Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: 2015 - Week 1 Fantasy Forecast, TNF Preview, News
Release Date: September 10, 2015
The inaugural episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast for the 2015 NFL season kicks off with hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright diving deep into Week 1 fantasy football strategies, news updates, and a preview of Thursday Night Football (TNF). The trio provides listeners with comprehensive analysis, player recommendations, and engaging discussions to set the stage for a successful fantasy season.
1. Introduction and Week 1 Forecasts
The episode begins with the hosts expressing their excitement for the upcoming football season. Andy Holloway outlines the show's agenda, which includes matchup previews, fantasy forecasts, news and notes, TNF preview, and a two-day blitz for early-week starts.
Key Discussion: Joy Bell vs. Amir Abdullah
- Jason Moore is poised to start Joy Bell over Amir Abdullah for Week 1, asserting, "I am starting Joy Bell this week over Amir Abdullah" (01:57).
- Mike Wright counters by favoring Danny Woodhead over Amir Abdullah, highlighting the potential impact of the Lions' defense: "Week one Danny Woodhead." (02:37).
- Andy Holloway supports Amir Abdullah's higher potential due to increased carries: "Abdullah will get carries. I think Woodhead will get a couple." (02:57).
The hosts emphasize the importance of evaluating matchups and player roles, especially in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues.
2. News and Updates
Injury Reports:
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Alshon Jeffery (Chicago Bears): Initially limited in preseason, Alshon Jeffery is now practicing fully, alleviating concerns about missing the start of the season.
- Mike Wright: "Now he's playing, so we know it's nothing where he's going to miss the first month of the season." (06:20).
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CJ Spiller (New Orleans Saints): Declared out for Week 1, impacting his fantasy availability.
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Zach Ertz (Philadelphia Eagles): Game-time decision on his status, leading to mixed sentiments about his waiver wire value.
- Jason Moore: "I've had a lot of questions about him going up. You still don't know that he's going to play." (10:25).
Player Evaluations:
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Frank Gore (Indianapolis Colts): Concerns over potential pitch count limiting his carries in Week 1.
- Andy Holloway: "It's a baseball reference, right?" (08:00).
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Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Hamstring issues raise questions about his availability and fantasy reliability.
- Andy Holloway: "If you are a Mike Evans owner, you should be worried."10:50).
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Julian Edelman (New England Patriots): Absence from Week 1 injury reports creates uncertainty about his immediate impact.
3. Thursday Night Football (TNF) Preview: Steelers vs. Patriots
The hosts delve into the highly anticipated TNF matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots, analyzing offensive and defensive strengths.
Key Points:
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Quarterback Showdown: Tom Brady vs. Ben Roethlisberger
- Mike Wright chooses Brady, citing his efficiency and the Patriots' improved defense: "I'm going with Brady because I think that Big Ben is not having Martavis Bryant." (18:28).
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Running Backs:
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Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:
- Brandon LaFell Out: Opens opportunities for Aaron Dobson and Danny Amendola.
- Jason Moore: Highlights Amendola as a sneaky PPR play: "Danny Amendola is a sneaky play this week in PPR." (19:42).
- Brandon LaFell Out: Opens opportunities for Aaron Dobson and Danny Amendola.
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Defense Evaluation:
- Patriots' Defense: History of containing quarterbacks but expected to perform better this year.
- Andy Holloway: "History says that doesn't happen." (19:45).
- Patriots' Defense: History of containing quarterbacks but expected to perform better this year.
4. Additional Matchup Previews and Fantasy Strategies
Colts vs. Bills:
- Tyrod Taylor vs. Sam Bradford: Insights on the rookie quarterback's debut and his potential impact.
- Andre Johnson vs. Ty Hilton:
- Mike Wright favors Ty Hilton for higher touchdown potential: "I like Ty Hilton because I think against a good defense..." (22:53).
Browns vs. Jets:
- Running Backs: Emphasis on selecting Ivory over Cruce or considering Duke Johnson for the Browns.
- Andy Holloway: "If you're choosing between Ivory and Cruce in this matchup, you're choosing Ivory for sure." (25:00).
Packers vs. Bears:
- Randall Cobb vs. Devonte Adams:
- Jason Moore supports starting Cobb despite injury concerns: "Yeah, it's still got to be Cobb." (29:23).
- Matt Forte: Not discussed in-depth but implied to be a stable option.
Chiefs vs. Texans:
- Defense Focus: High praise for the Chiefs' defense against the Texans' struggling offense.
- Andy Holloway: "I think the Chiefs are a great defense to play this week." (31:03).
Dolphins vs. Redskins:
- Alfred Morris: Controversial start due to offensive line concerns, but positioned as a necessity for some fantasy managers.
- Jason Moore: "I would be very concerned for Alf." (34:29).
Seahawks vs. Rams:
- Benny Cunningham: Recommended as the Rams' starting RB due to limited offensive upside.
- Jason Moore: "Probably Benny Cunningham." (37:20).
Lions vs. Chargers:
- Joy Bell vs. Amir Abdullah:
- Anna Moore prefers Joy Bell for higher touchdown probability: "The touchdown probability is higher for Bell this week." (43:35).
- Andy Holloway bets on Joyk (Joy Bell) due to conditioning concerns on Abdullah.
5. Community Engagement and Interactive Segments
The Fantasy Footballers promote their active community, the Foot Clan, encouraging listeners to join for exclusive insights and interactions. They highlight features like the ability to ask questions and receive prompt responses, fostering a collaborative environment for fantasy enthusiasts.
Notable Engagement:
- Photoshop Fun: Andy shares humorous edited photos of Joy Bell, engaging listeners with behind-the-scenes content and shout-outs.
- Andy Holloway: "If you do incredible, hilarious Photoshop work, we'll probably give you a shout out on the show." (40:35).
6. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease upcoming content, including more matchup previews, starts of the week, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) segments with guest Chris Meaney. They reiterate the importance of their community and encourage listeners to participate actively through their website and social media channels.
Notable Quotes:
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Jason Moore on Joy Bell vs. Amir Abdullah Decision:
"I am starting Joy Bell this week over Amir Abdullah." (01:57)
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Mike Wright on Danny Woodhead:
"Week one Danny Woodhead." (02:37)
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Andy Holloway on Mike Evans:
"If you are a Mike Evans owner, you should be worried." (10:50)
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Jason Moore on Dion Lewis in TNF:
"Danny Amendola is a sneaky play this week in PPR." (19:42)
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Andy Holloway Betting on Joy Bell:
"I just made a bet with you, didn't I?" (43:26)
This episode serves as a foundational guide for fantasy managers navigating Week 1 of the NFL season, blending strategic insights with lively host interactions. The Fantasy Footballers establish themselves as essential voices in the fantasy football landscape, offering both expertise and entertainment to their listeners.