Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Final Mock Draft, John Paulsen Interview, Fantasy News
Release Date: August 28, 2015

1. Martavis Bryant Suspension: Impact on Fantasy Drafts

The episode opens with a significant discussion surrounding the suspension of Martavis Bryant, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bryant was suspended for four games due to multiple failed marijuana tests, a development that sent ripples through the fantasy football community.

Andy Holloway remarked at [02:38]:
"Bryant, much like Foster and some of these other guys, probably represents to me a late-round value now because he's just going to tumble down boards."

The hosts deliberated on the implications of Bryant's suspension for fantasy drafts, considering where to draft him and fellow Steelers' wide receiver Brian Wheaton. They concluded that Bryant should be considered a late-round pick due to his suspension and the uncertainty surrounding his immediate return.

Jason Moore added at [06:39]:
"Martavis Bryant, four game suspension, substance abuse violation. The report right now in ROTOR world is multiple failed marijuana tests. And you know, he's gone."

The trio emphasized the importance of assessing Bryant's potential decline in performance while suspended and highlighted the necessity of understanding how his absence would affect Wheaton's value in fantasy lineups.

2. Final Mock Draft: Strategies and Key Picks

The core of the episode focused on conducting the Fantasy Footballers' final mock draft for the pre-draft season. They approached the draft from the sixth position in a 12-team Points Per Reception (PPR) league, outlining the league's format: one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one flex spot, five bench spots, a defense, and a kicker.

Key Discussions and Strategies:

• Early Rounds:
  With top running backs like Le'Veon Bell, Adrian Peterson, Jamal Charles, and Eddie Lacy already selected, the hosts pondered whether to prioritize wide receivers next. Jason Moore suggested aiming for players like Luis Suárez early due to their PPR value.

• First Round Picks:
  The mock draft selections included high-profile wide receivers such as Julio Jones and Antonio Brown. Andy Holloway considered Antonio Brown or Julio Jones as his primary targets, given the depletion of top-tier running backs.

• Quarterback Decisions:
  The choice between drafting elite quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck versus waiting for mid-round quarterbacks was debated. The hosts leaned towards securing a top quarterback early, with Mike Wright selecting Julio Jones and then Jason Moore opting for Antonio Brown.

• Tight End Considerations:
  The selection of Travis Kelce in the sixth round was pivotal. Jason Moore highlighted the importance of securing a reliable tight end, acknowledging the scarcity of high-performing players at the position.

• Running Back Depth:
  The dilemma over whether to draft Arian Foster, who was battling injuries, was a focal point. After weighing the risks, the hosts decided to draft Foster in the seventh round, viewing him as a potential game-winner despite his uncertain availability.

• Flex and Bench Spots:
  Emphasis was placed on selecting versatile players who could provide value both in the starting lineup and on the bench. Andy Holloway targeted Devonte Adams as a mid-round wide receiver with high upside.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright at [06:52]:
"Martavis Bryant, four game suspension, substance abuse violation. The report right now in ROTOR world is multiple failed marijuana tests. And you know, he's gone."

3. Trading Cards Segment: Topps Huddle App

Midway through the episode, the hosts introduced the Topps Huddle app, an innovative platform that merges trading card collecting with fantasy football gameplay. They reminisced about childhood experiences with trading cards and highlighted how the app revitalizes that nostalgia in a digital format.

Highlights of the Topps Huddle App:

• Digital Collecting and Trading:
  Users can open officially licensed NFL digital cards, trade them, and engage in daily fantasy-style games where card performance translates to real-time points.

• Interactive Features:
  The app not only allows for collection but also incorporates gameplay elements, enabling users to compete based on their card's real-life performance.

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore at [42:12]:
"I got Ty Hilton yesterday. Pretty happy with that."

Andy Holloway at [43:04]:
"I'm looking to acquire a Ty Hilton. So we should talk a trade a little bit later."

4. Interview with John Paulson: Player Insights and Rankings

The latter part of the episode featured an insightful interview with John Paulson from 4for4.com, delving into player performances, preseason evaluations, and strategic recommendations for fantasy managers.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Rising Players from Preseason:
  Paulson highlighted Amir Abdullah of the Lions as a standout performer in the preseason, noting his potential increase in value due to injuries to teammates like Joik Bell.

• Drafting Strategies:
  Emphasis was placed on the importance of drafting versatile players and understanding team dynamics. Paulson stressed evaluating player roles and the impact of coaching decisions on fantasy value.

• Running Back Rankings:
  The trio explored various running backs, including Melvin Gordon, Carlos Hyde, and Joseph Randall, analyzing their respective upside and potential risks. Paulson expressed a preference for Gordon and Randall, citing consistency and workload stability.

• Wide Receiver Prospects:
  Discussions included the potential of rookies like Rashad Perryman and the impact of injuries on receivers like Devin Funches and Devonte Adams.

Notable Quotes:

John Paulson at [47:36]:
"Devonte Adams is going to see 120 some targets, maybe more from the best quarterback in the world. It's a great offense."

Andy Holloway at [52:04]:
"So, you know, people are really, you know, when a guy misses multiple weeks in the preseason, especially if they're a rookie, you get down on them."

Jason Moore at [50:30]:
"So Hillman's the handcuff then?"

5. Fantasy News Highlights

Throughout the episode, the hosts provided updates on various fantasy news items:

• Injuries and Suspensions:
  Updates on players like Martavis Bryant and Arian Foster, discussing how their statuses affect fantasy valuations.

• Team Strategies:
  Insights into team decisions, such as the Titans' Mike Sanchez solidifying his role as a starter and the implications for fantasy managers holding players like Le'Veon Bell.

• Mobile Apps and Tools:
  Promotion of the Fantasy Footballers' own draft report product, offering in-depth team analysis and action plans for the season.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright at [42:40]:
"It's super fun. And you can download it for free right now on the App Store on Google Play and you get 10 free packs for getting it."

6. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode concluded, the hosts recapped their mock draft selections, assessed their team's strengths and weaknesses, and previewed upcoming episodes focusing on preseason week three.

Final Team Roster Highlights:

• Quarterback: Carson Palmer
• Running Backs: Justin Forsett, Frank Gore, Arian Foster
• Wide Receivers: Julio Jones, Devonte Adams, Brandon Marshall
• Tight End: Travis Kelce
• Bench: Devonte Freeman, Danny Woodhead, David Johnson, Marcus Wheaton, Marcus Colston

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore at [54:27]:
"Yeah, I'm going to stand by."

The hosts encouraged listeners to join the Foot Clan for exclusive content, follow them on social media, and stay tuned for future episodes filled with expert analysis and fantasy football strategies.

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provided a comprehensive blend of real-time fantasy news, strategic mock drafting, engaging digital tools, and expert insights from industry professionals. Whether navigating player suspensions, optimizing draft picks, or leveraging new apps like Topps Huddle, listeners were equipped with the knowledge to enhance their fantasy football endeavors for the upcoming season.