Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "FA Winners + Losers, Scoring Debates, Smackeroos"

Release Date: March 28, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Title: FA Winners + Losers, Scoring Debates, Smackeroos

1. Introduction and Banter

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in light-hearted banter, celebrating personal achievements in their flag football league. Andy Holloway humorously congratulates Mike Wright for his impressive performance, setting a friendly and engaging tone for the show.

• Andy Holloway [00:06]: "Greet, Scott."
• Mike Wright [01:30]: "Congrats, Andy."

2. NFL Rules Update: Pass Interference Challenges

The trio delves into the recent NFL rules changes concerning pass interference (PI). The new rules allow all offensive and defensive PI calls, including non-calls, to be subject to challenges. This shift aims to reduce egregious non-calls that have previously impacted game outcomes significantly.

• Mike Wright [02:27]: "The non calls is the big deal. Yeah."
• Andy Holloway [03:17]: "Every time that a rule change happens, it's usually overblown..."

The hosts discuss the strategic implications for coaches, who must now decide when to use their limited challenges effectively. While there are concerns about the potential overemphasis on PI calls, Andy remains optimistic that the changes will not drastically alter the game.

3. Fantasy Football Scoring Debate: Rewarding Pass Interference

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a compelling fantasy football debate: Should wide receivers receive points for drawing a pass interference penalty? Mike Wright introduces the topic, inspired by a popular Twitter poll where 46% voted 'No' and 54% voted 'Yes.'

• Mike Wright [06:03]: "Would you be in favor of a one-point award if your wide receiver had a pass interference call stop them from a potential reception?"

Andy and Jason express support for awarding points, arguing that drawing PI affects team performance and should be rewarded accordingly. They propose awarding one point or including yardage without categorizing it as a reception, emphasizing the impact of such plays.

• Andy Holloway [07:52]: "I would give them a reception for no yards."

The debate highlights differing perspectives on how to fairly incorporate PI into fantasy scoring, weighing the benefits of recognizing defensive prowess against maintaining traditional scoring structures.

4. NFL News: Player Signings and Retirements

The podcast transitions to recent NFL news, covering key player movements and updates:

• Jared Cook officially re-signs with the New Orleans Saints on a two-year, $15.5 million deal, solidifying his role as a primary tight end option.

  • Mike Wright [11:05]: "Jared Cook is officially an Orleans Saint and extremely relevant..."

• Jordy Nelson announces his retirement after 11 seasons, marking an end to his illustrious career.

  • Mike Wright [11:19]: "Jordy Nelson, he is retiring from the National Football League after 11 seasons."

• Isaiah Crowell visits the Oakland Raiders, with speculation about a potential signing.

  • Andy Holloway [12:43]: "So based on that report that Gruden hopes to sign him, it seems like... he feels like a good fit."

These updates inform fantasy managers about roster changes that could impact player availability and team dynamics.

5. Spotlight: Chris Godwin and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A detailed discussion centers around Chris Godwin and his potential breakout season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The hosts analyze Godwin's skills, his fit within Bruce Arians' offensive scheme, and his role as a key target for quarterback Jameis Winston.

• Mike Wright [14:46]: "Chris Godwin... it will carry those two to fantasy relevance again."

• Andy Holloway [16:19]: "The hype is going crazy... but I believe it might just be real."

They compare Godwin's situation to Larry Fitzgerald's tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, noting both opportunities and challenges. The consensus is that Godwin is poised for success, but concerns about his average draft position and the surrounding offensive context are noted.

6. Free Agency Winners and Losers

The core segment of the episode assesses the impact of recent free agent signings on fantasy football:

Winners:

• Latavius Murray
  Andy highlights Murray's move to the New Orleans Saints, where he anticipates increased usage and fantasy production.

  • Andy Holloway [21:22]: "Latavius Murray is a huge winner because I see him now as a low-end RB2, a weekly guy..."

• Jared Cook and Devin Funches
  Mike Wright praises both receivers for landing with teams that offer them ample opportunities, enhancing their fantasy value.

  • Mike Wright [27:00]: "They are both big-time winners this free agent season."

Losers:

• Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown
  Jason criticizes their free agency outcomes, predicting diminished productivity due to less favorable team environments and offensive support.

  • Jason Moore [34:28]: "Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown... things aren't nearly as rosy for them."

• Tevin Coleman
  Andy expresses disappointment over Coleman's signing as a backup, contrasting it with his earlier expectations of a starting role.

  • Andy Holloway [34:28]: "Tevin Coleman... he's in a three or four-way timeshare and it appeared like he was going to land a great spot."

The discussion underscores how team fit and role clarity are crucial for fantasy success, beyond just individual talent.

7. Listener Mailbag

The hosts address listener questions, providing personalized advice on fantasy football strategies:

• Trading Michael Thomas:
  A listener questions the wisdom of trading high-value players like Michael Thomas. The hosts unanimously agree that Thomas is too elite to trade away, emphasizing the difficulty in replacing his production.

  • Andy Holloway [47:56]: "I would keep Michael Thomas."

• Setting Budgets for WAivers:
  A commissioner seeks guidance on setting seasonal budgets in a waiver system. Andy recommends a straightforward budget of 100 smackeroos, simplifying percentage-based allocations for easier management.

  • Andy Holloway [46:44]: "I would set it 100... It makes everything easy."

• Keeper League Decisions:
  A listener inquires about which running backs to retain in a keeper league. The hosts advocate for keeping Le'Veon Bell and David Johnson over Nick Chubb and Camara, citing their proven performance and upside.

  • Andy Holloway [48:55]: "I'll take David Johnson and I'll take Le'Veon Bell."

8. Pristine Auction Promotion

The episode concludes with a promotion for PristineAuction.com, highlighting a special deal on an Alvin Kamara signed jersey available for 56 smackaroos.

• Mike Wright [49:36]: "Alvin Camara... just $56 for a signed authentic jersey."

The hosts encourage listeners to participate in daily auctions, emphasizing the ease of account creation and the opportunity to win exclusive memorabilia.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mike Wright [07:34]: "I think it's very interesting because I understand the statistics because I know what Sean Payton wants to do."

• Andy Holloway [16:49]: "So I believe it might just be real. You know, there's so much smoke because there's a fire here."

• Jason Moore [34:28]: "Things aren't going to find that he's going to have a really down fantasy year."

• Mike Wright [41:28]: "They have had rookie incoming guys stop by for one on one interviews. Then they sign Mike Davis."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of recent NFL developments, free agency impacts, and critical fantasy football scoring debates. The hosts offer insightful perspectives on rule changes, player performances, and strategic decisions, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to navigate the fantasy season. Engaging discussions, coupled with practical advice and listener interactions, make this episode a valuable resource for both seasoned fantasy managers and newcomers alike.

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