Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Episode on Rotoworld's Evan Silva, Fantasy News, Mailbag

Release Date: July 28, 2015
Episode Title: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Rotoworld's Evan Silva, Fantasy News, Mailbag

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the intricacies of fantasy football as they prepare listeners for the upcoming NFL season. The episode features a special guest, Evan Silva from Rotoworld, who brings expert insights into daily fantasy sports (DFS) and offers valuable analysis on several high-profile, yet polarizing players. Throughout the show, the trio addresses listener questions, shares the latest fantasy news, and provides strategic advice to help fantasy managers gain a competitive edge.

Fantasy News and Player Updates

Devonte Parker’s Status with the Dolphins

Timestamp: 07:21

Andy Holloway initiates a discussion on Devonte Parker, a first-round wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, highlighting mixed sentiments in the fantasy community. Dolphins coach Joe Philbin has announced that Parker will be ready for week one, despite concerns stemming from a foot injury that sidelined him for seven games during his senior season.

• Andy Holloway: "Is there any potential, I guess, of an ODB where he misses the beginning of the season, builds a rapport with Tannehill?"

• Evan Silva: "I think based on this report, he's barely going to play week one, barely week two. He might go undrafted or be dropped."

Mike Wright counters by praising the Dolphins' offensive system:

• Mike Wright: "They're the laser Eagles hybrid down there where they want to score a lot of points. Parker has the potential to be a baby version of what..."

The hosts express skepticism about Parker becoming a top fantasy scorer early in the season, given the existing talent on the Dolphins' roster.

Cardinals Sign Tight End Jermaine Graham

Timestamp: 11:20

The conversation shifts to the Arizona Cardinals' acquisition of Jermaine Graham, a 27-year-old tight end with five seasons of NFL experience. The signing is seen as a strategic move to bolster both the receiving and blocking capabilities of the Cardinals' offense.

• Andy Holloway: "He is 27. Doesn't he feel about 34 in the offseason?"

• Evan Silva: "As a personal Arizona Cardinal fan, I love the signing as a fantasy asset."

Mike Wright adds that Graham's addition enhances the team's run game and protects quarterback Carson Palmer, aligning with head coach Bruce Arians' preference for blocking tight ends.

• Mike Wright: "Arians clearly has an affinity for a blocking tight end."

Speculation Around Ray Rice's Future

Timestamp: 12:52

A heated debate arises regarding Ray Rice's potential return to the NFL. With Rice being a controversial figure, the hosts discuss the likelihood of teams signing him and the implications for fantasy managers.

• Mike Wright: "Ray Rice will sign with somebody after an injury, and people will blow a gigantic portion of their FAB for a guy who..."

• Evan Silva: "I would draft him off waivers if picked up, but I wouldn't draft him initially."

Andy and Evan acknowledge the risks associated with Rice, emphasizing his unpredictable nature and the potential financial pitfalls for fantasy teams.

Interview with Evan Silva: Analyzing Polarizing Players

Timestamp: 16:11

Evan Silva joins the hosts to dissect high Average Draft Position (ADP) players who divide opinions in the fantasy football landscape. The discussion centers around three main players: Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore, and Martavis Bryant.

Adrian Peterson (ADP: 1.02)

Timestamp: 17:05

Silva defends Adrian Peterson's high ADP, arguing that despite being 30 years old and missing most of last season, Peterson remains a top-tier running back due to his explosive playmaking ability.

• Evan Silva: "He's playing in the best offense he's played in since Brett Favre was around... I think he's definitely a top five fantasy pick."

Andy concurs, reinforcing Peterson's reliability and potential for strong performance.

Frank Gore (ADP: 3.04)

Timestamp: 19:11

Frank Gore is another player Silva supports, highlighting his transition to the Indianapolis Colts and the significant improvement in their offensive scheme, which is expected to increase Gore’s receiving opportunities.

• Evan Silva: "His receiving usage is going to spike. He's got plenty of juice in the tank to produce in the NFL's best offense."

Andy emphasizes Gore’s health and consistency, making him a dependable choice for fantasy managers.

Martavis Bryant (ADP: Varied)

Timestamp: 21:23

Martavis Bryant is scrutinized for his inconsistent snap counts and usage with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Silva recognizes Bryant's physical prowess but remains cautious about his fantasy reliability.

• Evan Silva: "The range of outcomes on him is pretty wide. I'm very intrigued by him."

Andy notes Bryant's potential high ceiling in DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) despite his volatility in standard leagues.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Strategies

Silva shares actionable strategies for DFS players, emphasizing the importance of value picks and quarterback streaming.

• Evan Silva: "Pick out a wide receiver who is like at min price and start your lineup that way... If he scores a TD like you're in prime position."

Regarding quarterbacks:

• Evan Silva: "You need to be open to both ways to go about it. Use min price quarterbacks to free up budget for other positions."

Listener Mailbag: Draft Decisions and League Management

The hosts address several listener questions, providing personalized advice on draft strategies and league setup.

Draft Strategy for A.J. Heck

Timestamp: 33:17

Listener A.J. Heck seeks advice on whether to draft Arian Foster, Demarius Thomas, or Randall Cobb in an eight-team standard league. The consensus among the hosts leans towards selecting Arian Foster for premier talent in a smaller league.

• Evan Silva: "I would go Foster at 6... have the best guy who I would want the most."

Starting and Managing a New Fantasy League

Timestamp: 35:18

David from Illinois asks about maintaining engagement and competitiveness in a new league. Silva suggests implementing keeper rules and fostering traditions to ensure longevity and active participation.

• Evan Silva: "Keeper leagues... make some traditions and friendships."

Justin Forsett’s Consistency Concerns

Timestamp: 35:49

Matt expresses worries about Justin Forsett's ability to score inside the 10-yard line, referencing his touchdown log from the previous season. Silva reassures that Forsett's role in the offense will compensate for past inconsistencies.

• Evan Silva: "Their scheme and the ability of him as a pass-catching back is going to get those 10-yard outruns."

Keenan Allen’s Bounce-Back Potential

Timestamp: 41:36

Dugan in Illinois inquires about Keenan Allen's prospects given his recent performance and team dynamics. The hosts remain optimistic about Allen’s ability to rebound, citing his youth and role as Philip Rivers' primary target.

• Andy Holloway: "At that age, with that quarterback in the system, I don't see why he can't bounce back and give you 80 catches."

Closing Remarks and Promotions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts remind listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms, including their website, YouTube, and Twitter. They also promote Rotoworld's new DFS-focused podcast and offer a promotional code for FanDuel.

• Mike Wright: "Use the promo code ballers to get up to $200 match on FanDuel."

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway on the NFL's allure:
  "[00:58] Andy Holloway: It smells like money."

• Evan Silva on DFS strategies:
  "[26:23] Guest: ... pick out a wide receiver who is like at min price and start your lineup that way..."

• Mike Wright on Adrian Peterson's value:
  "[17:05] Mike Wright: ... he has a lot of juice left at age 30."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast delivers a comprehensive blend of player analysis, DFS strategies, and listener interaction, all anchored by the expertise of Rotoworld's Evan Silva. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or new to the game, the insights shared offer valuable guidance to navigate the complexities of the upcoming fantasy football season. By addressing trending topics and providing actionable advice, the hosts ensure that listeners are well-prepared to make informed decisions and enhance their chances of winning their leagues.

For more insights and updates, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow the Fantasy Footballers on Twitter at @FFballers.