Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Episode 400 Summary

Release Date: July 22, 2017

In their milestone 400th episode, The Fantasy Footballers—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—celebrate their journey with enthusiastic reflections, insightful fantasy football analysis, and engaging listener interactions. This special episode not only honors past achievements but also provides valuable advice to equip listeners for the upcoming fantasy football season.

1. Celebrating 400 Episodes

Andy Holloway kicks off the episode with heartfelt thanks to the Foot Clan community, expressing excitement for future endeavors. He states at [00:00], “...we're looking forward to keeping this going for what, another 20, 30, 50 years minimum.”

The hosts reminisce about their journey, acknowledging the support from long-term listeners and welcoming new members to their dedicated fantasy football community.

2. Favorite Moments from the Podcast's History

Addressing a listener's question from Twitter at [02:51], the trio shares their favorite moments since the podcast's inception:

• Mike Wright highlights David Johnson's breakout game during his rookie season with the Eagles. “[04:30] It's such an incredible moment to share with listeners who played him...”

• Mike Wright also cherishes the show's accuracy during last year's fantasy playoffs, noting, “[05:21] Last year, I was the number one most accurate expert...”

• Andy Holloway fondly recalls Arian Foster's unexpected decline, emphasizing the emotional investment listeners have in player performances.

These moments underscore the podcast's impact on listeners' fantasy football decisions and the camaraderie within the Foot Clan.

3. Current Fantasy Football News and Analysis

The hosts delve into pressing fantasy news:

• Chris Johnson Joins the Arizona Cardinals: Discussed at [06:31], the trio debates Johnson's role alongside David Johnson, assessing the potential impact on team dynamics and fantasy value.

  Andy Holloway comments, “[07:10] If that happens, it'll be Chris Johnson, Kerwin Williams, Andre Ellington in an ensemble of disappointment for Cardinals fans.”

• Mike Williams' Injury Status: At [07:31], they analyze Mike Williams' reported back injury, expressing skepticism about his fantasy prospects given his limited practice time and uncertain role.

  Mike Wright asserts, “[08:30] Mike Williams still plummets in my rankings... he is essentially not had zero practice with his team.”

• Zeke's Suspension Uncertainty: The discussion at [09:40] centers on the implications of Zeke’s potential suspension, weighing the risks and rewards of drafting him under uncertainty.

4. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Expert Advice

The episode features several listener-submitted questions, providing tailored fantasy football advice:

a. Zeke's Suspension and Draft Strategy ([10:08] - [19:00])

Listener Austin from Norman, Oklahoma asks whether to keep Zeke amid off-field issues.

• Andy Holloway suggests patience, comparing Zeke to Le'Veon Bell, a high-impact RB despite potential risks. “[10:46] I would go with Zeke.”

• Mike Wright emphasizes considering draft position, advising [11:37] to evaluate based on whether you're drafting early or late.

b. Terrell Pryor vs. Jameson Crowder ([12:14] - [14:56])

Unnamed listener debates choosing between Pryor and Crowder.

• Andy Holloway favors Crowder due to ADP and potential value in PPR formats but acknowledges Pryor's ceiling.

• Mike Wright agrees with prioritizing Pryor in certain drafting scenarios, highlighting Crowder’s inconsistent touchdown production.

c. Rookie Keeper Policy Implications ([15:03] - [16:53])

A listener from Wilmington, Delaware inquires about targeting rookies under a new keeper policy.

• Mike Wright advises maintaining core rookies without altering draft strategies significantly, focusing on late-round gems like Kareem Hunt.

• Andy Holloway underscores the balance between drafting rookies and established players, emphasizing strategic depth management.

d. Trading Draft Picks Before the Draft ([21:55] - [24:38])

Alex from Detroit seeks opinions on trading draft picks.

• Andy Holloway advocates for acquiring draft picks as they "can't tear their ACLs," promoting their reliability.

• Mike Wright suggests targeting higher picks for greater early-round value while noting the diminishing returns of pick trading as the draft progresses.

e. Position Rankings: Keenan Allen vs. Sammy Watkins ([19:13] - [21:50])

Ludwig from Berlin, Germany questions why Sammy Watkins is favored over Keenan Allen despite similar stats.

• Mike Wright considers Watkins a preferable target due to being the primary focus in his team’s offense, whereas Keenan Allen faces more competition from other receivers.

• Andy Holloway acknowledges the similarities but leans towards Watkins for his higher touchdown potential, stating at [20:25], “Watkins is more of a double-digit touchdown threat to me.”

5. Best Ball Segment with Scott Barrett

In partnership with PlayDraft.com, the podcast features Scott Barrett of DFB (original Dude Fantasy), who shares expert strategies for best ball leagues:

• Roster Construction: Focus on a heavy running back strategy early in the draft, aiming for two to three RBs in the first five rounds to capitalize on their consistent scoring.

  Scott Barrett advises at [27:45], “...go running back heavy early. I want maybe in the first five rounds, I want at least like three running backs.”

• Wide Receiver Strategy: Opt for quantity over quality, selecting numerous wide receivers with high upside rather than relying solely on established stars.

  He emphasizes, “[28:08] ...quantity over quality at the wide receiver position... more of a volatile position. So you can go a little later and just go heavy on the number of wide receivers.”

• Quarterback Selection: Delay drafting quarterbacks, leveraging the format's automatic start feature to maximize value by selecting mid to late-round QBs with potential for high performance.

  Scott Barrett adds, “[31:28] Also, wait on quarterback... building elite quarterback production based on 2 to 3 mid to late range quarterbacks.”

Scott's insights provide listeners with actionable tactics to excel in best ball formats, enhancing their draft strategies and roster optimization.

6. Show Highlights: Memorable Moments

To honor the podcast's legacy, Brooks compiles a montage of favorite and infamous moments from the first 399 episodes. This segment is peppered with humorous clips and inside jokes that long-time listeners will appreciate, such as:

• David Johnson’s Breakout: Celebrating his rise and the hosts' enthusiastic support ([33:38]).

• Arian Foster’s Decline: Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of player performances ([34:00]).

• Funny Banter and References: Light-hearted interactions between hosts, including playful insults and pop culture references, exemplifying the show's entertaining dynamic ([35:00] onwards).

These highlights encapsulate the podcast's blend of expert analysis and engaging camaraderie, reinforcing why listeners remain loyal for over three years.

7. Closing Remarks

In wrapping up, the hosts tease future episodes and developments, including transitioning to a new studio and expanding weekly show frequency. They extend their gratitude once more to the Foot Clan community, encouraging listeners to stay connected and participate in upcoming events.

Andy Holloway concludes at [45:01], “...appreciate you hanging out. Come back next week again. Three shows a week right now going into five a week in August and a lot of very exciting stuff going on.”

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway at [00:00]: “...we're looking forward to keeping this going for what, another 20, 30, 50 years minimum.”

• Mike Wright at [04:30]: “It's such an incredible moment to share with listeners who played him...”

• Andy Holloway at [07:10]: “If that happens, it'll be Chris Johnson, Kerwin Williams, Andre Ellington in an ensemble of disappointment for Cardinals fans.”

• Mike Wright at [08:30]: “Mike Williams still plummets in my rankings... he is essentially not had zero practice with his team.”

• Andy Holloway at [10:46]: “I would go with Zeke.”

• Scott Barrett at [28:08]: “...quantity over quality at the wide receiver position... more of a volatile position.”

This landmark episode of The Fantasy Footballers reinforces the podcast's commitment to delivering expert advice, fostering a supportive community, and celebrating the excitement of fantasy football. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to the game, episode 400 offers valuable insights and a nostalgic look back at the show's impactful moments.