Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Early QB Rankings, News & Notes, Mailbag
Release Date: March 19, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
The episode kicks off with the familiar banter among the hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright. Their chemistry is evident as they joke about recording in the middle of March and express their unwavering passion for fantasy football. Andy emphasizes the show's popularity, stating, "Gentlemen, this is the best thing on the planet and everybody listening knows it" (00:46).
Listener Review
Jason reads a heartfelt review from a listener, Gucci7684, who praises the Fantasy Footballers for their grounded and humble approach compared to other cocky analysts. Gucci comments, "The hosts are knowledgeable and funny, but they come off as grounded and humble and no one on the show is a D bag" (02:48). The hosts appreciate the feedback, with Jason highlighting it as "the best compliment I've ever been paid" (03:34).
News and Notes
The hosts dive into the latest NFL news:
-
Charles Clay & Percy Harvin to the Buffalo Bills: Charles Clay signs a deal reportedly worth $20 million guaranteed over five years (05:01). Percy Harvin secures a three-year contract with an option after the first year (05:37).
-
Jacob Tamme Joins Atlanta Falcons: Jacob Tamme's addition sparks mixed feelings, especially as fans like Andy had high hopes for tight ends like Jermaine Gresham, who is now facing surgery and delayed signing (05:43).
-
Unsigned Players: Michael Crabtree and Wes Welker remain unsigned, generating minimal buzz in the free-agent market (06:37).
Overpaid Players Analysis
The discussion shifts to identifying the most overpaid players in free agency:
-
Trent Richardson: Andy names Trent Richardson as the most overpaid, arguing he should receive no guaranteed money given his performance (07:29).
-
Charles Clay: Jason and Mike critique Clay's hefty contract, deeming it "outrageous" relative to his accomplishments (09:00). They discuss the AFC East's arms race, mentioning moves like Ryan Fitzpatrick's acquisition.
-
Terrell Suggs in Miami: Mike argues that Terrell Suggs is overpaid, noting issues off the field despite his defensive prowess (08:10).
Early Quarterback Rankings
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the hosts' consensus rankings for early quarterbacks, emphasizing the importance of strategic drafting:
-
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
- Consensus: Number 1
- Discussion: Celebrated for his continuity, excellent offensive line, and lack of turnovers. Andy remarks, "All he does is win," highlighting Rodgers' consistent performance and minimal risk of being a "disappointment" pick (14:02). Jason underscores Rodgers' superior touchdown-to-interception ratio, solidifying his top spot (16:28).
-
Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts)
-
Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)
-
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons)
- Consensus: Number 4
- Discussion: With a new offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, Matt Ryan is expected to see significant improvements. The hosts are optimistic about Ryan's ability to utilize weapons like Julio Jones and maintain a stable offensive line, projecting higher touchdown numbers (34:17, 38:12).
-
Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos)
- Consensus: Number 5
- Discussion: While traditionally a top performer, concerns about Manning's recent form and the Broncos' shift towards a running game place him just inside the top five. The hosts debate whether his past performance justifies his current ranking, with Mike expressing skepticism about his future production (40:05, 42:36).
Strategic Insights on Quarterback Drafting
Jason and Mike discuss the merits of drafting elite quarterbacks early versus employing a streaming strategy. Mike advocates for streaming quarterbacks based on weekly matchups, arguing that positions like running back don't offer the same flexibility. Jason counters by emphasizing the reliability of elite QBs like Rodgers and Luck, suggesting their consistent high performance makes them worthy early picks despite traditional advice against it (20:20, 28:44).
Mailbag Q&A
The episode concludes with a listener question from Sean in Fresno, California, seeking advice on selecting a wide receiver keeper:
- Options: Martavis Bryant (Round 12), Devonte Adams (Round 12), Andre Johnson (Round 6)
- Hosts' Recommendations:
- Mike: Favors Martavis Bryant for his increasing role and synergy with Antonio Brown (44:54).
- Jason: Aligns with Mike, emphasizing Bryant's value and potential for big plays without giving up a high draft pick (45:49).
- Andy: Supports Bryant, noting his potential leap in performance and valuable contributions in PPR formats (45:00).
They also humorously address Mike's quest to reclaim the "Fantasy Hitman" Twitter handle, adding light-hearted moments to the episode's close.
Conclusion
The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating their availability on various platforms and encouraging listeners to subscribe and leave reviews. They tease future episodes covering more quarterback rankings and additional mailbag questions, reinforcing their commitment to providing insightful and entertaining fantasy football advice year-round.
Notable Quotes
-
Jason Moore on Listener Review: "The podcast of the week. Someone's on cold medicine this morning. That's the best compliment I've ever been paid" (03:34).
-
Andy Holloway on Early QB Drafting: "Listeners, I do not think that it is a bad idea to go after, if you're in the early rounds, Aaron Rodgers or Andrew Luck" (20:27).
-
Mike Wright on Streaming QBs: "Players reach for quarterbacks early in the draft a lot of the times... if you elect to do that, you're not going to be able to stream that" (07:29).
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a deep dive into early quarterback rankings, evaluates the financial worth of top free-agent players, and provides strategic advice for fantasy football enthusiasts. The hosts blend expert analysis with engaging discussions, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to dominate their fantasy leagues.