Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Free Agent FRENZY! + News & Mailbag Release Date: March 10, 2016
Introduction
In this high-energy episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the whirlwind of NFL free agency. Released on March 10, 2016, the episode titled "Free Agent FRENZY! + News & Mailbag" offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of recent free agent signings, their implications for fantasy football, and answers to listener-submitted questions.
Free Agent Signings Overview
The hosts kick off by expressing their excitement over the flurry of free agent activities, emphasizing how these signings could significantly impact fantasy football teams.
Andy Holloway [00:38]:
"This is the time of year in which no matter when you record your show, you will always feel like you are behind on the news... we do have tons of commentary on all the free agent signings that we're bringing you live today."
Jason Moore [01:48]:
"This week has just been incredible. I mean, the news flowing out has been like... I felt like a crack addict, because I did. I was like one in the morning and I couldn't go to sleep because I had to keep pulling my thumb down on my phone just to see more."
Key Free Agent Signings and Player Analysis
DeMarco Murray to the Tennessee Titans
One of the most discussed signings is DeMarco Murray's move to the Titans. The hosts analyze Murray's potential role and fantasy value.
Jason Moore [10:52]:
"He's going to be a very good fantasy running back. I don't think he is going to average a huge yards per carry... but to me, he will be what LeSean McCoy was last year when he was playing, which was really serviceable."
Andy Holloway [13:09]:
"What I like about it is the read option capabilities of Mariota with DeMarco. It helps Mariota a lot."
Mike Wright [12:41]:
"He misused him horrifically trying to get him to go laterally in Philadelphia. That's not his game. His game is straight through the tackles... I like him. He's probably a late second, early third-round pick would be my guess right now."
Lamar Miller and Doug Martin
The discussion shifts to other notable running backs like Lamar Miller and Doug Martin.
Jason Moore [15:10]:
"He's gonna roll into the Arian Foster role. No, no, no. That's ridiculous. Lamar Miller is going to be an RB1 this coming season."
Andy Holloway [33:20]:
"Doug Martin, without question. Doug Martin is... he might creep into my top five."
Mike Wright [33:20]:
"He's a tremendous blocker. On top of that, he is an elite-level athlete. I would take Doug Martin, top ten for sure."
Chris Ivory to the Jacksonville Jaguars
Chris Ivory's signing with the Jaguars sparks mixed feelings among the hosts, particularly regarding its impact on existing players like TJ Yeldon.
Andy Holloway [22:58]:
"His overall signing is great for the Jaguars as a football team, but for fantasy, it kind of stinks."
Mike Wright [22:58]:
"If you're talking any kind of points for catching, I'm still going Yeldin. I'm not jumping completely off the Yeldin ship."
Jason Moore [24:29]:
"This is a great signing for the NFL perspective, but from fantasy, it makes people sad for both Chris Ivory and TJ Yeldon."
Travis Benjamin to the San Diego Chargers
Travis Benjamin's move to the Chargers is discussed as a positive for the team's offense and a potential boon for fantasy players.
Mike Wright [26:10]:
"Philip Rivers is going to be a tremendous value in the draft that won't leave."
Andy Holloway [28:36]:
"Travis Benjamin was a valuable fantasy player during stretches last year."
Jason Moore [29:01]:
"He's Malcolm Floyd plus. Better options out there."
Other Notable Signings
The hosts also touch upon other free agent movements, including:
- Marvin Jones to the Detroit Lions: Analyzing the replacement for Calvin Johnson.
- Ben Watson to Baltimore: Discussing the Ravens' tight end strategies.
- Ladarius Green to the Pittsburgh Steelers: Highlighting the improvement in the Steelers' offense.
Andy Holloway [29:30]:
"The beneficiary of Calvin Johnson leaving is neither of those guys. It is Eric Ebron... I really believe in Eric Ebron."
Jason Moore [29:30]:
"I'm fatigued of Eric Ebron because Ebron has been a guy with a lot of questions."
Mike Wright [45:56]:
"Ladarius Green is a monster of a man. He is a tremendous blocker and an elite-level athlete."
News Highlights
Beyond free agent signings, the hosts share significant NFL news:
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Calvin Johnson's Retirement: The legendary wide receiver officially retires at 30, sparking discussions on his impact.
Andy Holloway [09:03]:
"The best athlete at wide receiver that has ever played the game."
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Mike Wallace Released: Discussion on Mike Wallace being cut and potential interest from the Ravens.
Andy Holloway [09:43]:
"Mike Wallace has been cut. We all saw the writing on the wall there."
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Patriots' Receiver Rumors: Speculation around Chris Hogan visiting the Patriots amidst their wide receiver acquisition struggles.
Mike Wright [10:09]:
"Hogan has had his moments... we need to find out."
Listener Mailbag
The episode features a segment where the hosts answer listener-submitted questions regarding fantasy team decisions.
Keeper League Decisions
Listeners seek advice on keeper selections, balancing current performance with future potential.
Question from Garrett [47:17]:
"Keeper league... Five options: Mari Cooper in the sixth or Devonta Freeman in the eighth."
Jason Moore [47:50]:
"I would go Devonta Freeman here... I would take the chance."
Mike Wright [48:31]:
"I agree with Jason. Ingram and Freeman are solid choices over Mari Cooper at this point."
Tennessee Keeper Dilemma
Another listener from Tennessee asks about keeping certain players in a dynasty format.
Question from Peter [54:04]:
"Keeper deadline with options: Bell for first, Gronk for second, Green for fourth."
Jason Moore [53:20]:
"I would take Gronk in the second because he is a true, absolute game changer."
Mike Wright [53:33]:
"I would go with A.J. Green in the fourth round... give me Green."
Andy Holloway [54:31]:
"I would choose Ingram and Freeman."
Tight End Draft Strategy
A listener in Chicago inquires about tight end draft strategies given limited top-tier options.
Question from Chris [54:57]:
"Not many top tight ends this year. Looking for good late-round options."
Jason Moore [55:06]:
"Greg Olson in the fourth... Fleen or late rounds for others."
Mike Wright [55:22]:
"I am going to take Jordan Reed in the fourth range... but with the arrival of Kobe Fleener, maybe rethink."
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to stay engaged through their website and social media channels, promising more free agent discussions and future insights.
Andy Holloway [56:46]:
"If we didn't get to your question, we are pushing those questions to the next show... tons of new free agent news."
Jason Moore [57:02]:
"Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter at theffballers."
Mike Wright [57:10]:
"Make sure you jump on that and don’t forget to show up to the show on YouTube as well."
Key Takeaways
- DeMarco Murray's Move: Expected to be a solid RB2 in fantasy leagues with high usage but not necessarily a top-five performer.
- Lamar Miller vs. Doug Martin: Both are valuable, with Martin showing potential to ascend into the top tiers of running backs.
- Chris Ivory's Impact: His signing with the Jaguars benefits the team but poses challenges for existing fantasy players like TJ Yeldon.
- Travis Benjamin to Chargers: Enhances the Chargers' offense and offers depth at the wide receiver position.
- Strategic Keeper Decisions: Emphasis on balancing current performance with future potential in dynasty and keeper leagues.
- Tight End Drafting: With limited top-tier options, focus on securing dependable players like Jordan Reed or Greg Olson in mid-rounds.
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides listeners with actionable insights into the 2016 NFL free agency landscape, helping them make informed decisions to bolster their fantasy football rosters.