Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Bonus Episode: Mailbag and Listener Questions

Release Date: July 11, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this bonus episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright shift their focus from regular season analysis to engaging directly with their audience through a series of listener-submitted questions. The trio emphasizes their commitment to providing personalized advice and fostering a strong community among fantasy football enthusiasts.

News and Notes

[04:15] Andy Holloway
The hosts begin by discussing current NFL news relevant to fantasy football. Jason Moore highlights the ongoing conversation around Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running back Doug Martin, emphasizing the value he represents in drafts despite his fluctuating performance. Andy agrees, noting Martin's potential due to his improved weight and favorable run schedule.

[06:00] Jason Moore
The conversation shifts to Greg Hardy's suspension, which was controversially reduced from 10 games to four. The hosts express confusion and frustration over the NFL's inconsistent disciplinary actions, especially comparing Hardy's reduced suspension to other players' harsher penalties. Mike Wright adds that this development positively impacts the Dallas defense, strengthening it further for fantasy managers.

Mailbag: Listener Questions

The bulk of the episode centers around answering diverse listener questions, offering strategic advice across various fantasy football scenarios.

1. Draft Strategies: Running Backs vs. Wide Receivers

   • [11:22] Brad from Burlington Coat Factory
     Question: Is it better to draft multiple average running backs to secure depth or prioritize top-tier wide receivers in a standard PPR league?
     Response:
     • Jason Moore suggests a balanced approach, advocating for securing high-value players at both positions rather than strictly adhering to one strategy.
     • Andy Holloway concurs, emphasizing the importance of flexibility based on available players during the draft.
     • Mike Wright echoes that both strategies can be effective depending on league dynamics and available player pools.

2. Managing Multiple Leagues: Diversification vs. Specialization

   • [13:20] Brocky Tudyx from Phoenix
     Question: How important is it to diversify players across multiple leagues, especially with running backs and quarterbacks?
     Response:
     • Jason Moore recommends focusing on difference-making players in each league to maximize potential success, suggesting that diversification can hedge against underperformance.
     • Andy Holloway advises that different draft positions and league settings naturally encourage diversification, which is advantageous in multi-league play.
     • Mike Wright emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies based on league formats and individual player projections.

3. Keeper Decisions: Balancing Positions and Value

   • [16:02] Kevin from New York City
     Question: With restrictions on keepers in a standard PPR league, how should one prioritize keeping quarterbacks and tight ends versus other positions?
     Response:
     • Jason Moore prioritizes players who offer significant weekly advantages, such as reliable quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, considering the league's scoring system.
     • Andy Holloway cautions against over-investing in less critical positions early, advocating for maintaining a balanced roster with strong running backs and wide receivers.
     • Mike Wright agrees, stressing that while quarterbacks are important, depth at running back and wide receiver often provides more immediate fantasy value.

4. Drafting High-Value Players: Gronkowski vs. Others

   • [23:32] Owen from Boca Raton, Florida
     Question: What is the highest pick to draft Rob Gronkowski in a standard and PPR league?
     Response:
     • Andy Holloway suggests targeting Gronkowski in the later rounds of the first round, around the 9th or 10th pick, allowing room to secure other studs.
     • Mike Wright indicates he would consider Gronkowski strong but advises against drafting him over elite wide receivers like Antonio Brown or Julio Jones due to injury risk.
     • Jason Moore maintains an 8th-round threshold but acknowledges the emotional pull and injury concerns surrounding Gronkowski.

5. Keeper Dilemma: Choosing Between Matt Ryan and Andrew Luck

   • [32:47] Matt the Milkman from New Jersey
     Question: Should one keep Matt Ryan in the 16th round or Andrew Luck in the fifth round?
     Response:
     • Mike Wright advocates for keeping Matt Ryan in the 16th round, valuing the free acquisition of a solid quarterback over the higher-risk investment in Andrew Luck.
     • Jason Moore supports Ryan, stressing the ease of relying on Ryan's consistent performance without the hefty draft cost associated with Luck.
     • Andy Holloway agrees, concluding that Ryan offers better overall value in comparison to the uncertain longevity and performance of Luck.

6. Player Projections: Calvin Johnson's 2015 Season

   • [38:21] James from Boston
     Question: What are your expectations for Calvin Johnson this year, and what factors influence your predictions?
     Response:
     • Andy Holloway predicts a top-five finish for Calvin Johnson, attributing his performance to his physical prowess and consistent role in the offense.
     • Mike Wright expresses confidence in Johnson's high target rate, projecting over 180 targets and solidifying his position as a top receiver.
     • Jason Moore ranks Johnson as the number one receiver in a standard league, focusing on his statistical projections and historical performance.

7. Drafting and Keeper Recommendations: Diverse Scenarios

   • Various Listeners
     Questions include:

     • Choosing between different running backs and wide receivers based on draft position and league format.
     • Deciding which players to keep in competitive leagues with specific keeper rules.
     • Selecting top-tier players with varying positional importance in different scoring systems.

     Response Highlights:

     • Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright consistently emphasize the importance of understanding league-specific nuances, valuing players based on projected performance, and maintaining roster flexibility.
     • The hosts often align on prioritizing high-impact players while advising against over-drafting positional specialists unless they offer substantial weekly advantages.

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers successfully navigated a variety of listener questions, providing nuanced and strategic advice tailored to different league formats and scenarios. The hosts reinforced the importance of ongoing engagement, adaptability, and informed decision-making throughout the fantasy football season. They encouraged listeners to continue submitting questions and stay connected through various platforms, ensuring that the community remains supported and well-informed.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [00:55]: "We are the Fantasy Footballers and this is the Fantasy Footballers Podcast."
• Andy Holloway [02:05]: "I finally was able to take a shower today with hot water fixed."
• Jason Moore [10:56]: "If I am in a 10 team standard, I am taking Arian Foster and I am taking Le'Veon Bell."
• Andy Holloway [43:50]: "I think it is the equivalent of blasphemy."
• Jason Moore [41:15]: "But if Mike sits down and he projects the numbers out and it says he's the RB28, that's where he ends up."

For more insights and personalized advice, listeners are encouraged to visit the Fantasy Footballers website, engage on their YouTube channel, and follow them on Twitter at @theffballers.