Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Starts of the Week, Week 2 Matchups, Players to Watch
Release Date: September 14, 2017

Overview

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into Week 2 of the NFL season. They provide in-depth analysis of key matchups, player performances, and offer strategic recommendations to help listeners optimize their fantasy football teams. The discussion covers Thursday Night Football and several pivotal Week 2 games, highlighting players to watch and start.

Thursday Night Football: Texans vs. Bengals

The hosts kick off the episode by analyzing the Thursday Night matchup between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals.

• John Ross Debut: Andy Holloway highlights the anticipation surrounding John Ross's debut for the Texans.

  Andy Holloway [00:11]: "John Ross is going to make his debut tonight."

• Quarterback Concerns: Deshaun Watson’s first start sparks debate among the hosts about his potential impact.

  Mike Wright [02:46]: "Deshaun Watson could put a positive points. That's a fair point."

• Star Players: The performance of elite wide receivers like A.J. Green and DeAndre Hopkins is discussed, emphasizing their value in fantasy lineups.

  Jason Moore [02:28]: "You have a couple elite superstars out there. You got A.J. Green playing."

Week 2 Matchups

Browns vs. Ravens

A heated discussion unfolds around the Browns facing the Ravens, focusing on defensive matchups and quarterback performance.

• Ravens Defense: The Ravens' strong defensive lineup leads to skepticism about Deshaun Watson's effectiveness against them.

  Jason Moore [09:03]: "The Baltimore Ravens... are going to be able to shut down the opposition."

• Dalvin Cook’s Consistency: Dalvin Cook's performance is scrutinized to determine if his Week 1 success was sustainable.

  Jason Moore [04:46]: "I'm fully bought in, but I'm a little hesitant... I am not over the moon like some people are on Dalvin Cook yet."

• Fantasy Starts: The hosts debate whether to start players like Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson given the Browns' offensive struggles.

  Andy Holloway [12:32]: "Start Crowell, you didn't see much from Duke Johnson in week one."

Bills vs. Panthers

The Bills take on the Panthers, with a focus on wide receiver targets and running back efficiency.

• Wide Receiver Targets: The Bills’ wide receivers received only eight targets in Week 1, raising concerns about offensive output.

  Andy Holloway [16:10]: "Eight targets total. Reminded me of some of these... [Green Beckham]."

• Running Backs to Start: Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Stewart are recommended to be started, emphasizing their roles despite limited usage.

  Andy Holloway [16:46]: "...they're going to have Burkhead... Start him with a..."

Cardinals vs. Colts

Analyzing the Cardinals' matchup against the Colts, the discussion revolves around running back options and quarterback stability.

• Running Back Usage: Kerwin Williams is highlighted as a viable start over Andre Ellington due to his role in the Colts' offense.

  Jason Moore [20:08]: "That would be Kerwin Williams and he should be okay."

• Quarterback Performance: The uncertain performance of Sam Bradford against a tough Colts defense is examined.

  Jason Moore [40:21]: "Was the same Bradford we saw week one against a bad New Orleans Saints offense... Did he level up on the road?"

Titans vs. Jaguars

The Titans face off against the Jaguars, with a focus on running back performances and defensive strengths.

• Le’Veon Bell’s Ceiling: Despite a disappointing Week 1, Bell remains a top-five running back option, though his performance is under scrutiny.

  Mike Wright [38:53]: "Yeah, he'll be in my top five, but I don't. This will be like one of those weird weeks."

Eagles vs. Chiefs

This matchup pits Carson Wentz against Alex Smith, with attention on tight ends and running backs.

• Tight End Opportunities: Alshon Jeffrey’s potential is discussed, given the Chiefs’ defensive weaknesses.

  Andy Holloway [34:19]: "I like the opportunity that Alshon Jeffrey has in this game."

• Kareem Hunt’s Value: Hunt is praised as a top-tier running back with increasing opportunities.

  Mike Wright [32:45]: "Kareem Hunt is a great start. He's going to be in my running back top 12 rankings if he's playing."

New England vs. New Orleans

The Patriots take on the Saints, with a spotlight on wide receivers and the impact of defensive matchups.

• Doug Baldwin’s Potential: Baldwin is recommended as a strong start due to his home advantage and past performance.

  Andy Holloway [53:36]: "Doug Baldwin, my start of the week."

• Sneaky Plays: Chris Hogan is identified as a “sneaky” start option with high upside.

  Jason Moore [36:01]: "Chris Hogan grabs. I think Chris Hogan gets a touchdown this week."

Vikings vs. Steelers

The Vikings encounter the Steelers, raising questions about running back dominance and defensive capabilities.

• Martavis Bryant’s Risk: Bryant is approached with caution due to lack of recent play and uncertain performance.

  Jason Moore [41:56]: "So I got so much flack for being low on Martavis Bryant that I had to go to the judge."

Buccaneers vs. Bears

The Buccaneers face the Bears, with discussions on tight ends and running back opportunities.

• Tariq Cohen’s Involvement: Cohen is spotlighted as a key player to monitor given the Bears’ defensive coverage.

  Andy Holloway [44:38]: "Tariq Cohen lead the league or lead his team in target."

Player Recommendations and Strategies

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer strategic advice on which players to start, sit, or watch closely based on Week 1 performances and upcoming matchups.

• Dalvin Cook: Despite a strong Week 1, caution is advised due to opposing defenses.

  Andy Holloway [04:46]: "Look, I think he's going to be great. He's going to be a workhorse."

• Tariq Cohen: High potential but requires monitoring for consistent usage.

  Andy Holloway [05:10]: "I want to see what we got in him."

• Charles Clay vs. Darrell Kelly: Recommendations vary based on matchup safety and upside.

  Mike Wright [13:04]: "I think I'd go Buck Allen."

• James White: Strong recommendation to start based on Patriots' offensive strategy.

  Mike Wright [51:55]: "James White had a near 14% target share... I'm very confident playing James White."

Start Recommendations by Position

Quarterbacks

• Derek Carr (Raiders): Highly recommended due to a competent Raiders defense and potential for multiple touchdowns.

  Mike Wright [46:43]: "My start of the week, I'm sending in the car. Derek Carr because he's going to put up points."

• Russell Wilson (Seahawks): Encouraged to start with confidence despite Week 1 concerns, especially against a home matchup.

  Andy Holloway [48:06]: "Russell Wilson... I think you start him with confidence."

• Jameis Winston (Buccaneers): Considered a startable option with a plethora of offensive weapons despite a challenging tight end matchup.

  Jason Moore [49:18]: "Jameis Winston... you might be looking at Kansas City and thinking that's a really tough matchup."

Running Backs

• Ty Montgomery (Bills): Praised for a monster Week 1 performance and expected continued excellence.

  Andy Holloway [49:58]: "Tom Montgomery is quickly moving up my board in terms of elite running back options."

• Marshawn Lynch (49ers): Highly recommended to start due to his consistent performance and favorable matchup.

  Jason Moore [50:34]: "Marshawn Lynch looked like the old Marshawn. He's a must start against the Jets at home."

• James White (Patriots): Valued for his dual role in rushing and receiving, especially in high-scoring games.

  Mike Wright [51:56]: "I'm very confident playing James White."

Wide Receivers

• Kelvin Benjamin (Buccaneers): Suggested for his physical advantage over defenders and favorable matchup.

  Mike Wright [52:56]: "Kelvin Benjamin... I expect a bounce back game."

• Doug Baldwin (Seahawks): Strongly recommended to start in a home matchup, leveraging past performance.

  Andy Holloway [53:36]: "Doug Baldwin, my start of the week."

• Jeremy Macklin (Ravens): Initially considered but later preferred over due to matchup uncertainty.

  Jason Moore [54:37]: "I would start Jeremy Macklin."

Tight Ends

• Zach Miller (Bears): Recommended due to his high target share and role as a key pass catcher.

  Andy Holloway [55:11]: "Zach Miller is a very safe play. I've made the decision to sign him and start him over."

• Zach Ertz (Eagles): Valued as the primary target in Carson Wentz’s offense, deemed a safe start.

  Jason Moore [55:15]: "Zach Ertz... The clear number one target for Carson Wentz."

Kickers

• Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots): Boldly recommended as the "boom boom kicker of the week" with a favorable indoor matchup.

  Jason Moore [27:16]: "Stephen Guskowski as my start of the week or as my... boom boom kicker of the week."

Fantasy News and Updates

• Odell Beckham Jr. Returns to Practice: Beckham is back at practice, making him a potential start for the week.

  Andy Holloway [26:24]: "Odell Beckham Jr. Back at practice today for the first time."

• Injuries and Roster Changes: Updates on player injuries such as Danny Woodhead being placed on IR and Tim Montgomery’s performance highlight the dynamic nature of fantasy lineups.

  Andy Holloway [39:11]: "Danny Woodhead has been added to IR, so the earliest he can return is week 11."

• Play Draft Sponsor: Brief mention of their sponsor, Play Draft, encouraging listeners to join their platform for weekly drafts.

  Andy Holloway [07:40]: "Let's talk about a point of concern here for Buffalo..."

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Week 2 NFL matchups, offering strategic advice on player starts and highlighting key performers to watch. The hosts emphasize the importance of monitoring player usage, matchup strengths, and defensive capabilities to maximize fantasy football success. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Fantasy Footballers community through their website and social media channels for ongoing support and insights.

Notable Quotes:

• “Dalvin Cook explodes this week, then, you know, I'm fully bought in, but I'm a little hesitant...”
  — Jason Moore [04:46]

• “Do you want Blal Powell part of an RBBC backfield? Do you want Adrian Peterson part of an rbbc?”
  — Andy Holloway [11:45]

• “Russell Wilson takes care of business, and I'm not worried about him whatsoever.”
  — Andy Holloway [48:06]

• “Marshawn Lynch... he's a must start against the Jets at home.”
  — Jason Moore [50:34]

• “Stephen Guskowski as my start of the week or as my... boom boom kicker of the week.”
  — Jason Moore [27:16]

For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter at @theffballers.