Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football 2017 - Week 9 Keep/Trade/Cut, Pump the Brakes, Devin Scrumptious

Release Date: November 1, 2017

Introduction

In the Week 9 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into crucial fantasy football strategies, providing listeners with expert advice on which players to keep, trade, or cut. The episode also features their popular segments "Pump the Brakes", where they highlight players who might underperform in the upcoming week, and "Mailbag", where they address listener questions. Throughout the episode, the trio shares insightful analysis, notable quotes, and actionable tips to help fantasy managers dominate their leagues.

Pump the Brakes: Reevaluating Key Players

In the "Pump the Brakes" segment, the hosts discuss players who have shown promising performances but may not sustain their level of play in the forthcoming week. Their focus this week centers on three players: Paul Richardson, Alshon Jeffery, and Jameson Crowder.

• Paul Richardson: Jason expresses concern despite Richardson's monster performance in Week 8, citing Russell Wilson's exceptional play and the unpredictable nature of Seattle's passing game as reasons to potentially bench him.

  "I'm going to pump the brakes on starting him. I just think it's going to be a week-to-week situation."
  (04:00)

• Alshon Jeffery: The discussion highlights Jeffery's diminishing targets over the past weeks, especially with the shift in Seattle's offense.

  "You can't bank on a guy that is getting that low of volume."
  (07:07)

• Jameson Crowder: Despite a strong Week 8, Crowder is scrutinized due to inconsistent usage and the return of other pass-catching options.

  "I'm highly skeptical, highly doubtful that Jameson Crowder will [perform]."
  (09:17)

The hosts agree that while these players have potential upside, their current trajectories suggest caution.

News and Notes: NFL Updates Impacting Fantasy

The hosts pivot to recent NFL developments that bear significance for fantasy managers:

• Kelvin Benjamin Trade: The Panthers traded Kelvin Benjamin to the Buffalo Bills, aiming to enhance their running game with Devin Funches entering the roster.

  "Devin Funches is an absolute must grab try to acquire."
  (12:52)

  The discussion touches on how this trade impacts Benjamin's fantasy value and the increased opportunities for Funches.

• Ezekiel Elliott Suspension: Elliott's ongoing legal issues result in the denial of an emergency injunction, likely leading to a six-game suspension.

  "I believe Zeke will be suspended for six games. We'll find out soon enough."
  (17:54)

• Josh Gordon Reinstatement: Gordon's potential return is noted, though the implications for fantasy play remain uncertain.

  "Brian Hoyer as the backup officially."
  (18:38)

• Brock Osweiler Starting: Osweiler is named the starter for the Broncos in Week 9, prompting discussions on his effectiveness.

  "Eagles defense. He's just a smoldering dumpster at all times."
  (19:42)

These updates provide a backdrop for the upcoming fantasy decisions, emphasizing the fluid nature of player statuses.

Keep, Trade, Cut: Strategic Roster Management

This segment is a cornerstone of the episode, where the hosts evaluate specific players to help listeners make informed decisions:

• Ty Montgomery:

  • Andy advocates for keeping Montgomery, emphasizing his potential despite team uncertainties.

    "I've got to see what that split is afterwards."
    (25:06)

  • Jason leans towards trading him, citing his lack of established role.

    "I'm making the move. I'm going for gold."
    (25:56)

  • Mike agrees with trading, highlighting Aaron Jones' rise as the primary running back.

    "Aaron Jones has taken that job and he's the better running back."
    (26:13)

• Ty Hilton:

  • Andy strongly recommends cutting Hilton due to his inconsistent performances and challenging upcoming matchups.

    "I don't want to be tempted to start him. You're going to end up with 1.5 points."
    (28:04)

  • Jason concurs, suggesting trading Hilton for better value.

    "I would trade him for pennies on the dollar."
    (28:49)

  • Mike supports the decision, emphasizing the frequency of Hilton's underperformance.

    "Yeah, I would trade him."
    (28:13)

• Sammy Watkins:

  • Andy opts to keep Watkins, acknowledging his talent but notes the quarterback rapport issues.

    "The quarterback doesn't want to get him the ball."
    (32:02)

  • Jason and Mike consider cutting him due to declining performance and uncertain future with the team.

    "I'm willing to cut him."
    (31:07)

• Buck Allen:

  • Andy recommends keeping Buck Allen, given his consistent workload.

    "Buck Allen, you know, is getting in the teens carries."
    (29:26)

  • Jason emphasizes the value Buck still brings despite emerging competition.

    "He’s still getting opportunity."
    (30:51)

The trio meticulously analyzes each player's recent performance, team dynamics, and future prospects to guide listeners on optimal roster moves.

Mailbag: Listener Questions and Expert Advice

In the Mailbag segment, the hosts tackle listener-submitted queries, offering personalized advice:

• Jake from Seattle:

  • Question: Struggling with managing Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden; considering trading them for Jerick McKinnon.
  • Advice:

    "I would think about if it's a half point league or a full point league, I would do it."
    (45:13)

• Jared in Iowa:

  • Question: Choosing between Doug Martin and C.J. Anderson.
  • Advice:

    "It's got to be Doug Martin."
    (46:55)

• Blake in St. Louis:

  • Question: Trading Will Fuller for Ty Hilton.
  • Advice:

    "I would trade Ty Hilton for Will Fuller."
    (47:17)

• Spokane:

  • Question: Selecting between Isaiah Corral and Alex Collins in a dynasty, full PPR league.
  • Advice:

    "In the rest of season I'd rather have Collins."
    (47:53)

• Zach in his front office:

  • Question: Choosing between Alshon Jeffery or Buck Allen for the flex spot.
  • Advice:

    "I am Buck Allen."
    (48:54)

The responses demonstrate the hosts' commitment to providing nuanced advice tailored to different league formats and individual team needs.

Conclusion

The Week 9 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of player performances, strategic roster management, and timely NFL news impacting fantasy leagues. Through segments like "Pump the Brakes" and "Keep, Trade, Cut", listeners gain valuable insights into making informed decisions to enhance their fantasy teams. Additionally, the Mailbag section reinforces the hosts' dedication to engaging directly with their audience, ensuring that even niche queries receive thoughtful consideration. Overall, this episode equips fantasy managers with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of Week 9 and beyond.

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