Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2015 - Mailbag Episode Summary
Episode Overview Released on September 2, 2015, the "Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast" features hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, joined by special guest Christopher Harris from the Harris Football Podcast. This mailbag episode centers around answering listener-submitted questions, providing expert analysis, strategic advice, and insightful commentary to help fantasy football enthusiasts excel in their leagues.
1. Introduction and Guest Appearance
The episode kicks off with Andy Holloway promoting a free draft tool, fantasydraftwizard.com, encouraging listeners to utilize it for mock drafts.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [00:00]: "If you've got a draft coming up this weekend like we do, you want to check out fantasydraftwizard.com... It's completely free."
Shortly after, Jason Moore welcomes listeners, and Mike Wright adds his signature flair with a cheerful "Book it." The hosts introduce their special guest, Christopher Harris, setting the stage for a collaborative discussion.
2. Listener Questions and Player Start Decisions
a. Wide Receiver Start: Devonte Adams vs. Ty Hilton vs. Stevie Johnson [01:50 - 03:05]
One of the first questions posed by Gary inquires about the optimal start among Devonte Adams, Stevie Johnson, and Ty Hilton for Week One.
Discussion Highlights:
- Jason Moore [02:00]: Favors Ty Hilton, citing his "matchup-proof" nature.
- Andy Holloway [02:29]: Agrees with Hilton, noting his high floor and previous performance.
- Mike Wright [02:42]: Contrarily prefers Devonte Adams, applauding Hilton's reliability and expressing skepticism about Adams' performance against a strong defense like the Chicago Bears.
Conclusion: The panel is divided, with Moore and Holloway leaning towards Ty Hilton, while Wright advocates for Devonte Adams based on matchup considerations.
b. Running Back Decision: Doug Martin vs. Jonathan Stewart [07:41 - 09:10]
James from Houston asks whether to start Doug Martin or Jonathan Stewart in Week One, considering their matchups.
Discussion Highlights:
- Mike Wright [08:08]: Leans towards Jonathan Stewart, emphasizing his role as an RB1 when healthy.
- Jason Moore [08:46]: Agrees with Stewart, highlighting his undervalued status and potential upside.
- Andy Holloway [08:01]: Points out that the Buccaneers face the Titans, making Martin a viable option, yet consensus leans toward Stewart due to his health and consistent performance.
Conclusion: Jonathan Stewart is favored over Doug Martin for Week One, primarily due to his higher ceiling and more favorable role in the Buccaneers' offense.
c. Flex Spot Decision: D'Sean Jackson vs. Andre Ellington [10:08 - 11:25]
Tim N. Austin inquires about starting D'Sean Jackson versus Andre Ellington in a 10-team standard league.
Discussion Highlights:
- Jason Moore [10:15]: Recommends dropping D'Sean Jackson in favor of Andre Ellington for more reliable touches.
- Mike Wright [10:44]: Supports Ellington, emphasizing his potential for consistent plays and PPR (Point Per Reception) value.
Conclusion: Andre Ellington is preferred over D'Sean Jackson for the flex position due to his anticipated higher usage and reliability in the offense.
d. Keeper Decision: Lamar Miller vs. Mark Ingram [21:54 - 23:04]
John from Kenosha, Wisconsin, poses a keeper question about retaining Lamar Miller (8th round) or Mark Ingram (13th round).
Discussion Highlights:
- Mike Wright [22:07]: Chooses Lamar Miller, observing his significant snap count and active role in the Dolphins' offense.
- Jason Moore [22:32]: Agrees with Miller, citing his preseason performance and usage.
- Andy Holloway [22:48]: Also favors Miller, noting the minimal difference in late-round picks.
Conclusion: Lamar Miller is selected over Mark Ingram, given his active involvement in the Dolphins' offense and higher draft value in the later rounds.
3. Fantasy Draft Strategies and Daily Fantasy Football
a. Auction Draft Preferences [05:43 - 07:24]
Josh from San Francisco seeks advice on keeping Jeremy Hill vs. Jordan Matthews vs. Dez Bryant vs. Ty Hilton vs. Travis Kelsey in a PPR league.
Discussion Highlights:
- Jason Moore [05:56]: Recommends keeping Jeremy Hill and Jordan Matthews, emphasizing their upside.
- Mike Wright [06:01]: Supports Matthews, highlighting his potential role and Olson's rising value.
- Andy Holloway [06:10]: Aligns with keeping Hill due to his workload and potential touches.
Conclusion: Jeremy Hill and Jordan Matthews are favored for their high upside and potential significant roles in their respective offenses.
b. Daily Fantasy Football with FanDuel [13:10 - 15:09]
The hosts delve into the excitement surrounding FanDuel's daily fantasy games, highlighting its features and promotional offers.
Key Points:
- FanDuel's Appeal: High payouts with over $75 million distributed weekly, making it a leader in daily fantasy sports.
- Promotional Offer: New users can use the code "ballers" to receive a $200 match on their first deposit.
- Listener Engagement: Hosts encourage listeners to share their first-week lineups and experiences on Twitter.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [14:11]: "It's one of the more fun changes in fantasy recently... it's a ton of fun."
Conclusion: FanDuel is promoted as a premier platform for daily fantasy football, offering substantial payouts and engaging features that complement traditional fantasy leagues.
4. Trade Advice and Player Evaluations
a. Trade Analysis: Alshon Jeffrey and Carson Palmer vs. Antonio Brown and Golden Tate [24:57 - 26:07]
Nick from New York City asks whether to accept a trade offering Alshon Jeffrey and Carson Palmer in exchange for Antonio Brown and Golden Tate.
Discussion Highlights:
- Jason Moore [25:19]: Questions the trade's balance, suggesting Palmer's potential injury risks make it a risky move.
- Mike Wright [25:30]: Highlights Palmer's calf injury concerns, advising caution.
- Andy Holloway [25:48]: Leans towards rejecting the offer due to the uncertainty surrounding Palmer's health.
Conclusion: The consensus advises against accepting the trade, primarily due to the injury concerns surrounding Carson Palmer and the balanced value between the offered players.
5. Special Guest Segment with Christopher Harris
Hosted by Christopher Harris, the segment delves into in-depth analyses and shared insights between Harris and the Fantasy Footballers.
a. Fred Jackson’s Role and Potential Move to Seattle [31:29 - 32:45]
The conversation explores the rumor of Fred Jackson moving to the Seattle Seahawks and his impact as a "depth chart assassin."
Discussion Highlights:
- Christopher Harris: Asserts that Fred Jackson is a reliable asset, unlikely to negatively impact Marshawn Lynch's role.
- Mike Wright: Emphasizes Jackson's veteran presence and potential workload balance with Lynch.
- Andy Holloway: Comments on Jackson’s consistency and skepticism about Lynch’s downgrade.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [32:34]: "Whoever comes in, they just can't pass him."
Conclusion: Fred Jackson is viewed positively as a dependable player who complements Marshawn Lynch without threatening his position, making him a valuable addition to the Seahawks.
b. Rams Wide Receiver Evaluation [33:57 - 37:47]
Harris discusses the Rams' wide receiver options, focusing on Brian Quick and Kenny Britt.
Discussion Highlights:
- Christopher Harris [34:40]: Prefers Brian Quick over Kenny Britt, citing Quick's potential and Britt's perceived lack of discipline.
- Mike Wright: Acknowledges Quick's value and dismisses Britt as a viable fantasy option.
- Andy Holloway: Supports drafting Quick based on his opportunity and performance potential.
Conclusion: Brian Quick is recommended over Kenny Britt for Rams wide receivers due to his higher upside and better fit within the team's offensive scheme.
6. Running Back Committees and Team Situations
a. Cowboys Running Back Situation [42:04 - 44:38]
The panel discusses the Dallas Cowboys' running back committee, focusing on Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden.
Discussion Highlights:
- Christopher Harris: Prefers Joseph Randle over Darren McFadden, questioning McFadden's role and reliability.
- Mike Wright: Criticizes Randle's over-drafting while expressing doubts about McFadden securing a significant role.
- Jason Moore & Andy Holloway: Express caution around both players, emphasizing the uncertainty of the Cowboys' backfield usage.
Conclusion: Joseph Randle emerges as the preferred option over Darren McFadden due to his more defined role and the uncertainty surrounding McFadden's integration into the Cowboys' offense.
b. Patriots Running Back Analysis [42:51 - 44:44]
The discussion shifts to the New England Patriots' running back options, particularly focusing on LeGarrette Blount.
Discussion Highlights:
- Christopher Harris: Criticizes LeGarrette Blount's efficiency, labeling him as subpar despite his size and occasional big plays.
- Jason Moore: Mentions Brandon Bolden as a reliable pass-catching back for goal-line situations.
- Mike Wright: Highlights the potential volatility in the Patriots' backfield usage, suggesting that even talented players like Joe Gray might face inconsistent roles.
Conclusion: Brandon Bolden is identified as a more dependable option within the Patriots' running back lineup, while LeGarrette Blount's usage remains unpredictable and potentially unreliable for fantasy purposes.
7. Conclusion and Final Remarks
The episode wraps up with appreciative acknowledgments to guest Christopher Harris for his insights and a reminder to listeners to engage with the podcast through social media and the official website. The hosts encourage ongoing interaction and highlight upcoming content, signaling continued support and resources for fantasy football enthusiasts.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore [47:08]: "This is where championships are made in season, not pre draft."
Final Takeaway: The Fantasy Footballers, along with guest Christopher Harris, provide comprehensive and actionable advice tailored to various aspects of fantasy football, from draft strategies and player starts to trade evaluations and daily fantasy insights. Their collaborative approach ensures listeners are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of their fantasy leagues effectively.
Additional Resources:
- Website: www.thefantasyfootballers.com
- Twitter: @the_ffballers
- Guest’s Podcast: harrisfootball.com