Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: "Stash or Trash + FAAB Tips, Handcuff Strategies" Release Date: August 30, 2018

1. Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into crucial strategies for managing late-round picks, optimizing your Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB), and implementing effective handcuff strategies. The absence of Jason Moore is humorously noted, but the hosts assure listeners that the show remains as insightful and entertaining as ever.

2. FAAB Tips for the Season

Mike Wright (02:00):

"People are going to be scared to spend that money, so you can be a little bit more aggressive trying to acquire guys, get those new hot players off of the waiver wire and you can get them a little bit cheaper."

Andy Holloway (05:45):

"I generally take an aggressive approach with my FAAB."

Key Insights:

• Aggressive Bidding: Early in the season, especially in leagues transitioning to FAAB, it can be advantageous to be proactive in bidding for emerging players. This approach can secure valuable assets at lower costs before other managers recognize their potential.

• Flexibility: Maintaining FAAB funds towards the end of the season provides flexibility for crucial pickups, such as favorable defenses or players benefitting from specific bye weeks.

• Avoid Playing Scared: Both hosts emphasize that being overly cautious with FAAB can lead to missed opportunities. Taking calculated risks can often result in significant rewards.

3. Stash or Trash: Evaluating Late-Round Picks

The "Stash or Trash" segment focuses on determining the value of late-round draft picks, discussing which players merit holding onto (stash) and which should be released (trash).

Players Discussed:

• Josh Dachshund (WR, Washington Redskins) (20:03)

  • Andy Holloway (21:21):

    "Mike, he is a really tough guy... If you're going to be the big play, touchdown type of receiver. I think he's worth it because in Washington, with Alex Smith as the new quarterback, you don't know how things are going to shake out with the targets."

  • Mike Wright (22:18):

    "He's a member of one of these teams where you almost have to put all the pass catchers in a little bucket and dump it in the sifter."

  Decision: Stash
  Rationale: Despite uncertainties with the new quarterback, Dachshund's potential as a touchdown scorer makes him a worthwhile pick to monitor and keep.

• Rashard Matthews & Taywan Taylor (WRs, Tennessee Titans) (26:45)

  • Andy Holloway (27:37):

    "I like Rashard Matthews, but I don't want him at this point in the same can be said for Tayuan Taylor."

  Decision: Trash
  Rationale: Concerns about investment opportunities and competition from other receivers diminish their value.

• Gio Bernard (RB, Cincinnati Bengals) (28:39)

  • Mike Wright (28:52):

    "He's a roster clogger. He's a name clogger."

  • Andy Holloway (29:02):

    "He doesn't have standalone value."

  Decision: Trash
  Rationale: Bernard serves primarily as a handcuff without substantial potential for standalone production.

• LeGarrett Blunt & Theo Riddick (RBs, Detroit Lions) (30:14)

  • Andy Holloway (30:53):

    "You have to stash LeGarrett Blunt because for the first few games, however long it takes Robert Johnson to look at Blunt and Theo Riddick should as well."

  • Mike Wright (31:10):

    "I would stash Blunt. I don't think I'd stash Riddick."

  Decision:

  • LeGarrett Blunt: Stash
  • Theo Riddick: Do Not Stash

  Rationale: Blunt is the starting RB and offers immediate value, while Riddick remains a reliable option without the late-round investment risk.

• Devonte Booker (RB, Undrafted) (32:07)

  • Andy Holloway (32:43):

    "Don't completely avoid them."

  Decision: Stash
  Rationale: Despite unappealing traits, Booker's potential as a must-have running back justifies a late-round stash.

• John Ross & Martavis Bryant (WRs, Oakland Raiders) (34:11)

  • Andy Holloway (34:15):

    "John Ross is 100% a stash."

  • Mike Wright (34:21):

    "Martavis is a waiver wire pickup."

  Decision:

  • John Ross: Stash
  • Martavis Bryant: Trash

  Rationale: Ross offers guaranteed value as a stash, while Bryant lacks the reliable upside expected from a stash pick.

4. Handcuff Strategies

Andy Holloway (37:22):

"You need to be prepared... if you're the backup running back with immense talent and opportunity, you should consider stashing them."

Mike Wright (38:15):

"Chase Edmonds, Rod Smith... If something happened week one, would you grab them?"

Key Insights:

• Prioritize High-Impact Handcuffs: Focus on drafting handcuffs for running backs who are primary backups with significant upside, such as James Conner or John Kelly.

• Budget Allocation: In scenarios where a starting RB is injured, having a high-potential handcuff can be invaluable. However, allocating your entire FAAB to a single handcuff may not be advisable unless the backup has proven high value.

• Dynamic Roster Management: Utilize your bench space strategically to incorporate potential handcuffs, especially if your team experiences early-season injuries or underperformance.

5. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Expert Advice

Question 1: Matthew Ryan's Undervaluation in Drafts (40:20)

• Listener: Brannigan from New York
• Concern: Why Matt Ryan is drafted late despite past performances.

Andy Holloway (41:49):

"His touchdown percent, even with last year bringing it down, is 4.6%, meaning he throws a touchdown on every 4.6% of his attempts."

Mike Wright (43:00):

"I would still rather have a guy like Matthew Stafford over Matt Ryan."

Advice: Matt Ryan has shown variability in his fantasy performance, making him a riskier pick. Comparatively, more stable quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford may offer greater reliability.

Question 2: Draft Depression After a Difficult Draft (43:35)

• Listener: Doc from Atlanta
• Concern: Feeling down after a challenging draft.

Andy Holloway (44:00):

"Set the foundation. Take solace in your early-round picks and focus on winning week-to-week."

Mike Wright (44:43):

"You baked the cake, you have to eat it now."

Advice: Focus on the strengths of your drafted roster, prioritize starting lineup success, and remain adaptable throughout the season to overcome initial draft setbacks.

Question 3: Nelson Aguliar's Lack of Attention (45:17)

• Listener: Marco from Austria
• Concern: Why Nelson Aguliar isn't widely discussed despite past performance.

Andy Holloway (46:25):

"Nelson Aguilar was a huge benefactor from Carson Wentz's performance last year, but his touchdown numbers may not sustain."

Mike Wright (46:57):

"Corey and Buffalo Mike... Alshon is gone, but Nelson Aguilar remains a value pick due to his potential involvement."

Advice: Aguliar remains a valuable pick due to his role in the Eagles' offense, but his high touchdown dependency could lead to regression. Monitor his target share and offensive performance early in the season.

Question 4: Drafting Rob Gronkowski in a 16-Team PPR League (47:07)

• Listener: Corey and Buffalo Mike
• Concern: Optimal timing for drafting Gronkowski.

Andy Holloway (47:21):

"The earliest I would take him would be the end of the second round."

Mike Wright (48:00):

"In 16-team leagues, depth is crucial. Gronkowski provides a high ceiling but should be balanced with strong running back and wide receiver options."

Advice: In larger leagues, prioritize depth in running back and wide receiver positions before investing in high-ceiling tight ends like Gronkowski. Secure foundational players first to ensure weekly competitiveness.

6. Conclusion

Andy and Mike wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with their community, participate in giveaways, and stay tuned for future insights. They emphasize the importance of strategic drafting, flexibility in roster management, and the continuous evaluation of players throughout the fantasy football season.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (05:53): "You can't play scared. When you play scared in fantasy, most of the time you lose."
• Andy Holloway (21:21): "If you're going to be the big play, touchdown type of receiver, I think he's worth it."
• Mike Wright (34:21): "Martavis is a waiver wire pickup."

This episode offers valuable strategies for both novice and seasoned fantasy football managers, emphasizing proactive decision-making in both draft phases and ongoing team management. By dissecting specific player choices and offering actionable FAAB and handcuff strategies, Andy and Mike equip listeners with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of fantasy football effectively.