Fantasy Footballers Podcast - 2016 #FootClan Mailbag Episode Summary

Episode Overview

In the March 3, 2016 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast titled "#FootClan Mailbag Episode: Dynasty, Keeper, Commish Questions," hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright engage with their audience by addressing a variety of listener-submitted questions. The episode focuses on dynasty leagues, keeper strategies, and commissioner responsibilities, offering expert insights to help fantasy managers optimize their teams and league settings. Celebrating Mike Wright's birthday, the trio delivers a blend of strategic advice and lighthearted banter.

1. Commissioner Strategies: Handling Trades in Your League

Listener Question: "If you're running a league, what is the best way to handle trades? Should there be limits on trades, immediate processing versus voting, and the ability to trade draft picks in keeper leagues?"
— Submitted by [Timestamp: 02:48]

Discussion Highlights:

• Tailored Approach:
  Mike Wright [03:38]: "A good commissioner is going to know the lay of the land for his league."
  Wright emphasizes that commissioners should customize trade rules based on their league's specific dynamics. In new leagues without established camaraderie, implementing structures like a 24-hour voting system can build trust among members.

• Trade Limits:
  Mike Wright [04:23]: "I'm not a big fan of limiting trades at all when it comes to like, you can only have five trades this year or something like that."
  He advises against strict trade limits in well-functioning leagues, advocating instead for flexibility to allow timely adjustments based on player performances.

• Trade Deadlines:
  Jason Moore [05:19]: "The right time to have a trade deadline depends on if you are a keeper league or if you're just a full redraft."
  Moore suggests setting trade deadlines around week 10 or 11 in redraft leagues to balance mid-season flexibility with playoff integrity, cautioning against allowing trades during the playoffs to prevent imbalances.

Key Takeaway:
Commissioners should evaluate their league's maturity and interpersonal dynamics to establish trade rules that foster fairness and competitiveness, avoiding rigid limits in established leagues while ensuring mechanisms like trade deadlines are in place to maintain league integrity.

2. Keeper Decisions: Selecting the Optimal Players

Listener Question 1: "Would you rather take a running back like Bell McCoy with a handcuff or take a flyer on a back with potential to become a RB1 or RB2?"
— Submitted by Kai in Dallas [Timestamp: 08:19]

Discussion Highlights:

• Handcuff Strategy:
  Jason Moore [09:37]: "You don't want to just do it super early, like spend a sixth round pick on a handcuff."
  Moore discusses the importance of evaluating the backup's talent level when considering a handcuff, advising against investing early-round picks in backups unless they offer substantial standalone value.

• Balancing Risk and Reward:
  Mike Wright [11:01]: "Then you're not going to go for just handcuffs next. What you're going to go for is the flyer."
  Wright recommends prioritizing players who can offer high upside over those serving merely as safety nets, advocating for a tiered approach to keeper selections.

Listener Question 2: "Which three players should I keep from Alan Robinson, DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green, Mark Ingram, Yelden, and Tom Brady?"
— Submitted by Nick in Williamsburg, Virginia [Timestamp: 12:13]

Discussion Highlights:

• Top Picks Recommendation:
  Jason Moore [12:22]: "Let's evaluate it from that."
  After analyzing, both Moore and Wright agree that DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green, and Mark Ingram should be the preferred keepers due to their consistent performance and reliability.

• Avoiding Overcommitment:
  Mike Wright [13:00]: "I would take Hopkins, Green, Ingram unless you have extensive reasons to keep others."
  They caution against keeping too many high-value players that could disrupt draft strategies in future seasons.

Listener Question 3: "In a standard two RB, two WR, one Flex $200 auction league allowing three keepers per year, should I keep Gurley, Rawls, Langford, or Amari Cooper?"
— Submitted by Eric in Jacksonville, North Carolina [Timestamp: 31:04]

Discussion Highlights:

• Running Backs vs. Wide Receivers:
  Jason Moore [31:36]: "Cooper absolutely belongs in the conversation."
  While acknowledging Cooper's value, Moore leans towards maintaining three solid running backs (Gurley, Rawls, Langford) to ensure depth and stability.

• Value-Based Decisions:
  Mike Wright [31:45]: "I would keep Gurley, Rawls, and Langford."
  Wright concurs, highlighting the importance of securing reliable RBs over potential wide receiver gains.

Key Takeaway:
When selecting keepers, prioritize players who offer both reliability and high performance within their positions. Balance the desire to secure top-tier wide receivers with the necessity of maintaining strong running back depth, especially in competitive league formats.

3. Draft Strategy: Valuing Draft Picks and Positions

Listener Question: "When trading picks, how do you personally value them? Would you prefer several extra picks in the middle rounds or invest heavily in having three picks in the first two rounds?"
— Submitted by Keaton in North Carolina [Timestamp: 19:03]

Discussion Highlights:

• Top-Heavy vs. Balanced Picks:
  Andy Holloway [20:19]: "I prefer having picks in the top half of the draft."
  Holloway advocates for securing high-value early-round picks to draft elite players, suggesting that mid-round picks often offer comparable value through strategic selections.

• Avoiding Overcommitment:
  Mike Wright [19:25]: "You can overdo it where you have so much top-heavy picks that you're not taking anybody of value..."
  Wright warns that concentrating too many picks in the early rounds can leave a team shallow in later rounds, potentially weakening overall team balance.

• Strategic Flexibility:
  Jason Moore [21:56]: "A heavier research and deeper knowledge of the draft favors you having a bunch of middle-round picks."
  Moore emphasizes the importance of flexibility and deep draft knowledge, suggesting that middle-round picks can be leveraged for strategic advantages based on comprehensive player evaluations.

Key Takeaway:
Striking a balance between securing top-tier early-round picks and maintaining flexibility with middle-round selections is crucial. High-value early picks can anchor a team with elite performers, while well-researched middle-round picks provide depth and potential breakout stars.

4. Player Performance Predictions and Waiver Wire Strategies

Listener Question: "Will Matt Ryan bounce back after his bad year or is he on a downward spiral?"
— Submitted by Michael in Easley, S.C. [Timestamp: 25:10]

Discussion Highlights:

• Matt Ryan’s Trajectory:
  Mike Wright [26:03]: "Matt Ryan will bounce back. I think he'll bounce back."
  Wright assesses Ryan’s consistent passing yardage over previous seasons, attributing last year’s dip in touchdowns to inefficiencies rather than a fundamental decline.

• Streaming Quarterbacks:
  Jason Moore [16:12]: Discusses the strategy of streaming QBs based on matchups and performance trends, suggesting that waiting on quarterbacks allows managers to capitalize on favorable weekly matchups without relying heavily on a single starter.

Key Takeaway:
While Matt Ryan is expected to rebound from a subpar season, incorporating streaming quarterbacks into your strategy can provide greater flexibility and the potential for higher weekly scores, especially in matchups that favor strong quarterback performances.

5. Valuing Players vs. Draft Picks

Listener Question: "Would it make sense to keep Amari Cooper for $27 instead of one of the running backs?"
— Submitted by Jesse in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada [Timestamp: 40:35]

Discussion Highlights:

• Value Assessment:
  Mike Wright [40:50]: "I would take Rawls. That's exactly what I would do."
  Wright evaluates the relative value between keeping a high-performing wide receiver like Amari Cooper versus maintaining strong running backs, ultimately favoring the running backs for their consistent point production.

• Risk Management:
  Andy Holloway [41:05]: "I would say no."
  Holloway advises against overreliance on single-position players when draft picks offer more security and potential for team balance.

Key Takeaway:
When faced with keeper selections, prioritize positions that offer consistent point production and team stability. Wide receivers like Amari Cooper are valuable, but maintaining a strong running back core can be more beneficial for overall team performance.

6. Draft Position Preferences and Market Dynamics

Listener Question: "What's your opinion on draft position? Do you prefer a certain spot or have a strategy based on competition outcomes like March Madness brackets?"
— Submitted by Derek in Seattle [Timestamp: 23:26]

Discussion Highlights:

• Preferred Draft Spots:
  Jason Moore [23:27]: "I dislike being on the corners. I don't want to be first, I don't want to be last."
  Moore expresses a preference for middle draft positions (around picks 6 or 7) to maximize access to top-tier players without facing the run-on picks characteristic of the first and last spots.

• Draft Flexibility:
  Andy Holloway [24:32]: "I'm probably in the 5, 5 range."
  Both Andy and Mike lean towards middle-range draft positions, balancing the opportunity to secure elite players with the ability to adjust based on evolving draft dynamics.

Key Takeaway:
Middle draft positions are often preferred for their balance, providing access to high-tier players while avoiding the volatility and tactical disadvantages of extreme draft spots. Flexibility and adaptability during the draft can further enhance team composition.

7. Player Specific Insights: Jordan Reed and Tyler Iford

Listener Question 1: "What round should Jordan Reed be picked? Is he a top six?"
— Submitted by Matt in Twinsburg, Ohio [Timestamp: 49:15]

Discussion Highlights:

• Jordan Reed’s Value:
  Jason Moore [50:09]: "Jordan Reed belongs probably going to be higher on my board than a lot of other people because I'm willing to take that injury risk for the upside that it represents."
  The hosts agree that despite injury risks, Jordan Reed's potential upside justifies a top-six draft pick in standard leagues, especially in weeks 10 to 16 where his performance can significantly impact fantasy outcomes.

• Injury Risk Management:
  Mike Wright [51:48]: "I would take two quarterbacks, so I'm, I'm going to hesitate quite a bit on going Jordan Reed in the next round, but he's in that consideration for me."
  Wright highlights the importance of balancing high-value picks like Reed with positional depth, ensuring the team remains competitive even if injury concerns arise.

Listener Question 2: "Since the majority of people think Tyler Iford is a higher-tier tight end and are concerned about his TD dependency, how do you assess his value now versus during draft season?"
— Submitted by Nick in Winnipeg [Timestamp: 27:36]

Discussion Highlights:

• Supply and Demand Dynamics:
  Mike Wright [28:35]: "There is just not enough people right now who are caring and riled up for fantasy football... but you come August, you're going to have 10 trading partners."
  Wright explains that Tyler Iford's value is expected to rise as draft season approaches and more managers recognize his potential, increasing demand and thus his draft position.

• Narrative Influence:
  Jason Moore [29:30]: "You should value Iford as a higher-end tight end. Don't sell him for anything less."
  The hosts agree that positive narratives, such as team dynamics and supporting players, can elevate Iford's value, making him a worthwhile pick in later rounds.

Key Takeaway:
Player values fluctuate based on market perceptions and narrative developments. Monitoring these dynamics and understanding how supply and demand impact draft positions can inform more strategic keeper and draft decisions.

8. Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of community engagement, encouraging listeners to submit questions, participate in discussions at jointhefoot.com, and follow them on social media platforms for continuous fantasy football insights. They underscore that the show's content is driven by listener interactions, fostering a collaborative and informed fantasy football environment.

Notable Quote: Andy Holloway [02:48]: "This show exists because of you and your leagues and your teams and your questions."

Conclusion

The #FootClan Mailbag Episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers comprehensive guidance on dynasty league management, keeper selections, and draft strategies. By addressing real-world scenarios and leveraging their collective expertise, the hosts provide actionable advice to enhance both individual team performance and overall league competitiveness. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to dynasty leagues, the insights shared in this episode can help you make informed decisions and elevate your fantasy football experience.