Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Pat Mayo from the FNTSY Sports Network, News, Mailbag
Release Date: July 16, 2015

1. Introduction and Guest Appearance

The episode kicked off with the enthusiastic hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—welcoming listeners back to another installment of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. They introduced Pat Mayo from the Fantasy Sports Network as a special guest for the day, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on player rankings and fantasy strategies.

Jason Moore [01:24]: "We have the Fantasy Sports Network's own Pat Mayo on the show today. He sat down with the Fantasy Hitman and they just... Boy, you guys talk some fantasy football."

Pat Mayo's expertise promised to bring fresh insights, especially as he had recently collaborated with Mike Wright, known for his analytical prowess in fantasy football discussions.

2. Player Rankings and Analysis

The core of the episode revolved around comparing Pat Mayo's rankings with those of the Fantasy Footballers' hosts. The trio dissected various player positions, debating their potential impact in the upcoming fantasy season.

a. Wide Receivers

• Torry Smith vs. Anquan Bolden

  Mike Wright [10:00]: "I just think the impact of Tory Smith is going to be pretty pronounced... Anquan Bolden... he's not the type of guy that I want to have on my team."

  The discussion highlighted Tory Smith's pivotal role in San Francisco's offense, making him a more attractive option over Anquan Bolden, whose upside was deemed limited despite his reliability in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues.

• Brandon Marshall vs. Keenan Allen

  A listener question led to a debate on whether to keep Brandon Marshall or Keenan Allen in a keeper league. The panelists favored maintaining Brandon Marshall due to his consistent target volume and potential touchdown opportunities.

  Pat Mayo [30:19]: "I would lean towards Brandon Marshall. I think he's still got some time left... Keenan Allen... I think he bounces back, but I don't think he is what he was his rookie year."

b. Running Backs

• Justin Forsett and Joy Bell

  Mike Wright [16:06]: "I don't believe in Lorenzo Talifero. I don't think Buck Allen makes an impact. I think that people are overlooking Justin Forsett... he's one of the most trustworthy guys on the board."

  Justin Forsett was praised for his pass-catching ability and expected increased role in the offense, making him a valuable asset despite not being a high-profile name.

• Rashad Jennings

  The hosts expressed cautious optimism about Rashad Jennings' performance, considering his potential increase in carries despite the addition of Shane Vereen to the Giants' backfield.

  Mike Wright [19:55]: "He's someone that I will consider as my running back, too."

c. Quarterbacks

• Teddy Bridgewater

  Pat Mayo [21:24]: "Great pocket presence... reminds me of Tom Brady."

  Teddy Bridgewater was lauded for his improved offensive line protection and potential to increase touchdown counts, positioning him as a rising star in the quarterback rankings.

• Matt Ryan

  A robust debate ensued about Matt Ryan's placement in the rankings. While Pat and Andy supported a higher ranking based on consistency and potential offensive improvements, Jason expressed skepticism about Ryan's ability to ascend beyond his previous performance.

  Pat Mayo [34:12]: "He only threw 28 touchdowns last year. He only has to throw four or five more to make a big leap."

d. Tight Ends

• Martellus Bennett vs. Virgil Green

  The discussion favored Martellus Bennett over Virgil Green, citing Bennett's established rapport with quarterback Jay Cutler and his reliability as a red-zone target.

  Mike Wright [25:44]: "I like him just because there's not a lot of good tight ends to be perfectly honest with you."

3. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Advice

The latter segment of the podcast featured listener mailbag, where fans posed specific fantasy football dilemmas. The hosts, along with Pat Mayo, provided thoughtful responses to help managers make informed decisions.

a. Keeper Decisions

• Brandon Marshall vs. Keenan Allen

  Addressed earlier in the rankings discussion, the hosts collectively leaned towards keeping Brandon Marshall for his immediate value and consistent performance potential.

b. Draft Strategies

• 0 RB Strategy

  A listener from Tampa, Florida, inquired about the viability of a 0 RB (zero running back) drafting strategy in a standard 18-team league. The hosts acknowledged its risks but highlighted the importance of value stacking and hope for late-round running back successes.

  Pat Mayo [37:55]: "Another Wisconsin guy. Is it the system?"

c. Draft-Day Food Recommendations

Adding a lighter touch, the hosts shared their favorite foods to prepare for live draft days, recommending dishes like sausage dip and double-stuffed Oreos to enhance the draft experience.

Pat Mayo [40:09]: "The sausage dip. We've talked about my wife's sausage dip... It's really easy to make."

d. Trade Scenarios

• Adrian Peterson vs. Odell Beckham Jr.

  A Canadian listener sought advice on trading Adrian Peterson for Odell Beckham Jr., balancing first-round value against a 10th-round pick. The consensus was to pursue the trade, valuing Beckham's potential impact over Peterson's consistency.

4. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode wrapped up, the hosts reinforced the sense of community within the Fantasy Footballers' listener base, encouraging engagement through social media and upcoming interviews. Special shout-outs were given to Pat Mayo for his valuable contributions.

Jason Moore [51:26]: "Thanks for coming on the show. We'll catch you on Tuesday."

The episode concluded with laughter and camaraderie, embodying the entertaining yet insightful essence that defines the Fantasy Footballers podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [30:19]: "I would lean towards Brandon Marshall. I think he's still got some time left."

• Pat Mayo [21:24]: "Great pocket presence... reminds me of Tom Brady."

• Andy Holloway [34:08]: "You just need to grab a couple of those guys that are in those starting roles that get no love."

Resources Mentioned:

• FanDuel: Fantasy sports platform recommended for daily fantasy play.
  Use promo code ballers for a match-up to $200 in free dollars.

• Fantasydraftwizard.com: Tool for running mock drafts and preparing for the fantasy football season.

• Social Media:

  • Twitter: @theffballers
  • Facebook: facebook.com/thefantasyfootballers
  • YouTube: Search for "The Fantasy Footballers Show"

This episode provided a comprehensive dive into player evaluations, strategic drafting techniques, and community engagement, making it a valuable listen for both seasoned fantasy managers and newcomers alike.