Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Fantasy Football 2018 - 10 Things to Remember from 2017"

Release Date: February 8, 2018

1. Celebrating Success: Podcast of the Year

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, celebrating their achievement of winning the 2017 Fantasy Sports Writers Association Fantasy Football Podcast of the Year award. Andy shares the excitement, saying, “We have the privilege of being among many great podcasts” (03:05), highlighting their gratitude towards listeners and peers alike. Mike adds his enthusiasm with a hearty, “Get hyped” (03:05), reinforcing the team's collective joy over the recognition.

2. Engaging the Community: Quick Questions and Heart Ring Nominations

Before diving into the main content, the hosts engage with their audience through a playful "Quick Question" segment. The conversation humorously shifts to nominations for the Heart Ring of 2017, a symbolic accolade previously held by Danny Woodhead and Cole Beasley.

• Jason Moore nominates Alex Collins, emphasizing his underappreciated efforts with the Baltimore Ravens: “He was total. Rodney Dangerfield never got the respect he deserved” (06:02).

• Mike Wright counters by choosing Chris Thompson, praising his talent despite injury setbacks: “When he's on the field, he is absolutely magnificent” (07:00).

Andy ultimately awards the Heart Ring to Dion Lewis, commending his resilience and performance: “He is well deserving of the heart ring necessary to summon Captain Planet” (06:20).

3. News and Updates: Coaching Changes and Player Injuries

The hosts delve into significant news affecting the NFL landscape:

• Josh McDaniels' Coaching Decision: Andy reports that McDaniels was set to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts but reneged after a pivotal meeting with Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft. This move kept McDaniels with the New England Patriots as the offensive coordinator, stirring widespread reaction on Twitter: “The fans are salty. And I don't blame you for that either” (11:16).

• Curtis Samuel's Injury: Jason shares that the second-year wide receiver from the Panthers required surgery for a broken bone and ligament damage but is expected to recover for training camp: “He's going to be in recovery, but he should be ready for training camp” (13:08).

• Matt Patricia's Image Change: A humorous segment ensues when Jason announces that Detroit's coach Matt Patricia cut his beard, leading to playful banter about altering his "Gimli" persona (13:30).

4. Main Segment: 10 Things to Remember from 2017

The core of the episode revolves around 10 key takeaways from the 2017 fantasy football season, providing listeners with actionable insights for the upcoming 2018 season.

1. The Rising Star of Rookie Running Backs

Andy emphasizes the exceptional performance of rookie running backs over the past three years compared to their wide receiver counterparts. He states, “Rookie running backs have been really good. Really, really good” (15:18), citing players like Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette who have shaped dynasty and redraft leagues positively.

2. The Select Few: Wide Receivers with Monster Games

Jason discusses the inconsistency among wide receivers, noting that only a handful can produce standout performances. “There are only a few wide receivers who can put up monster games” (20:13), advising fantasy managers to prioritize WRs capable of explosive weeks to secure weekly victories.

3. Running Back Draft Strategies and Busts

Mike reviews the success and occasional busts among top-drafted running backs. Despite some disappointments like David Johnson due to injuries, the overall performance remains strong. “Only one running back in the top 12 that actually busted” (21:00), reinforcing the reliability of early RB picks.

4. Streaming Quarterbacks: A Strategic Move

Andy and Jason advocate for the streaming quarterback strategy, suggesting that drafting late and utilizing the waiver wire for QB slots can maximize flexibility and performance. “Quarterbacks are a replaceable position” (28:07), highlighting the abundance of capable QBs available throughout the season.

5. The Importance of Pass-Catching Running Backs

Jason underscores the increasing value of running backs involved in the passing game. “Pass-catching running backs are making a huge impact” (31:14), pointing to players like Todd Gurley and Christian McCaffrey who excel in both rushing and receiving.

6. Running Backs on Strong Teams Perform Better

Mike advises drafting running backs from high-scoring, successful NFL teams to ensure consistent performance and volume. “Only three running backs of the top 15 were on sub-500 teams” (34:36), stressing the importance of team context in RB performance.

7. Prioritizing Depth in Your Roster

Andy emphasizes building depth to withstand injuries and bye weeks. “Depth, depth, depth. Do not forget the importance of depth on your team” (37:07), advising managers to avoid top-heavy rosters vulnerable to unforeseen player absences.

8. Beware of Disappointing Free Agent Signings

Jason warns about the underperformance of many offensive free agents, cautioning managers against overvaluing them. “Remember how bad or at least disappointing the vast majority of free agent signings on offense were” (40:23), listing examples like DeSean Jackson and Brandon Marshall who failed to meet expectations post-signing.

9. Wide Receiver Touchdowns: Glorious but Volatile

Mike discusses the fluctuating touchdown numbers among wide receivers, advising not to overly rely on them for consistent scoring. “Touchdowns are not sticky. Yes, there are some wide receivers like Antonio Brown” (44:03), while emphasizing the enduring value of yardage over sporadic TDs.

10. Fixing Your League Rules Now

Jason advises managers to address and fix any flawed league rules before the new season begins to prevent negative impacts. “Get your league fixed now” (45:40), suggesting transitions to formats like the free agent auction (FAAB) system for more equitable waiver processes.

5. Conclusion: Preparing for the 2018 Fantasy Season

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of the discussed points in strategizing for the upcoming season. They emphasize continuous engagement through their platforms and upcoming live shows to aid listeners in excelling in their fantasy leagues.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (15:18): “Rookie running backs have been really good. Really, really good.”

• Jason Moore (20:13): “There are only a few wide receivers who can put up monster games.”

• Mike Wright (21:00): “Only one running back in the top 12 that actually busted.”

• Jason Moore (28:07): “Quarterbacks are a replaceable position.”

• Andy Holloway (37:07): “Depth, depth, depth. Do not forget the importance of depth on your team.”

• Mike Wright (44:03): “Touchdowns are not sticky.”

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of the previous season, offering valuable insights and strategies to enhance listeners' fantasy football performance in 2018. By focusing on player performance trends, strategic drafting, and roster management, the hosts equip their audience with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of fantasy football successfully.