Fantasy Footballers Podcast - 2015: Live PPR Mock Draft, Brian Tesh Interview, Mailbag Summary

Release Date: June 30, 2015

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the intricacies of fantasy football for the 2015 season. The episode is expertly segmented into three primary sections: an in-depth interview with fantasy analyst Brian Tesh, a live Points Per Reception (PPR) mock draft, and a lively mailbag session addressing listener inquiries.

I. Introduction

The episode begins with the trio engaging in their trademark humorous banter, setting a lighthearted yet informative tone for the discussion ahead. They introduce their lineup for the day, highlighting the presence of their favorite co-hosts and the excitement surrounding the live mock draft.

II. Interview with Brian Tesh

A. Todd Gurley's Recovery and Fantasy Outlook

Andy Holloway initiates the conversation by addressing Todd Gurley's recovery from an ACL injury, posing a crucial question about Gurley's potential impact if he fully recovers and plays all 16 games.

Andy Holloway [07:38]: "So the question I have for you guys is if he's back, if he plays 16, what is your general feeling about him?"

Brian Tesh offers a tempered perspective, emphasizing the high draft position Gurley commands and the associated risks:

Brian Tesh [09:02]: "I think they’re looking at him as a franchise back. And so I think they’re going to bring him back slowly."

Tesh contends that Gurley's elite status in college and his probable high draft expense may not translate to immediate fantasy value, suggesting that drafting Gurley might require an early-round investment that doesn't align with his projected productivity.

B. Marshawn Lynch and Christine Michael's Roles

The discussion shifts to Marshawn Lynch, where Tesh compares Lynch's potential career trajectory to that of Curtis Martin, indicating a possible decline after a few more impactful seasons.

Brian Tesh [20:14]: "He is worth a hold. And I think the next team that gets him is they're gonna get a great bargain."

Tesh also touches upon Christine Michael, highlighting his athleticism while expressing concerns about his durability and role consistency within the Seahawks' offense.

C. Sleeper Picks and Busts

Tesh provides insights into potential sleeper picks, particularly focusing on running backs like Chris Polk and Kadeem Carey, while cautioning against overhyped players like Matt Forte due to his declining performance metrics.

Brian Tesh [29:13]: "There are so many. The bells are going off, everything is going wrong. People are jumping ship."

He underscores the importance of balancing opportunity with talent, suggesting that late-round picks with high upside can be valuable additions to a fantasy roster.

III. Live PPR Mock Draft

The hosts transition seamlessly into the live mock draft segment, utilizing fantasydraftwizard.com to conduct a 12-team PPR draft from the second and third spots. The session is dynamic, with real-time strategy adjustments and spirited debates over draft picks.

A. First Round Surprises

• Jason Moore opts for Matt Forte, an unexpected move that leaves his co-hosts momentarily baffled but strategically sound given Forte's consistent performance.

  Jason Moore [32:07]: "I think number one goes Matt Forte."

• Mike Wright counters with Eddie Lacy, valuing his steady workload and offensive role.

  Mike Wright [32:29]: "That sweats off my chest."

• Andy Holloway selects DeAndre Hopkins, highlighting his potential as a high-scoring PPR receiver.

  Andy Holloway [40:20]: "I'm going extremely."

B. Strategic Mid-Round Selections

As the draft progresses, the hosts discuss the merits of various running backs and wide receivers, debating the value of players like C.J. Spiller, Jonathan Stewart, and Latavius Murray. Notable exchanges include heated discussions over Amir Abdullah’s PPR potential versus Latavius Murray’s reliability.

Jason Moore [53:05]: "I love Amir Abdullah in a PPR league over Latavius Murray over..."

The mock draft captures the essence of fantasy strategy, balancing draft positions with player potential and team needs.

C. Quarterback Investment

A pivotal moment occurs when Andy Holloway decides to draft quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the third round, deviating from the usual late-round strategy for QBs. This bold move sparks a discussion on the impact of securing a top-tier quarterback early in the draft.

Andy Holloway [38:24]: "I think we need to take four set here."

IV. Mailbag Session

The episode culminates with a vibrant mailbag segment, where the hosts tackle listener questions, offering personalized advice grounded in their extensive fantasy football expertise.

A. Transitioning to FAB Systems

A listener named Uncle Juice inquires about transitioning to Free Agent Budget (FAB) systems, seeking strategies for budgeting transactions versus big bids.

Jason Moore [73:07]: "Save money for the end of the year."

Mike Wright emphasizes the importance of early investment in valuable players while preserving budget for critical playoff acquisitions.

Mike Wright [73:52]: "Remember you can bid zero. Some people don't."

B. The Role of Luck in Fantasy Football

Another pertinent question probes the extent to which luck influences fantasy football outcomes.

Andy Holloway [68:35]: "When you win, it is 0% luck, and when you lose, it is 100% bad luck."

The hosts agree that while skill and strategy play significant roles, unpredictability—such as player injuries and unexpected performance spikes—introduces a variable of luck that fantasy managers must navigate.

Mike Wright [68:54]: "It's just there, but we try to eliminate as much luck as possible by preparing for various scenarios."

V. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reflect on their mock draft results, the insights gleaned from Brian Tesh's interview, and the valuable questions from their listeners. They encourage continued engagement through their website and social media platforms, reaffirming their commitment to aiding listeners in crafting winning fantasy teams.

Jason Moore [71:02]: "If you have to hang your hat on one of those two, I would definitely hang my hat with Fantasy Pros over Yahoo. For sure."

The episode concludes on a high note, blending expert analysis with interactive segments that underscore the collaborative spirit of the Fantasy Footballers community.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode from June 30, 2015, providing listeners—and those who missed the episode—with a thorough understanding of the key discussions, strategic decisions, and expert insights shared by the hosts and their guest.