Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "2016 - Early RB Rankings Part 2 & Mailbag"

Release Date: March 31, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Length: Approximately 51 minutes

1. Introduction & Host Banter (00:00 - 02:32)

The episode kicks off with a brief advertisement for PristineAuction.com, featuring Andy Holloway promoting their extensive collection of autograph memorabilia. Shortly after, Mike Wright welcomes listeners to the show. However, the usual trio is down one member—Jason Moore—in this episode.

Andy Holloway humorously laments, “If only it were true. If that introduction were true” (00:54), alluding to Jason’s absence due to an eye injury sustained during a flag football game. Mike adds, “Jason's down” (01:04), emphasizing the unexpected turn of events. The hosts share laughs over the situation, with Andy noting, “He puts it to good use” (01:34), referring to Jason’s role on the offensive line during their game.

2. Early Running Back Rankings Part 2 (03:21 - 21:58)

Following the introductions, the hosts dive into their early running back (RB) rankings, continuing from their previous episode. They discuss RBs ranked 7 through 12, offering in-depth analysis and projections.

Lev Bell:

• Ranked as the number one consensus RB.
• Andy highlights Lev Bell's high reception totals, suggesting significant involvement in both rushing and receiving plays.

David Johnson:

• Consensus number two.
• Andy states, “Hey, you can put him number three for me” (03:37), indicating a slight personal variance in rankings.

Todd Gurley:

• Held as the third RB in consensus.

Jamal Charles:

• Ranks fourth, with Andy affirming his strong performance.

Adrian Peterson:

• Ranked fifth, solidifying his status as a top-tier RB.

Mark Ingram:

• Positioned at sixth, Mike acknowledges his role but attributes his ranking to listener feedback and consensus opinions.

Lamar Miller:

• Andy credits himself for pushing Lamar Miller to number seven, praising his expected workload and versatility. He notes, “I expect a huge, huge workload” (11:19), emphasizing Miller’s potential under coach Bill O’Brien. Mike supports this, mentioning Lamar’s increased role and dual-threat capability.

DeVonta Freeman:

• Ranked eighth, Mike expresses reservations due to inconsistent performance but acknowledges his pass-catching abilities. Andy counters, “I don't want to hold that against him” (18:28), believing Freeman can regain his form and workload.

Doug Martin:

• Placed at ninth, Andy praises Martin’s reliability and foundational role in Tampa Bay’s offense. Mike expresses mixed feelings, stating, “I just can't do it” (21:12) regarding placing Martin higher despite his performance metrics.

LaShawn McCoy:

• Tied with Eddie Lacy at tenth, the hosts debate McCoy’s workload and health issues. Andy remains optimistic, projecting him to achieve around eight touchdowns, while Mike remains cautious due to past injuries and inconsistent performance.

Eddie Lacy:

• At eleventh, both hosts discuss Lacy’s potential rebound impact. Andy expresses concern, “He has to play better” (31:21), while Mike underscores his belief in Lacy’s ability to perform given Green Bay’s offensive strengths.

Thomas Rawls:

• Ranks twelfth, with Andy highlighting Rawls’ impressive yards per carry (5.6) and potential under Russell Wilson’s mobility. Mike remains skeptical, citing limited catch data and uncertainties about his role.

Throughout the rankings, the hosts emphasize the importance of workload, versatility, and consistency in RB performance, often debating the merits and risks associated with each player.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (11:19): “I expect a huge, huge workload.”
• Mike Wright (21:12): “I just think he's a really foundational back.”

3. Mailbag Segment (39:32 - 48:59)

In the latter half of the episode, the hosts address listener questions submitted via voicemail and their website.

Question 1: Commissioner's Dilemma with Uncooperative League Member
A listener asks whether to kick out a league member who refuses to attend live drafts but has previously won the league.

• Mike Wright suggests enforcing strict attendance rules, stating, “You need to get the tech set up” (41:05), advocating for virtual participation via tools like Skype to ensure fairness and engagement.

• Andy Holloway concurs, emphasizing the importance of live drafts for league integrity.

Question 2: Keeper League Strategy
Kyle from Fort Wayne, Indiana, seeks advice on which players to retain in a 10-team standard league with specific keeper options.

• Mike Wright advises prioritizing players with secure roles and reliable performance, leaning towards keeping players like Tom Brady and Jordan Reed over others.

• Andy Holloway emphasizes balancing positions and considering future value, ultimately recommending keeping strong performers to maintain team competitiveness.

Question 3: Auction Draft Budget Management
Danny from Orlando in an auction draft league inquires about handling leftover budget funds.

• Andy Holloway and Mike Wright discuss the merits of rolling over funds versus starting fresh each year, agreeing that both approaches are viable based on league preferences and enhancing strategic gameplay.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (41:05): “He has to live. Be there. It won't virtually or in person. To me, he's out.”
• Andy Holloway (43:00): “I don't want to be safe guy, Mr. Captain Safety over here.”

4. Additional Discussions & Closing (49:00 - 50:52)

As the episode nears its end, the hosts briefly touch upon other running backs and their potential rankings in future shows, including names like DeMarco Murray, C.J. Anderson, and Dion Lewis. They also tease upcoming content related to April Fool’s Day and the anticipation surrounding the fantasy football draft.

Mike Wright humorously expresses excitement about the draft, while Andy Holloway encourages listeners to subscribe on various platforms, including YouTube and Google Play once available.

The episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange about assigning players to each other for debate segments, highlighting the camaraderie and playful banter among the hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (49:17): “You give me Joy Bell, I will throw the competition.”
• Mike Wright (49:23): “I'd rather lose than support Joy Bell.”

Conclusion

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers, despite Jason Moore's absence due to an injury, Andy Holloway and Mike Wright deliver a comprehensive analysis of their early RB rankings, providing valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts. The detailed discussion on each running back, coupled with listener interactions in the mailbag segment, offers a blend of strategic advice and engaging conversation. The hosts maintain their trademark blend of expertise and humor, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained as they navigate their fantasy football seasons.