Fantasy Football 2018 - Trivia Time, Dynasty Startup, Krampus Released

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
• Host/Authors: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Release Date: February 22, 2018

1. Introduction and Segment Overview

The episode kicks off with the hosts gearing up for a lively session covering trivia, dynasty league strategies, and recent NFL player updates. Andy Holloway sets the stage by briefly mentioning their "Ultimate Draft Kit" available for preorder, but the main content swiftly transitions to the core discussions.

Andy Holloway [00:00]: "Check out ultimate draft kit.com... You will not regret it."

2. News and Notes

a. Coaching Changes: The hosts touch upon recent head coaching and offensive coordinator changes, highlighting Joe Philbin's appointment as Green Bay's new offensive coordinator. Despite Philbin's mixed past performance, the consensus is optimistic about Aaron Rodgers' continued success.

Jason Moore [05:01]: "If you look at Philbin as a coordinator... his offense was not good in Miami during his head coaching."

b. Player Releases and Franchise Tags: Mike Wright announces the release of Doug Martin by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, speculating his future in leagues like the XFL or CFL. Additionally, the discussion moves to the Philadelphia Eagles' decision to franchise tag Jarvis Landry, aiming to secure his services amidst Carson Wentz's health concerns and Alshon Jeffrey's injury.

Mike Wright [07:35]: "Doug Martin has been released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

Andy Holloway [09:16]: "They may be angling for a trade with Jarvis Landry... If not, you got him for another year."

c. Alshon Jeffrey's Injury: Alshon Jeffrey undergoes rotator cuff surgery, raising questions about his fantasy reliability. While Jason expresses some caution, Andy remains optimistic about his recovery timeline.

Jason Moore [11:11]: "I'm not going to throw him down my draft board, but I will have caution."

d. Frank Gore's Future: Speculations arise about Frank Gore not being re-signed by the Colts, with potential destinations discussed, including Tampa Bay.

Mike Wright [11:27]: "Expecting that the Colts will not resign Frank Gore."

3. Trivia Time

The hosts engage in an interactive trivia segment, challenging both each other and listeners with "Who Am I?" questions revolving around player statistics and historical performance.

a. Running Back Category: Andy poses a question about a running back who was RB10 from weeks seven through 17 in half-point PPR leagues. After some deliberation, Latavius Murray is revealed as the correct answer.

Andy Holloway [14:01]: "From week seven through 17, I was the RB10 in half point per hour leagues."

Andy Holloway [15:43]: "It is Latavius."

b. Wide Receiver Category: Another round focuses on a wide receiver who ranked 10th in both targets and receptions in 2017, finished 20th in fantasy points, had five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and has maintained game participation since 2011. Demarius Thomas emerges as the answer, highlighting his consistent performance despite mixed recent results.

Andy Holloway [17:11]: "In 2017, I was 10th in targets and 10th in receptions among wide receivers."

Andy Holloway [18:08]: "The answer is Demarius Thomas."

c. Three-Year Receiving Yards Leaders: The trivia advances to identify the four wide receivers who have finished in the top 15 for receiving yards over the past three seasons. Mike Evans and Julio Jones are correctly identified, with Brandon Cooks and Michael Thomas completing the list.

Andy Holloway [24:05]: "Only four receivers have finished top 15 in receiving yards each of the past three seasons."

Mike Wright [25:22]: "That's four points for me."

d. Running Backs in Touches: Participants name the top five running backs in total touches (rushing attempts plus receptions) over three years, including Todd Gurley, Frank Gore, Le'Veon Bell, Shady McCoy, and Melvin Gordon.

Andy Holloway [26:25]: "Top five running backs in touches... Todd Gurley, Frank Gore, Le'Veon Bell, Shady McCoy, and Melvin Gordon."

4. Dynasty Startup

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to guiding listeners through the intricacies of starting and managing a dynasty fantasy football league. The hosts offer valuable insights and strategies for both newcomers and seasoned players.

a. Understanding Dynasty Leagues: Jason Moore explains the evolution from redraft to keeper to dynasty leagues, emphasizing the long-term commitment and strategic depth required.

Jason Moore [35:34]: "Dynasty leagues are about being a general manager... build to win now while planning for the future."

b. Optimal League Setup: The trio discusses key components for setting up a dynasty league, such as roster sizes, starting positions, and the importance of flexibility in transactions. They recommend adopting a half-point PPR scoring system and highlight the necessity of having a committed commissioner to manage the league effectively.

Mike Wright [41:04]: "Figure out what's the starting roster look like in our dynasty league because you have these huge rosters."

c. Draft Strategies: Emphasis is placed on the importance of drafting wide receivers early due to their long-term value and the volatility of running backs. The hosts advise against overvaluing youth, urging managers to prioritize players with proven track records and favorable contracts.

Jason Moore [50:38]: "Running backs are not diamonds... prefer wide receivers that I know I'm going to have seven, eight years."

Mike Wright [51:36]: "Do not overvalue youth... play to win every single year."

d. Handling Orphan Teams and Transactions: Advice is given on managing a league if a team drops out, suggesting strategies like inheriting the team or making tactical trades. They also stress the importance of allowing unlimited transactions to mimic real-life general management.

Andy Holloway [46:26]: "If somebody quits a dynasty league, you inherit that team and make strategic moves."

e. Rookie Draft and Free Agent Budget: The discussion covers the logistics of performing rookie drafts and managing budget allocations for free agents, advocating for separate budgets for off-season and in-season acquisitions to maintain competitive balance.

Mike Wright [45:05]: "Free agent budget... everyone gets an equal shot to grab a new player."

5. Conclusion and Final Tips

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reinforce their main points about dynasty leagues—encouraging listeners not to be intimidated and to engage actively with strategic management.

Mike Wright [54:22]: "Do not be intimidated by Dynasty. It's incredibly fun."

Andy Holloway [54:28]: "Grab a call owner if you need. Play in style."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway [00:00]: "Check out ultimate draft kit.com... You will not regret it."

• Jason Moore [05:01]: "If you look at Philbin as a coordinator... his offense was not good in Miami during his head coaching."

• Mike Wright [07:35]: "Doug Martin has been released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

• Andy Holloway [09:16]: "They may be angling for a trade with Jarvis Landry... If not, you got him for another year."

• Jason Moore [11:11]: "I'm not going to throw him down my draft board, but I will have caution."

• Mike Wright [26:46]: "Gordon is always... he plays well."

• Jason Moore [35:34]: "Dynasty leagues are about being a general manager... build to win now while planning for the future."

• Mike Wright [51:36]: "Do not overvalue youth... play to win every single year."

• Mike Wright [54:22]: "Do not be intimidated by Dynasty. It's incredibly fun."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive blend of current NFL updates, engaging trivia, and in-depth guidance on managing dynasty fantasy football leagues. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to the dynasty format, the insights shared by Andy, Jason, and Mike offer valuable strategies to enhance your fantasy football experience.