Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Preseason Fantasy Recap, Rising Stars, News
Release Date: August 15, 2016

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the 2016 NFL preseason, offering comprehensive analysis and fantasy football insights. Skipping the usual ads and intros, the trio focuses on player performances, team dynamics, and strategic advice to help fantasy managers gain a competitive edge.

Preseason Fantasy Recap

Quarterback Updates

The hosts kick off by discussing pivotal quarterback moves and performances that could influence fantasy rankings:

• Tyrod Taylor's Contract Extension
  Timestamp: [07:15]
  Jason Moore highlights Tyrod Taylor signing a six-year, $92 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, emphasizing it as a "team-friendly deal" with only the first year fully guaranteed.

  "If he plays well this year and next year, then the actual contract will kick in because it's a team option." — Andy Holloway [07:31]

• Jared Goff's Potential
  Timestamp: [13:14]
  Mike Wright shares his excitement about Jared Goff getting first-team reps, suggesting Goff could become a reliable fantasy quarterback.

  "Jared Goff's going to get first team reps, he'll get an opportunity to start..." — Jason Moore [07:51]

Running Back Insights

The running back position saw significant movements and performances worth noting:

• Devonta Booker vs. Ronnie Hillman
  Timestamp: [08:23]
  Jason Moore and Mike Wright discuss Devonta Booker's increased reps over Ronnie Hillman, with Mike Wright asserting Booker as the more talented back.

  "I think Booker is the more talented guy than Hillman." — Mike Wright [08:55]

• Melvin Gordon and Derek Henry's Rise
  Timestamp: [19:23] - [24:43]
  Introducing the new segment "Rising Stars of the Week", Mike Wright praises Melvin Gordon for his strong preseason performance despite recovering from knee surgery. Andy Holloway expresses surprise at Gordon's draft value, highlighting his potential as a high-round pick.

  "He doesn't look like, you know, oh, I'm afraid to cut. He is healthy and he's back and that was great to see." — Mike Wright [23:57]

  Jason Moore adds his enthusiasm for Gordon's role in the offense, comparing him favorably to predecessors like Danny Woodhead.

  "His stock will unfortunately rise and he won't be able to be had in the sixth round." — Mike Wright [25:15]

Wide Receiver Highlights

Wide receivers' performances and potential fantasy impacts are thoroughly analyzed:

• Sterling Shepherd's Impressive Game
  Timestamp: [30:28]
  Jason Moore lauds Sterling Shepherd for his route-running and blocking abilities, positioning him as a high-rated rookie wide receiver.

  "I think you're going to have big games from Sterling Shepherd." — Jason Moore [25:54]

• Christian Michael's Reignition
  Timestamp: [19:30]
  Andy Holloway discusses Christian Michael's breakout performances, suggesting his off-field issues are resolved, potentially increasing his fantasy value.

  "Christian Michael was very good to end the year." — Andy Holloway [20:22]

Other Position Battles

• Tight End Contenders
  Timestamp: [35:36]
  Andy Holloway and Jason Moore evaluate tight end prospects like Jesse James, comparing him to legends like Heath Miller.

  "Jesse James is not afraid of stepping into that role." — Andy Holloway [35:46]

Rising Stars of the Week

Introducing a new weekly segment, the hosts highlight standout players from the preseason:

• Mike Wright: Derrick Henry & DeMarco Murray
  Timestamp: [19:46] - [28:44]
  Mike Wright praises Derrick Henry for his powerful running style and DeMarco Murray for impressive touchdown runs. He notes Henry's potential as a backfield force, despite being undrafted in mocks.

  "I think he is going to succeed in the NFL." — Mike Wright [28:44]

• Andy Holloway: Christian Michael
  Timestamp: [20:22]
  Andy Holloway credits Christian Michael's improved focus and physicality, suggesting he's a sleeper pick to watch in the upcoming season.

  "If he's really getting his head back in the game, I think that Michael will be involved far more than first anticipated." — Andy Holloway [21:38]

Fantasy Football News

The episode covers critical fantasy-related news affecting team rosters and player statuses:

• Ladarius Green on PUP List
  Timestamp: [14:38]
  Jason Moore and Mike Wright advise avoiding Ladarius Green due to his placement on the active PUP list following ankle surgery.

  "All of it, you guys don't disagree with me, do you?" — Jason Moore [14:38]

• San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Drama
  Timestamp: [15:05] - [16:16]
  The hosts debate the quarterback competition between Blaine Gabbard, Cam Newton, and the sidelined Colin Kaepernick. Mike Wright supports Gabbard, citing his performance under pressure, while Jason Moore remains open but increasingly supports Gabbard based on recent plays.

  "The combination of Cam with Coach Carroll's comments made me say I need to maybe put my Rolls Royce in neutral and see where it takes me." — Mike Wright [44:43]

• Jeff Janis' Injury
  Timestamp: [16:16]
  Andy Holloway updates listeners on Jeff Janis being out for the week due to a hand injury, reducing his immediate fantasy value.

Weekly Rewind

A comprehensive recap of key preseason games, highlighting player performances and fantasy implications:

Miami vs. New York Giants

• Sterling Shepherd's Performance
  Timestamp: [30:22] - [40:17]
  Jason Moore praises Sterling Shepherd for his route-running and potential as a high-end rookie receiver. However, Andy Holloway criticizes Jaylen Strong for nearly fumbling easy catches, emphasizing a preference for Sammy Coates despite some concerns.

  "Sterling Shepherd is probably going to be the highest rated rookie wide receiver on my board." — Jason Moore [25:54]

Detroit vs. Pittsburgh

• Running Back Competition
  Timestamp: [33:37] - [36:28]
  Andy Holloway notes Zach Zenner outperforming Steven Ridley, suggesting Zenner could secure the number two running back spot. Jason Moore advocates for Rashad Jennings but acknowledges Andre Williams' improvements.

  "I am agreeing with that. The reports on Williams have been very positive." — Andy Holloway [32:27]

Minnesota vs. Cincinnati

• Wide Receiver Analysis
  Timestamp: [36:54] - [38:19]
  The discussion centers on Charles Johnson emerging ahead of Adam Thielen due to significant preseason plays, with Tyler Boyd also showing promise.

  "Minnesota is such a very good team. They won the division." — Jason Moore [38:14]

Cleveland vs. Green Bay

• Wide Receiver Potential
  Timestamp: [38:57] - [43:28]
  Jason Moore debates the fantasy value of Terrell Pryor and Josh Gordon, while Andy Holloway emphasizes Rashad Jennings' health over Andre Williams.

  "Marcus Wheaton is your Devonta Freeman for this year." — Jason Moore [35:53]

Oakland vs. Arizona

• Quarterback and Receiver Dynamics
  Timestamp: [44:11] - [50:34]
  The hosts evaluate Carson Palmer's passing efficiency and Michael Crabtree's reliability, alongside Clive Walford's promising routes.

  "Carson Palmer with probably the league high or top three in terms of yards per attempt." — Jason Moore [41:21]

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo

• Undrafted Free Agents
  Timestamp: [47:10] - [47:43]
  Jason Moore critiques Josh Ferguson's limited performance, indicating skepticism about his fantasy value despite some positive notes.

  "Josh Ferguson put up a nice 3 yards on eight carries." — Jason Moore [47:06]

Dallas vs. Rams

• Dak Prescott's Standout Game
  Timestamp: [47:50] - [48:58]
  Mike Wright lauds Dak Prescott for an exceptional preseason performance, projecting him as a cornerstone for the Cowboys' offense.

  "Dak Prescott looked... perfect." — Mike Wright [47:56]

San Diego vs. Tennessee

• Running Back Utilization
  Timestamp: [49:11] - [52:25]
  Andy Holloway and Jason Moore discuss Melvin Gordon and Derek Henry, highlighting their strong performances and potential fantasy impact. Mike Wright underscores Latavius Murray's pivotal role in the Tennessee offense.

  "The drought is over, he got into the end zone." — Jason Moore [23:57]

San Francisco vs. Houston

• Running Game Efficiency
  Timestamp: [49:23] - [51:54]
  The focus is on Jason Moore's disappointment with Blaine Gabbard's inconsistent play and Andy Holloway's observations on Shane Drone as a standout player. Discussions include Mike Davis' improved performance and the overall run-heavy strategy of the 49ers.

  "Does San Francisco have good wide receivers now?" — Andy Holloway [37:41]

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the Fantasy Footballers encourage listeners to stay engaged with upcoming segments like weekly "Rising Stars", wide receiver rankings, and tips and tricks shows. They emphasize the importance of monitoring preseason developments to make informed decisions during the fantasy football season.

"We know this better than anybody. Game day tastes better with the Raising Cane's tailgate." — Andy Holloway [19:30]

Listeners are reminded to join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter @theffballers for exclusive content and updates.

Notable Quotes:

1. "If he plays well this year and next year, then the actual contract will kick in because it's a team option." — Andy Holloway [07:31]

2. "I think Booker is the more talented guy than Hillman." — Mike Wright [08:55]

3. "He is healthy and he's back and that was great to see." — Mike Wright [23:57]

4. "Sterling Shepherd is probably going to be the highest rated rookie wide receiver on my board." — Jason Moore [25:54]

5. "Dak Prescott looked... perfect." — Mike Wright [47:56]

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Fantasy Footballers 2016 preseason episode, providing valuable information for fantasy football enthusiasts seeking to enhance their team management strategies.