Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Episode "More Free Agent Madness, Mailbag" (March 14, 2017)

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: March 14, 2017

1. Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers kick off the episode with friendly banter celebrating PI Day, sharing personal anecdotes, and acknowledging Jason Moore's twins' birthdays. This light-hearted start sets the stage before diving into the core topics of the day.

2. Free Agent Madness

The trio delves into the whirlwind of free agency activity, emphasizing the volatility surrounding running backs during this period.

a. Running Back Market Struggles

• Andy Holloway (02:31): Expresses concern over the challenges running backs face in the free-agent market, likening their situation to cowboys not being allowed to grow up.

• Mike Wright (03:02): Highlights notable running backs like Latavius Murray, Jamal Charles, Adrian Peterson, and Eddie Lacy being available, signaling a tough market for managers.

b. The Tyreek Hill and Terrell Pryor Trade

A significant portion of the discussion centers on a peculiar trade between Jason Moore and Mike Wright involving Tyreek Hill and Terrell Pryor.

• Jason Moore (04:34): Details the trade mechanics, explaining his desire to strengthen his running back lineup by acquiring Terrell Pryor in exchange for Tyreek Hill and Theo Riddick.

• Mike Wright (06:23): Comments on the swift execution of the trade, noting the community's mixed reactions with a poll showing a 56-44 split favoring the Tyreek Hill side (Poll Timestamp: 06:27).

• Andy Holloway (07:15): Supports the trade, stating, “I believe in Pryor over Hill,” and questions if Jalen Richard is merely a throwaway piece or a valuable asset.

• Notable Quote (Jason Moore, 07:32): “I believe that Terrell Pryor will finish next year as a top wide receiver.”

• Poll Results (06:27): 56% favored keeping Tyreek Hill and Theo Riddick, while 44% supported trading for Terrell Pryor and Jalen Richard.

Analysis:

• Pros of Trading for Terrell Pryor: Potential for a red-zone threat and synergy with existing receivers like Jarvis Landry and Jameson Crowder.

• Cons of Trading Away Tyreek Hill: Loss of a high-impact wide receiver in favor of someone who may not consistently perform at the same level.

• Community Sentiment: Slightly favors the retention of Tyreek Hill, but opinions are divided based on team-specific needs.

3. NFL News and Free Agency Updates

The hosts provide updates on various NFL movements impacting fantasy football players.

a. Le'Veon Bell's Surgery and Steelers' Future

• Mike Wright (09:28): Reports on Le'Veon Bell undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury with an estimated six-week recovery timeline. Discussions revolve around whether the Steelers will offer Bell a long-term deal beyond the franchise tag.

b. Seattle Seahawks' Running Back Moves

• Jason Moore (10:37): Observes Seattle's pattern of visiting free agents like Adrian Peterson, Jamal Charles, and Latavius Murray, indicating potential upgrades to their running back corps.

• Andy Holloway (12:15): Suggests that Thomas Rawls' value may decline as Seattle seeks to bolster their lineup, advising fantasy managers to consider trading or releasing him.

c. Rex Burkhead Joins the Patriots

• Mike Wright (13:08): Announces Rex Burkhead signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, speculating on his role as a potential special teams contributor or offensive player.

d. Cowboys' Off-Season Challenges

• Andy Holloway (15:53): Criticizes the Dallas Cowboys' off-season moves, highlighting the loss of key offensive linemen and questioning the team's ability to maintain depth and performance.

e. Alshon Jeffery Signs with the Eagles

• Mike Wright (16:53): Reports Alshon Jeffery's one-year "prove it" deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, expressing concerns about his value due to injury history and the Eagles' quarterback situation.

• Jason Moore (17:13): Notes that Jeffery’s move to a team with an unproven quarterback like Carson Wentz may impact his fantasy value, preferring him to land with an established signal-caller.

f. Terrell Pryor Joins the Redskins

• Mike Wright (19:23): Discusses Terrell Pryor signing with the Washington Redskins, evaluating his potential under Kirk Cousins and contrasting it with his previous performance.

• Andy Holloway (23:15): Optimistic about Pryor's future, stating, “Terrell Pryor, this next season on FanDuel is going to win someone a million bucks.”

g. Eddie Lacy's Move to the Seahawks

• Jason Moore (34:22): Shares breaking news about Eddie Lacy agreeing to terms with the Seattle Seahawks, pondering his fit and potential impact compared to other running backs like Jamal Charles.

h. Martellus Bennett Signs with the Packers

• Jason Moore (37:43): Analyzes Martellus Bennett’s three-year, $21 million deal with the Green Bay Packers, predicting he might be an overdrafted fantasy tight end due to Aaron Rodgers' limited tendency to utilize tight ends effectively.

i. Kenneth Dixon's Suspension and Baltimore's Backfield

• Mike Wright (30:24): Announces Kenneth Dixon's four-game suspension for PED violations, discussing its implications for Baltimore’s running back depth and fantasy managers’ strategies.

• Andy Holloway (33:55): Advises caution, noting the uncertainty around Dixon's role and performance post-suspension.

4. Free Agent Winners and Losers

Throughout the episode, the hosts identify key free-agent signings that could positively or negatively impact fantasy teams:

• Winners:

  • Terrell Pryor (Redskins): Potential high upside under Kirk Cousins.
  • Rex Burkhead (Patriots): Versatile role in New England’s offense.

• Losers:

  • Thomas Rawls (Seattle): Reduced value due to increased competition and signings like Eddie Lacy.
  • Eddie Lacy (Seahawks): Uncertainty about his role compared to potential alternatives like Jamal Charles.

5. Mailbag and Listener Questions

The hosts address listener-submitted questions, offering tailored advice for different league formats.

a. Taking Terrell Pryor in Dynasty and PPR Leagues

• Ryan Porter’s Question (45:09): Where to draft Terrell Pryor in a dynasty versus a half-point PPR league.

• Andy Holloway (45:55): Recommends taking Pryor in the fifth or sixth round in dynasty leagues, praising his talent and future potential.

• Jason Moore (46:23): Expresses regret over the trade, believing Pryor will excel as a top wide receiver, especially in Washington.

• Consensus: Pryor is viewed as a valuable asset with high upside in both league formats, albeit with some uncertainties.

b. Keeper Decisions in PPR Leagues

• Sam in Canada’s Question (47:24): Choosing between keepers like Michael Thomas, Lamar Miller, Adrian Peterson, Eddie Lacy, and Latavius Murray.

• Andy Holloway (47:49): Prefers Michael Thomas over Lamar Miller due to the PPR format, valuing Thomas' target share.

• Jason Moore (48:55): Advocates for Lamar Miller in dynasty settings, despite past underperformance, citing his potential with an improved offense.

• Mike Wright (51:48): Concerns over Kenneth Dixon's suspension affecting his long-term viability, suggesting caution.

c. Draft Position for Michael Thomas

• Michael Thomas Draft Strategy (50:35):

  • Andy Holloway (51:12): Advises avoiding drafting Michael Thomas in the second round due to inflated expectations and potential overvaluation.

  • Jason Moore (51:54): Agrees that Thomas may not live up to his draft position, suggesting he might be overdrafted.

  • Mike Wright (53:21): Highlights Thomas' high volume and second-half season performance, maintaining optimism about his fantasy prospects.

• Recommendation: Exercise caution with Michael Thomas' draft position, potentially waiting until later rounds to avoid overpaying for his current value.

d. Dynasty Trade Proposal

• Ross in Eureka's Question (49:26): Proposes trading a high draft pick and either Matt Stafford or Kirk Cousins for Jordan Howard.

• Andy Holloway (49:42): Rejects the offer, emphasizing the potential value of the draft pick, especially if Alvin Fournette or other high-value running backs are available.

• Jason Moore (49:40): Supports Andy’s stance, suggesting that trading away a high draft pick for Howard is not worthwhile.

• Conclusion: Trading high-value draft picks for individual players like Jordan Howard may not provide sufficient return, especially in dynasty formats where future picks hold significant value.

6. Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reinforcing their community engagement, encouraging listeners to join their fantasy football community and participate in upcoming debates and discussions.

Key Takeaways:

• Running Back Market Volatility: Fantasy managers should navigate the challenging free-agent market carefully, prioritizing high-upside players while mitigating risks.

• Trade Evaluations: Critical assessment of trades involving star players versus emerging talents is essential to maintain a balanced and competitive fantasy roster.

• Draft and Keeper Strategies: Adapting draft positions and keeper decisions based on league formats and player potential can significantly influence fantasy success.

• Awareness of NFL Moves: Staying informed about NFL free-agent signings, injuries, and team strategies helps in making informed fantasy decisions.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (07:32): “I believe that Terrell Pryor will finish next year as a top wide receiver.”

• Andy Holloway (23:15): “Terrell Pryor, this next season on FanDuel is going to win someone a million bucks.”

• Andy Holloway (51:37): “We don't know if he's a three down back yet.”

Resources:

• Website: fantasyfootballers.com
• Community: Join leagues and engage with fellow listeners at jointhefoot.com
• Follow on Twitter: @theffballers

Thank you for tuning in to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Stay connected and may your rosters be ever competitive!