Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Week 13 Summary (December 1, 2015)

Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups, Streaming Options, News
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Marty McBride
Release Date: December 1, 2015

1. Episode Overview

In this Week 13 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Marty McBride delve into crucial fantasy football topics, including waiver wire pickups, streaming options, and the latest news impacting fantasy leagues as the regular season nears its conclusion and playoffs loom.

2. News and Updates

Rob Gronkowski's Injury Status

Rob Gronkowski remains a central figure in both real and fantasy football narratives. Reports from Jason Moore indicate that Gronkowski is likely to miss a couple of weeks due to a knee bruise, as per Adam Schefter’s updates. Despite being non-season-ending, his absence poses challenges for fantasy managers relying heavily on his production.

• Jason Moore [08:48]: “The MRI revealed that it's a bruise and apparently nothing's really torn. What we know is that it's not a season-ending injury...”

Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington Injuries

Chris Johnson suffered a fractured fibula, sidelining him for 6-8 weeks, while Andre Ellington is battling turf toe, raising concerns for Cardinals' backfield depth.

• Marty McBride [10:48]: “...Chris Johnson reported six to eight weeks. Probably not playing another down for the Cardinals this year.”

Martellus Bennett's Limited Impact

Martellus Bennett is practicing but hasn't contributed significantly lately. Additionally, Peyton Manning's absence continues to influence Denver Broncos' quarterback strategies as the team adapts without their veteran signal-caller.

• Jason Moore [12:34]: “...Peyton Manning isn't expected back anytime soon.”

Danny Amendola's Return

Danny Amendola is set to return in Week 13 against the Eagles, a boost for Brady owners and those utilizing Amendola in their fantasy rosters.

• Jason Moore [14:44]: “Glorious.”

Frank Gore's Performance Decline

Frank Gore remains on injured reserve for the third consecutive year due to a wrist injury, diminishing his role as a reliable handcuff for Frank Gore. Concerns rise as Frank Gore’s performance shows signs of decline.

• Andy Holloway [15:57]: “...the Colts backfield right now is not looking too good.”

Chiefs' Defense Setback

Justin Houston's sprained PCL injury severely impacts the Kansas City Chiefs' defense, eliminating a premier pass-rushing option and forcing fantasy managers to reconsider their defensive picks.

• Marty McBride [17:34]: “Justin Houston's down with a sprained PCL...”

3. Waiver Wire Pickups

Top Pick: David Johnson

David Johnson emerges as the top waiver wire target due to his increased workload and role in the Cardinals' offense. With Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington injured, Johnson's opportunities have surged, making him a valuable asset for fantasy teams.

• Marty McBride [12:15]: “David Johnson is the number one waiver wire pickup absolutely by far this week.”

Wide Receivers to Consider

• Stevie Johnson: Consistent performance with seven receptions in three consecutive weeks, including a touchdown last week, makes Stevie a reliable low-end wide receiver option.

  • Andy Holloway [20:37]: “He is a guy that's a plug and play startable guy...”

• Donchrell Inman: In deeper leagues, Inman offers steady targets within the Chargers' pass-heavy offense, complementing Stevie Johnson effectively.

  • Jason Moore [21:03]: “He's not a bad option in my opinion.”

• Kamar Aiken vs. Stevie Johnson: While both are reliable, Stevie Johnson is preferred for his consistent baseline performance, although Kamar Aiken offers more downfield potential.

  • Jason Moore [21:26]: “I'd rather have Stevie just because it's, it's filled with quarterbacks...”

• Doug Baldwin: With Garrett Sinnett gone, Baldwin may see increased targets, making him a solid pickup for steady receiving points.

  • Andy Holloway [25:31]: “Doug Baldwin is a good pickup...”

Other Notable Mentions

• Devonte Parker: With Rashad Matthews out, Parker presents upside as a potential breakout candidate, though his reliability remains uncertain.
• Sean Drake: Despite limited production, Drake is valuable for consistent volume in a run-heavy 49ers offense.
• Theo Riddick, Amir Abdullah, Alfred Morris, Alfred Blue: These running backs offer varying degrees of upside based on team dynamics and injury statuses.

4. Running Back Analysis

David Johnson's Rise

David Johnson has become indispensable for fantasy managers due to his dual-threat capability as a runner and receiver. His involvement in wheel routes and passing plays makes him a high-upside asset.

• Jason Moore [28:07]: “I mean, what's... Believe this is why people like the zero running back strategy...”

Waiver Wire Running Backs

• Spencer Ware: Efficient when given opportunities, especially if Char West remains injured, making him a valuable short-term addition.

• Sean Drake: Provides consistent snaps in a lone-back scenario, essential for volume accumulation.

• Alfred Morris & Alfred Blue: Both offer different advantages, with Morris providing a steady hand and Blue delivering high-volume opportunities when available.

• Jay Ajayi: Recommended as a handcuff for Lamar Miller, especially important in keeper and dynasty leagues.

• Jason Moore [34:22]: “...If you can only grab one of these guys, which one would you prefer to have on your team? The pass catcher or the...”

Injuries Impacting Running Backs

The season has seen significant injuries among top running backs, complicating fantasy strategies and heightening the importance of strategic pickups to fill gaps.

• Andy Holloway [29:51]: “...He has the most fantasy points per attempt when he touches the ball.”

5. Tight End Insights

Scott Chandler as a Replacement

With Rob Gronkowski potentially sidelined, Scott Chandler emerges as a reliable tight end option. His involvement in the Patriots' offense provides a safety net for fantasy managers.

• Andy Holloway [37:44]: “Scott Chandler is a great option to have because he's obviously going to fill in...”

Vance McDonald and Zach Miller

Vance McDonald has shown career-high performances, making him an enticing pickup, while Zach Miller remains a viable option for users seeking additional targets in the Patriots' offense.

• Jason Moore [38:11]: “Vance McDonald takes on Chicago, which they've been pretty good.”

Other Tight End Options

• Zach Miller, Ryan Griffin, Cameron Braid: These tight ends offer varying degrees of upside based on their involvement in high-scoring games and favorable matchups.

• Jason Moore [39:43]: “I really like him. If you miss out on Scott Chandler and you can get Vance McDonald for very cheap...”

6. Streaming Defenses

With Justin Houston injured, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense becomes unreliable. Instead, managers are advised to consider alternative defenses based on favorable matchups and current performance metrics.

• Recommended Defenses:

  • Washington: Solid defensive performance.
  • Dallas: Benefiting from Tony Romo’s absence.
  • Chicago Bears: Strong secondary capable of shutting down high-powered offenses.

• Andy Holloway [41:07]: “...look for the team playing against the Ravens because Matt Schaub likes to throw pick sixes.”

7. Streaming Quarterbacks

As playoff positions solidify, streaming quarterbacks based on weekly matchups becomes crucial. The hosts discuss several viable options:

• Ryan Tannehill (TEN vs. BAL): Facing a weaker Baltimore defense, Tannehill is a strong candidate for a productive week.

  • Jason Moore [44:34]: “Ryan Tannehill at home against Baltimore. I think it's a situation where Tannehill can really succeed.”

• Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUFF vs. NYG): With a susceptible New York Giants secondary, Fitzpatrick offers both passing and rushing upside.

  • Andy Holloway [46:02]: “Ryan Fitzpatrick has been solid this year...”

• Alex Smith (CHI vs. OAK): Exhibiting improved passing efficiency and mobility, Smith is poised for a high-scoring game against Oakland's defense.

  • Andy Holloway [47:51]: “His last four weeks he's run for 35 yards, 33 yards, 33 yards and 76 yards.”

• Other QB Options: Jay Cutler, Marcus Mariota, and Matt Stafford are mentioned as alternatives based on their respective matchups and current form.

8. Community Engagement

The hosts invite listeners to join their fantasy football community for year-round discussions, strategies, and support.

• Marty McBride [50:05]: “...any parting words, Mr. Elf on the shelf? Good luck spending the rest of the day doing that sucker.”

Conclusion

Week 13 of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of waiver wire pickups, streaming options, and essential news that can significantly influence fantasy football outcomes as the regular season wraps up. Key takeaways include prioritizing David Johnson on waivers, considering reliable streaming options for quarterbacks and defenses, and staying vigilant with tight end and running back strategies amid ongoing injuries.

For more insights and detailed strategies, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @the_ffballers.