Detailed Summary of Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode: "Undrafted Gems + Slow Starts, Commish Problems"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
- Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
- Episode: Undrafted Gems + Slow Starts, Commish Problems
- Release Date: September 4, 2018
1. Introduction to Undrafted Gems
The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic discussion about identifying valuable undrafted players ("undrafted gems") who can provide significant advantages in fantasy football leagues.
Cortland Sutton (Denver Broncos, Wide Receiver)
- Overview: Sutton is highlighted as a prime undrafted wide receiver with impressive physical attributes and strong preseason performances.
- Key Points:
- Attributes: 6'4", 2.16 agility, 97th percentile in agility, 90th in catch radius.
- Performance: Ranked in the top five for passing the eye test during preseason.
- Fantasy Value: High potential to emerge as a reliable starter, especially if injuries occur to Broncos' top receivers.
- Notable Quote:
“Cortland Sutton... a unicorn... He owns the land around him.”
— Mike Wright [12:34]
Mike Gillislee (New Orleans Saints, Running Back)
- Overview: Gillislee is discussed as a productive goal-line back with the ability to secure consistent touches within the Saints' offense.
- Key Points:
- Role: First and second-down runner, capable of handling a workload effectively.
- Fantasy Potential: Expected to contribute steadily, especially in goal-line situations.
- Notable Quote:
“He can be physical, he can handle a workload.”
— Cortland Sutton [16:22]
Eric Ebron (Indianapolis Colts, Tight End)
- Overview: Ebron is presented as a tight end with considerable upside, suitable for streaming in various offensive systems.
- Key Points:
- Performance: Demonstrated strong preseason showing with five receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.
- Role: Intermediate route runner and red-zone target.
- Fantasy Value: Reliable weekly receptions with touchdown potential.
- Notable Quote:
“He's a fast guy, he's an athletic guy... you can count on a red zone contributor.”
— Mike Wright [29:56]
Danny Amendola (Miami Dolphins, Wide Receiver)
- Overview: Amendola is considered for his role as a slot receiver and potential target leader, although skepticism about his fantasy impact remains.
- Key Points:
- Role: Slot receiver with opportunities to accumulate targets.
- Fantasy Value: Potential for surprise productivity but concerns about consistency.
- Notable Quote:
“He's never had a year over 700 yards... he's a bench clogger.”
— Mike Wright [34:55]
James White (New England Patriots, Running Back)
- Overview: White is recommended as a valuable pass-catching running back, especially beneficial in PPR leagues due to his involvement in the Patriots' versatile offense.
- Key Points:
- Role: Significant target in the passing game, flexible usage in the offense.
- Fantasy Value: Consistent receptions make him a strong flex option.
- Notable Quote:
“I'd rather start James White than I would Mike Gillislee.”
— Mike Wright [39:30]
2. Managing Slow Starts and Player Drops
The hosts emphasize the importance of patience with drafted players who underperform in the initial weeks, cautioning against impulsive decisions to drop valuable assets based solely on early performance.
- Key Points:
- Patience: Encourage holding onto second and third-round picks despite slow starts.
- Long-Term Strategy: Early disappointments shouldn't derail season-long strategies.
- League Integrity: Dropping key players hastily can disrupt league balance and team morale.
- Notable Quote:
“Please do not do that. People are going to be pissed off after week one... you have to hold on right now.”
— Andy Holloway [07:01]
3. Addressing Commissioner Problems
A significant portion of the episode is devoted to handling issues with league commissioners, particularly dealing with managers who disrupt draft fairness or employ unconventional strategies that can harm league competitiveness.
Listener Question:
- From Ryan (North Carolina): As a first-time commissioner, how should one handle a league member who “threw the draft” by selecting five kickers, leaving other managers disadvantaged?
Hosts' Advice:
- Immediate Actions:
- Option 1: Replace the disruptive manager, allowing a new owner to set a fair team.
- Option 2: Remove the offending manager from the league to preserve its integrity.
- Long-Term Solutions:
- Address Fair Play: Implement league rules that prevent similar occurrences in future drafts.
- Maintain Competitiveness: Ensure all managers adhere to standard drafting practices to keep the league competitive and enjoyable.
- Notable Quote:
“You can't let that owner destroy this league week after week because he's going to do whatever he did on the draft, he's going to do it in the waiver wire... you can't let that owner destroy this league.”
— Andy Holloway [42:42]
4. League News and Updates
The hosts provide timely updates relevant to fantasy football managers, including team roster changes and stadium renamings.
Key Updates:
-
Royce Freeman Named Broncos Starting Running Back:
- Significance: Freeman's promotion to starting role enhances his fantasy value due to increased usage.
- Quote:
“Royce Freeman is the better running back.”
— Mike Wright [08:36]
-
University of Phoenix Stadium Renamed State Farm Stadium:
- Implications: While primarily a news update, such changes can affect team branding and fan engagement.
- Quote:
“Say goodbye to University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. It has been renamed to State Farm Stadium.”
— Mike Wright [23:52]
5. Listener Mailbag: Addressing Specific Questions
The episode features responses to listeners' questions, offering tailored advice to common fantasy football dilemmas.
Question 1: Alfred Morris vs. James Conner
- Listener: Adam (Florida) asks whether to roster Alfred Morris or James Conner.
- Hosts' Perspectives:
- Mike Wright: Prefers Alfred Morris but acknowledges the potential of James Conner if Le'Veon Bell remains unavailable.
- Cortland Sutton: Favors James Conner due to his role as a RB1 in the absence of Bell.
- Andy Holloway: Recommends James White over both, considering his pass-catching abilities.
- Notable Quote:
“I’d rather roster Alfred Morris... but at some point you take your shot because you could have a one.”
— Mike Wright [44:17]
Question 2: Impact of Khalil Mack Trade on AFC West Quarterbacks
- Listener: Mike from Denver inquires about how the Khalil Mack trade affects quarterbacks in the AFC West and the potential rise in value for players like Jordan Howard.
- Hosts' Insights:
- Cortland Sutton: Believes the impact on quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Matt Stafford will be minimal in terms of fantasy production.
- Andy Holloway: Agrees, noting that while defenses may be stout, it won't significantly derail QB performances.
- Notable Quote:
“I don’t believe so [the quarterbacks’ fantasy production being derailed].”
— Cortland Sutton [46:05]
Question 3: Geronimo Allison vs. John Ross for PPR Stash
- Listener: Steven (Hershey) asks which player between Geronimo Allison and John Ross offers a better PPR stash with more upside.
- Hosts' Perspectives:
- Mike Wright: Prefers John Ross for his immediate relevance and consistent performance.
- Cortland Sutton: Suggests John Ross for standard league relevance, while Geronimo Allison can be a higher-upside bench option.
- Notable Quote:
“You need this guy to be in your flex, go John Ross. If he’s on your bench as a hopeful stash, I would go Geronimo.”
— Cortland Sutton [47:24]
6. Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of strategic drafting, patient management of players, and maintaining league integrity. They encourage listeners to utilize resources like NFL Game Pass for in-depth game analysis and to engage with the community for ongoing support.
Final Recommendations:
- Utilize Undrafted Gems: Secure players like Cortland Sutton and Mike Gillislee early via waivers or trades.
- Exercise Patience: Allow drafted players adequate time to prove their worth before making roster changes.
- Maintain League Integrity: Address disruptive behaviors promptly to ensure a fair and enjoyable fantasy football experience.
Notable Quote:
“Trust me. We have seen the fantasy tilt. I have lived the fantasy tilt. We’ve all experienced it.”
— Andy Holloway [07:01]
Conclusion
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provided valuable insights into identifying and leveraging undrafted players, managing slow starts without jeopardizing league competitiveness, and handling commissioner-related challenges effectively. By focusing on strategic player acquisitions and maintaining league integrity, fantasy managers can navigate the early stages of the season with confidence and set their teams up for long-term success.