Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Week 17 Matchups, Starts of the Week, News
Release Date: December 31, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction and New Year's Reflections

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted acknowledgment of Robin Williams' passing, setting a reflective tone as the hosts discuss the nearing end of 2015 and their plans for New Year's celebrations.

• Jason Moore [00:53]: "We've got our fantasy forecast, the second half of the games. We've got our starts of the week on today's show."

2. New Year's Resolutions for Fantasy Football

The hosts delve into their personal fantasy football New Year's resolutions, emphasizing the importance of depth in their rosters to navigate potential injuries and performance fluctuations.

• Andy Holloway [04:02]: "I resolve to hold the higher upside running backs, the backup running backs. I'm going to hold them longer."

• Jason Moore [05:31]: "My new year's resolution is to become better at depth on my team."

The discussion highlights Andy's experience with Jeremy Hill and David Johnson, underscoring the value of retaining high-upside players. Jason reflects on his tendency to prioritize elite starters over depth, aiming to balance his roster more effectively in the upcoming season.

3. Stat Corrections and Championship Impacts

A significant portion is dedicated to the frustration surrounding stat corrections that impacted championship outcomes.

• Jason Moore [11:07]: "That's terrible."

• Andy Holloway [11:06]: "We feel it. I've never had a title revoked that way. It is brutal."

The hosts recount instances where stat corrections for players like D'Angelo Williams and Denard Robinson led to unexpected title revocations, expressing empathy for affected listeners and highlighting the importance of accurate record-keeping in fantasy leagues.

4. Injury News and Updates

The hosts provide comprehensive updates on player injuries, focusing on implications for Week 17 matchups.

• Mike Wright [12:43]: "News and notes from around the league."

• Jason Moore [13:27]: "The C.J. Spiller experiment ends on IR, I believe."

Key discussions include the Washington Redskins' uncertain starter status, the questionable availability of Tyrod Taylor, and the implications of injuries to players like Jonathan Stewart and Ted Ginn for team performances. The segment emphasizes the need for fantasy owners to stay vigilant and adjust their lineups based on the latest injury reports.

5. Starts of the Week Recommendations

The hosts share their top recommendations for starting players across various positions, backed by analysis of recent performances and upcoming matchups.

a. Quarterbacks

• Jason Moore [23:00]: Eli Manning

  • Quote: "I like Eli Manning to bounce back in a big way against Philadelphia and come out and light it up."

• Mike Wright [24:12]: Drew Brees

  • Quote: "I think this is going to be a game where you just have offenses putting points on the board left and right."

• Andy Holloway [24:24]: Matt Ryan

  • Quote: "I've seen the Saints allow multiple touchdowns in games."

b. Running Backs

• Jason Moore [25:37]: Tim Hightower

  • Quote: "I love Tim Hightower starting with confidence."

• Andy Holloway [26:16]: Rashad Jennings

  • Quote: "Philadelphia is 29th against the run."

• Mike Wright [27:23]: Darren McFadden

  • Quote: "I think he's going to come through the legs of Darren McFadden."

c. Wide Receivers

• Jason Moore [28:32]: Jordan Matthews

  • Quote: "He faces the 25th best defense against wide receivers in New York."

• Mike Wright [30:07]: Eric Decker

  • Quote: "He is a number one wide receiver."

• Andy Holloway [31:42]: Nate Washington

  • Quote: "I like Nate Washington, especially as a guy that I can almost guarantee is on your waiver wire."

d. Tight Ends

• Andy Holloway [33:54]: Zach Ertz

  • Quote: "He has broken out... I expect that to continue in a game that could have a lot of points scored."

• Jason Moore [34:20]: Travis Kelce

  • Quote: "I have him as a starting running back."

• Mike Wright [35:26]: Benjamin Watson

  • Quote: "He is involved in the passing game."

6. Matchup Analysis

The hosts analyze key Week 17 matchups, providing insights into how team performances and player conditions could affect fantasy outcomes.

a. Lions vs. Bears

• Mike Wright [38:28]: "The Bears have Alshon Jeffrey out and Zach Miller is not at practice."

• Jason Moore [39:37]: "Buffalo has given up four 100-yard games in a row."

The analysis suggests the Lions' offense could exploit the Bears' weakened defense, making Matt Stafford a favorable start.

b. Eagles vs. Giants

• Andy Holloway [40:16]: "Philadelphia is 29th against the run."

The hosts predict a high-scoring game, recommending players like Reuben Randall and Zach Ertz due to the Eagles' offensive strategies.

c. Tampa vs. Panthers

• Mike Wright [42:22]: "Artist Payne is not a bad running back. He's just an inexperienced running back."

With the Panthers fighting for playoff positioning, Travis Kelce and Andre Ellington are highlighted for their potential contributions.

d. Chargers vs. Broncos

• Andy Holloway [53:19]: "Donald Brown's role remains uncertain."

The discussion revolves around the Chargers' running back strategy and the potential impact of players like CJ Anderson and Danny Woodhead.

e. Seahawks vs. Cardinals

• Jason Moore [57:03]: "Cardinals can't get to the edge very well."

The Seahawks' Russell Wilson is a focal point, with considerations around his offensive line's performance and defensive matchups affecting his fantasy value.

f. Vikings vs. Packers

• Jason Moore [64:02]: "Adrian Peterson to win the division."

Aaron Rodgers is debated, with some hosts suggesting starting Russell Wilson over him based on recent performances and defensive matchups.

7. Mailbag Highlights

Listeners contribute questions and scenarios, allowing the hosts to offer personalized advice and reinforce their recommendations.

• Jason Moore [69:53]: "Jeremy Langford, Javorius Allen. This is a PPR league. Help, help him out."

The hosts engage with listener dilemmas, discussing optimal starts and lineup strategies to maximize championship chances.

8. Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with reminders to subscribe, leave reviews on iTunes, and engage with the Fantasy Footballers community through their website and social media platforms. The hosts wish listeners a happy New Year and tease upcoming content for the offseason.

• Andy Holloway [72:03]: "See you next year."

• Mike Wright [72:07]: "Thank you for listening to another edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason Moore [05:31]: "My new year's resolution is to become better at depth on my team."

• Andy Holloway [04:02]: "I resolve to hold the higher upside running backs, the backup running backs. I'm going to hold them longer."

• Jason Moore [11:07]: "That's terrible."

• Mike Wright [31:14]: "He is a number one wide receiver."

• Jason Moore [65:56]: "I don't have any problem with that."

Key Takeaways

• Depth is Crucial: Both Andy and Jason emphasize the importance of building depth in their fantasy rosters to better handle injuries and unpredictable player performances.

• Monitor Stat Corrections: Accuracy in player stats is vital, as corrections can significantly impact league standings and championship outcomes.

• Strategic Starts: The hosts provide well-analyzed recommendations for starting players across all positions, tailored to Week 17's specific matchups and player conditions.

• Stay Informed on Injuries: Keeping up with the latest injury reports is essential for making informed lineup decisions and optimizing team performance.

• Engage with the Community: Listeners are encouraged to interact through the Fantasy Footballers' website and social media, fostering a supportive and informed fantasy football community.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and actionable advice shared by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, ensuring both seasoned and novice fantasy football enthusiasts can leverage the episode's valuable content to enhance their league performance.