Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football 2018 - More Free Agent Madness, Key Questions for 2018
Release Date: March 20, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction and Overview

In this episode of Fantasy Footballers, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into the 2018 fantasy football landscape. They discuss free agency moves, key roster changes, draft strategies, and answer listener questions to help fans prepare for the upcoming season.

Regrets from Last Season

The hosts reflect on their most regrettable roster moves from the previous season, providing insights into decision-making pitfalls and lessons learned.

• Mike Wright shares his regret about trading for Devonte Parker, stating, "[03:03] I traded for Devonte Parker early on, trying to get ahead of the curve. It ended up being like one of those magic eye puzzles where nothing clear ever emerged."

• Andy Holloway discusses his trade in the dynasty league, losing Aaron Rodgers for Matt Ryan: "[04:26] I traded my first-round pick for Matt Ryan to secure my quarterback position, aiming for the championship. However, due to some poor start-sit decisions, I barely missed the playoffs."

• Jason Moore expresses regret over acquiring DeMarco Murray late in the season: "[06:11] Trading a third-round pick for DeMarco Murray seemed like a depth boost, but his inconsistent performance only brought me pain."

Free Agency Frenzy

The episode delves into the whirlwind of free agency moves, analyzing their potential impact on fantasy teams.

• Doug Martin Signs with the Raiders: The hosts express skepticism about the Raiders' decision to bring in Doug Martin alongside Marshawn Lynch, anticipating a split in the running back duties. Mike comments, "[09:17] The Raiders have Marshawn Lynch as the starter, making fantasy ownership of Raider RBs challenging due to the divided workload."

• Jordy Nelson to the Raiders: Jason and Andy discuss the implications of Jordy Nelson replacing Michael Crabtree, questioning the Raiders' strategy and the impact on wide receiver options. Andy notes, "[11:26] The Raiders' move to sign Jordy Nelson over Crabtree raises questions about their offensive priorities and fantasy relevance."

• Other Notable Signings:

  • Jeremy Hill to the Patriots: The trio debates whether Hill or Mike Gillislee will secure the Patriots' running back slot, with Andy favoring Hill: "[19:25] Jeremy Hill's proven talent makes him a strong candidate to compete for the Patriots' backfield position."
  • Tyler Eifert to the Bengals: Jason highlights Eifert’s potential as a high-risk, high-reward fantasy tight end: "[25:20] Eifert's talent positions him as a top-tier fantasy tight end, provided he stays healthy."

Trades and Team Moves

Significant trades and team strategies are examined for their fantasy implications.

• Patriots Acquire Cordero Patterson: Andy considers Patterson a valuable addition for the Patriots' depth but irrelevant for fantasy: "[24:34] While Patterson enhances the Patriots' roster depth, his role as a return specialist doesn't translate to fantasy value."

• AJ McCarron to the Bills: The move is seen as a downgrade, questioning the Bills' long-term quarterback strategy: "[25:00] AJ McCarron's backup deal with the Bills indicates limited fantasy upside compared to potential starter prospects."

• Giants Sign Cody Latimer: The Giants' addition of Latimer is viewed as a minor boost, with Brandon Marshall likely to be cut: "[28:11] Latimer serves as the Giants' third wide receiver, offering limited fantasy impact behind established players."

Mailbag – Listener Questions

The hosts address listener inquiries, providing expert advice tailored to common fantasy dilemmas.

• Guaranteed Money and Fantasy Production:
  A listener asks how guaranteed money impacts fantasy prospects. Mike clarifies, "[37:12] Guaranteed money indicates a team's commitment to a player, suggesting their role on the field will enhance fantasy value."

• Evaluating Keelan Cole vs. Marquis Lee and D.D. Westbrook:
  Jason evaluates Cole's potential, ultimately favoring established receivers over undrafted performers: "[39:43] Keelan Cole might not outperform Marquis Lee and D.D. Westbrook due to limited snaps and established roles."

• Holding onto High-Upside Sleepers:
  Ryan from Virginia Beach inquires about retaining late-round sleepers like Alvin Kamara. Mike advises a case-by-case approach: "[42:09] Evaluate each player's potential and team investment to decide how long to hold onto high-upside sleepers."

• Impact of Patrick Mahomes on Casey's Numbers:
  Michael O'Malley asks about Mahomes' effect on Sebastian Case's fantasy production. Andy predicts a slight decrease in touchdown numbers despite Mahomes throwing for over 4,000 yards: "[48:05] While Mahomes may achieve passing milestones, consistent touchdown opportunities for Case might see a dip compared to Alex Smith's tenure."

Draft Preparation and Strategies

The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic drafting and promote their Ultimate Draft Kit, though detailed content is omitted here.

• Ultimate Draft Kit: The Fantasy Footballers announce their comprehensive draft preparation tool, including rookie breakdowns, rankings, and projections, available at ultimatedraftkit.com.

Closing Remarks

Concluding the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with their community and prepare for the fantasy draft, maintaining their commitment to providing high-quality insights and advice.

Key Takeaways

• Regrettable Trades: Early trades for high-potential players like Devonte Parker and Matt Ryan can backfire if performance doesn’t meet expectations.
• Free Agency Moves: New signings such as Doug Martin and Jordy Nelson bring uncertainty and require careful evaluation for fantasy impact.
• Determining Value: Guaranteed money is a strong indicator of a player’s role and potential fantasy value.
• Draft Strategies: Holding onto high-upside sleepers requires a balanced approach based on player potential and team investment.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Wright on Devonte Parker: "[03:06] The depth of the fact just never worked."
• Andy Holloway on Matt Ryan Trade: "[04:26] I thought I was going to have like the 11th, 12th pick."
• Jason Moore on DeMarco Murray: "[06:11] He did not finish the year well. So that was my biggest regret from last year."

For more insights and detailed discussions, tune into the Fantasy Footballers Podcast and join their vibrant community at thefantasyfootballers.com.