Fantasy Footballers Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: Fantasy Football 2018 - Free Agency Preview + Fantasy Valentines
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Fantasy Valentines

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted segment where the hosts share their "Fantasy Valentines" for the 2018 season, highlighting players they "love" for their fantasy potential despite often being overlooked in drafts.

• Mike Wright expresses his affection for Mark Ingram:
  "Mark Ingram, I love your rushing touchdowns, I love your market share of the New Orleans Saints backfield and I love that I'm gonna get you probably two rounds later." [03:42]

• Jason Moore shows appreciation for DeVante Adams:
  "No one in the NFL over the last two seasons has more red zone touchdowns than Devante Adams. And the torch has been passed." [04:34]

• Andy Holloway opts for the dynamic Tyreek Hill:
  "Give me Tyreek Hill. I know you lost your quarterback. I ain't scared. I'll take you on a date, Tyreek." [05:00]

This segment underscores the hosts' strategic appreciation for consistent performers who may provide significant value in fantasy leagues.

2. NFL News and Notes

The hosts delve into recent NFL developments, focusing on team management moves and player contracts that could impact fantasy football strategies.

• Arizona Cardinals extended GM Steve Keim's contract through 2022:
  "Breaking news, the Arizona Cardinals have signed GM Steve Kyne to an extension through 2022." [07:38]

• New England Patriots made headlines by tendering Mike Gillislee with an original round tender, leading to movements involving C.J. Anderson:
  "Last year, the Patriots smuggled Mike Gillislee from the Buffalo Bills because they thought they could get away with just giving him an original round tender." [15:55]

• Frank Reich was appointed as the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts:
  "Frank Reich, offensive coordinator from the Eagles, is now the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts." [08:31]

These updates provide listeners with insights into team strategies that could influence player performances and availability in free agency.

3. Free Agency Overview

The discussion transitions to a comprehensive preview of the NFL free agency landscape, emphasizing the distinction between unrestricted and restricted free agents and their implications for fantasy managers.

• Jason Moore explains the types of free agents:
  "Unrestricted free agents are free agents that will have the ability to negotiate with any team and sign a contract with any team." [13:25]

• Andy Holloway uses AJ McCarron as an example of a restricted free agent:
  "AJ McCarron is a restricted free agent backup quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. They can tender him an offer at different levels." [14:22]

The hosts outline the strategic considerations teams must weigh when approaching free agency, such as salary cap implications and player potential.

4. Free Agent Quarterbacks

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to quarterbacks entering free agency, a pivotal position for both NFL teams and fantasy leagues.

• Kirk Cousins is highlighted as a top target:
  "Kirk Cousins will be the most fantasy relevant move. Does he go to Denver? Does he go to Minnesota?" [23:12]

• Teddy Bridgewater, Case Keenum, and Sam Bradford are discussed as viable options for teams looking to bolster their quarterback ranks:
  "Teddy Bridgewater is actually a great pairing. They're a super young team." [23:18]

• Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of Case Keenum:
  "Case Keenum is a very good quarterback and he's going to be able to choose a situation that is good for his career." [22:21]

The hosts predict potential destinations for these quarterbacks, considering team needs, salary cap space, and player performance to guide fantasy managers in their draft preparations.

5. Free Agent Running Backs

The running back free agent market is analyzed with attention to players like Dion Lewis, Carlos Hyde, and Jerick McKinnon.

• Dion Lewis is debated regarding his fit and value:
  "Carlos Hyde is built more for it, size-wise. But Carlos Hyde is not quite the pass catcher that Dion Lewis is." [29:10]

• Jason Moore expresses skepticism about Dion Lewis' impact in fantasy due to injury history:
  "I'm not certain where he's going to go and where he's going to have that impact." [29:10]

• Mike Wright favors younger, reliable backs over veterans:
  "I'm going to be shocked if anyone gets paid just going through this list here." [30:18]

The conversation underscores the balancing act between player potential and reliability, crucial for fantasy roster construction.

6. Free Agent Wide Receivers

Wide receivers entering free agency receive considerable attention, with discussions centered around Alan Robinson, Sammy Watkins, and Jarvis Landry.

• Alan Robinson is praised for his route-running and touchdown potential:
  "Alan Robinson is a beast. A beast. And if you can get Alan Robinson on the cheat, I've seen some people like, I can get Alan Robinson right now for the $107, and I'm like, yes, go do it." [42:48]

• Jason Moore and Mike Wright debate the merits of Sammy Watkins versus Alan Robinson:
  "I've seen the ceiling." [42:49]
  "Sammy Watkins frequents the medical tent. Alan Robinson is just a better route runner." [42:48]

• Andy Holloway recommends targeting high-impact receivers to maximize fantasy points:
  "Alan Robinson is probably the best player here. Sammy Watkins right there with him though." [43:43]

The hosts evaluate the potential of these receivers to significantly impact their fantasy teams, advising listeners on strategic acquisitions.

7. Free Agent Tight Ends

The tight end position is explored with a focus on Jimmy Graham, Trey Burton, and Tyler Eifert.

• Trey Burton is highlighted for his athleticism and value in dynasty leagues:
  "My favorite free agent tight end is Trey Burton, who's going to get paid and is nestled so comfortably on my dynasty bench." [51:22]

• Jimmy Graham is predicted to join contending teams, enhancing their red zone efficiency:
  "I would expect Jimmy Graham to land on a team like Green Bay or like New Orleans to go back home." [52:44]

• Tyler Eifert is noted for his potential one-year deals with teams seeking immediate production:
  "Trey Burton is going to get paid and is nestled so comfortably on my dynasty bench." [51:22]
  "Tyler Eifert could sign a one-year deal to enhance a team's passing game." [52:24]

This segment provides insights into tight end acquisitions that could offer significant returns in fantasy lineups.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating the importance of understanding free agency movements and how these can influence fantasy football strategies. They encourage listeners to stay informed and make strategic decisions based on player movements and team needs.

• Andy Holloway humorously remarks on committing financially to free agents:
  "We just committed $1.9 million to Brooks next year." [56:40]

• Jason Moore emphasizes supporting the podcast community:
  "Head to JoinTheFoot.com to support the podcast." [57:22]

The hosts conclude by promoting their community and offering final remarks, ensuring listeners are engaged and informed for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright on Mark Ingram:
  "I love Mark Ingram, I love your rushing touchdowns..." [03:42]

• Jason Moore on DeVante Adams:
  "No one in the NFL over the last two seasons has more red zone touchdowns than Devante Adams." [04:34]

• Andy Holloway on Tyreek Hill:
  "Give me Tyreek Hill. I know you lost your quarterback. I'll take you on a date, Tyreek." [05:00]

• Jason Moore on Free Agency Strategy:
  "We're going to have multiple episodes touching on free agency, especially as the league year begins..." [11:08]

• Mike Wright on Dion Lewis:
  "He's going to share a backfield. I don't see any situation where he's not going to share a backfield." [28:09]

• Andy Holloway on Alan Robinson:
  "Alan Robinson is probably the best player here. Sammy Watkins right there with him though." [43:43]

This detailed summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' episode, providing listeners with valuable insights into the 2018 free agency landscape and strategic considerations for their fantasy football teams.