Fantasy Footballers Podcast – Week 13 Summary: Studs & Duds, Rising Stars, Game Genie
Release Date: December 4, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Studio: Play Draft Studios
1. Introduction and Week 13 Overview
The Fantasy Footballers kick off Week 13 with their characteristic blend of analysis, opinions, and actionable advice. The hosts dive straight into the performance assessments of key players, dissecting their impact on fantasy leagues and providing insights into emerging trends and potential pitfalls for fantasy managers.
2. Studs of the Week: Players Who Excelled
Alex Smith (QB, Kansas City Chiefs)
Performance: 366 yards passing, 4 touchdowns
Hosts' Insight:
Jason Moore highlights Smith’s outstanding performance despite skepticism from many fantasy owners.
Jason Moore [13:27]: "Alex Smith put up 366 and 4 this week. I don't think a lot of people trusted him this week, but if you did, you were rewarded in a big way."
Josh McCown (QB, Arizona Cardinals)
Performance: 331 yards passing, 2 rushing touchdowns
Hosts' Insight:
McCown delivered a solid game, overcoming minor setbacks, which Michael Wright commends as a "great game" despite some field disruptions.
Jason Moore [13:35]: "McCown found him [Robbie Anderson]. Great game."
Travis Kelsey (TE, Kansas City Chiefs)
Performance: 2 touchdowns in the first 1:45
Hosts' Insight:
Kelsey’s explosive start was pivotal for many fantasy owners, especially those who capitalized on early-game success.
Mike Wright [33:10]: "Travis Kelsey went ham in the first, what, two touchdowns in a minute and 45."
Case Keenum (QB, Minnesota Vikings)
Performance: 227 yards passing, 2 touchdowns
Hosts' Insight:
Keenum’s efficiency and matchup advantage make him a reliable fantasy starter moving forward.
Andy Holloway [16:34]: "Another stud muffin quarterback to talk about. Russell Wilson put up an incredible performance yesterday."
3. Duds of the Week: Players Who Underperformed
Kareem Hunt (RB, Cleveland Browns)
Performance: Limited carries and inconsistency
Hosts' Insight:
The trio debates whether Hunt should be benched after seven consecutive games with 100+ yards from scrimmage. Mike Wright mentions the risk of Hunt "submarining" fantasy teams.
Jason Moore [02:16]: "What do you do? Mike, we talked about this last week. What do you do?"
Matt Ryan (QB, Atlanta Falcons)
Performance: Underwhelming against Minnesota
Hosts' Insight:
Ryan’s inability to mount a comeback highlights his limitations in high-pressure fantasy scenarios.
Jason Moore [10:51]: "Matt Ryan let people down against Minnesota at home."
Zach Ertz (TE, Philadelphia Eagles)
Performance: Concussion concerns impacted his availability
Hosts' Insight:
Ertz’s recurring injuries necessitate careful monitoring and potential replacement in fantasy lineups.
Andy Holloway [35:59]: "Zach Ertz, history, concussions."
Jordan Howard (RB, Chicago Bears)
Performance: Only 13 carries
Hosts' Insight:
Howard’s reduced workload against favorable defenses raises doubts about his future reliability.
Jason Moore [49:16]: "Every time you look, he was throwing the ball to like with his eyes closed."
4. Rising Stars: Potential Waiver Wire Additions
Trey Burton (TE, Philadelphia Eagles)
Performance: Increased targets following Ertz's injury
Hosts' Insight:
Burton emerges as a valuable asset, especially in situations where Ertz is sidelined, providing depth and consistent targets.
Jason Moore [36:17]: "Trey Burton is a rising star because we've talked about it a couple of times."
Mike Davis (RB, Seattle Seahawks)
Performance: 64 rushing yards, 37 receiving yards
Hosts' Insight:
Davis offers versatility in the Seahawks' offense, making him a prime candidate for late-season pickups.
Andy Holloway [39:28]: "Mike Davis is for sure the starting running back for the Seattle Seahawks."
Rex Burkhead (RB, New England Patriots)
Performance: 15 total touches, multiple touchdowns
Hosts' Insight:
Burkhead’s role as a goal-line back ensures consistent fantasy points, making him a must-start in many lineups.
Mike Wright [40:34]: "Rex Burkhead... you are a weekly must start for me."
5. Injuries and Their Impact on Fantasy Teams
Zach Ertz (TE, Philadelphia Eagles)
Ertz’s concussion raises concerns about his availability and necessitates finding reliable backups like Trey Burton or Eli Rogers.
Jason Moore [11:43]: "Ertz hasn't even said anything. Do you want to say anything?"
Tyrod Taylor (QB, Buffalo Bills)
Taylor’s knee injury reduces the Bills' playoff chances and impacts fantasy managers who may consider defensive plays against Buffalo.
Jason Moore [10:10]: "You have a full, legit excuse to play any defense facing the Buffalo Bills."
Nick Novak (K, Cleveland Browns)
Novak’s voluntary placement on IR forces fantasy managers to seek replacements, highlighting the importance of having robust kicker options.
Jason Moore [11:43]: "Nick Novak promptly heard your rhyme and went on IR voluntarily."
6. Team Management Updates
Ben McAdoo Fired (New York Jets)
The Jets part ways with coach Ben McAdoo amidst disappointing performances, signaling a potential shift in the team's management strategy.
Jason Moore [42:22]: "Ben McAdoo... that's right."
7. Player Performance Highlights and Analysis
Julio Jones (WR, Atlanta Falcons)
Jones struggled due to Minnesota’s stout defense and his team's offensive limitations, impacting fantasy point potential.
Andy Holloway [56:13]: "Julio Jones's poor game as opposed to, you know, the week prior."
Keenan Allen (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)
After a downturn, Allen reignites his performance with three straight games of over 100 yards and consistent targets, restoring faith in his fantasy value.
Mike Wright [31:15]: "Keenan Allen... he's been on fire."
Nelson Agholor (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
Agholor shows promise with targeted plays despite inconsistent quarterback performance, making him a strategic play in certain matchups.
Jason Moore [29:23]: "Nelson Aguilar had a great game, 7 for 1, 41 and 1."
8. Community and Personal Notes
The hosts share light-hearted moments and personal anecdotes, including Mike Wright’s Disneyland experience and the camaraderie within their fantasy leagues. These segments reinforce the podcast’s engaging and relatable atmosphere, fostering a strong connection with their audience.
Mike Wright [44:01]: "We come up to this show, we did a live show here in Phoenix, the foot clan showed up..."
9. Conclusion and Takeaways
As Week 13 wraps up, the Fantasy Footballers emphasize the importance of staying informed and adaptive, especially with player injuries and emerging rising stars. They encourage listeners to remain engaged with the sport, whether through traditional leagues or alternative formats like dynasty leagues and daily fantasy contests.
Andy Holloway [06:29]: "The best thing you could do is just, you know, keep listening to this show. Make sure you keep watching football. Just have fun."
The hosts sign off by reminding listeners to join their community and stay connected for ongoing fantasy football advice and support.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore [02:16]: "What do you do? Mike, we talked about this last week. What do you do?"
- Andy Holloway [35:59]: "Zach Ertz, history, concussions."
- Mike Wright [40:34]: "Rex Burkhead... you are a weekly must start for me."
Final Thoughts:
This episode provides comprehensive insights into Week 13’s fantasy football landscape, balancing in-depth analysis with entertaining banter. Whether you’re reassessing your lineup, hunting for waiver wire gems, or simply staying ahead of the fantasy curve, the Fantasy Footballers deliver the expertise and enthusiasm needed to excel in your league.
For more detailed discussions and updates, visit jointhefoot.com and follow the Fantasy Footballers on Twitter @theffballers.