Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: "Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - 10 Things to Remember for 2016, News, Mailbag"
Release Date: May 17, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
The Fantasy Footballers kicked off the episode with their characteristic blend of humor and expertise, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on preparing for the 2016 fantasy football season. They emphasized the importance of leveraging their Ultimate Draft Kit for astute draft strategies.
Player Confessions: Players We're Ashamed to Love
Jason Moore on Doug Baldwin
Timestamp: [03:40 - 04:20]
Jason admitted his unexpected fondness for Doug Baldwin despite general skepticism surrounding him.
Jason Moore: "Doug Baldwin... he is the number one clear-cut wide receiver and he's going at a draft position that he can be on your bench to start."
Jason Moore on Isaiah Crowell
Timestamp: [04:47 - 07:05]
Jason expressed his mixed feelings about Isaiah Crowell, acknowledging his potential despite concerns about his role and team dynamics.
Jason Moore: "I'm ashamed at the amount of love I have for Isaiah Crowell."
Mike Wright on Ty Hilton
Timestamp: [07:19 - 08:56]
Mike highlighted Ty Hilton as a player undervalued in the fantasy realm, noting Hilton's consistent target volume despite inefficiencies.
Mike Wright: "Ty Hilton... seems to be getting pushed to the back of this line when he really should be in the conversation at least."
News and Notes
The hosts delved into recent NFL developments affecting fantasy football:
-
Jared Cook's Retirement: Timestamp: [09:00 - 09:35]
The retirement of 49ers running back Jared Cook marked a significant shift, ending his potential contributions for the season. -
Seattle Seahawks' Running Game Strategy: Timestamp: [10:13 - 12:24]
Discussion centered on Doug Baldwin's prediction that the Seahawks would revert to a run-heavy offense, analyzing Russell Wilson's evolving role and efficiency. -
Green Bay Packers' Tight End Addition: Timestamp: [13:07 - 15:18]
ESPN's Rob Demavoski lauded Jared Cook as the Packers' best offseason addition, though concerns were raised about the team's utilization of tight ends.
Main Discussion: 10 Things to Remember for 2016
The core of the episode revolved around ten pivotal strategies for the upcoming fantasy season. Below are the key points discussed:
-
Doug Baldwin's Anomalous Performance
Timestamp: [16:59 - 19:16]- Mike Wright: Highlighted that Doug Baldwin scored nearly 40% of his career touchdowns in just five weeks last season, labeling it an unsustainable stretch.
- Jason Moore: Agreed, cautioning listeners against expecting Baldwin to replicate such performances consistently.
-
Rookie Wide Receiver Overvaluation
Timestamp: [19:17 - 22:18]- Jason Moore: Warned against overvaluing rookie wide receivers, citing the 2014 draft as a cautionary tale where rookies were highly prized but often failed to deliver.
- Mike Wright: Reinforced that rookies are being overvalued in redraft leagues, advising to potentially avoid drafting any rookie wide receivers altogether.
-
Power of the Streaming Quarterback
Timestamp: [32:18 - 33:56]- Jason Moore: Emphasized the strategy of using streaming quarterbacks—QBs picked up from the waiver wire based on favorable matchups—to maximize efficiency without committing high draft picks.
- Mike Wright: Supported the approach, noting that streaming allows retention of draft capital and reduces dependence on high-risk QB picks.
-
Depth of the Tight End Position
Timestamp: [35:16 - 37:04]- Jason Moore: Discussed the unexpected depth at tight end, highlighting how undrafted or late-round picks like Gary Barnage and Jordan Reed finished among the top performers.
- Mike Wright: Agreed, pointing out the rise of reliable tight ends that can be secured without sacrificing high-value draft positions.
-
Final Standings vs. Weekly Performance
Timestamp: [37:04 - 38:43]- Mike Wright: Cautioned against relying solely on end-of-season rankings, urging a deeper analysis of weekly performances to identify true value players.
- Jason Moore: Reinforced the importance of consistent weekly contributions over fluctuating end-of-season stats.
-
Consistent Running Backs Over Studs
Timestamp: [22:30 - 25:18]- Jason Moore: Advocated for drafting "scatterback" running backs who offer consistent weekly points rather than high-risk, high-reward candidates.
- Mike Wright: Supported this strategy, emphasizing the value of reliable backs who can provide steady boosts to the team each week.
-
AJ Green's Consistency
Timestamp: [25:21 - 27:54]- Mike Wright: Highlighted AJ Green's impressive streak of over 1,000 receiving yards each season, making him a dependable second-round pick.
- Jason Moore: Agreed, noting that Green's chemistry with his quarterback and consistent performance make him a valuable asset.
-
Detroit Lions' Offensive Changes
Timestamp: [27:56 - 30:32]- Jason Moore: Analyzed the Lions' mid-season coaching change from Rob Lombardi to Jim Bob Cooter, and its impact on Matthew Stafford's quarterback rankings.
- Mike Wright: Acknowledged Stafford's improvement post-coach change, crediting Lombardi for enhancing his performance.
-
Impact of Patriots' Quarterback Situation
Timestamp: [33:38 - 37:04]- Jason Moore: Discussed the dominance of Tom Brady and the Patriots' offensive weapons, despite potential injuries or suspensions impacting their fantasy relevance.
- Mike Wright: Emphasized not underestimating the Patriots' offensive capability as long as Brady remains active.
-
Running Back Bust Rates
Timestamp: [37:20 - 43:16]- Mike Wright: Presented data showing a high bust rate among top running backs, contrasting it with the relatively safer wide receiver positions.
- Jason Moore: Agreed, noting that running backs are becoming more scalable and valuable as the season progresses, especially due to positional scarcity.
Mailbag Q&A
The hosts addressed listener questions, offering tailored advice based on individual team scenarios:
-
Drafting Tight Ends: Wait or Invest Early?
Timestamp: [44:26 - 49:55]- Listener Concern: Whether to wait on drafting tight ends or secure a top pick like Jordan Reed early despite his injury proneness.
- Hosts' Advice:
- Jason Moore: Suggested waiting on tight ends unless you can secure a top performer without sacrificing high-value picks.
- Mike Wright: Recommended prioritizing stud running backs over early tight end investments, advocating for depth in the position to capitalize on later-round talent.
-
Keeper League Decision: Doug Martin vs. Tyler Ifert
Timestamp: [49:16 - 50:47]- Listener Concern: Choosing between keeping Doug Martin (costing a fifth-round pick) or Tyler Ifert (costing an 11th-round pick) in a keeper league.
- Hosts' Advice:
- Mike Wright: Preferred keeping Martin for his proven performance, especially in a two running back flex league.
- Jason Moore: Agreed with the strategy to maintain a strong running back presence, advising against sacrificing significant draft capital for less proven options.
-
Choosing Between Tyler Ifert, Michael Floyd, or Danny Woodhead in an 8th Round Pick
Timestamp: [50:19 - 52:26]- Listener Concern: Selecting the best value for an 8th-round pick among Tyler Ifert, Michael Floyd, or Danny Woodhead.
- Hosts' Advice:
- Both Jason Moore and Mike Wright favored Michael Floyd for his upside and consistent performance potential.
Conclusion
The Fantasy Footballers wrapped up the episode by reiterating the importance of their discussed strategies and encouraging listeners to utilize their Ultimate Draft Kit for a comprehensive draft preparation. They also teased an upcoming "Game of Thrones" recap in their after-show segment on YouTube, maintaining their signature blend of fantasy football insight and entertainment.
Notable Quotes
-
Jason Moore: "Doug Baldwin... he is the number one clear-cut wide receiver and he's going at a draft position that he can be on your bench to start."
[03:40 - 04:20] -
Mike Wright: "Ty Hilton... seems to be getting pushed to the back of this line when he really should be in the conversation at least."
[07:19 - 08:56] -
Jason Moore: "I'm ashamed at the amount of love I have for Isaiah Crowell."
[04:47 - 07:05] -
Mike Wright: "AJ Green... has the longest active streak of any wide receiver."
[25:18 - 26:56] -
Jason Moore: "Remember the power of the streaming quarterback."
[32:18 - 33:56]
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' 2016 podcast episode, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for fantasy football enthusiasts gearing up for the season.