Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Fantasy Football 2017 - Starts of the Week, Week 17 Matchups, Overvalued in 2018
Release Date: December 28, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the intricacies of Week 17 in the 2017 NFL season. They provide comprehensive fantasy football analysis, discussing optimal player starts, key matchups, and identifying players who may be overvalued in the upcoming 2018 season. The trio offers expert insights, helping fantasy managers navigate the complexities of the final week and make informed decisions for the future.

Fantasy Forecast for Week 17

Key Topics Covered:

• Player Starts: Recommendations on which players to start based on Week 17 matchups.
• Overvalued Players for 2018: Analysis of players who might be drafted too high in the next season's fantasy drafts due to their 2017 performances.
• Injury Updates: Impact of player injuries on fantasy decisions, notably concerning Todd Gurley and Carson Wentz.

Notable Discussion: Mike Wright introduces the week's focus: "The fantasy forecast for Week 17, starts of the week, Week 17 matchups, overvalued in 2018" (02:10).

Overvalued Players for 2018

Carson Wentz: Andy Holloway expresses concerns about Carson Wentz being overdrafted next season. He states, "If he was healthy and he won the MVP coming into next year, I would be saying be careful, be careful with Carson Wentz. He's probably going to be overdrafted." (04:10)

Devin Funchess: Brooks identifies Devin Funchess as an overvalued wide receiver, highlighting inconsistent performance dependent on team dynamics: "There's a big gap. We don't know if Devin Funches can thrive in that offense for fantasy purposes." (07:25)

Alvin Kamara: Mike Wright raises concerns about Alvin Kamara's efficiency, suggesting he might be drafted too high: "The efficiency levels, they're just tough to sustain. I'm not sure he's a top five pick for me, but he might go in that range." (08:43)

Week 17 Matchup Analysis

1. Packers vs. Lions:

• Coaching Decisions: Jim Caldwell may use this game to evaluate players for his job, potentially impacting player performance.
• Player Focus: Matthew Stafford and Jamal Williams are highlighted as key players. Andy mentions, "Matthew Stafford is playing for his coach's job. He's in a matchup against Green Bay where they are giving up plenty of points." (20:12)

2. Texans vs. Colts:

• Player Highlights: Devin Funchess and Ty Hilton are discussed for their potential impact. Brooks states, "Ty Hilton is a Texan slayer. He likes to have massive games against the Texans, so I think he's a great play." (24:25)

3. Bears vs. Vikings:

• Quarterback Speculation: With Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater, and Case Keenum as free agents, the starting quarterback position is uncertain. Mike predicts, "I think it's going to be Sam Bradford." (14:32)
• Player Performance: Concerns about Jordan Howard's consistency and suggestions to prefer Malcolm Brown. Andy adds, "I pumped the brakes on Jordan Howard. I just don't see the Bears being able to do much in Minnesota." (27:23)

4. Jets vs. Patriots:

• Running Game Focus: Emphasis on the Patriots' running backs due to cold weather likely limiting passing attempts. Andy advises, "Always good with Mr. Necessary Charles Clay we've talked about." (28:43)

5. Browns vs. Steelers:

• Team Motivations: The Steelers aim to avoid infamy by not finishing winless, while the Browns struggle with consistency. Mike remarks, "Tomlin has rested guys in the past. I think the smart move as a coach is to rest your players if you can." (42:30)

Starts of the Week Recommendations

Quarterbacks:

• Matthew Stafford (Lions): Andy Holloway endorses Stafford as a safe and high-ceiling quarterback due to his motivation to secure his job and the Packers' weak defense: "He's going to be one of the safest quarterbacks this week. That actually has a really high ceiling." (46:22)

Wide Receivers:

• Josh Gordon (Steelers): Despite prior inconsistencies, Josh Gordon is recommended against the Steelers' defense: "The Pittsburgh Steelers give up big plays and that is Josh Gordon's specialty." (47:19)
• Robbie Anderson (Giants): Recognized for his consistent targeting and potential milestone achievements: "Robbie Anderson still has the talent... and I'll bring in my tight end start now." (47:59)

Tight Ends:

• Jack Doyle (Steelers): Mike suggests Doyle due to favorable matchup against a weak Texans defense: "Jack Doyle is the eighth tight end of the year... facing Houston, currently the eighth tight end of the year." (48:43)
• Charles Clay (Patriots): Andy supports Clay for his matchup against Miami's struggling defense: "This is the playoff week we want and need from Mr. Necessary Charles Clay." (49:07)

Running Backs:

• Kenyon Drake (Patriots): Targeting Drake against Buffalo's poor rush defense: "Kenyon Drake is facing the worst rush defense... so I think Kenyon Drake gets the workload to justify a start." (49:43)
• Jamal Williams (Lions): Andy highlights Williams' involvement in the passing game: "I absolutely think he will be involved in the passing and I realize he wasn't last week." (50:02)
• C.J. Anderson (Colts): Brooks recommends Anderson for his proximity to a 1,000-yard season and favorable matchup: "C.J. Anderson is very close to a top 12 finish... Chiefs could be resting some defensive starters." (50:32)

Kickers:

• Matt Prater (Lions): Jason Moore confidently recommends Prater as the kicker of the week: "Your commissioner set up a Week 17 championship like a traitor and there's no need to worry. Just use the Lion's Matt Prater." (52:03)

Insights and Conclusions

The hosts emphasize the unpredictability of Week 17 due to various factors such as coaching decisions, player motivations, and potential resting of starters. They caution fantasy managers to remain flexible and consider streaming options based on the evolving scenarios. Additionally, the discussion on overvalued players serves as a strategic guide for those looking forward to the 2018 fantasy football season, advising caution in drafting players who may not sustain their 2017 performances.

Closing Remarks: Mike Wright encourages listeners to stay connected through their community platforms and hints at continued discussions and analyses in future episodes: "The DFS podcast is going to be going all the way through the NFL playoffs." (52:54)

Notable Quotes:

• "If he was healthy and he won the MVP coming into next year, I would be saying be careful, be careful with Carson Wentz. He's probably going to be overdrafted."
  — Andy Holloway 04:10

• "Tomlin has rested guys in the past. I think the smart move as a coach is to rest your players if you can."
  — Mike Wright 42:30

• "He's going to be one of the safest quarterbacks this week. That actually has a really high ceiling."
  — Andy Holloway 46:22

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers episode, highlighting strategic advice, player evaluations, and critical insights to aid fantasy football enthusiasts in making informed decisions during Week 17 and beyond.