Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Mock Part 2, News, Notes, and Mailbag
Release Date: May 14, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction and The Madden Curse Debate

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted debate about the existence of the Madden Curse, specifically discussing Odell Beckham Jr.'s inclusion on the cover of Madden NFL. Andy Holloway (00:44) initiates the conversation by asserting, "Does the Madden curse exist? Yes," prompting Mike Wright and Jason Moore to engage in humorous speculation about the implications for Beckham’s career. The trio delves into whether Beckham’s portrayal on the cover as a "digital" or "life" version could impact his performance, ultimately agreeing on the playful superstition but maintaining a skeptical stance on its actual influence.

Andy Holloway [00:44]: "Does the Madden curse exist? Yes. So you say Odell Beckham jr. Is on the COVID of Madden."

Overview of the Episode Structure

Andy Holloway (03:01) outlines the episode’s structure, mentioning the continuation of their mock draft review from the previous episode, updates on recent news and notes, and a segment dedicated to listener mailbag questions. He emphasizes the interactive nature of the show and encourages listeners to engage via Twitter or their website.

Andy Holloway [03:01]: "We have the second half of our mock review, mock draft review... we also gonna talk a little bit more news and notes... and we're gonna hit the mailbag."

Mock Draft Review: First Three Rounds Recap

The hosts briefly recap the first three rounds of their mock draft (09:08), highlighting notable picks such as Julio Jones at the seventh pick and Jordy Nelson’s unexpected fall. They discuss strategies like the "zero RB" theory employed by some drafters, noting how different approaches can affect team composition and performance.

Jason Moore [10:06]: "I think just the surprise of Julio Jones at seven over the other wide receivers, and then the surprising fall of Jordy Nelson."

Fourth Round Analysis

Andy Holloway (11:39) leads the discussion on the fourth-round picks, which included Ty Hilton, Travis Kelce, Brandon Marshall, Melvin Gordon, Kelvin Benjamin, and Martavis Bryant. The conversation focuses on whether Travis Kelce deserves to be taken in the fourth round versus Jimmy Graham, with Mike Wright affirming his position.

Mike Wright [11:57]: "That's where I would take him. Absolutely."

They also debate Martavis Bryant’s value, with Andy expressing concern that Bryant was a "huge reach" in the fourth round compared to other receivers like Amari Cooper.

Andy Holloway [13:27]: "Martavis Bryant is a huge reach here as the sixth pick of the fourth for sure."

Fifth Round Insights

Moving into the fifth round, the hosts discuss various running backs and wide receivers, including Isaiah Crowell, Brandon Cooks, Julian Edelman, Russell Wilson, Todd Gurley, and Amari Cooper. Mike Wright voices his confidence in Melvin Gordon's value, predicting he will "start creeping into the" higher tiers.

Jason Moore [15:08]: "Frank Gore is going to be great this year."

They also touch on the drafting of quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and the implications of their offensive schemes on fantasy performance.

Jason Moore [19:34]: "Matt Ryan is a Julio. He is definitely a quarterback to target in your draft."

Sixth Round Strategies

The discussion shifts to the sixth round, focusing on running backs like C.J. Spiller, Rashad Jennings, Tevin Coleman, and Ryan Matthews. Mike Wright opts for Ryan Matthews, valuing his consistent workload, while Jason Moore ranks them based on potential and opportunity.

Mike Wright [31:34]: "I think Ryan Matthews is still going to get enough work to be a flex option."

Andy expresses reservations about Rashad Jennings due to injury concerns but acknowledges the potential upside.

Andy Holloway [32:21]: "Nobody knows what to do with him because if he is a first and second down back on a good offense, does he belong in the sixth round?"

Seventh Round Highlights

In the seventh round, the hosts evaluate wide receivers like Kevin White, Michael Floyd, and Alan Robinson. There’s a spirited debate over Kevin White versus Jeremy Macklin, with Mike Wright favoring White due to his demonstrated potential.

Mike Wright [35:31]: "I would have to study up, I... think he's a top receiver."

The conversation underscores the importance of assessing both talent and opportunity when selecting late-round picks.

News and Notes: NFL Updates and Player Suspensions

A significant portion of the episode addresses the ongoing discourse around Tom Brady's suspension due to the "Deflategate" scandal. Andy Holloway (06:22) humorously suggests a reduction in Brady’s suspension and speculates on the NFL's motivations for maintaining strict penalties to uphold its image.

Andy Holloway [06:22]: "If he recreates the Catch during the photo shoot, he's gonna die, right?"

Jason Moore and Mike Wright debate the likelihood of the suspension being reduced, with Jason leaning towards the NFL enforcing the four-game suspension to "flex muscles."

Jason Moore [06:39]: "I think they want to flex muscles. So we'll see."

Mailbag: Listener Questions and League Strategies

The hosts address listener questions, including strategies for keeping players under suspension and managing draft picks in specialized league formats. Tim’s question (42:01) about retaining players like Arian Foster or Emmanuel Sanders in a 10-team PPR league sparks a discussion on the value and risk associated with such decisions.

Jason Moore [42:11]: "I don't think it's crazy to keep Arian Foster for a third. It's great value."

Another listener, Pablo, inquires about trading draft picks, prompting a lively exchange on the pros and cons of trading early versus middle-round picks. The hosts advocate for trading picks to strengthen teams, provided league rules prevent extreme disparities.

Jason Moore [48:31]: "I love trading picks. Do it and do it to win."

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

In wrapping up, Andy Holloway (51:49) emphasizes the importance of listener engagement and promotes the podcast’s online resources for further fantasy football insights. The hosts share camaraderie and humor, reinforcing their commitment to providing valuable and entertaining content for their audience.

Andy Holloway [51:49]: "Thank you for listening to another edition of the Fantasy Footballers podcast."

Key Takeaways:

• Mock Draft Review: Thorough analysis of early to mid-round picks, emphasizing the importance of balancing talent with draft position.
• Player Value: Ongoing debates about the true value of players like Travis Kelce, Martavis Bryant, and C.J. Spiller highlight the subjective nature of fantasy rankings.
• Strategic Adjustments: Discussions on league-specific rules, such as 16-team leagues with restricted flex positions, underscore the necessity of adapting strategies to unique league formats.
• Engagement and Community: Encouraging listener interaction through multiple channels reinforces the podcast’s community-driven approach.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [00:44]: "Does the Madden curse exist? Yes."
• Jason Moore [10:06]: "I think just the surprise of Julio Jones at seven over the other wide receivers, and then the surprising fall of Jordy Nelson."
• Mike Wright [11:57]: "That's where I would take him. Absolutely."
• Andy Holloway [13:27]: "Martavis Bryant is a huge reach here as the sixth pick of the fourth for sure."
• Jason Moore [19:34]: "Matt Ryan is a Julio. He is definitely a quarterback to target in your draft."
• Jason Moore [42:11]: "I don't think it's crazy to keep Arian Foster for a third. It's great value."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' 2015 episode, highlighting their expert insights, strategic discussions, and engaging interactions with listeners.