Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - The TRUTH About Fantasy WR's in 2015, Part 1

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
• Host/Authors: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - The TRUTH About Fantasy WR's in 2015, Part 1
• Release Date: January 26, 2016

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers kick off the episode by briefly reflecting on the Arizona Cardinals' recent performance, setting a casual and relatable tone for the discussion. Early in the episode, notable banter among the hosts showcases their camaraderie and sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of fantasy wide receivers (WRs) based on the 2015 NFL season.

Reflecting on the Arizona Cardinals Game

Andy Holloway (00:00 – 02:53): The hosts reminisce about a tough loss against the Arizona Cardinals, highlighting the emotional impact of witnessing significant turnovers and poor performance. Andy shares his personal experience of feeling alone during the game's critical moments:

"I started the game with about 15 friends and family there watching and by eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, I was alone on the couch." (02:36)

Jason Moore (03:10 – 04:02): Jason expresses his frustration with the game, preferring thrilling losses over disheartening blowouts.

"I'd much rather enjoy the game and lose." (04:02)

This segment underscores the emotional rollercoaster that fantasy football participants often experience, linking real-life team performances directly to fantasy outcomes.

Overview of WR Analysis

At 04:02, Andy Holloway introduces the main topic: dissecting the "truth" about fantasy wide receivers from the 2015 season. The hosts emphasize their methodology, which involves analyzing WR performances against top-tier and bottom-tier defenses, consistency in weekly performances, and overall impact on fantasy teams.

Andy Holloway (04:02 – 04:54):

"We break down the where guys finished last year and how consistent they were... Are these guys, Were they plug and play options?" (04:54)

They also mention their extensive resources available on their website and social media platforms, encouraging listeners to engage and leverage the comprehensive content they provide year-round.

Individual Player Breakdowns

1. Antonio Brown

Jason Moore (14:46 – 16:09):

"He was over 100 yards a game versus the top half pass defenses. That's exactly what you want." (15:13)

Antonio Brown is lauded for his exceptional performance against formidable defenses, accumulating over 1,800 yards and 10 touchdowns. The hosts note his consistency, being a top-25 WR most weeks, and discuss his potential to secure the number one fantasy WR spot for the upcoming season.

2. Julio Jones

Andy Holloway (17:48 – 18:21):

"He performed even better against the top performing defenses." (15:53)

Julio Jones secured the second spot, matching Brown's reception count with 136 and accumulating 1,871 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite facing more bottom-tier defenses, his performance against top defenses bolsters his fantasy value, positioning him as a reliable high-end WR.

3. Brandon Marshall

Jason Moore (20:33 – 22:14):

"He had 14 touchdowns on the year and didn't do that in one of… he caught a touchdown just about every single game." (20:56)

Brandon Marshall is highlighted for his remarkable consistency, with 14 touchdowns and 109 receptions. Despite being 31 years old, his performance defies the typical age-related decline narrative, making him a valuable asset in dynasty leagues.

4. Alan Robinson

Andy Holloway (27:05 – 27:32):

"He played much better against bottom 16 defenses too." (27:32)

Alan Robinson earns the fourth spot based on his 80 receptions and 1,400 yards with a solid touchdown count. However, concerns about his performances against top defenses and a significant discrepancy in receptions compared to peers like Brandon Marshall lead the hosts to project him slightly lower.

5. Odell Beckham Jr. (ODell Beckham Jr. - ODB)

Jason Moore (29:19 – 30:21):

"To me, he is my number two wide receiver. I would take him over Julio Jones." (30:21)

Odell Beckham Jr. is celebrated for his youthful talent and explosive potential, despite missing a game due to suspension. With 96 receptions and 1,450 yards, Beckham Jr. is positioned as a high-risk, high-reward option, especially valuable in dynasty formats.

6. DeAndre Hopkins

Andy Holloway (32:12 – 34:01):

"He mirrored what you saw with the Texans in the beginning of the year... I would hear first, I would rather have Hopkins than Alan Robinson." (34:01)

DeAndre Hopkins is recognized for his impressive start with 111 receptions and 1,521 yards. However, his production dipped as defenses improved, mirroring the team's overall performance. The hosts suggest that while Hopkins remains talented, his draft value may not be as high as Beckham Jr.

7. A.J. Green

Jason Moore (44:02 – 46:54):

"He finished eighth and in week three and a half point PPR, I believe he was over 40 fans." (45:14)

A.J. Green, despite being a top performer with 86 receptions and nine touchdowns, is critiqued for his inconsistency, ranking 27th in consistency among WRs. The addition of Tyler Eifert affected his red-zone usage, leading to fluctuations in his fantasy performances.

8. Calvin Johnson

Andy Holloway (47:16 – 50:29):

"Calvin Johnson finished ninth and that's the useful fantasy guy next year." (50:29)

Calvin Johnson, known for his dominance, finished ninth with 88 receptions and nine touchdowns. While his yardage was slightly under expectations, his reliable touchdown production kept him within the top tier. The discussion touches on his age and physical attributes, debating his future performance.

9. Eric Decker

Jason Moore (53:05 – 55:37):

"He gave you zero top five games… he's still very, very high end." (54:33)

Eric Decker is praised for his consistency and reliability, albeit without the high-reward weeks typical of elite WRs. With 13 touchdowns and 1,000+ yards, Decker is positioned as a dependable WR2 with potential for WR1 upside, especially in stable offensive systems.

10. Larry Fitzgerald and Brandon Cooks

Andy Holloway (56:22 – 61:53):

"Larry Fitzgerald finished with 1,215 yards, not what people expected." (56:39)

Larry Fitzgerald and Brandon Cooks are discussed as reliable veterans, though Fitzgerald’s production slightly underwhelmed expectations. Brandon Cooks is compared to Jonathan Stewart for his ability to bounce back after a slow start, emphasizing his potential for a breakout season with a healthy Drew Brees.

Mailbag

Listener Question: Trade Decision

Josh in Brisbane, Australia (63:35 – 64:28):

Question: "I'm in a 10 team standard league and can only keep one player. Keeping a player forfeits our first-round draft pick next season. I'm offered Adrian Peterson (AP) for a second and third-round pick or Dez Bryant for a second and third-round pick. Should I make the trade to keep Dez?"

Hosts' Advice:

• Mike Wright (64:06 – 64:28): Recommends trading AP to acquire Dez Bryant along with additional draft picks.

  "I believe that Dez Bryant is worth a first-round pick." (64:06)

• Jason Moore (64:28 – 64:44): Agrees with Mike, emphasizing the value of Dez Bryant.

  "I think it's silly when you're able to keep a guy and trade guys you don't keep." (64:38)

Andy Holloway (64:44 – 65:32): Concludes that trading AP for Dez Bryant and additional picks is the optimal strategy.

Listener Question: UK-Based Fantasy League

Lex in Hitchin, England (64:52 – 66:43):

Question: "Any thoughts on a listener league for us fantasy-addicted UK-based players?"

Hosts' Response:

• Mike Wright (64:53 – 65:55): Introduces the Fantasy Footballers’ community platform at jointhefoot.com, promoting it as a solution for connecting with other high-quality fantasy players, including international leagues.

  "We want to help connect people." (64:53)

• Andy Holloway (65:32 – 66:43): Encourages participation in listener leagues by highlighting past successful competitions and the creative entry requirements.

  "It can't be through proving it to us in a court of law... it's about impressing us." (66:19)

Conclusion

Andy Holloway (66:43 – 67:22): The hosts wrap up the episode by teasing upcoming discussions on additional wide receivers and inviting listeners to continue engaging with their content. They emphasize the importance of analyzing WR performances to make informed fantasy decisions, ensuring listeners are well-prepared for their drafts.

"We'll be back here talking the second half of these wide receivers and get the truth." (66:57)

Final Remarks: The Fantasy Footballers reinforce their commitment to providing insightful and thorough analysis, encouraging listeners to leverage their resources and community for ongoing fantasy football success.

Notable Quotes:

• "He still finished as the number one. But here's what's crazy to me. That stuck out against the top 16 defenses." — Jason Moore (15:13)
• "He's number one in my heart." — Andy Holloway (20:34)
• "He's number two over Julio Jones. I would take him over Hopkins and Brandon Marshall." — Jason Moore (30:21)
• "He was super talented, but his production dipped as defenses got better." — Jason Moore (34:01)

Resources:

• Visit thefantasyfootballers.com for more insights, analysis, and community engagement.
• Follow the hosts on Twitter @FFballers.
• Join the Fantasy Footballers’ community at jointhefoot.com.

This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Fantasy Footballers' episode on the truth about fantasy wide receivers in 2015. By analyzing player performances, consistency, and future projections, the hosts provide valuable guidance for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their rosters.