Midseason Review + Trade Targets, Hungry for More

Rest of season outlooks! On today’s fantasy football podcast, Andy, Mike, and Jason review the top players at each position so far. Plus, Hungry For More players, injury and trade news, and a preview of Thursday Night Football. Get ready for Week 9 fantasy football! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for October 30th, 2024.

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Summary:

Mid-Season Review Insights 01:44

“We’ve got a mid-season review. It should be a lot of fun… will it continue with some of these players that are in the top 10 of points per game per position?”

• The Fantasy Footballers discuss the state of the season as they conduct their mid-season review, focusing on player performance and future expectations.
• The conversation centers on examining whether players currently within the top ten points per game will maintain their performance as the season progresses.
• They highlight the excitement of discovering surprising stats, like a less recognized player ranking high in fantasy points, which can impact trade decisions and team strategies.

Player Performance Evaluation 03:56

“Lad Makoni… finally looked healthy and there were some boxes that I needed checked for him to be relevant for Fantasy this season.”

• Discussion shifts to Lad Makoni, who has recently shown improved performance, marking a significant development for fantasy leagues.
• After weeks of uncertainty regarding his role and apparent health issues, Makoni’s ability to finally deliver strong stats adds value to fantasy teams.
• It is noted that changes in the team’s passing rate and usage of their all-star quarterback, Justin Herbert, have positively influenced Makoni’s production in recent games.

Justin Herbert‘s Impact on the Team 07:30

“Since the bye, Justin Herbert is averaging almost 290 passing yards per game.”

• The hosts emphasize Herbert’s recent passing performance as a pivotal factor benefiting players like Lad Makoni.
• They analyze how the team’s offensive dynamics shifted after the bye week, indicating that they are recognizing the need to utilize their passing game more effectively.
• The improved quarterback play showcases the importance of adjusting strategies when key players experience inefficiencies in other areas, such as the running game.

The Value of Reliable Fantasy Options 09:30

“Josh Downs has been very, very good… he’s among the league leaders in targets per route run.”

• Josh Downs emerges as another focus of the conversation, with his impressive fantasy contributions being highlighted.
• The podcast hosts discuss Downs’ standing among top receivers, showcasing his efficiency when targeted, which adds significant value in fantasy lineups.
• Despite his success in games with varying quarterback performance, Downs continues to produce consistent fantasy points, making him a favorable candidate for fantasy managers looking for reliability.

Fantasy Football Analysis on Teams and Players 10:39

“The Minnesota Vikings and the Baltimore Ravens are legitimately very good defenses, but in the passing game, you always end up having good fantasy games against them.”

• The discussion highlights how, despite their strong defensive capabilities, the Vikings and Ravens often lead to high passing volume during games. This phenomenon occurs because teams are forced to throw the ball more often due to a lack of success running against these defenses. As a result, players facing them in fantasy football can still have strong performances, particularly in garbage time scenarios.

Player Performance Insights: Jaylen McMillan 11:34

“McMillan did not take over that slot role that I was hoping for… but the opportunities were there with seven targets and 30% of the team’s air yards.”

• Jaylen McMillan, the rookie wide receiver from Tampa Bay, has shown potential despite not stepping into the slot role vacated by Chris Godwin. In his last game, he secured seven targets and made a significant impact with 30% of the team’s air yards, indicating he was involved in the offensive game plan. Although he did not achieve fantastic production, the number of opportunities suggests that he could become a viable option moving forward.

Opportunity for Tank Dell Following Injuries 14:19

“The Texans have a huge opportunity here for Tank Dell… he’s got to have close to seven targets that should result in a decent fantasy output.”

• With the injuries to Nico Collins and Stefan Diggs, Tank Dell is poised for increased target share in upcoming games. While facing a tough matchup against the Jets, the expectation for Dell is high, as he could potentially receive around seven targets. This opportunity underscores the importance of strategic lineup decisions for fantasy managers as they assess Dell’s prospects in the absence of other key players.

Trade Analysis: Diontae Johnson to the Ravens 16:40

“We already had problems relying on any pass catcher in Baltimore… Deontay Johnson is good for Lamar but bad for Deontay.”

• The recent trade of Deontay Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Baltimore Ravens opens up a nuanced discussion about player effectiveness. While the Ravens gain a capable wide receiver, there are concerns about Johnson’s fantasy production due to the complex dynamics of their offense and the uncertainty around his target share amidst established receivers. This situation poses challenges for fantasy managers who rely on consistency from their players.

Reflections on Team Strategies 19:12

“The actions of the NFL are that the Steelers seem to be doing things right, while the Panthers are not.”

• The analysis compares the strategic decisions of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers, emphasizing how the Steelers effectively manage their wide receiver roster to maximize output and performance over time. In contrast, the Panthers’ recent moves reflect poor management, trading players without clear long-term benefits. This commentary invites a broader reflection on the effectiveness of team management within the league.

Diontae Johnson‘s Value in the Offseason 20:39

“I believe that Deontay Johnson will be proven to have significant value this offseason.”

• Deontay Johnson’s value may not be fully recognized within the fantasy community, but there is a strong belief that this perception will change during the offseason. As he becomes an unrestricted free agent, the demand for high-quality wide receivers in the market could lead to him signing a substantial contract.
• There is a limited number of top wide receivers who typically enter the free agency market, which suggests that Johnson could attract considerable interest from various teams looking to enhance their receiving corps.

Impact on Other Wide Receivers 21:00

“If Deontay Johnson is signed, it likely will mean fewer targets for Flowers and Bateman.”

• The potential addition of Deontay Johnson to a team is expected to divert targets away from existing wide receivers such as Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. This could raise questions about the effectiveness and opportunities for these players moving forward.
• The discussion highlights concerns regarding the current roster depth, with players like Nelson Agholor failing to meet expectations, leading to a substantial impact on the targeting hierarchy among the wide receivers.

Colts’ Quarterback Situation 22:15

“Joe Flacco gives them the best chance to win moving forward.”

• The Colts’ decision to bench Anthony Richardson in favor of Joe Flacco is framed as a strategic move to maximize their chances of securing wins in the season. Flacco’s experience and proven ability as a quarterback present him as a valuable asset for the team’s immediate success.
• The conversation reflects on the common tendency to rush young quarterbacks into starting roles without adequate preparation, often resulting in a negative impact on their confidence and development.

Fantasy Implications of the Quarterback Change 25:40

“Josh Downs could be a top-15 receiver rest of the season.”

• The shift from Richardson to Flacco as the starting quarterback has significant implications for fantasy football players, particularly Josh Downs, who could see a marked improvement in his production and positioning as a top-15 receiver.
• Additionally, Michael Pittman is highlighted as a potential asset, projecting a positive trajectory in fantasy scoring since Flacco is expected to increase the passing volume significantly.

Current Fantasy Insights on Travis Etienne 30:14

“A lot of fantasy managers who have him feel like they would be willing to just get a serviceable piece.”

• Travis Etienne is on the same pace this year as last, contributing significantly to fantasy teams despite a reduction in play due to limited snaps.
• There is speculation that many fantasy managers may be looking to offload him for a reliable player, particularly if they can secure a startable wide receiver or a favorable defensive matchup in exchange.
• In his most recent performance, Etienne secured seven targets and played 38% of the snaps, which is a positive indicator of his involvement and potential for fantasy scoring.

Mid-Season Review Segment 30:21

“We have a drop for this… that’s going into the archives.”

• The segment transitions into a light-hearted mid-season review, referencing classic sound bites that have become a staple of the show.
• The hosts encourage each other to revisit these classic references from previous seasons, recalling their significance and nostalgic value in podcast history.

Analysis of Quarterbacks Performance 31:52

“The points per game are very tight; he’s two points better than Jalen Hurts.”

• The discussion turns to quarterback performance, focusing on points per game for players who have played at least four games.
• Baker Mayfield stands out with solid metrics, demonstrating effectiveness in reading defenses and mobility, although there are concerns about his consistency without key offensive weapons.
• Comparatively, other quarterbacks like Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson are analyzed for their scoring potential, underscoring the competitive nature of quarterback fantasy scores.

Baker Mayfield‘s Future Performance Analysis 35:00

“I can visualize how Baker has a very good game this week.”

• There’s a debate regarding the potential upside of Baker Mayfield, especially in an upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Although Mayfield has been productive, there are questions about his ability to maintain performance levels without top-tier receiving options.
• The hosts express concern about the possible impact of a strong defense and the quality of offensive support, making Baker’s future performances a point of intrigue.

Player Performance Insights 39:34

“He’s got two home games coming up, but one is against the number two ranked Chicago Bears this week.”

• The discussion focuses on a player’s performance, highlighting an average of approximately 18 fantasy points per game despite facing challenges, such as missing key teammates in two games.
• This player’s upcoming schedule includes two home games; however, one of these is against a tough Chicago Bears defense, adding complexity to their outlook.

Fantasy Matchup Decisions 40:01

“The most fascinating matchup here, he has Kyler Murray and Caleb Williams.”

• The conversation delves into a critical fantasy football decision involving two quarterbacks: Kyler Murray and Caleb Williams.
• Murray’s recent performance has been strong, while Williams is coming off a disappointing game. The choice is complicated by the defenses they are facing, as the Arizona Cardinals struggle against quarterbacks while the Bears excel in that area.

Running Back Performance Comparison 41:24

“Only if you think that the Dolphins are not different with and without Tua.”

• The segment compares running backs Derrick Henry and Joe Mixon based on their fantasy points per game, showcasing the significance of the starting quarterback’s presence on running back performance.
• It brings up Devon Achane‘s impressive numbers while playing with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, indicating that quarterback influence is vital for evaluating running back effectiveness.

Frustrations in Fantasy Football Lineups 44:30

“It shouldn’t happen, and what’s most concerning for Breece is… it was a real down week from a utilization standpoint.”

• A discussion on Breece Hall and Bijan Robinson‘s inconsistency raises frustrations common among fantasy players, who acknowledge the players’ talents yet lament their lack of consistent scoring.
• Analysis reveals shifts in utilization under different offensive coordinators that have impacted the production of top-performing running backs.

Kareem Hunt‘s Playoff Impact and Long-Term Outlook 48:57

“That does hurt the long-term outlook to me of Kareem Hunt; you could end up having Kareem Hunt get you to the playoffs and then disappear.”

• Kareem Hunt has potential value for immediate playoff success, but his long-term performance may be uncertain. There is a concern that while he might help teams reach playoffs, his contribution may diminish afterward.
• Players like Henry, Mixon, Barkley, and Gibbs are noted to likely stay at the top of running back rankings, while Hunt’s reliability as a consistent top-ranked player is under scrutiny.

Assessing Running Back Performances: The Case of Joe Mixon 50:38

“I think Joe Mixon has been running a little hot… he’s averaging 4.9 yards a carry which he hasn’t done since his second year in the league.”

• Joe Mixon’s performance has raised eyebrows, as he is averaging a commendable 4.9 yards per carry, a rate he hasn’t maintained since earlier in his career. However, there is skepticism about his ability to sustain this level of success throughout the season.
• With recent changes, notably the loss of receiver Stefon Diggs impacting offensive strategy, Mixon may face challenges ahead, particularly if the running attack becomes less effective.

Wide Receiver Mid-Season Review: Standouts and Surprises 53:12

“Nico Collins at 18.1 points per game… will be back next week AJ Brown at 17.3.”

• The breakdown of wide receiver performances reveals Nico Collins leading the way at 18.1 points per game, closely followed by AJ Brown at 17.3. Both players have faced injuries this season, inviting discussions around their impact on fantasy teams and overall performance.
• Other notable performances are from Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Chris Godwin. Despite missing time, these players are maintaining significant scoring averages.

The Evolving Landscape of Fantasy Wide Receivers 57:06

“Marvin Harrison is the name that I’m going to say because he’s at 10 and a half points per game.”

• Amidst discussions about quarterbacks and their wide receivers, Marvin Harrison is identified as a promising name for fantasy football leagues, noted for finally combining well with his quarterback, resulting in better performance metrics.
• Tyreek Hill continues to be a standout player; despite currently ranking outside of the top wide receiver spots, his track record suggests he will ascend back into elite status as the season progresses.

Fantasy Football Prospects and Trends 58:33

“I think I’d go with George Pickens moving forward.”

• George Pickens has emerged as a top wide receiver, leading all players in fantasy points recently, despite penalties negating some contributions in the last game.
• With injuries impacting other players like Chris Godwin and Michael Thomas, there is an opportunity for secondary wide receivers, such as Pickens and Marvin Harrison, to take on larger roles.
• It’s recommended to target players like Josh Downs, Marvin Harrison, and Olive, particularly as Olive is expected to have a stronger performance with quarterback Derek Carr returning.
• The discussion acknowledges concerns over Tank Dell‘s recent performance but suggests that he may have a strong second half of the season once he returns to form and Nico Collins is back on the field.

Tight End Rankings and Projections 01:01:05

“He’s the only tight end since 2019 to finish in the top 10 every single week.”

• A significant focus is placed on George Kittle, who is leading the tight end rankings at 15.2 points per game, significantly ahead of others like Brock Bowers and McBride.
• There are concerns that Bowers may not be as productive without more touchdowns, as he has only one on the season, which puts him at a disadvantage compared to Kittle.
• Players like David Njoku and Kyle Pitts are also mentioned as having potential growth in fantasy output as the season progresses.
• Mark Andrews has been a subject of increased scrutiny, particularly concerning his route participation, which if improved could make him a valuable asset based on his previous performance metrics.

Thursday Night Football Preview 01:05:00

“Houston is 6-2, the Jets are 2-6; DraftKings Sportsbook has Jets minus one and a half.”

• The upcoming Thursday night game features a matchup between the Houston Texans and the New York Jets, with the Jets favored despite their struggling record.
• Concerns are raised about the Jets’ offensive capabilities against the Texans’ defense, especially with the Jets having a history of underperformance this season.
• Joe Mixon is highlighted as a key player for the Texans, suggesting he will play a major role in the game, particularly with the Jets’ vulnerability to the run.
• The commentary reflects skepticism about the Jets being able to compete effectively given their current form and injuries impacting star players like Aaron Rodgers.

Analysis of Players in Texans Game 01:08:15

“The Texans run defense has been more stout than the past defense if you look at the season.”

• The discussion highlights the strong performance of the Texans’ run defense, which ranks in the top five against running backs after adjusting for schedule. However, there is a weakness noted in their defense against wide receivers, resulting in points given up in that area.
• Players like Adams and Garrett Wilson are considered to be in play for potential scoring opportunities due to favorable matchups and the situation of being home favorites.
• The analysis also mentions Brilin Allen, who saw an increase in his snap share and received 12 opportunities on the ground, indicating more involvement compared to previous weeks.

Dynasty League Trade Considerations 01:10:54

“If you were sitting in a dynasty league, would you rather have a second and a third round pick and Josh DS, or would you rather have like RaAndre and Tillman?”

• A comparison is drawn between two potential trade scenarios in a dynasty league, weighing the value of acquiring multiple draft picks against established players. This segment engages viewers in contemplating long-term strategies and player values.
• The mention of recent trades illustrates how the player market is always shifting and the considerations managers must keep in mind when deciding on trades for future drafts versus established talent.

 

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