Fantasy Footballers Podcast – Episode Summary: Week 13 Review, Studs and Duds, MNF Preview, Fantasy News

Release Date: December 7, 2015

The Fantasy Footballers, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, delve deep into the intricacies of Week 13 of the 2015 NFL season. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of standout performances, disappointing outings, injury impacts, and strategic advice for fantasy football playoffs. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussions.

1. Week 13 Overview: Studs and Duds

The hosts kick off by reviewing the key performances of Week 13, categorizing players into "Stud Muffins" (top performers) and those who "Pooped in Their Big Boy Pants" (underperformers).

Notable Highlights:

• Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks): Demonstrated a remarkable fantasy performance with a solid passing game complemented by his rushing ability.

  • Jason Moore (02:34): "I learned a very valuable lesson... Never sit Russell Wilson."
  • Andy Holloway (16:11): "He looked like he was toying with the defense... now has the Ravens next week."

• Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers): Continues to be a powerhouse, consistently delivering high fantasy points.

  • Jason Moore (17:21): "Cameron Newton? He's a beast. You start him every week."

• Matt Mariota (Tennessee Titans): Exhibited explosive ground game performance, including an 87-yard run.

  • Jason Moore (17:26): "Marcus Mariota had a monster game on the ground... What is the potential for Mr. Mariota?"

• Brandon Marshall (New York Jets): Achieved a 12-catch, highly efficient game, reinforcing his value despite some inconsistencies.

  • Mike Wright (22:57): "Brandon Marshall now has, I believe 1,000 yards receiving for four different franchises."

• Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears): Ranked as the #4 wide receiver in standard scoring, showcasing consistent high performance.

  • Mike Wright (22:15): "Allen Robinson... No, he's not a superstar, but he should be... very firmly in the wide receiver 2, 3 category."

Disappointments:

• DeMarco Murray (Philadelphia Eagles): Struggled with only 8 carries for 24 yards, raising concerns for fantasy owners.

  • Mike Wright (08:24): "DeMarco Murray hasn't looked good for several weeks in a row."

• Eddie Lacy (Green Bay Packers): Continued underperformance with critical fumbles impacting his reliability.

  • Jason Moore (41:37): "Eddie Lacy pooped his big boy pants in the greatest fashion."

2. Injury Updates and Their Fantasy Implications

Injuries play a pivotal role in fantasy football, and the hosts provide insightful updates:

• CJ Anderson (Denver Broncos): Left the game with an ankle injury, posing challenges for his fantasy viability.

  • Jason Moore (09:52): "C.J. Anderson... ankle injury left the game. He says it's not a big deal."

• Vance McDonald (San Francisco 49ers): Suffered a concussion, leading to limited playing time and caution among fantasy managers.

  • Andy Holloway (02:58): "Jason, I started Vance McDonald too, and I didn't know he was gonna get concussed."

• Blake Bell (Cleveland Browns): Remains the only viable tight end after several injuries, making him a potential waiver wire pickup.

  • Jason Moore (12:10): "Blake Bell as the only viable tight end on that team."

• Andre Ellington (Cincinnati Bengals): Expected to miss the upcoming week, increasing the workload on David Johnson.

  • Mike Wright (30:26): "Andre Ellington is really the only other guy to worry about coming back hurt."

3. Playoffs Preview and Strategic Advice

As the fantasy playoffs loom, the hosts discuss key matchups and strategies to maximize success:

• Russell Wilson vs. Baltimore Ravens: A favorable matchup that could bolster his fantasy performance.

  • Jason Moore (16:14): "Russell Wilson is always had the baseline of running, but now he's passing the ball mostly to Doug Baldwin."

• Cam Newton vs. NFC Opponents: Continues to be a reliable start every week, with his team’s offensive prowess.

  • Andy Holloway (17:21): "He is a beast. You start him every week."

• Matt Mariota vs. New York Jets: While Mariota showed potential, concerns remain about his consistency against formidable defenses.

  • Jason Moore (17:21): "So Tyler Lockett was involved in a lot of third down plays... maybe relevance next year."

• Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Titans: Emerging as a solid option with continued high-powered passing attacks.

  • Mike Wright (19:22): "I would think that's fine."

4. Player Spotlights: Stud Muffins

Top Performers Identified:

• Jeremy Hill (Cincinnati Bengals):

  • Mike Wright (30:26): "Jeremy Hill, eight carries for 98 and a touchdown."

• Doug Baldwin (Seattle Seahawks): Maintains efficiency with multiple touchdown games.

  • Andy Holloway (24:57): "Five for 94 and two touchdowns. ... highly efficient."

• David Johnson (Arizona Cardinals): Despite occasional fumbles, his high usage makes him a solid pick.

  • Mike Wright (30:26): "22 carries and establishing himself as a leading running back."

5. Stud Muffins vs. Squashers: Wide Receivers

Standout Wide Receivers:

• Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears): Consistently high performance, making him a top-tier fantasy option.

  • Mike Wright (22:05): "Number four wide receiver in the National Football League."

• Brandon Marshall (New York Jets): Efficient and productive, deserving of increased attention.

  • Jason Moore (18:45): "Brandon Marshall and Ryan Fitzpatrick are a combo."

Underperforming Wide Receivers:

• Stevie Johnson (Miami Dolphins): No targets and a groin injury limit his fantasy value.

  • Jason Moore (32:32): "Stevie Johnson had no targets and then went out with a groin injury."

• DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles): Struggles with consistency and drops affecting his reliability.

  • Jason Moore (33:02): "Danny Woodhead pooped in his big boy pants. Three total carries for 10 yards."

6. Tight Ends and Running Backs Analysis

Tight Ends:

• Richard Rodgers (Green Bay Packers): Recommended as a top waiver wire pickup due to consistent targets.

  • Mike Wright (37:04): "If you need a tight end, look at Richard Rodgers."

• Scott Chandler (Cleveland Browns): Reliable option when paired with Rob Gronkowski.

  • Jason Moore (37:40): "Scott Chandler, I think is fine with Gronkowski."

Running Backs:

• David Johnson (Arizona Cardinals): Despite a fumble, his volume makes him a key playoff asset.

  • Andy Holloway (31:48): "Fumbled again, got bailed out because the Rams recovered it."

• Matt Forte (Chicago Bears): Solid performance making him a favorable playoff start.

  • Jason Moore (32:20): "We like Matt Forte in the playoffs."

7. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Advice

Listener interactions provide personalized advice and insights:

• Question from Warren in LA: Ranking Jonathan Stewart, LaShawn McCoy, and Darren McFadden for the rest of the season.

  • Mike Wright (54:18): "I go McCoy, Stewart, McFadden."
  • Jason Moore (54:22): "I agree with you. ... Going McCoy, then Stewart, then McFadden."

• Question from Marcus in Cherry Hill: Should Blake Bortles be started in Week 14 against the Colts?

  • Andy Holloway (55:11): "As of now, for me it would be Blake Bortles."
  • Mike Wright (55:21): "I think I would lean Blake Bortles as well."

8. Monday Night Football Preview

The hosts preview the upcoming MNF game, analyzing the Dallas Cowboys' matchup against the Washington Redskins:

• Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins:
  • Jason Moore (50:04): "They could definitely win it... someone’s getting in under .500."
  • Mike Wright (52:06): "This is going to be 50 to 59 points and it’s just going to be nuts."

Key Points:

• Des Bryant vs. DeSean Jackson: Debate on which player to start based on performance and reliability.

  • Jason Moore (53:08): "Des Bryant or DeSean Jackson tonight? Des Bryant."

• Alfred Morris vs. Matt Jones: Consideration for starting in standard leagues.

  • Jason Moore (54:17): "What order would you rank Jonathan Stewart, LaShawn McCoy and Darren McFadden..."

9. Concluding Thoughts and Final Advice

As the fantasy playoffs approach, the Fantasy Footballers emphasize strategic starts, waiver wire pickups, and leveraging top performers to secure victory:

• Russell Wilson remains a strong start option.
• Cam Newton continues his dominance.
• Brandon Marshall and Allen Robinson are essential for wide receiver depth.
• Tight end pickups like Richard Rodgers can provide critical edge.

Closing Remarks:

• The hosts encourage listeners to engage via social media and the podcast’s website for personalized advice.
• They highlight the importance of staying updated with player statuses and making informed decisions leading into the fantasy playoffs.

“Thanks to the Fantasy Footballers that made it to the fantasy playoffs. Let us know how you're doing.” – Jason Moore (57:23)

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to fine-tune their playoff strategies, offering expert insights and actionable advice to navigate the final stretch of the NFL season successfully.