Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Episode Summary: "Fantasy Football 2017 - Starts of the Week, Week 3 Matchups, Under Pressure"
Release Date: September 21, 2017
In this comprehensive episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the intricacies of Week 3 in the 2017 fantasy football season. They provide in-depth analysis of upcoming matchups, identify players under pressure to perform, share essential news updates, and declare their recommended starts for the week. The episode is packed with expert insights, strategic advice, and noteworthy quotes that can help fantasy managers make informed decisions to enhance their lineups.
1. Introduction and Banter
The episode begins with the hosts engaging in their trademark friendly banter, setting a relaxed and engaging tone for the discussions ahead. While the atmosphere is lively, the focus quickly shifts to the core topics of the episode.
2. Players Under Pressure to Perform
Key Topic: Identifying players whose performances in Week 3 are crucial for fantasy success.
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Eli Manning and Andy Dalton:
- Jason Moore highlights the pressure on these quarterbacks by stating, “They have two teams that were legitimately considered deep playoff contenders [...] and both quarterbacks have looked really poor” (03:24).
- Andy Holloway counters by emphasizing their importance in the NFL context, which indirectly affects their fantasy value.
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Hunter Henry:
- Jason Moore raises concerns about Henry’s usage due to his team’s strong pass rush, wondering, “Are they going to use him to block or are they going to use them like they did last week?” (04:47).
- Mike Wright humorously adds, “He gooses my caboose” (05:01), underscoring the unpredictability of Henry’s involvement.
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Joe Mixon and Jonathan Stewart:
- The conversation touches on the uncertainty surrounding Joe Mixon’s snap counts and the potential impact on his fantasy performance. Mike mentions, “People are dropping Joe Mix” (05:39), indicating growing concerns among fantasy owners.
- Jason Moore adds, “Way to start a career” (03:12), reflecting the challenges Mixon faces.
3. News and Updates
Key Topic: Latest updates on player statuses, injuries, and roster movements affecting Week 3.
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Corey Davis Out:
- Andy Holloway announces, “Corey Davis has already been ruled out” (09:22), a significant blow for fantasy managers relying on him.
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Jordy Nelson Returning:
- Positive news comes as Andy Holloway shares, “Jordy Nelson is practicing fully for Week 3” (09:22), offering relief to Aaron Rodgers and Jordy owners.
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Evan Ingram’s Status:
- Andy Holloway discusses, “Evan Ingram is creeping into the [...] starting lineup” (08:34), hinting at his potential role in dynasty leagues.
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Austin Safari and Josh Jenkins Uncertainty:
- Andy Holloway expresses uncertainty about their availability, suggesting, “We have to wait and see with ASJ” (10:47), indicating possible waiver wire pickups.
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Tom Montgomery’s Workload:
- Concerns about Montgomery’s high snap counts are raised by Andy Holloway, questioning his long-term viability despite his impressive performance (11:39).
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Additional Injury Reports:
- Updates on players like DeMarco Murray, Jordan Reed, and Tyler Ifert are provided, highlighting their availability and potential impact on fantasy lineups.
4. Fantasy Forecast and Week 3 Matchups
Key Topic: Analyzing Week 3 matchups to identify potential high-scoring players and strategic starts.
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Ravens vs. Jaguars (London):
- Jason Moore anticipates a strong performance from Leonard Fournette and Buck Allen against the Jaguars' defense, stating, “Leonard Fournette could have a good game” (15:19).
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Broncos vs. Bills (Buffalo):
- The hosts debate the viability of Trevor Siemian as a streaming option, with Jason Moore expressing skepticism: “I think you can stream Derek Carr” (17:15).
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Saints vs. Panthers:
- Discussions focus on Cam Newton’s performance without Greg Olson and the potential breakout of Christian McCaffrey. Mike Wright notes, “Cam Newton is treading into completely unknown waters” (24:06).
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Falcons vs. Lions (Detroit):
- With a high over/under, the trio evaluates wide receivers like Matthew Stafford and Devonte Parker. Andy Holloway mentions, “Matthew Stafford should have enough time at home to get the job done” (34:49).
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Browns vs. Colts (Indianapolis):
- Andy Holloway recommends Jack Doyle and Frank Gore as reliable starts, stating, “Jack Doyle is a great start” (36:02).
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Buccaneers vs. Vikings:
- The uncertainty surrounding Sam Bradford’s availability leads to discussions about his impact on potential starts. Jason Moore advises, “I would start Deshaun Jackson over those other players” (44:37).
5. Under Pressure: Key Players and Strategies
Key Topic: Evaluating players who need to excel in Week 3 to validate their fantasy value and affect their future trade worthiness.
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Le'Veon Bell:
- Jason Moore underscores Bell’s critical role, stating, “You're expecting a monster, monster week” (32:05), noting that a subpar performance could lead to trade discussions.
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Isaiah Cruel and Jonathan Stewart:
- The hosts analyze the pressures on Isaiah Cruel and Jonathan Stewart to perform, considering their upcoming matchups and team dynamics.
6. Starts of the Week
Key Topic: Each host shares their recommended starting players across various positions for Week 3.
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Andy Holloway:
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Jason Moore:
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Mike Wright:
Notable Quotes:
- Andy Holloway: “Matthew Stafford should have enough time at home to get the job done” (34:49).
- Jason Moore: “I would start Deshaun Jackson over those other players” (44:37).
7. Kicker of the Week
Key Topic: Selecting the most reliable kicker for Week 3 based on performance and matchup.
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Jason Moore: Chooses Giorgio Tavecchio as the kicker of the week, praising his precision: “Whenever he kicks the ball, it looks like the most perfect kick, splitting the uprights right down the middle. Like a scalpel” (57:07).
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Mike Wright supports the selection, emphasizing consistent performance despite bold takes.
8. Conclusions and Final Thoughts
The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating their starts of the week and offering final strategic advice. They emphasize the importance of staying updated with player statuses, being adaptable with lineups, and leveraging favorable matchups to maximize fantasy points. The combination of their expert insights and lively discussions provides listeners with valuable tools to navigate the challenges of Week 3.
Final Notable Quote:
- Jason Moore: “Play with us on playdraft@playdraft.com Ballers” (59:17) – Encouraging listener engagement and community building.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts, offering a blend of analytical depth and entertaining dialogue. By addressing pressing questions, evaluating critical matchups, and sharing trusted start recommendations, the Fantasy Footballers equip their audience with the knowledge needed to excel in their fantasy leagues.