Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 17 Fantasy Forecast, Sits of the Week, Playoff News

Release Date: December 30, 2015

Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, the Fantasy Footballers deliver an in-depth analysis of Week 17 matchups, player performances, injury updates, and strategic recommendations to help fantasy managers secure their league titles.

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts reflecting on the swiftly passing year and sharing their quiet New Year's Eve plans. Andy Holloway sets the stage for a comprehensive discussion focused on Week 17, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making as the fantasy football season nears its conclusion.

2. Fantasy Trivia

First Trivia Question: Andy presents a challenge:

"I have never eclipsed 20 points in a game this season. However, I'm a top 10 player at my position. My longest catch of the season has been 35 yards. I've only reached the hundred-yard mark one time this season. And I haven't had a multi-touchdown game since 2013. Who am I?" ([02:58])

Answer Revealed: Jason Moore and Mike Wright attempt to guess, ultimately confirming:

"The answer is Eric Decker." ([03:51])

Second Trivia Question: Andy shares another puzzle:

"2015 has not been my best fantasy season. I started off really hot proving why fantasy owners took me as the eighth player off the board at my position. Then I became ice cold. Only eclipsing 75 yards twice since week four. And in standard leagues, I'm not even a number one receiver on my team anymore. I had more touchdowns in week three than I had in my last 12 games combined. Who am I?" ([04:31])

Answer Revealed: Jason quickly identifies:

"Randall Cobb." ([05:31])

Insights:

• Eric Decker's consistent performance, albeit limited by reduced yardage and lack of multi-TD games.
• Randall Cobb's underwhelming season relative to expectations, highlighting concerns about his role in the Packers' offense.

3. Player and Team Analysis

Aaron Rodgers vs. Tom Brady

The trio delves into the impact of losing a top wide receiver, focusing on Aaron Rodgers and comparing him to Tom Brady:

"Aaron Rodgers is probably going to be my number one quarterback next year... He's been very consistent." ([09:05])

"I probably will take Rodgers over Brady." ([10:18])

Key Points:

• Rodgers remains a top-tier fantasy QB despite the Packers' offensive struggles without Jordy Nelson.
• Brady's performance dips when Rob Gronkowski is out, contrasting with Rodgers' sustained excellence.

Chip Kelly's Departure from the Eagles

Andy discusses the implications of Chip Kelly being fired:

"The polish that comes with being in a Chip Kelly offense is now gone from those players heading into next year because Chip Kelly's not going to be there." ([13:18])

Key Points:

• Uncertainty surrounding the Eagles' offensive strategy post-Kelly.
• Potential shifts in player roles and team performance impacting fantasy values.

Injury Updates

• Jonathan Stewart not practicing ([14:17])
• Alshon Jeffries placed on IR with a groin injury ([14:49])
• Charles Clay also on IR, prompting fantasy managers to consider alternatives ([15:01])

4. Week 17 Fantasy Forecasts

A. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans

Key Players:

• Blake Bortles vs. Houston's strong run defense.
• Alan Robinson and Allen Hurns as key tight ends.
• Denard Robinson potentially limited by the Texans' defense.

Recommendations:

"I would sit Denard Robinson because of the tough matchup." ([22:39])

B. New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

Key Players:

• Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jets QB) vs. a vulnerable Bills' pass defense.
• Bilal Powell vs. Chris Ivory, with Powell emerging as the preferred RB.

Recommendations:

"Start Bilal Powell over Chris Ivory due to Ivory's recent performance." ([25:05])

"Start Ryan Fitzpatrick; he's likely to throw two touchdowns." ([29:28])

C. Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

Key Players:

• Limited fantasy options due to injuries and team strategy.
• Darren McFadden as a reliable RB option against a weak run defense.

Recommendations:

"Start Darren McFadden; Washington's run defense isn't strong." ([32:43])

D. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns

Key Players:

• Ben Roethlisberger vs. Tennessee's formidable defense.
• Martavis Bryant as a potential WR option despite recent struggles.

Recommendations:

"Start Ben Roethlisberger over Blake Bortles due to Bortles' tough matchup." ([35:09])

E. New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins

Key Players:

• Lamar Miller shown as a questionable RB due to New England's strong run defense.

Recommendations:

"Sit Lamar Miller; his matchup is unfavorable." ([59:04])

F. Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Key Players:

• AJ McCarron steps in for Bengals' injured QB.
• A.J. Green and Kamar Aiken as WR options.

Recommendations:

"Start A.J. Green against the Ravens’ pass defense." ([46:23])

G. New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons

Key Players:

• Julio Jones and Devontae Freeman as top performers.

Recommendations:

"Start Devontae Freeman; he's poised for a big game." ([53:28])

5. Sits of the Week

Quarterbacks:

• Derek Carr (against the Chiefs) – "I'm not playing Derek Carr." ([55:27])
• Russell Wilson – "I'm going to sit Russell Wilson against a strong Cardinals defense." ([56:16])
• Philip Rivers (against the Denver Broncos) – "Bench Philip Rivers; find another option." ([56:15])

Running Backs:

• Carlos Williams vs. Jets – "Sit Carlos Williams due to Jag-Tex matchup." ([27:37])
• Matt Forte – "Sit Matt Forte; consider backup Langford." ([58:56])
• Lamar Miller – "Sit Lamar Miller against New England's run defense." ([58:07])

Wide Receivers:

• Sammy Watkins vs. Jets – "Do not start Sammy Watkins; favor Brandon Cooks." ([62:37])
• Mike Evans vs. Carolina – "Sit Mike Evans against Josh Norman’s coverage." ([61:44])
• Jordan Reed vs. Cowboys – "Do not play Jordan Reed; consider alternatives." ([63:14])

Tight Ends:

• Richard Rodgers – "He’s not a fantasy option at tight end." ([63:03])
• Jordan Reed – "Sit Jordan Reed due to uncertainty in performance." ([63:14])

6. Playoff News and Insights

• Gus Bradley confirmed to return as Jaguars’ head coach next season, sparking optimism about the team's upward trajectory.
• Dante Fowler Jr. re-signs with the Jaguars after an ACL recovery, enhancing their defensive line.
• Speculation around Chip Kelly potentially joining the Titans, which could influence future team dynamics and player performances.

"If Chip Kelly goes to Tennessee, Mariota's value could skyrocket." ([49:08])

7. Strategic Recommendations

• Start Emphasized Players: Ben Roethlisberger, Darren McFadden, A.J. Green, Devontae Freeman.
• Sit Highly Owned but Underperforming Players: Eric Decker, Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins.
• Streaming Options: Utilize Keyshawn Martin and James White for flex positions due to favorable matchups.
• Manage Injuries Carefully: Avoid players like Ryan Lindley and Josh Freeman, who pose high injury risks during critical playoff matchups.

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up with a reminder to join their playoff challenge league for added excitement and strategic competition. They tease upcoming content focused on preparing for the 2016 season, ensuring fantasy managers stay ahead of the game.

"Don't forget to visit us on the web at www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow us on Twitter @theffballers." ([65:41])

This detailed analysis equips fantasy football enthusiasts with the necessary insights and strategic advice to navigate the pivotal Week 17, optimize their rosters, and secure championship victories.