Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Week 15 Studs & Duds, Rising Stars, Christmas Wish List
Release Date: December 18, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the pivotal Week 15 of the 2017 NFL season. They analyze key performances, highlight standout players ("Stud Muffins"), identify emerging talents ("Rising Stars"), discuss underperformers ("Duds"), and share their personal Christmas Wish Lists for their fantasy teams.

Championship Race Updates

The hosts kick off the discussion by sharing their current standings in their respective fantasy leagues, emphasizing the excitement and tension leading up to the championship game.

• Andy Holloway mentions being in the championship race next week:

  "Maybe you've locked yourself into a Week 15 win, which means you're in the championship game next week and you're feeling great." [00:58]

• Mike Wright shares his mix of success and setbacks:

  "I lost Antonio Brown and my team is trash right now." [04:58]

The trio reflects on their matchups, with Andy facing Mike for the title and discussing other league dynamics.

Christmas Wish List

As the holiday season approaches, each host shares their fantasy Christmas wishes, hoping for pivotal player performances or recoveries that could influence their final standings.

• Jason Moore expresses frustration with Dak Prescott's performance and hopes for his improvement:

  "My Christmas wish is that upon the return of Ezekiel Elliott, we get not only Zeke back, but we get Dak and DEZ Bryant back into the fantasy fold." [06:06]

• Andy Holloway wishes for another standout week from Nick Foles:

  "My first wish is that I get one more week, just like this past week from Nick Foles." [07:00]

• Mike Wright hopes for Damian Williams' health:

  "My Christmas wish is that Damian Williams just take this week off one more time because Ken Drake, Kentucky Drake, he is." [08:18]

Player Injuries and Returns

The hosts discuss several key player injuries that impact fantasy decisions, offering insights into who might return and who remains sidelined.

• Andy Holloway talks about Brooks' injury and its implications:

  "Brooks got a Brooks like the ample comment. Brooks is wearing a Santa hat." [01:29]
  "He ruined my perfect season, but I took it back." [01:58]

• Jason Moore discusses the uncertainty surrounding Keenan Allen's injury:

  "He was carted in the locker room with a lower or a back injury on Saturday. Saturday's win because we had the two Saturday games." [12:47]

Stud Muffins (Top Performers)

The hosts highlight the top-performing players of the week, praising their contributions and fantasy value.

• Greg Olson emerges as a standout tight end:

  "He was back with an absolute vengeance. 9 for 116 with a touchdown. And he destroyed the value of Devin Funches." [37:32]

• Rob Gronkowski delivers an exceptional performance:

  "He was bigger, stronger, better than the players around him. 9 for 168. Single-handedly that whole drive." [36:38]

Rising Stars (Emerging Talents)

Identifying players who are stepping up, the hosts introduce "Rising Stars" that could become valuable assets in the final stretch of the season.

• Keelan Cole is recognized for his consistent improvement:

  "Keelan Cole, who I pumped the brakes on, now has three straight games with a touchdown. He's firmly on fire." [38:42]

• Blake Bortles receives accolades for his recent performances:

  "Blake Bortles is picking the right time to catch fire now he gets to play San Francisco, which made Marcus Mariota look like he was an actual usable fantasy quarterback." [39:15]

Duds (Underperformers)

The conversation shifts to players who have underwhelmed, discussing their lackluster performances and the impact on fantasy teams.

• Aaron Rodgers underperforms against his matchup:

  "Now you lost Donald Pin. So nobody has a larger disparity of passer rating in the NFL than Derek Carr with pressure versus a safe pocket." [34:07]

• Carlos Hyde disappoints with his inconsistent performance:

  "Carlos Hyde didn't have a big game. 16 for 25 against Tennessee." [44:38]

• Alex Collins and other running backs fail to meet expectations:

  "Alex Collins was 12 for 19 after kind of earning the fantasy, you know, Mantle Space on the mantle. Knock him off." [45:08]

Key Discussions and Insights

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide strategic advice on managing fantasy teams, especially concerning risky matchups and player reliability.

• Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of reliable tight ends:

  "Jimmy Graham is averaging negative points. Where's your trust level with Jimmy Graham if you still made it to the championship week with him putting up one for. I won." [53:21]

• Andy Holloway warns against relying on unpredictable players in week 17:

  "Don't play fantasy championships in week 17." [15:09]

• Mike Wright highlights the significance of game matchups:

  "The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to be scary in the playoffs." [22:25]

Conclusions and Takeaways

As the episode wraps up, the hosts recap the critical points discussed and set the stage for the upcoming championship game.

• Mike Wright reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of championship week:

  "There’s just so much emotion on the line, and it was a blast." [15:51]

• Andy Holloway encourages listeners to stay engaged and anticipates future episodes focused on season reflections and awards:

  "It's going to be fun. We're going to have a ton of shows in January and February reflecting on the season." [17:24]

• The hosts also promote community engagement, inviting listeners to share their Christmas wishes and participate in giveaways:

  "Go to footclangiveaway.com right now. We are giving away three custom fantasy football jerseys." [59:23]

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore on Dak Prescott's struggles:

  "Dak Prescott has been very disappointing to my heart and to my soul." [06:06]

• Andy Holloway on Nick Foles' comeback wish:

  "My Christmas wish is that I get one more week, just like this past week from Nick Foles." [07:00]

• Mike Wright on Jimmy Graham's value:

  "I would keep rolling with Jimmy Graham because you have to." [55:05]

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of Week 15, blending strategic insights with the hosts' personal experiences and humorous banter. Whether you're in the championship race or grappling with underperforming players, the Fantasy Footballers provide valuable advice to navigate the final stretch of the fantasy football season.

Connect with the Fantasy Footballers:

• Website: jointhefoot.com
• Twitter: @the_ffballers
• YouTube: Fantasy Footballers YouTube Channel