Fantasy Football 2017 - Week 16 Waivers & QB Streamers, Bad Beats

Release Date: December 19, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Championship Week Preparations

As the NFL season enters its final stretch, the Fantasy Footballers dive into strategies to secure those coveted championship titles. Mike Wright humorously shares his emotional state, revealing, "[...] my tilt is so hard" (00:55). The hosts emphasize the importance of staying focused and making strategic moves as fantasy managers gear up for the decisive Week 16 matchup.

2. Listener Stories and Bad Beats

The episode features several listener-submitted bad beats and close call victories:

• Vince Sue vs. Cameron Braid: Vince barely loses by 0.04 points after Cameron Braid, returning from a knee injury, scores crucial points (11:14).

• Larry Smiley's Tactical Play: Larry secures a win by needing six points from Julio Jones but ends up with eight, highlighting the unpredictable nature of late-season matchups (11:35).

• Matthew Cunningham's Regret: Cunningham laments not starting Blake Bortles, feeling it cost him the championship, a sentiment the hosts discuss in-depth (13:05).

3. Player Performance Highlights

The hosts review standout performances and underwhelming outings from the latest games:

• Devonta Freeman's Prowess: Freeman shines with 22 yards and a touchdown, reinforcing his reliability (08:24).

• Julio Jones' Struggles: Jones fails to deliver against Tampa Bay, marking his worst game since 2013, a critical blow for fantasy owners relying on him (08:33).

• Jameis Winston's Competency: Winston showcases a solid performance with a 77% completion rate, 290 yards, and three touchdowns, making him a valuable streaming option (08:44).

4. Injuries and Roster Moves

Injuries play a significant role in Week 16 fantasy decisions:

• Doug Martin's Team Issues: Martin faces a team rule violation, complicating his fantasy viability (06:03).

• Antonio Brown and Hunter Henry's Inactivity: Both key tight ends are likely out for the week, urging managers to seek alternatives (10:11, 31:38).

• Thomas Davis' Suspension: Davis is suspended for two games, impacting the Panthers' defensive options (19:28).

5. Waiver Wire and Streaming Options

The Fantasy Footballers provide actionable advice on waiver pickups and streaming positions:

Wide Receivers:

• Robert Woods: With a favorable matchup against Tennessee, Woods is recommended as a reliable pickup (24:25).

• Keelan Cole & DD Westbrook: Both offer solid upside, with Cole being a "bigger play" option (25:32).

• Martavis Bryant: Despite Antonio Brown's absence, Bryant remains a top streaming target (25:47).

Quarterbacks:

• Blake Bortles: Mike advocates for Bortles, citing his recent multi-touchdown performances and avoiding turnovers (37:21).

• Nick Foles: With four touchdowns and zero interceptions, Foles is highlighted as a prime streaming option for championship week (38:42).

Running Backs:

• James White: Recommended for his consistent target volume and touchdown potential, especially with Dion Lewis limited (29:00).

• Mike Gillislee: A riskier option due to his recent performance but viable given his role in the Patriots' goal-line scenarios (29:54).

Tight Ends:

• Charles Clay: Coming off high involvement and touchdown potential, Clay is a strong streaming candidate (32:02).

• Eric Ebron: With recent touchdowns and involvement in the offense, Ebron is another viable option (32:31).

6. Playoff Picture Analysis

The hosts examine the playoff landscape, discussing which NFL teams have clinched their spots and which are still vying for a finish:

• AFC Teams in Playoff Contention: Patriots, Steelers, Jaguars, Chiefs, Titans, and Bills have secured playoff berths. Teams like Baltimore and Chargers are still fighting for positions (41:30).

• NFC Teams in Playoff Contention: Eagles, Vikings, Rams, Saints, Panthers, and Falcons remain in the hunt, while Seahawks, Lions, and Cowboys are out despite still having regular-season games remaining (42:22).

The importance of team motivations is underscored, as teams fighting for playoff spots are more likely to exhibit high performance, influencing fantasy decisions.

7. Sponsor Messages and Lighthearted Banter

While primarily focusing on skipping advertisements, the hosts engage in lighthearted conversations and sponsor mentions, adding a personable touch to the episode.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Wright on Tilting: "If you're not tilting this very moment, you're doing it wrong." (01:29)

• Jason Moore on His Irritated Moment: "I have never felt more like some sort of predator and criminal than I did in that moment." (04:31)

• Andy Holloway on Championship Strategies: "You're putting on the lightning rod right now." (40:33)

Conclusion

As Week 16 approaches, the Fantasy Footballers equip their audience with essential insights, strategic advice, and relatable stories to navigate the high-stakes environment of fantasy football championships. From player performances and injury updates to waiver wire targets and streaming options, this episode is a comprehensive guide for fantasy managers aiming to clinch that league title in style.

Timestamps

• 00:55 – Championship week preparations
• 04:31 – Jason Moore's personal story
• 08:24 – Devonta Freeman's performance
• 08:33 – Julio Jones' struggles
• 11:14 – Vince Sue vs. Cameron Braid bad beat
• 11:35 – Larry Smiley's close win
• 13:05 – Matthew Cunningham's regret
• 24:25 – Robert Woods waiver target
• 25:32 – Keelan Cole and DD Westbrook recommendations
• 25:47 – Martavis Bryant as a streaming option
• 29:00 – James White as a running back pickup
• 29:54 – Mike Gillislee's viability
• 32:02 – Charles Clay as a tight end option
• 32:31 – Eric Ebron’s involvement
• 37:21 – Mike Wright on Blake Bortles
• 38:42 – Nick Foles’ strong performance
• 40:33 – Championship strategies
• 41:30 – AFC playoff contention
• 42:22 – NFC playoff contention

This summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' Week 16 episode, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and strategic insights shared by the hosts.