Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2015 - Top 10 TE, TE Sleepers, News, Mailbag
Release Date: April 9, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
The Fantasy Footballers kicked off the episode with a light-hearted conversation about Mike Wright's chaotic morning, setting an engaging and relatable tone for the show. The focus of the day was tight ends, a crucial position in fantasy football.
News and Notes
Le'Veon Bell's Suspension: The hosts discussed the recent updates on Le'Veon Bell's suspension. Initially, it was expected he would miss two games, but the suspension was extended to three games.
- Andy Holloway (03:35): "He is appealing, but does this... he drops for me."
- Mike Wright (04:05): "But how far does he drop?"
Steven Ridley's Jets Deal: Steven Ridley signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets, sparking discussions on his potential fantasy impact.
- Jason Moore (06:22): "What better spot would you rather him have."
- Andy Holloway (07:24): "If that happens, I am very interested in Ridley."
Chris Ivory's Situation: Rumors emerged that Chris Ivory might be on thin ice with the Atlanta regime, potentially altering his fantasy value.
- Mike Wright (07:03): "They might be souring on him."
- Andy Holloway (07:10): "Or is he in the doghouse."
Top 10 Tight Ends
The trio delved deep into their early rankings of the top 10 tight ends for the season, providing insightful analysis and differing opinions.
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#10: Kobe Fleener
- Jason Moore (08:01): "I have him ridiculously high."
- Andy Holloway (08:05): "Kobe Fleener... you have some things to talk about with him."
- Discussion Points: Fleener's role in a two-tight end set with the Colts, his drop rate issues, and potential upside with new teammates like Andre Johnson.
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#9: Jordan Cameron
- Mike Wright (12:10): "It's all about health for him."
- Andy Holloway (12:19): "He's a very athletic guy. He's got good hands."
- Discussion Points: Cameron's athleticism, his role with new quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and his target potential if he remains healthy.
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#8: Jason Whitten
- Andy Holloway (16:23): "A reliable tight end with the third lowest drop rate."
- Jason Moore (16:30): "Do you think he's a Hall of Famer?"
- Mike Wright (17:35): "He never had that super sexy season until last year."
- Discussion Points: Whitten's consistency, reliability, and potential for steady production despite lower touchdown numbers.
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#7: Zach Ertz
- Andy Holloway (19:02): "Zach Ertz is a guy that actually I have him at 900 yards this year."
- Mike Wright (20:22): "He’s a liability in pass protection."
- Discussion Points: Ertz's target volume, pass-blocking concerns, and potential draft value due to his offensive role.
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#6: Antonio Gates
- Mike Wright (23:05): "Antonio Gates keeps doing it."
- Jason Moore (23:50): "He's in the hall of Fame for sure."
- Discussion Points: Gates' high touchdown potential, his positional advantage, and his status as a fantasy Hall of Famer.
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#5: Martellus Bennett
- Jason Moore (25:59): "Mark Tressman leaving and offense changing."
- Mike Wright (26:12): "He averaged 60 receptions the last few years."
- Discussion Points: Bennett's target trends, changes in his offensive environment, and his reliability despite potential target reductions.
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#4: Greg Olsen
- Mike Wright (27:35): "He had a great bounce back year."
- Jason Moore (28:54): "He's a rookie watch."
- Andy Holloway (28:01): "Older guy with potential red flags."
- Discussion Points: Olsen's steady performance, concerns about age and contract, and his role as a reliable fantasy asset.
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#3: Jimmy Graham
- Andy Holloway (31:33): "He's a game-changing tight end for your fantasy team."
- Mike Wright (33:46): "He has a 66% catch rate from Drew Brees."
- Jason Moore (32:24): "He will catch 70 balls, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns."
- Discussion Points: Graham's transition to Seattle, target consistency, and comparison to his time in New Orleans.
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#2: Travis Kelce
- Andy Holloway (39:22): "84 receptions for 1100 yards and eight touchdowns."
- Mike Wright (40:11): "He forces 17 missed tackles."
- Jason Moore (41:30): "He will finish right where Jimmy Graham finishes."
- Discussion Points: Kelce's athleticism, snap count improvement, and his value as an upside tight end.
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#1: Rob Gronkowski
- Andy Holloway (45:44): "Gronk... making him the true and only game-changing tight end."
- Mike Wright (46:06): "The single largest positional advantage in fantasy football."
- Jason Moore (46:38): "Where do you draft him?"
- Discussion Points: Gronkowski's unparalleled fantasy value, health concerns, and strategic draft positioning to maximize his positional advantage.
Mailbag
Handling Non-Responsive League Members: Ben S. from Ben's Creek asked about managing active league members who are unresponsive during the offseason.
- Andy Holloway (50:22): Emphasized the importance of active participation in dynasty leagues.
- Jason Moore (50:23): Suggested implementing league rules or voting to enforce participation.
- Mike Wright (51:34): Highlighted the need for members to at least respond, maintaining league integrity.
Keeper League Trade Decision: Dawson from the creek inquired about choosing between trading Martavis Bryant for higher second-round picks.
- Balancing Value: Hosts debated the potential of Martavis Bryant versus acquiring multiple picks, concluding a preference for Bryant's proven ability and upside.
- Mike Wright (53:33): Favored Bryant's potential to become a key player similar to Mike Wallace.
- Jason Moore (53:49): Supported drafting Bryant due to his established ability and impact potential.
Listener Reviews
The hosts shared a positive review from "Dat Fantasy Dude," praising their mix of comedy and football analysis.
- Dat Fantasy Dude's Review (54:46):
"These dudes know their stuff. We gotta just change the name of a podcast... Andy, Jason and Mike are a mix of comedians slash football analysts. And it's refreshing to get some new blood in the football podcast world."
Closing Remarks
The Fantasy Footballers wrapped up by teasing upcoming content, including mock drafts, team previews, and insights into the NFL draft. They encouraged listeners to leave reviews and stay engaged with their growing community.
- Mike Wright (56:30): Joked about sharing his viral jiu-jitsu photo.
- Jason Moore (56:41): Highlighted the show's excitement and strong opinions.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore (08:01): "I have him ridiculously high."
- Mike Wright (20:22): "He’s a liability in pass protection."
- Andy Holloway (31:33): "He’s our top three tight end for all of us."
- Jason Moore (41:30): "He will finish right where Jimmy Graham finishes."
- Mike Wright (46:06): "The single largest positional advantage in fantasy football."
This episode provided a comprehensive analysis of tight ends for the 2015 fantasy football season, blending statistical insights with strategic advice. The hosts' dynamic discussions and differing viewpoints offered listeners a well-rounded perspective on drafting and managing tight ends, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions for their fantasy teams.