Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - Offseason Fantasy Questions, News & Notes
Release Date: February 23, 2017

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers kick off their 2017 offseason episode with hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright diving deep into crucial offseason fantasy football topics. The episode focuses on answering listener questions, discussing significant trades, and providing news and insights to help fantasy managers prepare for the upcoming season.

Dynasty Trade Analysis

Timestamp: 03:52 – 07:03

Mike Wright introduces a major dynasty trade he executed in his league, acquiring Zeke Elliott by trading away significant assets: CJ Prosise, Tevin Coleman, and two first-round picks (this year and next). Brooks elaborates on the aggressiveness of the move, emphasizing his intent to build a powerhouse team aimed at winning multiple championships.

• Brooks on the Trade:
  "I took home the title in this league last year with a very stacked roster. And then I had the opportunity to snag a superstar like Zeke." [04:23]

Discussion Points:

• Aggressiveness in Dynasty Leagues:
  The trio debates the sustainability of such aggressive moves, noting the risk of depleting future assets for short-term gains. Mike raises concerns about potential vulnerability in future seasons if the acquired player underperforms or gets injured.

• Value of Superstar Running Backs:
  Brooks argues the scarcity and high value of elite running backs in dynasty formats, comparing Zeke Elliott to other top performers like David Johnson.

• Risk vs. Reward:
  Andy supports the decision, highlighting the stacked state of Brooks' team, while Mike advises caution, suggesting that over-aggressiveness can leave teams vulnerable in the long run.

News and Notes

Timestamp: 07:03 – 15:15

The hosts share updates on various NFL players that impact fantasy football decisions:

1. Le'Veon Bell's Contract Status:

   • Ian Rapoport reports that Bell has not scheduled groin surgery, raising questions about his future and draft prospects.
   • Andy Holloway:
     "If Adrian Peterson gets cut by the Minnesota Vikings, then the franchise tag... will go from $12 million to $8 million." [10:11]
   • Mike Wright:
     "I think if I were the Rooney family... I would be sending Le'Veon Bell packing." [11:43]

2. Jay Cutler's Future:

   • Jay Cutler is medically cleared but may not play in the 2017 season. Discussions revolve around potential teams interested in acquiring Cutler, with Houston emerging as a likely candidate.
   • Andy Holloway:
     "If I was Houston, I would take Jay Cutler in a heartbeat." [14:53]

3. Martellus Bennett's Free Agency:

   • Ian Rapaport suggests it's challenging for the Patriots to re-sign Bennett.
   • Andy Holloway:
     "Bennett's been on Twitter saying... he's going for the money." [15:15]

Listener Reviews

Timestamp: 08:34 – 09:14

The hosts read a listener review from G. Willikers, praising the podcast for its expertise and entertainment value.

• G. Willikers' Review:
  "Championships on top of championships. By far my favorite fantasy football podcast... knowledge, entertaining, and their podcast is of the highest quality." [08:39]

Mailbag: Offseason Questions

Timestamp: 15:44 – 43:24

The hosts tackle various listener-submitted questions, providing strategic advice for different fantasy football scenarios.

1. Auction Value Question - AJ Green vs. Antonio Brown:

   • Aaron in Hortonville, WI asks:
     "Would you keep AJ Green for $44 in a 12-team standard auction league?" [16:30]
   • Andy Holloway:
     "AJ Green's value will probably be right around $44. I'd be willing to keep him." [16:33]
   • Consensus:
     • Mike Wright opts for AJ Green to save budget.
     • Brooks and Andy prefer Antonio Brown if league budget permits.

2. Keeper Decision - Ty Hilton vs. Tyrell Williams:

   • Josh in Michigan asks:
     "Should I keep Ty Hilton and forfeit my 4th-round pick or Tyrell Williams and forfeit my last pick?" [18:00]
   • Brooks and Andy: Recommend keeping Ty Hilton for better value and reliability.
   • Mike: Agrees with Hilton, citing uncertainties around Tyrell Williams and potential limited opportunities.

3. Keeper Selection - Julio Jones, DeVonta Freeman, Dez Bryant, Tyreek Hill:

   • Dom in Virginia asks:
     "Keep Julio Jones for a first-rounder, Devonta Freeman for a second-rounder, Dez Bryant for a second-rounder, or Tyreek Hill for a 10th-round pick?" [22:17]
   • Discussion:
     • Andy opts for Julio and Devin Freeman.
     • Mike chooses Julio and Tyreek Hill for their high upside.
     • Brooks: Emphasizes the importance of Devonta Adams' potential despite some inconsistencies.

4. Draft Strategy - Artificial Supply Shortage:

   • Eric in Raleigh, NC asks:
     "What do you think about creating an artificial supply shortage at the draft, e.g., a QB shortage by round?" [28:33]
   • Consensus:
     • The hosts unanimously advise against this strategy, labeling it risky and often ineffective.
     • Brooks:
       "It’s possibly the worst idea and decision he could make." [24:56]

5. Keeper Decision - Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins, Devonta Adams:

   • Connor in Omaha asks:
     "Who would you have as your third keeper among Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins, or Devonta Adams?" [32:38]
   • Discussion:
     • Andy favors DeVonta Adams for his reliable quarterback synergy.
     • Mike supports Hopkins for his target volume but acknowledges Adams' potential.
     • Brooks: Balances between Watkins’ upside and Adams' consistency, ultimately siding with Adams for team synergy.

6. Dependable Starters - Perryman or Dixon:

   • Avidgross9 on Twitter asks:
     "Any chance Perryman or Dixon can be dependable starters?" [38:52]
   • Responses:
     • Mike and Brooks: Believe both players can be reliable, especially with revamped wide receiver corps.
     • Andy: Suggests Perryman could be a valuable late-round pickup with potential for steady production.

7. Draft Strategy for Top Picks - David Johnson vs. Le’Veon Bell:

   • Channing in Lynnside, WV asks:
     "Should I trade my 8th overall pick and two second-rounders for the number two pick to acquire David Johnson or Le’Veon Bell?" [30:29]
   • Advice:
     • Andy: Advises against the trade, valuing depth and multiple picks over securing a single top-tier player.
     • Mike and Brooks: Encourage evaluating mock drafts and considering league dynamics before making such decisions.

NFL Wide Receiver Core Analysis

Timestamp: 34:21 – 43:24

The hosts engage in a detailed analysis of top NFL wide receivers, comparing their past performances and potential future outputs to inform fantasy decisions.

• Andy on WR Scoring Trends:
  "You saw top level wide receivers score fewer touchdowns while WR2 and WR3 increased their touchdown numbers." [42:54]

• Brooks on Receiver Production:
  Highlights the variability in WR performances tied to quarterback effectiveness and team offensive strategies.

• Mike on Devonta Adams vs. Sammy Watkins:
  "Devonta Adams is putting up 75 catches... I’m not buying in. He’s going to be one of my fades." [38:20]

• Consensus:

  • DeAndre Hopkins emerges as a preferred option due to his consistent targets and strong partnership with Aaron Rodgers.
  • Sammy Watkins and Devonta Adams are debated based on their upside and team dynamics, with Adams slightly edging out for reliability.

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by emphasizing preparation for the upcoming draft and encouraging listeners to engage with their comprehensive draft kit and community platforms. They highlight the importance of strategic decisions in the offseason, whether it's executing bold trades or making informed keeper selections.

• Mike Wright:
  "We are pouring ourselves into the development of the ultimate draft kit." [40:12]

• Brooks:
  "If you want the exclusive show, head over to jointhefoot.com." [43:46]

Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast on Twitter (@FFballers) and visit fantasyfootballers.com for more resources and updates.

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm going full dynasty mode here where we're setting a dynasty within the dynasty." — Brooks [05:59]

• "It's potentially the worst idea and decision he could make." — Mike Wright on Supply Shortage Strategy [24:56]

• "Devonta Adams is putting up 75 catches... I’m not buying in. He’s going to be one of my fades." — Mike Wright [38:20]

Key Takeaways:

• Aggressive Trades in Dynasty Leagues: High risk for high reward; crucial to balance current success with future assets.

• Keeper Selections: Focus on value and team synergy, prioritizing consistent performers over high-risk, high-reward players.

• Draft Strategies: Avoid manipulative strategies like creating artificial shortages; instead, focus on informed, flexible drafting based on player performance and team needs.

• Player Analysis: Prioritize wide receivers with consistent targets and strong quarterback relationships to maximize fantasy points.

Stay Connected:

• Website: thefantasyfootballers.com
• Exclusive Content: jointhefoot.com
• Twitter: @FFballers

This summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' 2017 offseason episode, providing actionable insights and strategic guidance for fantasy football enthusiasts.