AFC West Breakdown, Hunches & Haunches
Chiefs, Raiders, Broncos, Chargers! AFC West preview on today’s fantasy football podcast! Which Chiefs WR will have the best season? Are the Raiders a team to avoid all together in fantasy football drafts? Andy, Mike, and Jason break down the division with insights to how these offenses may function in 2024! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for July 16th, 2024.
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AFC West Breakdown 09:45
- The AFC West divisional breakdown covers the performance of teams from last season and expectations for the upcoming year, analyzing players, coaches, rookies, and offensive strategies.
- The Raiders and Broncos both had tumultuous starts last season but showed improvement towards the end, finishing with 8-9 records.
- Despite these records, the teams felt worse due to the dysfunction they faced during the season.
- The Chiefs have dominated the division, winning it for eight consecutive seasons.
“The AFC West breakdown delves into the division’s dynamics, reviewing past performances and forecasting the upcoming season’s outlook.”
Kansas City Chiefs Offense and Defensive Strategy 11:08
- The Kansas City Chiefs have had successful years under both Mahomes and Smith in the AFC West division.
- The team had an impressive defensive performance, winning a Super Bowl due to their strong defense, which allowed them to control games.
- With Mahomes leading the team and a solid offensive line, they have the flexibility to manage games efficiently even without high-scoring shootouts.
“Their defense is legit. And they just won a Super Bowl on the back of a great defense.”
Evaluation of Chiefs’ Offensive Players 12:36
- The Chiefs have made some changes to their offense, adding Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy to enhance their receiving options.
- The uncertainty surrounding Rashi Rice’s situation impacts the wide receiver depth and strategy of the team.
- The emergence of rookie Xavier Worthy as a potential impactful player generates optimism within the team.
“You don’t have to decide who it’s going to be… He’s going to throw a ton of touchdowns.”
Analysis of the Wide Receiver Situation 16:26
- Rishi Rice’s potential suspension creates a risk factor and alters the dynamics of the wide receiver hierarchy within the team.
- Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy present viable alternatives for Patrick Mahomes to target, providing depth and versatility to the receiving corps.
- The uncertainty around the suspension length for Rice directs fantasy football considerations and draft strategies for the team’s wide receivers.
“If Rice is off the field and what we’ve seen of rookie acclimation holds true, Hollywood Brown’s first few weeks could be very interesting.”
Breakdown of Tight End Performance 20:55
- Despite expectations of a slight decline in performance, the player still holds a strong chance of reclaiming the top tight end spot.
- Various metrics such as yards per route run and snap percentages have slightly decreased, yet the player remains a valuable asset.
- The player’s reduced draft position compared to the previous year makes him a potential steal for fantasy owners.
- While overall stats may drop, an increase in touchdowns could compensate and maintain his fantasy relevance.
He’s still great. And right now he’s at a discount from you know you were drafting him with the number five pick last year. And now he’s not even the first tight end off the board and he only scored five times.
Fantasy Outlook on the Las Vegas Raiders 31:15
- The discussion revolves around incomprehensible quarterback play when considering top draft picks.
- Josh Jacobs departure from the running game may impact the team’s performance.
- The team’s low ranking in rushing yards raises concerns about their ground game strength.
Is the team’s lackluster performance last year setting the stage for a potential fantasy disappointment or a surprise breakout?
Overview of the Las Vegas Raiders‘ Offseason Moves 31:50
- The team’s acquisition of rookie tight end Brock Bowers garners attention.
- Notable absence of significant running back additions apart from Alexander Madison.
- Uncertainty surrounds the team’s quarterback and running back situations.
How will the addition of rookie talent and the reliance on existing players impact the Raiders’ offensive strategy moving forward?
Evaluation of Zamir White and Alexander Madison 32:22
- Zemir White and Alexander Madison become focal points in the running back discussion.
- The indecision between the two quarterbacks adds a layer of unpredictability to the team’s offense.
- Projections suggest the Raiders may rank poorly in offensive performance.
How does the mix of uncertain quarterback situations and underwhelming running back options affect the Raiders’ fantasy prospects?
Perspective on Brock Bowers‘ Role in the Team 36:31
- Concerns arise about the utilization of rookie tight end Brock Bowers.
- Team’s emphasis on blocking first before focusing on the passing game may affect Bowers’ fantasy impact.
- The team’s approach highlights a potential learning curve for Bowers in his rookie season.
How does the team’s emphasis on blocking prowess possibly hinder the fantasy potential of their tight ends, specifically Brock Bowers?
AFC West Breakdown and Quarterback Situation 41:38
- The AFC West team faces challenges with their quarterback position being uncertain due to Rust not being part of the team anymore, leading to a tough competition within the division.
- According to Warren Sharp, the team has the eighth hardest strength of schedule, and last year they ranked 17th in points per game, struggling with a slower pace compared to other teams.
“One of those things where it hits you the most… suddenly Jerry Stidham’s atop your depth chart… who is clearly the quarterback to right now.”
Impacts of Dead Cap on Team Composition 42:07
- The team is significantly affected by dead cap space, with 19% of their cap allocated to a player who is not on the team, making it challenging for roster depth and bringing uncertainty to player signings.
- The team faces a substantial dead cap of 67 million in total for 2024, the highest in the NFL, directly influencing their roster composition and signings.
“It hits you with your offensive lineman depth… it’s hard, you’re not signing guys to have the same level.”
Quarterback Competition and Future Projections 42:46
- The team is observing a competition between Stidham and Nix for the quarterback position, with Stidham reportedly performing well in training camp but Nix being the first-round draft pick, creating expectations for him to start.
- While Stidham has experience in the offensive system, Nix’s impressive track record and draft status at 24 years old add pressure for him to perform early on, raising questions about the team’s quarterback strategy.
“Stidham had the best camp so far… Nix is 24 years old… started an NCAA record 60 games.”
Reviewing Ladd McConkey‘s Potential 05:42
- Lad McConkey is considered a promising rookie wide receiver with an opportunity to shine due to the significant number of vacated targets in the Chargers’ lineup.
- He is seen as a potential high-volume target given the uncertainties in the wide receiver room and the need for consistent contributors.
Lad McConkey is very intriguing… can he be Keenan Allen Light and like his tape.
The Importance of Consistency for Quentin Johnston 57:34
- Quentin Johnston‘s rookie year was underwhelming, but there are glimpses of potential in his plays, hinting at his ability to make big plays. The challenge lies in whether he can deliver consistently to secure a significant role in the team.
- His development and consistency will be closely monitored by the coaching staff, with high expectations from the head coach regarding his potential contribution.
It’s just a matter of… can he become a consistent contributor?
Pondering Justin Herbert‘s Fantasy Football Value 01:01:11
- Justin Herbert‘s current ranking as QB 16 in fantasy football creates a scenario where investors need to assess if he will rebound to a level of elite fantasy performance. Expectations vary on whether he will reach the heights of previous seasons or operate at a more moderate level in the upcoming games.
It feels like if you are… punting your quarterback, you’re in on.
AFC West Breakdown 01:01:43
- Discussing the potential strategy of drafting two late-round quarterbacks, specifically highlighting Justin Herbert‘s performance as the QB2 in a previous season.
- Mention of Justin Herbert potentially emulating a high-efficiency, low-volume quarterback season akin to Lamar Jackson‘s MVP year.
- Insights into Gus Edwards potentially starting for the Ravens, with a focus on his previous accomplishments and upcoming role within the team.
“Leaving the draft with two late-round quarterbacks and one being Justin Herbert, where he finished as QB two. Once upon a time, he has second-year talent and abilities to be that type of a guy.”
Analysis of Gus Edwards as a Starter 01:02:35
- Examining Gus Edwards‘s profile as the possible starting running back for the Ravens and his strengths, including being the number one fantasy football running back during a specific timeframe.
- Highlighting concerns regarding Gus Edwards‘s age and historical data on running back performance above the age of 29.
- Delving into the history of Roman’s preferred running backs and the potential fantasy value of Gus Edwards compared to other late-round running backs.
“The Gus Bus is profiling as the starter right now. Gus Edwards, go ahead and hit that drop. Number one fantasy football running back from week seven through 11 last year.”
Divisional Predictions and Breakdown 01:05:52
- Providing a breakdown of the AFC West divisional rankings, with details on the anticipated order of Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Raiders, and Vikings.
- Discussion surrounding the upcoming mock draft episode and the frequency of shows leading up to the new season.
“I got the same thing. I will go chiefs, chargers, Broncos, Raiders. All these late-round starting running backs, I want them in at least one league.”