Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 8 Fantasy Football Questions with Chris Harris

Release Date: October 28, 2015

The Fantasy Footballers Podcast returned for its Week 8 edition, featuring a deeply engaging mailbag segment with special guest Christopher Harris from the Harris Football Podcast. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright navigated a series of listener questions, offering expert analysis, strong opinions, and actionable insights to help fantasy football enthusiasts dominate their leagues.

1. Quarterback Showdown: Matt Ryan vs. Ryan Tannehill

Key Discussion: The panel delved into the reliability of Matt Ryan as a fantasy quarterback, questioning his consistency given his occasional short-yardage performances.

Notable Insights:

• Jason Moore ranked Matt Ryan as the 12th quarterback in a six-point per passing league, indicating limited reliability for consistent starting roles.

  Jason Moore [02:32]: "Matt Ryan is number 12. If you're in a six point per passing league, he is number 12."

• Chris Harris suggested that Ryan's performance might improve in high-stakes matchups, where the team leans more heavily on the quarterback.

  Christopher Harris [03:25]: "I almost think Matt Ryan is a better streaming play in a game that's going to be what we perceive to be hyper competitive."

• Mike Wright highlighted concerns over Ryan's turnovers, including interceptions and fumbles, which undermine his fantasy value.

  Mike Wright [04:15]: "The interceptions are kind of concerning at this point."

Conclusion: The hosts debated whether to prioritize Matt Ryan or Ryan Tannehill based on upcoming matchups. Jason Moore recommended opting for Matt Ryan against Tampa Bay due to Ryan's potential for higher yardage despite his inconsistency.

2. Waiver Wire Moves: Big Ben vs. Ryan Tannehill

Key Discussion: Listener Zach from Minnesota sought advice on whether to start Benedict "Big Ben" Marino against Cincinnati or stick with Ryan Tannehill against New England.

Notable Insights:

• Christopher Harris advocated for Big Ben, emphasizing his readiness and the likelihood of his activation despite concerns over his physical condition.

  Christopher Harris [09:24]: "Big Ben should be back on the field. I have enough faith that Big Ben will play."

• Jason Moore and Mike Wright echoed support for Big Ben, citing his potential impact and the favorable matchup against Cincinnati.

Conclusion: The consensus leaned towards starting Big Ben over Tannehill, especially considering the favorable home matchup and Bennett's potential to deliver significant yardage.

3. Player Comparisons and Bench Decisions

a. Drew Brees vs. Benedict "Big Ben" Marino

Key Discussion: Comparing the veteran Drew Brees with the recently acquired Big Ben, the hosts debated trust and performance reliability.

Notable Insights:

• Chris Harris maintained trust in Brees, highlighting his established track record despite the challenging Patriots defense.

  Christopher Harris [10:34]: "I think I'm still going to say Brees."

b. Tony Romo as a Backup Quarterback

Key Discussion: Pedro from São Paulo inquired about stashing Tony Romo as a backup quarterback given his uncertain return.

Notable Insights:

• Chris Harris advised caution, suggesting that the decision depends heavily on league format and the potential opportunity cost.

  Christopher Harris [14:20]: "It depends on the league format... would you guys agree with that?"

• Mike Wright expressed reluctance to homage Romo currently, citing the need to prioritize more reliable backups.

  Mike Wright [15:01]: "I personally wouldn't roster Romo right now."

Conclusion: Stashing Tony Romo is situational, best suited for larger leagues where depth at quarterback provides a strategic advantage.

c. LeGarrett Blunt vs. Danny Woodhead

Key Discussion: Listener Ryan from Boston presented a choice between LeGarrett Blunt and Danny Woodhead for the rest of the season.

Notable Insights:

• Chris Harris strongly recommended dropping LeGarrett Blunt, deeming him a "trash bag" with minimal fantasy value.

  Christopher Harris [16:21]: "I think he's a trash bag. I think he's a bad, really bad player."

• Jason Moore favored Danny Woodhead for his consistency and potential yardage accumulation.

  Jason Moore [17:42]: "I definitely would rather have Woodhead here."

Conclusion: The panel unanimously preferred Danny Woodhead over LeGarrett Blunt due to Woodhead's more reliable usage and scoring potential.

d. Doug Martin vs. Latavius Murray

Key Discussion: Sam from Germany asked whether to choose Doug Martin or Latavius Murray for the remainder of the season.

Notable Insights:

• Chris Harris expressed concern over Martin's injury history, favoring Latavius Murray for his athletic potential and safer health outlook.

  Christopher Harris [18:19]: "I'll probably continue to say Latavius Murray for the athletic potential."

• Jason Moore praised Martin's current performance and favorable remaining schedule, making him a strong RB1 contender.

  Jason Moore [21:00]: "With Doug Martin, his schedule coming up is just so incredibly beautiful."

Conclusion: While concerns about Martin's injuries persist, his current performance and remaining schedule make him a valuable asset over Latavius Murray.

e. Rashard Matthews vs. Brandon LaFell

Key Discussion: Ben and Carrie from North Carolina debated between Rashard Matthews and Brandon LaFell for their flex spot.

Notable Insights:

• Jason Moore and Mike Wright both leaned towards Brandon LaFell due to his consistent target volume and matchup considerations against the Patriots' defense.

  Jason Moore [27:18]: "...as someone who watches a lot of Patriots... I think Landry is a good play here."

Conclusion: Brandon LaFell was favored over Rashard Matthews due to better target opportunities and matchup advantages.

f. Alshon Jeffery vs. Jarvis Landry

Key Discussion: Listener Jonathan from Wine Country, California, sought advice on choosing between Alshon Jeffery and Jarvis Landry for the rest of the season.

Notable Insights:

• Jason Moore and Mike Wright both endorsed Alshon Jeffery despite his injury history, citing his high ceiling and motivation during his contract year.

  Jason Moore [35:09]: "He is on a contract year. So I'm definitely taking Alshon Jeffery."

Conclusion: Alshon Jeffery was the preferred choice over Jarvis Landry for his potential upside and motivational factors.

g. John Brown vs. Martavis Bryant

Key Discussion: Ed from New Jersey posed a dilemma between John Brown and Martavis Bryant for the remainder of the season.

Notable Insights:

• Jason Moore favored Martavis Bryant for his higher ceiling, while Mike Wright preferred John Brown for his consistent playing time.

  Jason Moore [37:05]: "I take Martavis Bryant, because John Brown's floor is a little bit higher."

Conclusion: Martavis Bryant was slightly favored for his higher upside, though John Brown's consistency kept him in the discussion.

h. Stefon Diggs vs. Devonte Adams vs. Darren McFadden

Key Discussion: Jake from New York needed a Week 8 flex start among Stefon Diggs, Devonte Adams, or Darren McFadden.

Notable Insights:

• Jason Moore recommended Stefon Diggs for his matchup potential and consistent production.

  Jason Moore [40:53]: "I would take Stefon Diggs."

• Mike Wright echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the favorable matchup Diggs has against a Cincinnati defense.

  Mike Wright [40:31]: "I would still lean with Jarvis, though." (Note: This reflects a mix-up in the transcript; contextually, both Diggs and McFadden were considered.)

Conclusion: Stefon Diggs was the top recommendation for the flex spot due to his reliable performance and advantageous matchup.

i. Dropping Matt Ryan vs. Ryan Tannehill

Key Discussion: Phil from Chicago questioned whether to drop Matt Ryan in favor of Ryan Tannehill.

Notable Insights:

• Jason Moore and Mike Wright advised against trusting Matt Ryan, especially given his inconsistent performances and turnover issues.

  Jason Moore [33:13]: "Nope."

  Mike Wright [34:44]: "If Peyton Manning has not had that, then I can't trust Peyton." (Note: This reflects confusion with Peyton Manning's mention; contextually, it's about unreliable QBs.)

Conclusion: Dropping Matt Ryan for Ryan Tannehill was generally frowned upon due to Ryan's current performance struggles.

4. General Insights and Strategies

Staying Informed: The panel emphasized the importance of staying updated with player performances, injury reports, and matchup analyses to make informed decisions throughout the fantasy season.

Trusting Expertise: Bringing in guest Christopher Harris provided additional depth and diverse perspectives, reinforcing the value of community and expert opinions in fantasy football strategy.

Conclusion: The Week 8 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offered a comprehensive exploration of listener questions, delivering nuanced and strategic advice to enhance fantasy football lineups. By dissecting player performances, matchups, and potential future outcomes, the hosts and guest Christopher Harris equipped listeners with the knowledge to make confident and effective decisions for the rest of their fantasy seasons.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [02:32]: "Matt Ryan is number 12. If you're in a six point per passing league, he is number 12."
• Christopher Harris [09:24]: "Big Ben should be back on the field. I have enough faith that Big Ben will play."
• Chris Harris [16:21]: "I think he's a trash bag. I think he's a bad, really bad player."
• Jason Moore [17:42]: "I definitely would rather have Woodhead here."
• Jason Moore [21:00]: "With Doug Martin, his schedule coming up is just so incredibly beautiful."
• Jason Moore [35:09]: "He is on a contract year. So I'm definitely taking Alshon Jeffery."

This structured summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting critical discussions and providing valuable takeaways for both avid listeners and newcomers to fantasy football.