Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Week 1 Updates, News, & Mailbag
Release Date: September 7, 2016

1. Draft Story: The Alan Hearns Mix-Up

Timestamp: 02:58 – 05:12

The hosts kick off the episode by sharing a hilarious draft day story submitted by listener Patrick from Fort Lauderdale. During a fraternity draft event, a miscommunication occurs when a member refers to "Alan Hearns" instead of "Alan Robinson." Both drafters continue to advocate for Alan Hearns, leading to confusion and ultimately, Hearns being selected at the first-round pick eight. The trio revels in the humorous outcome, emphasizing the importance of attention during drafts.

• Mike Wright [04:25]: "So, Alan Hearns, if you're out there, take this story to your counterpart there, throw it in his face, let him know you were the first round pick of this draft."

2. News and Notes: Key Updates Impacting Fantasy Football

Timestamp: 07:12 – 40:13

The hosts delve into several NFL news items that are crucial for fantasy managers:

• Seahawks Depth Chart Shake-Up:

  • Timestamp: 07:12 – 09:31
  • Kristen Michael is listed ahead of Thomas Rawls on the Seahawks' initial depth chart, raising concerns about Rawls' fantasy value. Andy Holloway [08:04]: "I wouldn't freak out just yet... If Christian Michael comes out week one and lights it up, then I would have more concern."

• Ezekiel Elliott Cleared of Legal Issues:

  • Timestamp: 10:42 – 11:02
  • Elliott is officially cleared of all domestic violence investigations, removing a significant distraction for fantasy managers.

• Jared Goff as a Healthy Scratch:

  • Timestamp: 11:02 – 12:02
  • Goff will not start in week one, marking a rare instance since JaMarcus Russell where a top quarterback is benched initially.

• Saints Kicker Change:

  • Timestamp: 12:15 – 12:51
  • The Saints have replaced Kai Forbath with Will Lutz, prompting fantasy managers to adjust their kicker selections.

• Tyler Lockett vs. Jermaine Kearse:

  • Timestamp: 12:54 – 14:44
  • A discussion on the depth chart decisions affecting their fantasy relevance, highlighting the unpredictability of receiver performances early in the season.

3. Mailbag: Listener Questions Answered

Timestamp: 16:15 – 40:13

The hosts address various listener inquiries, providing expert advice on diverse fantasy scenarios:

• Dropping Players: Steve Smith vs. Justin Forsett

  • Timestamp: 16:29 – 17:25
  • Andy Holloway [16:42]: "I would drop Steve Smith in this situation."
  • Consensus advice leans towards releasing Steve Smith due to uncertainty around his participation and performance.

• Starting Players: Thomas Rawls vs. Danny Woodhead

  • Timestamp: 17:47 – 19:35
  • Mike Wright [18:25]: "I would go with Danny Woodhead based on my rankings this week."
  • The hosts recommend favoring Woodhead over Rawls, considering matchup difficulties and usage projections.

• Stacking Players from the Same Team: Marshall, Decker, and Forté

  • Timestamp: 19:31 – 21:40
  • Andy Holloway [19:33]: "You don't really want to start both of them."
  • The discussion emphasizes the risks of having multiple players from the same team, suggesting flexibility in lineup decisions.

• Rookie Wide Receiver Selection: Michael Thomas, Will Fuller, or Tyler Boyd

  • Timestamp: 25:19 – 28:22
  • Mike Wright [25:26]: "I went with Tyler Boyd; I think he was the flyer that was worthwhile."
  • Jason Moore [27:28]: "Give me Fuller for the..."
  • The consensus leans towards Tyler Boyd, citing offensive schemes and preseason performances, though Fuller is also a viable option.

• Trade Evaluation: Adrian Peterson for Jamal Charles and Keenan Allen

  • Timestamp: 34:31 – 35:07
  • Andy Holloway [34:42]: "Yeah, do it."
  • The trade is endorsed, reflecting the high fantasy value of Charles and Allen over Peterson.

• Starting Tight End: Gary Barnage vs. Others

  • Timestamp: 38:31 – 40:06
  • Mike Wright [39:17]: "I consider Gary Barnage the salad of the tight end position... nutritionally viable."
  • Andy Holloway [39:21]: "I believe in him... Jury's out a little bit for me."
  • Barnage is recommended as a reliable TE option, though some caution due to offensive system changes.

• Starting Flex Players: Spencer Ware vs. Jeremy Langford

  • Timestamp: 29:31 – 31:09
  • Mike Wright [30:00]: "I would go with Spencer Ware."
  • The advice prefers Ware for his matchup and potential over Langford, considering defensive uncertainties.

• Auction Draft Error: Accidental $89 Bid on Arian Foster

  • Timestamp: 31:23 – 34:22
  • Andy Holloway [32:00]: "You have to have a little bit of grace and sympathy for this person."
  • The hosts suggest leniency if the mistake is promptly acknowledged, highlighting sportsmanship in league management.

• Game Time Slots: Thursday vs. Sunday vs. Monday Night Games

  • Timestamp: 35:07 – 38:22
  • Andy Holloway [35:30]: "I loathe the Thursday matchup when I have my stud on Thursday."
  • Mike Wright [36:21]: "Having a player in all the games is fun. It gives you strategic advantages."
  • The debate centers around the pros and cons of different game time slots, with a slight preference for having players in multiple games for strategic flexibility.

4. Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide actionable insights tailored to help listeners navigate Week 1 challenges. They emphasize the importance of:

• Flexibility in Lineups: Adjusting based on player performances and matchups.
• Monitoring Depth Charts: Early-season changes can significantly impact player value.
• Strategic Play: Leveraging game time slots and roster flexibility to maximize weekly gains.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging listeners to share stories and seek advice through their platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway [04:44]: "How quick do you pull the trigger on laughing in their face?"
• Mike Wright [08:37]: "Nobody thinks that Spencer Ware is going to run away with the job if Jamal Charles is healthy."
• Jason Moore [19:33]: "You don't really want to start both of them."
• Mike Wright [25:26]: "I went with Tyler Boyd; I think he was the flyer that was worthwhile."
• Andy Holloway [32:33]: "Now, I will say this, though, right? We started today's show by a great story of Alan Hearns over Alan Robinson."

For more insights and detailed analyses, tune into future episodes of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast and join their thriving fantasy football community.