Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2016 - Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 1, 2016

The Fantasy Footballers returned with an engaging episode titled “Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Trivia Time, News & Notes, Combine Reactions,” featuring hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright. The episode seamlessly blended insightful analysis of the NFL Combine, up-to-date news and notes, and an entertaining trivia segment that captivated both longtime listeners and newcomers alike.

I. Combine Reactions

The hosts delved into their observations from the 2016 NFL Combine, highlighting standout performances and memorable moments.

A. CJ Prosise

Andy Holloway (03:30): "CJ Prosise, a running back out of Notre Dame, had an impressive combine performance with a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds, a broad jump of 3 feet, and notable agility in the three-cone drill. Despite his transition from wide receiver and defensive back to running back, Prosise's athleticism makes him a player to watch in the draft."

B. Chris Jones

Andy Holloway (04:54): "Defensive lineman Chris Jones from Mississippi State caught our attention not just for his on-field performance but also for a wardrobe malfunction during the Combine—his shorts rode up as he ran, leading to a humorous and memorable moment."

C. Ezekiel Elliot

Jason Moore (06:16): "Ezekiel Elliot stood out as a top-tier running back in the class, showcasing his versatility with over 1,800 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in his senior year. His robust combine metrics affirm his potential as a fantasy powerhouse, especially if he lands in a team that maximizes his dual-threat capabilities."

D. Derek Henry

Mike Wright (07:15): "Derek Henry displayed elite physical attributes, akin to Von Miller. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 220 pounds, Henry's combine numbers—though his three-cone drill performance raises questions about his agility—suggest he has the makings of a dominant NFL running back if paired with the right coaching."

II. News & Notes

The hosts covered significant NFL updates, providing fantasy implications and team insights.

A. Tom Brady's Extension

Jason Moore (09:22): "Tom Brady signed a two-year extension with the New England Patriots, ensuring he remains the team's starting quarterback. This move solidifies the Patriots' offense and reassures fantasy owners who rely on Brady for consistent performance."

B. Falcons Targeting Mohammed Sanu vs. Marvin Jones

Andy Holloway (09:40): "The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly eyeing Mohammed Sanu and Marvin Jones to bolster their wide receiver lineup. While Sanu offers versatility, Jones presents a more promising option for fantasy managers seeking reliable receiving targets."

C. Doug Martin Franchise Tag Likely Leaving

Jason Moore (11:16): "Reports indicate that the Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to use the franchise tag on running back Doug Martin. With the deadline approaching, this signals Martin's imminent departure from the team, necessitating fantasy owners to explore alternatives or anticipate his signing with another franchise."

D. Patriots Investigating Free Agent Running Backs

Mike Wright (12:07): "The New England Patriots are exploring options among free agent running backs Joy Bell, Matt Forte, Chris Ivory, and Alfred Morris. Each player offers different strengths, with Alfred Morris being a potential upgrade over current backs if acquired cost-effectively."

E. Peyton Manning's Retirement Rumors

Jason Moore (13:11): "Speculation arose from the Denver Post about Peyton Manning's retirement, which was promptly denied by both Manning and the Denver Broncos. This rumor underscores the uncertainty surrounding player longevity and its impact on fantasy drafts."

III. Trivia Time

The hosts engaged in a lively trivia segment, posing challenging questions to each other and sharing their knowledge about player performances and statistics from the previous NFL season.

A. Player Performance Highlights

1. Carlos Williams' Consistent Game Impact

   • Jason Moore (16:36): Asked about a player who had either a touchdown or over 100 yards from scrimmage in every game started in 2015. The correct answer was Carlos Williams, recognized for his high-risk, high-reward potential in fantasy drafts.

2. Delanie Walker’s Target Efficiency

   • Jason Moore (18:33): Identified Delanie Walker as the tight end leading the league in 2015 with the highest targets per snap and most targets per game, highlighting his undervalued status and potential as a late-round draft pick in fantasy leagues.

3. Charles Sims' Dual-Threat Capability

   • Jason Moore (21:18): Recognized Charles Sims as one of the few players with over 500 rushing and receiving yards, emphasizing his versatility and potential significance if Doug Martin leaves Tampa Bay.

4. Russell Wilson’s Touchdown Surge

   • Jason Moore (41:08): Spotlighted Russell Wilson for his remarkable performance in the last five games of the 2015 season, projecting a hypothetical season of 51 touchdowns and three interceptions, underscoring his explosive potential.

5. Keenan Allen’s Receptions Leaderboard

   • Jason Moore (45:00): Correctly identified Keenan Allen as the wide receiver second in the league in receptions through the first eight weeks of the season, noting his critical role in maintaining high fantasy output.

6. Doug Baldwin’s Touchdown Against Top Opponents

   • Jason Moore (47:26): Highlighted Doug Baldwin for his eight touchdowns against top 10 opponents in 2015, positioning him as a reliable target despite competition against elite quarterbacks.

7. Tavon Austin’s Balanced Yardage

   • Jason Moore (48:17): Confirmed Tavon Austin's unique statistic of having equal rushing attempts and receptions in 2015, showcasing his dual role and fantasy relevance.

8. Ted Ginn's High Touchdown Rate

   • Jason Moore (50:22): Identified Ted Ginn Jr. as the wide receiver with over 10 touchdowns but a lower catch rate compared to his peers, discussing the balance between touchdown production and reception efficiency.

B. Game Results

The trivia segment was competitive, with Jason Moore ultimately leading with five points over Mike Wright's three and Andy Holloway's two.

IV. Key Takeaways and Conclusions

• Draft Strategies: The episode emphasized the importance of targeting versatile players like Ezekiel Elliot and Charles Sims, who offer dual-threat capabilities, enhancing their value in various fantasy formats.

• Position Scarcity: Highlighted the scarcity of elite running backs, prompting fantasy owners to secure dependable RBs like Lamar Miller or consider multi-use backs like Tavon Austin.

• Player Stability vs. Upside: Drew a line between consistent performers (e.g., Tom Brady, Doug Baldwin) and high-upside players whose performances may fluctuate (e.g., Devonta Freeman, Jeremy Hill).

• Injury Considerations: Discussed the impact of injuries on player reliability, particularly concerning running backs like Doug Martin and potential free agents for the Patriots.

• Dynasty Outlook: Addressed long-term fantasy implications, suggesting a cautious approach towards players like Brandon Cooks if their quarterback situation changes post-Drew Brees.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway on CJ Prosise’s potential:
  "[04:32] Andy Holloway: He really performed."

• Jason Moore on Ezekiel Elliot’s fantasy prospects:
  "[06:07] Jason Moore: I think he is the best running back in the class."

• Mike Wright comparing Derek Henry to Von Miller:
  "[07:15] Mike Wright: Derek Henry is a physical freak of nature and he should be able to do something special if he gets a good coach."

• Jason Moore on Lamar Miller vs. Doug Martin:
  "[32:04] Jason Moore: All right, so Jason has four points. Mike has three."

• Jason Moore on Russell Wilson’s breakout potential:
  "[41:08] Jason Moore: The answer is Russell Wilson... Russell Wilson is going to keep throwing the ball the way he was."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provided a comprehensive analysis of the NFL Combine, timely news updates, and a fun-filled trivia session that tested the hosts' and listeners' knowledge of the game. By blending detailed player evaluations with strategic fantasy insights, the hosts ensured that the episode was both informative and entertaining, solidifying their reputation as go-to experts in the fantasy football community.