Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode – "Best Kept Secrets, Last Place Punishments + The NFL & Coronavirus"
Release Date: July 21, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Episode Title: Best Kept Secrets, Last Place Punishments + The NFL & Coronavirus
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, released on July 21, 2020, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into a variety of topics crucial to fantasy football enthusiasts. The discussion seamlessly transitions from creative last-place punishments to the significant impact of COVID-19 on the NFL and fantasy leagues. The trio also addresses listener questions, providing expert insights and strategic advice.
Creative Last-Place Punishments
The episode kicks off with a lighthearted segment on last-place punishments in fantasy leagues. The hosts share some of the most inventive and humorous punishments they've encountered:
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Andy Holloway reminisces about the ultimate punishment where the league loser must retake the SATs in a high school setting:
“Having to go back and take the SATs in a room full of high schoolers. That is brilliant, punishing.” [04:03]
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Mike Wright discusses his league’s “Wheel of Water” punishment, where the loser is drenched in water during the draft day:
“If you finish last on draft day, the loser spins the wheel of water. Every team gets to spin it and then dump water all over the loser and then they draft soaking wet.” [05:24]
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Jason Moore adds a humorous take on potential punishments, including being forced to wear a woolen sweater showcasing the worst team names:
“We're making like a turtleneck sweater that will be a trophy of sorts because it will have their record.” [05:18]
The hosts emphasize the importance of having a punishment to keep all league members motivated throughout the season:
“Every league should have a punishment for last place.” [06:32]
Impact of COVID-19 on the NFL and Fantasy Football
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the implications of COVID-19 on the NFL and, by extension, fantasy football:
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Jason Moore highlights the NFL’s agreement with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) for daily COVID-19 testing, a move he describes as a “win, win, win” for players, fans, and the league:
“It’s a win, win, win.” [08:32]
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Andy Holloway concurs, viewing the daily testing as a major step towards ensuring player safety and maintaining the season schedule:
“It's great for keeping player safety and making sure that the season continues.” [08:28]
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Mike Wright shares strategies for fantasy league commissioners to manage players who test positive for COVID-19. He proposes increasing IR spots specifically for COVID-19 cases to minimize roster disruptions:
“Put as many IR spots in as your platform will allow. And those are just dedicated to Covid.” [09:46]
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The hosts also discuss the potential of players opting out of the season by August 1st, reflecting ongoing negotiations resembling a mini Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA):
“They are working on it. ... It's like a mini CBA that is going on where the regular CBA that takes up to 10 years for them to negotiate.” [12:11]
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Jason Moore offers a hopeful outlook, citing successful COVID-19 protocols in other sports like the NHL:
“I'm encouraged by the fact that while it's like a mini cba, it does seem like when they sit down at the table, they're accomplishing something every single time.” [13:05]
News Highlights
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Raheem Mostert's Trade Speculation:
Jason Moore reports on Raheem Mostert’s efforts to secure a trade within the 49ers organization. The consensus among the hosts is that Mostert lacks leverage, making a trade unlikely:“You don't want to leave Kyle Shanahan. ... One year wonder.” [15:58]
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Antonio Brown's Retirement Tweets:
The hosts discuss Antonio Brown repeating his retirement announcements via Twitter, debating the legality and sincerity of such declarations:“Is this the third time he's retired. ... If a team were to come after him, he would say, I'm no longer retired.” [17:20]
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Upcoming Exclusive Interview:
The podcast teased an exclusive interview with Troy Polamalu and Patrick Mahomes, promising fans valuable insights in future episodes:“We had the privilege leak. ... Patrick Mahomes will be airing that interview on our show soon.” [18:27]
Listener Mailbag: Strategic Fantasy Football Questions
The hosts address several listener-submitted questions, providing thoughtful analysis and recommendations:
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Best and Worst Last-Place Punishments:
- Discussed earlier in the episode with creative examples.
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Emmanuel Sanders’ Ranking:
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Jason Moore explains why Emmanuel Sanders is ranked lower due to his diminished target share in the Saints’ offense:
“He's a great player. He's not a featured player, right?” [23:40]
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Andy Holloway emphasizes that while Sanders has potential, his role is reduced:
“Going back and watching the Super Bowl, ... he was great.” [23:45]
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Running Backs with Least Risk: Gurley, Carson, Fournette:
- Andy Holloway and Jason Moore conclude that Chris Carson presents the least risk among the three:
“The least amount of risk to me is Chris Carson.” [25:47]
- Andy Holloway and Jason Moore conclude that Chris Carson presents the least risk among the three:
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Stacking Players and Bye Weeks:
- Andy Holloway advises against stacking players with the same bye week (e.g., Panthers and Buccaneers) as it can lead to roster imbalances during playoffs:
“I don't like ever choosing to stack playoff byes to punt a week.” [28:31]
- Andy Holloway advises against stacking players with the same bye week (e.g., Panthers and Buccaneers) as it can lead to roster imbalances during playoffs:
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Adding a League Median to Head-to-Head Leagues:
- Jason Moore and Andy Holloway discuss the pros and cons of incorporating a league median win, ultimately favoring traditional head-to-head formats for simplicity and competitiveness:
“I like the classic. I like the head to head.” [30:15]
- Jason Moore and Andy Holloway discuss the pros and cons of incorporating a league median win, ultimately favoring traditional head-to-head formats for simplicity and competitiveness:
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Teddy Bridgewater as a Top 10 Quarterback:
- The hosts debunk the notion of Teddy Bridgewater ranking within the top 10 quarterbacks, considering his offensive environment and personal performance:
“I don't Think that's in his range of outcomes.” [35:33]
- The hosts debunk the notion of Teddy Bridgewater ranking within the top 10 quarterbacks, considering his offensive environment and personal performance:
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Drafting Backup Quarterbacks and Team Defenses:
- Mike Wright outlines scenarios where drafting a backup quarterback or team defense might be strategic, depending on league settings:
“If you're in a league that's quarterback crazy and ... that may not be there.” [40:38]
- Mike Wright outlines scenarios where drafting a backup quarterback or team defense might be strategic, depending on league settings:
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Stacking Tyreek Hill, Robby Kelsey, and Patrick Mahomes:
- The discussion centers on the feasibility and risks of stacking these high-profile players, weighing their individual merits against potential team dependency:
“You want the Chiefs offense for your fantasy points, I think you're going to do well.” [43:16]
- The discussion centers on the feasibility and risks of stacking these high-profile players, weighing their individual merits against potential team dependency:
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Throughout the episode, Andy, Jason, and Mike blend humor with expertise, making complex fantasy football strategies accessible and entertaining. Their thoughtful analysis on COVID-19’s impact, player valuations, and strategic drafting offers listeners valuable takeaways to enhance their fantasy football experience.
Notable Closing Remarks:
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Andy Holloway emphasizes the enduring value of being a fantasy champion:
“You're going to be a fantasy champ.” [21:04]
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Jason Moore teases the upcoming Patrick Mahomes interview, building anticipation among listeners:
“The promised Patrick Mahomes interview is coming soon.” [45:30]
Key Quotes with Timestamps
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Andy Holloway:
“Having to go back and take the SATs in a room full of high schoolers. That is brilliant, punishing.” [04:03]
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Mike Wright:
“If you finish last on draft day, the loser spins the wheel of water.” [05:24]
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Jason Moore:
“It’s a win, win, win.” [08:32]
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Mike Wright:
“Put as many IR spots in as your platform will allow. And those are just dedicated to Covid.” [09:46]
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Andy Holloway:
“Every league should have a punishment for last place.” [06:32]
Final Notes
For more insights and strategies, listeners are encouraged to join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter @the_ffballers. Additionally, fans can take advantage of exclusive offers from sponsors like Omaha Steaks and Fantasy Champs, enhancing their fantasy football preparations.
Stay Tuned: The episode concludes with a promise of an exclusive interview featuring Patrick Mahomes, heightening excitement for future episodes. Until then, the Fantasy Footballers continue to provide top-tier advice to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues.