Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Mock Gone Wrong, Fantasy Updates & News Release Date: July 30, 2016

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into a variety of fantasy football topics, including mock drafts, player updates, and strategic insights to help listeners dominate their leagues.

Fantasy News and Updates

Carlos Williams and Mike Gillislee Situation

At [06:24], Andy discusses recent reports questioning Carlos Williams' roster status. He suggests that Mike Gillislee might emerge as a sleeper option if Williams doesn't secure his spot. Jason concurs, indicating that despite rumors, Williams is likely to remain on the team, but he wouldn't draft him in week one.

Andy Holloway [06:24]: "If LaShawn McCoy pulls a hammy and he's out for four or five weeks, who's the rush on the waiver wire going to be that? I think we're answering that over the next month."

Brandon Marshall’s Athletic Prowess

At [07:28], the hosts talk about a viral video featuring Brandon Marshall showcasing his fitness by running 24 miles per hour on a treadmill and losing 10 pounds. Andy shares how Marshall confidently challenged Antonio Brown to a race, highlighting his commitment to improving his game.

Andy Holloway [08:02]: "He basically then said, or how about this... If you have more receiving yards than me, you can have my Porsche."

Jason raises concerns about Marshall's age but acknowledges his consistent performance, making him a valuable fantasy asset despite being 32 years old.

Jason Moore [09:05]: "Brandon Marshall's fantastic, consistent, a great fantasy producer, but he's 32 years old."

Ryan Fitzpatrick Joins the Jets

At [07:49], the signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick by the Jets is discussed. Jason praises his reliability compared to other quarterbacks who were speculated to sign, like Gino. Andy and Jason express confidence in their ability to find quality quarterbacks later in the draft.

Jason Moore [08:19]: "I think Mike Gillisle [sic] was talking about giving Reggie Bush a contract, trying to bring him back. Clearly they're not saying, well, Carlos is going to come back."

Eric Ebron as a Breakout Tight End

At [10:09], Eric Ebron is highlighted as a potential breakout tight end. The hosts emphasize his opportunity in the Lions' offense following Calvin Johnson's departure and his first-round draft status, making him a prime candidate for high fantasy production.

Jason Moore [10:12]: "Tight ends always take several years before they are fantasy relevant. I think this is his third year in the NFL. Everything's laid out before him. It could happen."

Thomas Rawls’ Active Status

At [11:39], Andy brings up Thomas Rawls not being placed on the PUP list, indicating that he will participate in training camp and likely step into a starting role. This is seen as positive news for fantasy managers who have Rawls on their teams.

Andy Holloway [12:03]: "Thomas Rawls was not supposed to participate in training camp at all. Now, he's going to be in training camp and that leads to my love of Thomas Rawls."

Devonta Freeman’s Reliability

At [16:04], Devonta Freeman is praised for his consistent performance and minimal risk, making him a reliable pick in standard leagues.

Andy Holloway [16:14]: "I'm not worried that he won't be a fantasy contributor to your team."

Tevin Coleman’s Increased Role

At [15:43], the potential for Tevin Coleman to take a more significant role in the Falcons' offense is discussed. This would benefit fantasy managers looking for versatile running backs involved in both rushing and receiving.

Jason Moore [15:45]: "We need to get more out of Tevin Coleman. That's what you've been hearing."

Listener Contests and Giveaways

At [02:22], Jason announces the concluding phase of their jersey contest, encouraging listeners to vote for their favorite player among Antonio Brown, A.J. Green, Odell Beckham Jr., and Amir Abdullah. Additionally, listeners are reminded of upcoming giveaways, including a signed Demaryius Thomas jersey and a listener league spot.

Jason Moore [05:08]: "This is the last time you're going to be able to get in on that giveaway... Giving away a listener league spot."

Mock Draft: "Mock Gone Wrong"

Setting Up the Mock Draft

At [17:57], the hosts begin a 10-team, two-quarterback standard mock draft, starting from the fifth overall pick. They aim to demonstrate how strategies can go awry, particularly in leagues requiring two starting quarterbacks.

Andy Holloway [18:08]: "We are drafting from the number five position. This is a standard league draft."

Round-by-Round Breakdown

1. First Round Picks [18:30 - 21:45]:

   • 1st Pick: Cam Newton
   • 2nd Pick: Antonio Brown
   • 3rd Pick: Odell Beckham Jr.
   • 4th Pick: Aaron Rodgers

   The hosts discuss the consensus in standard leagues where elite wide receivers and quarterbacks are typically drafted early.

   Andy Holloway [19:09]: "It looks like a draft you'd actually be in."

2. Second Round Strategy [19:20 - 26:08]:

   • 5th Pick: Julio Jones (Andy) vs. Todd Gurley (Jason)
   • 6th Pick: Le'Veon Bell
   • 7th Pick: LaShawn McCoy (Andy) vs. Doug Martin (Jason)

   They debate between securing top-tier running backs versus wide receivers, ultimately opting for Le'Veon Bell and LaShawn McCoy to build a strong running back core.

   Jason Moore [20:39]: "What you do here is you put yourself in a position where you want foundational points at the quarterback position."

3. Quarterback Quandary [27:10 - 39:54]:

   • As the draft progresses, the scarcity of quarterbacks becomes apparent. The hosts deliberate whether to secure additional quarterbacks or continue building at other positions.
   • Key Picks:
     • Eric Decker (7th Round)
     • Melvin Gordon (9th Round)

   They argue over the necessity of drafting multiple quarterbacks in a two-QB league, ultimately deciding to wait and rely on the waiver wire.

   Jason Moore [38:15]: "I like guys like... are going to play 16 games like they're the starter."

4. Final Rounds and Weaknesses [43:48 - 52:16]:

   • Bench Spots: Strategies include selecting tight ends like Eric Decker or depth at running back.
   • Strengths: Strong running back and wide receiver corps with Le'Veon Bell, LaShawn McCoy, Julio Jones, Ty Hilton, Thomas Rawls, and Eric Decker.
   • Weaknesses: Questionable quarterback foundation and potential lack of depth.

   Jason Moore [52:09]: "So I would give this draft a strong B plus, A minus."

Notable Quotes During the Mock Draft

• Jason Moore [21:17]: "A lot of people draft it here, but I'm happy with Julio Jones at number five."
• Andy Holloway [25:23]: "Maybe that puts us at five running backs and three wide receivers that we feel strongly about."

Final Thoughts on Mock Draft Strategy

The "Mock Gone Wrong" segment underscores the challenges of drafting in a two-quarterback league within standard formats. The hosts highlight the importance of balancing positional needs, avoiding panic buys, and leveraging the waiver wire for quarterback depth.

Andy Holloway [38:07]: "With a two quarterback league, we waited on quarterbacks. We end up with Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston."

Jason emphasizes the flexibility of streaming quarterbacks, while Andy remains cautious about relying solely on the waiver wire in a competitive 10-team league.

Jason Moore [39:06]: "I'm going to have a foundation of two good quarterbacks. If you want to add a third, you're fine."

Conclusion

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide valuable insights into managing a fantasy team, especially in formats requiring multiple quarterbacks. Through their mock draft exercise, they demonstrate the complexities and strategic decisions that can make or break a fantasy season. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, adapt to draft dynamics, and utilize available resources like the Ultimate Draft Kit to enhance their draft strategies.

Andy Holloway [53:43]: "So ultimate draft kit dot com. Check that out. Get yourself prepared for your draft."

The hosts wrap up by teasing upcoming content, including divisional breakdowns and key offseason updates, ensuring listeners stay ahead of the fantasy football curve.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [08:02]: "If you have more receiving yards than me, you can have my Porsche."
• Jason Moore [09:05]: "Brandon Marshall's fantastic, consistent, a great fantasy producer, but he's 32 years old."
• Andy Holloway [38:07]: "With a two quarterback league, we waited on quarterbacks. We end up with Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston."
• Jason Moore [39:06]: "I'm going to have a foundation of two good quarterbacks. If you want to add a third, you're fine."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, strategies, and insights shared by the Fantasy Footballers, offering both seasoned players and newcomers valuable takeaways for the upcoming fantasy football season.