Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - WR's 21-40, Fantasy News, Injuries, Listener Questions
Release Date: August 19, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Description: The Fantasy Footballers deliver expert analysis, strong opinions, and matchup-winning advice to help listeners dominate their fantasy football leagues.

1. Introduction and Welcome

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their signature banter, setting a light-hearted and engaging tone for the show. Andy Holloway humorously refers to himself as the "baby beard," only to be corrected by Mike Wright who mentions that fans on Twitter call him the "Fantasy Reaper" (00:54). This playful exchange highlights the camaraderie among the trio and immediately draws listeners into their dynamic.

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (00:41): "Hello. Hey, hey, hey, baby beard. It's me, the baby beard."

2. Injury Updates

The hosts delve into recent injury news impacting fantasy football players:

• Shady McCoy's Injury: Andy discusses LaShawn McCoy's recent injury, describing it as a "pulled hamstring" that initially caused panic but was later deemed less severe (01:12). He emphasizes his role as the "Fantasy Reaper," noting his players might face injuries but fortunately, none are too severe.

• Kelvin Benjamin's Knee Injury: A listener review from K. Benjamin sparks a discussion about Kelvin Benjamin's knee injury. Initially feared to be severe, it is now reported as a likely knee sprain with hopes for a quick recovery (03:46). The hosts debate the potential impact on fantasy rankings, considering backup options like Funker or J. Stu (04:02).

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (01:12): "I may be the Fantasy Reaper and my guys might go down, but from what I can tell, none of the muscles actually coming off the bone in these situations."

3. Listener Review

The show takes a moment to appreciate listener feedback, showcasing a review from K. Benjamin praising the podcast for being "knowledgeable and entertaining" and labeling the hosts as "this season's steal of the draft" (03:18). This segment underscores the podcast's value to its audience.

Notable Quote:

• Listener K. Benjamin (03:18): "These guys are great to listen to, knowledgeable and entertaining without droning on about one topic."

4. Wide Receiver Rankings (21-40)

A significant portion of the episode focuses on detailed analysis of wide receivers ranked from 21 to 40. The hosts provide in-depth insights, personal opinions, and predictive analysis on each player, helping listeners make informed draft decisions.

21. Jeremy Maclin

Andy expresses high regard for Jeremy Maclin's performance and his role in the Kansas City Chiefs' offense, despite some concerns about his historical production under Andy Reid (12:06). Mike acknowledges moving Maclin up in his rankings but remains cautious about his consistency and past performance metrics.

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (13:30): "He became a number one. He's healthy and it's three years removed. He's got signed as a number one receiver."

22. Torrey Smith

Discussions reveal differing opinions on Torrey Smith's value. While Andy maintains a higher ranking, Mike is more skeptical, questioning his consistency and past performance with quarterbacks like Joe Flacco and Derek Carr (15:08).

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright (15:08): "He seems so unsexy in his name, but his production was there."

23. DeSean Jackson

The hosts debate DeSean Jackson's reliability, recognizing his explosive potential but also his inconsistency. Andy highlights Jackson's ability to produce big plays, while Mike points out the risk associated with his fluctuating performance (25:48).

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (27:27): "If you have those boom guys, like D. Jacks, they win you weeks."

24. Allen Robinson

Allen Robinson is praised as a target monster with high consistency, making him a valuable asset, especially in PPR formats. Despite missing a game, his projected target volume keeps him solid in the rankings (21:19).

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright (21:07): "He's a target monster in 10 games, putting him on pace for 130 targets."

25-26. Charles Johnson and Mike Wallace

Charles Johnson is lauded for his dynamic playmaking ability under coach Norv Turner, making him a high-value pick in the rankings. Conversely, Mike Wallace receives mixed reviews; while he's recognized for his talent and big-play ability, concerns about his integration into a new offense and consistency make him a debated pick (22:34).

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (32:12): "He is very Ty Hilton like, and Carson Palmer doesn't get enough credit."
• Mike Wright (34:21): "Eric Decker is extremely underrated."

27-40. Remaining Wide Receivers

The hosts continue to discuss various wide receivers, evaluating their potential impact based on factors like team offense dynamics, player health, and historical performance. Players such as Eric Decker, John Brown, Marcus Colston, and others are analyzed for their draft value and fantasy potential.

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (38:39): "Pay attention to Brandon Coleman, big body guy that's had an opportunity all offseason."

5. Mailbag: Listener Questions

The episode features a segment where the hosts answer listener-submitted questions, providing personalized advice and insights.

Question 1: Gronk's Value in Smaller Leagues

Question from Brad in Austin, Texas: Is Rob Gronkowski more valuable in smaller leagues, such as an eight-team league?

Hosts' Response:

• The consensus is affirmative. In smaller leagues, having a stud player like Gronk can provide a significant edge due to the high concentration of talent (42:03).

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright (42:03): "I don't elevate Rodgers and Luck to for two top first-round pick but Gronk is for me."

Question 2: Trading for Russell Wilson

A listener considers trading Latavius Murray and Danny Woodhead for Russell Wilson in a 14-team PPR league.

Hosts' Response:

• Strongly advise against the trade, citing numerous reasons why it would be detrimental. The risks outweigh the potential benefits, especially in larger leagues where depth is crucial (43:18).

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright (43:07): "Do not do that trade. There are 20 reasons to not do that trade."

Question 3: Mid-Round Tight Ends

A listener inquires about the value of mid-round tight ends, ranging from Eric Eifort to Delaney Walker.

Hosts' Response:

• Generally, mid-round tight ends are not valued highly. The recommendation is to either avoid them or wait for higher-round picks like Jason Witten or Greg Olsen (46:19).

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright (47:18): "We don't see a huge difference once the Kelsey floor hits for me."

6. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

The episode wraps up with the hosts teasing future content, including a focused discussion on tight ends in the next episode and promotions for their sponsors. They encourage listeners to engage through social media and their website for more resources and upcoming shows.

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (47:59): "JJ Zacharyssen, the late round quarterback, on. Yeah, that's tomorrow... we'll talk about streaming quarterback strategy."

Key Takeaways:

• Injury Impact: Understanding player injuries and their potential recovery timelines is crucial for adjusting fantasy rankings and managing team rosters effectively.

• Wide Receiver Depth: The depth in the wide receiver position offers significant value, especially in later rounds. Players like Jeremy Maclin, Allen Robinson, and Charles Johnson present strong options based on their target volumes and offensive roles.

• Listener Engagement: The podcast effectively addresses listener questions, providing tailored advice that caters to different league formats and team needs.

• Strategic Drafting: Emphasizes the importance of balancing star power with depth, particularly in larger leagues where the pool of talent is vast.

• Future Focus: Upcoming episodes will delve deeper into specific positions like tight ends and quarterbacks, offering listeners ongoing support and strategies throughout the fantasy football season.

Additional Resources:

• Visit thefantasyfootballers.com for mock drafts, player rankings, and comprehensive fantasy football advice.
• Follow the hosts on Twitter at @theffballers for real-time updates and insights.

This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, and insights from the Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode released on August 19, 2015. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy football enthusiast or a newcomer seeking expert advice, this episode provides valuable information to enhance your fantasy football strategy.