Fantasy Election Special: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016

In the March 22, 2016 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive into a unique "Fantasy Election Special," blending the excitement of fantasy football with the intrigue of a political election. This special episode not only provides comprehensive news updates and listener interactions but also introduces a creative election-themed segment where fantasy football players vie for key "government" positions based on their projected performance for the 2016 season.

1. Introduction to the Fantasy Election Special

The episode kicks off with the hosts reuniting and setting the stage for a fun and informative show. Andy Holloway introduces the concept of the fantasy election, explaining that they will nominate and debate candidates for various fantasy football-related offices. Listeners are encouraged to participate by voting for their preferred candidates on Twitter at @theffballers.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [00:44]: "We're going to each represent a candidate in a number of categories. All these categories are about 2016, the upcoming year. So, in a way, this is some bold predictions that we're making."

2. News and Updates

The hosts delve into recent NFL news, discussing topics such as Josh Gordon's potential reinstatement with the Cleveland Browns and Robert Griffin III's (RG3) likely return to Cleveland. They analyze how these developments impact fantasy football strategies, particularly in quarterback selections and running back performance.

Notable Quotes:

Andy Holloway [08:04]: "The NFL has come out and said there's no requirement on getting back to the Browns about the Josh Gordon reinstatement."

Jason Moore [10:43]: "From a fantasy football perspective, you have to now think that it's not an automatic that he's back."

3. Fantasy Election Candidates

President (MVP of the Year)

The hosts present their top running back candidates vying for the MVP honors in fantasy football:

• Jason Moore: Champions Eddie Lacy for his high touchdown potential and undervalued draft position.

  Quote:

  Jason Moore [19:38]: "How big are his hands? They're big enough to carry many touchdowns for your fantasy team last year."

• Andy Holloway: Supports Todd Gurley as a fresh and reliable option with strong performances under his belt.

  Quote:

  Andy Holloway [21:52]: "All he did with Case Keenum was a powerhouse running back."

• Mike Wright: Advocates for Mark Ingram due to his consistent performance and under-the-radar value.

  Quote:

  Mike Wright [24:20]: "Mark Ingram right now, you will get him at the back of the second round. I can pair them with Mark Ingram."

Vice President (Emerging Elite Player)

Candidates for the vice presidency focus on players expected to elevate their performance:

• Mike Wright: Nominates Amari Cooper for his breakout potential after a promising rookie season hindered by injury.

  Quote:

  Mike Wright [24:54]: "Amari Cooper gets over 700 more yards plus 11 touchdowns."

• Andy Holloway: Proposes Zach Ertz, highlighting his significant improvement and increased target share.

  Quote:

  Andy Holloway [26:04]: "Zach Ertz came on strong last year and he is a viable vice president candidate this year."

• Jason Moore: Supports Mike Evans, emphasizing his connection with quarterback Jameis Winston and expected rapport.

  Quote:

  Jason Moore [28:33]: "Mike Evans is next year's fantasy MVP."

Attorney General (Bounce Back Player of the Year)

This category spotlights players overcoming setbacks to reclaim their form:

• Andy Holloway: Chooses Andrew Luck, believing in his ability to bounce back strongly after dealing with injuries.

  Quote:

  Andy Holloway [31:25]: "Andrew Luck is just too good. He's going to bounce back."

• Jason Moore: Favors Jamal Charles for his exceptional efficiency and potential return to form.

  Quote:

  Jason Moore [32:04]: "Jamal Charles... nobody is more efficient with the ball than Jamal Charles."

• Mike Wright: Advocates for Carlos Hyde, citing his impressive yards per carry against tough defenses.

  Quote:

  Mike Wright [33:32]: "Carlos Hyde is a value pick and a steal in this year's fantasy draft."

Department of the Treasury (Best ADP Value)

Focused on players offering the best value relative to their average draft position (ADP):

• Jason Moore: Endorses Willie Snead for his breakout rookie performance and affordable draft cost.

  Quote:

  Jason Moore [36:24]: "Willie Snead is the clear victor because he gets no respect."

• Mike Wright: Initially supports Willie Snead but also mentions Kamar Akin as a potential value pick.

  Quote:

  Mike Wright [38:36]: "Kamar Akan is the new hotness."

• Andy Holloway: Recommends Jonathan Stewart for his consistent performance and undervalued position.

  Quote:

  Andy Holloway [41:03]: "Jonathan Stewart is a great, great value and that you should elect him today."

Department of Veteran Affairs (Old Man Award)

Honoring veteran players who consistently deliver reliable performances:

• Andy Holloway: Nominates Jason Whitten for his steady contributions and chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo.

  Quote:

  Andy Holloway [42:40]: "Jason Whitten is a tried and true consistent fantasy tight end."

• Jason Moore: Selects Matt Forte, likening him to the dependable Frank Gore.

  Quote:

  Jason Moore [44:04]: "Matt Forte is this year's Frank Gore."

• Mike Wright: Chooses Rashad Jennings for his solid performance despite a challenging season.

  Quote:

  Mike Wright [46:24]: "Rashad Jennings is a starting running back that you can get currently in the eighth round."

4. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Advice

The hosts address several listener inquiries, providing personalized advice on keeper selections and draft strategies:

• Keeper Decisions: BJ from Hudson, Wisconsin seeks advice on selecting two additional keepers from his roster. The hosts recommend prioritizing Jonathan Stewart and Jeremy Lankford for their value and potential.

  Notable Interaction:

  Jason Moore [49:45]: "If this is a two running back three wide receiver league and there's no flex, I would like John Brown in the eighth over."

• Auction League Strategy: A listener asks which two players to retain in a competitive auction league with specific budget constraints. Jason Moore and Andy Holloway provide their strategies, favoring a mix of high-value running backs like Eddie Lacy and Jamal Charles.

  Quote:

  Andy Holloway [53:03]: "Eddie Lacy and Jamal Charles have not had multiple years of elite play."

• Draft Strategy During Position Runs: Miyagi Wax Off inquires about handling draft runs on specific positions. Jason Moore advises focusing on tier-based selections to maximize value rather than succumbing to positional scarcity.

  Quote:

  Jason Moore [53:57]: "Because what happens is if there's a run on a certain position... I like grabbing them then."

• Player "No's": Listeners share their frustrations with certain players they choose to avoid based on past performances. The hosts discuss avoiding underperforming or inconsistent players like Devonta Freeman and Cam Newton to safeguard their teams.

  Quote:

  Andy Holloway [55:35]: "I have Cam Newton on my no no list this year... he cannot pan out."

5. Conclusion and Voting Reminder

As the episode wraps up, the hosts remind listeners to participate in the fantasy election by voting for their favorite candidates on Twitter at @theffballers. They emphasize the importance of these elections in shaping a successful fantasy football season.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [59:02]: "I will build a wall. And I'm going to keep Eddie Lacy out."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast masterfully combines humor, strategic insights, and creative engagement through its election-themed segment. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the Fantasy Election Special offers both entertainment and valuable advice to enhance your fantasy football experience for the 2016 season.

Note: To participate in the fantasy elections and stay updated with the latest advice, follow the Fantasy Footballers on Twitter @theffballers and visit their website thefantasyfootballers.com.