Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Episode on Week 17 Waiver Wire Pickups, Streaming Options, Playoff News

Release Date: December 29, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Championship Celebrations and Listener Acknowledgments

The episode kicks off with a lively celebration of Jason Moore’s championship victory in the hosts' long-running league. The trio engages in humorous banter, with Andy Holloway announcing, “I'm taking this guy to Disneyland... in the most mocking manner” (01:04). Mike Wright humorously compares Jason’s celebratory robe to a mix of Game of Thrones and Santa Claus (02:03). The hosts encourage listeners to share their championship photos using the hashtag #footclantitle, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

A notable highlight is the inclusion of a listener shoutout from Jay-Z, who praises the podcast's impact on his fantasy success. Jason Moore reads Jay-Z’s message: “After years of finishing second or third, I took my championship because of this podcast” (05:40). The hosts express their delight and humorous skepticism about sending Jay-Z a piece of the Nets, reflecting the show's engaging and personable nature.

2. Week 17 News and Playoff Scenarios

As the NFL regular season approaches its climax, the hosts delve into critical Week 17 updates, focusing on which teams are vying for playoff spots and the implications for fantasy football managers.

a. Teams Playing vs. Resting Players

Mike Wright emphasizes the importance of knowing which teams are actively playing versus those resting players: “Some championships are not done. And we're still here to help” (02:51). The discussion highlights Washington’s coach Bruce Arians’ aggressive strategy, opting not to rest players in Week 17, ensuring full participation (07:16).

b. Key Injuries Impacting Playoffs

Jason Moore analyzes significant injuries affecting playoff contenders, such as Ryan Tannehill's questionable status for the Cardinals and the potential return of Jonathan Stewart for the Panthers. He notes, “Dan Campbell said Ryan Tannehill's day to day should be ready to go in week 17” (08:12), and discusses how Jonathan Stewart’s presence could boost the Panthers' offensive performance (08:26).

c. Playoff Implications and Scenarios

The hosts break down various playoff scenarios, particularly focusing on the AFC West race. Mike Wright outlines the complex conditions under which the Colts could still compete for a playoff spot, emphasizing their need to win and their opponents to lose specific games (16:00). Jason Moore compares this to “the playoff scenarios in baseball” (19:56), illustrating the intricate dynamics at play.

3. Waiver Wire Pickups and Streaming Options

As the regular season winds down, the podcast shifts focus to strategic waiver wire additions and streaming options essential for securing a Week 17 victory.

a. Running Backs

• Tim Hightower: Jason Moore highlights Hightower as a top waiver wire target, citing his pivotal role in Mike Wright’s championship run: “Hightower ends up with pretty much the best week for a running back” (15:03).

• Rashad Jennings: Mike Wright and Jason Moore endorse Jennings as a reliable option against a weak Philadelphia defense, noting his increased usage: “He is scoring and maybe he's a lower catch type of guy now” (26:28).

• Devonta Parker: Praised for his big-play potential, Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of high-upside players in championship weeks: “There’s no point in putting in a guy that’s going to, you know, okay, he’s got a guaranteed five points but he can’t get six or seven” (21:08).

b. Tight Ends

• Vance McDonald: Mike Wright supports McDonald for his consistent touchdown potential when primary tight ends are unavailable: “He’s scoring in every single one of those games” (32:26).

• Zach Ertz: Recognized for his high target volume and consistent performance, Jason Moore recommends Ertz as a must-add for his reliability: “There’s nobody better than Zach Ertz right now on the waiver wire” (32:52).

c. Quarterbacks

• Sam Bradford ("Sammy Biscuits"): Despite his struggles, Andy Holloway suggests Bradford as a high-ceiling streamer against weak defenses: “He’s the type where you could get that 35 point game and have this big monster game just for fun” (44:56).

• Alex Smith and Matt Ryan: The hosts recommend Alex Smith for his potential against Oakland and Matt Ryan for his consistent performance and alignment with high-scoring offenses: “Matt Ryan had an okay game last week... I like Matt Ryan as somebody that, if, whether he’s on your bench or the waiver wire, somebody that you could roll out there” (48:00).

d. Defenses

• Dallas Cowboys: Endorsed for their solid defense and favorable matchup against a potentially weakened Washington team: “Cowboys defense is real it's legit” (42:27).

• Tennessee Titans: Suggested for their competent defense and advantageous matchup if starting quarterbacks are not in form: “The Titans defense isn’t terrible in the right matchup” (42:46).

• St. Louis Rams: Recognized as a viable option due to their defensive strengths, with Mike Wright expressing a preference for the Rams over other defenses: “Yes, I would probably lean to the Rams but if you are... both of these guys could have a great game” (43:05).

4. Listener Engagement and Feedback

The hosts actively engage with their audience, acknowledging listener achievements and responding to feedback. Jason Moore reads a listener’s testimonial, reinforcing the podcast’s value in aiding fantasy success: “I took my championship because of this podcast” (05:40). Additionally, they celebrate members of the Foot Clan Listener League, fostering a tight-knit community atmosphere.

5. Preseason and Offseason Plans

Looking ahead, Andy Holloway excites listeners about upcoming preseason and offseason content, aiming to provide continuous support and strategic insights: “We are entering preseason for getting ready for 2016 championships” (02:54). The hosts emphasize the importance of year-round engagement, stating, “There is no offseason with the fantasy footballers” (00:00).

6. Closing Remarks

In their concluding remarks, the hosts recap the importance of strategic pickups and preparation for Week 17, encouraging listeners to remain active and engaged through the offseason. Andy Holloway highlights the significance of winning championships during the draft and throughout the season: “You win it way before the draft and way during the season. That's when you win championships” (50:07). They tease forthcoming content, including awards and reflections on the 2015 season, ensuring listeners have continued value beyond the regular season.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway (02:03): “You look like a combination of Game of Thrones and Santa Claus.”

• Jason Moore (05:40): “I took my championship because of this podcast.”

• Mike Wright (15:03): “Hightower ends up with pretty much the best week for a running back.”

• Andy Holloway (44:56): “Sammy Biscuits is a guy that you can pick up off of waivers and he’s the type where you could get that 35 point game.”

• Jason Moore (32:52): “There’s nobody better than Zach Ertz right now on the waiver wire.”

• Andy Holloway (50:07): “You win it way before the draft and way during the season. That's when you win championships.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast delivers comprehensive coverage of Week 17 strategies, emphasizing the importance of timely waiver wire moves and strategic streaming. Through engaging discussions, listener interactions, and expert analysis, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright equip fantasy managers with the insights needed to secure their championships. The celebratory and community-focused tone underscores the podcast's commitment to supporting listeners beyond the regular season, promising continued value in the offseason.