Fantasy Football 2017 - Week 5 Waivers, QB Streamers, MNF Takes

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
• Host/Authors: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Week 5 Waivers, QB Streamers, MNF Takes
• Release Date: October 3, 2017

1. Game Analysis: Chiefs' Final Play and Over/Under Impact

The hosts kicked off the episode by dissecting a pivotal moment from the Kansas City Chiefs game that had significant implications for their fantasy football bets.

Andy Holloway highlighted the crucial play:
"The final play of the game was a desperation snap from the 25... Justin Houston, instead of falling on the ball, rumbles into the end zone." ([02:12])

This unexpected touchdown by Houston altered the over/under bet they had placed, resulting in a loss for Andy:
"I lost that bet. Which means that I am not going to get out of any waivers this week." ([02:56])

Jason Moore added his perspective on the over/under fallout:
"I was like, okay, so it's impossible for me to now lose... that ended up at 49 points. And the over under was 49.5." ([01:25])

2. Quarterback Strategy: Evaluating Alex Smith as a Weekly Starter

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around Alex Smith's performance and his viability as a consistent starter.

Andy Holloway presented Alex Smith's strong statistics:
"Through four weeks at least in our league scoring system he's the number two overall quarterback with a 46 point week." ([03:29])

Mike Wright expressed cautious optimism but highlighted concerns regarding Smith's upcoming matchup:
"I think that he is very, very close... but he's playing Denver twice. I'm not playing him against Denver at this point." ([04:05])

Jason Moore emphasized the importance of offensive weapons in Smith's success:
"The weapons I think are what really matter. Kareem Hunt has helped the offense so much." ([05:30])

The trio concluded that despite some reservations, Alex Smith deserves consideration as a weekly starter, especially given his favorable performances and supporting cast.

3. Waiver Wire Targets: Wide Receivers

The waiver wire segment focused on identifying valuable wide receiver pickups that could bolster fantasy teams.

Mike Wright recommended key wide receiver acquisitions:
"I love the pickup of Danny Amendola... Devin Fontes and Jaron Brown would be my guys because they're getting the targets." ([22:26])

Andy Holloway echoed the sentiment, highlighting Amendola's potential impact:
"He's currently healthy and he's a huge part of what that team does. And this week they get Tampa Bay." ([23:01])

Jason Moore pointed out additional viable options:
"I also like Tyler Lockett. He's been healthier and more and more involved." ([25:13])

The hosts emphasized targeting receivers who are actively involved in their offenses and have the potential for high target volumes.

4. Running Back Insights: Evaluating Amari Cooper and Aaron Jones

The discussion delved into running back performances, focusing on Amari Cooper's inconsistency and the emerging value of Aaron Jones.

Jason Moore defended Amari Cooper's reliability:
"I would still play him. He has always had big games and dud games. But the volume has still been there for him." ([11:01])

Andy Holloway expressed skepticism about Cooper's recent performances:
"He hasn't had a hundred yard game since week eight of last year... I think you're starting the name now." ([12:09])

Transitioning to Aaron Jones, Mike Wright touted his potential:
"Aaron Jones is a great pickup... he looked electric, looked like he knew what he was doing." ([29:24])

Jason Moore concurred, highlighting Jones as a top waiver target:
"He's a one week rental, maybe a two." ([31:40])

The hosts debated the balance between Cooper's established presence and Jones's rising opportunity, ultimately recognizing Jones as a valuable addition for immediate impact.

5. Tight End Strategies: Maximizing Value

Tight ends were another focal point, with emphasis on players like Charles Clay and Evan Ingram.

Mike Wright identified top tight end options:
"Charles Clay is right up there... Evan Ingram is an absolute must." ([40:49])

Andy Holloway recommended prioritizing Ingram if Clay is unavailable:
"My number one pickup would be Ingram if Clay's not there." ([41:26])

Jason Moore supported the selection of reliable tight ends:
"I like Ben Watson... he's been getting the use." ([42:07])

The discussion underscored the importance of securing tight ends who consistently receive targets, ensuring steady fantasy points.

6. Streaming Defenses and Quarterbacks

The hosts explored defensive streaming options and quarterback pickups to optimize weekly performances.

Mike Wright advocated for streaming defenses facing favorable matchups:
"Vikings versus Chicago is the supreme play... Eagles versus Arizona." ([45:32])

Jason Moore highlighted the synergy between Eagles' pass rush and Arizona's offensive line:
"The Arizona offensive line and the Eagles pass rush is a match made in fantasy heaven because you get points for sacks." ([46:03])

On quarterback streaming, Mike Wright recommended Eli Manning:
"Eli Manning... he's a great streaming option this week." ([48:12])

Jason Moore offered alternative QB options with favorable matchups:
"Brian Hoyer against Indianapolis is one of the best matchups out there." ([49:08])

The segment emphasized the strategic selection of defenses and QBs based on weekly opponent strengths and weaknesses.

7. Listener Questions and Advice

Engaging with listeners, the hosts addressed common fantasy football dilemmas.

Question from Tori in Montana:
"I've started 0 and 4 and I feel like we have a really solid team. How do you keep your sanity when you're getting outscored a lot of points against you?" ([51:53])

Andy Holloway reassured Tori:
"You take advantage of other teams that are thrown in the towel... things come back to where you should be." ([53:15])

Jason Moore advised maintaining confidence and avoiding tilt moves:
"Stick with it. We're still so early in the season. You'll be fine, Tori." ([53:07])

The advice centered on perseverance, strategic roster management, and avoiding emotional decision-making despite early setbacks.

8. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Concluding the episode, the hosts reiterated key waiver wire targets and strategic moves to enhance fantasy teams for Week 5.

Andy Holloway emphasized the importance of high-volume players and strategic drops:
"You need to drop players like Terrence West for Alex Collins... You need to start somebody." ([56:03])

Jason Moore and Mike Wright reinforced the value of emerging players like Latavius Murray and Aaron Jones:
"Latavius Murray would be my number one. He has the opportunity to be a starting running back for the rest of the season." ([40:18])

The hosts left listeners with actionable insights to optimize their rosters, emphasizing the significance of player performance trends, injury impacts, and matchup considerations.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway: "And Justin Houston decides instead of laying down with the ball... I've just gone way, way up." ([04:05])
• Jason Moore: "You chase the volume. That's probably the most important position to look at." ([07:55])
• Mike Wright: "Aaron Jones is a great pickup. He looked electric, looked like he knew what he was doing." ([29:24])
• Andy Holloway: "Amari Cooper can get you a big game. Do you see 50 yards and a touchdown as a good game for Amari Cooper?" ([12:54])

This episode provided comprehensive coverage of Week 5's key fantasy football strategies, player evaluations, and waiver wire recommendations. Whether you're looking to bolster your wide receiver corps, secure a reliable running back, or navigate quarterback selections, the Fantasy Footballers offered invaluable insights to help you make informed decisions and ultimately win your league.