Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Title: 10 Things to Remember from 2018 + FA Wishing Well
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: February 21, 2019
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into their annual retrospective, outlining the "10 Things to Remember from 2018." Additionally, they introduce the "FA Wishing Well," inviting listeners to share their most desired free agency moves. The conversation balances insightful fantasy football analysis with the trio's trademark humor and camaraderie.
1. Don’t Overreact Early in the Season (10:09)
Key Insight: Early-season performances can be misleading due to various factors like injuries or adjusting to new teams.
Discussion: Mike Wright emphasizes the importance of patience, stating, “Don’t overreact to the beginning of the season. Give yourself a couple of weeks before making significant roster changes” (19:04). The hosts reflect on players like DeSean Jackson and Kirk Cousins, who showed promise early on but didn't sustain their performances throughout the season. The takeaway is to avoid making hasty decisions based on the first couple of weeks' data.
Notable Quote: Jason Moore adds, “If you go out after week one, it ruins some fantasy people. I completely agree with that” (20:33).
2. Avoid Drafting Rookie Wide Receivers Early (30:40)
Key Insight: Rookie wide receivers often fail to produce significant fantasy value in their initial seasons.
Discussion: Jason Moore advises against investing early draft picks in rookie wide receivers, citing historical data where rookies like DJ Moore and Calvin Ridley underperformed compared to their draft positions. He notes, “In general, you don’t perform well as a rookie wide receiver out of the gate” (32:40). The hosts advocate for selecting seasoned receivers who have shown potential but may still be undervalued.
Notable Quote: Jason Moore states, “There’s so many rookie wide receivers drafted every single year, both in the NFL and in fantasy and in general, they don’t work out” (34:23).
3. Remember Players Who Outperformed Their Season Rankings (47:00)
Key Insight: Some players had strong performances in specific stretches that aren't fully reflected in their final rankings.
Discussion: Jason Moore highlights the importance of recognizing players who excelled during parts of the season despite lower end-of-year rankings. Examples include Jameis Winston and Josh Allen, who had periods of high performance that benefited their fantasy standings. He encourages listeners to consider these peak performances when preparing for the next draft.
Notable Quote: Jason Moore advises, “You can’t just look at where they finished last year. You need the nuance of how they got there” (47:00).
4. Shout Out to Dynasty Owners: Emphasize Depth at Running Back (41:43)
Key Insight: Building depth at the running back position is crucial, especially in dynasty leagues.
Discussion: The hosts commend dynasty league players for their strategic depth, particularly at running back. Mike Wright and Brooks discuss how having multiple running backs, including third-string options, proved beneficial when unexpected opportunities arose. This depth allows owners to pivot quickly and capitalize on emerging talents.
Notable Quote: Mike Wright notes, “If you could have had the Jeff Wilson Sr., certainly did” (42:18), emphasizing the value of depth.
5. Not All Coaches Make Rational Decisions (35:12)
Key Insight: Coaching decisions can significantly impact player performance and fantasy value.
Discussion: Brooks and Jason Moore discuss cases where NFL coaches made unconventional or questionable decisions that adversely affected fantasy outcomes. They cite examples like Rashad Penny’s questionable draft pick by the Seahawks and the Buccaneers' choice to sign Andre Ellington. The hosts underline the importance of considering coaching tendencies when evaluating player potential.
Notable Quote: Brooks remarks, “This year felt really strong” (34:53), referring to the impact of coaching decisions.
6. The Late Round Quarterback Strategy is Superior (48:07)
Key Insight: Drafting quarterbacks in the late rounds can yield better value compared to early picks.
Discussion: Brooks challenges the notion that early-round quarterbacks are a safe and necessary investment. He analyzes the poor returns of many top-10 drafted quarterbacks from the previous season, including Carson Wentz and Drew Brees, highlighting how late-round QBs often outperform their draft positions. The hosts advocate for waiting until the later stages of the draft to select quarterbacks, allowing early picks to focus on more consistent positions like running backs and wide receivers.
Notable Quote: Brooks states, “Only one quarterback of the top 10 guys off the draft board gave a positive return” (48:07).
7. Running Backs Still Carry Teams Despite Some Burns (27:34)
Key Insight: Running backs remain pivotal to fantasy success, even if some high-profile players underperformed.
Discussion: Mike Wright and Brooks discuss the overabundance of running back injuries in 2018 but reaffirm the position's importance. They emphasize that top-tier running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Ezekiel Elliott were integral to their fantasy success. Despite some disappointing performances from others, the overall value of strong running backs justifies prioritizing them in drafts.
Notable Quote: Mike Wright encourages, “Ride those running back horses like we always say, to get them early, they’re going to carry you to a title” (30:23).
8. Don’t Ignore Perceived Wide Receiver Threes (26:09)
Key Insight: Wide receivers listed as third options on their teams can breakout and provide significant fantasy value.
Discussion: Brooks discusses the potential of wide receivers who are perceived as WR3s but possess the talent to ascend to higher roles. He cites examples like Tyler Boyd and Chris Godwin, who were undervalued in drafts but became key contributors. The hosts advocate for selecting these high-upside receivers in the later rounds to maximize value.
Notable Quote: Brooks explains, “You need to see both sides of this story. They can become the two on their team” (26:09).
9. Don’t Buy the Injury Dip – Avoid Hamstring Issues (21:00)
Key Insight: Players with ongoing hamstring injuries pose significant risks for fantasy managers.
Discussion: Jason Moore warns against drafting or trading for players currently dealing with hamstring injuries, referencing a 2011 study where nearly half of hamstring injuries occurred during preseason. He emphasizes the high probability of re-injury and the consequent loss of fantasy value. By avoiding players with such injuries, managers can mitigate the risk of missed games and underperformance.
Notable Quote: Jason Moore states, “Hamstrings are 2019. I will not deal with hamstring problems” (22:00).
10. Fix Your League (51:19)
Key Insight: Ensuring your fantasy league operates fairly and efficiently is crucial for a positive experience.
Discussion: The final point urges fantasy managers to evaluate and improve their league settings and structures. Whether it’s adjusting waiver systems, transitioning to auction formats, or modifying keeper rules, optimizing league mechanics can enhance competitiveness and fairness. The hosts encourage proactive league management to prevent common issues and ensure all participants have an enjoyable and balanced experience.
Notable Quote: Jason Moore advises, “Remember to fix your league” (51:24).
FA Wishing Well: Listener Free Agency Wish List (04:56)
Key Insight: The hosts solicit listener input on desired free agency moves to discuss in future episodes.
Discussion: During the "FA Wishing Well" segment, listeners are invited to share their most intriguing or impactful free agency wishes. Brooks expresses a desire to see John Brown join the Philadelphia Eagles, believing Brown could thrive past his injury struggles. The segment fosters community engagement by allowing listeners to voice their preferences and predictions, enriching the show's interactive dynamic.
Notable Quotes: Brooks shares, “I want to see John Brown end up on the Philadelphia Eagles” (06:32).
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating the importance of reflecting on past performances to inform future fantasy strategies. They blend actionable advice with entertaining dialogue, ensuring listeners are equipped with valuable insights while enjoying the show's lively atmosphere.
Closing Quote: Jason Moore humorously concludes, “Remember to fix your league” (53:25), encapsulating the episode's focus on continual improvement and strategic planning.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' discussion, providing valuable takeaways for both seasoned and novice fantasy football enthusiasts. By highlighting key strategies and cautionary tales from the 2018 season, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge to enhance their fantasy performance in the upcoming year.