Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Free Agency Preview & Predictions, Big Name Busts
Release Date: February 26, 2019

The Fantasy Footballers trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—dive deep into the NFL free agency landscape, offering expert insights and strategic advice tailored for fantasy football enthusiasts. This episode focuses on predicting free agent movements, identifying potential busts, and providing actionable recommendations to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues.

1. Episode Overview

At the outset ([03:25]), Andy Holloway sets the stage for an engaging discussion on free agency, emphasizing the importance of understanding player movements to gain a competitive edge in fantasy football. The hosts promise a comprehensive analysis of available players, team needs, and the potential impact of signings on fantasy valuations.

2. Identifying Big Name Busts

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to scrutinizing high-profile players who may not live up to their expectations in the upcoming season.

• Leonard Fournette: Jason Moore initiates the conversation by expressing his intention to avoid drafting Fournette next year due to his recurring injury issues. At [05:23], he remarks, “Leonard Fournette has a special talent at that. He's been injured in high school, injured in college, injured in the NFL... I’m just going to avoid that situation.” Andy Holloway concurs, highlighting Fournette’s fluctuating average draft positions and questioning his long-term viability ([06:47]).

• Tyler Lockett: Andy selects Tyler Lockett as a player to steer clear of, citing concerns over his reception totals and overall impact. He states at [08:15], “Tyler Lockett's my current avoid. Despite the big name and the big popularity,” emphasizing the risk associated with his performance consistency.

• Patrick Mahomes and Philip Lindsay: Mike Wright raises concerns about Patrick Mahomes potentially being overvalued in free agency ([10:03]), while Jason Moore discusses Philip Lindsay’s inconsistency and the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Oakland Raiders ([10:24]).

3. Quarterback Free Agency Predictions

The hosts analyze the quarterback market, forecasting possible destinations and evaluating their fantasy implications.

• Nick Foles: Andy hypothesizes that Nick Foles might land in Jacksonville due to his leadership qualities and the Jaguars' need for a stable presence ([16:16]). Mike Wright, however, considers Miami as a potential landing spot, given the team's cap constraints and quarterback situation ([19:37]). Jason Moore introduces a surprising possibility of Foles joining the New York Giants, arguing that they might opt for an experienced quarterback to replace Eli Manning ([20:39]).

• Ryan Tannehill and Blake Bortles: The discussion touches on the likelihood of both quarterbacks being cut, with Tannehill having a marginally higher chance ([19:37]). Andy Dalton's potential move to Cincinnati is also debated, with Jason Moore favoring Dalton as a top free agent quarterback for the Bengals if he becomes available ([25:03]).

• Teddy Bridgewater: Mike Wright and Jason Moore discuss Bridgewater as a viable option for teams needing a reliable backup, though Jason suggests he might stay with the New Orleans Saints to replace Drew Brees ([23:00]).

4. Running Back Free Agency Predictions

Running backs are a crucial focus, with the hosts predicting where top-tier players might land and how their moves will influence fantasy drafts.

• Le'Veon Bell: Both Andy and Mike predict Bell will secure a lucrative contract, potentially with the Houston Texans, aligning him with Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins to bolster their offense ([27:39], [29:56]).

• Tevin Coleman and Mark Ingram: Andy envisions Coleman joining New York to complement Josh Allen, while Jason favors him landing with the Oakland Raiders ([32:36], [33:31]). Mark Ingram is discussed as a possible addition to Baltimore, offering depth and pass-catching prowess ([36:55]).

• C.J. Anderson and Carlos Hyde: The duo is considered strong free agency candidates, with C.J. Anderson potentially heading to San Francisco due to connections with Adam Peters, and Carlos Hyde being favored for his performance tailwinds with the Rams ([37:58], [38:10]).

• Other Notables: The episode also covers emerging running backs like T.J. Yeldon and veteran options such as LaShawn McCoy, emphasizing their potential fit and impact on fantasy rosters ([40:15], [43:38]).

5. Wide Receiver Free Agency Predictions

Wide receivers are scrutinized for their free agency prospects, with a focus on their fit within new team systems and fantasy potential.

• Golden Tate: Andy predicts Tate will sign with the New England Patriots to fill gaps created by injuries, enhancing their slot receiver depth ([44:22]). Jason supports a similar notion, adding that Baltimore could benefit significantly from Tate's skills ([44:35]).

• John Brown: There’s a split opinion on Brown’s destination, with Andy favoring Green Bay due to Matt LaFleur’s influence and offensive schemes, while Jason advocates for Baltimore to leverage Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ([46:42], [47:15]).

• Jameson Crowder: The conversation includes a debate on Crowder's best fit, with suggestions ranging from Detroit to San Francisco, depending on team needs and offensive styles ([48:52], [49:03]).

• Tyrell Williams: Recognized as a valuable but potentially overpriced asset, Tyrell Williams is predicted to land with the Oakland Raiders, where his skill set can fill specific team needs ([49:11], [50:35]).

6. Dynasty League Implications

The hosts also delve into dynasty league strategies, advising on which free agents to buy or sell based on long-term potential.

• Le'Veon Bell and Tevin Coleman: Jason cautions against purchasing Bell in dynasty leagues due to his potential overvaluation and unfavorable team situations, while Andy suggests Coleman as a strategic acquisition for complementing young quarterbacks ([34:42], [35:16]).

• Mark Ingram: Perspectives vary, with Andy advocating for Ingram’s move to Baltimore as a solid addition, whereas Jason remains skeptical, believing Ingram might stay with the Saints due to his role and potential extensions ([36:55], [37:05]).

7. Listener Poll and Engagement

Towards the episode's end, Andy highlights a listener poll regarding a significant dynasty trade involving Dalvin Cook. He encourages listeners to participate and share their opinions, fostering community engagement ([54:44]).

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Closing the episode, the Fantasy Footballers reiterate key predictions and encourage listeners to leverage the discussed insights in their fantasy strategies. They also promote their resources, including the Ultimate Draft Kit and their presence on social media platforms, to further assist listeners in optimizing their fantasy teams ([55:19]–[57:15]).

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore on Leonard Fournette ([05:23]): “Leonard Fournette has a special talent at that. He's been injured in high school, injured in college, injured in the NFL... I’m just going to avoid that situation.”

• Andy Holloway on Tyler Lockett ([08:15]): “Tyler Lockett's my current avoid. Despite the big name and the big popularity.”

• Mike Wright on Patrick Mahomes ([10:03]): “Philip Lindsay is doing a little too rich for me right now.”

• Jason Moore on Nick Foles ([20:39]): “I think that's a possible destination.”

• Andy Holloway on Le'Veon Bell ([29:03]): “Le'Veon Bell is going to a major market. More money. He could start his rap career.”

This detailed analysis equips fantasy football players with the knowledge needed to navigate the free agency period effectively, highlighting potential risks and opportunities to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season.