Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football 2018 - NFL Coaching Changes + Free Agency Wishing Well
Release Date: February 20, 2018

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers Podcast kicks off the episode with hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright diving straight into their main topics after a brief promotional segment. The trio sets the stage for an engaging discussion on NFL coaching changes and their fantasy football implications for the upcoming season.

Wishing Well Segment

Andy Holloway introduces the Wishing Well segment, where each host shares their dream scenarios for the NFL free agency period.

• Mike Wright [04:53]:
  “I want Carlos Hyde to replace Frank Gore yet again and end up in Indianapolis. Just because the narrative of Carlos Hyde replacing Frank Gore on a second team is one of those things that just... I find it appealing.”
  Timestamp: 04:53

  Wright believes that Hyde's acquisition would significantly boost fantasy football values due to his versatile three-down skill set.

• Jason Moore [05:52]:
  “I want Trey Burton to replace Gronk. When Gronk retires here and becomes the starting tight end...”
  Timestamp: 05:52

  Moore expresses a desire to see Trey Burton take over as the primary tight end, enhancing the fantasy value in Chicago.

• Andy Holloway [06:18]:
  “A sign Todd Gurley and a sign Lev Bell jersey.”
  Timestamp: 02:56

  Holloway promotes the podcast’s giveaway, encouraging listeners to participate for a chance to win signed memorabilia.

News and Notes

The hosts transition into current NFL news, highlighting significant updates that impact fantasy footballers.

• Larry Fitzgerald’s Contract Extension:

  Andy Holloway [09:02]:
  “Larry Fitzgerald has told the Cardinals coach Steve Wilkes he will return for a 15th season in 2018 with the Cardinals.”
  Timestamp: 09:02

  “Larry Fitzgerald is going to be a great value yet again. Year after year, we've had entire episodes dedicated to the undervalued guys...”
  Jason Moore [10:01]

  Fitzgerald’s commitment ensures continued reliability and high fantasy value for Cardinals’ receivers.

• A.J. McCarron’s Free Agency:

  Andy Holloway [11:03]:
  “A.J. McCarron, he will be a free agent.”
  Timestamp: 11:03

  The potential landing spot for McCarron is the Cleveland Browns, where he is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position.

• Eddie Lacy’s Release:

  Jason Moore [12:53]:
  “Eddie Lacy's career, fantasy-wise is gone. He won't ever be relevant again.”
  Timestamp: 12:53

  The Bears’ decision not to re-sign Lacy underscores the volatility of running back positions in fantasy leagues.

• Camara’s Injury Status:

  Jason Moore [14:03]:
  “The case for Camara is not out and I expect that it will be out soon before the season.”
  Timestamp: 14:03

  Andy’s article on Camara’s injury provides insights into player availability and future fantasy implications.

Coaching Carousel: Reflections and 2018 Changes

Andy Holloway reflects on the previous year's coaching changes, noting that most new head coaches led their teams to improved records. This sets the stage for analyzing the 2018 offseason coaching moves.

• Improved Team Performances:

  “Last year, all but one of the six new head coaches improved their teams’ records.”
  Timestamp: 16:15

  Highlights include Sean McVay with the Rams, Doug Marrone with the Dolphins, Sean McDermott with the Bills, and others, illustrating the positive impact of coaching changes.

Team-by-Team Coaching Analysis

Arizona Cardinals

• New Head Coach: Steve Wilkes

  Andy Holloway [19:59]:
  “Steve Wilkes is the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.”
  Timestamp: 19:59

  Hiring a defensive-minded coach emphasizes maintaining their strong defense, though concerns arise about offensive performance without a seasoned quarterback.

• Impact on Key Players:

  Jason Moore [22:01]:
  “I think we'll see that the same workload but 16 rushing touchdowns. Can he come anywhere close to that?”
  Timestamp: 22:01

  David Johnson’s role remains pivotal, though Wright anticipates a decrease in rushing touchdowns.

Chicago Bears

• New Offensive Coordinator: Matt Nagy

  Jason Moore [27:54]:
  “I like this a lot for the Chicago Bears.”
  Timestamp: 27:54

  Nagy, from the Andy Reid coaching tree, is expected to revitalize the Bears’ offense, providing Trey Burton with expanded opportunities.

• Defensive Coach: Matt Patricia

  Mike Wright [31:29]:
  “I think Matt Patricia has earned his way to be a head coach.”
  Timestamp: 31:29

  Patricia’s defensive expertise aims to bolster the Bears’ overall performance, indirectly benefiting offensive players by creating better field positions.

New York Giants

• New Head Coach: Pat Shurmur

  Mike Wright [35:48]:
  “I like the Pat Shurmur hire.”
  Timestamp: 35:48

  Shurmur brings innovative offensive play-calling to the Giants, potentially enhancing the performance of key fantasy players like Odell Beckham.

• New Offensive Coordinator: Mike Shula

  Jason Moore [36:35]:
  “I love the hire of Mike Shula.”
  Timestamp: 36:35

  Despite concerns about Shula’s past performance, Moore is optimistic about his ability to design effective plays under Shurmur’s leadership.

Oakland Raiders

• New Head Coach: Jon Gruden

  Mike Wright [39:38]:
  “It's difficult when there are every year new minds entering the football space...”
  Timestamp: 39:38

  Gruden’s return is met with mixed reactions. While his legacy is respected, Wright questions the effectiveness of his offensive strategies based on past performance.

• Offensive Coordinator: Greg Olson

  Jason Moore [41:42]:
  “Greg Olson is not a good offensive coordinator.”
  Timestamp: 41:42

  Olson's track record raises concerns about the Raiders' offensive potential, potentially limiting Derek Carr's fantasy value.

Tennessee Titans

• New Head Coach: Mike Vrabel

  Mike Wright [45:49]:
  “I am excited for Matt LaFleur.”
  Timestamp: 45:49

  Vrabel’s hiring is complemented by offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, expected to enhance the Titans’ offensive strategies and elevate players like Matt Ryan and Corey Davis.

• Offensive Coordinator: Matt LaFleur

  Jason Moore [48:11]:
  “I can't imagine it's going to be much worse than it was last year in Tennessee.”
  Timestamp: 48:11

  LaFleur’s experience under Sean McVay is seen as a boon for the Titans, promising improved offensive play-calling and increased fantasy opportunities.

Cleveland Browns

• New Head Coach: Pat Shurmur

  Jason Moore [56:37]:
  “I think John DeFilippo is a great football mind and he's going to succeed.”
  Timestamp: 56:37

  Shurmur’s strategy focuses on optimizing quarterback play, which could significantly impact players like Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman.

Seattle Seahawks

• New Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer

  Jason Moore [58:38]:
  “No, I do not think he’s going to be the man to make Russell Wilson all that he can be.”
  Timestamp: 58:38

  Schottenheimer’s appointment is met with skepticism due to his limited success as an offensive coordinator, potentially hindering Russell Wilson’s fantasy production.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• New Offensive Coordinator: Randy Feeney

  Jason Moore [59:36]:
  “I think he's a much better play caller...”
  Timestamp: 59:36

  Feeney’s promotion aims to maintain the Steelers’ offensive consistency, ensuring continued performance from Ben Roethlisberger and other key players.

Offensive Coordinator Changes

The hosts delve deeper into various offensive coordinator hires, assessing their potential impact on team performance and fantasy football.

• Buffalo Bills:

  Mike Wright [50:20]:
  “This is one of those uninspiring hires.”
  Timestamp: 50:20

  Brian Daboll’s tenure is viewed as underwhelming, with little expected improvement in the Bills’ offensive output.

• Carolina Panthers:

  Jason Moore [51:39]:
  “I think he tailors his offense to his players.”
  Timestamp: 51:39

  Norv Turner’s hire is cautiously optimistic, with expectations of a tailored offense that leverages Cam Newton’s strengths.

• Minnesota Vikings:

  Jason Moore [56:37]:
  “John DeFilippo is a great football mind and he's going to succeed.”
  Timestamp: 56:37

  DeFilippo’s role is anticipated to sustain the Vikings’ offensive prowess, benefiting key fantasy assets like Adrian Peterson.

• New York Jets:

  Jason Moore [57:25]:
  “Jeremy Bates is the reason that Kirk Cousins will be coming to New York.”
  Timestamp: 57:25

  Bates’ tenure is uncertain, with potential moves hinging on quarterback performance and offensive strategy.

• Seattle Seahawks:

  Jason Moore [58:38]:
  “I don't think he’s going to be the man to make Russell Wilson all that he can be.”
  Timestamp: 58:38

  Continued doubts about Brian Schottenheimer’s ability to enhance the Seahawks' offense under Russell Wilson.

• Pittsburgh Steelers:

  Jason Moore [59:36]:
  “When you lose your offensive coordinator, a great offensive mind with Todd Haley, I don't think that's going to help your team.”
  Timestamp: 59:36

  Despite concerns, the Steelers’ promotion of Randy Feeney is seen as a move to stabilize the offensive strategy.

Conclusion

As the Fantasy Footballers wrap up the Coaching Carousel episode, the hosts reiterate their anticipation for the upcoming NFL season, emphasizing the significant impact that coaching changes can have on team performance and fantasy football outcomes. They encourage listeners to stay engaged with their community and participate in ongoing giveaways, while previewing upcoming episodes that will delve into dynasty league strategies.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Mike Wright [05:28]:
  “That would be very fun.”

• Jason Moore [10:01]:
  “Larry Fitzgerald is going to be a great value yet again.”

• Jason Moore [41:42]:
  “Greg Olson is not a good offensive coordinator.”

• Jason Moore [56:37]:
  “I think John DeFilippo is a great football mind and he's going to succeed.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Fantasy Footballers episode, providing valuable information for both regular listeners and newcomers interested in the intricacies of NFL coaching changes and their fantasy football implications.