Fantasy Footballers Podcast - 2015 Week 16 Review Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Week 16 Review, Studs and Duds, MNF Preview, Playoff News
Release Date: December 28, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Week 16 Performance Review

As Week 16 of the NFL season wraps up, the Fantasy Footballers delve into the performances that significantly impacted fantasy leagues. The hosts commend players who delivered standout performances while scrutinizing those who underperformed when it mattered most.

Key Highlights:

• Andy Holloway's Emotional Rollercoaster:
  Andy shares a personal anecdote about his emotional investment in the week’s games, particularly highlighting Allen Robinson's unexpected 90-yard touchdown.

  "Alan Robinson got a 90-yard touchdown, which was worth 17 and a half points in our league." [02:03]

• Quarterback Struggles:
  The trio discusses the disappointing performances from top quarterbacks, naming Cam Newton, Ben Roethlisberger, and Tom Brady as having their worst fantasy games of the season.

  "Big Ben, Tom Brady, and Cam Newton had their worst fantasy game." [06:22]

• Defensive Analysis:
  They analyze how defensive line issues, especially with the Seahawks and Packers, have hindered quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers.

  "Ignoring the offensive line in the draft or having issues on the offensive line, you know, it doesn't matter how good of a quarterback it gets you." [23:45]

2. Studs and Duds

The hosts categorize players based on their Week 16 performances, celebrating those who excelled ("Studs") and lamenting those who disappointed ("Duds").

Studs of the Week:

• Brandon Marshall:
  Achieved a career-high in touchdowns, making him a vital asset for fantasy owners.

  "Brandon Marshall, eight for 115. Two touchdowns. Sets a career high in touchdowns this year under Ryan Fitzpatrick's." [25:33]

• DeAndre Hopkins and Jordan Matthews:
  Both players consistently delivered, with Matthews being dubbed a "sanitation engineer superstar."

  "When the game is out of hand... Jordan Matthews led by your team captains." [26:57]

• Running Backs D'Angelo Williams & Tim Hightower:
  Both provided significant yardage and touchdowns, proving indispensable for their fantasy teams.

  "Tim Hightower was monstrous turning back the clock 27 for 122. Two touchdowns." [28:43]

Duds of the Week:

• Martavis Bryant:
  Despite high expectations, Bryant only recorded one catch, disappointing many fantasy owners.

  "Martavis Bryant gets one catch. Well, after 10 catches against Denver's... he made a terrible game." [45:19]

• Randall Cobb:
  His performance was lackluster, raising concerns about his reliability in future games.

  "I'd be covering Randall Cobb. He doesn't look the same to me." [48:17]

• Running Backs from Seattle:
  Players like Christine Michael and Shane Vereen failed to make meaningful contributions.

  "James Starks didn't do a thing against Arizona." [43:37]

3. Monday Night Football (MNF) Preview

Looking ahead to the critical Week 17 matchups, the Fantasy Footballers provide strategic insights to help listeners navigate what could be decisive games for fantasy championships.

Game Spotlight: Bengals vs. Broncos

• Backup Quarterbacks on Deck:
  Both teams are fielding backup quarterbacks, making it unpredictable.

  "You've got the two backup quarterbacks, the two great defenses." [52:43]

• Emphasis on Defense:
  The importance of strong defensive performances is underscored, especially with teams like Denver's defense being top scorers in fantasy leagues.

  "In standard leagues, the number one scoring option, fantasy option was the Arizona Cardinals defense." [34:51]

Strategic Recommendations:

• Flexibility in Lineups:
  The hosts advocate for a streaming strategy, allowing owners to adapt based on weekly performances rather than being locked into a drafted player.

  "Freedom in streaming, where you go, I'm just going to play the guy that I think has the best chance this week." [37:17]

• Avoiding Risky Players:
  Owners are advised to steer clear of players like A.J. Green if they're questionable for the MNF game.

  "If you're a Brady owner playing in week 17, you're very happy with that coin toss going the wrong way in overtime." [42:43]

4. Playoff News and Implications

With the playoffs on the horizon, the hosts discuss team standings, potential playoff scenarios, and waiver wire moves to strengthen championship-contending teams.

Key Points:

• Patriots and Panthers Losing:
  Both teams’ losses heighten the stakes for remaining games, especially for securing home-field advantage.

  "Both the Patriots and the Panthers both lost, making Week 17 extremely relevant to them." [10:56]

• Dynamic Standings:
  Shifts in team performances create uncertainty, urging owners to stay vigilant with their lineups.

  "There have been some very good breaks for those owners of players in those leagues." [05:44]

Injury Updates:

• Matt Hasselbeck Retirement:
  An unexpected injury forces adjustments, with backup quarterbacks like Charlie Whitehurst stepping in.

  "Matt Hasselbeck will somehow start that game because they're still in it." [12:26]

• Aaron Rodgers' Decline:
  Rodgers experiences a significant drop in performance, correlating with offensive line struggles.

  "Aaron Rodgers, the first four games of the season was something like 73% accuracy wise. Since then it's in the 50s." [48:37]

5. Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, the hosts share memorable insights and humorous remarks that encapsulate the highs and lows of the fantasy football season.

• Andy Holloway on Emotional Investment:

  "My wife and I were already planning my wardrobe for today in all black with a black veil." [01:32]

• Marshall Faulk on League Investment:

  "If you have any doubt out there of the three of us being as invested in our leagues as you are in yours, let that be put to rest." [03:34]

• Jason Moore on Player Reliability:

  "Randall Cobb doesn't look the same to me. And you mix that with nobody over the top, that gives you any danger." [48:17]

• Humorous Banter on Kickers and Players:

  "Our rally cry against kickers, Blair Walsh... Better than most running back." [36:32]

6. Conclusion

As the Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode, they emphasize the importance of staying engaged through the offseason, preparing for Week 17, and making strategic moves to secure fantasy championships. They encourage listeners to utilize their online resources, engage on social media, and leverage the podcast’s insights to navigate the final stretch of the fantasy football season successfully.

"Thank you for listening to another edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Don't forget to visit us on the web at www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers." [57:44]

Note: This summary encapsulates the key discussions and highlights from the Fantasy Footballers' Week 16 episode, providing actionable insights and memorable moments for both seasoned and novice fantasy football enthusiasts.