Fantasy Footballers Podcast: Live 12 Team Mock Draft, Sleepers, News & Notes, Listener Questions Release Date: August 4, 2015
The Fantasy Footballers hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright deliver an engaging episode focused on preparing listeners for the upcoming fantasy football season. The episode encompasses discussions on sleepers, a live mock draft, recent news, and listener interactions, providing valuable insights for both seasoned players and newcomers.
Introduction
Kicking off the episode, Andy Holloway sets an enthusiastic tone, acknowledging the whirlwind of off-season activities and the upcoming Hall of Fame game:
Andy Holloway [00:53]: "I am feeling desperate because so much is happening and we have been recording podcasts since February."
The hosts welcome new listeners and briefly highlight their online presence, encouraging engagement through their website, Twitter, and YouTube channel.
Sleeper Spotlight
Sleeper picks are a primary focus early in the episode. Jason Moore introduces Danny Woodhead as his top sleeper:
Jason Moore [02:10]: "My sleeper that I love... Danny Woodhead. A top 12 running back in a PPR league two years ago, he's making a strong comeback now."
Mike Wright counters with Roy Ellison from the Oakland Raiders, discussing his potential despite concerns about his roster position and physical attributes:
Mike Wright [04:02]: "Roy Ellison... he's thick enough to handle the beating of the NFL."
The trio debates the viability of their sleeper choices, weighing factors like recent performance, injuries, and team dynamics. Andy also mentions Vernon Davis as a deep sleeper, considering his past achievements and new coaching influences:
Andy Holloway [07:04]: "Vernon Davis is being drafted in the 13th round... Reports have come out that he was pretty injured last year, but he has proven talent."
Listener Reviews
The hosts appreciate listener feedback, sharing a positive review from Brian A.:
Jason Moore [08:21]: "These guys are my favorite. Hashtag Foot Clan for life."
Andy and Mike express gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of listener reviews in sustaining the show.
News and Updates
Andy transitions to breaking news, covering injuries and roster changes that impact fantasy prospects:
- Devin Smith of the Jets suffers a fractured rib and a partially punctured lung, sidelining him for 4-6 weeks.
- Martavis Bryant misses time due to an elbow infection, raising concerns about his role.
- Vernon Davis signs a four-year contract with Seattle, ensuring stability at the tight end position.
The discussion includes Ben Roethlisberger's comments on Marcus Wheaton, indicating a potential shift in the Steelers' wide receiver rotation:
Mike Wright [12:10]: "Ben said Marcus Wheaton is our number two in two wide sets."
They also touch on James White's increased involvement with the Patriots, highlighting his pass-catching abilities:
Andy Holloway [14:32]: "James White... a great pass-catching back in the Patriot system."
Additionally, the hosts address concerns about Darren McFadden's recurring hamstring injuries, labeling him as "injury prone" based on his seven-year injury history.
Live 12 Team Mock Draft
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a live mock draft for a 12-team standard league. The hosts simulate drafting against expert rankings from Yahoo, ESPN, and NFL.com, aiming to build the strongest team possible. Key highlights include:
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Round 1-2: Focus on running backs like Arian Foster and Frank Gore, followed by wide receivers such as Julio Jones.
Andy Holloway [21:15]: "We took Frank Gore... Julio Jones."
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Round 3-4: Selection of wide receivers (Alan Robinson) and tight ends (Travis Kelce), emphasizing the importance of depth in a three-wide receiver league.
Jason Moore [22:18]: "Alan Robinson... he's still on my overall board."
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Round 5-6: Balancing positions by adding wide receivers like Chris Ivory and securing bench depth with Joseph Randall.
Mike Wright [34:22]: "My pick is Travis Kelce."
Throughout the draft, the hosts debate strategic choices, such as prioritizing position scarcity versus best available players. Notable discussions include whether to invest early in quarterbacks in a two-quarterback league and the value of streaming quarterbacks versus securing reliable starters.
Jason Moore [53:14]: "I would concentrate on quarterbacks for sure. In a two quarterback league..."
Listener Questions (Mailbag)
In the Mailbag segment, the hosts address listener inquiries, offering tailored advice based on different league formats and player scenarios:
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Two-Quarterback League Strategy:
A listener from Dubai asks whether to focus on quarterbacks early in a two-quarterback PPR league. The hosts diverge in opinions:
Mike Wright [52:45]: "I think we just showed with our draft the absolute depth with quarterback."
Jason Moore [53:14]: "I would concentrate on quarterbacks for sure. In a two quarterback league..."
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Eagles' Running Backs - DeMarco Murray vs. Ryan Matthews:
A Utah listener expresses concern over the Eagles' backfield committee due to past injuries. The hosts agree on the committee approach, suggesting Matthews as a valuable handcuff to Murray.
Andy Holloway [54:28]: "Matthews is a great handcuff."
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Rookie Running Backs' Impact:
A Houston listener questions the hype around rookie running backs. Jason Moore defends the potential of the current rookie class, referencing last year's successful rookie wide receivers and the promise of this year's running backs.
Jason Moore [57:39]: "This year's running back class. I believe they are studs and so I want to put my chips on them."
Conclusion
Wrapping up, the hosts reiterate their support for fantasy players preparing for the season, offering resources like their website and promoting upcoming segments. They also briefly mention fan engagement through promotions and encourage listeners to participate actively in the fantasy football community.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore [02:10]: "My sleeper that I love... Danny Woodhead."
- Mike Wright [04:02]: "Roy Ellison... he's thick enough to handle the beating of the NFL."
- Andy Holloway [07:04]: "Vernon Davis is being drafted in the 13th round... he has proven talent."
- Mike Wright [12:10]: "Ben said Marcus Wheaton is our number two in two wide sets."
- Jason Moore [53:14]: "I would concentrate on quarterbacks for sure. In a two quarterback league..."
- Andy Holloway [54:28]: "Matthews is a great handcuff."
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football enthusiasts, blending strategic drafting tips with current NFL insights and active listener engagement to enhance team-building strategies.