Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups, Streaming Options, News
Release Date: November 3, 2015

Introduction

In the November 3, 2015 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive into the latest fantasy football developments. As the team navigates Week 9, they focus on critical waiver wire pickups, streaming quarterback options, and essential news updates that can influence fantasy lineups.

Listener Reviews

The hosts kick off the episode by sharing positive feedback from their listeners. Mike D praises the podcast for its consistent delivery and impactful advice:

Mike D (08:07): "The Fantasy Footballers have helped me fill to the brim with knowledge and build and adjust a winning squad that now sits atop my league."

Andy gratefully acknowledges the support, emphasizing the community aspect of their platform.

News and Notes

Player Trades and Injuries

• Vernon Davis to the Broncos:
  The trade of tight end Vernon Davis to the Broncos presents both opportunities and challenges for fantasy owners. While Davis has potential as a receiver, his role might be limited compared to the currently underperforming Owen Daniels.

  Andy Holloway (08:58): "…if you're in a tight end, needy position. I'll take a flyer on him, but I'm not Vernon Davis."

• Keenan Allen's Injury:
  Wide Receiver Keenan Allen is reported to have a kidney injury, sidelining him indefinitely. This leaves fantasy managers scrambling to find suitable replacements.

• Marcus Mariota's Status:
  Marcus Mariota is expected to participate fully in Wednesday's practice, with a likely return to action this week, offering some stability for fantasy quarterbacks.

• Matt Forte's Availability:
  Uncertainty surrounds Matt Forte's injury status, with predictions suggesting he may miss four to five games. This impacts teams relying on Forte for consistent production.

• Tyrod Taylor's Return:
  Tyrod Taylor is back in action and fully healthy, making him a viable streaming option at quarterback.

Coaching Changes and Team Performance

• The firing of Ken Whisenhunt as Arizona Cardinals' head coach adds unpredictability to the team's offensive dynamics, affecting player performances and fantasy projections.

Waiver Wire Pickups

Wide Receivers

• Kamar Aiken:
  With Steve Smith out due to an Achilles injury, Kamar Aiken emerges as a primary target. While not an immediate starter, he offers long-term value for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.

  Mike Wright (18:41): "I think that Kamar Aiken is a must grab if you need a long-term prospect."

• Tavon Austin:
  Known for his explosive potential, Tavon Austin remains a popular waiver target. His performance is heavily matchup-dependent, making him a high-risk, high-reward option.

  Mike Wright (20:32): "He's used and he has the talent portion of what you're talking about."

• Stevie Johnson vs. Malcolm Floyd:
  In the absence of Keenan Allen, Stevie Johnson is favored over Malcolm Floyd due to his role in short-pass scenarios. However, Floyd remains a viable option for those seeking additional depth.

  Mike Wright (21:59): "I love Stevie Johnson. He would be my number one wide receiver."

Running Backs

• D'Angelo Williams:
  Both Mike and Andy express strong support for D'Angelo Williams, citing his significant role in Pittsburgh's offense, especially when Le'Veon Bell is injured.

  Andy Holloway (24:29): "Everything."

• Jeremy Langford:
  With Matt Forte potentially missing multiple games, Jeremy Langford is highlighted as a valuable pickup, offering consistent usage in a crowded backfield.

  Andy Holloway (26:11): "I am treating the signing of Jeremy Langford as a four to five week AD for my team."

• Pierre Thomas:
  A recent signing by the 49ers, Pierre Thomas is discussed with mixed opinions. While some view him as a reliable option, Andy remains skeptical about his immediate fantasy impact.

  Mike Wright (35:06): "Pierre Thomas is a talented back and he is the lone running back there."

Tight Ends

• Jordan Reed:
  Despite low ownership, Jordan Reed is praised for his double-digit potential when healthy. Owners are encouraged to pick him up and utilize him in their lineups.

  Mike Wright (38:02): "If he's healthy, you pick him up and you play him."

• Ben Watson:
  With newfound value following the return of Heath Miller, Ben Watson becomes a must-add for teams needing tight end depth.

  Mike Wright (38:27): "Ben Watson still available in some leagues. He's got to be signed."

Streaming Options

Quarterbacks

As the playoff picture begins to take shape, streaming quarterbacks based on favorable matchups becomes crucial.

• Tyrod Taylor:
  With his return, Tyrod Taylor is recommended for his strong performance potential, especially against weakened defenses like Miami.

  Andy Holloway (40:24): "I like Tyrod Taylor moving forward."

• Derek Carr:
  Derek Carr is highlighted for his effective performances against tough defenses, making him a reliable streaming option.

  Mike Wright (42:09): "Derek Carr is still available in a lot of leagues and he's just been slinging it."

• Ryan Fitzpatrick:
  Facing Jacksonville at home, Ryan Fitzpatrick is suggested as a solid streaming choice due to the Jets' resilient performance and favorable matchup.

  Andy Holloway (42:52): "That is a solid matchup for a quarterback."

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers provide a comprehensive analysis of Week 9's fantasy landscape, offering actionable advice on waiver wire pickups and streaming options. With key player injuries and team dynamics in flux, their insights equip fantasy managers to make informed decisions and optimize their rosters for the upcoming fantasy playoffs.

For more detailed advice and updates, listeners are encouraged to visit www.thefantasyfootballers.com and join their vibrant community.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and reflect the moments when specific topics were discussed.