Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast (2016 Episode)

Episode Title: Free Agent Preview, Super Bowl Recap, Mailbag
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Super Bowl Recap

Quarterback Performances:

The hosts begin by reflecting on the Super Bowl, particularly focusing on quarterback performances. Andy Holloway emphasizes the comparison of Peyton Manning’s stats to legendary quarterbacks:

Andy Holloway (03:11): "I tweeted yesterday after the super bowl that all of you QB shamers out there that want to tear down old man Manning, Peyton Manning, don't do it is what I say."

Jason Moore adds a historical perspective by comparing Manning’s performance to John Elway's in the 1998 Super Bowl:

Jason Moore (03:37): "John Elway, when he won the Super bowl in 1998, he was 12 of 22 for 123, 0 touchdowns, and one interception, which is almost identical to Peyton Manning's winning the super bowl yesterday."

Broncos’ Defensive Dominance:

Von Miller and the Broncos' defense receive high praise for their exceptional performance:

Andy Holloway (04:12): "That was a very strong reaction. That was like Cam walking out of the media day."
Jason Moore (04:33): "The Broncos pass rush was legendary. I thought it was one of the best pass rushes of all time."

The defense's ability to limit opposing quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady, and Cam Newton is highlighted as a key factor in their Super Bowl victory.

Controversial Moments:

A pivotal moment discussed is the controversial catch by Cam Newton:

Andy Holloway (06:30): "When I saw the replay and part of the tip of the ball hit the ground even though he had possession when he rolled over, I thought it was a catch."
Mike Wright (07:06): "I thought it was undoubtedly a catch."

This turnover, where Von Miller stripped the ball from Newton leading to a Broncos touchdown, is seen as a game-changing play.

Marshawn Lynch’s Retirement:

Marshawn Lynch’s unexpected retirement announcement during the Super Bowl garners significant attention:

Andy Holloway (09:36): "We just talk about all the things that you don't associate with. I need to be the lead dog someplace."
Mike Wright (10:26): "If you're that guy where you feel like you've been disrespected and misused for multiple years, you're just going to say, I'm getting out of here."

Lynch's departure is described as another chapter in his unique career, leaving fans contemplating his legacy and impact.

2. Free Agent Preview

The primary focus of the episode is a comprehensive preview of the free agent market, analyzing key quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.

A. Quarterbacks

Sam Bradford (Philadelphia Eagles):

Sam Bradford’s status as a free agent is a major discussion point. The hosts evaluate his accuracy and injury history:

Jason Moore (19:01): "Sam Bradford is the cream of the crop when it comes to free agent quarterbacks."
Andy Holloway (19:18): "Give me Kirk, give me upside. Give me not five years of what I've seen before. Bradford is well worth a paycheck."

The consensus leans towards Bradford re-signing with the Eagles, given his talent and the team's need for a reliable QB.

Kirk Cousins (Washington Redskins):

Kirk Cousins is another quarterback under scrutiny. While Jason Moore acknowledges Cousins' accuracy, he expresses reservations about his consistency:

Jason Moore (22:19): "I do not Agree that Kirk Cousins is going to be a very good option outside of Washington."

Andy Holloway remains optimistic about Cousins staying in Washington, highlighting his potential if surrounded by the right offensive pieces.

Brock Osweiler (Denver Broncos):

The uncertainty surrounding Brock Osweiler’s future, especially with Peyton Manning nearing retirement, is discussed:

Jason Moore (25:28): "Osweiler, of anybody we've talked about, is by far the most interesting situation."
Andy Holloway (25:45): "I think his best career path is to stay and enjoy Von Miller."

The hosts speculate that Osweiler might remain with the Broncos to continue supporting their dominant defense.

B. Running Backs

Matt Forte (Chicago Bears):

Matt Forte's free agency status is debated, with Jason Moore expressing surprise over Forte's potential move:

Jason Moore (28:19): "He's the biggest name in the whole free agent kit and caboodle."
Andy Holloway (29:32): "It’s more often than not when these guys leave in these situations at this age, it’s not like you see an uptick."

Andy cautions against expecting Forte to significantly boost his fantasy value if he moves, while Jason remains hopeful about Forte's potential impact, even considering a stint with the Patriots.

Doug Martin (Buffalo Bills):

Doug Martin’s potential re-signing with the Bills is analyzed, focusing on his performance and the team's willingness to invest:

Jason Moore (33:45): "He was drafted to be this and he looked it. And so I lean more towards this being him as well."
Andy Holloway (35:28): "We’re just a couple features Costco want to resume. But I like it."

The uncertainty revolves around whether the Bills will offer Martin a lucrative contract or seek alternatives.

Lamar Miller (Miami Dolphins):

Lamar Miller is identified as the premier free agent running back, with Jason Moore highlighting his talent and age as key factors:

Jason Moore (35:36): "I think he is going to be the, the premier free agent running back this offseason."
Andy Holloway (37:07): "He said the number one thing he's looking for in free agency is the fit."

Miller’s desire for a fitting offensive scheme makes his destination intriguing for fantasy managers.

Other Running Backs:

The episode also touches on other RBs like Chris Ivory, Bled Powell, Ronnie Hillman, and others, discussing their potential impact and fit with prospective teams.

C. Wide Receivers

Alshon Jeffery (Chicago Bears):

Alshon Jeffery is expected to re-sign with the Bears, maintaining his status as a top receiver:

Jason Moore (43:30): "He’s staying. I think he’s going to stay."

The hosts discuss Jeffery’s health and chemistry with the quarterback as critical for his continued production.

Marvin Jones (Cincinnati Bengals):

Marvin Jones is highlighted as a highly talented receiver seeking a new team to fulfill his potential:

Jason Moore (49:17): "He is incredibly talented and his ceiling is super high."
Andy Holloway (49:46): "Marvin Jones says he hasn't even come close to scratching the tip of his potential."

The likelihood of Jones moving to a team like the Giants is considered, especially if the Raiders release Reuben Randall.

Travis Benjamin (Cleveland Browns):

Travis Benjamin’s emergence as a potential 1B (top-tier) receiver in Cleveland is discussed, emphasizing his yards and touchdowns:

Andy Holloway (46:26): "Ronnie Hillman… he was a dominant player for the Broncos."
Jason Moore (45:10): "Burn it down."

Reuben Randall (New York Giants):

Reuben Randall’s possible move to another team is considered, with Mike Wright expressing frustration but acknowledging it might be beneficial for Randall's performance.

D. Tight Ends

Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers):

Antonio Gates is expected to re-sign with the Chargers despite his age, while Ladarius Green is seen as a promising young tight end:

Jason Moore (54:10): "Ladarius Green can block as well, I think."
Andy Holloway (56:32): "Gregg's gate… let's monitor Marvin Jones."

Andy and Jason debate the future of Gates, emphasizing his value versus Green’s potential.

Ladarius Green (San Diego Chargers):

Ladarius Green is viewed as an athletic tight end who could be a significant addition for teams like the Colts or Packers, depending on his fit.

Jason Moore (55:48): "Ladarius Green can block as well, I think."
Andy Holloway (56:45): "Do you think Gates would even play if San Diego says, 'We're going to move on Antonio'?"

3. Mailbag

Listener Questions:

The episode concludes with a mailbag segment where listeners’ questions are addressed. One notable question from Jimmy in Boston involves decisions in a keeper league with unique rules allowing players to be kept two positions ahead of their draft rounds.

Keeper League Strategies:

Andy Holloway (64:28): "Would you keep David Johnson for a 13th or Rawls for the 14th."
Jason Moore (65:03): "I would keeping David Johnson and Thomas Rawls are your keepers."

The hosts provide strategic advice, emphasizing the importance of retaining young, high-potential players like David Johnson and Thomas Rawls over more established but potentially less impactful options.

4. Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with their content on various platforms, highlighting the continuation of in-depth analysis throughout the off-season.

Mike Wright (69:51): "Go watch some Josh Gordon highlights. He’s really good."
Andy Holloway (70:07): "Goodbye, everybody."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Andy Holloway (03:11): "All of you QB shamers out there that want to tear down old man Manning, Peyton Manning, don't do it."
• Jason Moore (03:37): "John Elway was almost identical to Peyton Manning's winning the super bowl yesterday."
• Jason Moore (19:01): "Sam Bradford is the cream of the crop when it comes to free agent quarterbacks."
• Jason Moore (35:36): "Lamar Miller is going to be the premier free agent running back this offseason."
• Jason Moore (43:30): "Alshon Jeffery is staying. I think he's going to stay."

This episode provides a thorough analysis of the post-Super Bowl landscape, focusing on player performances and the upcoming free agency market. The Fantasy Footballers offer strategic insights for fantasy managers, discussing potential player movements and their implications for fantasy leagues.