Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Week 13 Forecast, News, and Starts

Release Date: December 3, 2015

In the Week 13 episode of the "Fantasy Footballers" podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright deliver a comprehensive analysis of the current fantasy football landscape. They delve into playoff strategies, streaming quarterback debates, key player news, and provide actionable recommendations for starting lineups. Here's a detailed summary of the episode’s key points and discussions.

Playoff Strategies and Timing

Andy Holloway kicks off the discussion by questioning the optimal timing for fantasy football playoffs. He muses, “When does the next season start again? Is it right after Week 17?” (00:51), highlighting the shift some leagues are making to begin playoffs earlier. Jason Moore estimates that about 10-20% of leagues might start playoffs in Week 13, especially in 12-team leagues where six teams make the postseason (01:53).

Streaming Quarterbacks: Rodgers vs. Big Ben

A listener named Michael poses a dilemma: choosing between Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger without the ability to stream quarterbacks.

Andy Holloway initially leans towards Big Ben, mentioning his higher ceiling: “If Big Ben was somehow out with the concussion or any of those, you know, he's questionable right now...” (05:19). However, Mike Wright counters, emphasizing Rodgers’ reliability: “You absolutely have to put Rodgers in. … he’s not going to crap your team” (04:30). This sparks a broader conversation about the viability of streaming QBs versus securing a consistent starter, with Andy acknowledging that while streaming has worked this year, their advice may evolve based on future trends (05:42).

Injuries and Player News

The trio updates listeners on key injuries impacting fantasy decisions:

• Calvin Johnson is expected to play in the Thursday night game, despite earlier doubts (10:36).
• Alan Hearns from the Jaguars is unlikely to play in Week 13, potentially elevating Julius Thomas’s value (10:55).
• Tyler Ifert is not practicing on Wednesday due to a stinger, raising concerns about his availability (11:41).

Roster Strategies Amid Injuries

Andy Holloway expresses concerns about the increasing number of season-ending injuries, pondering a shift from a power-based to a depth-oriented drafting strategy for future seasons: “I think I figured out the trick and the secret to fantasy football. Don’t draft any players that can get injured” (07:55). Jason Moore reflects on historical fantasy trends, noting the importance of adapting to the evolving NFL landscape beyond the traditional running-back dominance (06:49).

Game Matchup Analyses

The hosts provide in-depth analyses of pivotal Week 13 matchups:

• Packers vs. Lions (18:12): Andy and Mike evaluate Matt Stafford’s improved performance under new offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, making him a viable fantasy QB option. They also discuss the Packers' mediocre run defense and Eddie Lacy's potential exploitation of the Lions' vulnerabilities.

• Texans vs. Bills (24:46): The discussion centers around Tyrod Taylor versus Brian Hoyer, with both QBs being less favorable picks. Mike Wright recommends Lashawn McCoy as a solid start due to Carlos Williams' doubtful status (25:36).

• Ravens vs. Dolphins (27:55): Jason Moore is excited about Lamar Miller's performance, while Andy focuses on Buck Allen's potential against Miami’s weak run defense (28:06).

• Bears vs. 49ers: The conversation covers player starts and defensive strengths, with Zach Miller highlighted as a good tight end option against a struggling 49ers pass defense (40:58).

Starts of the Week: Player Recommendations

The episode culminates with each host sharing their "Starts of the Week," offering targeted recommendations for key positions:

• Quarterbacks:

  • Mike Wright recommends Jay Cutler for his improved offense and healthy Alshon Jeffrey (55:55).
  • Jason Moore favors Ryan Fitzpatrick, anticipating a strong performance against the Jets’ secondary (56:23).
  • Andy Holloway opts for Alex Smith based on the Raiders' run strategy and weak pass defense (56:30).

• Running Backs:

  • Andy endorses Gio Bernard for his favorable matchup against Cleveland’s run defense (57:54).
  • Mike selects C.J. Anderson from the Broncos, leveraging the Chargers’ tendency to give up yardage to RBs (58:11).
  • Jason opts for David Johnson, despite his fumble concerns, due to the Rams’ lenient run defense (59:49).

• Wide Receivers:

  • Andy chooses Martavis Bryant for big-play potential against Indianapolis (60:49).
  • Mike recommends Devonte Parker as a breakout candidate against Baltimore’s weakened pass defense (61:44).
  • Jason favors Danny Amendola based on recent performance and a favorable matchup against the Eagles (63:40).

• Tight Ends:

  • Andy trusts Vance McDonald to step up following Vernon Davis' departure (64:35).
  • Mike picks Julius Thomas for his involvement in the Jaguars’ offense (66:17).
  • Jason selects Antonio Gates despite facing Denver’s strong pass defense, anticipating the need for him to make plays (66:41).

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright on Rodgers vs. Big Ben: “Aaron Rodgers is the safer play. … he’s not going to crap your team” (04:30).

• Andy Holloway on streaming methodology: “This show is not going to be about one methodology to winning at fantasy football for the next five years. … if that trend changes in fantasy football, then our advice is going to change” (05:08).

• Mike Wright on Vance McDonald: “He is very athletic. … I just have confidence that at least one is going to happen this week” (66:44).

Final Thoughts and Future Episodes

As the episode concludes, the hosts tease upcoming segments, including daily doses and deeper fantasy forecasts. They encourage listeners to engage via their website and social media platforms for more insights and updates, promising to continue aiding fans in navigating the complexities of fantasy football.

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast offers a wealth of information for fantasy managers, blending strategic advice with up-to-date player news and matchup analyses. Whether you're debating QBs, managing tight end options, or fine-tuning your starting lineup, Andy, Jason, and Mike provide the expert guidance needed to excel in your fantasy league.