Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Fearless Predictions, Injury Updates, News, Mailbag
Release Date: September 8, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
[Transcript Timestamps Included]

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the familiar banter among the hosts, setting an energetic tone for the upcoming Fantasy Football season. Andy Holloway introduces the agenda, which includes fearless predictions, injury updates, news highlights, and listener mailbag questions.

Quick Question of the Day

Topic: Sam Bradford's Game Participation
Question: How many games will Sam Bradford play in the 2015 season?

• Andy Holloway [04:32]: "Sam Bradford, how many games will he play in this season? There are 16 regular season games, and he will play in 12. Really?"
• Jason Moore [04:47]: "He has, you know, I think his rookie year and one other year he played 16, and every other year he's been injured."
• Mike Wright [05:20]: "I'm all in. All in on Bradford, baby. All year."
• Outcome: Eventually, it’s revealed that Sam Bradford is out for the season, disappointing some predictions. Andy acknowledges Bradford as a valuable asset in many leagues.

News and Updates

Key Highlights:

1. T.J. Yelden Starting Week One [07:58]:

   • Andy Holloway: T.J. Yelden is officially listed as the starter, providing optimism for fantasy owners who were concerned about Denard Robinson potentially starting.

2. Arian Foster Injury Report [10:16]:

   • Adam Schefter reports that Arian Foster could return in four weeks but may be sidelined for six or more, adding uncertainty to his availability.

3. Player Movements:

   • Rashad Jennings listed as starting running back for the New York Jets.
   • Matt Castle signs with the Buffalo Bills, potentially impacting E.J. Manuel’s role.

Injury Rundown

The hosts discuss the status of several players ahead of Week 1:

• Trey Mason [11:19]: Likely not playing due to game-time decision.
• Devontae Freeman [11:27]: Hamstring at 90%, expected to play.
• Alshon Jeffrey [11:49]: Set to play, though Jason expresses concern about potential severity if he's out.
• Mike Evans [12:31]: Confirmed to play but with limited participation.
• LaShawn McCoy [12:34]: Cleared to play after participating in drills.
• Other Players: Joy Bell, C.J. Spiller, Duke Johnson, Ty Hilton, Roddy White are all set to play. Michael Floyd and Victor Cruz are doubtful.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [11:27]: "I am going to lean that he is not going to play."
• Mike Wright [12:44]: "Yes. But very limited."
• Andy Holloway [12:54]: "Jason, who is your biggest disappointment of the season?"

Fearless Predictions

The hosts present bold predictions across various categories for the upcoming fantasy season.

Fantasy MVP

• Mike Wright [16:54]: "I'm going with Jordan Matthews... I believe he can finish as a top five wide receiver."
• Jason Moore [17:31]: "Eddie Lacy is a surefire pick... a young healthy guy on a high power offense."
• Andy Holloway [18:00]: "Sam Bradford has the ability... if I'm looking to draft Tannehill or Bradford, it's Bradford."

Surprise Player of the Season

• Jason Moore [20:12]: "Ryan Matthews can surprise a lot of people, finishing as a flex option."
• Mike Wright [20:56]: "Eric Decker will benefit from the improved Jets offense with Ryan Fitzpatrick."
• Andy Holloway [21:16]: "Frank Gore could run his way to a top five finish with consistent performances."

Biggest Disappointment

• Mike Wright [23:11]: "Joseph Randle will disappoint due to overvaluation and injury concerns."
• Jason Moore [24:08]: "LaShawn McCoy will be the biggest disappointment because of nagging injuries and declining performance."
• Andy Holloway [25:30]: "Alfred Morris will disappoint due to a struggling offensive system and inconsistent performance."

Top Five Player Unexpectedly

• Jason Moore [26:45]: "Lamar Miller will surprise as a top five player with increased opportunities."
• Mike Wright [28:18]: "Brandon Cooks will excel with increased targets from Drew Brees and Sean Payton."
• Andy Holloway [28:05]: "Frank Gore’s unexpected rise due to offensive consistency and volume."

Fantasy Rookie of the Year

• Mike Wright [29:30]: "Amar Abdullah is poised to take over the running back role."
• Jason Moore [30:02]: "Nelson Aguilar has the talent and opportunity to become a top rookie receiver."
• Andy Holloway [30:08]: "Amari Cooper will push for high catch numbers and solid performance."

Handcuff to Win Your League

• Mike Wright [31:45]: "Duke Johnson as the handcuff, providing depth and potential high usage."
• Jason Moore [35:03]: "Frank Gore as a handcuff to Josh Robinson, ensuring backup potential."
• Andy Holloway [33:19]: "David Johnson as a handcuff to rely on Ellie’s injury and increased usage."

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [16:34]: "The season is here. It is time to watch."
• Jason Moore [17:44]: "A lot of the guys that I look at in the first round have the potential to bust. Not that Eddie Lacy can't get hurt, but I see him as a sure thing."

Mailbag

Listeners submit their questions, which the hosts address with strategic advice.

1. Paul from Minneapolis [38:14]:

   • Question: Should he upgrade from Eli Manning and Carson Palmer if Sam Bradford or Tom Brady becomes available?
   • Advice:
     • Mike Wright [39:01]: "If Bradford's on your waiver wire, I would drop Palmer for him."
     • Jason Moore [39:12]: "Don't need to make a move and hurt your roster to get Bradford or Brady."

2. Greg from Louisiana [39:53]:

   • Trade Proposal: Greg Olson, Ryan Matthews, Tory Smith for Jeremy Macklin, Jordan Cameron, and Chris Ivory.
   • Advice:
     • Mike Wright [39:53]: "I would take the Macklin side. I love Olson."
     • Jason Moore [40:20]: "It's really tough, but if you need a starting running back week one, take the Macklin side."

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the episode by reminding listeners to check out the Week One rankings on their website and tease upcoming guests like Nick Mangold. They encourage fans to engage via their website and social media for future content and updates.

Closing Remarks:

• Andy Holloway [42:53]: "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 theffball."
• Mike Wright [42:45]: "If you have an open free agency, I've grabbed so many players."

This episode offers a comprehensive blend of strategic insights, bold predictions, and practical advice, making it a valuable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts gearing up for the 2015 season.