Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Week 11 Review, Studs and Duds, MNF Preview, Fantasy News
Release Date: November 23, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright

Introduction and Week 11 Highlights

The Fantasy Footballers kick off the episode with a vibrant welcome back from hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright. Andy shares his excitement about attending the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals game, noting the intense atmosphere despite being overwhelmed by the sea of Cincinnati fans:

Andy Holloway [02:00]: "I was screaming at the top of my lungs all last night at the Cardinal Bengals Sunday night football game, which was just a delight."

Fantasy Rewind: Key Injuries and News

The hosts delve into the tumultuous injury landscape of Week 11, emphasizing the impact on both players and fantasy managers. Major updates include Joe Flacco's torn ACL, sidelining him for the rest of the season:

Andy Holloway [08:35]: "Joe Flacco has torn his ACL. The Ravens are out of players and they have resigned for the rest of the season."

Additionally, Justin Forsett suffers a severe forearm injury, and other notable injuries like Devontae Freeman's concussion are discussed. Mike emphasizes the necessity of having Tevin Coleman as Freeman's backup:

Mike Wright [11:28]: "Hopefully you were rostering Tevin Coleman. So if Freeman misses a week, you've got Coleman."

Stud Muffins: Top Performers of the Week

The trio highlights standout performances across various positions, identifying "stud muffins" that fantasy managers can rely on moving forward.

Quarterbacks

• Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers): An MVP candidate, Newton delivered an impressive performance with multiple touchdowns.

  Andy Holloway [21:44]: "Cam Newton, 21 for 246, A5, touchdowns and just massacred Washington."

• Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Showcased his prowess with five touchdowns, bolstered by Vincent Jackson's return.

  Jason Moore [22:22]: "Really impressive game from Winston. He really made a difference with Vincent Jackson back."

• Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks): Consistent performances with significant yardage and touchdown contributions.

  Andy Holloway [24:47]: "Russell Wilson, 24 for 263, touchdowns, and got it done. Tyler Lockett was the beneficiary."

Running Backs

• Thomas Rawls (Seattle Seahawks): Emerged as a formidable force, emulating Marshawn Lynch's style with explosive runs.

  Andy Holloway [30:46]: "Thomas Rawls ran like a maniac... every time it looked like he was going out of bounds, he just kept running through."

• Doug Martin (Denver Broncos): Displayed remarkable consistency with high yardage and touchdowns.

  Jason Moore [32:21]: "Doug Martin looked very good. He almost didn't play in the second half but was impressive when he did."

Wide Receivers

• DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans): Dominated with multiple touchdowns and significant yardage, solidifying his status as a top WR.

  Andy Holloway [26:11]: "DeAndre Hopkins, 5 for 118 and two touchdowns. He’s the best wide receiver that’s ever played the game."

• Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks): Continued to be a reliable target, especially with his involvement in the passing game.

  Mike Wright [27:42]: "Great future or great dynasty type guy... You never know who it's going to be for the Seahawks."

Tight Ends

• Kyle Rudolph (Cleveland Browns): Surged as a reliable tight end with substantial yardage and a touchdown.

  Andy Holloway [39:36]: "Kyle Rudolph, 6 for 106 and a touchdown. He came out of nowhere this week."

Pooped in the Big Boy Pants: Underperformers

The hosts candidly discuss players who disappoint, impacting fantasy lineups adversely.

Quarterbacks

• Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers): Suffered a poor performance due to a disjointed offensive strategy and a strong Kansas City defense.

  Jason Moore [40:39]: "Philip Rivers killed people this week... he was almost my set of the week."

• Derek Carr (Oakland Raiders): Experienced a letdown despite a generally reliable track record.

  Jason Moore [40:39]: "Derek Carr has just been so reliable... But he had a bad week with 13 for 169 and 0 touchdowns."

Running Backs

• James Starks (Green Bay Packers): Failed to capitalize on opportunities, causing frustration among fantasy managers.

  Andy Holloway [43:21]: "James Starks had two stupid touchdowns on the goal line. He definitely ruined some fantasy teams."

• Eddie Lacy (Green Bay Packers): Struggled with performance and had issues with ball security.

  Andy Holloway [45:39]: "Eddie Lacy gets a pass and rumbles a little bit... but he looked unhealthy, like he's piddling with his big boy pants."

Wide Receivers

• Amari Cooper (Dallas Cowboys): Had a disastrous week, failing to meet the expected performance levels.

  Andy Holloway [43:57]: "Amari Cooper had a disastrous week."

• Jordan Matthews (Philadelphia Eagles): Despite extensive playtime, Matthews delivered minimal yardage and no touchdowns.

  Jason Moore [44:35]: "Jordan Matthews played all 71 snaps and came out with four for 13. Not what I'd expect."

Mailbag: Listener Questions and Answers

Listeners send in questions regarding lineup decisions and player statuses, which the hosts address with expert advice.

Listener Question from Stefano in Minnesota [54:32]:

"Is Char West okay? Is Lynch okay? Is Freeman okay? Why Forsett? How am I supposed to get Buck Allen and Rawls if I am last in line on the waivers? What just happened? Where am I?"

• Mike Wright: "Lynch is not okay. Char West is not okay. Forsett might be back next year. If you're last in line, you're not getting any of these players and you need to start a petition for FAB."

Listener Question from Josh in Arkansas [55:27]:

"Who do you play: Brandon LaFell or Sammy Watkins tonight?"

• Jason Moore: "I’d go with LaFell because I trust Tom Brady more, and he might get more red zone work."
• Mike Wright: "I would go with Watkins if you need the ceiling; LaFell for a safer floor."
• Andy Holloway: "I go with LaFell as he benefits from Edelman’s injury."

Monday Night Football (MNF) Preview

The hosts preview the upcoming MNF matchup, discussing key player matchups and potential fantasy implications.

• Patriots vs. Cardinals: Focus on the Patriots’ offense without Julian Edelman and Dion Lewis. Debate centers around Danny Amendola's role versus Edelman’s production.

  Andy Holloway [50:11]: "Amendola’s not going to be Edelman’s replacement... he'll have games, but not at Edelman's level."

• Fantasy Strategies: Decisions on whether to start Amendola over Edelman, considering the Patriots' shifting offensive strategies and potential snap limitations for Amendola.

  Jason Moore [51:20]: "If Amendola has a great game, you can’t just assume he will do it week after week."

Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

The Fantasy Footballers conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to engage via their website and social media platforms. Mike shares a personal anecdote about last week's challenges, highlighting the unpredictability and emotional rollercoaster of fantasy football.

Mike Wright [57:31]: "Last week... I ended up being the second highest scoring team of the week and lost by 10 points because Willie Snead gave me zero points."

They emphasize the importance of adaptability and maintaining a strategic mindset as the fantasy playoffs approach.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [08:35]: "Joe Flacco has torn his ACL. The Ravens are out of players and they have resigned for the rest of the season."
• Mike Wright [11:28]: "Hopefully you were rostering Tevin Coleman. So if Freeman misses a week, you've got Coleman."
• Jason Moore [40:39]: "Derek Carr has just been so reliable... But he had a bad week with 13 for 169 and 0 touchdowns."

This comprehensive review encapsulates the critical discussions from the Fantasy Footballers' Week 11 episode, providing valuable insights into player performances, injury impacts, and strategic decisions for fantasy managers as they navigate the intricate landscape of fantasy football playoffs.