Summary of "Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Rookie Preview w/Matthew Freedman, News, Mailbag"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
• Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Episode: Rookie Preview with Matthew Freedman, News, Mailbag
• Release Date: April 26, 2016

Introduction and Show Setup

The episode kicks off with an advertisement for Reality Sports Online, promoting its advanced fantasy management features such as a free agency auction room and automated contract functionalities (00:00). Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright then welcome listeners to the podcast (00:49).

In a playful exchange, the hosts discuss incorporating "Game of Thrones" themes into the show, hinting at related content that will be available on their YouTube channel post-podcast (01:00-01:58).

Josh Norman's Trade Impact

A significant portion of the episode addresses the recent trade of Josh Norman from the Carolina Panthers to the Washington Redskins and its implications for fantasy football players (05:13-09:51).

Key Points:

• Impact on Julio Jones and Odell Beckham Jr.: Norman's departure affects wide receivers like Julio Jones and Odell Beckham Jr., who previously benefitted from Norman's defensive coverage (05:13-07:36).

  Jason Moore (06:17): "He's not one of those guys that you put on their number one guy and lock him down with man coverage."

  Mike Wright (08:00): "Very happy to hear Jason say he doesn't change things because it doesn't change it for me either."

• Fantasy Strategy: The hosts debate whether to adjust their rankings for Beckham and Jones, ultimately deciding that the impact is minimal and both players remain valuable picks without significant changes to their rankings.

  Andy Holloway (08:30): "Brandon Cooks actually put up 1.5 points per game more on those Panthers."

News Highlights

The hosts cover several important fantasy news items, providing updates and analysis (10:04-12:44):

1. Tom Brady's Suspension: The US Appeals Court reinstates Tom Brady's suspension, sidelining him for the first four weeks of the season. This development significantly affects fantasy drafts, as Brady should not be drafted under the assumption that he will play all games.

   Jason Moore (10:30): "This makes a huge, huge difference. He should not be drafted as assuming that this stands and he misses the first four games of the season."

2. Nick Foles Interest: Reports emerge suggesting some CFL teams are interested in acquiring Nick Foles. The hosts view this as non-breaking news since conditions are familiar.

   Jason Moore (12:31): "These are all from the CFL."

3. Philadelphia Eagles' Moves: The Eagles make significant trades, positioning Carson Wentz and Jared Goff as the key quarterback prospects. Concerns arise about Sam Bradford's role and potential exit from Philadelphia, affecting the team's strategy and fantasy outlook.

   Andy Holloway (12:36): "Sam Bradford. Sammy biscuits. An unhappy biscuit."

NFL Draft Preview: QBs and Rookies

The discussion shifts to the NFL Draft, particularly focusing on the quarterback selections Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, and their implications for fantasy football (12:44-38:30).

Key Points:

• Quarterback Concerns: The hosts express skepticism about both Wentz and Goff, questioning their readiness and potential impact in fantasy leagues.

  Jason Moore (35:00): "I would do neither."

• Wide Receiver Prospects: Matthew Friedman ranks Corey Coleman as the top rookie receiver due to his versatility and production at Baylor, while acknowledging Laquan Treadwell's potential despite mixed metrics.

  Matthew Friedman (19:36): "Corey Coleman for me is the number one receiver."

• Running Backs Analysis: Friedman highlights Derrick Henry and Ezekiel Elliott as top running back prospects, praising their size and athleticism, which bode well for their NFL productivity.

  Matthew Friedman (27:20): "I really like Derrick Henry a lot."

• Tight Ends and Sleepers: Identifies Tyler Higby as an under-the-radar tight end option but generally considers the draft weak for tight ends.

  Matthew Friedman (33:52): "It's a bad year for tight ends."

• Sleeper Recommendations: Friedman suggests Leonte Carew and Jakeem Grant as potential sleeper picks at wide receiver, given their physical attributes and collegiate performance.

  Matthew Friedman (23:55): "Leonte Carew... and Jakeem Grant from Texas Tech."

Interview with Matthew Friedman: Rookie Ranks and Insights

Special guest Matthew Friedman from Fantasy Labs and Rotoviz joins the podcast to provide in-depth analysis of the rookie class and draft strategies (17:48-40:06).

Highlights:

• Wide Receiver Evaluation: Friedman prioritizes Corey Coleman over Laquan Treadwell due to Coleman's versatile performance as a return man and receiver.

  Matthew Friedman (20:28): "Corey Coleman for me is the number one receiver."

• Running Back Prospects: He favors Derrick Henry and Ezekiel Elliott as likely contributors, emphasizing their opportunity to establish themselves as workhorse backs.

  Matthew Friedman (27:20): "He has an exceptional opportunity in the NFL."

• Quarterback Pitfalls: Expresses doubts about both Wentz and Goff, suggesting skepticism from fantasy managers regarding their immediate impact.

  Matthew Friedman (35:00): "I would go with Goff."

• Sleeper Picks: Recommends Leonte Carew and Jakeem Grant as players who could provide unexpected value based on their size, speed, and collegiate performance.

  Matthew Friedman (23:55): "Jakeem Grant... is a versatile player."

• Draft Strategy: Emphasizes the importance of opportunity and team fit over pure metrics, advocating for selecting players who can quickly contribute to their teams.

  Matthew Friedman (22:12): "It's a matter of opportunity, how quickly will a guy get on the field."

Listener Mailbag: Keeper and Draft Questions

The hosts respond to various listener questions related to keeper leagues and draft strategies, providing tailored advice based on different scenarios (42:02-56:09).

Notable Questions and Advice:

1. Jake in Plano, Texas:

   • Scenario: In a full-point PPR league with two keepers, choices include DeAndre Hopkins (3rd round), Devonte Freeman (10th), Thomas Rawls (16th), Jordy Nelson (16th), and David Johnson (16th).

   • Advice: The hosts generally favor keeping higher-ranked receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and David Johnson for their reliability and consistent performance.

     Jason Moore (43:41): "Mine would be David Johnson and Jordy Nelson."

     Andy Holloway (43:53): "All right, I will take David Johnson and I will take DeAndre Hopkins."

2. Jeff in Oklahoma:

   • Scenario: In a 14-team keeper league needing to keep three players from options including Odell Beckham Jr., Aaron Rodgers, Alan Robinson, Jared Cook, David Johnson, Jordy Nelson, and Kelvin Benjamin.

   • Advice: Preference is given to reliable high-performing players like David Johnson and Jordy Nelson, with considerations for quarterbacks based on league settings.

     Jason Moore (45:36): "I would select Jordy Nelson."

3. Ricardo in Sacramento:

   • Scenario: Choosing between Allen Robinson and Deion Lewis in a 12-team PPR league.

   • Advice: Favoring Allen Robinson due to concerns about Deion Lewis's performance without Tom Brady.

     Jason Moore (54:24): "I worry about Deion Lewis without Tom Brady."

     Andy Holloway (55:26): "I have no affect on him at all. I mean there's... I just leave him alone."

4. Luke in North Augusta:

   • Scenario: In a 32-team dynasty league deciding whether to trade Ezekiel Elliott (1st round) and other assets for Todd Gurley.

   • Advice: The hosts advise against trading Ezekiel Elliott due to his high value and potential future contributions.

     Mike Wright (56:24): "Absolutely not. So that's... That's easy. That's 100% no for me."

Closing Remarks

In their concluding segments, the hosts remind listeners about upcoming draft-related shows, promote their website and new draft kit available for preorder, and engage in light-hearted banter before signing off (57:20-58:18).

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway (57:36): "Make sure you stay tuned for the show after the show."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and strategic advice provided by the Fantasy Footballers podcast in their 2016 Rookie Preview episode. It offers valuable information for fantasy football enthusiasts, including rookie evaluations, significant fantasy news updates, and tailored advice for keeper and draft leagues.