Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: "Bad Beats, Week 14 Waivers, Streams of the Week"
Release Date: December 6, 2016

The Fantasy Footballers dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of fantasy football, sharing heart-wrenching bad beats, strategic waiver wire pickups, and essential streaming advice to navigate the crucial Week 14 playoffs. Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, this episode is a comprehensive guide for fantasy managers aiming to secure victory in their leagues.

1. Bad Beats: The Emotional Toll of Fantasy Football

The hosts open with a heartfelt discussion on the nature of bad beats in fantasy football, emphasizing how the unpredictability of player performances can dramatically alter playoff chances.

• Mitch Davis's Narrow Miss:
  Andy Holloway (07:02) shares Mitch Davis’s story: "Mitch Davis said he lost and missed the playoffs by 0.1 because of the Hilton and Kaepernick."

• Bryce Petty’s Struggle:
  Jason Moore (07:20) recounts a scenario where a team was on the brink of last place until Bryce Petty's performance swung the wheel: "It just landed on your brother-in-law."

• Ty Hilton’s Game-Deciding Drop:
  Mike Wright (04:26) laments Ty Hilton's drop: "There was many who were with me in the same boat. So it's not just me on an island."

• Listener Recovery Story:
  Andy Holloway (09:36) highlights a listener who turned a 2-6 record into a 7-6 finish: "He ran the table, ended seven and six with the five seed."

These narratives underscore the fine margins that define fantasy success and disappointment, reinforcing the emotional investment managers have in their rosters.

2. News and Notes: Injury Updates and Player Analysis

The podcast transitions to the latest news affecting fantasy football, focusing on key player injuries and their potential impact on upcoming matchups.

• Julio Jones’ Turf Toe Diagnosis:
  Mike Wright (11:08) notes, "Julio Jones diagnosed with turf toe but is expected to play in Week 14 against the Rams. However, he may be limited."

• John Brown’s Limited Snaps:
  Jason Moore (11:30) discusses John Brown's reduced role: "He's the type of guy that needs to remember why things happened this year for next year."

• Jordan Matthews and Ryan Matthews’ Status:
  Andy Holloway (12:37) shares updates on the Matthews brothers: "Doug Peterson said Jordan Matthews and Ryan Matthews should return to practice this week."

• Packers’ RB Situation:
  Mike Wright (13:09) talks about the Packers utilizing a running back committee: "Run Backs by committee. Starks is a veteran, and we're going to continue to use packages."

These updates provide managers with crucial information to make informed decisions about their lineups and waiver wire additions.

3. Waiver Wire: Strategic Pickups for Playoff Push

The heart of the episode revolves around waiver wire strategies, offering insights into the best available players across running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.

a. Running Backs

• Adrian Peterson (15:50):
  Andy Holloway (15:50) advises caution: "The Vikings aren't likely to use him unless they are in the playoff hunt."

• Charles Sims vs. Jerick McKinnon:
  Mike Wright (17:36) recommends Sims over McKinnon for immediate impact: "I would probably pick up Charles Sims over Jerick McKinnon."

• Derek Henry’s Potential:
  Jason Moore (18:35) highlights Henry’s increased involvement: "I certainly want him on my roster."

b. Wide Receivers

• Malcolm Mitchell (23:58):
  Mike Wright (23:58) praises Mitchell’s emerging role: "10 targets and we're talking 10 Tom Brady targets."

• Tyler Lockett (24:46):
  Mike Wright (24:46) emphasizes Lockett’s health and Harvey's scrambling ability benefiting him: "Russell Wilson is healthy. He’s able to scramble out of the pocket and hit Tyler Lockett deep."

• Russell Shepard (27:24):
  Jason Moore (27:19) suggests Shepard as a sneaky pick against the Saints: "Russell Shepard could have a decent game."

c. Tight Ends

• Ladarius Green (29:08):
  Andy Holloway (29:08) hails Green as the top waiver pickup: "He looked the part. 6 for 1, 10 and 1."

• Cameron Brait (31:24):
  Jason Moore (31:37) considers Brait as a secondary option: "Cameron Braid has New Orleans, Dallas, New Orleans on the rest of the schedule."

• Jermaine Gresham vs. C.J. Fedorowicz:
  Mike Wright (34:03) discusses Gresham’s upward trend: "Jermaine Gresham is trending up."

These recommendations are tailored to maximize point potential while navigating the uncertainties of player performances and matchups.

d. Streaming Defenses

• Detroit Lions (36:46):
  Jason Moore (37:36) recommends the Lions defense: "They’ve given up less than 20 points four consecutive weeks now."

• New York Jets Defense Caution:
  Jason Moore (37:36) warns against streaming the Jets due to inconsiderate performance: "You can’t trust Eli in a division game when this is on the line."

e. Streaming Quarterbacks

• Andy Dalton (39:11):
  Andy Holloway (39:11) praises Dalton’s recent performance: "He really impressed me. I think he's going to give you over 252."

• Trevor Siemian (43:05):
  Jason Moore (43:07) advocates for Siemian against the Titans: "He's going to be okay."

• Jameis Winston (42:34):
  Jason Moore (42:34) suggests Winston as a high-upside streamer: "I would start Winston."

These quarterback options are selected based on favorable matchups and recent performance spikes, providing managers with viable alternatives in a tight playoff race.

4. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Expert Advice

The hosts address listener inquiries, offering personalized advice to enhance fantasy strategies.

a. Dropping Greg Olson for Ladarius Green

• Listener Brian’s Dilemma (46:36):
  Jason Moore (47:14) advises against dropping Greg Olson due to his season-long impact despite recent struggles: "You can't drop him because if he comes out, you want that option on your team."

• Final Recommendation:
  Andy Holloway (47:35) and Mike Wright (48:22) agree to prioritize Ladarius Green for playoff strength while maintaining Olson as a safety net.

b. Choosing Between Allen Robinson and Malcolm Mitchell

• Listener Adam’s Decision (49:21):
  Mike Wright (49:36) and Jason Moore (49:42) recommend prioritizing Malcolm Mitchell over Allen Robinson due to better matchup potential against Baltimore’s strong secondary.

• Final Recommendation:
  Andy Holloway (51:13) concludes, "I don't know. I think I would drop Allen Robinson and play Brandon Marshall over Alan Robinson this week," reinforcing the choice of Mitchell for optimal point gains.

These discussions highlight the importance of matchup analysis and player roles in making informed roster decisions during critical playoff weeks.

5. Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Wrapping up, the hosts reiterate the importance of strategic decision-making and active community engagement. They encourage listeners to join their community at jointhefoot.com for exclusive leagues, additional content, and continuous support throughout the fantasy football season.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (02:31): "The only reason I'm watching this game right now is because of fantasy football."

• Mike Wright (04:14): "There's something that has to happen here."

• Jason Moore (41:00): "I would play Rivers over Eli in a division game when this is on the line."

This episode serves as a crucial resource for fantasy managers navigating the final stretch of the season, blending emotional stories with tactical advice to bolster playoff aspirations.