Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Election Special, Pump the Brakes, TNF Preview

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
• Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Election Special, Pump the Brakes, TNF Preview
• Release Date: November 2, 2016

Introduction

In this special episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into a mid-season "Election Special." They introduce various fantasy football categories to debate and vote on, provide strategic insights through their "Pump the Brakes" segment, share essential news and updates, propose crucial rule changes, and preview the upcoming Thursday Night Football (TNF) game.

Election Special Overview

The core of this episode revolves around a mid-season election where the hosts present and debate candidates for different fantasy football categories. Listeners are encouraged to participate by voting on Twitter at @theffballers.

Categories and Candidates:

1. Second Half Breakout:

   • Jason Moore: Jeremy Hill. Highlighting Hill’s potential after a rejuvenating bye week and favorable matchups ahead.

     [18:06] Jason Moore: "Jeremy Hill has shown flashes this year that he's... a winter running back."

   • Mike Wright: Kenneth Dixon. Emphasizing Dixon's emerging role and favorable upcoming schedule.

     [20:14] Mike Wright: "Kenneth Dixon is the future of the running back position for the Baltimore Ravens."

   • Andy Holloway: Alshon Jeffrey. Pointing out Jeffrey’s opportunity to reclaim his touchdown form with improved matchups.

     [21:29] Andy Holloway: "Alshon Jeffrey is primed for a second half breakout."

2. Second Half Slowdown:

   • Jason Moore: Ty Hilton. Citing Hilton’s dependence on teammates and tough future matchups.

     [25:38] Jason Moore: "Ty Hilton's production is heavily tied to his teammates' performance."

   • Mike Wright: LeGarrett Blount. Predicting a decline due to challenging upcoming defenses.

     [28:01] Mike Wright: "LeGarrett Blount is on a record pace, but the slowdown is coming."

   • Andy Holloway: Jordy Nelson. Questioning Nelson’s continued relevance despite his touchdown output.

     [25:43] Andy Holloway: "Jordy Nelson has six touchdowns but faces tough second-half defenses."

Pump the Brakes Segment

In this segment, the hosts discuss players whose value might decline in the upcoming weeks, advising listeners to consider trading them or lowering expectations.

• Jason Moore on Matt Ryan:

  [05:27] Jason Moore: "Matt Ryan is one of my probably top three ranked quarterbacks this week, but his production will be down shortly."

• Mike Wright on Derek Carr:

  [06:28] Mike Wright: "Derek Carr is not matchup-proof and has a string of difficult matchups ahead."

• Andy Holloway on Tim Hightower:

  [07:41] Andy Holloway: "Tim Hightower has historical fumble issues and limited long-term value outside of a handcuff."

News and Notes

The hosts cover significant fantasy football news, including player performances, injuries, and team changes.

• Jamal Charles' Retirement:

  [09:31] Andy Holloway: "Time to say goodbye to Jamal Charles for 2016. Disappointing news for many fantasy owners."

• Player Updates:

  • Trent Richardson: Jared Richardson remains unsigned after competitions with other running backs like Bishop Sankey.
  • Carlos Hyde: Expected to return soon, with Dejuan Harris emerging as a reliable alternative.

  [12:40] Jason Moore: "Dejuan Harris is one of the under-the-radar players you should own if Hyde misses."

• Bears’ Jordan Howard:

  [13:07] Andy Holloway: "Jordan Howard has a strong hold on the number one RB job, but his performance should continue to be solid."

Rule Change Proposals

The hosts introduce potential rule changes to improve fantasy football scoring systems, sparking debate among themselves.

1. Prop 25 by Jason Moore:

   • Proposal: Quarterback passing yards should be scored at 25 yards per point, aligning more closely with rushing yards.

     [32:24] Jason Moore: "Why do quarterbacks only get 10 rushing yards per point but pass yards require 25?"

2. Andy Holloway’s Proposal:

   • Proposal: Defenses should not be penalized for points given up by their own offense.

     [34:37] Andy Holloway: "Defenses should not be penalized for points that were given up by their own offense."

3. Mike Wright’s Proposal:

   • Proposal: Reduce the value of touchdowns from six points to four to decrease unpredictability in fantasy scoring.

     [36:07] Mike Wright: "Touchdowns are worth too much and make fantasy predictions harder."

Discussion Highlights:

• Jason Moore supports Prop 25, arguing it better reflects quarterbacks’ contributions.
• Andy Holloway agrees with differentiating defensive scores from offensive plays.
• Mike Wright suggests lowering touchdown value to four points to enhance predictive accuracy.

Quotes:

• [32:24] Jason Moore: "Prop 25... Quarterback passing yards should be scored at 25 yards per point."
• [34:37] Andy Holloway: "Defenses should not be penalized for points given up by their own offense."
• [36:07] Mike Wright: "Touchdowns are worth too much... time to make things a little bit less fluffy."

Fantasy MVP Candidates

The hosts debate which player is most likely to be pivotal for championship teams, defining the "Fantasy MVP" as the player that will be on the roster of teams that win the title.

Candidates:

1. Philip Rivers (Jason Moore):

   • Rationale: Consistent performance despite injuries, favorable playoff schedule.

     [43:31] Jason Moore: "Philip Rivers this year is going to be your fantasy MVP."

2. Mike Evans (Mike Wright):

   • Rationale: Evolving into a dominant fantasy performer with favorable playoff matchups.

     [43:43] Mike Wright: "Mike Evans is evolving into a dominant monster beast."

3. Tyler Eifert (Andy Holloway):

   • Rationale: Key difference-maker at tight end with strong red zone presence and consistent performance.

     [45:17] Andy Holloway: "Tyler Eifert is the guy that will be on more fantasy championship teams than anybody else this year."

Quotes:

• [43:31] Jason Moore: "Philip Rivers this year is going to be your fantasy MVP."
• [43:43] Mike Wright: "Mike Evans... evolving into a dominant monster beast."
• [45:17] Andy Holloway: "Tyler Eifert is the guy that will be on more fantasy championship teams than anybody else this year."

Preview of Thursday Night Football (TNF)

The hosts analyze the upcoming matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, discussing key players and potential fantasy impacts.

• Key Players:

  • Mike Evans vs. Julio Jones:

    [47:08] Andy Holloway: "Mike Evans versus Julio Jones in this matchup."

  • Running Backs:

    • Tevin Coleman: Andy advises against starting him due to injury concerns.

      [47:06] Andy Holloway: "I would not roll out Tevin Coleman due to his injury."

    • Freeman: Expected to perform well if healthy.

      [47:49] Mike Wright: "Freeman will have a fantastic game if he's healthy."

• Strategic Insights:

  • Mike Evans is highlighted as a must-start given his matchup against a weaker Falcons defense.

    [48:35] Mike Wright: "Mike Evans... will be taking on the Saints twice and elevating your team."

  • Mohamed Sanu: Suggested as a potential breakout due to Falcons' defensive vulnerabilities.

    [50:04] Mike Wright: "Mohamed Sanu is interesting here because of the upside."

Mailbag Segment

Listeners submit questions regarding player trades and start/sit decisions. The hosts provide personalized advice based on current week performances and injuries.

Notable Questions and Responses:

1. Nick from Orange County:

   • Question: Is Mark Ingram worth trading for Terrence West?
   • Response: Andy Holloway and Mike Wright advise against it, emphasizing Ingram's continued relevance.

     [54:20] Andy Holloway: "No, I would not."

2. Requester: Should Todd Gurley be traded for LeGarrett Blount and Kelvin Benjamin?

   • Response: Mixed responses suggesting it depends on team needs, but generally leaning towards not making the trade.

     [55:30] Mike Wright: "No, probably not unless desperate for a wide receiver."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the TNF matchup, reiterates the importance of upcoming elections and votes on Twitter, and reminds listeners to engage with the Fantasy Footballers community for ongoing advice and updates.

Closing Quotes:

• [56:37] Mike Wright: "Shout out to Fantasy Jocks Footballers."
• [56:43] Jason Moore: "Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast."

Notable Quotes:

• [05:27] Jason Moore: "Matt Ryan is one of my probably top three ranked quarterbacks this week."
• [18:06] Jason Moore: "Jeremy Hill has shown flashes this year that he's... a winter running back."
• [43:31] Jason Moore: "Philip Rivers this year is going to be your fantasy MVP."
• [47:08] Andy Holloway: "Mike Evans versus Julio Jones in this matchup."

Final Notes: This episode is packed with strategic discussions, player evaluations, and interactive segments designed to enhance listeners' fantasy football experience. By engaging with the mid-season elections and "Pump the Brakes" advice, Fantasy Footballers provide valuable insights to help listeners make informed decisions for the remainder of the season.