Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 12 Thanksgiving Episode Part 2

Release Date: November 25, 2015

The Fantasy Footballers’ Week 12 Thanksgiving Episode Part 2 delves deep into various NFL matchups, player analyses, and listener mailbag questions. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright provide expert insights, strategic advice, and engaging discussions to help fantasy managers navigate the complexities of their lineups during a pivotal week of the season.

1. Key Matchups and Player Evaluations

a. Rams vs. Bengals

• Overview: Andy expresses skepticism about the Rams’ chances against the heavily favored Bengals. Despite uncertainty surrounding the Rams' quarterback situation, Andy believes the Rams' defense will keep the game competitive.

  [00:00] Andy: “The Bengals are very heavy, heavy, heavy, heavy favorites.”

• Player Focus:

  • A.J. Green: Andy highlights that Green's success is tied to Tyler Ifert’s red zone efficiency, noting, “Tyler Ifert’s red zone proficiency” (00:46).

  • Jeremy Hill vs. Gio Bernard: Jason questions Hill’s reliability due to penalties and inconsistent performance, leading Andy to advise against starting him this week.

    [03:26] Andy: “I think he's always in line for the touchdowns. If they can get to the goal line.”

b. Saints vs. Texans

• Predictions: Andy predicts a Texans victory, citing the Saints' poor run and pass defenses. Drew Brees is considered a strong start over Cam Newton, despite Andy later acknowledging Brees had a bye week.

  [06:43] Andy: “I think the Texans win this game.”

• Player Highlights:

  • Brian Hoyer: Recognized for his favorable matchup against the Texans’ high passing volume, Andy preemptively apologizes for overhyping Hoyer but maintains confidence in his performance.

    [07:51] Andy: “Hoyer is in line for a great start.”

c. Chargers vs. Jaguars

• Offensive Concerns: The Chargers face uncertainty with Philip Rivers' inconsistent performances and limited usage of players like Danny Woodhead. Mike prefers prioritizing Antonio Gates over Melvin Gordon due to the latter’s limited involvement.

  [16:10] Jason: “Melvin Gordon is... not very confident that Danny Woodhead is getting involved.”

• Streamer Options:

  • Stevie Johnson: Andy values him for volume-based PPR leagues.

  • Jameson Crowder: Nicknamed “Little Drizzle,” Mike endorses Crowder as a streaming option against the Jaguars’ weak pass defense.

    [31:29] Andy: “What skates going to do this week?”

d. Dolphins vs. Jets

• Running Backs: Chris Ivory is debated due to his overall ranking versus his recent performance. Concerns about Bilal Powell’s return affecting Ivory's workload are discussed, with Mike suggesting Ivory should be ranked higher.

  [54:20] Jason: “Scoring format really matters in this situation...”

• Quarterback Play: Eli Manning is recommended as a strong start, especially if Danny Amendola remains sidelined.

e. Steelers vs. Seahawks

• Players to Start:

  • Big Ben (Ben Roethlisberger): Despite recent injuries, Mike remains confident in Big Ben.

  • D’Angelo Williams: Jason advocates for Williams irrespective of the matchup, likening him to a Le’Veon Bell light.

    [41:14] Jason: “I just made a move for him... he stays a one regardless for me.”

• Receiver Considerations:

  • Antonio Brown: Mixed opinions due to a tough matchup, with Andy rating him lower.
  • Vernon Davis vs. Owen Daniels: Preference leaned towards Vernon Davis for better matchup potential.

f. Patriots vs. Broncos

• Quarterback Decisions: The trio debates whether to start Tom Brady over Brock Osweiler, especially considering Danny Amendola’s possible absence. While hesitant, Jason hints at the possibility of benching Brady if Amendola doesn’t play.

  [44:10] Mike: “I'm not reading too much into it. What I'm reading into it is that his injury...”

g. Raiders vs. Titans

• Quarterback Choices: Derek Carr is upheld as a quarterback one despite concerns, with Mike cautiously suggesting a possible benching in favor of streaming options.

  [34:35] Andy: “...Derek Carr is a quarterback one this week.”

• Running Back Focus:

  • Doug Martin: Mike ranks Martin as his number one running back for the week, praising his consistent performance against a middle-tier defense.

  • Antonio Andrews vs. David Cobb: Andy prefers Cobb over Andrews, questioning Andrews' long-term potential.

    [12:57] Mike: “He's running great all year.”

h. Cardinals vs. 49ers

• Star Players:

  • Chris Johnson: Highly rated by Andy and Mike for a favorable matchup, though Jason remains more cautious.

  • John Brown: Recovered from a hamstring injury, Andy and Mike express confidence in Brown’s involvement despite concerns.

  • Stefan Diggs: Considered a reliable play with steady utilization.

    [36:03] Andy: “Ranked him very high. Probably way higher than you guys.”

2. Mailbag Highlights and Audience Questions

a. Player Start/Sit Decisions

• Travis Benjamin vs. Owen Daniels: Andy and Mike favor Vernon Davis over others based on matchups and recent performance.

• Brandon Marshall vs. Jonathan Stewart: Jason opts for Stewart for his safer floor, while Andy and Mike lean towards Marshall due to higher ceilings.

  [53:32] Andy: “Would you, Jason Stream or play Derek Carr or Mariota?”

b. Streamer Recommendations

• Alfred Blue vs. Sean Drona: The hosts recommend Alfred Blue based on his favorable matchup against a weak rushing defense.

  [54:31] Jason: “I think I go Latavius Murray slightly ahead of Woodhead in both standard and PPR.”

• Josh McCown’s Return: Relief expressed by hosts as Goo McCown's return boosts receiver options, particularly for Gary Barnage owners.

  [58:30] Mike: “He is practicing today.”

c. Trade Evaluations

• Julio Jones vs. Antonio Brown: Discussion centers on the risk of Big Ben’s injuries versus the upside of acquiring Brown. The consensus leans towards retaining Julio unless trading for Brown directly.

  [55:52] Mike: “I would definitely... upgrade to Antonio Brown.”

3. Notable Quotes and Insights

• Andy on A.J. Green's Dependency:

  "AJ Green season is a result of Tyler Ifert's red zone proficiency." (00:46)

• Jason on Jeremy Hill's Consistency:

  "If he’s not going to get a touchdown, you don’t know what you’re going to get from Chris Ivory right now." (20:15)

• Mike on Drew Brees Over Cam Newton:

  "I have him over Cam Newton." (05:00)

• Andy on Josh McCown’s Impact:

  "Barnage is much better now that McCown is back." (52:27)

4. Final Thoughts and Conclusions

As Week 12 approaches, the Fantasy Footballers emphasize the importance of evaluating matchups, player roles, and recent performances. The hosts advocate for flexibility in lineups, suggesting streaming options when necessary and prioritizing players with favorable conditions. They also highlight the dynamic nature of the fantasy landscape, where injuries and game flow can significantly impact player value.

Listeners are encouraged to engage via the Fantasy Footballers’ website or by calling their hotline to submit questions, ensuring personalized advice tailored to individual team needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Defense Matchups are Crucial: Evaluating opposing defenses can significantly influence player starts or sits.
• Monitor Player Roles: Injuries and coaching decisions can alter a player's fantasy value week-to-week.
• Flexibility Enhances Success: Utilizing streaming options and staying adaptable to weekly changes can lead to optimal lineup performance.

For more detailed analyses and personalized advice, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter at @theFFballers.