Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Combine Reactions + 5 Ways to Make Your League Better
Release Date: March 5, 2019

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright—reuniting for another engaging discussion on all things fantasy football. Andy introduces the Foot Clan membership benefits, offering access to exclusive leagues and global connections (00:00), while the trio shares light-hearted banter about Mike’s recent birthday and his humorous recount of abandoning his keto diet (00:45–02:05).

NFL Combine Reactions

Standout Performances: DK Metcalf and Nikhil Harry

The hosts delve into the latest NFL Combine results, spotlighting standout athletes like DK Metcalf and Nikhil Harry. Mike highlights Metcalf’s “superhuman” performance, noting his impressive drills and speculating whether he’s the next Calvin Johnson (04:40–05:31). Andy echoes these sentiments, pointing out Harry's impressive combine stats and predicting his entry into the first round alongside Metcalf (08:01–09:29).

Mike Wright: “DK Metcalf was the talk of the town when first he showed up like an absolute cyborg who allegedly has no body fat on him. He absolutely dominated the drills.” (05:03)

Andy Holloway: “Nikhil Harry will sneak into the first round. I think you’ll have DK Metcalf in there, probably Hakeem Butler in the first round.” (09:29)

Running Backs Analysis: Alex Barnes and Devin Singletary

Mike expresses personal excitement about running back prospect Alex Barnes, whose combine performance has reportedly raised his draft stock to the third round (05:55–07:11). The discussion shifts to the broader running back class, with Jason noting a lack of standout prospects that could be first-round picks, making the draft unpredictable (07:38–08:45). Andy also brings up Devin Singletary’s disappointing combine performance, contrasting it with other running backs' prospects.

Jason Moore: “The draft is going to be so huge for this year's class because nobody to me stands out as just the... first running back taken.” (08:45)

Andy Holloway: “Pretty disappointing combine for Devin Singletary, somebody who had been in the top five at the running back position.” (08:45)

Season News Updates

Jason Whitten Returns to the Cowboys

In an unexpected move, Jason Whitten announces his return to the Dallas Cowboys for his 16th NFL season after a brief retirement stint (14:53–17:11). The hosts speculate on his role, debating whether he'll be a significant contributor or merely a situational player.

Andy Holloway: “Jason Whitten to the Cowboys. Look, he's going to be a cursory tight end ad, in my opinion.” (16:11)

Ravens Waive Alex Collins

The episode covers the Baltimore Ravens' recent decision to waive running back Alex Collins following an arrest related to a car crash. The hosts discuss the implications for Collins and compare it to other running backs like Gus Edwards and Kenneth Dixon.

Andy Holloway: “The Ravens quickly released him. This is part of why we always talk about what capital does the team have invested in, especially running backs.” (17:20)

Todd Gurley's Knee Issues and Rams Considerations

A significant portion of the news revolves around Todd Gurley’s reported knee arthritis. The hosts analyze how this impacts his value and the Rams' potential strategies, including considering stem cell treatments or signing additional running backs like CJ Anderson.

Jason Moore: “If you have a healthy knee, you don't go out and get stem cell. It's not an option.” (20:19)

Nick Foles Potentially Joining the Jaguars

Les Bowen reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to sign quarterback Nick Foles. The hosts debate whether Foles will bring his Philadelphia magic to Jacksonville or fail to elevate the team’s offense, impacting fantasy values of receivers like D.D. Westbrook.

Jason Moore: “I do not think he is enough of an upgrade over Bortles to take the Jags and give them what I think they are hoping for.” (27:28)

Commissioner Tips: 5 Ways to Make Your League Better

Andy, Jason, and Mike transition to a segment dedicated to enhancing fantasy league experiences, offering five actionable tips for commissioners.

1. Switch to Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAB)

Jason recommends adopting the FAB system, where each team receives a virtual currency (e.g., $100) to bid on free agents. This system promotes fairness and adds strategic depth to player acquisitions.

Jason Moore: “In a traditional waiver system... do you want to burn that spot to get this player?... A free agent acquisition budget... is blind bids.” (32:30)

Mike Wright: “There is so much fun to be had here... the fun of getting that sweet spot.” (33:52)

2. Implement Daily Continuous Waivers

The hosts advocate for daily continuous waivers, allowing waivers to process every day at a specific time rather than following a weekly cycle. This method ensures equitable access for all managers, regardless of their schedules.

Jason Moore: “It's so much more fair to let everybody have the same time of day...” (36:25)

3. Stop Vetoing Trades

Jason argues against the practice of vetoing trades based on perceived fairness, suggesting it stifles manager autonomy and discourages active trading. Instead, he supports allowing trades to proceed unless they involve collusion or are blatantly unfair.

Jason Moore: “The veto is to say that this is illegal... It's not collusion or one team tanking.” (40:02)

4. Keep Leagues Engaged Through Communication

Effective communication channels—such as Facebook groups, Slack, or league-specific apps—are crucial for maintaining engagement. The hosts emphasize the importance of regular interaction, mockery of trades, and updates to keep all managers involved and interested.

Andy Holloway: “Communication is king. You need to be able to mock the trades...” (47:44)

5. Eliminate Week 17 Championships

Mike humorously suggests removing the Week 17 championship, reflecting on the unnecessary complexities and diminishing returns of extended playoff weeks in fantasy leagues.

Mike Wright: “It creates problems that should not exist in the game of fantasy football. Just come on.” (50:52)

Notable Discussions and Humor

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful banter and humorous exchanges, adding an entertaining layer to the analysis. Highlights include Mike’s exaggerated recount of his failed keto diet (01:02–02:24), funny remarks about beatboxing (30:31–31:00), and light-hearted debates over league management practices (45:01–51:31).

Jason Moore: “I liked Andy's better than yours. What?” (45:10)

Andy Holloway: “How do I convince my league to stay engaged... Every commissioner, we get this one a thousand times a year too.” (45:35)

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on Melvin Gordon’s contract negotiations and memorabilia sales, leaving listeners with actionable insights and the promise of upcoming content (51:31–52:46).

Andy Holloway: “Check it out. Pristineauction.com Poor Todd Gurley.” (52:34)

Jason Moore: “Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast.” (52:46)

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright: “DK Metcalf was the talk of the town when first he showed up like an absolute cyborg who allegedly has no body fat on him.” (05:03)

• Jason Moore: “The veto is to say that this is illegal. This is cheating... They’re not required to stick with him.” (40:02)

• Andy Holloway: “Communication is king. You need to be able to mock the trades...” (47:44)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous interactions from the episode, providing a valuable overview for both regular listeners and newcomers to The Fantasy Footballers Podcast.