Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - Old, Bland & Undervalued Players + Hitman Returns
Release Date: July 11, 2017

Introduction and Welcome [00:28 - 02:04]

The episode kicks off with the familiar banter among hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright. They engage in light-hearted conversations about appearances and set the tone for an engaging discussion ahead.

• Jason Moore [00:28]: "Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers."
• Andy Holloway [01:02]: "The hair is wilding out, apparently."

Main Topics: Old, Bland & Undervalued Players [02:04 - 42:09]

The core of the episode delves into identifying and analyzing players who are often overlooked in fantasy drafts due to perceptions of age, lack of excitement, or undervaluation. The hosts aim to highlight these players' potential to outperform their draft positions.

Golden Tate: Boom and Bust [03:35 - 06:18]

Golden Tate serves as the first example of a player with inconsistent performance but significant upside when in form.

• Jason Moore [03:35]: "This player did it nine times."
• Andy Holloway [05:13]: "Golden Tate... we are talking some high."

Analysis: Golden Tate demonstrated volatility last season, finishing as a top-tier wide receiver in only a fraction of the weeks. Despite inconsistent starts, when he was in form, he delivered strong performances, making him a high-risk, high-reward pick.

• Eli Manning [05:28]: "If you're in a PPR league, he's a guy that will give you that weekly floor and you can get him late."

Larry Fitzgerald: Consistent Performer [10:00 - 16:48]

Larry Fitzgerald is highlighted as an undervalued veteran who continues to produce despite perceptions of declining performance.

• Eli Manning [12:19]: "If you're in a PPR league, he's a guy that will give you that weekly floor..."
• Jason Moore [15:02]: "Larry Fitzgerald... you can expect 90 to 100 catches from."

Analysis: Fitzgerald remains a reliable option in PPR leagues, offering a stable floor for fantasy teams. His experience and route-running ability make him a valuable late-round pick.

Frank Gore: The Veteran Running Back [16:09 - 19:55]

Frank Gore is discussed as a late-round gem whose consistency belies his age.

• Jason Moore [17:09]: "Frank Gore is a player that it's ridiculous he's going this late as a starting running back in the NFL."
• Andy Holloway [19:55]: "He's impervious to age."

Analysis: Despite being 34 years old, Frank Gore continues to perform reliably. His work ethic and role in the offense make him a dependable RB2 or flex option, especially in leagues that value consistency.

Pierre Garcon: Target Machine [20:06 - 24:27]

Pierre Garcon is presented as a sleeper with potential to exceed expectations due to his target proficiency.

• Jason Moore [21:14]: "Pierre Garcon... the least amount of drop passes."
• Eli Manning [23:46]: "I cannot see a situation, barring injury, where Pierre Garcon does not finish inside of the top 40."

Analysis: Garcon's ability to consistently catch passes makes him a valuable asset in PPR formats. His move to San Francisco presents an opportunity for increased targets, positioning him as a reliable late-round pick.

Jonathan Stewart: Undervalued RB in Carolina [26:12 - 32:06]

Jonathan Stewart is debated as a starting running back who is undervalued in drafts despite skepticism surrounding his performance.

• Jason Moore [27:15]: "Jonathan Stewart is going to provide baseline Gore-like value for fantasy owners."
• Andy Holloway [30:38]: "I would probably go with Gore."

Analysis: Stewart's signing with the Carolina Panthers and potential for a consistent role make him a tempting late-round option. While some hosts prefer Gore, others see Stewart's opportunity for steady production as a valuable addition.

Terrence West: Opportunistic Back [32:06 - 34:27]

Terrence West is discussed as another running back option with sporadic high performance potential.

• Jason Moore [33:10]: "Terrence West has never been an inspiring football player, but seven weeks last year he was inside the top 24."
• Eli Manning [34:18]: "Terrence West is going to be the starter through the whole season."

Analysis: West's ability to produce significant fantasy points in bursts makes him a worthwhile pick in very late rounds. His role in the Ravens' offense could lead to unexpected high-scoring weeks.

Philip Rivers: Quarterback Value [35:20 - 37:20]

Philip Rivers is identified as an undervalued quarterback who consistently delivers high fantasy points despite his age.

• Jason Moore [35:20]: "Philip Rivers with more fantasy points than Dak Prescott, Derek Carr, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston."
• Andy Holloway [37:20]: "I have nothing more to add to Philip."

Analysis: Rivers offers substantial value in standard leagues, outperforming many younger QBs. His experience and consistent performance make him a prime target for savvy fantasy managers looking to maximize their quarterback position without reaching in drafts.

Antonio Gates: Veteran Tight End [38:08 - 41:46]

Antonio Gates is discussed as an undervalued tight end who can still produce fantasy touchdowns, especially in Best Ball formats.

• Jason Moore [38:58]: "He's giving him that to me year after year."
• Andy Holloway [40:00]: "What do you put the over under on touchdowns for Antonio Gates this year."

Analysis: Gates remains a threat in the red zone, making him a valuable late-round tight end option. While his role may diminish, his potential for touchdowns can provide significant boosts in Best Ball leagues or as situational starters.

Mailbag Segment [42:09 - 49:16]

Listeners' questions are addressed, offering personalized advice on draft strategies and player selections.

Reaching for Players [43:03 - 45:47]

A listener named Jeff from Tacoma inquires about players the hosts would consider reaching for in drafts.

• Andy Holloway [43:46]: "Throw out the Keenan Allen and Martavis..."
• Eli Manning [44:08]: "I'd rather have Doyle than I would Gates for upside."

Advice: The hosts suggest targeting high-upside players like Keenan Allen and Martavis as potential reaches, emphasizing the importance of grabbing players with proven production who may still be undervalued.

Division Predictions [45:52 - 46:59]

John from Lexington asks about the Detroit Lions' chances of winning their division.

• Eli Manning [46:25]: "I do not believe that they will finish fourth in their division."
• Jason Moore [46:35]: "I'm going to go Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, Chicago."

Analysis: The hosts predict a competitive division with Green Bay and Detroit leading, challenging traditional powerhouses like Minnesota and Chicago.

Handcuffing Running Backs [46:59 - 48:08]

A question is posed about the strategy of handcuffing running back C.J. Anderson.

• Eli Manning [47:53]: "I would stay away from any kind of handcuffing of C.J. Anderson."
• Andy Holloway [48:06]: "I would not draft the handcuff."

Advice: The consensus is to avoid handcuffing strategies, recommending instead to draft versatile backups like DeAndre Washington who can provide value without the risks associated with handcuffs.

Adam Thielen Obsession [48:13 - 49:16]

Roxanne asks about the hosts' fixation on Adam Thielen.

• Jason Moore [48:29]: "All right, so you guys like Adam Thielen?"
• Andy Holloway [48:52]: "He’s less than Diggs."

Analysis: Adam Thielen is acknowledged as a reliable receiver who consistently produces, making him a desirable target in drafts. Despite some skepticism, his track record supports his value.

Fantasy Championships [48:58 - 49:16]

A fun question about who among the hosts has the most fantasy championships.

• Eli Manning [49:07]: "It's definitely Grizz."
• Jason Moore [49:13]: "He's undefeated most fantasy championships amongst this group."

Conclusion: Jay Grizz stands out as the most successful within their shared leagues, adding a light-hearted element to the segment.

Conclusion and Promotions [49:16 - End]

The episode wraps up with promotional content encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through social media, visit their website, and participate in giveaways.

• Jason Moore [49:26]: "Check out playdraft.com/ballers... Your very own Jay Grizz."
• Andy Holloway [50:14]: "Follow us on Twitter @the_ffballers."

Key Takeaways

1. Value in Veterans: Players like Larry Fitzgerald and Frank Gore demonstrate that age does not always equate to decline in performance. Their consistent roles provide reliable fantasy value, especially in PPR formats.

2. Sleeper Picks: Pierre Garcon and Terrence West are highlighted as potential breakout players who may exceed their draft positions due to increased targets and evolving roles within their teams.

3. Positional Insights: Philip Rivers offers substantial quarterback value, outperforming many younger counterparts, while Antonio Gates remains a viable tight end option with touchdown potential.

4. Draft Strategies: The hosts advise against rigid handcuffing strategies, instead suggesting flexibility and targeting high-upside players who can offer significant weekly contributions.

5. Engagement: The Mailbag segment underscores the importance of listener interaction, showcasing practical fantasy advice tailored to individual queries.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore [03:35]: "By the way, Brandon Cooks did that five times last year. But this player did it nine times."
• Eli Manning [05:28]: "If you're in a PPR league, he's a guy that will give you that weekly floor and you can get him late."
• Andy Holloway [19:55]: "He's impervious to age."
• Eli Manning [23:46]: "I cannot see a situation, barring injury, where Pierre Garcon does not finish inside of the top 40."
• Jason Moore [35:20]: "Philip Rivers with more fantasy points than Dak Prescott, Derek Carr, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston."
• Andy Holloway [40:00]: "What do you put the over under on touchdowns for Antonio Gates this year."

This episode provides valuable insights into identifying and capitalizing on undervalued players, offering listeners strategic advantages in their fantasy football drafts.