Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Sits of the Week, Nando Defino, Week 15 Mailbag (December 16, 2015)

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Guest: Nando Defino (Fantasy Sports Network)

Introduction and Episode Overview

The Fantasy Footballers kick off the episode with their characteristic banter, setting a lively and engaging tone. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright welcome listeners back on December 15th, acknowledging the festive season's proximity and the nearing end of the 2015 fantasy football regular season.

Andy Holloway (00:31): "Ah, we're back again."

Jason Moore (00:35): "Guess."

Mike Wright (00:37): "Whoa."

They outline the episode's structure, which includes their Sits of the Week, a trivia segment, a special guest appearance by Nando Defino, and a Mailbag section where they answer listener questions.

Sits of the Week and Trivia

The hosts dive into their Sits of the Week, highlighting players they are choosing to bench despite their potential. This segment emphasizes strategic decision-making crucial for fantasy playoffs.

Andy Holloway (03:28): "I use an SSD."

Mike Wright (03:18): "Your brain is a solid state."

Notable Playoff Sits Discussed:

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, New York Jets)
   Andy shares his exceptional season with Fitzpatrick, marveling at his performance despite not being the primary starter from the outset.

   Andy Holloway (03:33): "Impressive year for Ryan Fitzpatrick."

   Mike Wright (04:14): "Ryan, he's as good as two."

2. Doug Baldwin (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
   Baldwin is highlighted for his hot streak and reliable performance, likened to a "three-point shooter in basketball."

   Mike Wright (05:40): "He's like the three-point shooter in basketball when it's just going."

3. D'Angelo Williams (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers)
   Despite missing half the games, Williams is praised for his second-best career year, making him a valuable asset in fantasy playoffs.

   Andy Holloway (07:25): "Donny Avery. I traded for D Will right before he went on that massive tear."

Special Guest: Nando Defino

The episode features Nando Defino from Fantasy Sports Network, providing expert insights into the playoff week’s critical decisions.

Key Discussions with Nando Defino:

1. Running Back Waiver Wire Targets
   Nando discusses the top waiver wire running backs, emphasizing Tim Hightower and Denard Robinson as priority pickups due to their consistent involvement and reliability.

   Nando Defino (11:20): "For me, it's Hightower. Just because we know he's going to get those carries."

2. Seattle Seahawks' Running Back Situation
   The competition between DeJuan Harris, Bryce Brown, and others is analyzed, with Nando expressing skepticism about Baldwin’s emergence due to internal competition.

   Nando Defino (12:25): "I like how he says we're not going to go with a two-back approach."

3. New England Patriots' QB Situation
   With injuries plaguing the Patriots, Nando advises leaning towards Brandon Bolden over James White, citing Bolden’s versatility in both rushing and receiving.

   Nando Defino (15:34): "He fits that Blunt role a little better than I think James White does."

4. Quarterback Streaming Strategies
   Debating between Ben Roethlisberger and other quarterbacks, Nando recommends sticking with the starter despite tough matchups, citing Roethlisberger’s playoff experience and potential to exploit defenses.

   Nando Defino (19:19): "I'm going with Ben Roethlisberger and I'm cutting the other quarterback."

5. Tight End Considerations
   Nando critiques Travis Kelce's recent performances against strong defenses, recommending alternatives like Antonio Gates based on matchups.

   Nando Defino (33:18): "I'm sitting Travis Kelce... I'm going with Gates."

Notable Quotes from Nando:

• On Tim Hightower (11:20): "If I had to do it today, it would be Hightower."
• On Brandon Bolden (09:12): "That's the best summary for their backfield that I've ever heard."
• On Ben Roethlisberger (19:19): "You save the matchup stuff for the daily games."

News and Notes

Before the guest segment, the hosts briefly touch on league-wide news:

• Jordan Matthews not practicing.
• Joe Haden expected to fully recover for the Cleveland Browns.
• Andre Ellington out, benefiting David Johnson after an injury scare.

Mike Wright (08:00): "There's some good news from the Joe Hayden front."

Mailbag: Listener Questions and Advice

In the Mailbag section, the hosts address listener-submitted questions about lineup decisions, offering personalized advice based on current player performances and matchups.

Example Questions Addressed:

1. Flex Decision: Devontae Freeman vs. David Johnson
   Both Andy and Mike recommend David Johnson for his reliable performance and advantageous matchup.

   Andy Holloway (37:13): "I’m going with David Johnson."

2. Wide Receiver and Tight End Choices
   The hosts debate various wide receivers and tight ends, weighing factors like recent performance, matchup difficulties, and player reliability.

   Jason Moore (31:19): "Fuck Dez Bryant... He's got one bad matchup..."

3. Quarterback Streaming: Eli Manning vs. AJ McCarron
   Andy and Jason favor AJ McCarron over Eli Manning based on quarterback performance and opponent strength.

   Jason Moore (42:22): "I'd go Tyler Ifert to me is a much better physical talent..."

Notable Listener Question Example:

Gel from Washington
Question: "I have Gurley and Lamar Miller locked in for next week, but I can't decide on who to flex. Should my flex be Devontae Freeman at the Jaguars or David Johnson against the Eagles?"

Team Recommendations:

• Mike Wright (37:35): "I'm going David Johnson."
• Andy Holloway (37:54): "I second that. I'm going with David Johnson."

Final Thoughts and Closing

The episode wraps up with playful interactions among the hosts, emphasizing the camaraderie and dynamic energy that defines the Fantasy Footballers. They encourage listeners to engage with their community through the website and social media platforms.

Andy Holloway (49:00): "Thank you for listening to another edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast."

Mike Wright (50:03): "Goodbye."

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Sitting: Emphasize benching high-potential players based on matchups and consistency.
• Waiver Wire Priorities: Focus on reliable running backs like Tim Hightower and Denard Robinson.
• Quarterback Decisions: Prefer starters with playoff experience over potential matchup-based streaming.
• Tight End Evaluation: Assess tight ends not just on talent but also on defensive matchups and recent performance.
• Engage with Experts: Leverage insights from seasoned analysts like Nando Defino for informed lineup decisions.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright (05:40): "He's like the three-point shooter in basketball when it's just going."
• Nando Defino (19:19): "I'm going with Ben Roethlisberger and I'm cutting the other quarterback."
• Jason Moore (17:45): "That's the hot take that you wanted."

For detailed player analyses, matchup insights, and more expert fantasy advice, tune into the Fantasy Footballers podcast and join their growing community at JoinTheFoot.com.