Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Episode: Week 3 Matchups, Full Stream Ahead, Daily Dose
Release Date: September 25, 2015

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, along with guest Chris Meaney from the Fantasy Sports Network, provide a comprehensive analysis of Week 3 NFL matchups. Packed with injury updates, strategic fantasy forecasts, streaming options, and listener interactions, this episode equips fantasy managers with the insights needed to excel in their leagues.

Injury Updates and News

The episode begins with a deep dive into the latest NFL injuries affecting fantasy decisions for Week 3:

• Andre Ellington: Confirmed out of the lineup due to injury [10:10].
• Chris Ivory (Seahawks): Dealing with a groin muscle but is listed as "in." Hosts express skepticism about his availability, with Mike Wright predicting he might be out despite the listing [10:28].
  • Andy Holloway: "I think he'll be out."
  • Chris Meaney: "I'm reluctantly saying in."
• Todd Gurley (Rams): Expected to debut this week. While Chris Meaney anticipates limited snaps initially, Andy Holloway forecasts Gurley becoming a valuable startable option by Week 5 [10:58].
• Devonte Adams & Eddie Lacy: Both set for Monday Night Football, with Mike Wright leaning towards Lacy being out and Chris Meaney supporting his availability [11:27].
• Nuke Hopkins: Dealing with a concussion, but Mike Wright considers him startable if available [12:07].
• Tevin Coleman: Out for Week 3 with broken ribs [12:19].
• Lamar Miller & Jordan Cameron: Mixed status with Chris Meaney favoring starting Cameron for the Rams [37:18].

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (07:55): "Jordan Reed had a really good game that could have been much bigger had a couple throws gone his way in the end zone. But big game for Reed. If you started Reed, you're happy."

Fantasy Forecast: Week 3 Matchups

The hosts analyze key Week 3 matchups, offering strategic recommendations for fantasy lineups:

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots

• Blake Bortles: Identified as a startable quarterback against the Patriots' struggling pass defense.
  • Andy Holloway [15:43]: "Blake Bortles is a startable... the Patriots D is not giving up much."
• TJ Yeldin: Recommended as a starting running back due to favorable matchup and lack of competition.
  • Mike Wright [17:03]: "TJ Yeldin has great potential with 25 carries and three catches last week."
• Robert Gronkowski & Dion Lewis: Key players to watch, with Lewis recommended for reliability.
  • Andy Holloway [19:06]: "Proceed with Lewis until further notice."

San Diego Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings

• Philip Rivers: Boasting an impressive 91% accuracy rating, Rivers is a prime streaming quarterback option.
  • Mike Wright [19:17]: "Philip Rivers is having one of the most accurate starts of his career."
• Melvin Gordon & Adrian Peterson: Both backs are highlighted for their strong matchups against Minnesota's run defenses.
  • Mike Wright [20:04]: "Good news for Adrian Peterson and Melvin Gordon."

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets

• Robert Gronkowski: Despite facing a tough Jets defense, his talent makes him a viable start.
  • Mike Wright [21:11]: "Robert Gronkowski is the one guy you need to shut down for the Patriots D."
• Dion Lewis vs. Amir Abdullah: Split opinions on the best flex option, with both players having potential based on usage and matchup.

Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks

• Jimmy Graham: Selected as a top tight end due to his connection with the Seahawks' offense.
  • Andy Holloway [36:41]: "Jimmy Graham is my tight end start of the week."
• Doug Baldwin: Recommended as the primary receiver for Seattle due to slot targets.
  • Andy Holloway [36:59]: "If I had to start a Seattle wide receiver, it's Baldwin."

Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions

• Amir Abdullah: Highly ranked for his involvement in the passing game against Denver's strong defense.
  • Andy Holloway [37:18]: "Amir Abdullah's speed and passing role make him valuable this week."
• CJ Anderson: Despite injury concerns, he's considered the workhorse back if healthy.
  • Chris Meaney [39:12]: "CJ Anderson is the workhorse."

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (18:10): "The line in this game is 13 1/2 points. I don't expect the Jaguars to be able to go into Foxborough and win the game. This game's going to be closer than you think it is."

Full Stream Ahead

This segment focuses on streaming quarterbacks—identifying low-ownership QBs who can deliver high points:

• Alex Smith (49ers vs. Chargers): Recommended for his consistent yardage and favorable matchup.
  • Mike Wright [50:26]: "Alex Smith has averaged over 200 yards a game with two touchdowns."
• Tyrod Taylor (Bills vs. Dolphins): Selected for his steady performance and matchup against Miami.
  • Chris Meaney [51:25]: "Tyrod Taylor is averaging 200 yards in the air and 40 on the ground."
• Blake Bortles (Jaguars vs. Patriots): Andy endorses Bortles as a high-potential, low-ownership option against New England.
  • Andy Holloway [51:23]: "Blake Bortles is a guy you can throw in there. I would start him over Joe Flacco."

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (53:11): "Blake Bortles is a guy that you can throw in there. I would start him over Joe Flacco this week."

Daily Dose: Insights from Chris Meaney

Guest Chris Meaney shares strategies for daily fantasy sports (DFS), emphasizing:

• Consistency vs. Upside: Advises caution with inconsistent players like Travis Benjamin in cash games, recommending them for tournaments due to their potential for big plays [43:32].
• Stacking QBs with Receivers: Highlights the effectiveness of pairing quarterbacks with reliable receivers (e.g., Tom Brady with Julian Edelman) to maximize DFS performance [46:58].
• Value Plays: Suggests budget-friendly options such as Gary Burnage against weak secondaries and Jeremy Macklin for screen pass opportunities, ideal for tournament lineups [47:09].

Notable Quote:

• Chris Meaney [43:49]: "I just don't think that Benjamin is going to be a consistent guy. I mean, that guy ran nine passing routes and that's just really not all that great."

Mailbag: Listener Questions Answered

The hosts address listener queries, providing tailored advice:

• Antonio Brown vs. Le'Veon Bell: For a listener with both players, the consensus is to retain Antonio Brown due to a stronger wide receiver core.
  • Chris Meaney [54:27]: "Do not make a move unless somebody's blowing you away with an offer."
• Flex Position Dilemma (Amir Abdullah vs. Dion Lewis vs. Brandon Cooks): Debate ensues with Mike Wright favoring Dion Lewis and Andy Holloway supporting Amir Abdullah. Chris Meaney suggests Stevie Johnson as an alternative [54:40].
• Andrew Luck vs. Carson Palmer: Split opinions on selecting the higher floor with Luck versus the higher ceiling with Palmer, ultimately leaning towards Luck for steadier production [56:04].
• Dropping Kyle Eiferd or Chris Polk: Mike Wright advises trading Kyle Eiferd to strengthen the team, emphasizing the importance of shopping around for the best trade offers [57:38].

Notable Quote:

• Andy Holloway (55:08): "You have to trade one of these guys and strengthen your team. But make sure whenever you do trades like this, you shop around."

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with the Fantasy Footballers community through their website and social media platforms. Emphasizing a listener-centric approach, they highlight the importance of community feedback and shared success stories in enhancing the fantasy football experience.

Final Thoughts:

• Andy Holloway (58:52): "This show is made to be a community show, to be a show about the listeners, not about us. It's about the NFL. It's about getting you equipped to win your league."

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast serves as an essential guide for fantasy managers aiming to navigate Week 3 with confidence. From injury assessments to strategic player picks and DFS strategies, the podcast delivers actionable insights to elevate your fantasy game.