Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2016 - Ameer Abdullah Interview, "Bland" Players, News & Notes

Release Date: June 30, 2016

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the intricacies of the NFL offseason, featuring a special interview with Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah. The trio breaks down various fantasy football topics, analyzes "bland" players, and offers valuable insights to help listeners dominate their leagues.

Quick Question Segment

The podcast kicks off with a fun Quick Question of the Day, challenging listeners to guess which wide receiver led the league with an average of 13.1 yards per touch on passes targeted between 1 and 5 yards. After some spirited guesses—including Larry Fitzgerald, Amari Cooper, and Antonio Brown—the correct answer is revealed as Ty Hilton at [07:42]. This segment not only entertains but also tests the hosts' and listeners' fantasy football knowledge.

News and Notes

Andrew Luck's Historic Contract

At [08:31], the hosts discuss Andrew Luck's new six-year, $140 million contract, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. Jason Moore highlights the significance of this deal, emphasizing the potential fantasy implications of Luck pairing with Ty Hilton for the next five years.

Quote:
Jason Moore [08:43]: "What's interesting is that now Ty Hilton and Andrew Luck are both locked up for the next five years. That combination is going to be something we need to invest in in the fantasy realm."

Doug Baldwin's Extension with the Seahawks

The Seahawks' decision to sign Doug Baldwin to a four-year, $46 million extension through 2020 is analyzed at [10:05]. The hosts view this move as a positive sign for the team's offensive stability and Baldwin's role as a key playmaker.

Quote:
Mike Wright [10:21]: "That's a good sign for Baldwin. It's something where the team, the coach, said they want to continue the momentum from the second half of the year."

Austin Seferian-Jenkins' Attitude Issues

At [11:52], the discussion shifts to Austin Seferian-Jenkins and the potential impact of his attitude on his career. The hosts express concerns about his conduct, particularly his behavior on social media, which could jeopardize his position with the team.

Marcus Mariota Emphasizes the Running Game

Marcus Mariota's commitment to a run-heavy offense is explored at [14:31]. The quarterback's statement about handing the ball off 40 times underscores a strategic shift that could influence fantasy football strategies, especially concerning running back workloads.

Quote:
Jason Moore [14:31]: "Marcus Mariota told Mike Malarkey he would be willing to hand the ball off 40 times if that's what it took to win."

Ezekiel Elliott's Potential Workload

At [15:37], Ezekiel Elliott is projected to receive between 280 to 300 carries this season. The hosts debate his draft position, with Mike Wright advocating for a top-three selection if the workload is guaranteed.

Quote:
Mike Wright [16:15]: "If you're going to get 300 carries, you're going to be the best running back in the league."

Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown Situation

The offseason moves of Robert Griffin III (RG3) and the Cleveland Browns' preference for Josh McCown over RG3 are dissected at [17:30]. The hosts discuss the potential improvements McCown could bring to the Browns' offense, impacting fantasy value.

Sponsor Highlights

Pristine Auction and Casper are prominently featured as sponsors. Mike Wright enthusiastically promotes Pristine Auction's authentic memorabilia, while Jason Moore introduces Casper's affordable, high-quality mattresses with a special discount code for listeners.

Ameer Abdullah Interview

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an insightful interview with Ameer Abdullah, who shares his experiences and perspectives as a rookie in the NFL.

Rookie Season Recap

Abdullah reflects on his first year, highlighting the challenges and learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship and continuous improvement.

Quote:
Ameer Abdullah [22:34]: "The thing I probably struggled with the most was just the lack of help at times. You got to find a mentor, you got to find someone who shares the same values."

Teammates' Work Ethic

The running back praises teammates like Quinnen Williams and Matthew Stafford for their exceptional work ethic, which has motivated him to elevate his own performance.

Quote:
Ameer Abdullah [25:55]: "Matthew Stafford... is the leader of our team and our offense, he definitely owns it now. He's always working on quick releases, always working on the playbook."

Fantasy Football Implications

Abdullah discusses the dynamic nature of the Lions' offense and the potential for multiple players to emerge as key contributors, offering fantasy managers diverse options.

Charity Football Camp

Committed to giving back, Abdullah announces his upcoming charity football camps for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lincoln and Omaha, aiming to inspire young athletes.

Quote:
Ameer Abdullah [32:57]: "We have a youth charity football camp for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lincoln in Omaha on July 9th and July 10th."

Historical Interests

Abdullah shares his fascination with the Roaring Twenties, citing it as a period of significant innovation and industrial growth.

Quote:
Ameer Abdullah [32:57]: "I would definitely say the Roaring Twenties just because there was a lot of innovation, a lot of new things being brought to the forefront."

Analyzing "Bland" Players

The hosts transition to evaluating players who may not immediately excite fantasy managers but hold potential value.

Larry Fitzgerald's Resurgence

Despite a dip in the Cardinals' performance, Larry Fitzgerald remains a reliable fantasy asset. The hosts argue against overlooking him, especially considering his playoff performance where he amassed 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Quote:
Mike Wright [36:05]: "There is no joy bell. There's no old busted bell trying to eat into his workload. So I just think Abdullah is being overlooked right now. And I would take him over Gordon."

Emmanuel Sanders' Consistency

Emmanuel Sanders is scrutinized for his dependency on quarterback play. While his production remains solid, the inconsistency of his quarterbacks raises concerns about his fantasy reliability.

Jordan Matthews' Potential

Jordan Matthews is highlighted as an enigma with consistent touchdown production but limited target depth. The hosts debate his value, considering his role in the Eagles' offense and potential target volume with improved quarterback play.

Quote:
Andy Holloway [35:36]: "Players that maybe don't get you too excited, they don't get you too down, but you're kind of hoping maybe someone else drafts them when you're hitting your middle rounds."

Jonathan Stewart's Value Amid Injuries

Jonathan Stewart is praised for his high usage and consistent performance when healthy. Despite injury concerns, his ability to rack up carries and touchdowns makes him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.

Quote:
Mike Wright [59:36]: "Jonathan Stewart... has been limited throughout the team's off-season with lingering problems."

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts briefly mention upcoming shows, increased podcast frequency in July, and express gratitude to their listeners and sponsors. They also highlight their awards, reinforcing their status as a leading fantasy football podcast community.

Notable Quotes

• Ameer Abdullah on Improvement:
  "[26:03] Amir Abdullah: 'You can always improve it. Always improving, no matter how hard of a worker you are.'”

• Jason Moore on Fantasy Strategy:
  "[53:53] Jason Moore: 'It's all about the carries to me. It's just about, does he get enough?'"

• Andy Holloway on Player Selection:
  "[51:27] Andy Holloway: 'I would take Jordan Matthews over those guys. He's done it for two years. He's on the upswing, not the downswing of his career.'"

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of key NFL offseason developments, player evaluations, and strategic fantasy football advice. The in-depth interview with Ameer Abdullah provides unique insights into the mindset and work ethic of a professional athlete, while the analysis of "bland" players equips fantasy managers with the knowledge to unearth hidden gems and avoid common drafting pitfalls.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the podcast's transcript for reference.