Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Listener Mailbag Episode, Keeper Questions (April 14, 2016)

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

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their usual banter, setting a lively tone for the show. Andy Holloway briefly mentions an advertisement for PristineAuction.com, promoting their authentic sports memorabilia auctions.

2. Josh Gordon's Reinstatement Denial

[04:30] Andy Holloway:
"Josh Gordon's petition to be reinstated to the NFL has been denied."

The hosts dive into the latest news regarding Josh Gordon, whose petition for reinstatement to the NFL has been denied. Andy expresses strong disappointment, emphasizing the responsibility athletes have given their platforms:

Andy Holloway:
"I genuinely hate to scold any of these athletes... you are given an opportunity that one in a billion get."
[05:24]

Jason Moore and Mike Wright discuss the implications of Gordon's situation on fantasy football teams, debating whether to hold onto him in keeper leagues or to drop him given the uncertainty of his future.

Jason Moore:
"If I could answer the Johnny Manziel question, that'd be a lot easier... But for Gordon, man, I think he's obviously going to get another chance."
[06:25]

Mike advocates for holding onto Gordon due to his potential reinstatement, while Andy predicts limited playtime this season, suggesting he might appear in only 12 to 14 games.

Andy Holloway:
"I will predict that he plays in 12 to 14 games this year..."
[07:05]

3. Listener Mailbag Questions

The bulk of the episode revolves around answering listener-submitted questions. Here's a breakdown of the key topics addressed:

a. Keeper League Strategies

Listener from the UK ([10:47]):
"In our keeper league, you can keep between zero and four players..."

The question centers on adjusting keeper rounds to reflect the original draft rounds of kept players. The hosts recommend involving the league in a democratic vote to switch formats and suggest adjusting keeper values based on Average Draft Position (ADP).

Jason Moore:
"You just wouldn't win a championship, which is fine. We always say it's more about the fun in fantasy football."
[02:16]

b. Drafting Decisions: Mike Evans vs. Jordy Nelson

Listener from New York City ([14:10]):
"I'm stuck because I know Cam Newton would be amazing value in the 14th but I know also that quarterbacks can be up and down..."

Andy and Jason advise prioritizing reliable wide receivers over uncertain quarterbacks, recommending keeping players like Thomas Rawls and Jordy Nelson over Cam Newton.

Andy Holloway:
"I would personally take Rawls, Nelson and Gurley."
[14:10]

c. Risk vs. Safety in Draft Picks

Listener from Austintown, Ohio ([34:14]):
"I've gone with risk over safety... Should I go with a safe pick or a boom or bust pick?"

The hosts debate the merits of risk-taking versus safer picks in fantasy drafts. Jason suggests being risk-averse with early picks and embracing risk later, while Mike emphasizes the illusion of safety and encourages selecting players with high upside.

Mike Wright:
"I think safety is very much an illusion. So go with the upside."
[35:02]

d. Triple Stacking Tight Ends

Listener from Kansas City ([37:44]):
"Is triple stacking tight ends like Austin Safari, Josh Allen, and another beneficial?"

Jason advises against stacking tight ends from the same team, citing limited success and the availability of other viable options.

Jason Moore:
"No, don't do it. Because there are plenty of other tight end options."
[38:14]

e. Handcuffing Running Backs

Listener from Ontario, Canada ([48:30]):
"With injuries to prime players last season, should I handcuff running backs?"

The discussion highlights that handcuffing is primarily a strategy for running backs due to positional depth. In smaller leagues, handcuffing becomes more manageable, but the hosts caution against overloading the bench with handcuffs.

Andy Holloway:
"I just am not willing to... I'd rather have a guy on my bench that is better and tradable."
[51:38]

4. Show Promotions and Announcements

[24:45] Andy Holloway:
"We forgot to mention that we are eligible for a podcast award..."

Andy promotes the show's nomination for podcast awards, urging listeners to support by nominating the Fantasy Footballers in both the sports and People's Choice categories on PodcastAwards.com.

Mike Wright:
"We forgot to mention that."
[24:45]

The hosts emphasize the importance of listener support, acknowledging that the show's success is driven by their dedicated audience.

5. Upcoming Content and Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease upcoming episodes focusing on quarterback analyses, including discussions on Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, and other notable QBs.

Andy Holloway:
"We're going through 20 quarterbacks next week... some of the veterans, the Drew Brees, Philip Rivers,..."
[55:00]

They also remind listeners about their online community at JoinTheFoot.com and encourage following them on Twitter for exclusive content.

Jason Moore:
"Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast."
[55:42]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway on Josh Gordon’s Opportunity:
  "I genuinely hate to scold any of these athletes... you are given an opportunity that one in a billion get."
  [05:24]

• Mike Wright on Safety in Drafting:
  "I think safety is very much an illusion. So go with the upside."
  [35:02]

• Jason Moore on Triple Stacking Tight Ends:
  "No, don't do it. Because there are plenty of other tight end options."
  [38:14]

• Andy Holloway on Handcuffing:
  "I'd rather have a guy on my bench that is better and tradable."
  [51:38]

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Keeper Strategies: Engage league members in voting when considering changes to keeper rules to ensure fairness and consensus.

• Drafting Decisions: Prioritize reliable positions like wide receivers early in drafts over volatile positions like quarterbacks to maintain roster stability.

• Risk Management: Balance risk and safety by securing stable performers in early rounds while embracing high-upside players in later picks.

• Stacking and Handcuffing: Avoid over-concentration of positions within the same team and use handcuffing judiciously, primarily for running backs.

• Listener Engagement: Active participation and support from listeners are crucial, leveraging platforms like PodcastAwards.com to recognize the show's value.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of keeper league strategies, drafting nuances, and risk management, enriched with expert opinions and actionable advice for fantasy football enthusiasts. The hosts' dynamic interactions and in-depth analysis provide listeners with valuable insights to enhance their fantasy football prowess.