Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Keep/Trade/Cut + Kristen Michael Interview
Release Date: September 28, 2016

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into fantasy football strategies, player insights, and a special interview with Kristen Michael from the Seattle Seahawks. The episode skillfully balances expert analysis with entertaining banter, ensuring listeners gain valuable information to enhance their fantasy football performance.

News and Updates

The hosts kick off the episode with the latest news affecting various NFL players:

• Joyce Bell Returns to the Bears
  [08:05] Mike discusses the Bears signing Joyk Bell, interpreting it as a strategy to address Jeremy Langford's long-term injury:

  "This is obviously a concession speech to the long-term injury to Jeremy Langford."

• Kadeem Carey’s Injury Concerns
  [08:22] The conversation centers on Kadeem Carey’s potential absence and its impact on team strategies and fantasy decisions.

• Tyler Ifert’s Week 4 Status
  [09:53] Conflicting reports suggest Ifert may miss the upcoming game, prompting the hosts to reassess his fantasy value:

  "He's putting up consistent stat lines this year."

• Sammy Watkins' Foot Injury
  [10:05] Mike reports that Watkins will attempt to test his injured foot, influencing his availability for the next game.

• Le'Veon Bell’s Return
  [10:14] The anticipation around Le'Veon Bell's return from suspension is discussed, with expectations for increased workload:

  "I'm expecting to have to see Alex Smith throw the ball because I don't think they're going to be able to stick with what we see on that offense."

• Kenneth Dixon’s Potential Activation
  [15:44] Latest updates indicate Dixon may return to practice, raising hopes for his role in Baltimore's offense:

  "We've talked about this for weeks. If Dixon is available, I'm stashing him."

Keep/Trade/Cut Segment

The Keep/Trade/Cut segment provides critical advice on managing fantasy rosters:

• Falcons Running Backs: DeAndre Coleman and Devonta Freeman
  [17:10] Jason advocates trading Freeman and Coleman due to deteriorating matchups and inconsistent performance:

  "If I have them on my roster, I am trying to trade them this week without a shadow of a doubt."

• Des Bryant Trade Potential
  [18:17] Discussions on the variable performance of DEZ Bryant, with Jason suggesting trading him for long-term gains despite current inconsistencies:

  "If you can get him cheap and stash him, I think..."

• Derek Henry vs. Jordan Howard
  [26:55] A heated debate on whether to keep Derek Henry or pivot to Jordan Howard, with Jason prioritizing Henry’s proven performance:

  "There is no chance if you cut Derek Henry."

• Alshon Jeffrey’s Injury Management
  [31:30] The trio weighs the risks of keeping Alshon Jeffrey amidst injury concerns, ultimately leaning towards retention for his high upside:

  "His upside is there, and he's not going to crush you... he's not going to just murder your team."

Special Interview: Kristen Michael

A standout feature of this episode is the interview with Kristen Michael, a running back for the Seattle Seahawks. Kristen shares his unconventional journey back to the Seahawks and his recent on-field success.

• Personal Journey and Awakening
  [35:00] Kristen reflects on his time with the Cowboys and Washington, emphasizing personal growth and self-discipline:

  "It was a humbling experience... doing things right, making myself accountable."

• Training Camp Transformation
  [37:34] Discussing his "awakening" noted by the offensive coordinator, Kristen highlights his commitment to teamwork and continual learning:

  "It was an awakening just from the standpoint of me actually doing it, putting those things together."

• Game-Day Performance Against the 49ers
  [42:17] Kristen recounts his pivotal 40+ yard touchdown run, detailing the teamwork and preparation that made it possible:

  "The receiver did an outstanding job blocking downfield... I just finished it off."

• Future Prospects and Team Dynamics
  [40:57] Kristen addresses the potential return of teammate Thomas Rawls and their combined offensive impact:

  "With both of us back there, it's just... even more trouble on the defense."

The hosts express admiration for Kristen's resilience and determination, highlighting his potential impact on fantasy football lineups.

Mailbag Questions

Listeners' questions add depth to the episode, covering a range of fantasy football dilemmas:

• Trading High-Value Players
  [51:47] Kevin from Texas asks about trading Tom Brady, Brandon Marshall, and Dan Bailey for Carlos Hyde, Emmanuel Sanders, and DeVante Delaney. The hosts evaluate the trade's feasibility, emphasizing positional needs and player performance.

• Flex Play Decisions
  [59:29] Alex from Portland seeks advice on choosing between Terrell Pryor and Jordan Howard for his flex spot. The hosts discuss potential upside and team dynamics, ultimately leaning towards Jordan Howard for consistency.

• Doug Martin’s Role and Injury Risk
  [54:35] Kevin in Texas inquires about Doug Martin's return and competition with Charles Sims. The consensus is to prioritize Martin due to his proven track record, albeit with caution regarding injury risks.

Thursday Night Game Preview

The hosts provide an analytical preview of the upcoming Thursday night matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals:

• Running Back Strategies
  [47:57] Jason advises placing Dolphins' running backs low on the priority list due to Miami’s weak run defense, recommending focus on more promising options like Jeremy Hill:

  "I'm going to go with Jeremy Hill."

• Player Performance Insights
  [49:40] Analysis of Jarvis Landry’s matchup against the Seahawks is provided, suggesting Landry’s high-volume potential makes him a favorable start:

  "He was seven for for 60. Not that great. But if you've got any kind of PPR, he's gonna be fine."

• Additional Player Recommendations
  [48:34] Andy highlights AJ Green as a key player to watch for the Dolphins, emphasizing his role in a potentially explosive offense.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their commitment to providing comprehensive fantasy football coverage, from player evaluations to strategic trading advice. They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast through social media and their website for exclusive content and community interaction.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore on Commissioners:
  [04:06]

  "We have our Foot Clan mailbag. We've got a Thursday night preview."

• Mike Wright on League Issues:
  [04:38]

  "Foot clan, if not that you're listening, Will."

• Kristen Michael on Personal Growth:
  [35:33]

  "I feel like it was time for me to just change... start doing things right."

• Kristen Michael on Trust and Teamwork:
  [39:54]

  "It's all about us, man. It's not just me."

Key Takeaways

1. Player Updates: Stay informed on injuries and roster changes to make timely fantasy adjustments.
2. Trade Strategies: Prioritize trading underperforming or high-risk players for reliable or high-upside talents.
3. Interview Insights: Kristen Michael’s journey underscores the importance of resilience and teamwork in professional sports.
4. Mailbag Wisdom: Listener questions highlight common fantasy dilemmas, offering practical solutions from seasoned experts.
5. Game Previews: Detailed analyses of upcoming matchups help in making informed lineup decisions.

For more insights and to join the Fantasy Footballers community, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @theFFBallers.