Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2015 - Early RB Rankings, Sleepers, Mailbag
Release Date: March 26, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction and Opening Banter
The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter celebrating Andy Holloway's 31st birthday. The hosts share humorous exchanges about aging and optimal fantasy analysis, setting an engaging and personable tone for the show.
- Andy Holloway [00:16]: "It is Thursday. It is March 26, 2015. And we are the Fantasy F. What? Fought, fought, fought."
- Mike Wright [00:42]: "You've peaked."
Listener Appreciation and Reviews
Andy takes a moment to thank the listeners for their loyal support and positive reviews on iTunes, highlighting the show's rising popularity.
- Andy Holloway [02:10]: "We really appreciate that we've been moving up the charts there. People seem to like the show, most of them."
- Mike Wright [03:16]: "Today's review of the day From Lynyrd Skynyrd Fan 01... We really appreciate that we've been moving up the charts there."
Breaking News and Updates
The hosts delve into the latest NFL news, starting with the surprising signing of Darius Hayward-Bay by the Steelers. They express skepticism about his performance based on past disappointments.
- Andy Holloway [04:33]: "The Steelers signed Darius Hayward Bay to a lucrative one year contract."
- Jason Moore [05:00]: "Perennial disappointment Darius Hayward Bay given another shot."
They also discuss ongoing speculations about Adrian Peterson's future with the Minnesota Vikings, debating whether he will stay or be traded before the draft.
- Mike Wright [06:49]: "He has to go before the draft. Otherwise, he won't."
- Jason Moore [07:20]: "It seems like every day they're saying we will not."
Early Running Back Rankings
The core of the episode focuses on the consensus top five running backs for the upcoming fantasy season. The hosts provide detailed analysis, including notable quotes and differing viewpoints.
1. Le'Veon Bell
Le'Veon Bell tops the list due to his role as a workhorse back with significant involvement in both the running and passing games, despite a potential two-game suspension.
- Mike Wright [10:28]: "He is a workhorse back in a league where they don't exist."
- Jason Moore [12:21]: "I have plenty of question marks for other RBs, but none for Bell."
2. Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy ranks highly for his consistent performance and minimal question marks, making him a reliable choice for fantasy managers.
- Jason Moore [14:37]: "He can catch, play every down, and he's on a great, high-powered offense."
- Mike Wright [16:43]: "His average went up a half a yard... his hands are a very underrated part of his game."
3. Jamal Charles
Jamal Charles is praised for his elite talent and dynamic play, though concerns about coaching decisions and workload consistency are noted.
- Jason Moore [22:33]: "I have Jamal Charles as a top-five RB because his talent is too elite."
- Mike Wright [23:18]: "If the coach doesn't give him the work, I have extreme question marks."
4. Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch is highlighted for his consistent touchdown production and heavy workload, though recent changes in his team's offensive line raise some concerns.
- Jason Moore [39:07]: "He's on a team that's going to give him the ball over and over again."
- Mike Wright [41:21]: "Without Max Unger on the line, his yards per carry went down."
Sleepers and Value Picks
Beyond the top four, the hosts discuss potential sleepers and value picks for fantasy managers looking to maximize their rosters without overpaying in drafts.
- Jason Moore [28:49]: "Frank Gore is going as the 22nd RB off the board, which is way too high."
- Mike Wright [32:57]: "Jonathan Stewart is a hidden gem who can potentially finish as an RB1 if healthy."
Mailbag Segment
Listener questions are addressed, focusing on rookie running backs and keeper league strategies.
Question 1: Le'Veon Bell vs. Marshawn Lynch
Chris from New Hampshire asks about strategies for choosing between elite running backs like Marshawn Lynch and other top-tier options.
- Jason Moore [48:45]: "If your league mates are keeping top RBs, you might need to keep Eddie Lacy to avoid dropping too far."
- Andy Holloway [47:37]: "If you're in a standard scoring league, keeping Aaron Rodgers might be tempting, but RBs are more valuable."
Question 2: Aaron Rodgers vs. Eddie Lacy in Keeper Leagues
Harry from Sacramento seeks advice on whether to keep a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers in the sixth round or a running back like Eddie Lacy in the second.
- Andy Holloway [47:58]: "Keep Aaron Rodgers if you can, especially if he's your only tier-one QB."
- Mike Wright [50:17]: "I would keep Lacy because you can't piece together an RB like him from various late-round picks."
Closing Stories and Anecdotes
The episode concludes with Mike Wright sharing a humorous and relatable parenting mishap, adding a personal touch to the show.
- Mike Wright [51:56]: "The baby projectile vomits the amount of a grown man at Chipotle all over the floor."
- Andy Holloway [52:17]: "Poor girl... She turned the place into a disaster zone."
Final Thoughts and Teasers
The hosts tease future episodes, including a fantasy face-off debating the merits of C.J. Anderson and more in-depth running back analysis.
- Jason Moore [53:28]: "Next week we're going to talk some running backs."
- Andy Holloway [53:34]: "Thank you for listening to another edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast."
Key Takeaways:
- Top Running Backs: Le'Veon Bell, Eddie Lacy, Jamal Charles, Marshawn Lynch.
- Sleepers: Frank Gore and Jonathan Stewart as high-value, late-round picks.
- Keeper Strategy: Emphasis on the high value of elite running backs over quarterbacks in keeper leagues.
- Listener Engagement: Active mailbag segment addressing real fan questions with practical advice.
- Personal Touch: Hosts share relatable stories, enhancing listener connection.
This episode provides comprehensive insights into early running back rankings, valuable sleeper picks, and strategic advice for fantasy football enthusiasts, all delivered with the characteristic wit and expertise of The Fantasy Footballers.