Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: 2015 Episode - Fantasy Fallers, Questions & Answers

Release Date: May 21, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Guest: Jason Moore (absent due to celebrating his 10-year anniversary)

1. Welcome and Episode Overview

The episode begins with Andy Holloway and Mike Wright addressing the absence of Jason Moore, who is celebrating his decade-long journey with the podcast. Despite Jason's absence, the hosts assure listeners of a packed show featuring "fallers," listener questions, and insightful analyses.

2. Extra Point Adjustment and Its Fantasy Implications (02:00 - 04:50)

Discussion Points:

• The NFL's decision to move the extra point attempt back by 10 yards, making it a more challenging kick.
• Potential impacts on fantasy football scoring, particularly for quarterbacks like Sam Bradford.
• The strategic shift towards more two-point conversions to increase game excitement.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (03:16): "I think it has an actual noticeable effect to Sam Bradford stats."
• Mike Wright (03:58): "What does this mean for our fantasy leagues?"

Insights:

• The move aims to make games more thrilling by reducing the almost automatic nature of extra points.
• Quarterbacks who frequently attempt two-point conversions or those in teams likely to do so (e.g., Chip Kelly's squad) may see their fantasy value fluctuate.
• Kickers may need to be evaluated based on their ability to adapt to the changed kicking distance.

3. Listener Feedback and Podcast Promotion (05:00 - 06:50)

Discussion Points:

• Reading a positive review from a listener, humorously dubbed the "FFL commission."
• Encouraging listeners to leave reviews on iTunes and follow the podcast on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
• Promotion of upcoming content, including daily fantasy segments and potential referral codes.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (05:08): "Highly recommended. Content that is relevant, detail oriented and laced with comical timing to keep you coming back for more."
• Mike Wright (06:54): "The Fantasy Footballers.com is our home on the web."

Insights:

• Building a strong listener community through engagement and social media presence.
• Leveraging listener feedback to enhance the podcast's reputation and reach.

4. News and Player Updates (09:50 - 16:00)

Discussion Points:

• Derek Carr (10:10): Concerns over potential hand surgery and its impact on his offensive performance.
• Ryan Matthews and DeMarco Murray (11:00): Projections for Matthews' carry count and DeMarco Murray's role in the Philadelphia offense.
• Will Bettis Injury (12:43): Impact on the Giants' offensive line and Eli Manning's performance.
• Geno Smith (13:39): Likely starter for the Jets, with no immediate competition due to Fitzpatrick's recovery.
• Justin Smith Retirement (14:56): Negative impact on the San Francisco 49ers' offseason, adding to previous early retirements like Chris Borland and Patrick Willis.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (12:16): "What does this impact have? I mean, we're not mentioning that. So you don't draft the San Francisco defense."
• Andy Holloway (15:32): "He [Justin Smith] was a workhorse."

Insights:

• Player injuries and retirements significantly affect team dynamics and fantasy drafts.
• Analyzing backup players and potential starters is crucial for maintaining a competitive fantasy team.
• Evaluating the impact of coaching changes and offensive strategies on player performance.

5. Fantasy Fallers: Players to Watch (16:00 - 42:00)

Discussion Points:

• Bishop Sankey: Disappointment in his performance despite high draft expectations, with low yards per carry and minimal big plays.
• Martellus Bennett: Concerns about his role in a changing Chicago offense, potential decrease in target volume.
• Andre Ellington: Struggles with workload translating to production, despite being a solid player.
• Joy Bell: Low yards per carry and limited offensive impact, positioned as a "faller" despite some positive attributes.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (18:25): "Bishop Sankey is just not doing it."
• Mike Wright (24:53): "They’re gonna hand the ball off a lot. That's probably true, too."
• Andy Holloway (37:40): "Did you know Rashard Mendenhall was the big back when Ellington was a rookie two years ago."

Insights:

• Importance of monitoring rookies and their adaptation to NFL defenses and team schemes.
• Understanding the difference between volume and efficiency in player performance.
• Adjusting draft strategies based on offseason changes and player development.

6. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Advice (42:00 - 59:00)

Highlighted Questions and Answers:

a. Dynasty Auction Draft Strategy for Andrew Luck (42:00 - 45:11)

• Question: How much to bid for Andrew Luck in a $500 budget, 30-man roster dynasty league?
• Advice: Start bidding low to avoid overpaying. Consider capping bids around $100 due to league size and budget constraints.

b. Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Depth Chart (46:00 - 48:00)

• Question: Impact of Sammy Coates on Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant, and potential rise of Ben Roethlisberger as a top QB.
• Advice: Sammy Coates is likely to be the fourth receiver without surpassing Marcus Wheaton. Ben Roethlisberger may not immediately rise to a top-five QB due to additional receiver dynamics.

c. Jarvis Landry's Fantasy Relevance (52:32 - 53:00)

• Question: How relevant is Jarvis Landry as a WR2 or WR3?
• Advice: Consider him a solid WR2, especially in PPR formats, due to his consistent target volume and touchdown potential.

d. RB Selection in Rookie Draft (54:16 - 55:38)

• Question: Choosing between Amir Abdullah, TJ Yeldin, and Tevin Coleman for a dynasty rookie draft.
• Advice: Rank based on floor and ceiling; Yeldin offers a higher floor, while Abdullah provides upside. Prioritize based on team needs and risk tolerance.

e. RB vs. QB Draft Prioritization (55:58 - 54:22)

• Question: Why are QBs often drafted higher than RBs despite RBs having more positional scarcity?
• Advice: Addressed the misconception by emphasizing position scarcity and the greater point differential among RBs compared to QBs.

f. Drafting Two Tight Ends for Variety (56:19 - 58:46)

• Question: Is drafting two Colts tight ends (Fleener and Allen) a good strategy?
• Advice: Generally a bad strategy due to uncertainty in weekly start-ups and occupying valuable roster spots without guaranteed high performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (55:27): "I give you credit. He [the listener] said if you want some international flavor to your league..."
• Andy Holloway (53:46): "Running back and you start two of them."

Insights:

• Tailored advice based on league settings (budget, roster size, dynasty vs. redraft).
• Emphasis on flexibility, avoiding overcommitting to positions without clear weekly advantages.
• Importance of understanding positional value and team-specific dynamics when making draft decisions.

7. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows (59:00 - End)

Andy and Mike wrap up the episode by thanking listeners, reminding them to engage via the website and social media, and teasing upcoming shows, including potential guest appearances and additional mailbag segments.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (59:20): "Thanks for listening to the Fantasy Footballers."
• Andy Holloway (59:21): "Don't forget to visit us on the web at www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow us on Twitter @FFballers."

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Adaptation: Changes in NFL rules, such as the extra point distance, require fantasy managers to adapt their drafting and weekly lineup strategies.
• Player Evaluation: Continuously monitor player performance, especially rookies and those affected by team changes or injuries.
• Draft Flexibility: In dynasty and auction leagues, balance the desire for star players with the practicalities of budget management and roster depth.
• Community Engagement: Leveraging listener feedback and questions enhances the podcast's value and provides diverse perspectives on fantasy football strategies.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Andy Holloway (03:16): "I think it has an actual noticeable effect to Sam Bradford stats."
• Mike Wright (03:58): "What does this mean for our fantasy leagues?"
• Andy Holloway (05:08): "Highly recommended. Content that is relevant, detail oriented and laced with comical timing to keep you coming back for more."
• Andy Holloway (37:40): "Did you know Rashard Mendenhall was the big back when Ellington was a rookie two years ago."
• Mike Wright (55:27): "I give you credit. He said if you want some international flavor to your league..."
• Andy Holloway (53:46): "Running back and you start two of them."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Fantasy Footballers' 2015 episode, offering valuable information for both seasoned fantasy managers and newcomers alike.