Podcast Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: 10 Tips & Tricks to Win Your League - LIVE in Minneapolis
Release Date: June 26, 2018

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers host trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—kick off the live episode from Draft.com Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The hosts are excited to engage with the live audience, announce upcoming live events in Dallas, Philadelphia, and New York, and introduce a special guest, Paul Charchian, a fantasy legend from Minneapolis.

Interactive Segment: Fantasy Player Food Comparisons (00:00 - 07:08)

Overview

To warm up, the hosts participate in a fun, interactive segment where they compare fantasy football players to food items, highlighting both positive and negative traits.

Highlights & Quotes

• Andy Holloway opens with poutine, comparing it to Amari Cooper:
  “Amari Cooper should have a lot of volume. It’s like enjoying poutine—you relish it, but sometimes you regret how much you’ve ordered.” ([03:47])

• Mike Wright likens Danny Amendola to a bag of potato chips:
  “They’re good, but when you open the bag, sometimes it's half empty or smashed. That’s how I feel about Amendola’s consistency.” ([05:13])

• Jason Moore discusses Alex Smith as a Juicy Lucy burger, emphasizing his potential despite uncertainties:
  “Alex Smith should not be ignored as a QB1 because he delivered over 4,000 passing yards last season.” ([07:08])

Main Segment: 10 Tips & Tricks to Win Your League (08:46 - 33:27)

Introduction to Tips

The hosts introduce the main segment, outlining that they will present 10 fresh tips and tricks to enhance fantasy football strategies for the 2018 season. Emphasizing a holistic approach, they stress the importance of understanding league dynamics, knowing opponents, and leveraging league formats beyond just statistical analysis.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Tip

Tip 10: Coupon Clippers – Value Drafting ([09:49] - [12:21])

Mike Wright introduces the concept of "coupon clipping," urging fantasy managers to draft players who are being overvalued by others. By identifying undervalued players like Jarvis Landry and Josh Gordon, managers can capitalize on draft value without overreaching.

Notable Quote: “Clipping the coupons means taking players where they should be drafted, not reaching and overpaying.” ([10:05])

Tip 9: Love Hurts – Avoid Overcommitting to Players ([13:08] - [15:16])

Jason Moore and Mike Wright discuss the pitfalls of falling in love with certain players, leading to overcommitting and lack of depth. They advise maintaining a balanced roster and being willing to make tough decisions when players underperform.

Notable Quote: “Love hurts because you might build an idyllic roster, but injuries or underperformance can derail your championship hopes.” ([13:11])

Tip 8: Don’t Play Scared – Embrace Aggressive Strategies ([16:34] - [25:59])

The hosts caution against playing it safe, such as focusing excessively on bye weeks or drafting handcuffs unnecessarily. Instead, they advocate for strategic risks, prioritizing depth, and being proactive in managing the roster.

Notable Quote: “Scared players draft handcuffs without real value and overlook deeper opportunities, costing them in the long run.” ([24:10])

Tip 7: House of Horrors – Capitalize on Undervalued Situations ([20:56] - [23:54])

Mike Wright introduces the "House of Horrors," referring to NFL teams or situations that fantasy managers typically avoid. These scenarios often contain hidden gems who can provide significant value if taken a chance.

Notable Quote: “These are the coal mines where league-winning players are found when you brave the unknown.” ([21:03])

Tip 6: Fear Hurts – Don’t Let Fear Drive Your Decisions ([23:56] - [25:59])

Jason Moore emphasizes that fear can lead to poor fantasy decisions, such as overemphasis on bye weeks or unnecessary trades. Managers should trust their research and instincts rather than succumbing to anxiety.

Notable Quote: “Fear hurts because scared players make the worst fantasy football decisions.” ([24:10])

Tip 5: Saddle a Stud – Prioritize Reliable Running Backs ([25:59] - [30:40])

Andy Holloway underscores the importance of securing at least one stud running back who consistently delivers high fantasy points. Data shows running backs are more likely to provide weekly certainty compared to wide receivers.

Notable Quote: “You need a stud. Running backs offer the consistency necessary to win games week in and week out.” ([26:36])

Tip 4: Wait on Quarterbacks – Focus on Depth at Other Positions Early ([30:40] - [36:00])

The hosts discuss the strategy of waiting to draft quarterbacks, allowing managers to invest early picks in more impactful positions like running back and wide receiver. They highlight that quarterbacks often have high variance and can be streamed effectively.

Notable Quote: “Only four quarterbacks of the top twelve drafted met or exceeded their draft position, so waiting can be a smarter strategy.” ([31:44])

Tip 3: Know the End from the Beginning – Plan Late Draft Targets Early ([36:00] - [44:14])

Andy Holloway advises managers to plan their late-round targets before the draft begins. By identifying potential sleepers and value picks in advance, managers can avoid last-minute panic picks and secure players who offer significant upside.

Notable Quote: “Know the end from the beginning to make informed decisions throughout the draft and secure your late-round targets.” ([40:45])

Tip 2: Identify and Fix League Problems – Modernize Your League Rules ([44:14] - [49:35])

The hosts encourage managers to actively identify and address issues within their leagues, such as outdated waiver systems or restrictive trade rules. Implementing modern, fair, and engaging rules like Free Agent Budget (FAB) can enhance league competitiveness and fun.

Notable Quote: “Identify the issues in your league and fix them to ensure the most fun and competitive environment possible.” ([45:02])

Tip 1: Stay Engaged Throughout the Season – Continuous Management is Key ([49:35] - [53:27])

Jason Moore wraps up the tips by stressing the importance of staying actively involved throughout the season. Continuous roster management, waiver wire pickups, and strategic trades are crucial for maintaining a championship-contending team.

Notable Quote: “If you stop paying attention after the draft, you won't win the championship.” ([08:57])

Mailbag: Listener Questions Answered (50:33 - 85:43)

Overview

The episode transitions to a lively mailbag session where listeners pose questions to the hosts and special guest Paul Charchian. Topics range from league punishments for last-place finishers to dynasty league strategies and player evaluations.

Highlights & Quotes

1. Embarrassing Punishments for Last Place ([52:16] - [53:28])

   • Paul Charchian suggests utilizing the "Roast Me" subreddit for humiliating punishments, where losers submit photos to be roasted by the Reddit community. “If embarrassment is what you're looking for, Roast Me is the way to go.” ([52:21])

2. First-Round Busts to Watch ([53:28] - [56:19])

   • Concerns are raised about players like Leonard Fournette and Kareem Hunt potentially underperforming due to injuries and team dynamics. “Leonard Fournette gets injured a lot, making him a high-risk first-round pick.” ([54:25])

3. Best Ball League Strategies ([56:25] - [59:29])

   • Paul Charchian introduces the concept of "Empire Leagues," where the pot rolls over until someone wins twice in a row, discouraging members from leaving the league. “In an Empire League, winners take half the pot, and the rest rolls over until someone wins back-to-back championships.” ([62:03])

4. Heart vs. Head – Emotional vs. Logical Picks ([75:10] - [78:09])

   • The hosts share their struggles with balancing emotional attachments to players with logical draft strategies, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing head decisions over heart. “Sony Michel is a heart vs. head dilemma for me. My heart loves him, but my head doubts his fit with the Patriots.” ([77:26])

5. Impact of Jameis Winston’s Suspension on Mike Evans ([69:19] - [71:27])

   • Discussion on whether Jameis Winston’s suspension affects Mike Evans's fantasy value, with opinions suggesting Evans might slide in drafts but still hold value.

6. Auction Keeper League Strategies ([75:50] - [76:07])

   • Paul Charchian and Mike Wright provide insights on keeping budget-friendly yet valuable players in an auction keeper league, advocating for drafting Kareem Hunt over higher-priced options.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt interactions between the hosts and the guest, Paul Charchian, celebrating listener participation and highlighting the importance of community and continuous engagement in fantasy football leagues. The hosts also announce giveaways, thanking listeners for their support and encouraging them to join their fantasy football community online.

Final Quote: “Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter @the_ffballers.” ([85:46])

Key Takeaways

1. Value Drafting: Focus on overvalued players (“Coupon Clippers”) to maximize draft value without overpaying.
2. Roster Management: Avoid overcommitting to beloved players to maintain roster depth and flexibility.
3. Strategic Risk-Taking: Embrace calculated risks and invest in depth rather than playing it too safe.
4. League Modernization: Actively update league rules to enhance competitiveness and fun.
5. Continuous Engagement: Stay involved throughout the season with active roster management to secure championship success.

By incorporating these strategies, fantasy football managers can enhance their chances of winning their leagues while maintaining an enjoyable and dynamic team-building experience.