Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Starts of the Week, Week 9 Matchups, Waterbets
Release Date: November 2, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, the hosts delve into Week 9 matchups, provide their "Starts of the Week" recommendations, and explore "Waterbets"—their take on potential sleeper picks and risky bets for the upcoming weekend. The conversation is rich with expert analysis, strategic insights, and lively banter among the trio.

2. Underachieving Players with Surprise Potential

The hosts discuss players who may have underperformed so far in the season but possess the potential to significantly impact fantasy leagues in the remaining weeks.

• Julio Jones (WR, Atlanta Falcons):
  Mike Wright highlights Julio Jones as a player surpassing his current rankings due to his touchdown drought.

  "If you can trade for him, if you can get him, if you have him hold on to him, you're going to be pleasantly surprised."
  (02:03)

• DeMarco Murray (RB, Tennessee Titans):
  Andy Holloway expresses optimism about Murray's future performance, especially after a season-high in carries.

  "I think DeMarco Murray is going to win some people their leagues. I think he'll perform up to that RB2, RB1 role."
  (05:05)

• Jay Ajayi (RB, Miami Dolphins):
  Mike Wright suggests that Ajayi, recently traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, might find a more productive role in his new team’s offense.

  "I think that he will take over the main role for the Philadelphia Eagles... he will be a sneaky snart this week."
  (05:53)

3. News and Trade Updates

The hosts address recent trade news and its implications for fantasy football, focusing on the botched A.J. McCarron trade by the Cleveland Browns.

• A.J. McCarron Trade Debacle:
  Mike Wright explains the confusion surrounding the Browns' attempted trade for McCarron, emphasizing its negative impact on dynasty leagues.

  "If you're in a dynasty league and you've got Kaiser and you hope for the future, that's bad news."
  (09:05)

• Josh Gordon’s Return:
  Andy Holloway discusses the conditional reinstatement of Josh Gordon to the Cleveland Browns and its potential impact on fantasy teams.

  "In a redraft league, do you pick up Josh Gordon and hold him for a month? No question."
  (11:22)

4. Player Performance Insights

Detailed analysis of player performances and strategic decisions regarding their fantasy value.

• Tyler Boyd and John Ross (WRs, Cincinnati Bengals):
  The hosts debate the value of starting these receivers, with Mike Wright generally favoring steady performers over high-risk players.

• Sterling Shepard vs. Evan Engram (WRs, New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints):
  Andy Holloway advocates for Shepard due to his target volume, despite Mike Wright considering Engram's potential upside.

5. Week 9 Matchups Analysis

A comprehensive breakdown of key Week 9 matchups, highlighting favorable and challenging games for fantasy players.

• Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets:
  The hosts express excitement over this matchup, noting both teams' competitive records.

  Andy: "I'm excited to watch the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets take on one another."
  (21:15)

• Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers:
  Analysis focuses on the Falcons' offensive struggles against a strong Panthers defense.

  Mike: "The Panthers' defense has been fantastic... It's going to be tough for Matt Ryan and the whole Atlanta offense."
  (25:04)

• Denver Broncos vs. Philadelphia Eagles:
  Discussion centers on quarterback uncertainties and the impact on running back performances.

  Andy: "CJ Anderson is playing well, but he's not getting enough volume to really be more than a running back to Jamal Charles."
  (41:34)

6. Starts of the Week Recommendations

The hosts share their top fantasy start recommendations for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and kickers.

• Quarterbacks:

  • Jason Moore: Alex Smith (Kansas City Chiefs)

    "Alex Smith... you start Alex Smith over darn near everybody."
    (47:15)

  • Mike Wright: Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions)

    "I really like Matthew Stafford more than more than usual this week."
    (48:23)

  • Andy Holloway: Tyrod Taylor (Buffalo Bills)

    "I love Tyrod Taylor's my start of the week as well as my stream of the week."
    (48:38)

• Running Backs:

  • Jason Moore: Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints)

    "Alvin Kamara has been... a guy that you could, you know, you're going to start him as basically an RB one."
    (49:30)

  • Mike Wright: Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)

    "He is my start of the week... confident that Adrian Peterson will eat up the San Francisco 49ers."
    (50:05)

  • Andy Holloway: Christian McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers)

    "He's going to be wide receiver, two out of the backfield for that team... what is he going to do with his six receptions."
    (50:36)

• Wide Receivers:

  • Jason Moore: Will Fuller (Houston Texans)

    Discussion highlights Fuller's potential explosive performance despite regression in touchdowns.

  • Mike Wright: Ted Ginn Jr. (Carolina Panthers)

    "He has had at least 66 yards or a touchdown in four of the last five matchups."
    (52:56)

  • Andy Holloway: Golden Tate (Detroit Lions)

    "Golden Tate, I'm going to match up with your Matthew Stafford start of the week."
    (53:00)

• Tight Ends:

  • Jason Moore: Jack Doyle (New York Giants)

    Though unsure, he emphasizes Doyle's status as the primary target.

  • Mike Wright: AJ Derby (Denver Broncos)

    "AJ Derby to get more targets than usual... top pass catching option for the tight end position for the Broncos."
    (53:55)

  • Andy Holloway: Tyler Croft (Jacksonville Jaguars)

    "Tyler Croft is the pass catching option there this week outside of AJ Green."
    (54:28)

• Kickers:

  • Jason Moore: Will Lutz (Miami Dolphins)

    Proposes a playful rhyme-based system for kicker selections.

  • Mike Wright: *Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)

    Endorses Tucker's reliability despite playful ribbing.

  • Andy Holloway: Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)

    Affirms his consistent performance.

7. Waterbets Insights

"Waterbets" section where the hosts discuss risky or unconventional picks that could pay off big in fantasy leagues.

• Stewart and Scrumptious Bet:
  Andy and Mike engage in a humorous debate over Jonathan Stewart's potential and Devin Scrumptious' emerging role.

  Mike: "Devin Scrumptious should have enough targets to matter."
  (27:12)

• Sterling Shepard vs. Evan Engram:
  A coin-flip discussion on which receiver will excel against their respective defenses.

  Andy: "I love Sterling Shepard this week."
  (37:06)

• Tyler Croft vs. Cooper Kupp vs. Robert Woods:
  Evaluating which wide receiver offers the best upside against tough defenses.

  Andy: "I'm going to take the much more involved player in Cooper Kupp."
  (35:56)

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on player starts and fantasy strategies. The hosts promote their interactive segments, encourage listener engagement through social media, and tease future content. The lively conclusion underscores the camaraderie and expert analysis that define the Fantasy Footballers Podcast.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Julio Jones' Potential:

  “You’re going to be madly in love with Julio Jones like you are every single year.” – Mike Wright
  (04:45)

• DeMarco Murray’s Dynasty Value:

  “He’s my dynasty running back. He’s my league of record running back.” – Andy Holloway
  (05:33)

• Jay Ajayi’s Role in Philadelphia:

  “Why would these two players be able to do it.” – Andy Holloway discussing trading for Ajayi
  (07:18)

• A.J. McCarron Trade Botch:

  “That box, dynasty wise? If you have, if you've been holding on to AJ McCarron, you dodged a bullet.” – Mike Wright
  (11:11)

• Josh Gordon’s Fantasy Value:

  “In a redraft league, do you pick up Josh Gordon and hold him for a month? No question.” – Andy Holloway
  (11:22)

• Tyrod Taylor’s Reliability:

  “He offers you a very high floor with the rushing yardage.” – Andy Holloway
  (48:41)

• Will Fuller’s Upside:

  “He’s going to take those two or three targets for, you know, 80 plus yards and a touchdown.” – Mike Wright
  (51:35)

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Start/Sit Decisions: The hosts provide nuanced analyses on when to start or sit players based on matchups, recent performances, and team dynamics.

• Trade Evaluations: Emphasis on understanding the long-term implications of trades, especially in dynasty leagues.

• Player Potential and Upside: Identification of undervalued players who could outperform expectations, providing fantasy managers with opportunities to gain an edge.

• Matchup Importance: Highlighting how defenses can significantly impact player performances, guiding informed lineup decisions.

• Engagement and Community: Encouragement for listeners to participate through social media, live Q&A sessions, and community platforms, fostering a collaborative environment for fantasy enthusiasts.

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers comprehensive insights into Week 9 of the 2017 NFL season, equipping fantasy managers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and potentially secure victories in their leagues.