Fantasy Footballers Podcast 2017 Episode Summary: "5 Ways to Become a Better Fantasy Football Player in 2017"
Release Date: June 15, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
In this special episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deep into strategies aimed at elevating your fantasy football game for the 2017 season. Moving beyond basic tips, the trio presents five comprehensive ways to think differently and play more effectively, ensuring listeners gain both analytical insights and a holistic approach to fantasy football.
1. Know Your League, Not Just Your Roster
Timestamp: 20:00 – 25:32
Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of your specific league:
“Know your league, not just your roster. The way that your league mates play fantasy football... has an impact on your team’s performance.” [02:54]
Key Points:
-
League Rules & Scoring Systems: Tailor your strategies according to unique league settings. For instance, different point systems (e.g., PPR for only tight ends or points per first down) can drastically alter player values.
Mike Wright illustrates this with the Scottie Fishbowl league example:
“Every year he changes up the scoring system... This radically changes things.” [22:08]
-
Understanding Opponents’ Tendencies: Recognize how your league mates draft, trade, and manage their teams. This knowledge allows you to anticipate moves and exploit opportunities.
Jason Moore adds:
“Andy always takes advantage of the one or two guys that are very news reactionary.” [21:24]
-
Customization Over Generic Cheat Sheets: Instead of relying solely on broad rankings, adjust your strategies based on how your league operates, enhancing your competitive edge.
2. Find Your Quick Draw News Option
Timestamp: 25:32 – 29:22
Staying updated with the latest news is crucial for making informed decisions. The hosts recommend establishing a streamlined method to receive timely updates without being overwhelmed.
Andy Holloway describes:
“Find your quick draw news option... grab your phone and look at that source and see if there's any updates.” [26:10]
Key Points:
-
Efficient News Sources: Utilize apps like Rotoworld, SleeperBot, or Twitter to receive concise and relevant updates. These platforms provide notifications for significant changes, ensuring you don't miss critical news.
Jason Moore suggests:
“Twitter has lists... you could just scroll through nothing but NFL beat writers.” [28:14]
-
Balancing Quantity and Quality: Focus on quality updates rather than being inundated with information. A streamlined news source keeps you informed without consuming excessive time.
-
Real-Time Updates: Tools like Twitter are invaluable for real-time status changes, injury reports, and other immediate news that can affect player performance and availability.
Mike Wright emphasizes:
“Twitter is crucial when you're following these beat reporters... look like all systems are Go for that player.” [28:46]
3. Don’t Play Afraid
Timestamp: 29:22 – 36:34
Fear can hinder decision-making, leading to suboptimal choices during drafts and roster management. The hosts encourage a confident and fearless approach to fantasy football.
Andy Holloway states:
“Number three, don’t play afraid... you can’t play it afraid.” [29:37]
Key Points:
-
Overcoming Fear of Mistakes: Whether it's drafting a quarterback later or avoiding handcuffing, confidence in your decisions is essential.
Jason Moore explains:
“Trust your gut a little bit when you're in that draft. Don’t... be reeling.” [35:07]
-
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Don't let concerns like bye weeks or handcuffing dictate your strategy. Focus instead on broader team needs and player potentials.
Mike Wright discusses handcuffing:
“We don’t draft our handcuffs... It’s a waste of a spot.” [32:39]
-
Staying Calm During Uncertainty: Maintaining composure when early results aren't favorable can make the difference between a championship-contending team and a mediocre one.
Andy Holloway ties it with another tip:
“Trust the process... Whatever happens can happen in reverse.” [44:03]
4. Community: Make Your Friends Better at Fantasy Football
Timestamp: 36:34 – 41:21
Building a strong community around fantasy football not only enhances enjoyment but also fosters mutual improvement among league members.
Andy Holloway highlights:
“Making your friends better at fantasy football benefits you as a fantasy football player.” [37:17]
Key Points:
-
Networking and Collaboration: Engaging with fellow players allows for the exchange of strategies, insights, and support, ultimately elevating everyone's game.
Jason Moore shares:
“Surround yourself with more people that play or introduce them to it.” [38:20]
-
Learning Through Interaction: Active discussions and debates within your community can reveal new perspectives and approaches to the game.
-
Improving League Quality: Encouraging others to enhance their gameplay creates a more competitive and enjoyable league environment. This mutual improvement benefits all participants.
Andy Holloway adds:
“We learn from you, you learn from us... you need to have a community.” [39:20]
5. Stay the Course
Timestamp: 41:21 – 45:25
Persistence is key in fantasy football. Staying committed throughout the season, even during downturns, can lead to unexpected successes.
Jason Moore narrates his personal experience:
“I was completely 100% gone. I just was like, okay, well, the NFL is over because my fantasy team is over... I kept doing that, and it made me so much better the following season.” [42:15]
Key Points:
-
Consistent Engagement: Continuously monitoring and adjusting your team, even when not in playoff contention, sets the foundation for future success.
-
Resisting the Urge to Quit Early: Many players give up after initial setbacks, but perseverance can turn weak starts into strong finishes.
-
Long-Term Perspective: Maintaining focus beyond immediate outcomes helps in making strategic decisions that benefit the team over the entire season.
Andy Holloway connects it with playing fearless:
“Trust the process... if you start off on the wrong foot, stay the course.” [44:03]
Additional Insights and Discussions
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in insightful discussions and debates, providing listeners with practical advice and personal anecdotes.
Changing Player Evaluations:
-
Austin Safarian-Jenkins: Mike Wright discusses his evolving stance on the Jets' tight end, highlighting the importance of personal development and second chances.
“He's still very young. It's... he is rising.” [07:11]
-
Terrell Pryor: Andy Holloway shares his reassessment of Terrell Pryor’s potential in Washington, considering the surrounding talent and offensive dynamics.
“What is the ceiling really for Pryor... I see it more as one of those situations that could also go the way of Brandon Lloyd.” [08:08]
-
Tyrell Williams: Jason Moore reflects on redefining Tyrell Williams’ value based on his consistent performance, challenging previous rankings.
“He was really, you know, on a weekly basis, helpful fantasy player last year who is undrafted.” [13:20]
Draft Strategies:
-
Handcuffing: The hosts debate the merits of drafting backup players. Mike Wright advises against it, emphasizing the loss of draft value, while also recognizing scenarios where it might be beneficial.
“We don’t draft our handcuffs... It’s a waste of a spot.” [32:39]
-
Bye Weeks: Andy Holloway dismisses the importance of bye weeks, encouraging players to remain flexible and not let them dictate roster decisions.
“Unless I'm in a best ball league... It’s irrelevant to me.” [34:37]
Listener Questions and Answers
The episode includes a segment where the hosts address listener questions, offering tailored advice based on their expertise.
Commissioner's Dilemma:
-
Transitioning New Owners in a Keeper League:
Listener Ryan from Bismarck, ND asks:
“How do I handle the transition period for bringing in these new owners?... should I give them a clean slate and let all the players go back into the draft pool for the upcoming season?” [49:16]Hosts' Response:
-
Jason Moore suggests conducting a supplemental draft where new owners select from a pool of available players, ensuring fairness and maintaining league integrity.
“Use a supplemental draft... it's a great idea.” [51:22]
-
Andy Holloway recommends establishing clear rules beforehand to avoid controversy, advocating for transparency and collective agreement within the league.
“If you're not in this situation, to establish what you're going to do in your league.” [52:18]
-
Keeper Decisions:
-
Choice Between Ezekiel Elliott and Michael Thomas:
Listener from Sarasota Springs, NY asks:
“Keep one Ezekiel Elliott for a first-round pick or Michael Thomas for an eighth-round pick?” [52:42]Hosts' Consensus:
- The unanimous decision leans towards keeping Ezekiel Elliott, given his high value and impact.
“We will all agree to take the studs.” [53:30]
- The unanimous decision leans towards keeping Ezekiel Elliott, given his high value and impact.
Rookie Wide Receivers Evaluation:
-
Rashard Matthews vs. Corey Davis:
Listener Cameron in Sarasota Springs, NY challenges the hosts’ rankings:
“After the Titans drafted Corey Davis, you buried Rashard Matthews...” [53:30]Hosts' Response:
-
Jason Moore acknowledges the validity of the concern but explains that Corey Davis’s role could limit Matthews’s opportunities.
“Just because Corey Davis may not produce at a fantasy stud level because he's a rookie...” [55:56]
-
Andy Holloway suggests re-evaluating based on ongoing performance and offensive developments.
“Now, what was he over the first half?... seeing how things shake out and camp a little bit.” [56:56]
-
Conclusion
The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reiterating the five key strategies to enhance your fantasy football prowess:
- Know Your League, Not Just Your Roster
- Find Your Quick Draw News Option
- Don’t Play Afraid
- Community: Make Your Friends Better at Fantasy Football
- Stay the Course
Andy Holloway summarizes:
“Pick who you want and things will go better. Trust your gut a little bit when you're in that draft.” [35:07]
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the community through forums and the website (jointhefoot.com) to further refine their strategies and enjoy a more enriched fantasy football experience.
Notable Quotes
-
Andy Holloway:
“One of my favorite things to talk about is knowing your league, not just your roster.” [19:39] -
Jason Moore:
“Finding your quick draw news option can change everything about how much you know.” [26:10] -
Mike Wright:
“We don’t draft our handcuffs... It’s a waste of a spot.” [32:39] -
Andy Holloway:
“Stay the course... Whatever happens can happen in reverse.” [44:03]
Final Thoughts
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a blend of strategic advice and motivational insights, equipping fantasy players with the tools needed to not only compete but excel in their leagues. By understanding league dynamics, staying informed, overcoming fears, engaging with the community, and maintaining persistence, listeners are well-positioned to enhance their performance and enjoy a more fulfilling fantasy football season.