Summary of "Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - 10 Things to Remember from 2016" by The Fantasy Footballers
Release Date: February 2, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Introduction
In the February 2, 2017 episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into a retrospective analysis of the 2016 fantasy football season. Titled "10 Things to Remember from 2016," the episode aims to equip listeners with valuable insights to refine their draft strategies and avoid past mistakes. The trio also briefly mentions their new Twitch channel for interactive gaming sessions, catering to the podcast's diverse audience.
1. Quarterbacks Influence Wide Receiver Performance
Timestamp: [13:42] – [14:16]
Jason Moore kickstarts the discussion by highlighting the critical relationship between quarterbacks and wide receivers. He observes that six of the top ten wide receivers were drafted in the first two rounds, correlating with strong quarterback performances. The implication is clear: elite quarterbacks boost the productivity of their wide receivers, making them valuable fantasy assets.
Notable Quote:
"For me, when I'm going into next season, look, in the first two rounds, if you know Mike Evans, you can argue whether Jameis Winston is good or not. He's great. He's top."
— Jason Moore [13:42]
2. Prototypical Players Aren't Always the Best
Timestamp: [14:24] – [16:40]
Andy Holloway emphasizes that fantasy success doesn't always hinge on drafting players who fit the traditional mold of their position. He cites examples like Tyreek Hill and Tevin Coleman, who defied conventional expectations to deliver exceptional performances. The key takeaway is to remain open to "out-of-the-box" players who may not fit the typical profile but offer significant upside.
Notable Quote:
"Prototypical is not always best and that I can, when I see the signs on the field, in the stats, I can buy into some of these guys that are not prototypical."
— Andy Holloway [15:05]
3. The Dominance of Top Running Backs
Timestamp: [16:40] – [19:17]
Mike Wright underscores the unparalleled impact of top-tier running backs on fantasy outcomes. He explains that elite RBs like David Johnson and Le'Veon Bell can single-handedly win weeks, creating a significant point differential from their peers. This reinforces the strategy of prioritizing running backs in the early rounds of drafts.
Notable Quote:
"You want more points than your opponent and if you look at the best running backs and the best wide receivers, the running backs score more points."
— Jason Moore [19:06]
4. Re-evaluating Overvalued Players Post-Performance
Timestamp: [19:17] – [21:00]
Jason Moore reflects on the misjudgments of 2016, where several high-profile players underperformed despite high expectations. Players like Matt Ryan, Travis Kelce, and Melvin Gordon did not meet their projected potential, leading to reconsideration of their draft value. The lesson is to avoid discarding players too hastily based on single-season performances.
Notable Quote:
"I want to remember those guys and think I'm not gonna. I'm not throwing them out. I still see reason that some of those guys can bounce back."
— Jason Moore [21:00]
5. Avoid Drafting Kickers Early
Timestamp: [23:50] – [25:28]
Andy Holloway advises against using early draft picks on kickers, pointing out that top kickers often go undrafted. Instead, he recommends focusing on drafting players in high-powered offenses or elite kickers in the later rounds. This strategy prevents wasting valuable early selections and leverages the availability of quality kickers on the waiver wire.
Notable Quote:
"Don't be Tempted to grab a kicker early... six of the top 12 kickers in 2016 went undrafted."
— Andy Holloway [24:07]
6. Understanding Bust Data and Position Stability
Timestamp: [25:28] – [29:03]
Mike Wright discusses the bust data from 2016, noting that more wide receivers failed to meet expectations compared to running backs. However, he cautions against overreacting to this trend by abandoning established strategies. Instead, he advocates for maintaining a balanced approach, adapting to the draft flow without deviating from proven strategies.
Notable Quote:
"Don't lock yourself in because of last year's results, right? You have to be smart about these things."
— Mike Wright [28:48]
7. Analyzing Trade Outcomes to Refine Future Decisions
Timestamp: [29:21] – [32:21]
Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of reviewing past trades to understand their success or failure. By analyzing the rationale behind successful and unsuccessful trades, managers can identify patterns and improve their decision-making. This reflective practice helps in avoiding repeated mistakes and optimizing future trade strategies.
Notable Quote:
"You got to analyze those because sometimes a trade doesn't work out, a guy gets injured or whatever. Sometimes though, you go back and you look and you can see why you made a mistake in one of your trades."
— Jason Moore [29:21]
8. Valuing Injured Players for Draft Potential
Timestamp: [33:09] – [35:50]
Andy Holloway highlights the undervalued potential of injured players in drafts. Despite the inherent risks, these players often come at bargain prices with significant upside if they return to form. The hosts mention several examples, including Eric Decker and Keenan Allen, stressing the importance of identifying such opportunities to gain a competitive edge.
Notable Quote:
"Guys coming back from injury are perennially under drafted and doubted... their bargain price presents upside that you do not want to forget."
— Andy Holloway [33:10]
9. Avoiding Personal Biases in Player Selection
Timestamp: [35:55] – [39:26]
Mike Wright and Jason Moore discuss the psychological pitfalls of drafting players one doesn't favor personally. Mike shares his regret over investing in Doug Martin despite personal reservations, leading to detrimental team performance. The hosts urge managers to focus solely on player value, setting aside personal biases to make objective decisions.
Notable Quote:
"I'm reminding myself next year, if there's a guy I just don't like, I'm going to accept them."
— Mike Wright [38:29]
Additionally, Jason Moore introduces a sub-point:
9B. Don't Overreact to Playoff Schedules
Timestamp: [39:02] – [41:10]
Jason warns against making roster changes based solely on playoff schedule perceptions. He reflects on past mistakes where concerns over a player's playoff matchups led to premature decisions, advising managers to focus on consistent performance over schedule considerations.
Notable Quote:
"We've got to remember for next year that we can't overreact to playoff schedules."
— Jason Moore [40:24]
10. Addressing and Improving League Dynamics
Timestamp: [41:10] – [44:24]
Andy Holloway concludes the list by urging league commissioners and participants to identify and rectify issues within their leagues. Whether it's unclear rules, poor communication, or inactive members, addressing these problems proactively can enhance the overall fantasy football experience. The hosts promote their own fantasy community, JoinTheFoot.com, as a platform for healthier and more engaging leagues.
Notable Quote:
"Remember what was wrong with your league and fix it now."
— Andy Holloway [41:10]
Additional Insights
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Twitch Channel Announcement: The hosts introduced their new Twitch channel, twitch.tv/theffballers, where they plan to engage with listeners through live fantasy football discussions and gaming sessions.
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Shout-Out to Other Podcasts: Jason Moore recommends "Playing with Science," a sports science podcast affiliated with Neil deGrasse Tyson's StarTalk, highlighting its unique approach to analyzing sports through a scientific lens.
Notable Quote:
"It's a sports science podcast... you'll have to forgive that part of the segment. Arizona fans, Neil DeGrasse Tyson's actually going to be on there."
— Jason Moore [44:08]
Conclusion
The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football managers aiming to capitalize on the lessons from the 2016 season. By focusing on the interplay between quarterbacks and wide receivers, valuing non-prototypical players, understanding the dominance of top running backs, and avoiding personal biases, listeners are better equipped to navigate their drafts and in-season strategies. Additionally, the emphasis on league dynamics ensures a more enjoyable and competitive environment for all participants.
Listeners are encouraged to join The Fantasy Footballers community on JoinTheFoot.com and follow the hosts on Twitter at @theffballers for ongoing tips, analyses, and interactive content.