Fantasy Football 2017 - Holiday Awards, Week 16 Matchups, Starts of the Week

Podcast Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: December 21, 2017

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts enthusiastically welcoming listeners to Week 16 of the NFL season. Andy Holloway opens with a brief mention of the podcast’s sponsor, FantasyChamps.com, promoting their premium fantasy football trophies and custom jerseys. He humorously advises listeners to use the promo code "ballers" to save some money ([00:00]).

Andy Holloway:
"Happy holidays. May they be cheery and bright and filled with championships." ([01:07])

2. Holiday Awards

The hosts engage in a fun segment introducing creative holiday-themed awards for fantasy players, inspired by an article from their editor, Kyle Borgogan.

a. Department Store Fake Santa

Andy describes the award for a player who seemed promising but failed to deliver consistently.

Andy Holloway:
"This first one is the department store fake Santa. Oh, this guy smells just like beef and cheese. As a kid, you thought he was the real deal." ([03:24])

After some guessing and humor, Mike Wright and Jason Moore suggest Mike Gillislee as possible winners. Ultimately, Doug Martin is announced as the winner, with honorable mentions to Mike Gillislee, Isaiah Crowell, and Amir Abdullah.

Andy Holloway:
"The winner was Doug Martin. Doug Martin is the department store fake Santa." ([04:31])

b. Joseph and Mary Memorial Award

This award recognizes a player who finds immense value in a challenging situation, akin to finding gold in a manger.

Andy Holloway:
"Finding a bundle of riches and gold in the midst of a stinky, crowded manger." ([05:17])

Mike Wright and Jason Moore both incorrectly guessed Alex Collins, but the actual winner is Alvin Kamara, praised for thriving in a crowded Saints backfield.

Jason Moore:
"I would have rather seen Mark Ingram there." ([06:04])

c. Grinch Coach's Choice Award

Awarded to a coach who negatively impacts the Christmas spirit of fantasy play by making questionable decisions.

Andy Holloway:
"Arch enemy of Christmas. A fun sucker of one and all." ([07:19])

After humorous banter and guesses including John Fox and Ben McAdoo, John Fox is named the winner for punting every time, thereby killing the Christmas spirit among fantasy managers.

Andy Holloway:
"The winner is John Fox, because choosing to punt every time kills the Christmas spirit." ([08:48])

Honorable Mentions:
Andy Reid and Jeff Fisher are humorously mentioned for their coaching woes.

3. News & Updates

The hosts dive into the latest NFL news, focusing on injuries and player statuses crucial for Week 16 fantasy decisions.

Key Highlights:

• Leonard Fournette is confirmed to play for the Jaguars on Sunday ([10:58]).

• Keenan Allen remains healthy despite not being on the injury report and is praised for his explosive performance ([11:25]).

• Devonte Adams is out due to an ankle injury, impacting the Steelers' lineup ([14:16]).

• Joe Mixon is returning from injury for the Bengals, providing a boost for fantasy owners ([40:36]).

Notable Player News:

• Greg Zulrine becomes the third most owned player in fantasy leagues on ESPN platforms, trailing only behind Todd Gurley and Alvin Kamara ([12:35]).

• Mike Gillislee is discussed extensively, with speculation about his role and potential touchdowns ([31:32]).

4. Week 16 Matchups

The hosts break down the key Week 16 matchups, analyzing each game's fantasy implications and offering strategic advice on player starts and sits.

a. Colts (3-11) vs. Ravens (8-6)

• Analysis: The Ravens are favored by two touchdowns with a 41-point over/under. The Colts’ struggling defense makes it challenging to rely on their players.

Mike Wright:
"Frank Gore is an absolute machine and the Ravens have been giving up points to running backs." ([16:42])

Jason Moore:
"Frank Gore has about 150 yards away from moving one spot higher on the all-time rushing list." ([17:30])

Recommendation: Start Frank Gore for consistent performance.

b. Vikings vs. Packers

• Analysis: The Vikings are heavy favorites in a divisional rivalry with a 9-point spread. Case Keenum vs. Blake Bortles is a key quarterback decision.

Andy Holloway:
"I don't see how the Packers score without Devonte Adams and can't see them stopping the Vikings." ([26:07])

Jason Moore:
"Blake Bortles has a safe floor and is a legitimately good quarterback." ([23:39])

Recommendation: Favor Blake Bortles over Case Keenum due to higher upside.

c. Buccaneers vs. Panthers

• Analysis: The Panthers, fighting for playoff spots, are 10-point favorites with a 46.5-point over/under. Cam Newton stands out as a top quarterback pick.

Jason Moore:
"Jonathan Stewart is a fantastic play with touchdown upside against Tampa Bay’s weak defense." ([30:43])

Andy Holloway:
"Cam Newton is all three of our number one quarterbacks this week." ([33:00])

Recommendation: Start Cam Newton for high potential points.

d. Chiefs vs. Dolphins

• Analysis: The Dolphins face a tough Chiefs defense. Alex Smith is a potential quarterback start despite uncertainties.

Andy Holloway:
"I’m going to put my vote of confidence behind Philip Rivers in this game." ([49:18])

Jason Moore:
"Alex Smith is a safer option over Nick Foles." ([43:54])

Recommendation: Start Alex Smith for reliability.

e. Bills vs. Patriots

• Analysis: The Patriots are 12.5-point favorites with a 47-point over/under. Dion Lewis is highlighted as a top running back choice.

Andy Holloway:
"Dion Lewis is crucial to keep him healthy and handle his touches against a weak Bills defense." ([46:39])

Jason Moore:
"Dion Lewis is the number one most elusive running back and an RB1 this week." ([55:27])

Recommendation: Start Dion Lewis for high upside against the Bills’ vulnerable defense.

f. Lions vs. Bengals

• Analysis: The Bengals, struggling at 5-9, are 5-point home underdogs with a 43-point over/under. Joe Mixon is a key running back pick.

Andy Holloway:
"Joe Mixon is my start of the week; the matchup is perfect for him." ([54:30])

Jason Moore:
"Dion Lewis is my RB1 due to the perfect matchup." ([55:27])

Recommendation: Start Joe Mixon or consider alternatives based on player health.

g. Additional Matchups

• Dolphins vs. Chiefs
• Bills vs. Patriots
• Lions vs. Bengals
• More matchups discussed briefly with strategic insights

5. Starts of the Week

The hosts share their priority picks for Week 16 across various positions, emphasizing high-upside players and favorable matchups.

Quarterbacks

• Philip Rivers:
  "Assured that Keenan Allen is healthy, fighting for playoff lives." ([49:40])

• Blake Bortles:
  "Playing the best football of his career with Leonard Fournette back." ([51:09])

Running Backs

• Frank Gore:
  "Consistent performance with Ravens facing a weak defense." ([16:42])

• Dion Lewis:
  "Elusive and high upside against the Bills’ weak defense." ([55:27])

• Latavius Murray:
  "Strong game script and touchdown upside." ([55:33])

Wide Receivers

• Michael Crabtree:
  "Delivered on promise with 17 targets and strong performance." ([56:25])

• Juju Smith Schuster:
  "Beneficiary of Antonio Brown’s absence, showing solid performance." ([57:31])

• Mike Wallace:
  "Excellent matchup against Indianapolis, reliable targets." ([60:02])

Tight Ends

• Ben Watson:
  "Crucial in Colts' struggling secondary, solid week potential." ([60:30])

• Eric Ebron:
  "High involvement and targets, a strong option for tight end position." ([62:14])

Kickers

• Jake Elliott (Eagles):
  "Reliable performance and good matchup in Week 16." ([63:02])

6. Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway:
  "Jeff Fisher coming back will certainly make him the losingest coach of all time." ([09:16])

• Jason Moore:
  "Dion Lewis is the number one most elusive running back in the league. He'll be an RB1 this week." ([55:27])

• Mike Wright:
  "You can't stop Todd Gurley. He's going to be fine." ([53:31])

7. Conclusion

As Week 16 approaches, the Fantasy Footballers provide comprehensive analysis, witty banter, and strategic recommendations to help listeners make informed decisions. They emphasize the importance of understanding matchups, player health, and leveraging high-upside options to secure victory in fantasy leagues.

Andy Holloway:
"We're going to get into my start of the week, which is mixing or Bernard. You want to see what you have in Joe Mixon? I expect him to be back. He is running hard when he's been out there." ([40:36])

Jason Moore:
"Dion Lewis is an RB1 this week. His matchup is perfect against the Bills." ([55:27])

Mike Wright:
"Eric Ebron is a solid option on tight end, especially with fit against the Bengals." ([62:14])

Listeners are encouraged to join their fantasy football community at JoinTheFoot.com and follow them on Twitter @TheFFBallers for ongoing updates and support.

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and strategic advice from the Fantasy Footballers’ Week 16 episode, providing valuable information for fantasy managers looking to optimize their lineups for the season finale.