Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Early Breakouts for 2016, News, Mailbag
Release Date: March 15, 2016

1. Introduction and Show Information

The episode kicks off with Martavius Bryant (also known as Marty McBride) briefly interrupting the hosts before Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright formally welcome listeners to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Jason Moore emphasizes the strength of the episode, highlighting topics such as early breakout players, the latest NFL news, and answering listener questions from the mailbag segment.

Notable Quote:

• Jason Moore [00:32]: "Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers podcast for Tuesday, March 15th. And we've got a lot to cover today."

2. Martavis Bryant Suspension

A significant portion of the episode addresses the suspension of Martavis Bryant by the NFL for at least a year due to six failed drug tests. The hosts discuss the broader implications of such suspensions on teams and fantasy football lineups.

Key Points:

• Suspension Details: Martavis Bryant has been suspended for a minimum of one year following six failed drug tests.
• Team Impact: The Pittsburgh Steelers lose their primary red zone target, affecting their offensive strategy.
• Fantasy Implications: Listings of how Bryant's absence may impact the Steelers' fantasy points per game.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [02:47]: "Martavis Bryant... has suspended. He's been suspended by the league for at least a year."
• Andy Holloway [04:18]: "Martavis going down, is he... he was their number one red zone target."

3. NFL News and Fantasy Impacts

The hosts delve into various NFL news items and analyze their potential effects on fantasy football. Topics include player signings, contract negotiations, and quarterback situations.

Key Points:

• C.J. Anderson Signing: Discusses C.J. Anderson’s four-year, $18 million deal with the Miami Dolphins and its fantasy implications.
• Jeremy Langford’s Future: Debates the prospects of Jeremy Langford as the starting running back for the Chicago Bears.
• Tom Brady’s Potential Suspension: Covers rumors about Tom Brady possibly losing his appeal related to Deflategate and how it might affect his availability.
• Chris Hogan’s Role: Analyzes Chris Hogan’s signing with the Patriots and his potential impact as a wide receiver.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [07:38]: "If Jason loves Latavius Murray, then Mike loves C.J. Anderson."
• Martavius Bryant [09:34]: "I think Anderson is a tremendously talented back."
• Jason Moore [10:05]: "I think C.J. Anderson runs hard. I think he runs really hard."

4. Early Breakout Picks for 2016

A central segment of the episode focuses on identifying early breakout players for the 2016 fantasy football season. Each host presents their top three breakout candidates, providing projections and rationale.

Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright’s Breakouts:

1. Jameis Winston (QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

   • Projection: 4,400 yards, 30 touchdowns.
   • Rationale: Improvement in performance, stabilized offensive line, enhanced rapport with key players.
   • Notable Quote: Martavius Bryant [17:13]: "Jameis Winston has joined me on set here."

2. Ryan Matthews (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)

   • Projection: 1,000+ yards, 8 touchdowns.
   • Rationale: Expected to be the primary running back in a revamped Eagles offense focused on rushing touchdowns.
   • Notable Quote: Andy Holloway [32:48]: "He is going to be the starter and will get the ball 250 times."

3. Tyler Ebron (TE, Detroit Lions)

   • Projection: 805 yards, 9 touchdowns.
   • Rationale: Increased targets following Calvin Johnson's departure, skilled in red zone scenarios.
   • Notable Quote: Martavius Bryant [29:14]: "I project Ebron... as a viable every week, starting tight end."

Jason Moore’s Breakouts:

1. Marcus Mariota (QB, Tennessee Titans)

   • Projection: 3,500 yards, 25 touchdowns, 500 rushing yards.
   • Rationale: Enhanced offensive line, solidifying role as a dual-threat quarterback.

2. Devontae Parker (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)

   • Projection: 1,050 yards, 7 touchdowns.
   • Rationale: Increased usage following Rashard Matthews' departure, talented with high opportunity.

3. Eric Ebron (TE, Detroit Lions)

   • Projection: 805 yards, 9 touchdowns.
   • Rationale: Double production year, high potential in an efficient red zone team.

Andy Holloway’s Breakouts:

1. Jameis Winston (QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

   • Aligns with Mike’s pick, emphasizing Winston's growth and offensive improvements.

2. Devontae Parker (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)

   • Similar to Jason’s choice, focusing on increased targets and talent.

3. Tyler Lockett (WR, Seattle Seahawks)

   • Projection: 900 yards, 7 touchdowns.
   • Rationale: Enhanced role in Seattle’s offense, capable of explosive performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Martavius Bryant [17:53]: "Jameis Winston... he was one of the... he became a more effective quarterback."
• Jason Moore [17:40]: "Marcus Mariota... I like Marcus Mariota."
• Andy Holloway [25:04]: "Devontae Parker is going to be in that role and he is very talented."

5. Mailbag Segment

In the mailbag segment, the hosts address listener questions related to keeper leagues and player valuations.

Listener Questions Addressed:

1. Keeper Decision in a 10-Person Half Point PTR League:

   • Options: Le'Veon Bell, Adrian Peterson, Robin Gronkowski.
   • Advice: Jason and Andy lean towards keeping Le'Veon Bell due to his high fantasy output despite injury risks. Martavius favors Adrian Peterson and Keenan Allen in other scenarios.

2. Todd Gurley vs. Ezekiel Elliott:

   • Scenario: Choosing between trading for Todd Gurley or selecting Ezekiel Elliott as a number one overall pick.
   • Advice: Hosts unanimously prefer Ezekiel Elliott over Todd Gurley, citing Elliott’s proven rookie performance and higher potential.

3. Keeper Selection in a 60-Team Dynasty League:

   • Options: David Johnson, Randall Cobb, Cam Newton, Ryan Matthews, Keenan Allen.
   • Advice: Emphasis on keeping high-value players like David Johnson and Ryan Matthews, considering their roles and potential.

4. St. Louis League Keeper Choices:

   • Options: Mike Evans, Brandon Cooks, Jeremy Hill, Devontae Parker, Carlos Williams, Chris Ivory.
   • Advice: Strong consensus on keeping Mike Evans and Brandon Cooks due to their solid fantasy performances and consistent roles.

5. Handling a Missing League Trophy:

   • Scenario: A league member, Jack, claims to have lost the trophy, but it’s later found in his garage.
   • Advice: The hosts suggest addressing the issue directly with Jack, implementing penalties, or replacing the trophy to maintain league integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [47:02]: "Le'Veon Bell is a little bit more risk with the injury history recently."
• Andy Holloway [48:26]: "Clearly Gurley is the guy. Not even close."
• Jason Moore [50:04]: "So, he's going to be drafted right now as a 23rd wide receiver."

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a brief mention of the podcast's availability on Spotify and invites listeners to submit future questions. The hosts reiterate their commitment to providing valuable fantasy football insights and maintaining an engaging community for listeners.

Notable Quote:

• Jason Moore [59:31]: "Well, thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides comprehensive coverage of critical NFL news affecting fantasy football, insightful analyses of early breakout candidates for the 2016 season, and thoughtful responses to listener inquiries. The hosts blend expert opinions with engaging discussions, ensuring that both seasoned fantasy managers and newcomers gain valuable strategies to enhance their league performance.