Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Ballers LIVE! - Bold Predictions + Fantasy Stories
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Location: Live from the Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix

Introduction: A Special Live Edition

The Fantasy Footballers kicked off this special live episode with vibrant energy from the Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright welcomed an enthusiastic audience, setting the stage for an engaging session filled with personal stories, bold predictions, and interactive listener questions.

Favorite Fantasy Football Stories

1. Mike Wright’s Heart Murmur Tale ([02:16]-[03:28])
Mike shared a heartfelt story from his second year in their "League of Record." Facing off against his nemesis, Arian Foster, Mike's opponent had to withdraw due to a heart murmur, missing the entire game.

Mike Wright ([02:33]): "I’m celebrating his life, that he was fine afterwards and he just did the right thing... Andy's fantasy team is not worth me risking my heart."

2. Jason Moore’s Soaking Wet Punishment ([03:33]-[05:31])
Jason recounted a memorable moment when the last-place team in their league faced a humorous yet daunting penalty: a slow pour of ice water for 20 to 50 minutes. This stemmed from Matt Forte's unexpected underperformance in a critical game.

Jason Moore ([04:11]): "Everybody in our league is watching just to see if Matt Forte... he disappeared from the game."

3. Andy Holloway’s Joy Bell Championship Collapse ([05:31]-[07:05])
Andy and Jason reminisced about a playoff clash where Jason held onto Joy Bell. Andy needed a running back upgrade and picked up Bell, only to watch Joy Bell turn the tide against him during a crucial game hosted at Downtown Disney.

Andy Holloway ([06:01]): "Joy Bell crushes my dreams... Joy wins the championship for me."

Bold Predictions for the 2017 Fantasy Season

The trio delved into several audacious predictions for the upcoming fantasy football season, blending statistical analysis with gut feelings.

1. David Johnson Reaches 400 Touches ([08:36]-[10:15])
Andy predicted that David Johnson would achieve 400 total touches, positioning him as a standout player.

Andy Holloway ([08:55]): "He is a mutant. He recovered. Look, you see this with Adrian Peterson."

2. Kareem Hunt as a Top Five Rookie Running Back ([10:25]-[12:23])
Mike advocated for Kareem Hunt's potential, drawing parallels with successful third-round running backs from the past. He highlighted Hunt’s versatility and the favorable offensive system under Andy Reid.

Mike Wright ([12:03]): "He's going to see probably 50 to 60 receptions... Kareem Hunt, you're all in."

3. Washington Redskins Offense Collapse ([12:23]-[15:53])
Jason made a contentious prediction that the Washington Redskins’ offense would falter, citing the loss of key players and coaching changes. He warned fantasy managers against drafting Redskins players, anticipating a decline in their performance.

Jason Moore ([13:17]): "I think the Washington Redskins in a difficult division are going to collapse."

4. Devonte Adams as Green Bay’s Fifth Most Productive Fantasy Option ([15:42]-[17:20])
Andy expressed skepticism about Devonte Adams exceeding his previous performance, arguing that better weapons like Randall Cobb would overshadow Adams despite his impressive 75 reception tally last year.

Andy Holloway ([15:42]): "Devonte Adams... you have Randall Cobb in like the eighth or ninth round. That's where you needed to be looking."

5. Alvin Kamara as a Top Three Rookie Running Back ([20:09]-[23:35])
Jason championed Alvin Kamara's potential, praising his preseason performance and the Saints' offensive setup that favors his skill set.

Jason Moore ([21:11]): "He hopped in his Camaro, man. He drove down vote on the Alvin Camaro."

6. Cam Newton Returning to Form as a Top Fantasy QB ([23:35]-[25:13])
Andy forecasted a resurgence for Cam Newton, emphasizing his unique playstyle and the supportive offensive environment. He argued that Newton’s ability to run and his receiving threats made him a valuable fantasy asset.

Andy Holloway ([23:35]): "Cam Newton, he comes back to form. He surprises people. I think he's a great value."

7. Kobe Fleener as a Top Five Tight End ([30:25]-[33:22])
Jason threw the gauntlet by predicting Kobe Fleener's rise to a top-five tight end, despite his previous inconsistencies. He highlighted his potential role in the Saints' offense.

Jason Moore ([30:25]): "Kobe Fleener could be more involved, and if he is more involved, I'm saying he's got the potential."

Interactive Mailbag: Listener Q&A

The hosts addressed a variety of listener-submitted questions, offering personalized advice and further insights into fantasy strategies.

Key Highlights:

• Draft Strategies:

  • Keeper vs. Punt ([54:24]-[55:18]): Jason advocated for strong keeper strategies, emphasizing the uncertainty of drafting solely based on rookies.

    Jason Moore ([54:25]): "You win now and later."

• Player Evaluations and Trades:

  • Philip Dorsett Trade Concerns ([35:12]-[36:49]): Discussions revolved around the viability of trading Philip Dorsett, with hosts weighing the benefits and drawbacks.

    Jason Moore ([36:25]): "I have a lot of people on. Ty Montgomery ... just watch him."

  • Dak Prescott as a Rising QB ([28:12]-[50:05]): Mike championed Dak Prescott’s potential rise akin to legends like Andrew Luck, citing his dual-threat capability and favorable touchdown ratios.

    Mike Wright ([28:16]): "Dak Prescott is tied for the second most rookie passing touchdown since 2000 with Andrew Luck."

• Injury Impacts and Player Suspensions:

  • Zeke Elliott’s Suspension ([50:25]-[52:45]): Debate on the value of drafting Zeke Elliott amidst potential suspension woes, with strategies on handling such uncertainties.

    Andy Holloway ([52:05]): "I think you're probably best to stay put. Unless he'll take a deal for wide receivers alone."

• Trade Examples:

  • Hypothetical Trades:
    • Andy proposed trading Jordan Howard and Brandon Cooks for DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry, and Demarius Thomas, which Jason accepted, highlighting the complexity of trade negotiations live.

Notable Quotes:

Jason Moore ([27:48]): "Kobe Fleener, I know he let everybody down last year... he's got the potential."

Mike Wright ([22:52]): "Kareem Hunt is a fantastic and... he's almost a top five running back."

Concluding Remarks and Community Engagement

As the live segment wrapped up, the hosts encouraged listeners to join their fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and engage via their Twitter handle @ffballers. They teased giveaways and upcoming episodes, ensuring fans stayed connected and prepared for the fantasy season ahead.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mike Wright on Kareem Hunt:

  "He's going to see probably 50 to 60 receptions... Kareem Hunt, you're all in."
  [11:00]

• Jason Moore on Cam Newton:

  "Yo's back to form... he’s a different kind of beast."
  [23:54]

• Andy Holloway on Devonte Adams:

  "Devonte Adams... a runner like Randall Cobb..."
  [15:42]

• Jason Moore on David Johnson:

  "He recovered... he becomes the third player ever."
  [08:56]

Key Takeaways for Listeners

• Strategic Drafting: Emphasize a balanced approach between high-performing veterans and promising rookies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Player Evaluations: Consider the holistic contributions of players, including dual-threat abilities and offensive system compatibility.
• Risk Management: Weigh the potential rewards against risks like injuries or suspensions when drafting or trading players.
• Community Engagement: Leveraging community advice and insights can enhance your fantasy football strategy and performance.

This live episode of the Fantasy Footballers provided a blend of personal anecdotes, expert predictions, and interactive advice, making it a valuable resource for both seasoned and novice fantasy football enthusiasts gearing up for the 2017 season.