Fantasy Footballers Podcast: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Fantasy Football 2017 - Week 6 Keep/Trade/Cut, Pump the Brakes, Big Questions
Release Date: October 11, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, and Jay Grizz
Podcast Information: The Fantasy Footballers break down the world of Fantasy Football with expert analysis, strong opinions, and matchup-winning advice to help listeners win their leagues.
Introduction and Weekly Updates
The episode kicks off with the hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike Wright, and Jay Grizz—engaging in light-hearted banter about Andy’s tumultuous vacation at Disneyland, referencing the unexpected fires enveloping the park. This friendly exchange sets a jovial tone for the episode.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [01:09]: “Yeah, there's fire like all around Disneyland. Apparently, the hills are on fire and ash is raining down at Disneyland.”
Pump the Brakes Segment
"Pump the Brakes" is a recurring segment where the hosts advise listeners to hold back on starting certain players due to unfavorable matchups or performance concerns.
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Adrian Peterson (Arizona Cardinals)
- Discussion: Andy expresses caution about starting Peterson against Tampa Bay, citing his limited practice time with the new team and challenges with the offensive line.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [03:20]: “I'm pumping the brakes on Adrian Peterson because I'm still realistic with expectations.”
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Elijah McGuire (New York Jets)
- Discussion: Mike warns against starting McGuire despite tempting reports of a heavy workload, emphasizing the Jets' struggling offense against the Patriots.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [04:56]: “I don't trust him. I'm pumping the brakes on him.”
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Conclusion: Both Peterson and McGuire are flagged as players to approach with caution for the week.
News and Notes
The hosts provide a roundup of notable NFL news affecting Fantasy rosters:
- Tom Brady’s Injury: Reports of Brady missing practice due to a shoulder MRI.
- Kevin Hogan Named Browns Starter: Mike advises adjusting fantasy lineups accordingly.
- Sam Bradford’s Knee Aggravation: Andy and Mike discuss the implications for Bradford’s availability.
- Devin Funches and Sterling Shepard Updates: Injuries and practice statuses impact their fantasy viability.
- Team Transactions: Releases and signings, including Chris Johnson by the Cardinals and Deontay Thompson by the Bears.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [09:12]: “He takes care of his body. Reminds me of the DeLorean.”
Keep/Trade/Cut Segment
In this segment, the hosts evaluate various players, advising whether to keep, trade, or cut them based on recent performance and future prospects.
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**Devonte Parker (Miami Dolphins) – Keep
- Rationale: Despite Miami’s underwhelming offense, Parker has consistently produced solid fantasy numbers when involved.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [13:15]: “This is an easy keep for me.”
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**Martavis Bryant (Chicago Bears) – Trade
- Rationale: Concerns over Bryant's performance consistency and offensive connections prompt a recommendation to trade him.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [14:58]: “I have no desire to deal with the ups and downs right now. This week you’re going on the road to Kansas City. That’s not good for Big Ben.”
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**Ben Roethlisberger (“Big Ben”) – Cut
- Rationale: Facing a challenging matchup against Kansas City, cutting Roethlisberger is advised to avoid potential low performances.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [17:17]: “I would cut him as well.”
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**Jacquis Rogers (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Hold as Handcuff
- Rationale: While Rogers is a valuable backup, his utility is contingent on Doug Martin’s health.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [17:25]: “He’s a talented handcuff, but that’s all he is.”
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**Jay Ajayi (Miami Dolphins) – Keep
- Rationale: Ajayi remains integral to Miami’s ground game, and despite a slow start, his volume warrants retention.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [21:05]: “I think I'm keeping both of these guys or trading for them on the cheap.”
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**DeMarco Murray (Tennessee Titans) – Keep
- Rationale: Murray’s performance remains stable, especially with Cam Mariota back enhancing the offense.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [33:59]: “I would keep Ty Montgomery as well.”
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**Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) – Trade if Possible
- Rationale: While Gore still contributes, his declining role suggests seeking better options through trade.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [37:11]: “If you can trade Frank Gore and Tariq Cohen for a better running back, just a more solid every week starting running back, I would do that.”
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**Samuel Watkins (New York Giants) – Trade
- Rationale: Watkins’ inconsistent targets and performance make him a candidate for trading.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [39:22]: “He is going to disappear… I think you can play the matchups with Amari Cooper.”
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**Amari Cooper (Dallas Cowboys) – Keep at Low Cost
- Rationale: Despite volatility, Cooper’s talent justifies keeping him at a low cost due to his high upside.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [28:56]: “I stand alone in that because usually when people get them, they're stale and...”
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**Tyreek Hill (Kansas City Chiefs) – Keep
- Rationale: Hill remains a crucial asset despite concerns over usage, owing to his integral role in the Chiefs’ offense.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [55:16]: “I do not think that's happening. He's just too important to the team.”
Summary: The Keep/Trade/Cut segment provides strategic advice on roster adjustments, emphasizing the importance of evaluating player performance trends and upcoming matchups to optimize fantasy lineups.
Thursday Night Preview
The hosts turn their attention to the upcoming Thursday night game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Carolina Panthers, offering insights and starting recommendations.
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Philadelphia Eagles Offense
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Running Backs:
- LeGarrett Blount vs. Christian McCaffrey: A debate on whether to start Blount over McCaffrey, with considerations for matchups and scoring formats.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [44:35]: “McCaffrey is worthy of starting.”
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Wide Receivers:
- Alshon Jeffery vs. Secondary Options: Focus on starting reliable receivers like Alshon Jeffery over less consistent options.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [46:25]: “I think I'm playing just Alshon.”
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Carolina Panthers Offense
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Quarterback: Cam Newton
- Recommendation: Start Cam Newton against the Eagles' defense, considering his ability to adapt and the team's offensive adjustments.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [41:44]: “I am absolutely playing Cam Newton in this game.”
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Running Backs and Wide Receivers:
- LeGarrett Blount vs. McCaffrey: Analysis of running back performances and strategic starts.
- Tight Ends: Ed Dixon is advised against starting due to Philadelphia's strong defensive coverage on tight ends.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [47:07]: “I would not start Ed Dixon.”
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Notable Quote:
- Mike Wright [43:00]: “I would consider mine a belly flop. Oh, yeah, because I'm all in for this week in particular.”
Summary: The Thursday Night Preview offers tactical advice on player selection for the Eagles vs. Panthers game, emphasizing quarterback and running back matchups, as well as tight end strategies, to maximize fantasy points.
Mailbag: Listener Questions
In the Mailbag segment, the hosts address listener-submitted questions, providing personalized advice for specific fantasy football dilemmas.
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Andre Ellington vs. Adrian Peterson
- Question: Does the addition of Adrian Peterson affect Andre Ellington’s value? Should Ellington be traded?
- Answer: No significant impact as both serve different roles; Ellington remains valuable, especially in PPR leagues.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [49:15]: “Adrian Peterson is not going to come in and take… four or five targets in the passing game.”
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Trades During Game Weeks
- Question: Is it advisable to make trades once Sunday games have started?
- Answer: It’s generally a bad idea due to potential injuries and the complexity of league processing rules.
- Quote:
- Mike Wright [50:27]: “Don't trade players who are already playing football games.”
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Camara vs. Gilliesslee
- Question: Should one start Camara over Gilliesslee in a PPR league?
- Answer: Yes, starting Camara is advisable in PPR formats due to his receiving involvement.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [59:28]: “It's not crazy. I don’t blame you at all.”
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Carson Palmer vs. Jameis Winston
- Question: Who to start between Carson Palmer and Jameis Winston?
- Answer: Carson Palmer is favored due to a better matchup and home-field advantage.
- Quote:
- Andy Holloway [58:34]: “I will have Carson ranked ahead of Jameis.”
Summary: The Mailbag segment effectively addresses diverse listener concerns, offering actionable advice tailored to individual fantasy team situations.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating the importance of strategic player management, timely roster adjustments, and informed decision-making to excel in fantasy leagues. They encourage listeners to engage with the Fantasy Footballers community for ongoing support and insights.
Notable Quote:
- Andy Holloway [61:04]: “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.”
Conclusion
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides comprehensive analysis and strategic advice tailored for Week 6 of the 2017 fantasy football season. Through segments like "Pump the Brakes," "Keep/Trade/Cut," and listener Mailbag questions, the hosts deliver valuable insights to help fantasy managers optimize their teams and navigate the complexities of the NFL season.