Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups, Streaming Options, News
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers kick off the episode with their characteristic banter, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on Week 8's waiver wire pickups, streaming options, and the latest fantasy football news. Despite Mike Wright experiencing a sore throat from cheering at the Monday Night Football game, the hosts dive straight into the content, ensuring listeners receive valuable insights to optimize their fantasy teams.

2. News and Notes

Detroit Lions' Offensive Overhaul

• Andy Holloway [06:02]: Announces the firing of Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Joe Lombardi, drawing a parallel to Joe Philbin's departure.

• Analysis: The hosts discuss how Matthew Stafford remains healthy, with his X-rays returning negative. They anticipate that the new offensive strategy will better utilize Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, aiming to diversify the Lions' play-calling and enhance their passing game.

Injuries Impacting Fantasy Teams

• Arian Foster: Faced with quadricep tightness, diminishing his availability and prompting the need for running back replacements.

• Devonte Adams' Return [09:14]: Adams is poised to return in Week 8, expected to become an every-down player, although his immediate availability might be limited due to tough upcoming matchups against Denver and Carolina.

• Ryan Matthews' Groin Injury [10:32]: Matthews is day-to-day, potentially opening the door for Johnny Manziel to start against the Arizona Cardinals, whose defense has been problematic.

Ravens' Performance Concerns

• Mike Wright [11:05]: Expresses confidence in quarterback Joe Flacco despite the Ravens' inconsistent performance and defensive struggles.

Stefan Diggs' Rising Stock [16:12]:

• Mike Wright: Highlights Stefan Diggs as a top-tier wide receiver who should ideally be on every roster due to his consistent performance and high target volume.

3. Waiver Wire Pickups

Wide Receivers

• Marvin Jones – Cincinnati Bengals [14:44]:

  • Andy Holloway: Notes Jones is only owned in 34% of leagues but averages nearly 11 points per game.
  • Jason Moore [15:23]: Praises Jones' performance but cautions about his occasional inconsistencies.
  • Notable Quote: "Marvin Jones is a guy who I would love to have on at least on my bench at the worst if he's not flexing." – Jason Moore [15:20]

• Stefan Diggs – Minnesota Vikings [16:12]:

  • Mike Wright: Recommends Diggs as a locked wide receiver, emphasizing his high target rate and consistent production.
  • Andy Holloway: Encourages spending up to $25 of the fantasy budget on Diggs, highlighting his potential to rival established wideouts.
  • Notable Quote: "He's doing exactly what I thought Charles Johnson was going to do." – Mike Wright [17:14]

• Danny Amendola – New England Patriots [17:41]:

  • Andy Holloway: Discusses Amendola’s solid performance but anticipates a return to an auxiliary role once Dion Lewis is healthy.
  • Jason Moore: Suggests holding off on aggressively adding Amendola unless in deeper leagues.
  • Notable Quote: "I expect regression from here. However, if you're in a deeper league or one of those leagues with a deeper bench, here is a guy worth a pickup." – Jason Moore [19:04]

Running Backs

• Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders [20:53]:

  • Mike Wright: Advocates for McFadden as a primary running back option, despite concerns over his health and challenging upcoming schedule.
  • Andy Holloway: Rates McFadden as a potential RB2 with steady production.
  • Notable Quote: "He is about as reliable as, I don't know, Arian Foster." – Mike Wright [21:54]

• Additional RBs:

  • Darkwa Johnson – New York Giants: Praised by Andy for his speed and increasing opportunities.
  • David Cobb – Tennessee Titans: Highlighted as a promising rookie expected to take on a significant role upon his return from injury.
  • Notable Quote: "They have no running back. Nobody has really taken that job. So I imagine that David Cobb is going to be given an opportunity to take the job." – Andy Holloway [26:29]

Tight Ends

• Eric Ebron – Pittsburgh Steelers [26:47]:

  • Mike Wright: Strongly recommends Ebron as a reliable tight end option, citing his first-round talent and role in Pittsburgh’s offense.
  • Andy Holloway: Emphasizes Ebron's red zone usage and consistent performance.
  • Notable Quote: "He's a great weapon. I think he's the number two receiver there." – Mike Wright [26:48]

• Clive Walford – Oakland Raiders [27:22]:

  • Jason Moore: Suggests caution, noting Walford’s limited targets but acknowledges his potential if Oakland’s offensive scheme evolves.
  • Andy Holloway: Advises monitoring Walford’s performance before committing significant resources.
  • Notable Quote: "I do not think it will be this year." – Jason Moore [27:54]

Quarterbacks

• Streaming Options:
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick – Buffalo Bills [31:13]: Recommended for his favorable matchup against Oakland’s pass defense.
  • Jay Cutler – Chicago Bears [34:24]: Endorsed by Mike Wright for his potential high yardage and touchdown opportunities, especially with Alshon Jeffery returning.
  • Notable Quote: "He puts up over 350 yards and throwing for touchdowns at home off of waivers." – Mike Wright [34:21]

Defenses

• Denver Broncos & Seattle Seahawks [28:29]:
  • Andy Holloway: Suggests picking up defenses facing weak offenses, emphasizing Denver’s turnover tendencies and Seattle’s formidable opponent list.
  • Notable Quote: "If Denver is available then maybe Seattle is available." – Mike Wright [30:27]

4. Streaming Options

Quarterbacks

• Ryan Fitzpatrick [31:13]:

  • Andy Holloway: Recommends Fitzpatrick for his consistency and advantageous matchup against the Raiders.
  • Mike Wright: Agrees with the pick, noting Fitzpatrick’s potential to exploit Oakland’s defense.

• Tyrod Taylor & Jay Cutler:

  • Mike Wright: Suggests Tyrod Taylor as a potential long-term stash and Jay Cutler for immediate streaming needs.
  • Andy Holloway: Expresses confidence in Taylor’s potentials despite Tennessee’s struggles.
  • Notable Quote: "Jay Cutler is being underrated right now... he can put up a lot of yards and throwing for touchdowns." – Mike Wright [34:24]

5. Tools and Resources

TopDogStats.com [12:02]:

• Andy Holloway: Promotes TopDogStats.com as an invaluable tool for fantasy players, offering visualizations and comparisons of players to aid in informed decision-making.
• Mike Wright: Endorses the platform, highlighting its utility in trade evaluations and player analysis.
• Notable Quote: "I do not personally do a trade without checking top dog stats anymore." – Mike Wright [13:13]

6. Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of utilizing tools like TopDogStats.com and encouraging listeners to join their community at JoinTheFoot.com for exclusive content. They tease an upcoming mailbag segment featuring special guest Christopher Harris, ensuring fans stay tuned for more expert fantasy advice.

Final Notable Quote: "You'll become a top dog." – Mike Wright [13:31]

Resources Mentioned:

• TopDogStats.com: Comprehensive platform for fantasy football player comparisons and data visualization.
• JoinTheFoot.com: The Fantasy Footballers' exclusive community offering additional content and insights.

Follow the Fantasy Footballers:

• Website: www.thefantasyfootballers.com
• Twitter: @theffballers
• Facebook, YouTube, and the Fantasy Sports Network for full episode access.

This detailed summary captures the essence of Week 8's fantasy football strategies, providing listeners with actionable insights and highlighting key players to watch and acquire. By leveraging expert analysis and strategic recommendations, the Fantasy Footballers equip their audience to make informed decisions and enhance their chances of winning their leagues.