Fantasy Footballers Podcast - August 10, 2016: Latest News, Listener Questions, ADP Game

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Welcome Back and Teaser for Upcoming MVP Episode (00:48 - 04:00)

The episode kicks off with the hosts warmly welcoming listeners back to the show. Mike Wright expresses his excitement about being present after recent illnesses, commending Jason Moore for his resilience in attending the Foot Clan combine event despite being under the weather. Andy Holloway lightheartedly teases that Jason was not training but merely recovering:

Andy Holloway [01:33]: "Some people are saying, oh, he's not sick, he's just, he's training. He's training. When you watch the combine, you will see a man who does not train anything."

The trio eagerly previews the next day's highly anticipated MVP episode, which Mike boldly declares might be "the best episode of the past decade" [03:44]. They hint at featuring a star-studded lineup of fantasy football experts, including Pat Mayo, Jake Seeley, Brandon Marion Lee, and others, promising listeners invaluable insights and forecasts on the top fantasy football players.

2. ADP Guessing Game (04:00 - 08:17)

To engage their audience interactively, the hosts introduce an Average Draft Position (ADP) guessing game. Mike Wright explains the rules: he names a player and a draft spot, and the others must predict whether the player's ADP is higher or lower than the given spot.

a. Doug Martin

• Question [05:36]: "Is Doug Martin going higher or lower than the eighth pick of the second round?"
• Predictions: Both Andy Holloway and Jason Moore guess "lower."
• Outcome: Correct! Doug Martin's ADP was indeed lower, at pick 212 [05:56].

b. Matt Forte

• Question [06:28]: "Is Matt Forte going higher or lower than the 6th pick of the third round?"
• Predictions: Jason Moore opts "higher," while Andy Holloway chooses "lower."
• Outcome: Andy is correct; Forte was slated at the 11th pick of the third round [06:42].

c. Alan Hurdle Turns

• Question [07:27]: "Is Alan Hurdle going higher or lower than the 10th pick of the sixth round?"
• Predictions: After some deliberation and playful banter, the hosts conclude "higher."
• Outcome: Correct! Hurdle's ADP was indeed higher than the 10th pick of the sixth round [08:17].

The game fosters a fun, competitive atmosphere, illustrating the nuanced understanding the hosts have of player valuations in drafts.

3. Latest Fantasy Football News and Analysis (10:57 - 16:44)

a. Julian Edelman's Injury Update

Mike Wright delivers reassuring news about Julian Edelman's injury status, clarifying earlier reports of an ankle issue:

Mike Wright [11:02]: "It turns out that Mr. Julian Edelman is okay. He's actually practicing right now, so that's good."

This update alleviates concerns for fantasy managers relying on Edelman's consistent performance.

b. Marvin Jones Emerges in Detroit

The discussion shifts to Marvin Jones' rising prominence as Detroit's top wide receiver, a factor positively influencing his ADP and fantasy value:

Mike Wright [11:45]: "Marvin Jones is emerging as the number one wide receiver. This is somebody that we've been pretty high on in terms of the value at the position..."

The trio debates the potential impact on his draft position, considering his consistent performances and reliability.

c. Golden Tate's Performance Fluctuations

Contrasting Jones, Golden Tate's recent drops in performance raise concerns:

Mike Wright [12:18]: "Golden Tate's just kind of had the dropsies going on in Detroit camp."

They caution fantasy managers to monitor developments, as inconsistencies might affect Tate's value.

d. San Francisco’s Wide Receiver Dynamics

With Chip Kelly at the helm, San Francisco’s offense is scrutinized, focusing on Bruce Ellington and Vance McDonald's roles:

Andy Holloway [15:15]: "With Chip Kelly, you know there's going to be volume there. You don't have to be a great team to get value out of the wide receiver positions."

The hosts emphasize the importance of volume in a high-paced offense, potentially elevating these receivers' fantasy prospects.

e. Michael Thomas Shines in New Orleans

Michael Thomas receives high praise for his breakout summer performance:

Mike Wright [15:41]: "Michael Thomas has looked like a bona fide playmaker this summer."

His burgeoning chemistry with Drew Brees and ability to make explosive plays make him a must-watch prospect for fantasy drafts.

4. Listener Mailbag: Answering Your Burning Questions (18:15 - 43:01)

The bulk of the episode is dedicated to addressing listener-submitted questions, spanning draft strategies, player evaluations, and roster management.

a. Nick from Indiana: Flex vs. Tight End Position in Drafting (19:07)

Question: How does replacing the tight end slot with an additional flex spot affect drafting strategies in a half-point PPR league?

Andy Holloway [19:07]: Advises prioritizing wide receivers over tight ends unless securing elite options like Gronkowski or Reed Olson.

"Generally speaking you're going to play guys like Gronk and Reed Olson. ... I am going to be rolling with a wide receiver I trust more than a tight end."

b. Michael from Pennsylvania: Choosing Between David Johnson and A.J. Green (20:58)

Question: In a PPR redraft, should I draft David Johnson or A.J. Green in the first round?

Consensus: Favoring A.J. Green for his consistent performance and reliability over the higher-risk, higher-reward potential of David Johnson.

Andy Holloway [21:49]: "AJ Green by a mile... he has double digit touchdowns, three out of his five years."

c. Brian M. from Colorado: Keeper Strategy in a 12-Team PPR League (22:48)

Question: Who should I keep in a 12-team half-point PPR league, already holding Lamar Miller for $32?

Discussion: The hosts weigh the value between Matt Jones and Tyler Lockett, ultimately leaning towards retaining Matt Jones for his opportunity and role.

Andy Holloway [23:42]: "I think the opportunity."

d. Justin from New Jersey: Impact of IR Slot on Drafting (25:20)

Question: Does having an IR slot change how I draft? Should I target injury-prone players like Mark Ingram or Deion Lewis?

Andy Holloway [26:04]: Suggests that while the IR slot doesn't alter draft strategy, it influences post-draft roster management, emphasizing adaptability.

"I'm always the type of guy that when that draft is over... find some guy that's eligible to move to the IR."

e. Dan from Pittsburgh: Metrics for Playoff-Driven Drafting (31:31)

Question: How can I draft players who excel in the latter part of the season to improve playoff performance?

Andy Holloway [32:00]: Recommends focusing on mid-season schedule strength and being proactive with roster moves during the season rather than overemphasizing playoff schedules at draft time.

"You don't win a championship at your draft... it's going to be the moves that you make during that time."

f. Secretary Smurf: Lamar Miller vs. Le'Veon Bell Decision (35:12)

Question: With Le'Veon Bell dropping to the second round, how should I value Lamar Miller versus Bell, considering Bell's injury risk?

Andy Holloway [35:55]: Favors Lamar Miller for his lower injury risk and reliable performance in a PPR system.

"I think the risk vs. reward there says Lamar Miller to me."

g. James from Pittsburgh: Handcuff Strategy in a 10-Team League (37:36)

Question: What are your top handcuff picks and how many should I carry in a standard 10-team league?

Jason Moore [37:46]: Advises minimal handcuffing in smaller leagues, prioritizing roster flexibility over depth.

"In a 10 team league... I'd rather go... have other teams fill their benches with zeros."

h. Alex in the Doghouse: Balancing Fantasy Spending and Personal Finances (39:29)

Question: How can I continue purchasing fantasy gear without upsetting my spouse?

Response: The hosts humorously suggest budgeting, communication, and ensuring responsible spending to maintain harmony at home.

Andy Holloway [40:58]: "If she has permission to spend, you get permission to spend."

5. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content (42:13 - 43:01)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts remind listeners about the forthcoming MVP episode, encouraging them not to miss it due to its significance and the expert insights it will offer. They promote their community platforms, urging listeners to join their fantasy football community at joinTheFoot.com and follow them on Twitter @the_ffballers for real-time updates and engagement.

Mike Wright [43:01]: "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."

They conclude with playful banter and teasers about future content, ensuring listeners are hooked for upcoming episodes filled with expert analysis and actionable fantasy football advice.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [03:44]: "Tomorrow is the MVP episode. It might be the best episode of the past decade."
• Andy Holloway [19:07]: "I'm going to be rolling with a wide receiver I trust more than a tight end."
• Jason Moore [21:49]: "AJ Green is very safe as far as a PPR wide receiver."
• Andy Holloway [32:00]: "You don't win a championship at your draft."
• Andy Holloway [35:55]: "I think the risk vs. reward there says Lamar Miller to me."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and expert opinions shared during the episode, providing valuable information for both seasoned fantasy managers and newcomers alike. By addressing current player statuses, drafting strategies, and answering listener queries, the Fantasy Footballers deliver a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of fantasy football for the 2016 season.