Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: Free Agency Winners & Losers + Buy/Sell, Pants Check
Release Date: March 31, 2020

Introduction and Overview

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the latest NFL free agency moves, analyzing potential fantasy football winners and losers. They also engage in a "Buy/Sell" segment, offering strategic advice for dynasty league participants. Additionally, the trio indulges in a light-hearted "Pants Check" segment, showcasing their camaraderie and humor amidst serious football discussions.

Buy/Sell Analysis: Odell Beckham Jr.

A significant portion of the episode centers around Odell Beckham Jr.’s value in dynasty leagues. The hosts debate whether Beckham should be bought or sold by fantasy owners.

• Jason Moore advocates for holding or buying Beckham, emphasizing his enduring talent and relevance:

  "I view him like we're playing buy or sell. If I have to pick one, it would be a buy... Odell Beckham isn't going to stop getting his targets for many, many, many years." [04:34]

• Mike Wright concurs, highlighting Beckham's potential despite recent downturns:

  "I still lean on the side that I would be buying him. If I would not be selling them, I'd be buying." [07:12]

• Andy Holloway adds that Beckham remains a high-volume target player:

  "Fewest targets per game of his career at 8.3, which was still two targets more per game than any wide receiver in Minnesota." [08:41]

The consensus leans towards holding or buying Beckham, positioning him as a valuable asset in dynasty leagues despite some recent performance concerns.

Free Agency Winners

Kenyon Drake

Mike Wright names Kenyon Drake as his top free agency winner, praising his workload and role in the Arizona Cardinals' offense:

"He's going to be a running back one in my projections." [22:50]

Jason Moore echoes this sentiment, noting Drake’s consistent opportunities:

"He's going to be great." [24:14]

Hayden Hurst and Jack Doyle

Jason Moore highlights the acquisitions of Hayden Hurst and Jack Doyle as significant wins:

• Hayden Hurst: Transitioning to the Atlanta Falcons, Hurst is expected to benefit from increased targets and opportunities.

  "He's a huge winner... he'll be involved a lot." [28:00]

• Jack Doyle: Moving to the Arizona Cardinals, Doyle is anticipated to see more consistent usage with the arrival of Philip Rivers.

  "I think he'll be a very fantasy relevant player." [28:30]

Andy Holloway adds excitement about their potential:

"I'm very excited about Hayden Hurst and that athletic profile." [28:38]

Drew Brees and Emmanuel Sanders

Andy identifies Drew Brees and his acquisition of Emmanuel Sanders as pivotal moves:

"Drew Brees is positioned to be a top tier fantasy option despite the age escalation problems." [31:40]

Mike Wright supports this, noting Brees’ improved fantasy performance last season:

"He had one bust game... but otherwise, he was awesome." [31:49]

Jason Moore emphasizes the synergy between Brees and Sanders:

"I think Emmanuel Sanders will bring to the table... more trust in that passing game." [33:25]

Free Agency Losers

Robbie Anderson

Jason Moore brands Robbie Anderson as a major free agency loser due to his move to the Carolina Panthers and the uncertain role under Teddy Bridgewater:

"I consider him a big loser. He finally got to get away from Adam Gase and unfortunately goes to Teddy Bridgewater." [38:04]

Philip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon

Andy Holloway criticizes the pairing of Philip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon in the same backfield, questioning their combined effectiveness:

"Philip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon are both losers in terms of free agency." [42:29]

Mike Wright expresses skepticism about their roles:

"Philip Lindsay was a very successful goal line back and Melvin Gordon was not." [43:13]

Stefan Diggs

Mike Wright points out the trade of Stefan Diggs to the Buffalo Bills as unfavorable, noting the potential decline in his fantasy output due to the team's offensive dynamics:

"He's going from one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league to Josh Allen, who is not." [44:18]

Jason Moore shares concerns about Diggs' consistency:

"I don't see a big difference myself in what he'll do on Buffalo than what he did on Minnesota." [46:07]

League News and Updates

The hosts briefly touch upon recent NFL news, including:

• Philadelphia Eagles: Exercising contract options on Carson Wentz and Alshon Jeffery, and extending Zach Ertz. Concerns about Jeffery's health and high contract costs were discussed.

  "My expectations for Alshon are very minimal." [11:57]

• Kansas City Chiefs: Re-signing DeMarcus Robinson and speculating on their free agency moves. Discussions included the potential impact on the team's running back depth and offensive strategy.

  "They have to get Tom Brady a pass catching back." [15:30]

• Detroit Lions: Signing Geronimo Allison to a one-year deal was labeled a "mediocre signing of the week."

  "One year, $1 million data qualifies." [14:18]

• Dallas Cowboys: Signing kicker Greg Zuerlein was debated, with opinions varying on its fantasy implications.

  "That's a pretty phenomenal signing for fantasy." [14:32]

Mailbag: Listener Questions

Listeners submitted questions, which the hosts addressed:

Trade Offer: Drew Brees for a Second Round Pick

A listener from Boston inquired about trading Drew Brees for a second-round pick in a dynasty league. The hosts deliberated the value proposition:

• Jason Moore advised considering Brees' high value despite his age, suggesting that trading him for a second-round pick could be worthwhile if the team is contending:

  "If you're contending this year, do the deal." [56:04]

• Andy Holloway and Mike Wright discussed the risks and rewards, emphasizing the importance of roster strategy and the potential for Brees to perform well in his remaining seasons.

Chris Carson vs. Derek Henry Trade Decision

Another listener asked whether to keep Chris Carson and a 20/21 first-round pick or to trade for Derek Henry:

• Jason Moore and Mike Wright both favored trading for Henry, citing his proven performance and higher immediate impact:

  "I would take Henry." [57:58]

• Andy Holloway explained that while Carson offers flexibility, Henry provides significant league-winning potential.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts teasing an upcoming "Top 10 Running Backs" episode and encouraging listeners to engage with their content across various platforms. They maintain a balance of in-depth analysis, strategic advice, and entertaining banter, ensuring listeners are well-equipped for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore on Odell Beckham Jr.:

  "Odell Beckham isn't going to stop getting his targets for many, many, many years." [04:34]

• Mike Wright on Kenyon Drake:

  "He's going to be a running back one in my projections." [22:50]

• Andy Holloway on Drew Brees:

  "Drew Brees is positioned to be a top tier fantasy option despite the age escalation problems." [31:40]

• Jason Moore on Robbie Anderson:

  "I consider him a big loser... he goes to Teddy Bridgewater." [38:04]

• Jason Moore on Stefan Diggs:

  "I don't see a big difference myself in what he'll do on Buffalo than what he did on Minnesota." [46:07]

For those looking to stay ahead in their fantasy leagues, this episode offers valuable insights into player valuations, strategic trades, and the ever-evolving landscape of NFL free agency.