Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Mid-Round Madness + Trade Telemarketer"

Release Date: August 1, 2019

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the strategies that can elevate your fantasy football team. The episode primarily focuses on identifying mid-round value picks and offering expert advice on executing successful trades. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction to Mid-Round Madness

The episode kicks off with the hosts introducing the concept of Mid-Round Madness, emphasizing the importance of targeting players in rounds four through eight who offer exceptional value relative to their Average Draft Position (ADP).

Andy Holloway sets the stage by highlighting the significance of not overthinking draft strategies:

"Don't overthink this. It's the only wingman you'll need this year." (00:03)

Jason Moore and Mike Wright reinforce the show's commitment to providing actionable insights five days a week, ensuring listeners are well-prepared for their drafts.

2. Identifying Value Players in Mid Rounds

The trio meticulously analyzes several players who they believe are undervalued in the mid-rounds, providing detailed statistics and projections to support their recommendations.

a. Tariq Cohen (Chicago Bears, Running Back)

Mike Wright praises Tariq Cohen's versatility and usage in the Bears' offense:

"He dominated from weeks three through 15. [...] 23 years old, did everything he could do for that team." (13:36)

Cohen's ability to serve both as a runner and a receiver makes him a valuable asset, especially considering his ADP at RB28. Jason Moore emphasizes Cohen's efficiency and potential upside:

"He had four weeks where he was an RB1 [...] another three weeks as an RB2 in that span." (15:17)

The hosts discuss the Bears' offensive strategies and how Cohen's role is likely to remain pivotal, making him a solid mid-round pick with high upside.

b. Marvin Jones (Detroit Lions, Wide Receiver)

Brooks highlights Marvin Jones as a standout mid-round value:

"Last year he had the seventh highest average depth of target, 14.6 yards." (23:32)

Jones' consistent target volume and red-zone efficiency position him as a reliable WR2 with potential for explosive performances. The discussion touches on Jones' utilization in the Lions' offense and his ability to outperform his draft position.

c. Sammy Watkins (New York Jets, Wide Receiver)

Jason Moore presents Sammy Watkins as a high-reward, albeit risky, pick:

"If he has the role that he had last year, I think he's electric." (27:08)

Despite concerns about Watkins' injury history and durability, his potential to produce significant fantasy points when healthy makes him an intriguing option for savvy managers willing to take a calculated risk.

d. Latavius Murray (New Orleans Saints, Running Back)

Mike Wright advocates for Latavius Murray's value in the Saints' dynamic offense:

"If an injury happens, my goodness, how good." (32:10)

Murray's role as a versatile back with pass-catching capabilities ensures consistent usage, making him a dependable RB3/RB4 with upside in both rushing and receiving yards.

e. Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams, Wide Receiver)

Brooks reviews Cooper Kupp's potential comeback following an ACL injury:

"He's a great player. And he is the primary red zone receiver for the Sean McVay Los Angeles Rams." (38:57)

Kupp's prior performances and integration into the Rams' high-powered offense suggest he could return to form, offering substantial value in the mid-rounds if he remains healthy.

f. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Christian Kirk (Arizona Cardinals, Wide Receiver)

The hosts compare veteran Larry Fitzgerald with emerging talent Christian Kirk:

Jason Moore posits:

"If you're telling me he's going to be the wide receiver 50 or 40 where he's being drafted, I don't buy it." (42:12)

While Fitzgerald is a proven asset with enduring skill, Kirk's upward trajectory and role in Arizona's offense present a compelling argument for drafting either based on team needs and risk tolerance.

3. Trade Telemarketer: Mastering the Art of Fantasy Trades

Transitioning from draft strategies, the podcast delves into Trade Telemarketing, offering listeners tactical advice on negotiating and securing favorable trades throughout the season.

Jason Moore introduces the "overwhelm them" strategy:

"If you add in two more decent players... I'm going to throw in DeSean Jackson and Marvin Jones in addition and just kind of overwhelm them." (07:25)

This approach involves presenting multiple assets to make your trade offer irresistible, compelling the other manager to agree without scrutinizing the fairness of the deal.

Mike Wright adds nuance by suggesting the importance of balancing trade offers to benefit both teams:

"Ideally, your trade helps both teams." (10:41)

However, the hosts acknowledge that the "overwhelm them" tactic can sometimes tilt the balance in favor of the more persistent trader, emphasizing the need for managers to remain vigilant and strategic.

Brooks humorously critiques the frequency of trade offers:

"It's like telemarketing. Like, who likes a telemarketer?" (11:12)

This light-hearted exchange underscores the challenges managers face in handling constant trade solicitations and the importance of developing a resilient trade avatar.

4. Conclusions and Final Advice

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of leveraging mid-round picks to maximize team value and staying proactive with trades to navigate the dynamic fantasy landscape.

Mike Wright encourages listeners to utilize the Ultimate Draft Kit:

"Check it out@ultimatedraftkit.com we're into August. The big draft days are coming..." (43:35)

The episode concludes with a promise of continued support and expert advice in upcoming shows, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to dominate their fantasy leagues.

Key Takeaways:

• Mid-Round Value: Identifying versatile and consistent players like Tariq Cohen and Marvin Jones in mid-rounds can provide significant returns on draft investment.

• Trade Strategies: Employing tactics such as overwhelming trade offers while ensuring mutual benefits can enhance team performance throughout the season.

• Player Analysis: Balancing risk and reward with players like Sammy Watkins and Cooper Kupp requires careful consideration of their roles, health, and offensive schemes.

• Resource Utilization: Tools like the Ultimate Draft Kit are invaluable for staying organized and informed during drafts.

By meticulously analyzing player performances, draft positions, and trade tactics, the Fantasy Footballers provide listeners with the insights needed to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge in their fantasy leagues.