Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Free Agency Preview, News & Notes
Release Date: March 8, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction and Studio Upgrades (00:00 - 02:18)

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, announcing upgrades to their podcast studio, including enhanced technology and a fresh new set. They proudly display an autographed David Johnson jersey acquired through pristineauction.com, highlighting Mike's growing passion for sports memorabilia.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright (00:36): "If you're not watching this, what's wrong with you? Go to YouTube and subscribe..."

Free Agency Preview Overview (02:18 - 05:45)

The trio dives into the main topic: the upcoming NFL free agency period. They emphasize the importance of staying informed about free agent signings to gain a competitive edge in fantasy leagues. Mike notes, "The tampering period is open, so people can start talking to teams right now legally, but they won't be able to sign until Wednesday."

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright (02:40): "The NFL is back. 2016 is here."

Peyton Manning’s Retirement (05:45 - 08:49)

The conversation shifts to Peyton Manning's retirement announcement. The hosts reflect on his illustrious career, with Andy sharing personal anecdotes about having Manning in his fantasy lineup during championship seasons. They express mixed emotions about his departure from the NFL.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (05:55): "That is exactly what has finally happened."
• Andy Holloway (06:25): "He is one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks that's ever played the game."

News and Notes (08:49 - 17:42)

The hosts discuss recent NFL news, including:

• RG3 (Robert Griffin III): Officially cut from the Washington Redskins, leaving his quarterback future uncertain.
• Victor Cruz: Potentially taking a pay cut or being released by the New York Giants due to inconsistent performance.
• Darius Hayward: Confirmed to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, though his fantasy relevance remains low.

They also promote pristineauction.com, praising its authentic and affordable sports memorabilia offerings.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (08:17): "He just said he can handle the load. So you got to go. Lamar Miller."
• Mike Wright (09:03): "He's just the most fantasy irrelevant example that you can get."

Free Agency Running Backs Discussion (17:42 - 27:12)

The hosts analyze the free agent running back market, focusing on key players:

• Doug Martin: Highlighted as a top free agent due to his impressive performance and the likelihood of commanding a significant salary. Andy predicts he might land with Oakland or Washington.

  Notable Quote:

  • Andy Holloway (05:07): "Doug Martin is going to get paid. And when you're paid that kind of money, you have the opportunity to walk into a situation where you're going to be the bell cow."

• Lamar Miller: Seen as potentially the best free agent RB, especially if he signs for a lower contract than Martin. The discussion covers possible landing spots, including Dallas, Houston, and Indianapolis, emphasizing his versatility and workload potential.

• Matt Forte: At 30 years old, Forte is acknowledged for his adaptability and potential impact as a RB1 in a strong defensive team like Denver.

• Arian Foster: Despite his injury history, Mike and Jason are skeptical about Foster securing a big role due to his Achilles injury and age.

• Chris Ivory and Alfred Morris: Viewed as solid, albeit not spectacular, options for teams needing reliable RBs in specific roles.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (03:21): "The guy I would be most excited for has publicly stated he wants touches. Lamar Miller."
• Andy Holloway (27:12): "It's very rare for running backs signed in free agency to exceed expectations."

Wide Receivers Free Agency Insights (27:12 - 38:50)

The discussion transitions to wide receivers entering free agency. Key points include:

• Marvin Jones: Recognized for his red zone prowess and size, making him a desirable target for teams needing reliable pass-catchers.

  Notable Quote:

  • Andy Holloway (32:19): "Marvin Jones is going to get paid because he's shown he can be a red zone monster at times."

• Travis Benjamin: Critiqued Cleveland for not retaining Benjamin despite his versatility and potential impact in the offense.

• Ruben Randall: Praised for his high catch rate and size, though his inconsistency is a concern.

• Jermaine Kearse: Highlighted as a dependable option if secured by a team with a good quarterback like Russell Wilson in Seattle.

• Other Notable Mentions: Players like Rashard Matthews and veterans like Roddy White are discussed, with a focus on fitting into team schemes and potential fantasy impact.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (29:15): "Ruben Randall is so young. You gotta take the shot."
• Mike Wright (29:56): "The Chargers could really use some help opposite of Keenan Allen."

Quarterback Free Agency and Its Impact (38:50 - 46:27)

The hosts explore the quarterback free agent landscape, focusing on:

• Ryan Fitzpatrick: The New York Jets' QB situation is uncertain, with Fitzpatrick and the team being at odds over contract negotiations. The potential signing implications for key receivers like Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are discussed.

  Notable Quote:

  • Andy Holloway (40:35): "He's holding out for something along those lines. I would want to be paid more than Bradford just got."

• Robert Griffin III (RG3): Speculated about landing with the Houston Texans, balancing his past performance with injury concerns. The potential synergy with Calvin Hopkins is considered.

• General QB Market: Emphasized the difficulties quarterbacks face in free agency compared to other positions due to system fit and team needs.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (40:35): "Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer. But when a guy combined with your team and your defense brings you within an eyelash of making the playoffs..."
• Mike Wright (44:19): "I think he's going to pretty much go out and test the market."

Tight Ends Free Agency Rundown (46:27 - 48:15)

The conversation shifts to tight ends, a position often overlooked in free agency discussions. Key points include:

• Jared Cook and Antonio Gates: Noted as fantasy legends, yet their future remains uncertain as Gates ages and Cook's demand fluctuates.

  Notable Quote:

  • Andy Holloway (46:48): "Jared Cook has come and gone on the hype train over the years."

• Jermaine Gresham: At 27, his best years may be behind him, making his free agency status less exciting for fantasy owners.

• Ben Watson, Kobe Fleener, and Ladarius Green: Discussed as potential replacements or hidden gems, depending on team needs and system fits.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (48:04): "Ladarius Green is finally sleeperless."
• Andy Holloway (47:58): "If Antonio Gates is gone and they bring back Ladarius Green, that's very interesting."

Final Predictions and Closing Remarks (48:15 - 51:11)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts make their final predictions on key free agent signings:

• Doug Martin: Predicted to land with Oakland or Houston.
• Marvin Jones: Anticipated to secure a role where his red zone skills are valued.

They reiterate the importance of staying engaged with their community at jointhefoot.com and encourage listeners to join for additional insights and interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (50:29): "You've got Oakland. I'm going to throw Washington out there. They like to spend money."
• Mike Wright (50:54): "If you are a fantasy fan or a fan of anybody, go to pristineauction.com."

Key Takeaways

1. Running Back Free Agency: Lamar Miller and Doug Martin are the top free agents, each with unique value propositions. Investors in fantasy should monitor their landing spots and projected workloads.

2. Wide Receiver Opportunities: Marvin Jones stands out as a valuable acquisition, especially for teams needing a strong red zone threat. Ruben Randall offers potential but comes with inconsistency.

3. Quarterback Market: Ryan Fitzpatrick's uncertain future with the Jets could significantly impact fantasy players reliant on his top receivers. RG3's potential move to Houston presents a mixed bag of opportunities and risks.

4. Tight Ends: Limited high-impact free agent options, but Ladarius Green could emerge as a sleeper pick if landed by the right team.

5. Memorabilia Promotion: The hosts enthusiastically endorse pristineauction.com for authentic and affordable sports memorabilia, reflecting Mike's personal interest and the show's community ties.

Stay Connected:
Join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com for exclusive content and interactions. Follow them on Twitter @theffballers and subscribe on YouTube for additional show content.