Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2015 - SATURDAY Special: Mailbag and Listener Questions Release Date: July 18, 2015

Introduction to the Special Edition

In this special Saturday edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive into a mailbag format, addressing a variety of listener questions and providing expert insights on numerous fantasy football topics.

Drafting Defenses

Timestamp: 01:22 - 04:07

The discussion begins with listener inquiries about drafting defenses in fantasy football. Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of focusing on Week 1 matchups over worrying about year-long consistency:

Jason Moore [01:27]: "What I will look for is what I see as the best Week 1 matchup."

Mike Wright concurs, highlighting the unpredictable nature of defensive performance across the season:

Mike Wright [03:03]: "Defense is one of the least consistent positions to predict... you’re going to learn that about the first four or five weeks and then snatch them off the waiver wire."

Andy Holloway adds that selecting defenses like the Jets and Panthers, who have favorable Week 1 matchups, can be a strategic advantage.

Listener Questions on Draft Strategies

Timestamp: 07:04 - 37:35

1. Flex Positions in 14-Team Leagues

Timestamp: 08:44 - 12:51

Question from Ben: In a half-point PPR 14-team league with three flex positions, should one prioritize wide receivers, running backs, or a balanced approach?

Advice: Andy recommends prioritizing the highest-producing players regardless of position, as depth allows flexibility:

Andy Holloway [10:22]: "It's going to be a matter of should I get a running back or a wide receiver. You’re always going to be picking whoever the best, most highest producing player is."

Jason and Mike agree, suggesting that while running backs retain value, focusing on overall performance is key.

2. 12-Team Standard Scoring with the 10th Pick

Timestamp: 11:51 - 14:32

Question from Connor (Bo): In a 12-team standard scoring redraft league with the 10th pick, should one double down on running backs or shift focus to wide receivers?

Advice: The hosts suggest balancing based on league depth and availability, advising against overcommitting to a single position too early.

Jason Moore [12:25]: "I would take him over Marshawn Lynch."

Andy emphasizes knowing your league's dynamics and selecting players who offer the best value potential.

3. Keeper Leagues

Timestamp: 15:38 - 28:38

Question from Mrs. Fantasy Football Guru (Minnesota): Choose one keeper among Jordy Nelson, Julian Edelman, Jimmy Graham, Kelvin Benjamin, and Mike Wallace.

Advice:

• Julian Edelman: Seen as a valuable pick due to his chemistry with the quarterback and consistent performance.
• Jimmy Graham: Considered a strong value pick, especially in PPR formats.
• Andy and Jason concur, favoring Jordy Nelson and Jimmy Graham as top choices.

Another Question from Brandon (Virginia): In an 8-team auction dynasty league with four keeper slots, should one prioritize elite quarterbacks like Andrew Luck or Aaron Rodgers?

Advice: Andy advises focusing on players who provide significant point differentials rather than position scarcity, highlighting the importance of standout performers like Gronkowski, Luck, and Rodgers in smaller leagues.

Andy Holloway [17:16]: "You need that gap in points between who are good and who is the best. There is a big spread between those top guys."

Jason supports this by emphasizing the ability to stream quarterbacks effectively even in smaller leagues.

4. Auction Draft Strategies

Timestamp: 22:19 - 24:16

Question from Foot Clan Spy: In a standard 12-team auction league with no points per reception, seeking young players with potential for future growth.

Advice: Hosts recommend targeting young, high-upside players who can contribute both immediately and in subsequent seasons. Suggestions include:

• Amir Abdullah: Offers dual-threat capabilities.
• Philip Dorset: Promising wide receiver.
• James Starks: Reliable running back replacement.

Player Evaluations and Recommendations

Timestamp: 12:20 - 32:04

Le'Veon Bell vs. Marshawn Lynch

Timestamp: 12:51 - 15:07

A debate arises over whether to prioritize drafting Le'Veon Bell, considering his suspension and injury risks, versus Marshawn Lynch's age and potential for missing games.

Andy Holloway [14:32]: "If his knee is still lingering and having a problem, I don't know that."

Jason and Mike weigh in, ultimately leaning towards selecting Bell due to his high talent and upside, despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability.

Keeper Choices: Jordy Nelson vs. Julian Edelman vs. Others

Timestamp: 15:55 - 17:30

In deciding between keeping Jordy Nelson, Julian Edelman, Jimmy Graham, Kelvin Benjamin, and Mike Wallace, the hosts evaluate based on current performance and future potential. Jordy Nelson and Jimmy Graham stand out as top choices due to their consistent contributions and roles within their teams.

Handcuff Strategies

Timestamp: 26:28 - 28:38

Question from Rob (London, England): Is it worth drafting a handcuff in late rounds, and which ones are most promising?

Advice: Andy advises against drafting handcuffs solely to block opponents, as this often leads to inefficiencies in roster management. Instead, focus on drafting players who have independent value.

Andy Holloway [26:49 - 28:09]: "Don’t draft them because it's somebody else's handcuff. You’re not."

Jason suggests that only if a handcuff has standalone potential (like James Starks) should it be considered.

Comeback Players of the Year

Timestamp: 31:50 - 32:42

Question from Frank (Worcester): Who is the likely comeback player of the year?

Advice:

• Jason Moore: Dwayne Bowe (Cleveland Browns) – expecting a resurgence with improved team dynamics.
• Andy Holloway: Vincent Jackson – anticipates more touchdowns and targets.
• Mike Wright: Amir Abdullah – believes in his ability to bounce back and contribute significantly.

Handling Bye Weeks and Draft Mistakes

Timestamp: 28:38 - 31:27

Question from Danger73 (Houston): Strategies for team alignment regarding bye weeks in best ball leagues.

Advice: Andy and Mike emphasize the importance of strategically managing bye weeks to avoid having multiple players off simultaneously, which can cripple team performance in those weeks.

Andy Holloway [31:03]: "Don't do it."

They recommend prioritizing roster balance over rigid drafting strategies that might lead to bye week conflicts.

Engagement and Community Interaction

Timestamp: 05:17 - 39:42

Reviews and Feedback

Andy reads a positive review from "Sharktopus King," praising the podcast for its factual accuracy, consistency, and humor.

Andy Holloway [05:25]: "They know their facts and stick to it."

Encouraging listeners to leave reviews on iTunes to support the show is a recurring theme.

YouTube and Social Media Promotion

The hosts promote their YouTube channel as an additional resource for listeners to engage with and access more content.

Mike Wright [35:06]: "Check out the Fantasy Footballers YouTube channel."

FanDuel Promotion

Jason highlights a promotional code for FanDuel, encouraging listeners to sign up with the code 'ballers' for account matching bonuses.

Jason Moore [37:30]: "Go to FanDuel.com put in the code ballers when you sign up."

The Foot Clan Movement

A humorous segment where Jason initiates a "movement" to get the Fantasy Footballers featured on the final season of "League of Fate" (likely referencing TMNT), engaging listeners to rally on social media.

Jason Moore [21:08]: "I'm starting a movement. I want people to get on their Twitter hex, demand that the Fantasy Footballers get a guest appearance on the final season."

Conclusion and Upcoming Shows

In wrapping up, the hosts tease upcoming content, including a live draft show and an interview with Joe Juan from NumberFire, while reiterating gratitude to their listeners.

Jason Moore [39:19]: "We got really good shows coming up for you this week."

They remind listeners to visit their website and follow them on social media for more insights and updates.

Andy Holloway [39:36]: "Don't forget to visit us on the web at www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow us on Twitter @TheFFballers."

Key Takeaways

• Defensive Drafting: Prioritize Week 1 matchups and be prepared to stream defenses based on early-season performance.
• Flex Positions & League Formats: Adapt strategies based on league size and scoring settings, focusing on overall player value rather than rigid positional commitments.
• Keeper Strategies: Select keepers who offer the best current performance and future potential, avoiding drafting players solely as handcuffs.
• Player Evaluations: Balance risk and reward when selecting high-upside players versus consistently performing veterans.
• Community Engagement: Encourage listener participation through reviews, social media, and supporting podcast promotions.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [01:27]: "What I will look for is what I see as the best Week 1 matchup."
• Mike Wright [03:03]: "Defense is one of the least consistent positions to predict."
• Andy Holloway [10:22]: "You’re always going to be picking whoever the best, most highest producing player is."
• Jason Moore [12:25]: "I would take him over Marshawn Lynch."
• Andy Holloway [14:32]: "If his knee is still lingering and having a problem, I don't know that."
• Andy Holloway [26:49]: "Don’t draft them because it's somebody else's handcuff."
• Jason Moore [21:08]: "I'm starting a movement... demand that the Fantasy Footballers get a guest appearance on the final season."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essential discussions, advice, and interactions from the Fantasy Footballers' special mailbag episode, providing valuable insights for both seasoned and new fantasy football enthusiasts.