Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Week 16 Christmas Episode Part 2
Release Date: December 23, 2015

In this festive Week 16 episode, the Fantasy Footballers—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—delve deep into critical matchups, player evaluations, and playoff implications to equip fantasy managers with the insights needed to clinch victory in their leagues. The episode seamlessly navigates through various team analyses, player performances, and listener questions, all while maintaining an engaging and informative tone.

1. New England Patriots vs. New York Jets

Running Backs: Evan Powell vs. Robert Ivory

The discussion kicks off with the Patriots' clash against the Jets, emphasizing the importance of this game for New York’s playoff hopes.

• Mike Wright [00:00]:
  "Powell has been the fantasy producing running back on this team since he returned... I like him a lot in half point and full point PPR leagues."
  Wright highlights Evan Powell as a reliable RB1 option, contrasting him with Robert Ivory, who offers predictable but less explosive returns.

• Jason Moore [01:07]:
  "I like Powell more than Ivory this week."
  Moore concurs with Wright, favoring Powell based on projected game flow and the Patriots' likely control of the game.

• Andy Holloway [01:23]:
  "I'm not very high on Ivory. I would rather have a Frank Gore or a Tim Hightower over Ivory."
  Holloway voices skepticism about Ivory’s upside, preferring other running backs with higher potential for explosive plays.

Quarterback and Wide Receivers: Ryan Fitzpatrick and James White

The trio examines Ryan Fitzpatrick's performance and the evolving role of James White in the Jets’ offense.

• Mike Wright [01:29]:
  "James White has become more dependable... he's more of a cog in the offense."
  Wright appreciates White’s increased integration into the offense, noting his improved reliability.

• Andy Holloway [02:00]:
  "James White has had 10 catches, seven catches, and he's looking better and better."
  Holloway supports White’s fantasy value, especially in PPR formats, highlighting his receiving capabilities despite limited carries.

Strategy Insight:

The hosts agree that while Powell remains the safer choice, White offers significant upside for fantasy owners, especially in leagues that reward receptions.

2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills

Wide Receivers: DEZ Bryant and Sammy Watkins

The Cowboys-Bills matchup sparks a debate over the reliability of DEZ Bryant and the stellar performance of Sammy Watkins.

• Jason Moore [05:12]:
  "I'm gonna have to play in this week's Warner, and it's a good thing that SAM are you are you're got to have a touchdown bomb to make your week."
  Moore underscores Bryant's potential as a high-ceiling option, especially when the Cowboys distribute the ball effectively to him.

• Mike Wright [06:19]:
  "Sammy Watkins is still very startable for me... he’s too hot right now."
  Wright praises Watkins’ hot streak, making him a must-start player given his explosive performances.

Running Backs: Darren McFadden vs. Carlos Williams

The focus shifts to comparing McFadden and Williams, evaluating their matchups and current form.

• Andy Holloway [07:17]:
  "I like Darren McFadden... over Carlos Williams, start him over the DeAndre Robinson Yelden Dance."
  Holloway favors McFadden for his consistent productivity and favorable matchup against Buffalo’s defense.

• Jason Moore [08:10]:
  "Darren McFadden, he found one of those Mega Man Energy tanks he replenished and he's now he's good to go."
  Moore jokingly emphasizes McFadden’s revitalized performance, bolstering his fantasy rank.

Strategic Takeaway:

Both Bryant and Watkins emerge as top wide receiver choices, while McFadden stands out as a preferred running back due to his strong matchup and consistent output.

3. Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

Wide Receivers: Calvin Johnson, Tyler Lockett, and Michael Floyd

The episode explores the Falcons-Panthers game, dissecting Calvin Johnson's role and the potentials of other wide receivers.

• Andy Holloway [19:35]:
  "I would go Calvin over Tyler Lockett."
  Holloway expresses cautious optimism about Calvin Johnson, balancing it against Tyler Lockett’s performances.

• Jason Moore [24:06]:
  "DeAndre Hopkins is still a must-start guy."
  Moore remains confident in Hopkins’ consistent involvement, advocating for his start despite concerns.

Running Backs: Devontae Freeman vs. Rashad Jennings

The hosts evaluate Freeman and Jennings, considering their usage and matchups against tough run defenses.

• Andy Holloway [44:20]:
  "You don't want to get into some kind of a shootout. You need to control the ball a little bit more and get a better running game."
  Holloway advises cautious utilization of Jennings, noting his productive past but uncertain matchup.

Conclusion on Falcons-Panthers:

While Calvin Johnson and Michael Floyd show promise, the aggressive run defenses posed by the Panthers may limit their upside, necessitating selective starts based on matchups.

4. Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans

Wide Receivers and Running Backs: DeAndre Hopkins, Rashad Jennings

The Texans-Titans game analysis centers on DeAndre Hopkins' reliability and Rashad Jennings' potential against formidable defenses.

• Jason Moore [24:06]:
  "DeAndre Hopkins is still a must-start guy."
  Moore reiterates Hopkins' importance in fantasy lineups due to his high target volume and consistent production.

• Andy Holloway [44:29]:
  "Rashad Jennings has always been a very productive runner."
  Holloway highlights Jennings' capability but remains cautious about his current sharing of carries and matchup against Minnesota’s robust run defense.

Strategic Insights:

Hopkins remains a top wide receiver option, whereas Jennings offers upside contingent on favorable matchups and increased usage.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

Running Backs and Wide Receivers: Buck Allen and Others

The Steelers-Ravens duel prompts analysis of Buck Allen’s role and the implications for fantasy managers.

• Andy Holloway [27:48]:
  "Buck Allen is going to be their main pass catching back... I think that he's going to have a decent game."
  Holloway provides a nuanced view of Allen’s role, acknowledging his pass-receiving potential while warning of possible fumbles.

• Jason Moore [37:02]:
  "I'm not going to chase those points, especially against the Bengals."
  Moore emphasizes caution in high-variance matchups, advising managers to consider safer options.

Fantasy Strategy:

While Buck Allen presents a viable option in PPR formats, the hosts advise weighing his potential against the Steelers' tough run defense, recommending flexibility based on team composition and risk tolerance.

6. Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals

Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers: Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Carson Palmer

The Packers-Cardinals showdown is dissected with a focus on quarterback performances and receiver options.

• Mike Wright [38:23]:
  "DeMarious Thomas over Roth Smith."
  Wright advises prioritizing high-target receivers like Thomas, especially when quarterbacks are involved in dynamic offenses.

• Andy Holloway [40:15]:
  "I'm not going to play Richard Rogers, I'm not going to play James Jones."
  Holloway opts out of playing certain receivers due to anticipated tight coverage, advising managers to seek higher-upside options.

Key Takeaways:

Given the critical playoff implications, the Packers’ offensive players, particularly quarterbacks and wide receivers, are scrutinized for their potential impact on both teams’ standings, urging managers to prioritize high-impact players with favorable matchups.

7. Giants vs. Vikings

Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers: Case Keenum vs. Aaron Rodgers

In the high-stakes Giants-Vikings game, the trio evaluates the quarterback choices and wide receiver options amidst uncertainty regarding player availability.

• Mike Wright [41:34]:
  "Case Keenum is going to play, and you have to decide based on his performance."
  Wright discusses the quarterback decision, highlighting Keenum’s inconsistency and the potential return of Aaron Rodgers.

• Jason Moore [42:20]:
  "I started Deandre Hopkins because he's consistently targeted."
  Moore emphasizes the importance of reliable wide receivers like Hopkins, even amidst quarterback uncertainties.

Fantasy Insight:

The Giants-Vikings matchup demands careful quarterback and receiver evaluations, with a preference for proven performers in volatile game scenarios.

8. Listener Mailbag

Questions on Waiver Wire Moves and Player Starts

The hosts address listener queries, providing personalized advice on waiver wire strategies and optimal player starts for championship pursuits.

• Brian from St. Paul, MN [54:32]:
  "Should non-playoff teams make waiver moves aggressively?"
  Response:
  Jason Moore [55:19]:
  "I hate everybody in the league when I have to make aggressive moves to win."
  Andy Holloway [56:53]:
  Advocates for continued waiver activity to improve team performance, cautioning against collusion.

• D from [58:25]:
  "Choose two running backs from David Johnson, Todd Gurley, or D'Angelo Williams."
  Response:
  Jason Moore [58:27]:
  Chooses Johnson and Williams over Gurley based on matchup and consistency.

• Mike from Bel Air [58:41]:
  "How to start players like Tim, DeMarious Thomas, and others against tough opponents."
  Response:
  Jason Moore [59:06]:
  Emphasizes starting high-volume players like Michael over limited upside candidates when facing strong defenses.

Key Advice:

The Fantasy Footballers encourage active participation in waiver moves to enhance team strength, especially for non-playoff teams aiming for a late-season surge, while warning against unfair collusion practices.

9. Holiday Cheer and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts share personal anecdotes and holiday greetings, fostering a community atmosphere.

• Mike Wright [52:21]:
  "A lot of people sit by the fire, play this episode every year... it sounds like a family tradition."
  Wright shares heartwarming moments from his own holiday celebrations, including festive drives with family.

• Jason Moore [64:36]:
  "Happy birthday to my wife."
  Moore extends personal well-wishes, adding a touch of warmth to the festive discussion.

• Andy Holloway [54:35]:
  "Fantasy stockings."
  The trio coins a new hashtag #FantasyStocking, inviting listeners to share their championship stories and celebrate their victories.

Final Thoughts:

The Fantasy Footballers express gratitude to their listeners, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and encouraging them to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the game and celebrating each other’s successes, reinforcing the communal spirit of fantasy football.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Wright [00:00]:
  "Ivory is still a baseline type of guy... It's not going to be a Powell on the one yard line."

• Jason Moore [01:07]:
  "I like Powell more than Ivory this week."

• Andy Holloway [07:17]:
  "If he doesn't have a touchdown, he should be okay in that running game."

• Mike Wright [05:43]:
  "The ability to force feed him a little bit because the equation for scoring points is getting the ball into your best player."

• Jason Moore [06:08]:
  "DEZ Bryant is a monster of a man."

• Andy Holloway [44:20]:
  "Rashad Jennings has always been a very productive runner."

• Mike Wright [55:19]:
  "I hate everybody in the league when I have to make aggressive moves to win."

• Jason Moore [58:27]:
  "You got to pick two out of David Johnson, Todd Gurley and D'Angelo Williams."

Conclusion

This Week 16 Christmas special of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of pivotal matchups and player performances, enriched with expert opinions and strategic advice. Whether you’re navigating the waiver wire, making crucial start/sit decisions, or strategizing for the playoffs, the Fantasy Footballers provide the guidance needed to elevate your fantasy game. Merry Christmas and best of luck in your championship endeavors!