Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Week 2 Matchups, In-or-Out, Red Regrets
Release Date: September 15, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Review of Last Night's Games

The episode kicks off with the hosts dissecting the performances from the previous NFL games. A significant focus is placed on quarterbacks DeSean Watson of the Bengals and Andy Dalton of the Texans.

• DeSean Watson’s Performance:
  Mike Wright criticizes Watson's quarterback play, highlighting a notably poor game save led by a single impressive play. Wright remarks, “I don’t know if I’ve seen a worse quarterback performance than DeSean Watson's for the win.” (02:00)

• Andy Dalton’s Struggles:
  Dalton’s performance is equally scrutinized. Andy Holloway recalls Dalton’s past poor outings, comparing them to Watson’s current form. Jason Moore chimes in, “If you remember a couple years back, him versus the Browns, and now you’ve seen worse.”

• AJ Green’s Decline:
  The trio discusses AJ Green’s underwhelming start to the season, with Wright noting, “It was just plain bad.” They reference a historic NFL statistic: “No team since 1939 has started off the first two games at home and had zero touchdowns.” (02:27)

2. Cincinnati and Running Backs Outlook

The conversation shifts to the Cincinnati Bengals, focusing on running back Joe Mixon and the broader running back situation.

• Joe Mixon’s Role:
  Mike Wright expresses disappointment in Mixon’s lack of standout plays despite having the most carries: “He has yet to flash on a single play this year, which is disappointing to me.” (04:04)

• Lamar Miller vs. Deontay Foreman:
  The hosts debate the future of running back Lamar Miller versus Deontay Foreman. Wright suggests, “Deontay Foreman looked more explosive to the outside by far,” while Jason Moore believes Miller remains the primary back unless injuries dictate otherwise. (06:02)

3. In-Or-Out Segment

A critical segment where the hosts evaluate player availability for the upcoming week, focusing primarily on Odell Beckham Jr. and his impact on fantasy lineups.

• Odell Beckham Jr. Injury Concerns:
  Beckham’s injury status is a hot topic. Mike Wright discusses the confusion surrounding Beckham's reported 6-8 week injury, pointing out that the injury occurred 25 days prior: “This injury took place 25 days ago.” (15:44)

• Fantasy Implications:
  Jason Moore advises fantasy managers to consider alternatives like Sean Shepard or Eric Ebron if Beckham remains unavailable: “If you’re the Odell Beckham owner, you either have to plug in somebody now and just accept that you’re not going to have Odell or you need to pick up someone from that game.” (17:18)

4. News and Notes

The hosts provide updates on various NFL players and teams, offering insights that affect fantasy football decisions.

• Sam Bradford’s Injury:
  Sam Bradford’s limited practice is discussed, raising concerns about his knee: “I am a little bit concerned. There is some opinion out there... look, that’s a multiple ACL knee.” (14:39)

• Jay Ajayi’s Durability:
  Concerns about Jay Ajayi’s ability to handle a 16-game season with his knee issues are voiced: “Now he is going to place 16 straight weeks of football. I mean, this is what.” (18:23)

5. Matchup Previews and Fantasy Forecast

A comprehensive analysis of Week 2 matchups, with each host providing recommendations on which players to start or sit based on their upcoming opponents.

• Jets vs. Raiders:

  • Mike Wright: Advises benching Bilal Powell in favor of Adrian Peterson, citing the Raiders’ strong defense: “I am benching Bilal Powell for Adrian Peterson this week.” (24:43)
  • Andy Holloway: Suggests targeting Jermaine Curts for the Jets’ receivers: “If you’re talking wide receivers, I guess I’m playing Jermaine Curts.” (26:10)

• Dolphins vs. Chargers:

  • Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin: Discussed as key offensive players for the Chargers, with an emphasis on Travis Benjamin’s speed adding a new dynamic: “He’s really fast. And then you saw it and it brings a whole new dynamic to this offense.” (28:15)
  • Hunter Henry vs. Anthony Gates: The tight end matchup is evaluated, with Gates remaining a reliable option: “Antonio Gates is Antonio Gates. They’re not going to just... He is still on the team.” (29:37)

• Cowboys vs. Broncos:

  • Cody Jefferson and Dez Bryant: Mike Wright and Andy Holloway debate the viability of starting Dez Bryant against the Broncos, with mixed opinions on Bryant’s potential due to defensive matchups: “I have a pretty strong disagreement on Dez Bryant this week.” (34:34)
  • Running Backs Zeke Elliott vs. Denver’s Backfield: Jason Moore places Zeke Elliott as his top running back for the week: “Right now I have Zeke as my number one running back of the week.” (34:11)

• Redskins vs. Rams:

  • Terrell Pryor vs. Rob Kelly: Mike Wright recommends starting Terrell Pryor over Rob Kelly, given the Rams’ defense: “I would start Terrell Pryor.” (36:58)
  • Aaron Donald & Jared Goff: Concerns about the Rams' defense might limit Jared Goff’s fantasy value: “I worry about the Redskins’ options again. I’m not in love with the Rams defense.” (36:28)

• 49ers vs. Seahawks:

  • Carlos Hyde and Pierre Garcon: Andy Holloway emphasizes the consistent value from Hyde and Garcon despite the Seahawks’ strong defense: “Carlos Hyde and Pierre Garcon are weekly starters.” (41:04)
  • David Johnson and Russell Wilson: Discussions on the 49ers’ running game and Wilson’s performance culminate in cautious optimism: “There you go. There is no food to eat from time to time.” (50:05)
  • Devonte Adams vs. Randall Cobb: Jason Moore opts for Adams over Cobb for his potential touchdown opportunities: “I’m going Devonte Adams because of the scoring opportunities here.” (44:41)

6. Expert Draft Segment

In a playful yet insightful segment, the hosts engage in an expert draft to highlight strategic decision-making in fantasy football. They draft unfamiliar players based on Week 2 matchups, illustrating the challenges of selecting players without the advantage of top-tier options.

• Player Selections:
  • Andy Holloway: Picks Mike Gillislee and Tevin Coleman, aiming for high touchdown upside: “I believe I’m taking Mike Gillislee... Tevin Coleman is my guy.” (53:08-54:29)
  • Mike Wright: Chooses DeMarco Murray, Christian McCaffrey, and Carson Palmer, focusing on matchup advantages: “I am going to pair DeMarco Murray with Christian McCaffrey.” (53:08-55:23)
  • Jason Moore: Selects Jonathan Stewart, Big Ben (Tom Brady), Mark Ingram, Randall Cobb, and James White, balancing safe picks with potential breakout players: “He’s a seasoned, seasoned team. I got Big Ben... and Randall Cobb.” (55:19-56:43)

The draft underscores the importance of evaluating player matchups and the potential for over-the-board selections to impact weekly fantasy outcomes.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The hosts wrap up the episode by emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making throughout the fantasy season. They encourage listeners to stay engaged with their league dynamics, make informed waiver wire moves, and continuously adapt to player performances and injuries.

• Quote from Jason Moore:
  “So thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers.” (57:57)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Wright on DeSean Watson: “I don’t know if I’ve seen a worse quarterback performance than DeSean Watson's for the win.” (02:00)
• Mike Wright on AJ Green: “It was just plain bad.” (02:27)
• Jason Moore on Lamar Miller: “I think Miller remains the primary back unless injuries dictate otherwise.” (06:02)
• Mike Wright on Odell Beckham Jr.: “This injury took place 25 days ago.” (15:44)
• Jason Moore on Starting Terrell Pryor: “I would start Terrell Pryor because of how you have to target him against the Rams’ defense.” (36:58)
• Andy Holloway on Matchups: “Carlos Hyde and Pierre Garcon are weekly starters.” (41:04)

This detailed summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' Week 2 episode, highlighting key discussions, player evaluations, and strategic insights essential for fantasy football enthusiasts seeking to optimize their lineups.