Fantasy Football Podcast Summary: Free Agent Running Backs and Draft News (February 17, 2015)
Host: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
On February 17, 2015, The Fantasy Footballers hosted an engaging episode focusing on the free agency landscape for running backs, a notoriously challenging position both in terms of performance and contractual negotiations. The trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—delved deep into the prospects of key free agent running backs, analyzing their past performances, potential future with different teams, and the implications for fantasy football enthusiasts.
DeMarco Murray Free Agency Discussion
Performance and Contract Offers
DeMarco Murray, a standout running back, was a central topic of discussion. The hosts praised his dedication, highlighting his ability to withstand injuries and maintain high performance levels. Mike Wright remarked on Murray's sacrifices, stating, "That guy absolutely sacrificed his body this entire year" (02:52).
Despite his impressive stats—392 carries, 1,845 yards, and 13 touchdowns—Murray faced a lukewarm contract offer from the Dallas Cowboys: a four-year, $16 million deal, averaging $4 million per year. Jason Moore criticized the offer as "insulting" (04:55), emphasizing the mismatch between Murray's contributions and the monetary offer.
Potential Landing Spots
The discussion explored possible destinations for Murray beyond Dallas, including the New England Patriots, Indianapolis, Atlanta, and San Diego. Andy Holloway expressed strong confidence in Murray returning to Dallas, estimating a 70% likelihood (07:52). However, Jason Moore and Mike Wright considered factors such as team dynamics and financial flexibility, adjusting their estimates to 55% and 45%, respectively.
Fantasy Football Implications
For fantasy players, Murray's return to Dallas remained the most favorable scenario, given his familiarity with the team's system and his proven performance. The hosts unanimously agreed that securing Murray would significantly benefit fantasy rosters.
C.J. Spiller's Future
Moving on, the podcast addressed the uncertainty surrounding free agent running back C.J. Spiller. Crosby and Wright debated the likelihood of Spiller remaining in Buffalo versus moving to another team, considering the new coaching dynamics with Rex Ryan.
Jason Moore expressed skepticism about Spiller's potential breakout, noting his inconsistent performance and reduced touchdown output. Conversely, Mike Wright saw value in Spiller potentially joining the New York Jets, especially in tandem with Chris Ivory, to create a "timeshare" scenario that could yield consistent fantasy points (21:09).
Andy Holloway remained cautious, advising fantasy owners to view Spiller as a "fool's gold" due to his unreliable scoring and inconsistent usage.
Ryan Matthews' Potential
Ryan Matthews emerged as a contentious figure among the hosts. While Mike Wright lauded Matthews' talent and past performance—highlighting his 1,255 yards and six touchdowns in 2013—Andy Holloway and Jason Moore expressed concerns about his injury history and role stability.
Andy Holloway emphasized Matthews' upside, especially if he could secure a stable role on a new team, drawing parallels to DeMarco Murray's situation. However, he cautioned against overvaluing Matthews due to his injury-prone nature.
Mark Ingram Analysis
Mark Ingram was another focal point, with the hosts debating his free agency prospects. Jason Moore highlighted Ingram's impressive running style and consistent performance even after injuries, while Mike Wright appreciated his shiftiness and potential for increased role if signed by a team needing a dynamic back.
However, both expressed doubts about Ingram's return to the New Orleans Saints due to their cap constraints and existing running back options. They speculated that Ingram might be overvalued if he remains with the Saints, urging fantasy owners to approach with caution.
Justin Forsett's Unexpected Performance
The discussion took an interesting turn when addressing Justin Forsett, a 29-year-old running back who defied expectations by posting career-best numbers. Mike Wright shared his surprise, noting Forsett's transformation from an underutilized player to a reliable fantasy asset.
Jason Moore underscored Forsett's performance spike, attributing it to the Saints' offensive system under a strong offensive line. Despite Forsett's success, the hosts doubted his free agency prospects, suggesting that he would likely seek immediate financial rewards over long-term commitments.
Frank Gore's Prospects
Frank Gore, a seasoned veteran, was examined for his fantasy viability. Jason Moore lamented Gore's decreased involvement in the pass game, while Mike Wright maintained hope for Gore's continued productivity, citing his strong finish to the previous season.
The hosts debated potential team destinations for Gore, including Arizona, which could offer him a leading role in the backfield. Andy Holloway emphasized Gore's value as a pass-blocking specialist, making him an attractive option for teams needing a reliable, well-rounded running back.
Fantasy Footballers League Announcement
In the closing segment, the hosts announced the formation of an official Fantasy Footballers Redraft League, inviting listeners to participate. They discussed the logistics and teased future episodes focusing on other free agent running backs like Shane Vereen, Steven Ridley, and Bradshaw.
Notable Quotes
-
Mike Wright on DeMarco Murray's Sacrifices:
"That guy absolutely sacrificed his body this entire year." (02:52)
-
Jason Moore on the Cowboys' Offer to Murray:
"A four-year, $16 million contract offer is absolutely insulting." (04:55)
-
Andy Holloway on Murray's Likelihood to Return:
"I think he's definitely gonna be back. I put it 70% Dallas." (07:52)
-
Jason Moore on C.J. Spiller's Potential:
"Fantasy-wise, he's fool's gold because you see the runaway touchdown and people are gonna stick around with him." (19:48)
-
Mike Wright on Justin Forsett's Transformation:
"Justin Forsett is absolutely a name to watch." (23:08)
Timestamp References
Note: For brevity, only selected timestamps are highlighted.
Conclusion
The episode provided a comprehensive analysis of the free agent running back market, offering valuable insights for fantasy football players. The hosts emphasized the importance of assessing not just player performance but also contract situations and team fits to make informed decisions during drafts and free agency periods. As always, The Fantasy Footballers delivered expert opinions balanced with entertaining banter, making it a must-listen for any fantasy football enthusiast.