Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Episode: The Footies: 2015 Awards Show, Playoff Challenge, DFS w/Chris Meaney
Release Date: January 7, 2016

Introduction

In this action-packed episode of the Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright celebrate the culmination of the 2015 fantasy football season with The Footies: 2015 Awards Show. This special episode not only honors standout performances but also delves into the Playoff Challenge and features expert Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) insights from Chris Meaney of the Fantasy Sports Network.

The Footies Awards Show

The highlight of the episode is The Footies: 2015 Awards Show, where the trio presents and discusses various categories based on listener votes. Below are the key categories, nominees, winners, and notable discussions:

1. Performance of the Year

   • Nominees:
     • Antonio Brown (Week 15 vs. Denver): "16 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns." [16:21]
     • David Johnson (Week 15): "29 carries for 187 yards and three touchdowns." [16:21]
     • Drew Brees (Week 8): "Seven touchdowns and 500 yards." [15:46]
     • Thomas Rawls (Week 11): "30 carries for 209 yards and a touchdown." [16:21]
     • Cam Newton (Week 15 Playoffs): "340 yards, five touchdowns passing, and 100 yards rushing." [16:21]
   • Winner: David Johnson with his stellar Week 15 performance.
     • Andy Holloway: “The winner is David Johnson.” [17:14]
     • Mike Wright: “David Johnson from the running back position to give you that performance in your semifinals.” [17:32]

2. Fantasy Reapers Man of the Year

   • Nominees:
     • Arian Foster
     • Le'Veon Bell
     • Jamal Charles
     • Marshawn Lynch
     • Andrew Luck
     • DEZ Bryant
   • Winner: Le'Veon Bell for his significant injuries that hampered fantasy owners.
     • Andy Holloway: “Le'Veon Bell takes it he hurt fantasy owners in a big way.” [18:53]
     • Jason Moore: “Le'Veon Bell runs away with this isn’t because of how devastating his injury was, but because of how good he was when he was not injured.” [19:16]

3. Garbage Man of the Year

   • Nominees:
     • Blake Bortles
     • Brandon Cooks
     • Philip Rivers
     • Danny Woodhead
     • Jordan Matthews
   • Winner: Jordan Matthews for consistently underperforming during crucial moments.
     • Jason Moore: “Jordan Matthews, I think the reason he was such a good garbage time player was he helped get his team to garbage time… easier to catch for him.” [20:11]
     • Andy Holloway: “Jordan Matthews does work when it mattered.” [20:25]

4. Poopiest Pants Award

   • Nominees:
     • Randall Cobb
     • Eddie Lacy
     • C.J. Anderson
     • DeMarco Murray
     • Jeremy Hill
   • Winner: Eddie Lacy for failing to meet high expectations.
     • Jason Moore: “Eddie Lacy, you pooped in your big boy pants and you crapped all over fantasy teams for everyone.” [22:18]
     • Andy Holloway: “Eddie Lacy won by more than twice the margin.” [22:46]

5. Waiver Wire Wonder

   • Nominees:
     • D'Angelo Williams
     • Thomas Rawls
     • Tim Hightower
     • Jordan Reed
     • David Johnson
     • Chuck Hendrick West
     • Chris Johnson
     • Blake Bortles
   • Winner: D'Angelo Williams for his unexpected and impactful performances.
     • Andy Holloway: “D'Angelo Williams takes the footy for waiver wire wonder.” [25:29]
     • Mike Wright: “He was a monster. Fit right into the offense.” [25:46]

6. Nickname of the Year

   • Nominees:
     • Betty Crockett Gilmore
     • Marty McBride (Martavis Bryant)
     • Rule 86 (Jordan Reed)
     • Maximum Barnage
     • Guns Mahoney
     • Peach Cobbler (Pete Carroll)
     • Kubes
   • Winner: Rule 86 (Jordan Reed) for his consistent and clutch performances.
     • Andy Holloway: “Rule 86 takes the footy for nickname of the year.” [40:36]
     • Mike Wright: “Rule 86 shows a player that was on teams that won games, a difference making type of player.” [40:45]

7. Breakout Player of the Year

   • Nominees:
     • DeAndre Hopkins
     • Devontae Freeman
     • Alan Robinson
     • Tyler Ifert
     • Blake Bortles
     • Jordan Reed
     • Latavius Murray
     • Doug Baldwin
   • Winner: Allen Robinson for his outstanding and consistent season.
     • Andy Holloway: “Allen Robinson took the footy for breakout player of the year.” [41:30]
     • Jason Moore: “Allen Robinson ran away with this.” [41:46]

8. Rookie of the Year

   • Nominees:
     • David Johnson
     • TJ Yeldon
     • Todd Gurley
     • Amari Cooper
     • Thomas Rawls
     • Buck Allen
   • Winner: Todd Gurley for his explosive rookie season.
     • Mike Wright: “Todd Gurley, a monster year for Gurley. 229 carries, over 1100 yards and 10 touchdowns.” [43:56]
     • Andy Holloway: “Todd Gurley, very well deserved.” [43:59]

9. Comeback Player of the Year

   • Nominees:
     • Andy Dalton
     • Brandon Marshall
     • Ryan Fitzpatrick
     • Doug Martin
     • Jonathan Stewart
     • Larry Fitzgerald
   • Winner: Brandon Marshall for revitalizing his fantasy value after a down period.
     • Jason Moore: “Brandon Marshall, he arrived back strong.” [45:57]
     • Andy Holloway: “Brandon Marshall deserved a footy for comeback player of the year.” [46:09]

10. Steal of the Draft

    • Nominees:
      • Doug Martin (ADP: 74)
      • Alan Robinson (ADP: 83)
      • Brandon Marshall (ADP: 59)
      • Larry Fitzgerald (ADP: 92)
      • Chris Ivory (ADP: 67)
      • Darren McFadden (ADP: 108)
      • Cam Newton (ADP: 84)
      • Eric Decker (ADP: 101)
    • Winner: Alan Robinson for exceeding his draft expectations.
      • Andy Holloway: “Alan Robinson got the ADP.” [47:55]
      • Mike Wright: “He will not have cold feet.” [48:03]

11. Letdown Player of the Year

    • Nominees:
      • Amir Abdullah
      • Joseph Randall
      • Travis Kelsey
      • Melvin Gordon
      • Jordan Matthews
      • Andre Johnson
      • Jeremy Hill
      • Ryan Tannehill
      • Devonte Adams
    • Winner: Jeremy Hill for failing to meet high fantasy expectations consistently.
      • Mike Wright: “Jeremy Hill had a letdown of the year.” [49:29]
      • Jason Moore: “Jeremy Hill frustrated you like crazy.” [50:09]

Playoff Challenge

The hosts introduce the Playoff Challenge, a fantasy football game hosted on NFL.com, where participants compete during the NFL playoffs. The Fantasy Footballers group is among the top contenders, with Jason Moore highlighting their competitive standing:

• Jason Moore: “On NFL.com… we're like the fifth largest behind the NFL's Rich Eisen show and ESPN.” [02:31]

Notable Quote:
"If you end up winning the group, we'll send you some fun stuff, a trophy, some Fantasy Footballers gear." – Andy Holloway [05:17]

Fantasy Football News

The hosts provide updates on key players and team dynamics affecting the fantasy landscape:

• Andy Dalton:

  • Jason Moore: “Andy Dalton has a cast removed. AJ McCarrin will play instead.” [06:42]

• Tavis Bryant:

  • Andy Holloway: “Martavis Bryant has been a little bit shaky, only 17 snaps played.” [07:26]

• Tyrod Taylor & Rex Ryan:

  • Mike Wright: “Tyrod Taylor has proven he can be a good quarterback in the league.” [08:20]

• Calvin Johnson:

  • Mike Wright: “Calvin Johnson contemplates retirement due to his high cap number.” [12:15]

• Sean Payton & Coaching Extensions:

  • Andy Holloway: “Sean Payton remains with the Saints, Chuck Pagano gets a four-year extension.” [08:58]
  • Jason Moore: “Keeping Pagano was a decent move, though his GM decisions have been questionable.” [09:10]

• Marshawn Lynch & Others:

  • Jason Moore: "Marshawn Lynch plays, he's in my playoff challenge." [11:17]
  • Andy Holloway: “Jeremy Maclin returned to practice, should be good to go.” [11:22]

Notable Quote:
"Calvin Johnson is saying go ahead, ask me to take a pay cut, because you already have my answer." – Mike Wright [12:42]

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) with Chris Meaney

The episode features a segment with Chris Meaney discussing DFS strategies for the playoffs:

• Quarterback Strategy:

  • Chris Meaney: “Fade Big Ben this week… I like Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson.” [54:32]

• Running Back Insights:

  • Chris Meaney: “Marshawn Lynch has issues with uncertainty… focus on pass catchers this week.” [56:20]

• Wide Receiver and Defense Picks:

  • Chris Meaney: “Antonio Brown is a solid play, Jordan Reed at tight end is essential.” [58:50]

• Super Bowl Predictions:

  • Chris Meaney: “Going with the Steelers and Seattle Seahawks for the Super Bowl.” [60:50]

Notable Quote:
"The biggest thing is there's only four games in the playoffs, so you have to play who you think is going to be good." – Chris Meaney [53:09]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to engage with their community through the website, social media, and upcoming shows. They highlight the importance of staying connected during the offseason and tease future content aimed at enhancing fantasy football strategies.

Notable Closing Remarks:

• Andy Holloway: “We keep bringing him back.” [63:02]
• Mike Wright: “Heath Miller could be the next Gary Barnage.” [63:07]

Listeners are reminded to participate in The Footies and join the Fantasy Footballers community for ongoing fantasy insights and support.

Key Takeaways:

• David Johnson and Allen Robinson were standout winners in their respective categories.
• Le'Veon Bell and Eddie Lacy were recognized for their significant impacts, both positive and negative.
• The Playoff Challenge remains highly competitive with the Fantasy Footballers group excelling.
• DFS strategies focus on consistency and leveraging emerging players like Kirk Cousins and Jordan Reed.
• Player news, especially regarding injuries and coaching changes, heavily influences fantasy football decisions.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates all the crucial discussions, insights, and outcomes from the episode, providing valuable information for both regular listeners and newcomers to the Fantasy Footballers podcast.