Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary: Live Head-to-Head MOCK Draft + HOF Game Takeaways (August 3, 2018)

Release Date: August 3, 2018

Welcome to this action-packed episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, where hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into the latest happenings in the fantasy football universe. This episode features a live head-to-head mock draft and insightful takeaways from the Hall of Fame (HOF) Game, providing listeners with expert analysis and strategic advice to bolster their fantasy rosters.

I. Introduction and Celebrations

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted celebration of Tom Brady's 41st birthday.

• Andy Holloway (01:16): “Happy birthday, Tom Brady, 41 years young.”
• Mike Wright (01:30): Responds humorously about knowing Brady's date of birth, adding a playful tone to the show.

II. Hall of Fame Game Takeaways

The hosts transition into discussing the recent HOF Game, sharing their observations and key takeaways that could influence fantasy football strategies.

• Mike Wright (02:40): Shares excitement about seeing Robert Griffin III (RGIII) back on the field, noting, “It was really great to see him back out there slinging it.”
• Jason Moore (03:10): Comments on Hayden Hurst’s performance, highlighting the importance of the eye test over mere statistics: “If you're new to fantasy football... you need to learn... especially at the tight end position.”
• Andy Holloway (04:37): Offers a critical perspective on the increased number of penalties, suggesting it's a result of new rule implementations aimed at player safety: “Every time they institute a new rule... you're going to get flags to send a message.”

Key Insights:

• Player Performances: RGIII’s return showcases his potential resurgence with the Ravens, while Hayden Hurst’s utilization-friendly display provides valuable insights for tight end selections.
• Rule Changes: The increased penalties reflect the NFL’s commitment to safer gameplay, although it may lead to controversial calls that affect game dynamics.

III. Fantasy Football News

Shifting focus to broader fantasy football news, the hosts discuss significant player movements and their potential impacts on fantasy drafts.

• Andy Holloway (07:58): Announces, “The Patriots signed Eric Decker, formerly of the Titans, to a one-year contract.”
• Jason Moore (09:06): Critiques Decker’s fantasy value, stating, “I have no fantasy interest in Eric Decker whatsoever.”
• Mike Wright (10:09): Considers Decker’s touchdown potential but remains skeptical about his long-term reliability due to his competition with Rob Gronkowski: “Eric Decker, he's a touchdown monster.”

Key Insights:

• Eric Decker Signing: While a seasoned receiver, Decker’s integration into the Patriots’ offense may offer touchdown upside, but his fantasy appeal is debatable given the presence of Gronkowski and the uncertainty surrounding his targeted usage.

IV. Live Head-to-Head Mock Draft

The centerpiece of the episode is a live, head-to-head mock draft conducted in a half-point PPR league using the Sleeper app. The mock draft provides a real-time demonstration of drafting strategies, player selections, and the dynamic nature of fantasy football drafts.

Highlights and Notable Moments:

1. Draft Positions and Initial Picks:

   • Jason Moore (15:09): Starts at the fourth overall pick, choosing Ezekiel Elliott over Antonio Brown: “I've got to saddle a stud and a stud is a stud running back or Antonio Brown.”

2. Running Back Strategy:

   • Andy Holloway (16:04): Emphasizes the importance of securing a top-tier running back early: “If you've got one of those top four picks to not get one of those huge advantage running backs is just, you know, I think that's a mistake.”
   • Mike Wright (16:49): Explores a zero RB approach, considering Alvin Kamara but ultimately selecting Antonio Brown: “I am strongly considering going with a closer to a zero running back approach.”

3. Wide Receiver Selections:

   • Jason Moore (21:14): Chooses Odell Beckham Jr. to ensure stability at the wide receiver position: “I could also go wide receiver, wide receiver. However, it will be a long and torturous wait for a running back.”
   • Andy Holloway (25:34): Advocates for drafting based on personal rankings over ADP trends: “If you view it as a value getting Jameson Crowder in the eighth round at the running back position.”

4. Quarterback Picks:

   • Jason Moore (36:40): Opts for Tom Brady in the sixth round, labeling him as an MVP-caliber quarterback: “he is the MVP.”
   • Mike Wright (54:15): Chooses Aaron Jones, emphasizing his potential as a break-out candidate despite a two-game suspension: “I can survive until he becomes.”

5. Final Team Rosters:

   • Jason Moore: Concludes with a balanced team featuring Odell Beckham Jr., Larry Fitzgerald, Robbie Anderson, Jordan Howard, and Tom Brady among others.
   • Andy Holloway and Mike Wright: Finalize their teams with strategies reflecting their draft philosophies, such as Andy focusing on a mix of high-upside players and Mike adhering to a zero RB strategy with depth.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (16:49): “I am strongly considering going with a closer to a zero running back approach.”
• Andy Holloway (24:20): “Don't just go by the networks that you're using, whether you're drafting or Yahoo.”
• Jason Moore (25:21): “Adam Thielen was the pick.”

Key Insights:

• Draft Strategies: The hosts showcase different approaches, including securing top running backs early, balancing wide receivers based on personal rankings versus ADP, and experimenting with zero RB strategies.
• ADP Considerations: Emphasizes the importance of understanding how their league mates might be drafting and the potential pitfalls of following ADP blindly.

V. Best Ball Segment: Evaluating “Basketball” Picks

In a bonus segment, the hosts discuss the concept of “basketball” players in best ball leagues—players who might not consistently start but can boom in certain weeks, akin to basketball players’ high-scoring games.

• Jason Moore: Introduces the topic by comparing fantasy football wide receivers to basketball players, questioning what constitutes a bad basketball pick.
• Andy Holloway (63:38): Defines a bad basketball pick as a player who isn't a touchdown scorer and consistently gains minimal yards: “...a guy that's a possession between the 20s guy who's later round and he's not a touchdown scorer.”
• Mike Wright (65:22): Advises avoiding players with limited roles or aging performance, using Chris Carson and LeGarrett Blount as examples: “Like Chris Carson. I'm going to...”

Key Insights:

• Player Selection in Best Ball: Focus on players with the potential for high-impact performances rather than consistent but low-output players. Emphasizes valuing touchdown potential and usage volume over mere yardage accumulation.

VI. Conclusion and Final Team Overviews

As the mock draft concludes, each host summarizes their finalized teams, reflecting their strategic choices and the balance between risk and stability.

• Jason Moore: Ends up without a tight end, advocating flexibility based on league rules: “If a league does not dictate, you exit the draft having every starting position filled a la your kicker defense.”
• Andy Holloway: Finalizes a team with a balanced mix of running backs, wide receivers, and key players like Travis Kelsey: “Ezekiel Elliott, Jerick McKinnon and Kerryon Johnson... Travis Kelsey locking it down at tight end with big Ben Roethlisberger.”
• Mike Wright: Wraps up with a zero RB strategy, focusing on depth and high-upside running backs: “Antonio Brown, Gronkowski, Amari Cooper, Alan Robinson and Marvin Jones holding down my wide receiver position.”

Final Thoughts: The mock draft serves as a practical demonstration of varying drafting philosophies, highlighting the importance of adaptability, understanding league dynamics, and making informed decisions based on both personal rankings and ADP trends.

VII. Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with a reminder for listeners to engage with the podcast on various platforms and to participate in upcoming community activities, ensuring they stay informed and connected throughout the fantasy football season.

• Mike Wright (65:45): “Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our Fantasy Footballers small community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter at theffballers.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Andy Holloway (01:16): “Happy birthday, Tom Brady, 41 years young.”
• Mike Wright (02:40): “It was really great to see him back out there slinging it.”
• Jason Moore (09:06): “I have no fantasy interest in Eric Decker whatsoever.”
• Andy Holloway (24:20): “Don't just go by the networks that you're using, whether you're drafting or Yahoo.”
• Jason Moore (25:21): “Adam Thielen was the pick.”
• Mike Wright (16:49): “I am strongly considering going with a closer to a zero running back approach.”
• Andy Holloway (63:38): “...a guy that's a possession between the 20s guy who's later round and he's not a touchdown scorer.”

This comprehensive episode provides valuable insights into both real-game NFL developments and strategic fantasy football drafting, equipping listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions and enhance their chances of winning their leagues.