Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Week 15 Waivers & QB Streamers, Championship Push
Release Date: December 12, 2017

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the critical developments of Week 15, focusing on waiver wire pickups, quarterback streaming options, and strategies for the championship push. Released on December 12, 2017, this episode provides listeners with in-depth analysis, actionable advice, and engaging discussions to enhance their fantasy football experience.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Carson Wentz's Injury and Its Implications
2. Quarterback Streaming Options
3. Tom Brady’s Performance and Future Outlook
4. Waiver Wire Recommendations
5. Running Backs and Wide Receivers Analysis
6. Tight Ends Strategy
7. Listener Questions and Mailbag

1. Carson Wentz's Injury and Its Implications [10:45-12:22]

Carson Wentz's Torn ACL:
The hosts begin by addressing the significant news that Carson Wentz has torn his ACL, effectively ending his season.

• Mike Wright [11:07]: "Carson Wentz confirmed torn ACL out for the season. Now you're talking about whether he'll be on PUP and or whether he'll even be active to start the year."

Recovery Prognosis:
They discuss the prognosis provided by Dr. James Andrews, highlighting a 9 to 12-month recovery period, while noting that some players have returned faster from similar injuries.

• Jason Moore [11:26]: "But Dr. James Andrews said 9 to 12 month recovery. You."

Next Steps for Fantasy Owners:
With Wentz sidelined, the trio emphasizes the urgency for fantasy managers to identify replacement quarterbacks to maintain competitiveness in their leagues.

• Andy Holloway [11:19]: "What are we going to do when he's gone? I mean, he's not gonna live forever. Who's the next. Who's the next man up?"

2. Quarterback Streaming Options [4:50-15:14]

Josh McCown's Injury:
Following Wentz's injury, Josh McCown, another quarterback, is also out due to a broken left hand, necessitating further quarterback streaming.

• Mike Wright [11:07]: "Josh McCown, broken left hand, needs surgery, done for the year."

Potential Replacements:
The hosts discuss various streaming options, including Nick Foles, Bryce Petty, and Tyrod Taylor, weighing their prospects based on current performance and matchups.

• Mike Wright [13:13]: "Amir Abdullah was not named the starting running back. Yep. Theo Riddick."

Case Keenum and Blake Bortles:
They highlight Case Keenum and Blake Bortles as viable streaming quarterbacks with favorable matchups.

• Andy Holloway [35:04]: "Case Keenum at home against Cincinnati, he's my favorite streamer this week."

• Mike Wright [37:48]: "Blake Bortles is good. Garoppolo is good."

Tom Brady's Performance:
A significant portion is dedicated to analyzing Tom Brady's recent struggles and his potential impact on fantasy playoff runs.

• Andy Holloway [08:02]: "If you were counting on a big Tom Brady performance to win you the week, which we were."

3. Tom Brady’s Performance and Future Outlook [7:57-10:37]

Recent Struggles:
Brady's latest performance against the Dolphins saw him throw for 24 completions on 43 attempts, alongside subpar contributions from key receivers like Brandon Cooks.

• Mike Wright [08:02]: "Brady, 24 for 43. This is the second time this year, I think they've been without Gronk."

Impact on Confidence:
The hosts express dwindling confidence in Brady's offense without key players, questioning whether the Patriots can rebound in upcoming matchups.

• Andy Holloway [08:23]: "He had some growing pains."

Considering Streaming:
Despite the struggles, there is debate on whether to continue starting Brady or consider streaming options based on his matchup against the Steelers.

• Jason Moore [05:13]: "I would say yes, based on how."

4. Waiver Wire Recommendations [16:03-20:19]

Running Backs to Target:

• Mike Davis:
  Praised for his solid performance against the Los Angeles Rams, Mike Davis emerges as a top waiver wire pickup.

  • Andy Holloway [27:51]: "He has been passed the eyeball test. He's looked really, really solid last week in a tough matchup."

• Theo Riddick and Jonathan Stewart:
  Both RBs are discussed as valuable additions, with Stewart highlighted for his recent touchdown streak.

  • Jason Moore [30:02]: "Jonathan Stewart's odds to score are much lower."

Wide Receiver Options:

• Mike Wallace:
  Gains traction due to the disappearance of Jeremy Maclin, positioning Wallace as a clear No.1 target.

  • Andy Holloway [22:38]: "Mike Wallace has been getting it done."

• Marquise Goodwin:
  A standout performer over the last few weeks, Goodwin is recommended over other receivers due to his consistent production.

  • Mike Wright [19:03]: "Goodwin has been fantastic."

Notable Mentions:

• Robert Woods and Rashard Matthews:
  Considered but ultimately deemed less favorable compared to other waiver prospects.

  • Jason Moore [17:44]: "Yes." (Referring to starting them)

5. Running Backs and Wide Receivers Analysis [20:19-29:57]

Running Backs:

• Marquise Goodwin:
  Demonstrates consistent performance with double-digit receptions and solid yardage, making him a priority pickup.

  • Andy Holloway [19:11]: "Marquise Goodwin shouldn't even be on the waivers."

• Rod Smith:
  An unconventional but potentially high-upside pick, especially in deeper leagues.

  • Mike Wright [28:11]: "Rod Smith is 13% owned. So if you're in a deep league, you want that."

Wide Receivers:

• Chris Hogan and Cooper Kupp:
  Both receivers receive mixed reviews, with some hesitations about their consistency and matchup reliability.

  • Jason Moore [17:44]: "Yes." (Regarding starting Hogan)

• DeSean Jackson vs. Corey Coleman:
  A debate ensues over which receiver provides better value, with a playful wager proposed.

  • Andy Holloway [26:08]: "Josh Gordon water bet."

6. Tight Ends Strategy [31:16-34:53]

Tight End Waivers:

• Eric Ebron and O.J. Howard:
  Ebron had a surprising game with high yardage and targets, while Howard offers higher snap percentages and consistent involvement.

  • Andy Holloway [32:24]: "O.J. howard snap percentages are so vastly higher than Cameron Braids."

• Peyton Barber and Jason Witten:
  Barber shows promise post-Brandon Marshall's benching, whereas Witten remains a reliable but less explosive option.

  • Jason Moore [31:30]: "Peyton Barber as a guy to watch."

General Strategy:

The hosts emphasize the importance of targeting tight ends who are still actively involved in their offenses, especially in favorable matchups.

7. Streaming Quarterbacks [34:53-40:48]

Identifying Streamers:

• Case Keenum vs. Blake Bortles:
  Both quarterbacks are highlighted as effective streaming options with advantageous matchups.

  • Andy Holloway [35:15]: "Case Keenum at home against Cincinnati, he's my favorite streamer this week."

• Jimmy Garoppolo:
  Despite recent performances, Garoppolo remains a trusted option due to the 49ers' offensive strategy.

  • Jason Moore [37:54]: "I believe in Jimmy Garoppolo."

Strategic Considerations:

The trio discusses the balance between starting proven quarterbacks and taking calculated risks with less owned but high-upside options.

• Mike Wright [40:03]: "If you can get him, start him. I think Jim Caldwell nailed it."

8. Listener Questions and Mailbag [40:59-45:26]

AJ Green vs. Mike Wallace [42:00-43:20]:

• Jeff from Boston: Queries whether to bench AJ Green against Xavier Rhodes or stick with him.

  • Jason Moore [42:10]: "But A.J. Green, you play A.J. Green every week, regardless of the matchup."

Lamar Miller vs. Mike Davis [44:21-45:26]:

• Dom from Madison, WI: Asks about benching Lamar Miller for Mike Davis after Miller's disappointing performance.

  • Jason Moore [45:12]: "I don't mind it at all."

General Advice:

The hosts advocate for consistent starters and provide personalized advice based on specific matchups and player performances.

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode offers comprehensive insights into managing a fantasy football team during the crucial Week 15. With Carson Wentz's injury and subsequent quarterback dilemmas, the hosts provide strategic waiver wire pickups and streaming options. Additionally, they cover essential running back and wide receiver targets, tight end strategies, and address listener questions with practical advice. Whether you're navigating injuries or aiming for the championship, this episode equips fantasy managers with the knowledge to optimize their rosters effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [02:25]: "It was emotional. I mean, because he's a warrior. He is a man's man."

• Jason Moore [03:56]: "The voting goes through December 15th."

• Mike Wright [07:26]: "See where our concussions are now affecting the MLB umpires?"

• Andy Holloway [08:03]: "We were in rip in our fantasy pros dynasty league, Brady, 24 for 43."

• Mike Wright [19:03]: "Goodwin has been fantastic."

• Andy Holloway [22:38]: "Mike Wallace has been getting it done."

• Jason Moore [35:15]: "Case Keenum is my favorite streamer this week."

• Jason Moore [42:10]: "A.J. Green, you play A.J. Green every week, regardless of the matchup."

For more insights and detailed analyses, listeners are encouraged to join the community at jointhefoot.com and follow the hosts on Twitter @the_ffballers.