable insurance policies for key players is emphasized, particularly in the context of James Conner‘s uncertain performance.
The speaker mentions that while Jerome Ford is a starting running back, he may still face challenges, indicating that they did not select Chase Brown but instead opted for an alternative from the Chargers. It demonstrates how careful selection is essential to maintain depth within a fantasy team.
The strategic execution of a zero-RB strategy was highlighted as a successful tactic by one of the team members, showcasing the advantages of compiling a solid group of later-round running backs.
“Jerome Ford just fell in your lap; you’ve only got two running backs as starters!”
Drafting Insights and Player Evaluations 58:31
Insights are shared regarding different player evaluations like Curtis Samuel, who might serve as the wide receiver one on his team. The implications of drafting based on players’ performance potential in full PPR formats show the importance of researching player roles.
Discussions about potential upside picks as the draft progresses indicate that teams are looking for breakout candidates who can provide value later in the season. This includes evaluating rookies like Caleb Williams and the opportunities they might present in a hitters’ league context.
The attributes of players like Adi Mitchell are debated, particularly his explosiveness compared to a reliable yet less dynamic player like Michael Pittman. The concerns of team composition when evaluating these picks are considered, showcasing strategic insights in fantasy football drafting.
“In a full PPR, Curtis Samuel could be the wide receiver one target on this team.”
Final Picks and Draft Strategy 01:05:14
In the final round of a draft, a discussion emerges about selecting Jerry Judy versus Ricky Peol. Jerry Judy, recognized as a talented wide receiver, is favored, especially since he has performed well in previous drafts. However, the speaker opts for Ricky Peol, citing potential opportunities if another player, Aiyuk, becomes unavailable, suggesting a strategic choice based on team dynamics.
The draft includes commentary on the previous hype surrounding Elijah Moore, which highlights the shifting perceptions in fantasy football regarding player value.
The speaker also touches on the importance of being prepared for unexpected roster changes, emphasizing the need to consider players’ roles in effective offenses.
“Jerry Judy is a much, much better wide receiver now.”
Team Evaluations and Player Selections 01:06:23
The participants share their newly formed teams, detailing their player selections and expressing satisfaction with their choices. The first speaker notes a strong wide receiver lineup, featuring established players such as Tyreek Hill and Keenan Allen, supported by solid running backs.
The second participant lists an impressive array of receivers, including Justin Jefferson and George Pickens, highlighting a balanced team composition.
A third member discusses various running backs, showcasing an aggressive approach to accumulating talent in the early rounds.
“I’m pretty happy with how mine turned out.”
Draft Dynamics and Observations 01:08:11
As the draft wraps up, participants reflect on the dynamics within the team selections. They note the contrasting strategies taken by different teams—some focusing on wide receivers while others prioritized running backs—and how those strategies paid off.
The conversation remains lighthearted, showcasing camaraderie among team members despite competitive tensions.
“It worked out well for Josh to punt the running back position.”
