Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Getting Ready for Week 1, Breaking News
Release Date: September 5, 2016

1. Introduction and Draft Day Anecdote

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter as the hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, navigate the excitement and nerves of draft day. Andy humorously shares his late-night antics, mentioning, “I messaged you guys at three in the morning with a dancing robot” (01:37), setting a playful tone for the show. The camaraderie among the hosts is palpable as they joke about league championships and the mishap of Jason’s championship belt being stolen.

2. Listener’s Question: Preventing Abuse of the Trade Veto System

A pivotal segment addresses a listener’s concern from Twitter @falkpace99 regarding the abuse of the trade veto system in fantasy leagues. The listener asks:

"What is a way to stop people from abusing the veto system on trades? Last year, my league abused it, and that made most trades impossible." (03:11)

Jason Moore emphasizes the original purpose of the veto system:
"The veto is for collusion. The veto is to stop you guys from going together behind your back and trying to win a championship through unfair trades." (04:45)

Andy Holloway adds:
"If you use the veto as a fairness method, that's not the way it should be used because these trades will surprise you so often... let people make their mistakes, let them manage their teams." (05:25)

The hosts collectively advocate for a balanced approach, using the veto solely to prevent collusion and not as a punitive measure against all trades.

3. NFL News and Fantasy Implications

a. Sam Bradford Trade to the Vikings

A significant trade heads to the news segment: the Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Vikings for a 2017 first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick. Andy Holloway remarks,
"He’s the most interesting man in the world... Minnesota acquired Sam Bradford from the Eagles in exchange for a 2017 first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick. This is an amazing trade for the Eagles." (08:37)

Jason Moore highlights the fantasy benefits:
"Sam Bradford knows how to play in the NFL, knows those things, but can still rely on a tight end like Kyle Rudolph." (11:36)

b. Teddy Bridgewater’s Injury

Mike Wright discusses Teddy Bridgewater's uncertain recovery:
"What if Teddy Bridgewater never really comes back... Minnesota had to make a move. If you have a chance to win, you take it." (09:24)

c. Impact on Eagles’ Offense and QBs like Ryan Matthews

With Carson Wentz named the starter, the Eagles' offense dynamics shift. Mike Wright notes:
"Ryan Matthews will still be able to get it done... Lane Johnson might play week one, which is a big deal for the running game." (12:45)

This change affects key players like Devonte Booker and poses questions for fantasy managers regarding receiver depth and reliability.

d. Justin Forsett’s Roster Moves and Fantasy Impacts

A dramatic moment unfolds as Justin Forsett is cut and then quickly re-signed by the Ravens. Jason Moore states,
"Justin Forsett's not a guy that's going to be great at the end of the year, but I do think he gets off to a great start." (15:51)

The uncertainty sparks debate among the hosts about Forsett’s fantasy value versus emerging players like Terrence West and Buck Allen.

e. Other Player Updates: Matt Jones, Thomas Rawls, Dennis Pitta, etc.

• Matt Jones returns to practice, prompting discussions on whether to keep backup running backs like Rob Kelly.
• Thomas Rawls is highlighted as a promising starter for the Seahawks, with Jason Moore asserting,
  "He led all running backs last year in yards per carry... he’s really good." (20:29)
• Dennis Pitta is cleared for Week 1, raising hopes but also concerns about his injury history.
  Andy Holloway cautions,
  "You don’t want to see him get hurt again, that's for sure." (31:38)

4. Rising Stars of the Week

The hosts introduce their "Raising Canes Rising Stars of the Week," spotlighting emerging players poised to make an impact in Week 1.

• Mike Wright selects Virgil Green as his rising star, praising his athleticism and involvement in the Broncos' offense.
  "Virgil Green is the guy that Kubiak says, hey, Virgil Green, you're my man." (34:09)

• Jason Moore highlights Jeremy Langford for his preseason performance and potential role with the Bears.
  "Jeremy Langford looks good and it's funny because... he's going to be a good replacement." (35:03)

• Andy Holloway chooses Kenneth Dixon despite his injury, seeing him as a future asset once he returns.
  "I think Kenneth Dixon is the long play and he's the rising star based on how I think things are going to shake out there." (36:46)

5. Mailbag Questions

Listeners send in their fantasy dilemmas, and the hosts provide strategic advice:

• Dylan in Philadelphia asks whether to drop Paul Perkins for handcuffs like Christian Michael or Reggie Bush.

  Jason Moore responds,
  "If you’ve got some empty, crappy players on your bench, yes, pick up handcuffs like Christian Michael." (39:24)

• Peter in Tokyo, Japan inquires about handling multiple quarterbacks and deciding whom to drop.

  Jason Moore advises,
  "Personally, I’m fine rolling one quarterback. Hold onto Matt Ryan and drop Derek Carr." (41:03)

• Jason D. in Turner, Oregon questions whether to start Matt Ryan against Julio Jones or switch to Ryan Fitzpatrick.

  Jason Moore suggests,
  "I would drop Matt Ryan and see if you could pick up a Stafford or Aaron Rodgers." (42:38)

6. Conclusion and Sponsor Mentions

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to sponsors:

• SleeperBot: A free app for fantasy managers offering real-time alerts and advanced statistics. Users can download it on iOS or Android and use the promo code Foot Clan for premium content credits (23:01).

• Thursday Boot Company: Recommended for durable, stylish boots built with premium materials. Visit thursdayboots.comfootballers for selections (23:21).

The hosts encourage listeners to join their fantasy community at Fantasyfootballers.com, engage on social media, and participate in giveaways. They wrap up the show with a humorous exchange about Jason defending his title and a reminder to check out their sponsors.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore on trade veto purpose:
  "The veto is to stop you guys from going together behind your back and trying to win a championship through unfair trades." (04:45)

• Andy Holloway on Tyler Thompson's trade:
  "I feel like Kyle Rudolph each year has one different reason for us to think he will be good." (11:36)

• Mike Wright on Virgil Green:
  "Virgil Green is the guy that Kubiak says, hey, Virgil Green, you're my man." (34:09)

This episode provides valuable insights into preparing for Week 1, addressing league management concerns, and evaluating player performances and potential breakout stars. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or new to the game, the Fantasy Footballers offer expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of fantasy football effectively.