Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - Fantasy Football Pet Peeves, Hype Train + UDK Release
Release Date: June 1, 2017
1. Ultimate Draft Kit Release
Andy Holloway kicks off the episode by announcing the release of The Ultimate Draft Kit, available at ultimatedraftkit.com. He highlights its comprehensive features, including premium rankings for every position, auction prices, expert lists for breakouts and busts, and over 100 player profile videos. Notably, Matt Harmon from NFL.com contributes "Reception Perception," a charting of the top 50 wide receivers and rookies to help identify potential breakout stars. Andy emphasizes the kit's dynamic nature, stating at [00:00]:
"This is bigger. This is better. This is the ultimate draft kit."
He encourages listeners to explore the kit, highlighting its continuous updates throughout the offseason.
2. Fantasy Football Pet Peeves
The hosts delve into their biggest annoyances within the fantasy football realm, sharing personal frustrations and insights.
a. Non-Responsive Owners
Mike Wright voices his irritation with owners who ignore trade offers. At [03:13], he explains:
"I'm trying to open a dialogue here to talk trade... then you get nothing squad douche back."
He underscores the importance of communication and timely responses to maintain league integrity.
Jason Moore adds his perspective, stating:
"Unless you're straight trolling... I'm doing the whole, yeah, no response."
His approach involves not engaging with offers he deems unworthy, reinforcing the need for meaningful trade discussions.
b. Chasing Points / Knee-Jerk Reactions
Andy Holloway identifies "knee-jerk fantasy football" as a significant pet peeve. At [04:28], he articulates:
"Chasing the points... If you chase points that way, you will always lose."
He criticizes owners who overreact to a player's performance in a single week, advocating for a more strategic and patient approach to roster management.
c. Overvaluing the Unknown
Jason Moore discusses the tendency to overvalue rookies and free agents at the expense of proven players. At [07:40], he notes:
"It's silly to overvalue free agents that move teams because it's exciting and unknown."
He emphasizes the importance of valuing consistent performers who reliably contribute to fantasy teams.
3. Listener Reviews
The hosts read and respond to listener feedback, showcasing the community's appreciation and experiences.
Jason Moore shares a glowing review from Dez Bryant at [11:38]:
"Fantasy football is fun and everybody loves it... These guys are fun, hilarious, and most of all, informative."
Andy Holloway and Mike Wright express gratitude, highlighting the positive impact of listener support and encouraging continued engagement through reviews and social media.
4. Fantasy News & Hype Train Analysis
The trio analyzes current news stories, dissecting whether to buy into or sell the hype surrounding various players.
a. Hunter Henry – Chargers Tight End
Andy introduces the topic at [14:42], questioning if sophomore Hunter Henry will be the Chargers' main tight end alongside Antonio Gates.
Mike Wright responds skeptically at [15:25]:
"This doesn't mean that Hunter Henry is a top five, top seven guy to me."
He emphasizes that Gates will still play a pivotal role, implying that Henry's prominence might be overhyped.
b. James White – Patriots Running Back
Andy references a report praising James White for his steadiness and improvement at [15:26].
Jason Moore cautiously acknowledges the report but suggests it leans into "hype train mentality" rather than actionable fantasy advice at [16:10]:
"It's more so an off-season... hype train in actionable fantasy news."
c. Chad Williams – Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver
Andy discusses Chad Williams, highlighting Larry Fitzgerald's praise of his strong hands at [17:54].
Mike Wright concurs, recognizing Williams' undervaluation in dynasty leagues and comparing him to players like Kenny Golladay at [17:54]:
"I think he is being overlooked and undervalued in dynasty leagues dropping into the third round."
Jason Moore remains cautious, noting the source of the praise might be biased but agrees Williams could be undervalued [18:45]:
"Larry Fitzgerald is such a nice guy... I agree with the premise that Chad Williams might be undervalued."
d. Todd Gurley – Rams Running Back
Andy brings up concerns about Todd Gurley's role in the passing game, referencing ESPN's Alden Gonzalez at [17:54].
Jason Moore believes Gurley's involvement might decrease, comparing it to past scenarios like Alfred Morris at [19:47]:
"I certainly am... this doesn't mean that Hunter Henry is a top five, top seven guy to me."
Mike Wright supports the potential reduction in Gurley's role, praising Lance Dunbar's versatility at [20:27]:
"Lance Dunbar in the passing game is absolutely electric."
e. Julius Thomas – Miami Dolphins Tight End
Andy presents a headline about Julius Thomas at [20:11].
Mike Wright dismisses the hype, sarcastically suggesting Thomas will catch an unrealistic number of touchdowns [21:33]:
"Julius Thomas is going to catch 15 touchdowns."
Jason Moore remains non-committal, recognizing the hype but unsure of its validity [21:45].
5. Listener Mailbag
The hosts address listener-submitted questions, offering expert advice and diverse perspectives.
a. Draft Strategies in Specific League Formats
Listener: Rock Bottom in SoCal at [26:41] asks about approaching drafts with unique roster configurations, like three wide receivers and no flex.
Jason Moore recommends still prioritizing top running backs if available, even in these formats [27:04]:
"I'm still going to be taking one of the top running backs."
Mike Wright maintains that scarcity in running backs remains consistent regardless of league settings [28:30].
b. Keeper League Rules
Listener: Jake in Kentucky at [27:04] inquires about declaring keepers and round penalties.
Mike Wright advises waiting as late as possible to declare keepers to avoid unforeseen issues like injuries [29:02]:
"The later the better... just wait as late as possible."
Jason Moore shares his preference for early declaration to facilitate draft pick trading [30:54]:
"I would say do it as early as possible."
c. Drafting Disliked Players for Value
Listener: Chad in Fayetteville at [31:09] asks about drafting players they personally dislike but offer draft value.
Andy Holloway emphasizes enjoying the game over forced drafting:
"If you don't want to take the guy, if you don't want to risk going down with someone you hate, don't take them." [31:09]
Mike Wright concurs, suggesting that undervalued players can be traded later for better assets [32:34]:
"Isn't the league speaking... you have better assets in total."
d. Rookie Class Ownership and Productivity
Listener: RJ and Ross in Rochester at [35:17] inquire about the most owned and productive rookie for the season.
Jason Moore predicts Joe Mixon as the most productive rookie, while Mike Wright leans towards Leonard Fournette [36:16]:
"I think he will be the most productive."
Andy Holloway supports Fournette, citing coaching philosophies and opportunity [37:29]:
"He is clearly going to be drafted by everyone... I see Mixon having to climb his way up."
e. Organizing a Slow Draft
Listener: Todd in St. Louis at [38:02] seeks advice on managing a slow draft due to participants' schedules.
Jason Moore recommends using platforms like fantasyleague.com that support slow drafts with automated notifications [39:23]:
"They have an option to do a slow draft and that takes care of it for you."
Mike Wright suggests implementing a timer that accommodates participants' availability [39:42]:
"You get an eight-hour timer and that timer shuts off at night."
Andy Holloway adds using social platforms like Facebook groups for real-time updates and engagement [39:55]:
"You can comment and bash people much easier with images and with GIFs to mock their picks."
6. Conclusion & Upcoming Segments
Andy Holloway wraps up by reiterating the features of The Ultimate Draft Kit, mentioning listener feedback and improvements, including mobile optimization and additional content like Reception Perception. He announces an upcoming YouTube segment post-show that will delve deeper into using the Draft Kit effectively.
Mike Wright and Jason Moore also highlight the importance of community engagement and express excitement for future content. The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and follow them on social media to stay updated.
This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Fantasy Footballers podcast episode, providing valuable takeaways for both seasoned and new fantasy football enthusiasts.