Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Special Guest: Martavis Bryant, Busts, Players to Avoid

Release Date: August 27, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Guest: Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver

1. Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

The episode kicks off with an unexpected but exciting announcement as Martavis Bryant, also known as Marty McBride, joins the Fantasy Footballers team [00:00]. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright express their enthusiasm about having Bryant on the show, setting the tone for an engaging and informative episode [00:11-00:48].

2. Fun with Team Names and Draft Strategies

The hosts delve into the creative and humorous side of fantasy football by discussing memorable team names. Mike Wright shares his humorous team name, "Granny Panty Cakes," which garners laughter and camaraderie among the hosts [02:24-03:15]. Andy Holloway mentions another creative name, "Morning Woodhead," highlighting the playful spirit of the podcast [02:53-03:04].

Jason Moore introduces a Game of Thrones-inspired team name submitted by a listener, "Demerius Targaryen," praising the blend of pop culture with fantasy football [03:04-03:37]. The discussion then shifts to draft strategies, particularly the use of misdirection to manipulate draft opponents' perceptions. Andy Holloway reveals his tactic of undermining player values to secure key picks, exemplifying his strategic approach [04:02-05:35].

3. News and Updates

The hosts provide listeners with the latest fantasy football news, covering player performances and injuries:

• Nelson Agholor's Rise: The Philadelphia Inquirer highlights Nelson Agholor as a potential top receiver for his team, behind Jordan Matthews. Andy Holloway notes that Josh Huff remains a wild card, emphasizing the importance of staying updated on depth chart changes [06:11-07:21].

• Injury Updates: Key players like Calvin Johnson and Zach Ertz are reported to miss significant preseason time, impacting their draft stock and readiness for week one [07:22-08:35]. Michael Floyd's finger injury and potential return are also discussed, with Mike Wright observing his fluctuating draft positions [08:28-08:35].

4. Busts and Players to Avoid

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to identifying players who may disappoint in the upcoming season:

• Rashad Jennings: Andy Holloway warns about Jennings potentially being overshadowed by Andre Williams and Shane Vereen, citing Jennings' history of injuries and inconsistent performance [10:19-11:09].

• Darren McFadden: The hosts unanimously agree that McFadden is likely to underperform, given his declining performance metrics and lack of improvement after switching teams [11:53-12:43].

• Tom Brady: In a surprising twist, the hosts label Tom Brady as a "bust" for fantasy football. They argue that despite his legendary status, Brady's recent performance has been mediocre, and his frequent injuries make him an unreliable fantasy quarterback choice [22:00-25:13]. Andy Holloway emphasizes that real-life success doesn't always translate to fantasy points, stating, "If I'm a GM in the NFL, give me Tom Brady now. I think he's got years left. He's phenomenal. But fantasy, no way is that fun" [23:39-25:13].

5. Warning Signs: Emmanuel Sanders, Doug Martin, and More

Beyond outright busts, the hosts highlight players who come with cautionary flags:

• Emmanuel Sanders: Despite setting career highs last season, Sanders faces potential regression due to offensive shifts and injury concerns. Andy Holloway advises caution, suggesting that Sanders may not meet previous performance levels [12:43-14:35].

• Doug Martin vs. Jonathan Stewart: Mike Wright expresses skepticism about Doug Martin outperforming Jonathan Stewart, despite a strong preseason showing. Jason Moore concurs, stressing the unpredictability of Martin's performance based on his recent form [14:35-16:19].

• T.J. Yeldon: The rookie running back is flagged for potential overhype. Andy Holloway questions the expectation that Yeldon will secure significant carries, given the presence of other talented backs and an unproven offense [18:05-20:20].

6. Exclusive Interview with Martavis Bryant

Martavis Bryant shares insights from his perspective as an active NFL player:

• Preparation and Growth: Bryant highlights his improved preparation and confidence compared to his rookie year, attributing his development to better workouts, including MMA training, and route running [26:04-28:49].

• Offensive Dynamics: Discussing the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense, Bryant mentions enhanced chemistry with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and teammate T.J. Wheaton. He emphasizes the positive changes brought by offseason work and the team's focus on improving daily [26:15-28:37].

• Comparisons and Training: While not directly comparing himself to other players, Bryant cites Randy Moss as one of his favorite shooters, indicating his aspiration to emulate Moss's playmaking abilities [27:30-27:55].

7. Listener Mailbag

The hosts address listener questions, providing personalized advice:

• Eddie Lacy vs. C.J. Anderson: Tom from Ithaca seeks guidance on choosing between high-value running backs. Andy Holloway advocates for taking Eddie Lacy in the third round for his superstar potential, even if it means forgoing C.J. Anderson later [31:11-32:27]. Mike Wright agrees, prioritizing guaranteed production over potential upside [31:39-32:13].

• Drafting Doug Martin: Greg from Albuquerque inquires about adding Doug Martin to his roster. Andy Holloway and Jason Moore recommend prioritizing Martin due to his preseason performance, suggesting dropping less essential positions like kicker or tight end to accommodate him [32:44-33:20].

• Draft Position Strategies: Brad from Phoenix asks about different strategies for drafting in middle versus end positions. The hosts discuss the advantages of certain draft spots, with Andy Holloway favoring the 8th and 9th positions for their balance of pick order flexibility [33:52-35:16].

• Quarterback Streaming: Dion from New York City seeks advice on quarterback streaming strategies. Mike Wright elaborates on his approach, which involves targeting late-round QB options like Sam Bradford and Carson Palmer, while Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of adaptability based on weekly matchups [35:21-36:45].

• Jordy Nelson Monitoring: Jason Moore advises Jason from Louisiana to prioritize wide receiver pickups, recommending players like Devin Fontes over Ronnie Hillman to bolster his team [37:24-38:28].

8. Additional Tips and Recommendations

Throughout the episode, the hosts share valuable tools and resources:

• FantasyDraftWizard.com: Jason Moore promotes this free tool for conducting mock drafts, essential for preparing and strategizing [09:23-09:56].

• SeatGeek App Promotion: The hosts endorse the SeatGeek app for securing affordable NFL game tickets, encouraging listeners to use promo codes for discounts [16:06-17:57].

9. Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes

Wrapping up, the hosts tease upcoming episodes featuring notable guests like Nick Mangold and John Paulson from 4for4. They also encourage listeners to engage via social media, YouTube, and their website for continuous updates and support [39:04-39:28].

Notable Quotes:

• "Everything I've said all season long has been to drive down the values of players. Everything I've said on the show is the long con." — Andy Holloway [04:26]

• "Tom Brady is not translated. The real life Tom Brady is not translated." — Mike Wright [24:34]

• "If I'm a GM in the NFL, give me Tom Brady now. I think he's got years left. He's phenomenal. But fantasy, no way is that fun." — Andy Holloway [25:09]

• "Emmanuel Sanders is not going to be on your team." — Jason Moore [22:00]

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast delivers a comprehensive blend of strategic advice, player evaluations, and insider insights, enriched by the unique perspectives of both the hosts and special guest Martavis Bryant. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the discussions on busts, warning signs, and optimal drafting strategies provide invaluable guidance to navigate the upcoming season successfully.