Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2016 – The Fantasy MVP Episode with Expert Picks
Release Date: August 11, 2016

The Fantasy Footballers delivered an engaging and comprehensive episode titled "Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - The Fantasy MVP Episode w/Expert Picks." Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, the trio navigates through an array of expert opinions to identify the top Fantasy MVP candidates for the 2016 NFL season. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussions, key insights, and the final MVP selections, enriched with notable quotes and organized into clear sections for easy navigation.

Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode opens with the hosts expressing their enthusiasm for dissecting the Fantasy MVP topic. They emphasize the importance of trust in fantasy draft strategies and set a lively tone for the episode.

• Andy Holloway [00:05]: "My fantasy draft, it's an important job. I need someone I can trust."
• Jason Moore [02:01]: "We have the fantasy MVP picks not only from us, but from, I believe, nine or 10 other experts."

Community Engagement and Draft Strategies

Early in the episode, the hosts address a listener question regarding draft strategies when another player steals a desired pick.

• Listener Question [03:23]: "What do you do when the person picking in front of you steals your pick?"
• Andy Holloway [03:50]: "You have to tell them. Make them feel good about your pick and ensure everyone knows you think it was a good pick."
• Jason Moore [04:14]: "Make sure you have multiple people, more people than you have picks in front of you that you like."

This segment underscores the strategic importance of maintaining flexibility and composure during drafts to maximize team potential.

NFL News Impacting Fantasy Football

The hosts briefly touch upon significant NFL updates that bear on fantasy decisions, such as player injuries and team dynamics.

• Mike Wright [05:50]: "Chiefs camp optimistic Jamal Charles will be ready for week one."
• Andy Holloway [07:24]: "Jimmy Graham is available week one, but there are concerns about his recovery from a serious knee injury."

These updates provide timely information that listeners can use to adjust their draft strategies accordingly.

Sponsored Segment: Pristine Auction’s Ken Stabler Collection

A promotional segment highlights a special Ken Stabler career collection available on PristineAuction.com, featuring rare memorabilia like a game-worn helmet.

• Jason Moore [08:37]: "This helmet is from the collection. It's unbelievable."
• Andy Holloway [09:54]: "There are not a lot of these left in the world because they're so valuable."

This section serves as a bridge before transitioning into the main content of MVP picks.

Expert Fantasy MVP Picks

The core of the episode features contributions from various fantasy football experts, each presenting their MVP candidate along with detailed reasoning.

1. Adam Azer (CBS Sports, Fantasy Football Today)

• MVP Pick: Andrew Luck (Quarterback)
• Reasoning: Azer believes Luck is poised for a monster season, expecting a high volume of touchdown passes.
• Notable Quote [11:27]: "Andrew Luck is my fantasy mvp. I think he's going to have a monster year."

Host Discussion:

• Mike Wright [12:53]: Criticizes the risk of depending on Luck's potential outlier performance.
• Andy Holloway [13:05]: Acknowledges Luck's consistency but cautions against expecting another 40-touchdown season.

2. Brandon Marion Lee (Pro Football Focus, Bleacher Report Radio)

• MVP Pick: Devontae Freeman (Running Back)
• Reasoning: Freeman offers high value as a late-round pick with potential comparable to Matt Forte, bolstered by an improved offensive line.
• Notable Quote [15:37]: "Consider him the new Matt Forte. He is a great hard worker."

Host Discussion:

• Andy Holloway [16:32]: Emphasizes Freeman's projected top 10 value despite past performance concerns.
• Jason Moore [15:22]: Supports Freeman's efficiency and workload.

3. Jake Seeley (RotoExperts.com, Fantasy Sports Network)

• MVP Pick: CJ Anderson (Running Back)
• Reasoning: Anderson is expected to emerge as a top-tier running back, offering significant value in the third or fourth draft rounds.
• Notable Quote [17:56]: "CJ Anderson will be your fantasy MVP. Top 10 running back. Lock it in."

Host Discussion:

• Mike Wright [18:31]: Questions Anderson’s efficiency based on past performance.
• Andy Holloway [19:18]: Mentions consistency and workload improvements.

4. Matt Harmon (NFL.com)

• MVP Pick: Bruce Ellington (Wide Receiver, 49ers)
• Reasoning: Ellington is viewed as a late-round sleeper with high ceiling potential in Chip Kelly's offense.
• Notable Quote [20:09]: "Bruce Ellington has the safest floor, but also a pretty high ceiling."

Host Discussion:

• Mike Wright [22:58]: Debates the impact of quarterback stability on Ellington's performance.
• Andy Holloway [22:33]: Considers coaching and offensive system factors.

5. Chris Harris (Harris Football)

• MVP Pick: Adrian Peterson (Running Back) / Steve Smith (Wide Receiver, if Healthy)
• Reasoning: Harris values Peterson’s consistent performance and views Steve Smith as a potential returnee with high upside.
• Notable Quote [23:24]: "Adrian Peterson... nothing in his film to indicate a slowdown."

Host Discussion:

• Andy Holloway [25:38]: Expresses skepticism about Steve Smith’s injury recovery.
• Mike Wright [25:13]: Defends the potential value if Smith returns healthy.

6. JJ Zacharysson (Number Fire, FanDuel)

• MVP Pick: Marvin Jones (Wide Receiver, Lions)
• Reasoning: Jones is expected to benefit from high target volume in a pass-heavy Detroit offense.
• Notable Quote [26:06]: "Marvin Jones is certainly a huge value at wide receiver."

Host Discussion:

• Jason Moore [26:43]: Highlights Jones’ rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
• Andy Holloway [27:56]: Emphasizes Jones' target share and opportunity.

7. Pat Mayo

• MVP Pick: Antonio Gates (Tight End)
• Reasoning: Gates offers a high return for a mid-to-late round pick, providing reliability at the tight end position.
• Notable Quote [30:16]: "Antonio Gates is going way too late. Make sure to get him on your team."

Host Discussion:

• Mike Wright [30:17]: Strongly supports Gates’ consistent performance and strategic value.
• Andy Holloway [31:49]: Adds that Gates benefits from an improved offensive line and system.

8. Nando Defino (Fantasy Sports Network)

• MVP Pick: Robert Griffin III / Terrell Pryor (Dual Picks)
• Reasoning: Defino oscillates between RG3’s potential resurgence and Pryor’s emerging role as a reliable receiver.
• Notable Quote [32:09]: "Terrell Pryor is going to catch a ton of passes, is going to be an important weapon in this offense."

Host Discussion:

• Andy Holloway [33:27]: Supports Pryor over RG3 due to inconsistent past performances.
• Mike Wright [33:10]: Considers RG3’s history but acknowledges Pryor’s potential.

9. John Paulson (404.com)

• MVP Pick: Dwayne Allen (Tight End, Colts)
• Reasoning: Allen is projected to thrive in a tight end-friendly offense with ample target opportunities.
• Notable Quote [36:48]: "Dwayne Allen’s role is set up nicely for a big year in Indianapolis."

Host Discussion:

• Mike Wright [38:05]: Agrees with Paulson’s analysis, citing offensive line improvements.
• Andy Holloway [38:42]: Emphasizes Allen’s target share and favorable system.

Hosts’ Fantasy MVP Picks

After evaluating the expert insights, the hosts present their own Fantasy MVP selections, each backed by thorough analysis and personal conviction.

Mike Wright’s Pick: Mark Ingram (Running Back, Saints)

• Reasoning: Wright highlights Ingram’s consistent workload, high yards after contact, and solid scoring potential, making him a valuable third-round pick.
• Notable Quote [40:59]: "Mark Ingram... almost 800 yards on the ground, six touchdowns."

Jason Moore’s Pick: Latavius Murray (Running Back, Raiders)

• Reasoning: Moore values Murray’s durability, projected workload, and potential to secure a top-tier running back position at a mid-round cost.
• Notable Quote [43:22]: "Latavius Murray is going to be a guaranteed RB1 this year."

Andy Holloway’s Pick: Lamar Miller (Running Back, Colts)

• Reasoning: Holloway trusts Miller’s enhanced workload and offensive line improvements, anticipating significant fantasy output.
• Notable Quote [41:02]: "Lamar Miller... he averages 18 plus carries a game."

Host Debate:

• Andy and Jason engage in a friendly debate, weighing the merits of their picks against each other’s choices, ultimately standing by their respective selections.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with the hosts reinforcing their MVP choices and encouraging listeners to utilize provided resources for their fantasy drafts.

• Andy Holloway [45:53]: "I will take mine as the Fantasy MVP. My guy is Lamar Miller."
• Jason Moore [50:47]: Summarizes his support for Latavius Murray despite playful ribbing from co-hosts.
• Mike Wright [40:48]: Reinforces the reliability of Mark Ingram as his top pick.

Final Remarks [50:44]:
The hosts thank the contributing experts and listeners, promoting their Ultimate Draft Kit and fantasy community at jointhefoot.com. They also give a nod to their sponsors and tease future episodes, leaving listeners equipped with valuable insights to dominate their fantasy leagues in the upcoming NFL season.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway [04:18]: "Whenever you're coming up towards the clock, make sure you have multiple people, more people than you have picks in front of you that you like."
• Jason Moore [11:27]: "Andrew Luck is my fantasy mvp. I think he's going to have a monster year."
• Brandon Marion Lee [15:37]: "Consider him the new Matt Forte. He is a great hard worker."
• Pat Mayo [30:16]: "Antonio Gates is going way too late. Make sure to get him on your team."
• Jake Seeley [17:56]: "CJ Anderson will be your fantasy MVP. Top 10 running back. Lock it in."
• Latavius Murray [43:22]: "Latavius Murray is going to be a workhorse back. Guaranteed RB1."
• Mark Ingram [40:59]: "He gave you almost 800 yards on the ground, six touchdowns."

Final Insights

This episode stands out for its comprehensive analysis, incorporating diverse expert opinions and fostering engaging discussions among the hosts. Listeners gain multifaceted perspectives on potential MVP candidates, enriched by strategic advice and real-time NFL updates. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy player or a newcomer, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and elevate your fantasy football game for the 2016 season.