Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Fantasy Football 2017 - Pump the Brakes, Season Defining Stats, #FootClan Questions
Release Date: November 15, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Pump the Brakes: Evaluating Key Players

In the "Pump the Brakes" segment, the hosts delve into the performance and future outlook of several high-profile NFL players, providing critical analysis for fantasy football managers.

• Larry Fitzgerald:
  Andy Holloway expresses caution regarding Larry Fitzgerald's consistency, highlighting a significant disparity in his home versus away performances.

  "[05:09] Andy Holloway: When you look at Larry Fitzgerald's home road splits, it's unbelievable how well he performs at home compared to on the road..."

• Jared Goff:
  The discussion shifts to Jared Goff's fluctuating performance. Despite averaging nearly 40 fantasy points in recent games, Jason Moore urges managers to temper their enthusiasm due to Goff's inconsistent matchups and reliance on key targets.

  "[09:57] Jason Moore: ...Goff's only five turnovers on the year. But one of the things about his schedule, if you look at it, it's been fantastic."
  Andy summarizes the cautionary stance:
  "[10:53] Andy Holloway: ...you got to pump those brakes."

• Austin Ekeler:
  Mike Wright addresses the hype surrounding Austin Ekeler, deeming him a valuable handcuff for Melvin Gordon but advises against overvaluing him due to the Chargers' unlikely shift in offensive strategy.

  "[07:25] Andy Holloway: So you're responding to that."
  "[07:48] Jason Moore: Stop It Ekeler."

2. News and Notes: Player Updates and Team Movements

The "News and Notes" segment provides updates on player statuses and team dynamics that could impact fantasy football decisions.

• Rob Kelly and Samaje Perine:
  The team learns that Rob Kelly has been placed on injured reserve, making Samaje Perine a more prominent figure in the offense. Mike Wright anticipates Perine capitalizing on this opportunity.

  "[15:22] Jason Moore: You're going to see the future of Samajp Ryan in these next few weeks..."

• Greg Olsen and Devin Funchess:
  Andy Holloway discusses Greg Olsen's chance to return from injury, providing a potential streaming option for fantasy managers. The conversation also touches on Devin Funchess's inability to sustain offensive production.

  "[16:36] Mike Wright: ...he cannot sustain an entire offense like we being the number one..."

• Christian McCaffrey and DeAndre Hopkins:
  The hosts evaluate Christian McCaffrey's rising value and DeAndre Hopkins' evolving role within the Houston Texans' offense, considering dynasty implications.

  "[35:11] Mike Wright: You should not be. Yeah, thank you. Poor one out for the Houston Texans..."
  "[35:47] Mike Wright: ...he is a great dynasty asset."

3. Season Defining Stats: Analyzing Key Metrics

This section focuses on statistical performances that have shaped the fantasy football landscape for the season.

• Jarvis Landry:
  Jarvis Landry leads the league in receptions and third in targets, but Jason Moore predicts he won't secure a Wide Receiver 1 spot due to Dolphin offensive limitations.

  "[21:56] Jason Moore: No. I'm gonna say no..."

• Carson Wentz vs. Jared Goff:
  Andy Holloway compares Carson Wentz's high touchdown rate against Jared Goff's efficiency. While Wentz shows outstanding performance with 23 touchdowns on 291 attempts, Goff's reliability is questioned despite his recent highs.

  "[25:06] Jason Moore: You have Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, right?"
  "[26:29] Mike Wright: ...I think Jared Goff is the only one I believe will not be a top five at the end of the year."

• Chris Thompson:
  The hosts debate whether Chris Thompson can ascend from RB10 to RB1. Mike Wright is optimistic about Thompson's potential due to his involvement in the passing game, whereas Jason Moore remains skeptical about his touchdown consistency.

  "[27:28] Jason Moore: ...I do not think Chris Thompson can finish as a RB1."

• Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady Under Pressure:
  An intriguing stat reveals Big Ben Roethlisberger's passer rating drops to 5.9 when under pressure, starkly contrasting Tom Brady's 112.3 rating in similar situations. This highlights quarterback resilience and its fantasy implications.

  "[31:17] Jason Moore: ...a passer rating of like 46..."
  "[31:29] Andy Holloway: 5.9 when under pressure."

4. Mailbag Q&A: Listener Questions and Expert Advice

In the "Mailbag" segment, the hosts address listener-submitted questions, offering personalized fantasy football advice.

• Emily from Eugene – Mike Evans vs. Julio Jones:
  Emily asks whether to start Mike Evans or Julio Jones for the remainder of the season in a 12-team PPR league. Both hosts agree in favoring Julio Jones due to his quarterback situation and Julio's potential for higher targets.

  "[42:33] Mike Wright: PPR is Julio Jones."
  "[42:36] Andy Holloway: I agree."

• Trevor from Connecticut – Throwing a Game:
  Trevor considers tanking a game to secure playoff position, seeking advice on collusion. The hosts strongly advise against it, emphasizing fairness and the integrity of the league.

  "[43:06] Jason Moore: No."
  "[43:15] Jason Moore: ...for the good of your marriage. Also, don't do this."

• Dylan from Kalamazoo – Corey Davis vs. JuJu Smith-Schuster:
  Dylan debates whether to favor Corey Davis or JuJu Smith-Schuster for the rest of the season. The hosts discuss matchup implications and current performance trends, ultimately leaning towards JuJu for consistent targets and performance.

  "[42:33] Mike Wright: PPR is Julio Jones."
  "[47:57] Jason Moore: ...I believe in the number one argument. JuJu can't be the number one wide receiver on his team rest of season unless Antonio Brown goes."

5. Final Thoughts and Strategic Insights

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making, cautious optimism around trending players, and the impact of team dynamics on individual performances. They encourage fantasy managers to stay informed, manage risk wisely, and adapt strategies based on evolving statistics and player conditions.

Notable Quotes:

• "[10:53] Andy Holloway: ...you got to pump those brakes."
  Emphasizing caution when evaluating high-performing players with inconsistent track records.

• "[25:06] Jason Moore: You have Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, right?"
  Comparing top quarterbacks to highlight the conversation around Carson Wentz and Jared Goff.

• "[43:15] Jason Moore: ...for the good of your marriage. Also, don't do this."
  Advising against collusion in fantasy leagues for personal relationships and league integrity.

Conclusion:

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers offers valuable insights into player performances, strategic decisions, and statistical analyses essential for fantasy football success. By critically evaluating top players, addressing timely news, and answering listener queries, the hosts provide a comprehensive guide for managing fantasy teams effectively as the season progresses.