Dream Landing Spots + Keep/Trade/Cut

Summary:

Overview of Topics

“We’ve got Keep Trade Cut today. We’ve got some NFL news to talk about.”

• The hosts outline the main agenda, which includes a game segment called “Keep Trade Cut” and updates on the latest NFL news.
• They also hint at a fun interactive question that will follow, aimed at engaging listeners and encouraging their participation.

Quick Question of the Day

“Name a rookie and a landing spot that you would love to see.”

• The hosts introduce a quick question challenge where they ask each other to pick a rookie player and an ideal team for them to join, explaining their preferences and reasons behind those choices.
• This segment aims to generate thoughts on rookie potential in the upcoming NFL draft, fostering anticipation and excitement among fantasy football enthusiasts.

Kaleb Johnson’s Ideal Landing Spot

“I want to see Caleb Johnson go to the Broncos.”

• One of the hosts, Andy, expresses a strong preference for rookie Caleb Johnson to be drafted by the Denver Broncos.
• He highlights the Broncos as an attractive destination due to the young, promising nature of the offense and the successful history of their coach, Sean Payton, in maximizing fantasy points from running backs.

Tetairoa McMillan’s Fit with the Cowboys

“I like it because he is a big-bodied outside wide receiver.”

• Mike offers his choice with Ted O’Row McMillan landing with the Dallas Cowboys, suggesting his size could balance the offense, allowing CeeDee Lamb to shine as the primary receiver.
• He believes McMillan’s presence would relieve pressure off Lamb, creating more opportunity for fantasy points without compromising Lamb’s high value.

Jaxson Dart’s Potential with the Steelers

“I am becoming more and more a fan of Jackson Dart the more that I watch him play.”

• The group discusses Jackson Dart as a notable candidate who could succeed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, emphasizing his impressive progression as a quarterback during his SEC career.
• They analyze his on-field awareness and ability to make critical plays, noting that he could revitalize the Steelers’ offense and emerge as a key player if he were to be drafted.

Current Player Dynamics and Draft Considerations

“Right now, Mason Rudolph would be your projected starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

• The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently looking at Mason Rudolph as their potential starting quarterback, which signals uncertainty in their roster strategy.
• DK Metcalf‘s impact seems to be underwhelming at present, raising questions about whether he will become a crucial player in the upcoming seasons.
• There is a general desire for more players in the league to step up and make a significant impact, which underscores the current gaps in team performance and player effectiveness.

NFL Offseason News Highlights

“James Cook will play for the Bills in 2025.”

• Ian Rappaport reported on various offseason developments, including James Cook‘s confirmed future with the Buffalo Bills as he remains under contract through 2025.
• Concerns surrounding possible contract issues have arisen, hinting at a hold-in situation or other complications due to Cook listing his house for sale.
• The 49ers’ head coach, Kyle Shanahan, announced that Christian McCaffrey is healthy, yet the team still plans to draft a running back, highlighting the ongoing needs within the team despite McCaffrey’s star potential.

Fantasy Running Back Insights

“If he’s healthy, he’s awesome.”

• Christian McCaffrey is recognized as one of the premier running backs in the league, especially when he’s at full health.
• There are concerns about McCaffrey’s workload and efficiency as he ages, especially considering previous injuries, which could lead to a reduction in his snap counts for protection purposes.
• The possibility of the 49ers drafting another running back raises questions about who will serve as McCaffrey’s backup, and how this decision could impact his fantasy value.

Trevor Lawrence‘s Injury Update

“Trevor Lawrence is optimistic he’ll be a full go by the start of camp or season.”

• Trevor Lawrence is expected to recover in time for the upcoming training camp, though there is some ambiguity about whether he will be ready for the new season.
• Discussions about his non-throwing shoulder surgery highlight the differences in recovery timelines and how they affect team preparations.
• The uncertainty surrounding Lawrence’s injury could indicate a more serious issue, yet his toughness and determination suggest that he will be ready to participate once camp starts.

Player Comparisons: Burrow, Hurts, and Daniels

“I guess I’m probably keeping Burrow.”

• In a discussion about player value in fantasy football, one participant leans towards keeping Joe Burrow due to perceived value, mentioning that the rushing statistics for players like Jaden Daniels are impressive. This speaks to the importance of quarterback dual-threat capability in fantasy leagues.

The Case for Jalen Hurts

“Are they in the same tier?”

• The conversation shifts to Jalen Hurts, raising the question of whether he belongs in the same tier as Burrow. One participant emphasizes Hurts’ consistent performance as a mobile quarterback, presenting strong stats over multiple seasons, including a significant number of rushing touchdowns that Burrow cannot match.

Statistical Comparisons and League Preferences

“The scoring format makes a big difference.”

• The discussion dives into statistical analysis, comparing Burrow and Hurts based on scoring formats. In four-point leagues, Hurts is preferred due to his rushing capabilities, while in six-point leagues, Burrow’s passing touchdowns become more valuable. This illustrates how league settings can drastically change player evaluation.

Player Acquisition Strategy

“You’re talking about double-digit touchdowns on the ground for Jalen Hurts.”

• The analysts reflect on draft strategies, noting the guaranteed rushing touchdowns from a player like Jalen Hurts, contrasting with Burrow’s passing touchdowns. This highlights the significance of understanding individual player roles and team offensive schemes when drafting for fantasy leagues.

Emerging Player: Jayden Daniels

“I’m the most excited for Jaden Daniels just because of the ‘what if.’”

• Jaden Daniels is discussed as an emerging talent, showing promise from his rookie season. However, the unpredictability of a second year in the league raises questions about whether he can sustain or improve upon his previous performance, balancing excitement against risks.

Evaluating Quarterbacks: Pros and Cons

“Of the three quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield is the best quarterback for NFL purposes.”

• In discussing the potential of three different quarterbacks, it is suggested that Bo Nix could become a valuable player in the future, but currently, he hasn’t made a significant impact. On the other hand, Kyler Murray is viewed as a player who carries a negative curse, making him a risky choice for fantasy football.
• Baker Mayfield stands out as the most favorable option among them, especially for NFL purposes, yet concerns still exist regarding his performance in fantasy leagues. It’s noted that while he had a decent year with rushing yards, this does not guarantee high scoring in fantasy formats and might indicate vulnerability (12 fumbles, for instance).

Fantasy Football Dynamics

“If you want him to be good, stay out.”

• The commentary reveals an intriguing fantasy football strategy where the belief in a player could negatively affect their performance; in this case, the suggestion is to “stay off the Kyler Murray train” for him to succeed.
• Contrarily, it is argued that while Mayfield has displayed significant potential, he may still have limitations that could hinder fantasy success. Passing touchdown rates support this observation, with Mayfield achieving slightly above average performance but lacking the explosive potential desired in fantasy leagues.

Chuba Hubbard and Other Running Backs

“Chuba Hubbard could have a better season.”

• A notable shift in focus occurs to discuss running backs, where Chuba Hubbard is highlighted as a key player with increasing value. Despite being under assessed in early drafts, he demonstrated outstanding performance on a per-game basis throughout the season.
• In contrast, Alvin Kamara‘s age raises a flag regarding his future performance, as he nears 30 and has recently faced injuries. Kenneth Walker also presents uncertainty due to new coaching, yet he showcases immense talent that cannot be overlooked.

Decision Making in Drafting Running Backs

“It’s probably time we gave him a little bit more credit.”

• The discussion leads to evaluating whom to keep, trade, or cut among the running backs. There’s a consensus that Chuba Hubbard deserves recognition for his contributions and could be seen as the highest value in upcoming drafts.
• Alvin Kamara is considered trade material due to his aging status and injury risks, while Kenneth Walker, despite his potential, faces skepticism due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding his team’s changes.

Fantasy Football Strategy and Player Comparisons

“Imagine if Walker doesn’t, though.”

• The discussion centers around comparing fantasy football players Kenneth Walker and Chuba Hubbard, specifically how each might perform under the same team conditions. The sentiment is that Walker has greater pure talent and should have a more successful fantasy year than Hubbard, hinting at varying opinions about team strategies and player potential.
• The conversation emphasizes that while Chuba Hubbard could have been a viable RB2 for two consecutive years, he hasn’t achieved that status in the minds of fantasy owners, possibly due to injuries of other players like Kamara. The notion is that many may be reluctant to build their teams around Hubbard, even though he has had potential.

Managing Injuries and Strategic Decisions

“The biggest problem of getting hurt is teams’ decision-making on how they manage the future.”

• The discussion points out the strategic decisions teams must make regarding players who are frequently injured, with a focus on Kamara’s recent contract renewal. The implication is that teams might lean toward managing their investments conservatively, as seen with Kamara’s limited usage in a past game despite his high opportunity count.
• The management decisions emphasize the necessity for teams to balance immediate performance with long-term player health, leading to discussions on how injuries can alter the future outlook of both the player and the team.

Players to Keep or Cut in Fantasy Rosters

“McLaurin last year was one of 10 wide receivers… with 13 touchdowns on fewer than 125 targets.”

• As the conversation shifts into player efficiency, the focus moves onto three key players: Garrett Wilson, T. Higgins, and Terry McLaurin. The discussion reveals that McLaurin had an extraordinarily efficient season which not only raises questions about sustainability but also highlights the dilemma around keeping or cutting him from fantasy rosters.
• T. Higgins is noted for his superior fantasy points per game despite injury issues, whereas Wilson’s inconsistency raises red flags regarding his future performance. The speakers weigh the merits of each player and suggest distinguishing factors such as quarterback stability and target volume.

Future Prospects for Players

“You also look at these three guys and you go, well, who’s the oldest?”

• The discussion acknowledges the impact of each player’s age and situation on their potential future performance. The speakers entertain the idea that while McLaurin is getting older and has had a strong season, the performance variability common among wide receivers makes his situation less predictable.
• They conclude that T. Higgins presents the best value for future seasons, with strong expectations for his performance given his health incentives in his new contract, while concerns about Wilson’s consistency and the quarterback situation inject uncertainty into his projected outcomes.

Evaluating Garrett Wilson‘s Potential

“What if Garrett Wilson is more Driver Slayndry than we’d like to give him credit for?”

• The discussion raises doubts about Garrett Wilson‘s potential to reach the heights of star wide receivers like Justin Jefferson. There is speculation that he may not become the elite player many have anticipated, with a notable statistic pointing out that he’s caught only 57% of his passes over three years.
• There’s recognition of the poor quarterback play during his earlier seasons, leading to a disappointing finish despite high reception numbers. His performance has notably improved to a 66% catch rate, but the question remains whether this improvement will translate to elite production, especially with a struggling Aaron Rodgers at the helm.
• The talk transitions to a comparative analysis of Wilson with other wide receivers, hinting that in higher stakes leagues, perceptions of his value could differ based on the league makeup.

Keep, Trade, or Cut? Wide Receiver Strategy

“The question becomes much easier if it’s keep cut cut.”

• The dialogue moves to a strategic discussion about keeping, trading, or cutting wide receivers, specifically focusing on Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, and T. Higgins.
• There’s a consensus that the decision to cut Wilson could be easier in scenarios where cuts are prioritized, emphasizing how different league formats influence roster decisions. The conversation reflects the complexities in valuing these players based on league type and personal strategy.

Assessing Tight End Options

“This one is fun.”

• A shift occurs to evaluating tight ends Sam Laporta, T.J. Hockenson, and Mark Andrews, acknowledging each player’s current standing and historical performance.
• The hosts list injuries and inconsistent performance as concerns, particularly highlighting Andrews’ slow start to the last season, and how managing him required strong nerves for fantasy players.
• Laporta’s rookie season did not replicate its initial success, but he still ended up with a respectable finish. Their discussion emphasizes the need to consider upcoming league formats when choosing tight ends, as player roles can shift with new quarterbacks and strategies.

Tight End Rankings and Trends

“Right now on underdog, it’s Laporta first, Hawkinson second, Andrews third.”

• A ranking discussion reveals that Laporta is viewed as the top tight end among the three, followed by Hawkinson and Andrews, with the latter’s future in Baltimore under scrutiny.
• The hosts dissect past performances, especially noting that Hawkinson’s value may decrease with a rookie quarterback and a presumed limited ceiling for touchdowns. Statistical insights support this with projected receptions being compared to his previous year’s performance.
• A playful debate ensues about league formats, revealing various perspectives on tight end assignments, particularly relating to volume versus touchdown potential.

Preference for Fantasy Tight Ends

“I don’t want any of these tight ends.”

• The conclusion reached is a reluctance to draft the discussed tight ends, as they represent a risk for fantasy teams in upcoming seasons.
• The hosts weigh the options for drafting strategies, expressing a preference for waiting on tight ends unless they can secure top-tier options, indicating a systematic approach to roster management based on recent player performances.

Humorous Interactions and References

“Harold and the Purple Crayon? Super sick reference!”

• The video captures a light-hearted moment, where a participant makes a humorous reference to the children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” This reference seems to evoke mixed reactions, with some participants not familiar with the book, which sparks playful banter among them.
• The remarks highlight a sense of camaraderie and the humorous dynamic of the group, showcasing their ability to find joy in quirky cultural references, even if some members are less familiar with them.

Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

“Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast.”

• As the segment wraps up, the host expresses gratitude to the audience for tuning into the podcast, reinforcing a friendly and appreciative tone.
• The invitation to join their fantasy football community at jointhefoot.com indicates an eagerness to engage with listeners beyond the episode, encouraging them to become part of a larger community.
• Additionally, following the hosts on Twitter at @FFBallers is suggested, promoting further interaction and connection through social media.