Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Fantasy Football Podcast 2017 - Rookie Steals, Keeper Quandaries, and Bears. Oh my!
Release Date: May 9, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore (represented by a cardboard cutout), and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction and Hosts' Banter

The episode kicks off with a humorous and chaotic start as Mike Wright joins Andy Holloway with a playful twist—sporting a paper bag over his head. Andy remarks on the unusual setup:

Andy Holloway [01:00]: "I am sitting at the table here attempting to host a fantasy football podcast. Across from me with a paper bag over his head is Mike the Fantasy Hitman."

Mike gleefully reveals his new look, highlighting his recent haircut:

Mike Wright [01:25]: "My hair has been cut off. It looks mighty fine."

Andy humorously contrasts his own hair situation with Jason Moore's absence, substituting him with a "two scale grizzly bear" cardboard cutout:

Andy Holloway [02:22]: "In place of Jason, today is a two scale grizzly bear."

This lighthearted banter sets a relaxed and entertaining tone for the episode.

2. Rookie Steals: Marlon Mack vs. Joe Williams

The hosts delve into the topic of identifying undervalued rookies who might not be first-round picks but offer substantial fantasy value. Andy poses the question:

Andy Holloway [05:26]: "Who’s your favorite rookie that is not projected to be a first-round rookie draft pick?"

Mike Wright advocates for Marlon Mack of the Indianapolis Colts, emphasizing his talent and the favorable landing spot:

Mike Wright [05:32]: "I like Marlon Mack. I think that he could be big enough to be more than just a scat back for them."

Andy, however, leans towards Joe Williams from the San Francisco 49ers, citing his potential mid-season emergence:

Andy Holloway [07:00]: "I’ll go with Joe Williams because I think they’re the team that is most willing to hand those keys off to somebody younger as they rebuild."

The discussion highlights the importance of team dynamics and offensive strategies in evaluating rookie potential.

3. Fantasy Football News

a. Mark Ingram Rumors and Saints' Center Situation

A significant rumor emerges regarding Mark Ingram, with speculation about him possibly moving to the Philadelphia Eagles due to the New Orleans Saints' center injury issues:

Andy Holloway [11:29]: "Rumors have now abounded from multiple sources about a potential Mark Ingram for Jason Kelsey, right center for the Philadelphia Eagles."

Mike Wright expresses excitement about Ingram potentially enhancing the Eagles' backfield:

Mike Wright [13:32]: "They can use Mark Ingram. He can catch the ball. He’s been very efficient."

b. ESPN DST Scoring Changes

A major update for fantasy players comes as ESPN announces changes to their Defense/Special Teams (DST) scoring:

Andy Holloway [13:55]: "ESPN is changing their DST scoring. Defense, special teams will no longer be docked for points surrendered by the team's offense."

This change eliminates the issue where a team's offensive mistakes previously negatively impacted their fantasy DST performance.

c. ESPN PPR Default Scoring System

Further solidifying the shift towards a Passive Reception (PPR) scoring system, ESPN now sets PPR as the default for new leagues:

Andy Holloway [15:22]: "Now, Defense, special teams will no longer be docked... PPR will now be their default scoring system."

The hosts acknowledge this as a positive move, aligning with their advocacy for tier-based drafting and half-point per reception leagues.

d. Retirement of Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch announces his retirement from the NFL, transitioning to a broadcasting role with Fox Sports. The hosts speculate on his potential on-air dynamics with Tony Romo:

Andy Holloway [16:10]: "What are you expecting from the Jay Cutler Tony Romo battle in the broadcast booth? Who wins that one?"

Andy humorously predicts:

Andy Holloway [16:41]: "My money’s on Jay Cuddy."

e. Other News: Robbie Anderson's Arrest & Jonathan Cooper's Cowboys Situation

Robbie Anderson, a wide receiver for the New York Jets, faces legal troubles with an arrest in Miami:

Andy Holloway [17:12]: "Jets wide receiver Robbie Anderson... charged with resisting arrest and violence of obstruction of justice."

Additionally, uncertainty looms over the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line with Jonathan Cooper potentially replacing other linemen:

Andy Holloway [18:08]: "Patriots cut him, Patriots got him. And then he's been cut since then... Jonathan Cooper could end up at left guard."

4. Listener Questions

a. Mount Rushmore of Fantasy Football Players

A listener named Brandon inquires about the "Mount Rushmore" of all-time fantasy football players:

Brandon [22:41]: "Everyone loves ranking stuff. I was wondering what your guys Mount Rushmore of fantasy football players all time is."

Andy Holloway and Mike Wright discuss iconic players, with Andy listing LT and Peyton Manning, while Mike adds legends like Randy Moss and touches on modern greats like Tom Brady.

Andy Holloway [23:10]: "The first two names I wrote down were LT and Peyton Manning."

b. Keeper Quandaries

Another listener, Phil from Fresno, presents a keeper dilemma:

Phil [24:39]: "I have to keep two of the following players: Amari Cooper, DeMarco Murray, Allen Robinson, Marshawn Lynch, or Greg Olson. It's a half point per reception league."

Mike Wright and Andy Holloway debate the merits, ultimately recommending keeping DeMarco Murray and Amari Cooper for their strong performance and team situations.

Mike Wright [24:41]: "DeMarco Murray is a lock and I'm probably... leaning Amari Cooper."

c. Dynasty Trade Discussions

A listener asks about the wisdom of trading Carlos Hyde and Stefon Diggs for Todd Gurley and Amir Johnson:

Dave [27:17]: "Carlos Hyde and Stefan Diggs for Todd Gurley and Amir Abdullah. It's a no?"

Both hosts concur that acquiring Todd Gurley and Amir Johnson is a favorable move, emphasizing Gurley's value as a dynasty asset despite some reservations about long-term stability.

Andy Holloway [27:48]: "I'd go with Gurley and Amir Abdullah."

d. Safe and Risky Players in Drafts

Listener Ryan from New York seeks opinions on the safest and riskiest players to draft in the first two rounds:

Ryan [35:09]: "Who do we think are the riskiest players and safest players currently being drafted in the first two rounds?"

Andy identifies Antonio Brown as a safe bet and Todd Gurley as risky due to his inconsistent performance that year:

Andy Holloway [44:24]: "Safest being a guy like Antonio Brown. Riskiest being a guy like Todd Gurley going in the first two rounds."

5. Draft Strategies and Position Preferences

Thad from St. Louis asks about preferred draft positions:

Thad [43:18]: "What's your preferred draft spot?"

Mike Wright expresses a preference to be within the top six to secure premier running backs:

Mike Wright [43:20]: "This year, as of right now, I want to be in the top six."

Andy Holloway aligns slightly differently, preferring a top-three spot to ensure acquiring elite running backs:

Andy Holloway [43:23]: "I'll say top three preferred."

6. Conclusion and Future Topics

The episode wraps up with the hosts teasing upcoming content, including sleeper picks, breakout players, and mock drafts. They encourage listeners to join their community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter for ongoing updates.

Andy Holloway [49:07]: "We are going to be getting into things like sleepers and breakouts, busts and values... a bunch of mock draft episodes."

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway [13:55]: "ESPN is changing their DST scoring... Defense, special teams will no longer be docked for points surrendered by the team's offense."
• Mike Wright [13:32]: "They can use Mark Ingram. He can catch the ball. He’s been very efficient."
• Andy Holloway [44:24]: "Safest being a guy like Antonio Brown. Riskiest being a guy like Todd Gurley going in the first two rounds."
• Mike Wright [24:41]: "DeMarco Murray is a lock and I'm probably... leaning Amari Cooper."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a blend of insightful fantasy analysis, engaging host interactions, and responsive listener Q&A. From evaluating rookie potentials to navigating keeper strategies and adjusting to league-wide scoring changes, Andy Holloway and Mike Wright provide valuable guidance to help listeners optimize their fantasy football strategies for the 2017 season.

For more detailed discussions and future episodes, be sure to subscribe to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast on iTunes and join their community at jointhefoot.com.