Unsolved Mysteries + TNF Preview, Alligator Man

Will the passing come back?! On today’s fantasy football podcast, Andy, Mike, and Jason investigate the biggest Unsolved Mysteries after two weeks. Will the top drafted tight ends start scoring more fantasy points? Plus, a preview of Thursday Night Football between the Jets and Patriots, Hungry For More players, and more! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for September 18th, 2024.

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Summary:

Episode Overview and Hosts Introduction 00:06

• The podcast begins with hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright welcoming listeners to “The Fantasy Footballers.” Each host contributes to setting a light-hearted and humorous tone for the episode, establishing a familiar rapport with the audience.
• Listeners are brought into the current celebration as they reflect on the day—September 18th—marking another episode filled with fantasy football discussion.

“Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers podcast with your hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.”

Discussion Highlights and Weekly News 00:34

• The hosts tease an engaging episode filled with fantasy football news and relevant topics like unresolved issues within the fantasy landscape. They mention surveying their community, the Foot Clan, for the biggest questions and concerns regarding the current season.
• Exciting announcements include a notable change in leaderboard standings, with a focus on performance and competition among the listeners.

“We have news to talk about, we have Unsolved Mysteries on today’s episode.”

Weekly Rankings and Resources 03:55

• The podcast promotes the importance of utilizing resources available on thefantasyfootballers.com, where listeners can find weekly rankings and insightful articles. The hosts encourage engagement with their writing staff, emphasizing the depth of content available for fantasy football enthusiasts.
• Listeners are informed about the availability of a free in-season app, which includes a start-sit tool to assist them with decision-making during the season.

“You can check out the weekly rankings on the fantasyfootballers.com, tons of great articles.”

Effective Red Zone Strategies 11:05

• In the red zone, the back shoulder fade is a powerful play when teams have skilled receivers like Davante Adams and quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers. This play can result in a high success rate for touchdowns, especially when executed one-on-one.
• The commentator highlights the connection between Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford, noting that their ability to execute this play can create a 75% chance of scoring when paired correctly. Despite some missed opportunities in week one, the potential for developing chemistry is strong, and there’s an eagerness to see more of this successful strategy.

“When you have a Davante Adams and an Aaron Rodgers, you run that thing like crazy and it works almost every time.”

Spotlight on Tony Pollard 12:01

• Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans is emerging as a key player following his return to health. His performance indicates that he is outperforming his teammate Taj Spears and has proven his value through consistent carries and targets in early games.
• Pollard’s significant opportunity is underscored by the lack of other running backs who have had a similar workload in the first two games. His favorable matchups, especially against teams with run-funnel defenses, contribute to his rising stock in fantasy football.
• The commentary emphasizes Pollard’s potential for strong performances moving forward, particularly due to the lack of competition for carries and the recognition of his skills.

“Tony Pollard is a good player… I’m hungry for more Tony Pollard too.”

Waiver Wire Strategies and Insights 14:45

• The discussion transitions to strategies surrounding the waiver wire, with players like Carson Steele highlighted as potential pickups. Steele’s role is anticipated to expand as he is seen as a strong option moving forward.
• There is mention of the changing dynamics in backfields, especially regarding the usage of running backs, and how teams often evaluate performance beyond just yards per carry.
• With opportunities in both the Tennessee and Baltimore backfields, managers are encouraged to assess the playing time and utilization of these players critically, as they may provide critical depth as the season progresses.

“Until Gus Edwards gets injured, he’s getting 15 carries a game every single week.”

Injury Updates and Team Performances 20:49

• Marshon Lloyd has been placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, which puts a damper on the team’s expectations. The current context is that the Raiders, who are suffering without their top running back Josh Jacobs, have become the least effective rushing offense in the league. This is surprising considering they were the number one rushing team prior to losing Jacobs.
• Malik Willis may be called to lead in a game plan where the focus is shifting towards a run-heavy strategy. With the Raiders sitting at the bottom in rushing yards per game, their reliance on passing could be a strategic error, especially given the statistics showing that they’re also second in pass rate over expectations. This indicates they may be forced into more passing situations than they ideally would want to be.
• The situation illustrates broader trends where teams investing in free agent running backs, like Saquon Barkley and Joe Mixon, are finding success, while those relying on their existing rosters, such as with the Madison and White combination in previous seasons, are underperforming severely.

“The Raiders, who lost Josh Jacobs, have become the least effective rushing offense in the league.”

Quarterback Changes and Expectations 22:30

• The video mentions that Tua Tagovailoa is in concussion protocol and will miss time, with Skyler Thompson slated to start in his place. This absence raises questions about how the Dolphins will perform without their usual quarterback.
• Other teams are also dealing with personnel changes, as David Njoku‘s injury has led to Deonta Foreman taking on more work since Njoku is not expected to play. This shows how injuries can shift team dynamics and player roles significantly.
• The discussions include thoughts about potential impacts on fantasy football, notably with various quarterbacks underperforming compared to previous seasons. The conversation refers to the need for patience with players like Dak Prescott and Joe Burrow, who historically tend to start seasons slow but improve as games progress.

“Tua Tagovailoa is in concussion protocol, and Skyler Thompson will start in his place.”

Trends in Passing Offenses and Game Strategies 24:40

• There is a noticeable decline in passing touchdowns across the league compared to the last several years. Currently, the number of passing touchdowns is nearly half of what was seen during the same period from 2018 to 2022, leading to discussions about the impact of defensive schemes, particularly the prevalence of two-high safety defenses.
• The changing dynamics indicate a shift towards running games as teams adapt their offense. If defenses are set up to limit passing, offensive coordinators appear more inclined to emphasize their running backs, which decreases the overall number of plays in the game.
• In fantasy football contexts, there’s an intriguing reference to the value of middling running backs versus wide receivers as running backs have shown greater potential than anticipated.

“There is a noticeable decline in passing touchdowns across the league compared to the last several years.”

Garrett Wilson and Aaron Rodgers‘ Performance 30:55

• The discussion focuses on Garrett Wilson‘s connection with Aaron Rodgers, particularly highlighting Wilson’s performance in challenging matchups. In the recent game against Tennessee, Wilson struggled against DB Sneed, known for his ability to neutralize top wide receivers.
• Observations from film analysis reveal that Rodgers appeared hesitant and rusty, often opting for shorter throws rather than allowing plays to develop. This quicker release has resulted in a significant reduction in his time to throw compared to previous years.
• Rodgers’ tendency to throw the ball faster could hinder deeper plays, limiting Garrett Wilson‘s opportunities to shine, especially in a tough upcoming schedule for the Jets.

“He looks like he’s not giving the half beat of extra time for letting that play develop.”

Concerns for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars 33:44

• There is growing concern about Trevor Lawrence‘s inconsistency and team performance, particularly as the Jaguars have been unable to find their rhythm. Lawrence, despite being under pressure, currently has only four more fantasy points than Daniel Jones.
• The lack of effective offensive weapons and the coaching staff’s struggles may be contributing to Lawrence’s difficulties. There remains a glimmer of hope for connection development with Brian Thomas Jr., but poor decision-making and turnovers have marred his performance.
• The coaching staff’s track record of failing to adapt and the general environment in the Jaguars organization raises questions about whether Lawrence can elevate his game.

“I’ve never believed that Trevor Lawrence was this generational talent; I think he is an average NFL quarterback.”

Sam Darnold‘s Unexpected Revival 35:08

• The narrative around Sam Darnold has shifted as he showed potential in recent games, leading to questions about the sustainability of his success. His performance against the 49ers showcased that he can still make significant plays, though he remains prone to mistakes and taking unnecessary sacks.
• Comparisons are drawn between Darnold and his previous failures in Carolina, pointing out that he now plays in a more capable system with better offensive weapons. Despite the positive signs, there are reservations about his long-term decision-making and performance consistency.
• The upcoming game against Houston will be critical in determining whether Darnold’s resurgence is a signal of lasting improvement or just a temporary spike.

“You should be optimistic about Sam Darnold, but I’m still worried about the decision-making long term.”

Bryce Young‘s Transition Challenges 40:21

• Bryce Young is facing a difficult transition as he enters a new system with a fresh set of players. Unlike other quarterbacks who had the chance to play in preseason games, Young only participated in one drive during the entire preseason. This lack of preparation alongside implementing a new offensive scheme raises doubts about his ability to excel from the start of the season.
• It is noted that while the offensive system can influence a quarterback’s performance, Young has struggled significantly with his accuracy, with approximately 30% of his throws deemed uncatchable. Despite having the right read or call, his inability to deliver a catchable ball consistently hampers the potential success of the offensive plays.

“The system doesn’t mean you can complete a pass to that spot when you’re missing throws egregiously.”

Impact of Preseason Experience on Confidence 42:25

• The discussion highlights the importance of giving young quarterbacks the opportunity to gain confidence through preseason play. Knowing how crucial it is for a quarterback to build confidence, the critique of the Panthers’ decision-making and the lack of preseason action for Young is evident.
• This pattern of poor decision-making over the years has been observed across the organization, affecting player development and confidence. The speaker emphasizes how other quarterbacks, like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, have managed to revitalize their careers after similarly challenging situations.

“You have to do it now; you have to give young quarterbacks the opportunity to gain their confidence.”

Changing Nature of Preseason and Its Effects 43:22

• A notable shift in the nature of the preseason is discussed, where it used to consist of four games, and week three was often seen as a dress rehearsal for starters. This change has impacted quarterbacks’ readiness for the season.
• The argument is made that limiting preseason play to prevent injuries could negatively affect teams’ competitiveness and the physical readiness of players when the regular season begins. This is compared to how physical training can prepare athletes for the demands of their sport, illustrating the delicate balance between player health and competitive performance.

“Not playing players to preserve them may be hurting you competitively and physically on the field.”

Jameson Williams‘ Target Volume Challenges 49:58

• The discussion centers on the integration of Jameson Williams into the current offensive structure, especially with the ongoing performance of other players. Despite a strong desire to see Williams take on a significant role, his current target volume of 20 through two games starkly contrasts with Sam LaPorta‘s 8 targets.
• The implication is that the success of the offense hinges on Jared Goff‘s performance, which can be described as erratic, thus affecting how these targets are allocated and who gets the volume.
• Observations from previous seasons suggest that while LaPorta has performed remarkably well in red-zone plays, there seems to be an issue with the overall target distribution in the offense that could prevent Williams from becoming the main focal point.

“Jameson Williams has 20 targets through two weeks; Sam LaPorta has eight.”

Travis Kelce‘s Declining Role 50:21

• Travis Kelce‘s productivity has noticeably dipped, with the number of routes run dropping from an average of around 34 to 27 per game this season. There are concerns regarding his role in the offense as he is often being asked to block rather than run routes.
• The data supports the decline in Kelce’s role, as he is less frequently the first read in plays, which mirrors a broader trend of underperforming tight ends across the league. Comparisons with other tight ends show that Kelce is not being targeted consistently, raising alarms about how he fits into the current offensive strategy.
• The overarching narrative suggests that despite his historical prominence, Kelce is currently in a rough period, leading to critical considerations for fantasy players about his viability as a top tight end in their rosters.

“We are in a disaster zone here with Travis Kelce.”

Outlook on the Patriots vs. Jets Matchup 55:06

• The upcoming matchup between the New England Patriots and New York Jets indicates a struggle on both sides, with both teams currently sitting at 1-1. Defensive weaknesses on the Jets, exacerbated by recent injuries, juxtapose with the Patriots’ reliance on the run game.
• The conversation highlights the need for the Patriots to focus heavily on rushing to achieve a competitive edge, particularly since the Jets’ defense shows vulnerability against the run—illustrating a critical statistical mismatch favoring New England’s ground game.
• Fantasy implications point towards limited options for pass catchers in both teams, with key players like Brice Hall and Garrett Wilson emerging as essential starts, while other skill positions appear less reliable given current offensive schematics.

“The Patriots can win this game by running the ball.”

The Current State of Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams 59:27

• Garrett Wilson‘s performance has been inconsistent, raising concerns about his potential to disappoint fantasy football players. Despite being regarded as a player with high potential, his recent finishes have reflected underperformance, ranking as wide receiver 32 last year and currently 33 in both of the first two weeks of this season.
• Mike Williams is mentioned as also on the rise, but this could lead to both players hindering each other’s success. The idea is that both are “dart throw touchdown guys,” which may not yield the consistent returns that fantasy owners seek.
• With the Patriots’ defense ranked 26th against fantasy wide receivers, there is still a glimmer of hope for Garrett Wilson to have a productive week. However, if opportunities are not seized early in the game, his involvement may diminish in the second half.
• A staggering statistic highlights that Garrett Wilson has only achieved five games with 15 or more fantasy points in his 36-game career, a number identical to less prominent players like KJ Osborne, Darius Slayton, and Hunter Renfro.

“That’s the worst player you can have; one you think you must start each week but doesn’t give you the numbers you want.”

Waiver Wire Tips 01:01:45

• The dialogue shifts to highlight Waiver Wednesday, encouraging fantasy football players to be proactive in checking their waiver wires. Players often get dropped so that others can add trending players who performed well in recent games.
• It is suggested that managers should not only focus on added players but also take advantage of those who were dropped, maintaining vigilance to enhance their rosters.

“Check your waiver wire for all the players that were dropped so others could add the hot players this week.”

from Fantasy Footballers Podcast https://ift.tt/oM82LaG