Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups, Streaming Options, News (Release Date: October 13, 2015)

The Fantasy Footballers Podcast delivers another insightful episode focusing on Week 6 of the NFL season. Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, the episode delves into current news, waiver wire strategies, streaming quarterback options, and player performance analyses to help listeners optimize their fantasy football teams.

1. News and Notes

The hosts kick off the episode with the latest updates from the NFL, highlighting key player statuses and injury reports that could impact fantasy lineups.

• Carson Palmer's Performance: Mike praises Carson Palmer's patience and efficiency on the field, noting, “His patience is the kind that makes you get antsy... he just waits and scores touchdowns” (04:07). Andy adds humorously, “He starts, reads a book, takes a nap, and then makes a jump cut and scores touchdowns” (01:22).

• Marshawn Lynch's Return: Marshawn Lynch is expected to return to practice, raising hopes for his continued performance. Andy expresses confidence, “If he comes back, you're going to plug him in with full confidence” (04:51), while Jason remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging Lynch’s injury history.

• Steve Smith Sr. and Justin Forsett Updates: John Harbaugh indicated optimism about Steve Smith Sr.'s return, allowing fantasy managers to confidently reintegrate him into their lineups. Additionally, Justin Forsett is anticipated to play in Week 6 against San Francisco, providing valuable depth for Forsett owners.

• Darren Sneed's Season Outlook: Despite injuries, Sneed is projected to be a reliable bench option. Mike highlights, “Snead still cooks, but you get Sneed on your bench” (08:51).

2. Waiver Wire Pickups

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of potential waiver wire additions, segmented by position to assist managers in making informed decisions.

Wide Receivers

• Willie Snead: Highlighted as a top pick, Willie Snead demonstrated significant involvement, “His snap count has gone up every single week... he's my top wide receiver AD this week” (16:56). Andy recommends dropping lesser-performing receivers like Marvin Jones or Ty Montgomery to secure Snead.

• Alan Hearns vs. Alan Robinson: Jason emphasizes prioritizing Alan Robinson over Alan Hearns due to Robinson's higher talent and target share, stating, “I'm starting Robinson” (17:43). However, Andy considers Hearns a viable option, especially in favorable matchups.

• Emerging Options: Other receivers such as Jameson Crowder, Josh Huff, Dwayne Harris, Brandon LaFell, and Leonard Hankerson are discussed as potential short-term additions, particularly during bye weeks or when starters are injured.

Running Backs

• Sharkandrick West and Nile Davis: The duo is presented as strategic picks, especially in high-stakes waiver bid systems. Jason advises, “I would put a hefty bid on Sharkandrick West and then a mild bid on Nile Davis” (22:41), suggesting a balanced approach to maximize potential upside without overcommitting resources.

• Darren McFadden vs. Christian Michael: The hosts debate the value of McFadden over Michael, with Mike firmly stating, “Darren McFadden for sure” (26:33), given McFadden's higher usage and potential impact despite Michael's limited opportunities.

• Other Notable Backs: Players like Duke Johnson, Buck Allen, Charles Sims, and Theo Riddick are mentioned as worthwhile additions depending on team needs and budget constraints.

Tight Ends

• Gary Barnidge: Despite limited excitement, Gary Barnidge is noted as a reliable pickup, especially considering the Eagles' offensive dynamics: “He's got the Philly offense is coming on” (28:47).

• Derek Carrier: With Jordan Reed potentially out, Carrier becomes a valuable backup, particularly in Kirk Cousins' pass-heavy offense, offering flexibility for fantasy managers.

Defense

• Strategic Defense Picks: Mike recommends targeting defenses like the Jets and Packers, who face favorable matchups against Washington and San Diego respectively, enhancing the likelihood of solid fantasy performances.

3. Streaming Quarterbacks

Identifying viable streaming quarterback options is crucial for maintaining competitiveness, especially during bye weeks or when starters are underperforming.

• Sammy "Biscuits" Bradford: Andy advocates for Bradford, highlighting his recent performance and the Eagles' improving rushing attack: “Sam Bradford now has multiple weeks to get firmly entrenched in the system” (33:01). Despite two interceptions, his potential upside in a dynamic offense makes him a strong streaming candidate.

• Colin Kaepernick: Mike cites Kaepernick’s promising outing against the Giants, recommending him as a reliable stream: “He is available in 1.1% of leagues... if he's not on your team, he's not ready for this team” (35:30). However, he acknowledges the risk associated with his fluctuating performance.

• Brian Hoyer: Jason endorses Hoyer for his solid performance and favorable matchup, placing him above Blake Bortles: “Brian Hoyer is a guy that is clearly available, has a great matchup, has shown so far that he's decent as a quarterback” (36:59).

4. Player Performance Highlights

• Antonio Gates: Antonio Gates returns to form, providing a substantial boost to fantasy teams, emphasized by Jason’s remark, “Antonio Gates, welcome back” (12:02).

• Marcus Wheaton’s 72-Yard Touchdown: A standout play by Wheaton sparks discussions on offensive opportunities and strategic player usage: “Marcus Wheaton 72 yard touchdown... Martavis Bryant needs to be on this field” (12:05).

• C.J. Anderson’s Recent Game: Despite a seemingly underwhelming performance, Mike scrutinizes Anderson’s statistics to determine his future role: “I just did 15 for 30 from C.J. Anderson” (11:04).

5. Listener Feedback and Reviews

The podcast features listener reviews, showcasing the community's trust and satisfaction with the hosts' expertise.

• Wyeth Hooker's Endorsement: Wyeth Hooker states, “Fantasy football is life... I trust the footballers with my life” (05:58), highlighting the podcast’s impact on listeners' fantasy strategies.

6. Upcoming Shows and Community Engagement

Looking ahead, the hosts tease the next episode featuring Fred Jackson, enhancing listener anticipation and engagement within their growing community at JoinTheFoot.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway: “He starts, reads a book, takes a nap, and then makes a jump cut and scores touchdowns.” (01:22)
• Jason Moore: “I'm starting Robinson.” (17:43)
• Mike Wright: “We want people to trust us with their lives.” (06:15)
• Wyeth Hooker: “I trust the footballers with my life.” (05:58)

This comprehensive episode equips fantasy football enthusiasts with the necessary insights and strategies to navigate Week 6 effectively, ensuring they make informed decisions to enhance their team’s performance.