Fantasy Footballers Podcast: Week 2 Review, Studs and Duds, MNF Preview, Fantasy News

Release Date: September 21, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In the Week 2 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deep into the latest happenings in the fantasy football landscape. From player performances and injury updates to strategic insights and game previews, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis to help listeners navigate their fantasy teams effectively.

Weekly Rewind

Injury News

The episode kicks off with a critical discussion on several key injuries impacting the NFL season:

• Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears): Suffered a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the game. Mike Wright comments, “[10:16] Andy Holloway: How many times has Cutler been hurt chasing a guy who picked him off?...”

• Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys): Broke his clavicle, exacerbating concerns for the Cowboys' offensive strategy. Jason Moore notes, “[10:16] Andy Holloway: How many times has Cutler been hurt…”

• Eddie Lacy (Green Bay Packers): Rolled his ankle and is expected to miss 2-4 weeks, though Jason Moore remains optimistic about James Starks as his replacement.

• Carlos Hyde (San Francisco 49ers): Exited the game with a head injury but was cleared in the concussion protocol.

• Other Notables: Tevin Coleman’s rib injury and Jordan Cameron's groin tweak also make headlines, affecting their respective teams' running games.

Andy Holloway emphasizes the pervasive nature of injuries this week, stating at [09:22], “There are a lot of injuries,” highlighting the challenges fantasy managers face in adjusting their rosters accordingly.

Player Performance Highlights

The hosts evaluate standout performances and emerging concerns:

• Justin Forsett (Philadelphia Eagles): Mike Wright raises alarms about Forsett’s reduced usage, noting, “[05:00] Mike Wright: I have concerns about the usage of Justin Forsett…”

• Lamar Miller (Miami Dolphins): Despite high expectations, Miller's lackluster performances and limited involvement raise red flags. Andy Holloway expresses greater concern over Miller than Forsett, stating at [06:31], “I'm far more concerned about Lamar Miller than I am Justin Forsett.”

• Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints): Andy Holloway criticizes Brees for his team's defensive struggles, which limit his effectiveness. At [07:04], he remarks, “I am concerned about Drew Brees.”

Studs and Duds

Stud Muffins

Quarterbacks:

• Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers): Dominated his matchup with minimal effort, delivering strong fantasy points.

• Tom Brady (New England Patriots): Delivered a solid performance against the Buffalo defense, further cementing his reliability.

• Derek Carr (Oakland Raiders): Had a standout game, bolstering his value as a fantasy asset.

Jason Moore highlights Carson Palmer’s exceptional performance, “[22:14] Jason Moore: Carson Palmer, we love Carson Palmer. He had such a great game…”

Wide Receivers:

• Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals): Emerged as a top performer with 48 fantasy points, including three touchdowns. Andy Holloway praises, “[24:18] Mike Wright: Larry Fitzgerald resurging.”

• Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions): Despite limited targets, Calvin’s high-impact plays made him a valuable fantasy contributor.

Running Backs:

• D'Angelo Williams (Pittsburgh Steelers): Benefited from multiple touchdowns and a robust offensive performance.

• Matt Jones & Deion Lewis (Washington Redskins): Showed promising signs with increased usage and scoring opportunities.

Tight Ends:

• Davy Crockett Gilmore, Rob Gronkowski, Anthony Fasano: These tight ends delivered impressive numbers, underlining the importance of securing top-tier tight ends in fantasy lineups.

Dud Muffins

Quarterbacks:

• Sam Bradford (Minnesota Vikings): Struggled significantly, dragging down his team’s performance.

• Marcus Mariota (Tennessee Titans): Had an underwhelming game, disappointing fantasy expectations.

• Alex Smith (San Francisco 49ers): Experienced a disappointing Thursday night performance.

Running Backs:

• Amir Abdullah (Detroit Lions): Failed to meet expectations with only 18 total yards and minimal impact.

• DeMarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys): Despite being featured, Murray’s performance was lackluster, leading to frustration among fans and fantasy managers.

Wide Receivers:

• DeVante Adams (Green Bay Packers): Limited involvement and low yards per catch hindered his fantasy value.

Tight Ends:

• Jimmy Graham (Seattle Seahawks): Offered minimal production, raising concerns about his future usage and fantasy worth.

Andy Holloway encapsulates the disappointment, “[32:50] Jason Moore: ...Doug Baldwin had the week, but.”

Fantasy News

TopdogStats.com

Andy Holloway introduces TopdogStats.com as an invaluable tool for fantasy managers:

“[00:00] Andy Holloway: ...topdogstats.com because they give you simple, clear chart visualizations on the players…”

This platform offers free, comprehensive analytics similar to those used by NFL GMs and scouts, aiding fantasy players in making informed decisions without the hassle of sifting through extensive spreadsheets.

Harry’s Razors Advertisement

While the podcast primarily focuses on fantasy football, there's a brief mention of Harry’s Razors, highlighting their quality and affordability. However, as per user instructions, advertisements are to be minimized or excluded from summaries unless they provide substantial content value.

Monday Night Football (MNF) Preview: Jets at Colts

As the episode progresses towards its conclusion, the hosts shift their focus to the upcoming MNF game between the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts:

• Key Player Considerations:

  • Chris Ivory (Jets): Questions about his availability lead Mike Wright to suggest alternatives like Bilal Powell.

  • Brandon Marshall vs. Andre Johnson: A heated discussion ensues about which wide receiver to start, with Jason Moore advocating for Andre Johnson over Brandon Marshall due to matchup considerations.

  • Eric Decker (Colts): Recommended as a favorable start given his potential for increased opportunities against a weakened Jets defense.

• Strategic Insights:

  • Defensive Matchups: The hosts analyze how Indianapolis can exploit New York’s defensive weaknesses, emphasizing the importance of defensive strategies in fantasy outcomes.

Jason Moore provides actionable advice:

“[40:04] Jason Moore: I'm playing against Brandon Marshall and some of my legal engineers.”

Andy Holloway and Mike Wright further dissect player matchups, offering listeners clear guidance on optimizing their lineups for the MNF game.

Hosts' Banter and Bets

The camaraderie among the hosts shines through as they discuss ongoing bets and playful ribbing:

• Andy Holloway reveals he's lost bets related to player performances, particularly concerning Percy Harvin, adding a humorous twist to the episode.

“[42:13] Andy Holloway: And I am the garbage. I am the victim.”

This segment adds a personal touch, highlighting the competitive yet friendly dynamic within the Fantasy Footballers trio.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the Fantasy Footballers reiterate the importance of staying updated with injury news, leveraging analytical tools like TopdogStats.com, and making informed decisions based on player performances and matchups. They encourage listeners to engage with their community via Twitter and their website, ensuring fantasy managers have continuous support throughout the season.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright on Justin Forsett: “[05:00] I'm not.”

• Andy Holloway on Drew Brees: “[07:04] I am concerned about Drew Brees.”

• Jason Moore on Carson Palmer: “[22:14] Carson Palmer, we love Carson Palmer. He had such a great game…”

• Andy Holloway on Injury Impact: “[09:22] There are a lot of injuries,”

This comprehensive review captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' Week 2 episode, providing listeners with valuable insights, strategic advice, and an engaging analysis of the current fantasy football landscape.