Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2015 - Fantasy Risers, Questions & Answers
Release Date: May 19, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

I. Opening Banter and Introduction (00:00 - 04:34)

The episode kicks off with light-hearted chatter among the hosts. Mike Wright humorously mentions recovering from a "Mad Max epileptic seizure," sparking a playful exchange about the movie "Mad Max." This sets a relaxed and engaging tone for the show.

• Mike Wright (00:23): "I am excellent. I'm recovering from my Mad Max epileptic seizure."
• Andy Holloway (00:32): "That's a great movie."

II. Draft Strategy: Good Teams vs. Talent on Bad Teams (04:34 - 13:11)

Topic Overview:
Andy poses a crucial fantasy football question: How important is it to draft players from good teams? The discussion centers on balancing team performance with individual talent, especially in early draft rounds.

• Andy Holloway (01:04): "How important is it that you draft guys that are actually, actually on good teams?"

Key Points:

1. Early Rounds Priority:

   • Jason Moore (01:50): Emphasizes the importance of selecting players from strong teams in the first three or four picks, as consistent team performance often translates to reliable fantasy points.

2. Player Position Considerations:

   • Running Backs: Generally, top RBs are on winning teams, making them valuable early picks.
   • Wide Receivers and Quarterbacks: Later rounds allow for more flexibility, where individual talent can sometimes overcome team weaknesses.

3. Garbage Time Risks:

   • Mike Wright (04:20): Highlights the unpredictability of relying on "garbage time" plays for fantasy points, advocating for more dependable weekly production from players on good teams.

4. Statistical Insight:

   • Andy Holloway (04:01): Shares his analysis showing that 8 out of the top 10 running backs were on teams with a winning record, underscoring the trend.

III. News and Notes (06:53 - 13:11)

Segment Overview:
The hosts provide updates on recent NFL news that could impact fantasy football decisions.

1. Ryan Tannehill’s Contract Extension (07:05 - 08:05):

   • Andy Holloway (07:05): Announces Tannehill's six-year, $96 million deal with $45 million guaranteed.
   • Discussion: Evaluates the Dolphins' investment in securing a promising quarterback and the potential benefits for fantasy owners.

2. Dennis Pitta’s Injury and Potential Release (08:05 - 08:49):

   • Mike Wright (08:18): Mentions tight end Dennis Pitta likely heading to the PUP list due to injury concerns.
   • Impact: With the Jets drafting two new tight ends, Pitta's role might diminish, affecting his fantasy value.

3. Russell Wilson’s Contract Negotiations (08:49 - 10:32):

   • Jason Moore (09:47): Expresses skepticism about the Seahawks' handling of Wilson's contract, highlighting the high financial stakes involved.
   • Mike Wright (10:09): Praises Wilson's performance but questions the Seahawks' budget allocation, especially regarding their defense.

4. Alfred Morris and Matt Jones Situation (10:33 - 13:11):

   • Mike Wright (11:56): Discusses the uncertainty surrounding Alfred Morris’s future with the Browns and the emergence of Matt Jones as a potential backup.
   • Jason Moore (12:38): Voiced concerns about the Browns’ strategy in drafting, affecting Morris’s stability and fantasy projections.

IV. Risers: Players Moving Up Draft Boards (13:11 - 28:13)

Section Overview:
The hosts discuss players who have gained value and are moving up draft boards based on recent developments and opportunities.

1. Rashad Perryman (15:00 - 19:22):

   • Andy Holloway (15:00): Highlights Perryman as a rising wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, noting his speed and improved team dynamics.
   • Jason Moore (16:28): Defends Perryman against concerns about his drop rate, emphasizing his college pedigree and potential in the Ravens' offense.
   • Key Insight: Perryman's opportunity to lead the Ravens' receiving corps makes him a valuable sleeper pick.

2. T.J. Yeldon (19:40 - 28:13):

   • Andy Holloway (19:54): Moves Yeldon up his rankings due to enhancements in the Jaguars' offensive line.
   • Mike Wright (20:46): Posits that Yeldon could outperform expectations given the improved support and increased workload.
   • Jason Moore (21:27): Believes Yeldon has the potential to secure RB2 status, coupling his volume with the Jaguars' offensive improvements.
   • Team Offense Impact: The Jaguars' strengthened offensive line and reduced competition in the backfield amplify Yeldon's fantasy prospects.

3. Sam Bradford’s Rise (23:32 - 28:13):

   • Mike Wright (23:33): Advocates for drafting Bradford as a top 10 quarterback if healthy, citing his high production potential.
   • Jason Moore (26:52): Takes pride in Bradford’s performance despite injury concerns, recommending him as a late-round quarterback option with high upside.
   • Andy Holloway (26:18): Posits that Bradford’s offensive scheme under Chip Kelly should facilitate strong fantasy performance, provided he avoids further injuries.

V. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Answers (31:23 - 60:21)

Segment Overview:
The hosts address various fantasy football questions submitted by listeners, providing tailored advice based on league specifics and player evaluations.

1. Roster Construction in a 14-Team League (32:27 - 35:49):

   • Listener’s Concern: Limited bench spots with specific roster requirements.
   • Advice:
     • Mike Wright (34:30): Recommends maintaining a single quarterback and utilizing streaming strategies.
     • Jason Moore (35:25): Suggests focusing on tight end stability, potentially securing a reliable starter early.

2. Keeper Decisions: Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Others (36:05 - 53:35):

   • Listener’s Dilemma: Choosing between keeping ODB, Jesper Mattsson, or others.
   • Discussion:
     • Mike Wright (36:21): Advocates for holding onto ODB due to his high potential and long-term value.
     • Jason Moore (38:22): Emphasizes trading high-value players like Gurley early to maximize trade flexibility.

3. Adrian Peterson’s Performance Post-Injury (39:18 - 40:21):

   • Question: Will Peterson return to his dominant form?
   • Response:
     • Mike Wright (39:37): Confident in Peterson’s ability to return as a top performer.
     • Jason Moore (39:44): Supports the notion of Peterson maintaining his ferocious playing style.

4. Auction Drafts vs. Snake Drafts (43:27 - 44:54):

   • Listener’s Inquiry: Benefits and drawbacks of auction versus snake drafts.
   • Insights:
     • Mike Wright (44:11): Prefers auction drafts for their equitable player access but notes they require more time and strategic planning.
     • Jason Moore (44:25): Enjoys the competitive nature of auction drafts among committed players.

5. Keeper Strategies in a 10-Team League (47:30 - 60:21):

   • Multiple Listener Questions: Strategies for selecting keepers in various league formats.
   • Key Recommendations:
     • Jason Moore (51:05): Advises favoring high-value, secure players like CJ Anderson when possible.
     • Andy Holloway (54:25): Balances recommendations between reliability and potential breakout performances.

6. Final Announcements and Community Engagement (57:12 - 60:21):

   • New League Members: Welcoming listeners from Scotland and Micronesia, highlighting the growing global fantasy football community.
   • Community Highlights: Encourages creativity in league participation and acknowledges fans' unique contributions.

VI. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway (01:04): "Why are we number one? How important is it that you draft guys that are actually, actually on good teams?"
• Jason Moore (01:50): "It's very important in the early rounds when you're drafting with your, you know, first three or four picks."
• Mike Wright (04:20): "Garbage time absolutely exists. But what is more consistent and more reliable is actual good teams who are going to produce every week."
• Jason Moore (16:28): "Bashad Perryman has to carry the load. If the Baltimore Ravens are going to have success this year, it's going to come on the back of this rookie."
• Jason Moore (26:52): "Melvin Gordon's way ahead of T.J. Yeldon to me."
• Andy Holloway (39:43): "He's going to slaughter them 90%."
• Jason Moore (51:05): "I take C.J. Anderson over Shady."

VII. Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser (60:18 - End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts recap the key discussions and tease the next show, which will focus on players falling on their draft boards. They also highlight community engagement through new league members and encourage listeners to continue interacting via email and social media.

• Andy Holloway (60:21): "Thank you for listening to another edition of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Don't forget to visit us on the web at www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow us on Twitter at theffballers."

Summary Overview:
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast provides valuable insights into draft strategies, emphasizing the importance of selecting players from strong teams to ensure consistent fantasy production. The hosts deliver up-to-date NFL news, highlighting key player contracts and roster changes that impact fantasy decisions. Additionally, the risers segment identifies players who have gained traction, promising enhanced fantasy value due to team dynamics and individual performance prospects. The mailbag segment offers personalized advice to listeners’ specific fantasy dilemmas, fostering a community of informed and strategic fantasy football enthusiasts. Overall, the episode blends strategic analysis with engaging discussions, making it a comprehensive resource for both seasoned and novice fantasy football players.