Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2016 - Listener Mailbag and Fantasy News Summary

Release Date: February 18, 2016

The Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode titled "Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Listener Mailbag and Fantasy News" dives deep into listener questions and the latest fantasy football news, providing valuable insights and strategies for the upcoming season. Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, the trio offers expert analysis, engaging discussions, and actionable advice to help fantasy players dominate their leagues.

1. Introduction and Listener Engagement

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their trademark banter before transitioning into the main content. Jason Moore introduces the format as a "mailbag episode," indicating a focus on answering listener-submitted questions and discussing recent fantasy football news.

2. Urgent Call to Action: FantasySportsForAll.com

Timestamp: [01:58] Jason Moore addresses a critical issue affecting the fantasy football landscape—the legality of fantasy sports across various states. He emphasizes the importance of listener participation in advocating for the industry:

Jason Moore: "You've probably seen the news and you've seen all the different daily fantasy sport and fantasy sport kind of legal things going on in state by state basis... We're asking you to join with us and many other fantasy players around the globe@fantasysportsforall.com and let your voice be heard."

He urges listeners to visit FantasySportsForAll.com to contact their local representatives, highlighting an ongoing Senate bill in Arizona aimed at clarifying the legal status of fantasy sports. Andy Holloway reinforces the message:

Andy Holloway: "It affects the whole landscape of the sport."

3. Quick Question of the Day: Undervalued Quarterbacks

Timestamp: [04:14]

The hosts tackle a listener's question about identifying quarterbacks in the draft who could offer significant value, drawing parallels to Cam Newton's impact in 2016. Mike Wright suggests targeting Andy Dalton and Philip Rivers in the later rounds:

Mike Wright: "I'm going to go with Andy Dalton in the eighth, ninth round... and Philip Rivers going in the ninth round as the 12th quarterback off the board."

Jason Moore adds Carson Palmer and Marcus Mariota to his considerations, noting their potential for breakout seasons.

4. Fantasy News Roundup

Timestamp: [08:04]

The hosts provide updates on the NFL salary cap, anticipating it to rise to at least $155 million—a $12 million increase. This surge affects team spending power, with Jacksonville and Oakland notably holding substantial cash reserves. Mike Wright discusses free agency optimism:

Mike Wright: "Doug Martin is just sitting at home wringing his hands together, thinking about all that money he's going to get."

Additionally, Jason Moore touches on Lamar Miller's potential re-signing with Miami, fueled by positive reports from the Miami Herald, indicating a strategic move to reinforce their running back lineup under coach Adam Gase.

5. Listener Mailbag: Keeper League Decisions

Timestamp: [10:54]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to answering listener questions related to keeper leagues. The topics range from selecting which players to retain, drafting strategies, and trade deadlines. Notable discussions include:

• Choosing Between Des Bryant and Running Backs: Elliot from Redlands, California, grapples with keeping Des Bryant or selecting a running back. The hosts discuss the merits of players like Devontae Freeman, Martavis Bryant, and Allen Robinson, emphasizing the importance of positional balance and future potential.

• Nick's Keeper Dilemma in a 10-Person League: Nick from Oakland seeks advice on selecting between running backs and wide receivers. The hosts advise prioritizing players like Allen Robinson and Thomas Rawls for their consistent performance and upside.

• Drafting Strategies for Young vs. Established Players: JJ from Pittsburgh faces a choice between drafting young, high-upside players like Elliott or established veterans like Jonathan Stewart. The hosts suggest balancing potential and reliability based on league dynamics and keeper rules.

• Julio Jones vs. Todd Gurley in a Dynasty League: Blake from Detroit weighs keeping Julio Jones or Todd Gurley. The consensus leans towards keeping Julio for his elite wide receiver capabilities, while evaluating Gurley's potential based on team performance.

• Choosing Between Amari Cooper and Lamar Miller: Angelo from Toronto deliberates on retaining Amari Cooper or Lamar Miller. The hosts recommend selecting Amari Cooper for his immediate impact and reliability.

6. Trade Deadlines and Keeper League Mechanics

Timestamp: [43:20]

Jason Moore presents a question from Kent in Minnesota about trade deadlines in keeper leagues. The hosts discuss strategies for trading picks and players, emphasizing flexibility and maximizing draft position benefits. They suggest aiming for high-value trades that align with league formats, such as three keepers with no pick retention.

7. Player Spotlights: Josh Gordon and Martavis Bryant

Timestamp: [25:07]

The episode delves into player evaluations, particularly focusing on Josh Gordon and Martavis Bryant. Jason Moore assesses Josh Gordon's potential return:

Jason Moore: "The risk is worth the reward if he doesn't get in trouble and no if he does."

Mike Wright compares the risk-reward profiles of both players, highlighting their young talent and potential for high fantasy output if off-field issues are managed.

8. Anecdote: Arian Foster vs. Ben Tate

Timestamp: [50:00]

A memorable story shared by Jason Moore recounts a draft gamble on Arian Foster in the seventh or eighth round. While others opted for Ben Tate, Foster delivered an outstanding performance, illustrating the value of late-round picks:

Jason Moore: "I drafted Arian Foster and he had a number one running back year on my team."

This anecdote underscores the excitement and unpredictability of fantasy drafts, motivating listeners to seek value in later rounds.

9. Final Q&A and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [47:14]

In the final segment, the hosts address remaining listener questions about league setup, scoring systems, and keeper selections. They advocate for half-point PPR formats and strategic keeper retention to maintain team competitiveness. Mike Wright recommends fantasyleague.com for customizable league options, aligning with the hosts' emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in league management.

The episode concludes with the hosts encouraging listeners to subscribe on YouTube, engage on social media, and participate in the fantasy football community through TheFantasyFootballers.com and Twitter @FFballers.

Notable Quotes Highlighted with Timestamps:

• Jason Moore [01:58]:
  "We're asking you to join with us and many other fantasy players around the globe@fantasysportsforall.com and let your voice be heard."

• Mike Wright [04:52]:
  "Andy Dalton should not be forgotten. If you can grab an Andy Dalton, great name."

• Jason Moore [07:15]:
  "That is what this question's about. Actually, Eric."

• Andy Holloway [38:14]:
  "Latavius Murray is in."

• Jason Moore [50:29]:
  "Everyone else was on Ben Tate. ... Arian Foster had like a number one running back year on my team."

• Jason Moore [25:59]:
  "And Josh Gordon had torn his meniscus."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football enthusiasts navigating the complexities of keeper leagues, draft strategies, and player evaluations. Through engaging discussions, listener interactions, and expert insights, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright equip their audience with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their fantasy football endeavors.

For more detailed discussions and updates, visit TheFantasyFootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @FFballers.