Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2016 - Keep/Trade/Cut + #FootClan Mailbag
Release Date: October 5, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into a comprehensive discussion on key fantasy football strategies, including player evaluations for keeping, trading, or cutting. They also address listener questions in the #FootClan Mailbag segment, providing expert advice to help fantasy managers optimize their teams for the upcoming NFL weeks.

Technical Hiccups and Lighthearted Banter ([00:54] - [03:20])

The episode kicks off with a humorous recount of technical difficulties experienced during a recent show. Andy Holloway jokes about attempting to join the Olympics in shot put by throwing his laptop, leading to Jason Moore accidentally cracking his laptop screen in frustration over an Odell Beckham Jr. situation.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore ([01:41]): "It's just stupidity, just pure non anger. I got up to like, change the temperature of the house and I like, swung the laptop around in my head."

Weekly Highlights and Player News ([05:51] - [11:22])

The hosts transition into the "News and Notes" segment, highlighting significant player updates and injuries. Key discussions include:

• Chris Johnson's Injury: Chris Johnson is placed on IR due to a sports hernia surgery, leading to a debate about his handcuff situation. Jason Moore suggests Andre Ellington as his replacement, while Andy Holloway questions the effectiveness of Ellington in David Johnson's absence.

  Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway ([06:07]): "If David Johnson goes down, I don't think Andre Ellington will do very much."

• Gronkowski's Health: Concerns are raised about Rob Gronkowski's hamstring, with implications for teammates like Martellus Bennett. The consensus is that Bennett becomes a valuable asset if Gronkowski remains sidelined.

  Notable Quote:
  Mike Wright ([07:30]): "If Gronkowski's hurt, Bennett is not just good, he might be great."

• Martellus Bennett's Performance: Mike Wright shares a compelling statistic about Bennett's consistency, noting that since 2008, he has achieved over 100 yards in only four games, highlighting both his potential and volatility.

  Notable Quote:
  Mike Wright ([07:49]): "Since 2008, Martellus Bennett has four games over 100 yards for just four games."

• Des Bryant's Injury Status: The uncertainty surrounding Des Bryant's injury status is discussed, with Mike Wright expressing skepticism about the team's reports.

  Notable Quote:
  Mike Wright ([09:00]): "If DEZ Bryant doesn't play this week, I think they're a bunch of liars."

• Kenneth Dixon's Debut: Anticipation around Kenneth Dixon's expected NFL debut in Week 5, with discussions on his potential role vis-à-vis Terrence West.

  Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway ([10:37]): "He very well might... step into that number two role ahead of Buck Allen."

• Adam Gase's Coaching Decisions: Critique of the Miami Dolphins' running back committee under Coach Adam Gase, emphasizing the inefficiency of a four running back system.

  Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore ([11:05]): "Adam Gase came out and said a four running back committee was actually, quote, some bad coaching by me."

Keep, Trade, Cut Segment ([18:55] - [32:38])

This segment provides actionable advice on which players to keep, trade, or cut based on their performance and potential:

• Wide Receivers:

  • Eddie Royal vs. Golden Tate: Mike Wright advocates for keeping Eddie Royal, while Andy Holloway suggests Golden Tate might be a safe cut if necessary.

    Notable Quote:
    Mike Wright ([19:20]): "I'm willing to take Eddie Royal or Golden Tate."

  • DeAndre Hopkins and Latavius Murray Trade: Larry Clinton considers trading DeAndre Hopkins and Latavius Murray for Amari Cooper and Todd Gurley, but Jason and Mike advise against it, emphasizing the better performance and reliability of Cooper and Gurley.

• Running Backs:

  • Frank Gore: Consensus to keep Frank Gore due to his consistent performance despite concerns about his age.

    Notable Quote:
    Andy Holloway ([20:18]): "Frank Gore never has the respect because of his age, that will garner a good trade value. So I'm almost definitely keeping him."

  • Matt Jones: Debate over trading Matt Jones due to his inconsistent performance. Suggestions include trading him for more reliable players or keeping him if he can be acquired cheaply.

    Notable Quote:
    Jason Moore ([23:05]): "If you can trade Matt Jones for Frank Gore or Matt Jones in a situation where you can get a guy that is more consistent."

• Other Positions:

  • Rob Gronkowski: Strong agreement on keeping Gronkowski due to his high value and potential impact once healthy.

    Notable Quote:
    Mike Wright ([32:36]): "Gotta keep him."

  • Carson Wentz: Andy recommends keeping Carson Wentz and making strategic trades to acquire him.

    Notable Quote:
    Andy Holloway ([32:33]): "Keep him... I actually made a trade offer last night for Carson Wentz."

Thursday Night Preview ([32:38] - [35:34])

The hosts provide a preview of the upcoming Thursday night games, focusing on the clash between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers:

• Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers: Discussion centers around the uncertainty of Carson Palmer's participation, which could drastically influence the game's outcome. Andy emphasizes the importance of Palmer's status, stating that his presence could make key players like Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown less valuable in a low-scoring game.

  Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway ([33:08]): "This game... goes completely dependent upon who the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals is."

• Navarro Bowman's Injury: The tragic update on Navarro Bowling's potential Achilles injury, impacting David Johnson's performance and the overall team dynamics.

  Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore ([34:02]): "Achilles... it's a devastating injury for... he's the best player on the entire team on either side of the ball."

#FootClan Mailbag ([35:38] - [47:11])

Listeners submit questions, and the hosts provide tailored advice:

1. Reuben from Bakersfield: Received a trade offer involving Ty Hilton and Mike Evans for AJ Green. The hosts unanimously recommend accepting the offer, highlighting Hilton and Evans' rising performances.

   Notable Quote:
   Jason Moore ([36:41]): "I would accept it in a heartbeat."

2. Larry from Clinton Township: Offered a trade of DeAndre Hopkins and Latavius Murray for Amari Cooper and Todd Gurley. Mike and Jason advise retaining Cooper and Gurley due to their superior performance and reliability.

3. Doug from Toronto: Asked whether to pick up Doug Martin or drop Kenneth Dixon.

   Notable Quote:
   Andy Holloway ([40:00]): "Yes, yes, yes, yes."

4. Ben from San Diego: Expressed concerns over a league without a trade deadline, advocating for its implementation to maintain league integrity.

   Notable Quote:
   Andy Holloway ([40:35]): "You have to have a trade deadline in your leagues because there is nothing that stops in a casual league."

5. John from Fort Worth: Contemplating dropping Dwayne Washington for Wendell Smallwood. Andy suggests Smallwood due to Washington's limited upside.

6. Clinton from Curtisville: Questioned trading for Valentin Amari Cooper. The hosts discuss the complexities of trading high-upside players and potential market undervaluation.

   Notable Quote:
   Jason Moore ([27:30]): "I am both keeping and trading for Amari Cooper."

Closing Remarks and Promotions ([47:11] - [48:19])

The episode concludes with promotions for sponsors like Five Four Club and ZipRecruiter, along with reminders about community engagement on jointhefoot.com and social media channels. The hosts emphasize their commitment to providing valuable insights and fostering a supportive fantasy football community.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway ([48:19]): "Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers."

Key Takeaways

• Player Evaluations: Emphasis on maximizing team performance through strategic keeps, trades, and cuts, with a focus on player consistency and potential upside.

• Injury Management: Critical analysis of player injuries and their implications on team strategy and fantasy lineups.

• Trade Strategies: Encouragement to engage in fair and valuable trades, avoiding sideways exchanges that may not enhance team performance.

• Community Engagement: Active participation in the #FootClan Mailbag and the broader fantasy football community to seek and share valuable insights.

This episode is a treasure trove for fantasy football enthusiasts, offering a blend of strategic advice, player analysis, and community-driven discussions to help listeners navigate their leagues effectively.