Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Episode - Week 15 Fantasy Forecast, Starts of the Week, News

Release Date: December 17, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this high-energy episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the latest happenings in the fantasy football landscape as Week 15 approaches. Packed with in-depth analysis, timely news updates, and strategic advice, the trio ensures listeners are well-equipped to make winning decisions in their leagues.

Quick Question Game: 2015 Player Season Snapshots

To kick off the episode, the hosts engage in their signature "Quick Question" segment, where they describe the fantasy performance of various players using just one word. This playful yet insightful game offers a snapshot of each player's season trajectory.

• Aaron Rodgers

  • Jason Moore (04:44): "Sad."
  • Mike Wright (04:48): "Mediocre."
    Mike clarifies: "Aaron Rodgers has still been very good. But for a quarterback who a lot of people are drafting at the end of the first round or so, that's not the production you're expecting."

• Tom Brady

  • Jason Moore (05:09): "Overproduction."
  • Mike Wright (05:10) echoes this sentiment by highlighting Brady's elevated performance compared to previous years.

• Eddie Lacy

  • Jason Moore (05:40): "Fat."
  • Mike Wright (05:47) counters: "Late bloomer."

• Deonte Freeman

  • Jason Moore (06:07): "Winner."
    He explains: "He's the type of player that changes a losing team into a winner."

• Calvin Johnson

  • Mike Wright (06:32): "Aging."

• Philip Rivers

  • Jason Moore (06:56): "Explosion."
    He elaborates: Rivers started strong but has seen a decline in touchdowns over recent weeks.

• Chris Ivory

  • Mike Wright (07:36): "Steady."
  • Jason Moore (07:53): "Fed."
    Mike adds: "He's been that very reliable guy."

• Cam Newton

  • Jason Moore (08:18): "Dab."
    Andy comments: Newton is embracing his celebratory gestures confidently.

News and Notes

Washington Redskins Running Backs Shuffle

• Dejuan Harris Cut

  • Andy Holloway (09:56): Dejuan Harris, initially benefitting from Jonathan Grimes's injury, has been released from the Redskins.
  • Mike Wright (10:35): Highlights the impact of Christine Michael's signing on Harris's departure.

• Bryce Brown Signing

  • Jason Moore (11:40): Anticipates Bryce Brown to take the bulk of the carries, with Christine Michael serving as a solid backup.

• Christine Michael's Seahawks Move

  • Mike Wright (10:27): Christine Michael's sudden signing by the Seahawks garnered over 4 million tweets in 30 seconds, signaling Seattle's aggressive moves.

Patriots Running Back Updates

• LeGarrett Blount on Injured Reserve

  • Andy Holloway (14:17): The Patriots lose another running back for the season with LeGarrett Blount's placement on IR, exacerbating their RB depth issues.

• Brandon Bolden and James White's Roles

  • Jason Moore (15:17): Predicts continued carries for James White and potential shifts in game plans affecting Brandon Bolden's usage.

Injury Updates and Player Statuses

• T.J. Yelden's Injury

  • Andy Holloway (16:46): T.J. Yelden is doubtful for Week 15 due to a sprained MCL, though there's hope for his return next week.

• Julian Edelman's Recovery

  • Mike Wright (22:10): Julian Edelman is practicing in full, suggesting his potential return to the lineup and its implications for fantasy decisions.

• Tyler Eifert's Concussion

  • Andy Holloway (24:18): Tyler Eifert remains out following concussion protocols, impacting tight end options for the week.

• Alshon Jeffery's Calf Strain

  • Jason Moore (26:50): Alshon Jeffery's calf injury is a concern, leading many to consider sitting him in favor of more reliable receivers.

Team Performance Insights

• Chicago Bears' Offense Struggles

  • Jason Moore (57:05): Discusses Matt Forte's inconsistent performance and the Bears' offensive inefficiencies against a formidable Vikings defense.

• Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins Matchup

  • Jason Moore (40:36): Analyzes the Cowboys' defensive prowess and Predicts muted offensive output, advising fantasy owners to be cautious with high-risk players like Des Bryant.

Fantasy Forecast: Starts of the Week

The core of the episode revolves around strategic starts across various positions. Below are the highlights from each category:

Quarterbacks

• Alex Smith (49:30)

  • Andy Holloway: Presents Alex Smith as a reliable option against a Ravens defense notorious for interceptions.
    Quote: "He's not going to kill you with turnovers and I think he'll put, you know, one or two into the end zone this week, if not more." [64:35]

• Ryan Fitzpatrick (64:03)

  • Mike Wright: Endorses Fitzpatrick as a safe streaming option, citing his recent performance spike with nine touchdowns in three weeks.
    Quote: "I just think he is a great safe streaming option." [64:48]

• Blake Bortles (66:01)

  • Jason Moore: Advocates for Bortles, highlighting his multi-touchdown games and favorable matchup against Atlanta.
    Quote: "He's been on fire. I really love Blake Bortles this week." [67:04]

Running Backs

• Darren Sprols (68:28)

  • Mike Wright: Chooses Sprols for his favorable matchup against Arizona's defensive weaknesses on the edge.
    Quote: "I think that, they will game plan sprolls and he's. I got him down for five or six catches. I think he's going to be great." [68:39]

• Denard Robinson (69:12)

  • Jason Moore: Selects Robinson as the preferred RB for the Jaguars, emphasizing his reliability and improved performance.
    Quote: "Denard Robinson is the only guy that I want to start from the majority of waiver claims this week." [69:48]

• Tim Hightower (72:00)

  • Andy Holloway: Opts for Hightower due to his high carry count and dependable performance against a tough running defense.
    Quote: "He had a touchdown the last two weeks, which is why we're thinking of him as locked and loaded." [72:27]

Wide Receivers

• Michael Floyd (63:52)

  • Andy Holloway: Picks Floyd for his consistent performance and big-play potential against a vulnerable Philadelphia defense.
    Quote: "He's being utilized to the full. I really like Heath Miller." [75:00]

• Ted Ginn Jr. (70:59)

  • Jason Moore: Chooses Ginn for his high upside and consistent touchdown scoring, especially against the Giants' weak secondary.
    Quote: "He's a guy that is still on waivers. He started in almost no leagues and he should be." [70:59]

• Golden Tate (72:35)

  • Mike Wright: Starts Tate based on his high target volume and the favorable matchup against New Orleans' defense.
    Quote: "They have to keep pace with the score of Drew Brees and his wide receiver core." [73:17]

Tight Ends

• Gary Barnage (73:17)

  • Jason Moore: Advocates for Barnage due to his consistency and favorable matchup against a Seattle defense that struggles against tight ends.
    Quote: "Gary Barnage is a safe play this week." [74:18]

• Heath Miller (75:30)

  • Andy Holloway: Starts Miller conditionally based on his participation in practice, valuing his reliability and matchup against Denver's defense.
    Quote: "He's reliable. Big Ben loves him. I really like Heath Miller." [75:58]

Notable Quotes

1. On Aaron Rodgers' Performance
   Mike Wright (04:48): "Aaron Rodgers has still been very good. But for a quarterback who a lot of people are drafting at the end of the first round or so, that's not the production you're expecting."

2. On Tom Brady's Unexpected Overproduction
   Mike Wright (05:13): "This is Tom Brady closer to the Randy Moss type years. So it's. I personally was not expecting anything close to this."

3. On Denard Robinson's Week 15 Prospects
   Mike Wright (18:07): "Denard Robinson is not a guy who can do it week after week after week. But good news, everybody. One week. That's what you need from Denard Robinson."

4. On Julian Edelman's Potential Return
   Jason Moore (23:03): "If Edelman plays, which I got to think if he's practicing in full, that he's going to play, then I would start him and I would again hedge my bets against, you know, if you've got other good options to start, then sure, wait a week."

5. On Mike Evans vs. Randall Cobb
   Jason Moore (33:40): "Mike Evans has that high ceiling. He has that game that you can have in a playoff that you need in week 15. You need a guy that can go out there and dump 30 and have that opportunity."

Conclusion

As Week 15 looms, the Fantasy Footballers provide a comprehensive guide for fantasy managers navigating the final stretch of the season. From managing injuries and player availability to identifying optimal starts, the hosts equip their audience with the insights needed to clinch playoff berths and ultimately win their leagues. Whether it's leveraging the high upside of breakout players like Blake Bortles or securing dependable options like Alex Smith, this episode is a must-listen for any serious fantasy football contender.

Listen to the full episode for detailed analysis and more insider tips to dominate your fantasy league!