Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Fantasy Favorites, News, Listener Mailbag
Release Date: September 3, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction

Andy Holloway kicks off the episode, warmly welcoming listeners and introducing his co-hosts, Jason Moore and Mike Wright. The trio sets the stage for a deep dive into fantasy football insights, upcoming news, and their top fantasy player picks for the season.

2. Tom Brady’s Return and Fantasy Impact

The hosts engage in a lively discussion about Tom Brady’s reinstatement following the Deflategate controversy. They analyze the legal battle, highlighting how Brady's return affects both public perception and fantasy football rankings.

• Jason Moore (01:02):
  “I did not want to watch the opening day... glad Tommy Boy is going to be there.”

• Andy Holloway (03:24):
  “I'd put him in standard at 13 and six-point leagues at 11.”

Analysis Highlights:

• Ranking Insights:

  • Mike Wright ranks Brady 13th in standard scoring and 11th in six-point leagues, emphasizing his value without overinflating his status.
  • Jason Moore places Brady at 6th in his updated rankings, viewing him as a middle-of-the-pack quarterback with reliable performance.

• Brady’s Performance Trends:

  • Discussion touches on Brady’s inconsistent scoring, with significant variation between early and mid-season performances.
  • Concerns about his dependency on key performances versus steady output.

3. News and Notes from the NFL

The hosts provide updates on various NFL teams, focusing on developments that have direct implications for fantasy football managers.

• Dallas Cowboys Camp:

  • Mike Wright (07:07):
    “They might be paying attention to running backs that have been cut.”
  • Discussion on potential additions to enhance the Cowboys' running back depth, including the possibility of Monte Ball receiving increased workload in Week 4.

• Green Bay Packers Camp:

  • Focus on Ty Montgomery surpassing Jeff Janis in performance and trust from Aaron Rodgers, signaling a positive shift for the Packers' receiving corps.

• Philadelphia Eagles Tight End Situation:

  • Brent Selleck expected to lead in snaps due to Zach Ertz's injury, advising fantasy managers to reconsider rostering Ertz as their sole tight end.

• Denver Broncos Updates:

  • Emmanuel Sanders is game-ready for Week 1, while Monte Ball is poised for a larger role, presenting potential waiver wire opportunities.

4. Fantasy Favorites: Top Player Picks

Each host presents their top fantasy football players—“their guys”—whom they believe will provide exceptional value and performance throughout the season.

A. Andy Holloway’s Picks

1. Jeremy Macklin (12:04):

   • Praised for his impact on the Kansas City offense, Macklin is projected to exceed his ADP by being selected in the fourth round.
   • Andy Holloway (12:04):
     “Jeremy Macklin has been my guy for quite a while and this preseason has only served to validate my thoughts.”
   • Notable Quote (05:29):
     “He will get screen passes and do things with them. A high volume, high PPR guy.”

2. Arian Foster (20:02):

   • Favored for his potential return from injury and ability to serve as a dual RB1, Foster is a strategic pick in the back of the fourth round.
   • Andy Holloway (20:02):
     “Arian Foster is my guy. He represents an RB1 when you need him for most of the season.”

3. Sam Bradford (29:44):

   • Viewed as a high-upside quarterback option who could outperform higher-ranked QBs like Stafford and Brady.
   • Andy Holloway (29:42):
     “Sam Bradford is my quarterback. He is going behind guys like Stafford and Brady and will finish above all of them.”

B. Jason Moore’s Picks

1. Lamar Miller (17:36):

   • Highlighted for his role as a versatile RB with significant upside, especially if drafted later in the first or second round.
   • Jason Moore (17:36):
     “He was an RB1 last year in limited work and is a stud RB not getting much love.”

2. Chris Ivory (32:50):

   • Recommended as a reliable RB2 with potential for increased workload and pass-catching capabilities, despite injury concerns.
   • Jason Moore (32:50):
     “He is a lead workhorse back for a running team and a quality back.”

C. Mike Wright’s Picks

1. Travis Kelce (15:17):

   • Highly recommended as a top-tier tight end offering unique value over options like Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham.
   • Mike Wright (15:17):
     “Travis Kelsey is the man. There are so many green flags with Travis Kelce and the system.”

2. Allen Robinson (22:42):

   • Valued for his high target volume and improved offense in Jacksonville, making him a solid fifth-round wide receiver.
   • Mike Wright (22:42):
     “Allen Robinson is the man in Jacksonville and a spectacular wide receiver.”

3. Carson Palmer (31:18):

   • Seen as a competent late-round quarterback with a promising offense, offering great depth and potential for high performance.
   • Mike Wright (31:18):
     “Carson Palmer is a completely competent quarterback and a perfect fit for what Alex Smith does.”

5. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Promotion

The hosts transition into promoting daily fantasy sports, particularly highlighting FanDuel’s upcoming one-week games.

• Jason Moore (24:54):
  “DFS is the next big thing. Visit FanDuel.com and use our code 'Ballers' to sign up and get up to $200 matched.”

They emphasize the benefits of DFS, including high payouts and low entry fees, appealing to both casual and seasoned players.

6. Listener Mailbag

The hosts address listener-submitted questions, providing personalized advice and analysis.

1. Trade Evaluation: Greg Olson and Arian Foster for Jordan Cameron and Lamar Miller (35:23):

   • Jason Moore (35:37):
     “If you need Lamar Miller, then taking Lamar Miller is good. Otherwise, Greg Olson and Arian Foster offer better pure talent.”
   • Mike Wright (35:39):
     “Olson Foster side is better.”
   • Conclusion:
     The trade’s value depends on team needs, with Olson and Foster generally offering superior combined talent.

2. Scott Chandler to the Patriots (36:34):

   • Jason Moore (37:12):
     “Scott Chandler is not Aaron Hernandez. Aaron Hernandez was a better player.”
   • Mike Wright (37:35):
     “Scott Chandler will have one catch, one touchdown games, similar to Tim Wright last year.”
   • Conclusion:
     Caution advised in relying solely on Chandler due to his inconsistent performance potential.

3. Drafting Josh Hill as Sole Tight End (37:40):

   • Mike Wright (37:45):
     “It’s completely fine to start him as your only tight end.”
   • Jason Moore (38:09):
     “If it was me, I would probably drop Josh Hill and pick up someone else.”
   • Conclusion:
     While acceptable, seeking additional tight end options on the waiver wire may be beneficial.

4. Trading Vincent Jackson for Arian Foster (38:22):

   • Jason Moore (38:29):
     “Yes, as long as you have wide receiver depth.”
   • Mike Wright (38:35):
     “Trading for Foster is aggressive; be prepared for potential injury risks.”
   • Conclusion:
     A strategic trade if acquiring a high-upside RB and ensuring roster depth to mitigate risks.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The hosts wrap up the episode by teasing an upcoming interview with Matt Harmon from the Fantasy Sports Network, promising further insights and preparation for Week 1. They encourage listeners to stay engaged, access exclusive content through Patreon, and continue leveraging the show’s resources to excel in their fantasy leagues.

• Andy Holloway (39:45):
  “Next week is going to be so fun. Goodbye and thank you for listening.”

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Brady’s Court Overturn:
  Andy Holloway (01:03):
  “He held his ground. The court overturned it. But he showed that Tom Brady's not special and the Patriots aren't special.”

• Jeremy Macklin’s Reliability:
  Andy Holloway (12:04):
  “He had the best hands in football last year... a high volume, high PPR guy.”

• Arian Foster’s Potential:
  Jason Moore (20:00):
  “Lamar Miller still a top 12 running back in limited work.”

• Travis Kelce’s Dominance:
  Mike Wright (15:17):
  “Travis Kelsey is a monster. It takes four defensive players to bring him down.”

• DFS Promotion:
  Jason Moore (24:54):
  “Every dollar you deposit on FanDuel will be matched up to $200.”

Resources and Promotions Mentioned

• Follow the Show:

  • Website: www.thefantasyfootballers.com
  • Twitter: @heffballers
  • YouTube & Fantasy Sports Network: Available for comprehensive draft reviews and in-season action plans.

• SeatGeek App:

  • Promo Code: footballers
  • Offer: $20 credit after first purchase.

• Patreon:

  • Access exclusive mailbag episodes at jointhefoot.com.

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of key fantasy football topics, including player rankings, team news, strategic draft advice, and interactive listener engagement. The hosts offer valuable insights and actionable strategies to help managers succeed in their leagues.