Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2015 - 10 Tips & Tricks to Dominate Your Fantasy League

Release Date: April 23, 2015

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into their top 10 expert tips and tricks designed to help fantasy football enthusiasts dominate their leagues. The episode is rich with insightful analysis, humorous banter, and actionable strategies, making it an invaluable resource for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with the hosts expressing enthusiasm about the show's content, despite a delayed start due to technical issues. Jason Moore hints that this episode will feature some of their best content yet, focusing on 10 expert tips to elevate listeners' fantasy football gameplay.

Jason Moore [00:56]: "We got what I think is going to be one of our best shows that we've done... we're dropping 10 pieces of sweet knowledge upon you."

2. The 10 Tips & Tricks to Win Your League

Tip #10: The IR Stash

Hosts: Jason, Andy, Mike

The concept of the IR (Injured Reserve) Stash revolves around strategically placing injured players on the IR spot early in the season. This approach allows fantasy managers to save a roster spot and be prepared for when the injured player returns.

Jason Moore [10:13]: "If your league has an IR spot... stash them on your IR, which doesn't take a roster spot, and then fill up your bench like you normally would."

Example: Jason recounts picking up Andre Brown, who was placed on IR due to a leg injury but later became a starter, allowing him to seamlessly integrate Brown back into his lineup when healthy.

Jason Moore [11:24]: "I grabbed him, threw him on my IR spot... he was the starter for the Giants for two straight games and I could just swing him right into my lineup."

Tip #9: Running Back Hoarder

Host: Mike Wright

This strategy emphasizes the importance of acquiring multiple running backs, including their backups (handcuffs). Given the scarcity and high demand for effective running backs, building a deep roster ensures stability and potential high returns throughout the season.

Mike Wright [13:35]: "The running back is the most valuable commodity in fantasy football."

Key Points:

• Focus on drafting handcuffs and flyers for your primary running backs.
• Maintain no more than four wide receivers, prioritizing running backs due to their limited availability on the waiver wire.

Andy Holloway [13:54]: "You should never ever have more wide receivers on your team than running backs."

Tip #8: The Voyeur

Host: Andy Holloway

The Voyeur tip involves closely observing other teams' rosters during drafts to gain an advantage. By keeping track of opponents' selections, managers can make informed decisions to secure key players before others do.

Andy Holloway [15:31]: "You're paying attention and peeking on other teams rosters... If you draft someone, you understand others' needs."

Strategy:

• Offline Drafts: Keep a written record of picks to monitor opponent strategies.
• Online Drafts: Utilize available draft tools to track selections in real-time.

Mike Wright [17:12]: "When you have vengeful league mates... they drafted him just to, just in spite of me."

Tip #7: Every Position Matters

Host: Mike Wright

This tip underscores the significance of every roster position, including kickers and defenses. Effective management of these positions can provide a consistent edge each week.

Mike Wright [18:11]: "Every position matters... stream defenses with excellent matchups and find kickers on high-powered offenses."

Recommendations:

• Streaming Defenses: Focus on defenses facing turnover-prone teams or those involved in high-scoring games.
• Selecting Kickers: Target kickers from teams that move the ball frequently but struggle in the red zone, increasing field goal opportunities.

Andy Holloway [20:14]: "Look for the over unders that are just really high because there's going to be a lot of points put up this game and that's just better for fantasy."

Tip #6: The Eliminator

Host: Jason Moore

The Eliminator strategy involves blocking opponents from acquiring valuable players by preemptively drafting or stashing them. This tactic can be particularly effective against managers who rely on streaming players or have predictable patterns.

Jason Moore [21:22]: "If you're playing an opponent that is streaming a position... utilize your spare bench spots to eliminate possibilities for him to sign."

Execution:

• Identify key targets an opponent may pursue.
• Secure these players before the opponent has a chance to add them.
• Drop less valuable players to free up roster spots.

Andy Holloway [22:54]: "Any avenue you can use to just, you know, punch your opponent."

Tip #5: Gordon Gekko from Wall Street

Host: Mike Wright

Named after the infamous character from "Wall Street," this tip focuses on aggressive trading to maximize team value. By making two-for-one trades, managers can streamline their rosters and enhance their depth, setting themselves up for success, especially during playoffs.

Mike Wright [24:47]: "I love making 2 for 1 trades... I'm always on board for whoever gets the best player."

Caution: Avoid over-trading early in the season to maintain depth and prevent vulnerabilities from injuries.

Mike Wright [26:52]: "Be careful at the beginning of the year getting rid of all your depth..."

Tip #4: Draft with Tiers, Not Tears

Host: Andy Holloway

This strategy emphasizes building a tiered ranking system during drafts rather than a strict linear ranking. By categorizing players into tiers based on their potential and positional value, managers can make more informed drafting decisions and identify when to pivot strategies.

Andy Holloway [27:18]: "Draft with tears in your eyes... it's T-I-E-R-S, not rankings."

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Allows for dynamic drafting based on available players within each tier.
• Value Maximization: Helps identify the optimal moment to select a player before their tier is depleted.

Jason Moore [29:09]: "It's a strategy to maximize value because you're going to let that bucket or tier get near empty..."

Tip #3: Quarterback Without a Name

Host: Mike Wright

This tactic involves streaming quarterbacks rather than committing to a single marquee player. By leveraging matchups and selecting hot streak quarterbacks on a weekly basis, managers can optimize their team's performance without the risk of being tied down to an inconsistent starter.

Mike Wright [32:08]: "When I'm in the draft, I have the tiers... and I can look to start streaming quarterbacks where I'm looking at matchups."

Insights:

• Flexibility: Allows managers to adapt to weekly performance and avoid being locked into low-performing quarterbacks.
• Data-Driven: Relies on analyzing past performance and matchup data to make informed decisions.

Jason Moore [35:00]: "The last thing I'll say is I love making 2 for 1 later in the year. I love making two for one trades..."

Tip #2: The Boy Scout

Host: Mike Wright

The Boy Scout tip encourages managers to always be prepared, especially heading into playoff weeks. By maintaining a deep bench and streaming defenses, managers can ensure they have optimal matchups during critical postseason weeks.

Mike Wright [36:40]: "Be prepared, especially heading into the playoffs... utilize your bench to stash, especially streaming defenses."

Application:

• Bench Depth: Keep versatile players ready to substitute based on upcoming matchups.
• Proactive Management: Anticipate playoff requirements and adjust rosters in advance to secure favorable matchups.

Jason Moore [38:37]: "And don't be afraid to drop guys that you need to drop to pick those up..."

Tip #1: Traditions Make Your League

Host: Andy Holloway

The number one tip focuses on fostering league traditions to enhance the overall experience. Engaging in traditions like post-victory celebrations or playful rivalries can make the league more enjoyable and competitive.

Andy Holloway [40:31]: "Traditions make your league more fun, more exciting because you've won."

Examples:

• Victory Rituals: Implementing unique traditions, such as water bets or playful taunts, to celebrate victories.
• Smear Campaigns: Light-heartedly criticizing opponents' player selections to add a competitive edge.

Mike Wright [42:16]: "When you have playoffs locked up... I will run a smear campaign in our league on Marshawn Lynch's value."

3. Listener Mailbag

After covering the top 10 tips, the hosts transition to addressing listener questions, offering personalized advice and further insights.

Question 1: Keeper Decision

Listener: Dustin

Scenario: In a 10-team half PPR league with 1 keeper, should he keep Emmanuel Sanders for an 8th-round pick or Carlos Hyde for a 13th-round pick?

Mike Wright [44:45]: "You got to take that running back value of he's basically free."

Recommendation:

• Carlos Hyde is the smarter choice due to his lower cost and the flexibility to draft Emmanuel Sanders later in the draft if desired.

Jason Moore [44:59]: "I'd still take Carlos Hyde even if you guarantee me those Sanders numbers."

Question 2: Draft Position Philosophy

Listener: Jordan

Scenario: In a 12-team redraft snake draft where the first-place prize is choosing draft position, what’s the best draft strategy?

Andy Holloway [46:02]: "Generally speaking... pick at the absolute back position to still get one of my running back tier guys."

Strategy:

• Early Picks: Target top-tier running backs to secure elite talent.
• Mock Drafts: Utilize tools like FantasyPros to simulate different draft positions and identify optimal strategies.

Jason Moore [47:04]: "We've looked at any position has the potential to bust... maximize value..."

Question 3: Auction Keeper Decision

Listener: Michael S.

Scenario: In a 12-team non-PPR keeper auction league with a $300 budget, deciding between keeping Eli Manning ($24), C.J. Anderson ($45), Joy Bell ($25), Frank Gore ($31), or Carlos Hyde ($13) alongside an automatic keeper Antonio Brown ($30).

Andy Holloway [48:51]: "Carlos Hyde is the best value at $13."

Jason Moore [50:33]: "If it gives you the flexibility to overspend on a quarterback or another guy you like..."

Recommendation:

• Carlos Hyde for his outstanding value, allowing more budget flexibility to secure a high-performing quarterback like Eli Manning.

4. Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to save the tips on their website for future reference and teasing upcoming content, including a rookie overview, mock draft shows, and a special appearance by CBS analyst Adam Azer.

Jason Moore [52:11]: "Grab your free book, support the show."

Listeners are reminded to engage with the podcast via email and social media to ensure their questions are addressed in future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason Moore [10:13]: "The IR stash... does not take a roster spot."
• Andy Holloway [15:31]: "You're paying attention and peeking on other teams rosters."
• Mike Wright [18:11]: "Every position matters... stream defenses with excellent matchups."
• Jason Moore [21:22]: "The Eliminator is about eliminating possibilities for your opponent."
• Andy Holloway [27:18]: "Draft with tears in your eyes... it's T-I-E-R-S, not rankings."
• Andy Holloway [40:31]: "Traditions make your league more fun, more exciting because you've won."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast is a treasure trove of strategies for aspiring fantasy football champions. From managing injured reserves to leveraging trading tactics and fostering league traditions, the hosts provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of fantasy football. Their blend of expertise and camaraderie not only equips listeners with the tools needed to excel but also enhances the overall enjoyment of the fantasy football experience.

Listeners are encouraged to visit thefantasyfootballers.com for additional resources, including detailed write-ups of these tips, and to engage with the community through various social media platforms. Whether you're aiming to win your league or simply enhance your gameplay, this episode offers valuable insights to help you achieve your fantasy football goals.