Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Week 5 Review, Studs and Duds, MNF Preview, Fantasy News
Release Date: October 12, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this engaging Week 5 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. They offer insightful analysis, discuss standout performances, highlight underperformers, and provide valuable advice for the upcoming games, including a preview of the Monday Night Football (MNF) clash between the Chargers and Chiefs.

Fantasy Rewind: Week 5 Highlights

The hosts kick off the show by reviewing the key events of Week 5, focusing on significant injuries, standout players ("stud muffins"), and disappointing performances ("pooped in their big boy pants").

Notable Injuries

• Jamal Charles:

  • Timestamp [08:31]: Mike Wright reports that Jamal Charles has suffered an ACL tear, raising concerns about his season's longevity. Although not officially confirmed, the consensus is that Charles's season is likely over, severely impacting Chiefs' running back depth.

• T.J. Yeldon:

  • Timestamp [12:16]: Yeldon sustained a groin injury but remains in relatively good condition, catching a touchdown pass despite the injury. His status is not expected to be serious, keeping him as Jacksonville's primary running back.

• Kendall Wright:

  • Timestamp [13:07]: Wright suffered an apparent head injury during the game, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming matches.

• Nick Folk:

  • Timestamp [30:56]: Folk reports a sprained toe injury, while Julio Jones requires monitoring due to limited reps during his team's game.

Studs and Duds: Player Performance Analysis

The hosts dissect the performances of various players, categorizing them into 'studs' for exceptional performances and 'duds' for underwhelming outputs.

Quarterbacks

• Studs:

  • Josh McCown ([19:11]): Delivered 36 completions for 457 yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown across three leagues, leading to Andy Holloway's undefeated streak in his leagues.
  • Andy Dalton ([19:16]): Posted 30 completions for 331 yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing TD, benefiting from new offensive weapons in his team.
  • Eli Manning ([19:22]): Achieved 41 completions for 441 yards and three touchdowns, contributing to a strong performance in Andy’s third league.
  • Blake Bortles ([19:08]): Recorded four touchdowns and 300 yards, securing his position as a reliable starter.

• Duds:

  • Peyton Manning ([35:28]): Struggled with 266 yards, two interceptions, and no touchdowns, leading to Andy Holloway's decision to consider streaming him.
  • Matthew Stafford ([35:29]): Had a disappointing game with 188 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, prompting discussions about his future as a reliable fantasy option.
  • Matt Ryan ([35:33]): Delivered 254 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, placing him in Andy's "big boy pants" section.

Running Backs

• Studs:

  • DeMarco Murray ([25:38]): Consistently provided around 20 fantasy points per game, confirming his reliability despite previous uncertainties.
  • Doug Martin ([28:12]): Demonstrated impressive agility and scoring ability with 24 carries for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Tevin Coleman ([30:28]): Showed promise with 20 carries in a previous game, although his current involvement is minimal due to injuries.

• Duds:

  • Tyler Ifert ([01:07]): Mike Wright admits making a poor trade decision by acquiring Ifert, resulting in a significant loss in his league.
  • CJ Anderson ([35:09]): Recorded 11 carries for 22 yards with no touchdowns, leading to frustration among the hosts.
  • Jeremy Hill ([37:19]): After a lackluster performance, hosts suggest shifting focus to Gio Bernard for better fantasy returns.

Wide Receivers

• Studs:

  • Gary Barnage ([22:38]): Highlighted for his impressive catches and role as a reliable target in Josh McCown's passing scheme.
  • Willie Snead ([24:06]): Praised for his consistent targets and potential upside as a rookie, making him a valuable waiver wire addition.
  • Julio Jones: Monitored for limited reps but remains a significant threat when active.

• Duds:

  • Andre Johnson ([21:29]): Despite two touchdowns, his performance is overshadowed by Willie Snead's potential and Johnson's declining role.
  • Mike Evans and Randall Cobb: Both recorded only three catches each, with Jason Moore noting their underperformance in their respective games.

Tight Ends

• Gary Barnage ([34:44]): Praised for his utilization in both passing and scoring situations, making him a preferred option over Jimmy Graham.
• Tyler Ifert ([34:43]): Due to Mike Wright's poor trade involving Ifert, he falls into the 'pooped in big boy pants' category.

Monday Night Football (MNF) Preview

The hosts preview the upcoming MNF game between the Chargers and Chiefs, expressing confidence in the Chargers' victory.

• Chargers vs. Chiefs Prediction ([01:42]): Mike Wright confidently predicts a Chargers win, a sentiment echoed by Jason Moore. This prediction is based on the Chiefs' injury woes, particularly the loss of Jamal Charles, which undermines their running game and overall performance.

Fantasy News and Updates

The segment covers various fantasy-relevant news items, including player statuses, trade evaluations, and strategic advice.

• Twitter Blitz Success ([03:50]): The Fantasy Footballers successfully executed a non-stop Twitter blitz, engaging fans and disseminating information rapidly. Although halted by Twitter's automated systems, they persisted by switching to Mike's account, ultimately breaking their target.

• DeMarco Murray's Consistency ([25:26]): Despite initial doubts, Murray's consistent performance reassures fantasy managers about his reliability, securing around 20 fantasy points weekly.

• Josh McCown's Ankle Sprain ([42:54]): Concerns are raised about McCown's health and his usage rate, given his history of concussions and recent performance streaks.

Listener Mailbag

The hosts address listener questions submitted via the Fantasy Footballers' website, providing personalized advice and insights.

• Jay in Canada ([41:34]):

  • Question: Should Jay own Theo Riddick in 12-man PPR keeper leagues?
  • Answer: The waiver wire is thin, and given Amir Abdullah's poor performance and injuries on his team, owning Riddick might not be advisable.

• Gary Barnage vs. Jimmy Graham ([41:34]):

  • Question: Is Gary Barnage for real, and should he be started over Jimmy Graham?
  • Answer: Andy Holloway affirms Barnage's legitimacy due to his role in McCown's offense and suggests starting him over Graham based on matchup and opportunities.

• Nile Davis vs. Kendrick West ([43:57]):

  • Question: In situations where one must choose between Nile Davis and Kendrick West, who is the better pick?
  • Answer: Both hosts favor Kendrick West but recommend claiming Nile Davis as well. They advise dropping players like Tevin Coleman or Alfred Morris to accommodate these backups, emphasizing West's upward trajectory and Davis's established role.

Conclusions and Final Advice

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode with strategic recommendations and encouragement for listeners to stay engaged through their platforms.

• Streaming Quarterbacks:

  • The hosts recommend streaming quarterbacks like Josh McCown and Matthew Stafford based on matchups and performance trends, advising managers to remain flexible and responsive to weekly developments.

• Waiver Wire Recommendations:

  • Players like Willie Snead and Gary Barnage are highlighted as valuable additions to fantasy rosters, offering upside and consistent targets essential for fantasy success.

• Injury Management:

  • Emphasis is placed on monitoring key injuries and making informed decisions to optimize team performance, such as addressing Jamal Charles's ACL tear and assessing the impact on team dynamics.

• Community Engagement:

  • Listeners are encouraged to participate in the Fantasy Footballers' community through their website and social media platforms for ongoing support and information.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright ([01:07]):
  "I traded Tyler Ifert in a deal for Charles Clay, and I lost by 10 points in one of my leagues."

• Andy Holloway ([19:16]):
  "If you look at him this year, he's had. He's kind of gone back and forth between throwing for some touchdowns and then throwing for some picks."

• Jason Moore ([44:17]):
  "This week is why. If you watch the game, they were in the lead the entire game. They were on the goal line multiple times."

Final Remarks

The Fantasy Footballers podcast episode provides a comprehensive review of Week 5, offering listeners valuable insights into player performances, injury impacts, and strategic decisions for their fantasy teams. By blending expert analysis with engaging discussions, the hosts equip fantasy managers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the season successfully.

For more detailed discussions and weekly updates, listeners are encouraged to visit www.thefantasyfootballers.com and join their vibrant community at jointhefoot.com.