Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Eye-Popping Stats + Offseason Hype
Release Date: June 27, 2017

1. Introduction and Station Updates

The episode kicks off with Andy Holloway and Jason Moore returning from the Fantasy Sports Trade Association in New York City. They share anecdotes about meeting fans and hint at Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright's temporary absence as he returns from a bachelor party in Denver. The hosts express excitement about the upcoming content, promising a deep dive into the latest fantasy football news, player performances, and intriguing statistics.

2. Hype Train: Player Insights and Opinions

Offensive Line Improvements and Fantasy Implications
Andy emphasizes the importance of offensive lines in enhancing player performance, citing Carson Wentz’s improved passer rating when Lane Johnson was on the field (04:30). He highlights the Cleveland Browns as a prime example, noting their strengthened offensive line and the potential rise of Isaiah Crowell as a top-tier running back. Jason Moore agrees, adding that the Denver Broncos, with significant upgrades to their offensive line, could also see increased fantasy production.

Andy Holloway (06:52): "He's nine right now. He has only 200. He was the only running back in the top 20 last year without 200 carries."

Buying vs. Selling the Hype on Players
The hosts engage in a spirited debate about which players to buy into and which ones to sell. They scrutinize reports about Eddie Lacy and Thomas Rawls at Seattle, with Jason expressing skepticism about the hype surrounding Rawls.

Jason Moore (10:59): "I’m not buying the hype on Thomas Rawls."

Conversely, they discuss potential sleeper picks like Terrell Pryor, who trained with Antonio Brown and Randy Moss, though Jason remains cautious.

Jason Moore (14:05): "He's not going to become Antonio Brown. It’s just what he should be doing, training with the best."

Matt Forte as the Jets’ Workhorse
Andy speculates that Matt Forte might become the Jets' primary running back, potentially mirroring Frank Gore’s role. Jason is dubious, pointing out Forte’s age and injury history but acknowledges his late-round value.

Jason Moore (15:14): "He's going to be inefficient with it, but enough volume where he's an RB2, you know, a high-end RB2 even."

Eric Decker’s Titans Move
Upon Eric Decker’s signing with the Tennessee Titans, Andy and Jason discuss its impact on Marcus Mariota’s performance. They agree that Decker could elevate Mariota’s effectiveness but remain cautiously optimistic about Decker’s own fantasy value.

Jason Moore (23:21): "Color me a little bit skeptical."

3. Eye-Opening Statistics Analysis

Danny Woodhead vs. Todd Gurley Performance
Andy reveals that Danny Woodhead achieved more top-seven PPR performances than Todd Gurley last season, despite playing significantly fewer games. Jason underscores Gurley’s consistent value while acknowledging Woodhead’s favorable PPR contributions.

Andy Holloway (28:57): "Danny Woodhead ended up with one more top seven PPR performance than Todd Gurley last year despite only playing a game and a half."

Cam Meredith’s Impressive PPR Week Performances
The hosts highlight Cam Meredith’s unexpected surge in PPR weeks, surpassing performances of notable wide receivers like Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall. However, they caution that Meredith’s future performance may not sustain this high level.

Andy Holloway (29:02): "Cameron Meredith had more top 10 PPR performances than Demarius Thomas, Alshon Jeffery, and Brandon Marshall combined last year."

Brian Hoyer’s Consistency Concerns
Brian Hoyer’s lack of consistent high-performance weeks is dissected, with Jason suggesting he serves better as a streamable quarterback rather than a reliable starter.

Jason Moore (32:48): "I really do not expect Brian Hoyer to be able to play 16 games this year."

Rushing Touchdown Trends
Ryan Weiss shares a statistic pointing out that despite a decline in total NFL rushing attempts over five years, the number of rushing touchdowns in 2016 was unusually high. The hosts debate whether this spike is an anomaly or indicative of a trend shift.

Jason Moore (41:19): "100%. 100%."

Tevin Coleman’s Historic Efficiency
Andy presents Tevin Coleman’s remarkable stats, including an average of 13.6 yards per reception as a running back—the highest in 36 years. However, Jason warns that such efficiency is rarely repeatable and may not justify Coleman's high draft position.

Andy Holloway (44:46): "Tevin Coleman on 31 catches averaging 13.6 per reception."

Frank Gore’s Reliability Despite Lower Yardage
Frank Gore’s 2016 season is analyzed, where he maintained his RB1 status with consistent performances, averaging 64 yards per game. The hosts discuss his role as a dependable back despite not posting explosive yardage numbers.

Jason Moore (46:33): "He has literally Gore blood in his veins."

Tight End Inconsistencies
A striking statistic reveals that 14 different tight ends finished as the weekly number one in fantasy football last year, highlighting a lack of consistency at the position. Travis Kelsey leads with only six top-five finishes, indicating volatility among tight ends.

Andy Holloway (50:29): "14 different tight ends finished as the weekly number one last year."

4. Player Signings and Contracts

Derek Carr’s New Contract
Derek Carr’s substantial five-year, $125 million extension is a focal point, contrasting his financial success with his recent on-field performance. Andy expresses skepticism about his regression potential despite the lucrative deal.

Andy Holloway (24:27): "I don't think that we're going to extrapolate that to your performance on the field."

Eric Decker’s Impact with the Titans
Eric Decker’s move to Tennessee is discussed in detail, with Jason perceiving potential benefits for Marcus Mariota’s offense but maintaining a guarded stance on Decker’s fantasy prospects.

Jason Moore (23:36): "Part of that for me is I’m not convinced that Eric Decker is the same Eric Decker we’ve always seen."

5. Community Engagement and Resources

The hosts promote their Ultimate Draft Kit, receiving high praise from Brooks, and encourage listeners to join their fantasy football community at jointhefoot.com. They also mention giveaways, including jerseys and DFS passes, to engage and reward their audience.

Andy Holloway (06:52): "He’s nine right now. He has only 200. He was the only running back in the top 20 last year without 200 carries."

Additionally, they highlight guest contributions, such as Jay Grizz being featured at The Fantasy Sports Show in Toronto, emphasizing their community’s growth and involvement in larger fantasy football events.

6. Host Humor and Personal Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, Andy and Jason infuse humor and personal stories, such as their playful trolling of producer Brooks with a Paul Giamatti poster and banter about bathroom names in the studio. These lighthearted moments underscore the hosts’ camaraderie and make the podcast entertaining beyond just the fantasy football analysis.

Jason Moore (28:20): "I did not know that he had been arrested at any point in his life because it’s a straight mug shot."

7. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

As the episode concludes, the hosts reiterate the importance of staying informed and engaged through their community platforms. They encourage listeners to utilize their resources to enhance their fantasy football strategies and express anticipation for Mike Wright’s return in future episodes.

Andy Holloway (55:06): "We’ve got a bathroom with a picture."

They sign off by thanking listeners for tuning in and reminding them to check out their website for more resources and community interaction.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway (06:52): "He’s nine right now. He has only 200. He was the only running back in the top 20 last year without 200 carries."

• Jason Moore (10:59): "I’m not buying the hype on Thomas Rawls."

• Jason Moore (23:21): "Color me a little bit skeptical."

• Andy Holloway (28:57): "Danny Woodhead ended up with one more top seven PPR performance than Todd Gurley last year despite only playing a game and a half."

• Jason Moore (41:19): "100%. 100%."

• Andy Holloway (44:46): "Tevin Coleman on 31 catches averaging 13.6 per reception."

• Jason Moore (46:33): "He has literally Gore blood in his veins."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of offseason moves, player performances, and intriguing statistics that can influence fantasy football strategies. With engaging discussions, expert opinions, and a touch of humor, Andy Holloway and Jason Moore provide listeners with valuable insights to enhance their fantasy football experience.

For more detailed discussions and resources, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and join the community at jointhefoot.com. Follow the hosts on Twitter @the_ffballers for updates and exclusive content.