Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Marshall Faulk, Week 4 Waiver Wire Pickups, Streams Release Date: September 29, 2015

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers kick off Episode 2015 with a lively introduction featuring hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright. The episode commences with a playful banter about recent NFL events and a warm welcome to their special guest, Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk. The trio establishes the podcast's focus on providing astute fantasy football analysis, strong opinions, and actionable advice to help listeners dominate their leagues.

Listener Review

At [05:50], the hosts pause to read a listener review from Gareth Ryan of Canada:

Gareth Ryan: "I've been able to withstand multiple victories since I started listening to this podcast. What I love about the FF Ballers is their ability to create a great sounding show that isn't like every other sports cast out there. It's unique, it's funny and informative. I literally wake up and check to see if there's a new episode every morning just so I can get an inside edge and withstand the victories over my league mates. Well, thank you, Gareth Ryan."

Andy Holloway humorously notes Gareth's grammatical quirks, emphasizing the personal connection and appreciation for listener engagement.

News and Notes

Starting around [06:52], the hosts delve into the latest NFL news affecting fantasy football:

• Alshon Jeffrey's Status: Reports suggest that Alshon Jeffrey will play in Week 4, a significant consideration for fantasy managers.

• Chicago Bears' Strategic Moves: The Bears' coach John Fox remains tight-lipped about strategic decisions following their recent game, leaving fans and fantasy players speculating about potential player usage and adjustments.

• Jeremy Hill's Role with the Bengals: Discussions center on running back Jeremy Hill potentially being sidelined in favor of Giovanni Bernard, affecting his fantasy reliability.

• Injuries and Returns: Updates on players like Victor Cruz and Chris Ivory, highlighting their availability and impact on fantasy rosters.

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway [07:50]: "They went for it. And I wanted to tweet somewhere, somewhere John Fox is just sweating profusely and quaking because he cannot believe that they would actually go for it on a fourth down." [07:50]

Waiver Wire Pickups and Player Analysis

The core of the episode focuses on identifying key waiver wire pickups and evaluating players' fantasy potential for the upcoming week.

Key Players Discussed:

• Reuben Randall:

  • Mike Wright appreciates Randall's role in the Giants' offense, emphasizing his potential despite inconsistent opportunities. (Timestamp: [16:22])
  • Andy Holloway contrasts Randall with Victor Cruz, expressing skepticism about Cruz's return impacting Randall's value negatively. (Timestamp: [17:29])

• Carlos Williams and Lance Dunbar:

  • Andy Holloway highlights Williams' strong performance and Dunbar's PPR potential, recommending them over less reliable options like Duke Johnson. (Timestamps: [20:42], [21:25])

• Eric Ebron and Charles Clay:

  • Andy Holloway endorses Ebron as a startable tight end despite occasional drops and Clay for his favorable matchup and touchdown potential. (Timestamps: [25:28], [25:46])

• Nelson Aguilar:

  • Discussed as a high-upside receiver who could emerge if the Raiders' quarterback situation stabilizes, Wes Welker’s presence was noted as a catalyst for Aguilar's potential. (Timestamps: [22:37], [23:04])

Notable Quote:

Jason Moore [21:41]: "Do you drop Eddie Royal?"
Andy Holloway [21:44]: "Yes."

Special Guest: Marshall Faulk

At [30:11], the podcast welcomes Marshall Faulk, a Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, to discuss the current NFL season and provide fantasy football insights.

Key Highlights from Marshall Faulk:

• Team Performances:

  • Praised New England's unexpected strong start despite offseason challenges.
  • Commended Arizona's offensive prowess, particularly highlighting David Johnson's playmaking abilities.

• Rookie Running Backs:

  • Identified Lamar Jackson and Kenyan Drake as standout rookies with franchise potential.
  • Discussed the importance of players like Amir Abdullah and Kevin Coleman in PPR leagues due to their dual-threat capabilities.

• Fantasy Tools:

  • Introduced the Player Comparison Tool powered by SAP, designed to aid fantasy managers in making informed start/sit decisions and evaluating trade values.

Notable Quote:

Marshall Faulk [33:59]: "I like David. I like David. Listen, they have, they've had issues at the running back position keeping guys healthy, but David seemed to be a guy that in the special teams game and you know, they put the ball in his hand, he makes plays, he makes plays." [33:59]

Quarterback Streaming Options

The discussion shifts to quarterback streaming strategies, a critical aspect for many fantasy managers looking to maximize weekly points without committing to a single starter.

Top Streaming QBs Recommended:

1. Andy Dalton (Red Rocket):

   • Andy Holloway lauds Dalton's impressive performance this season and favorable matchup against a weakened Kansas City Chiefs defense. Dalton is highlighted as a consistent option with strong offensive weapons like A.J. Green and Marvin Jones. (Timestamp: [41:35])

2. Tyrod Taylor (T-Mobile):

   • Mike Wright champions Taylor for his dual-threat ability and excellent matchup against the Giants' secondary. Despite skepticism from others, Taylor's high yardage and touchdown potential make him a valuable streaming option. (Timestamp: [41:36])

3. Derek Carr:

   • Jason Moore advocates for Carr's performance against the Bears, noting his ability to accumulate yards with minimal turnovers. Although facing a challenging defense, Carr's consistent passing yards position him as a reliable streaming choice. (Timestamp: [42:28])

Notable Quotes:

Mike Wright [41:36]: "Tyrod Taylor will be my stream until he's owned in enough leagues that he cannot be streamed anymore. Last week, 277 yards and three hush downs and this was dominant."
Andy Holloway [41:35]: "Andy Dalton is my stream of the week."

Concluding Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with their community through their website and social media platforms. They tease an upcoming mailbag episode where listener questions will be addressed, reinforcing their commitment to providing tailored fantasy advice.

Final Quote:

Mike Wright [44:12]: "Did anybody see Ted Thompson clapping last night during the game? They talked about him and they panned up to a shot. I actually recorded it. I'm going to post it because I have no human being claps like this." [44:12]

Key Takeaways

• Waiver Wire Targets: Focus on high-upside players like Reuben Randall, Carlos Williams, Eric Ebron, and Charles Clay.
• Streaming QBs: Andy Dalton and Tyrod Taylor are top recommendations, with Derek Carr as a solid alternative.
• Strategic Tools: Utilize advanced tools like the Player Comparison Tool by SAP to enhance decision-making.
• Listener Engagement: Active participation through reviews and community forums enhances the podcast's value to its audience.

This episode of Fantasy Footballers effectively blends expert analysis, guest insights from Marshall Faulk, and actionable fantasy strategies, making it an invaluable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their rosters and secure victories in their leagues.