Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary: "10 Tips & Tricks to Win Your Fantasy Football League"

Release Date: August 15, 2019

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into strategic advice aimed at helping fantasy football enthusiasts dominate their leagues. Skipping the usual advertisements and intros, the trio presents 10 actionable tips and tricks, enriched with insightful discussions, data-driven analysis, and memorable quotes to elevate your fantasy game.

Tip 10: Running Back Depth Looks Stupid Until It Doesn't

Timestamp: [20:43]

Andy Holloway kicks off the countdown with the importance of building a strong running back (RB) depth. Highlighting the unpredictable nature of injuries in the NFL, Andy emphasizes that initial RB depth may seem excessive but becomes invaluable as the season progresses.

Andy Holloway [02:36]: "Running back depth looks stupid until it doesn't."

Key Points:

• Injury Statistics: Over a four-year span, 44% of first-round RBs were sidelined due to injuries, missing a total of 32 games.
• Strategic Depth: Investing in multiple RBs provides flexibility and safeguards against unforeseen player downtimes.
• Waiver Wire Value: Deep RB benches allow managers to capitalize on waiver wire pickups, which are often scarce.

Tip 9: Avoid Rookie Tight Ends

Timestamp: [25:09]

Jason Moore and Andy Holloway caution against drafting rookie tight ends (TEs), citing historical underperformance. They present data showing that only a handful of rookie TEs have made significant impacts in fantasy leagues over the past seven years.

Andy Holloway [26:16]: "Don't draft rookie tight ends."

Key Points:

• Historical Performance: Only Dwayne Allen and Jordan Reed among rookie TEs have demonstrated noteworthy fantasy potential.
• Risk vs. Reward: The majority of rookie TEs fail to deliver, making them high-risk selections with limited upside.
• Alternative Strategies: Instead of investing early picks in rookie TEs, focus on seasoned players with proven track records.

Tip 8: Understand Opportunity Cost

Timestamp: [30:07]

Mike Wright introduces the concept of opportunity cost, urging managers to consider not just the player they're drafting but also what they're potentially missing out on by making that selection.

Mike Wright [45:00]: "If I take Zeke here, I don't have any more first round picks, so I can't take DeAndre Adams here if I wanted to."

Key Points:

• Decision-Making: Every draft pick affects future selections; choosing one player means potentially passing on another valuable asset.
• Strategic Drafting: Managers should weigh the immediate benefits against long-term team composition.
• Probability and Game Theory: Emphasize drafting based on probabilistic outcomes rather than personal biases.

Tip 7: Your Team Isn't as Good as You Think

Timestamp: [34:18]

DD Westbrook and Mike Wright address the common pitfall of owner bias, where managers overvalue their drafted teams based on past performances or personal attachments.

DD Westbrook [34:19]: "You don't get to count last year's points towards this season if you own Philip Lindsay."

Key Points:

• Objective Evaluation: Assess each season independently without relying on previous year's statistics.
• Avoiding Complacency: Stay vigilant and make necessary adjustments based on current performance trends.
• Trade Offers: Be open to trades that objectively improve your team, even if they involve letting go of previously beloved players.

Tip 6: Avoid Risky Picks Early in the Draft

Timestamp: [38:59]

Andy Holloway advocates for minimizing early-round risks by selecting players with consistent performance and lower injury probabilities.

Andy Holloway [40:15]: "Avoid risk. There's no reason there's no reason to go with the risky player... everyone in first round is good."

Key Points:

• First-Round Stability: Focus on reliable players who have demonstrated consistent performance.
• Injury Concerns: Steer clear of players with a history of frequent injuries or those changing teams/schemes.
• Long-Term Planning: Secure foundational players in the early rounds to build a stable team base.

Tip 5: Embrace Game Theory and Opportunity Cost

Timestamp: [43:27]

Mike Wright further explores the application of game theory in drafting, emphasizing the significance of opportunity cost in making strategic decisions.

Mike Wright [45:28]: "It's a game of probability. Consider the opportunity cost of drafting a player."

Key Points:

• Strategic Flexibility: Understand how each pick impacts the overall team structure and potential future selections.
• Maximizing Value: Aim to draft players who offer the most value relative to their draft position.
• Balancing Act: Weigh immediate team needs against potential future benefits when making selections.

Tip 4: Play for the Now

Timestamp: [46:07]

DD Westbrook underscores the importance of immediate impact in managing your fantasy team, rather than solely focusing on long-term gains.

DD Westbrook [48:07]: "There is a lot of value in the present week."

Key Points:

• Active Management: Engage in frequent roster adjustments to address week-to-week performance fluctuations.
• Prioritizing Current Performance: Make decisions based on current player form and upcoming matchups.
• Balancing Acts: While planning ahead is crucial, ensuring your team is competitive each week can be the key to sustained success.

Tip 3: In-Season Management Over the Draft

Timestamp: [51:16]

Andy Holloway and DD Westbrook emphasize that winning the championship hinges more on in-season management than on draft prowess alone.

Andy Holloway [53:08]: "You got to keep up with the waivers. You've got to pay attention to the news. You've got to make changes to your roster."

Key Points:

• Continuous Engagement: Regularly monitor player performances, injuries, and other relevant news.
• Waiver Wire Savvy: Utilize the waiver wire effectively to bolster your team as the season progresses.
• Adaptability: Be prepared to pivot your strategy based on unforeseen developments throughout the season.

Tip 2: Prioritize Running Back Targets

Timestamp: [54:12]

Mike Wright highlights the crucial role of target share for running backs in enhancing their fantasy value, especially in PPR (Points Per Reception) formats.

Mike Wright [54:19]: "A target is just more valuable than an actual attempt."

Key Points:

• Versatility Matters: Running backs who are involved in the passing game offer dual-threat potential, increasing their overall value.
• Statistical Insight: Historically, RBs with high target shares outperform those who are solely ball carriers.
• Strategic Drafting: Focus on RBs who have proven their ability to receive passes, thereby ensuring consistent fantasy points.

Tip 1: Get Your House in Order

Timestamp: [58:00]

Andy Holloway concludes the countdown with a fundamental tip: organize and optimize your league settings and communication channels to foster a competitive and enjoyable environment.

Andy Holloway [58:16]: "Get the ultimate draft kit... get the right versions for your league."

Key Points:

• League Settings: Ensure your league's scoring and rules are tailored to maximize competitiveness and fairness.
• Communication Platforms: Utilize effective communication tools like Slack or dedicated league forums to facilitate trades and discussions.
• Active Participation: Encourage all league members to stay engaged, attend to their rosters, and contribute to the league's dynamics.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide a blend of strategic advice and practical tips that cater to both novice and seasoned fantasy managers. By focusing on depth, understanding opportunity costs, avoiding common drafting pitfalls, and maintaining active in-season management, listeners are equipped with the knowledge to enhance their chances of winning their fantasy football leagues.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [45:00]: "If I take Zeke here, I don't have any more first round picks, so I can't take DeAndre Adams here if I wanted to."
• Andy Holloway [34:18]: "Stay objective and view each season through a fresh lens."

By implementing these strategies, fantasy football enthusiasts can navigate the complexities of the draft and the season with greater confidence and effectiveness.

For more insights and daily updates, join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter at @theffballers.