Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Fantasy Football 2017 - Keep/Trade/Cut, Pump the Brakes + Matt Forte Joins the Ballers
Release Date: September 27, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Special Guest: Matt Forte, New York Jets Running Back

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts expressing gratitude towards their listeners for positive reviews and feedback. Jason Moore acknowledges the supportive community, highlighting their efforts to continually improve the show based on listener input (01:58). The trio sets the stage for a jam-packed episode, mentioning segments such as "Pump the Brakes," "Keep/Trade/Cut," an exclusive interview with Matt Forte, a preview of the Thursday night game, and a mailbag segment (02:13).

Pump the Brakes

Definition: "Pump the Brakes" is a segment where the hosts identify players to watch out for due to unfavorable upcoming matchups or declining performance.

• Derek Carr (Raiders):

  • Andy Holloway: Expresses intention to move Derek Carr due to his tough upcoming schedule against strong defenses like Denver, Baltimore, LA Chargers, and Kansas City (04:09).
  • Jason Moore: Agrees, noting Carr's struggles against divisional opponents and poor offensive line performance (04:13).

• Marshawn Lynch (Supposed Team):

  • Jason Moore: Recommends trading Marshawn Lynch, citing his current ranking at 30th among running backs and a challenging matchup against Denver, known for its run defense (04:20).

• Colts Wide Receivers:

  • Mike Wright: Highlights concerns about the entire Colts offense, particularly the wide receivers like Ty Hilton, who is deemed unreliable against strong defenses like Seattle (05:37).

• Michael Crabtree vs. Ty Hilton:

  • Jason Moore: Favors pumping the brakes on Michael Crabtree due to limited involvement and injury concerns (05:25).

Andy Holloway (06:00): "Ty Hilton is one of the... he has your week's worth of production. But it's going to take that one broken play against Seattle."

News and Notes

The hosts transition to updates from around the league:

• Matt Forte's Injury Status:

  • Jason Moore: Announces Matt Forte will be Week-to-Week due to a turf toe injury. Forte provides detailed insights into his recovery process (08:35).

• Josh Gordon's Situation:

  • Jason Moore: Discusses the uncertainty surrounding Josh Gordon's reinstatement, emphasizing the ongoing battles he faces both legally and in terms of fantasy relevance (13:21).

• Other Player Updates:

  • Duncan McGuire's Fumble: Leads to increased usage of Bilal Powell.
  • Chris Johnson Stay: Offers insights into decision-making behind keeping certain players despite inconsistent performance.

Mike Wright (14:55): "You may have even won a game, but if you don't score enough points, you don't satisfy them."

Keep/Trade/Cut Segment

This high-demand segment involves evaluating players to determine whether to keep, trade, or cut them from fantasy rosters.

• Cameron Newton:

  • Decision: Cut
  • Rationale: Tough upcoming road games and better waiver options available (15:22).

• Isaiah Crowell:

  • Decision: Keep
  • Rationale: Consistent volume and involvement in the offense make him a valuable asset (16:49).

• Duke Johnson:

  • Decision: Keep
  • Rationale: Despite some downturns, remains a reliable contributor due to game script (17:08).

• Martellus Bennett (Titans):

  • Decision: Trade
  • Rationale: Limited involvement and better tight end options available (20:11).

• Amir Abdullah:

  • Decision: Keep
  • Rationale: Reliable points despite low ceiling, essential for running back depth (23:53).

• Erik Decker:

  • Decision: Keep
  • Rationale: Valuable tight end with consistent role in offense (27:46).

• Adrian Peterson:

  • Decision: Cut
  • Rationale: Inconsistent performance and low volume make him a risky hold (26:47).

• Eric Decker:

  • Decision: Keep
  • Rationale: Consistent contributor with reliable touchdown potential (27:58).

Jason Moore (15:04): "Who’s the first candidate? Cameron Newton. I am cutting Cam Newton."

Interview with Matt Forte

Guest: Matt Forte, Running Back, New York Jets

• Injury Update:
  • Matt Forte: Reports significant improvement from a turf toe injury, optimistic about continued healing (30:15).

Matt Forte (31:12): "I think it's both. I appreciate... it makes the game bigger... but also the negative part is just, you know, people all they care about is fantasy stuff."

• Views on Fantasy Football:

  • Appreciation: Recognizes fantasy football's role in engaging fans and expanding the game's reach.
  • Concerns: Frustrated by fans prioritizing fantasy success over real team performance, leading to misplaced expectations (31:56).

• Rookie Running Backs Impact:

  • Matt Forte: Attributes rookie success to physical and mental preparedness, ability to adapt to the NFL's pace, and being placed in schemes that highlight their strengths (33:05).

Matt Forte (34:03): "If you can run the ball, whether it's out of the gun or under center or in the pro, you can run the ball."

• Veteran Experience and Team Dynamics:
  • Matt Forte: Discusses the lack of loyalty in the business side of the NFL, the harsh realities of team decisions, and the double standards fans apply to player movements (35:10).

Matt Forte (36:25): "The loyalty factor is kind of a double standard."

• Comcast and Xfinity Collaboration:
  • Matt Forte: Highlights a new feature allowing fantasy players to view their teams and stats simultaneously while watching games, enhancing the fantasy experience (38:05).

Thursday Night Matchup Preview

Teams: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
Focus Players: Jordan Howard, Tariq Cohen, Randall Cobb, Devonta Adams

• Key Players to Start:

  • Mike Wright: Endorses Jordan Howard and Tariq Cohen as must-plays (40:07).
  • Jason Moore: Suggests Tariq Cohen as a flex option due to his explosive potential (40:11).
  • Andy Holloway: Recommends keeping Devonta Adams for consistent performance (43:46).

• Bears' Offense Strengths:

  • Strong Run Game: Effective blocking and a potent running back duo force opposing teams to adjust, benefiting the defense by reducing play frequency (42:16).
  • Green Bay Defense: Notable for limiting fantasy quarterback points, making Aaron Rodgers a valuable fantasy asset when healthy (42:05).

Andy Holloway (42:16): "They can score, taking on a bad defense."

Mailbag

Listeners' questions addressed, offering personalized advice:

1. Will Fuller Pickup:

   • Mike Wright: Considers him an okay stash due to big-play ability but dependent on bench space (46:29).
   • Jason Moore: Prefers more consistent performers over Fuller (46:52).

2. Stacking Andy Dalton and Bengals Defense:

   • All Hosts: Support the strategy, especially against Cleveland's defense, enhancing potential points from both QB and defense (47:38).

3. Cam Newton vs. Tyrod Taylor:

   • Mike Wright: Prefers Tyrod Taylor based on Week 3 performance metrics (49:02).
   • Andy Holloway: Chooses Cam Newton as a safer bet due to recent acquisition and matchup (49:09).
   • Jason Moore: Balances both preferences, ultimately favoring statistical edge (49:18).

4. Trade P. Ryan for Galladay:

   • Jason Moore: Advises against trading Ryan due to uncertain future value (51:55).

5. Willie Sneed Pickup:

   • Andy Holloway: Recommends against starting him due to unpredictable volume (51:08).

6. Andy Dalton vs. Trevor Siemian:

   • Hosts: Lean towards starting Trevor Siemian for higher ceiling potential (51:27).

7. Deshaun Watson Future:

   • Mike Wright & Andy Holloway: Praise Watson's potential and consistency, recommending keeping him (50:03).

Conclusion and Tips

• Waiver Wire Alerts:

  • Tip of the Day: Regularly check your league's waiver wire for dropped players who could be valuable additions, such as Jordan Reed (55:00).

• Ranking Updates:

  • Initial Rankings: Available on the Fantasy Footballers' website, offering projections, flex rankings, and consistency ratings to help managers make informed decisions (54:58).

• Final Remarks:

  • Hosts encourage listeners to stay engaged, make strategic moves, and utilize available resources to enhance their fantasy football experience (56:02).

Mike Wright (55:00): "Drive along is hot people. Waivers ran. Make sure you see and investigate who was dropped in your leagues."

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (15:04): "Who's the first candidate? Cameron Newton. I am cutting Cam Newton."
• Matt Forte (31:12): "I think it's both. I appreciate... it makes the game bigger... but also the negative part is just, you know, people all they care about is fantasy stuff."
• Andy Holloway (42:16): "They can score, taking on a bad defense."

For more detailed insights, rankings, and projections, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow the hosts on Twitter @the_ffballers.