Fantasy Football 2017 - The Fantasy MVP Show Fantasy Footballers Podcast | Released on September 1, 2017

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers Podcast kicked off the 2017 season with an engaging episode focused on selecting the top Fantasy MVP candidates. Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, the trio navigates through the latest NFL updates, fantasy football strategies, and expert opinions to help listeners draft and manage their fantasy teams effectively.

Technical Glitches and Lighthearted Banter

The episode began with the hosts humorously addressing ongoing technical issues in the studio. Andy Holloway joked, “[...] my grammar levels are going to be low, troublesome” ([00:36]). This lighthearted exchange set a friendly and relaxed tone for the episode.

NFL News and Updates

Before delving into MVP selections, the hosts discussed significant NFL news affecting fantasy football rookies and veterans alike.

• Ezekiel Elliott Suspension Drama: Mike Wright highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension, mentioning the NFL Players Association's legal actions that could impact his draft position: “This is going to approach Deflategate levels of absolute ridiculousness” ([08:49]). Jason Moore echoed the frustration, “How are we getting to these points now where the NFL is handing out these suspensions...” ([09:08]).

• Andrew Luck's Status: The conversation shifted to Andrew Luck, with Andy suggesting drafting him later due to injury uncertainties: “I have certainly been buying him up in best ball leagues. He's fallen into that seventh, eighth, ninth round” ([11:07]).

• DeAndre Hopkins' Value: Jason Moore and Mike Wright discussed DeAndre Hopkins' potential, emphasizing his talent despite team-related opportunities: “He is a high level NFL wide receiver” ([11:35]).

• Jets' Quarterback Situation: The hosts touched upon the New York Jets' quarterback issues, with Jason questioning their offseason decisions: “Why would you... try to force Christian Hackenberg as their starter...” ([15:04]).

Fantasy MVP Selections

A highlight of the episode was the Fantasy MVP Show, where various fantasy football analysts shared their top MVP picks for the season. Each expert provided in-depth reasons supporting their choices, complete with statistical insights and player potential.

1. Brad Evans (Yahoo Sports)

Brad Evans recommended Ty Montgomery, citing his versatility and potential breakout performance:

“Ty Montgomery must be on your team. He is going to be the breakout sensation of this year's fantasy season.” ([16:24])

He highlighted Montgomery’s impressive per-touch statistics and his role in the Packers' offense, projecting him to accumulate significant yards and touchdowns.

2. JJ Zacharison (DFS Analyst)

JJ Zacharison concurred with Evans, further elaborating on Montgomery's role:

“Ty Montgomery is literally the perfect option in the dead third and fourth round of fantasy drafts.” ([17:56])

He emphasized Montgomery’s ability to thrive in goal-line situations and his suitability for PPR (Point Per Reception) formats.

3. Pat Mayo (DraftKings)

Pat Mayo offered a different perspective, choosing Bilal Powell for his PPR value:

“Bilal Powell is going to pile up all these dinky catches. He is probably the only receiving running back who's going to be able to challenge Le'Veon Bell and David Johnson in terms of target count.” ([28:04])

Mayo underscored Powell's role in the Jets' offense and his potential to rack up receptions despite team struggles.

4. Brandon Marianne Lee (Fantasy Alarm)

Brandon Marianne Lee advocated for Devonta Freeman, highlighting his consistent performance:

“Devonta Freeman is going to be a fantasy league changer and MVP for you this season.” ([33:04])

She pointed to Freeman's rushing and receiving capabilities, as well as his favorable matchup in the departure of Tevin Coleman.

5. John Paulson (4for4.com)

John Paulson selected Pierre Garçon, focusing on his target volume in the 49ers' offense:

“Pierre Garçon is a great pick in the sixth round. He's being reunited with Kyle Shanahan...” ([35:45])

Paulson praised Garçon’s integration into the Shanahan-led offense and his high reception potential.

6. Matt Harmon (NFL.com)

Matt Harmon took an unconventional route by choosing quarterback Russell Wilson:

“Russell Wilson is due for some progression in his career rate statistics... he is still going to give you that QB1 overall upside and unfair weekly advantage.” ([40:24])

He emphasized Wilson's improved statistics, strong supporting cast, and potential for a high fantasy output.

7. Ben Cummins (4for4.com)

Ben Cummins recommended Randall Cobb, highlighting his reliability and quarterback support:

“Randall Cobb has the ability to be a wide receiver one… He possesses tons of upside thanks to Aaron Rodgers.” ([42:43])

Cummins noted Cobb’s consistent target volume and chemistry with Rodgers as key factors for his MVP candidacy.

8. Chris Meaney (DFS Host)

Chris Meaney endorsed Devonta Parker from the Miami Dolphins, focusing on his speed and target potential:

“Devonta Parker is a fantasy league changer and MVP for you this season.” ([43:47])

He highlighted Parker's athleticism, improved health, and increased role in the Dolphins' passing game as reasons for his high fantasy potential.

Hosts' Fantasy MVP Picks

After hearing expert opinions, the hosts shared their personal MVP selections for the 2017 season.

• Andy Holloway: Selected Kareem Hunt, praising his versatility and opportunity within Andy Reid’s offense:

  “Kareem Hunt has the best overall combination of everything that's coming together out of a bunch of good rookie running backs.” ([46:37])

• Jason Moore: Chose an early-round pick, though the transcript hints at Rob Gronkowski and later Ted Ginn Jr. as his picks:

  “Gronkowski is healthy right near right now... he's my fantasy MVP pick this year.” ([48:59])

• Mike Wright: Opted for Rob Gronkowski, emphasizing his dominance and high fantasy point potential:

  “Gronkowski is a fantasy MVP. He is unguardable and averaged 17 fantasy points a game last year.” ([48:48])

Additionally, Mike and Jason discussed simulated lineups using Play Draft, illustrating practical applications of their MVP choices.

Conclusion

The episode concluded with a mixture of strategic insights and entertaining banter, reinforcing the importance of careful drafting and informed decision-making in fantasy football. The hosts encouraged listeners to engage with their content through social media and their website, ensuring that fans stay updated with the latest fantasy football trends and advice.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore on Ty Montgomery's Value:

  “Ty Montgomery is literally the perfect option in the dead third and fourth round of fantasy drafts.” ([17:56])

• Pat Mayo on Bilal Powell:

  “Bilal Powell is going to pile up all these dinky catches.” ([28:04])

• Matt Harmon on Russell Wilson:

  “Russell Wilson... he is still going to give you that QB1 overall upside and unfair weekly advantage.” ([40:24])

• Ben Cummins on Randall Cobb:

  “Randall Cobb has the ability to be a wide receiver one… He possesses tons of upside thanks to Aaron Rodgers.” ([42:43])

• Mike Wright on Rob Gronkowski:

  “He is unguardable and averaged 17 fantasy points a game last year.” ([48:48])

This comprehensive overview of the Fantasy Football MVP Show episode equips both seasoned and novice fantasy football players with valuable insights and strategic picks to enhance their chances of winning their leagues in the 2017 season.