Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: MEGALODON Episode - Week 12 Matchups, Trade Tips, Starts, + Much More!
Release Date: November 23, 2016

Introduction

In this special Megalodon episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the world of fantasy football, providing listeners with comprehensive analysis, strategic insights, and actionable advice to dominate their leagues during the crucial Thanksgiving weekend.

Ethics of Throwing Games [04:20 - 09:05]

The episode kicks off with a thought-provoking discussion on the ethics of intentionally losing games to manipulate playoff outcomes. A listener poses the question:

Andy Holloway [04:20]: "Is it wrong if I throw my next games to keep someone out of the playoffs?"

Jason Moore [05:50]: "It is wrong to throw it, but it is not wrong to field. Not your optimal lineup."

The trio debates the integrity of such strategies, ultimately concluding that while optimizing your lineup within the rules is acceptable, deliberately losing games crosses an ethical line. They emphasize the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness in league play.

Pump the Brakes Segment [10:50 - 15:08]

Sponsored by O'Reilly Auto Parts, the Pump the Brakes segment focuses on players who may have peaked or are entering tough matchups. This week:

• Jason Moore [11:11]: "I'm pumping the brakes on Jared Cook because... he's got the worst schedule imaginable for tight ends the rest of this season."

• Andy Holloway [12:53]: "I'm pumping the brakes on James White... he's progressively going to lose snaps."

• Mike Wright [13:44]: "Terrell Pryor has to take on The Giants... not expecting high-level production immediately."

The hosts advise listeners to exercise caution with these players, suggesting they might not deliver the expected fantasy points in upcoming weeks.

News and Player Updates [15:08 - 21:44]

The News and Notes segment provides updates on player statuses and injuries:

• Sammy Watkins: Returning to practice but uncertain whether to start him this week.

• Rob Gronkowski: Not expected to play against the Jets, affecting tight end strategies.

• Andrew Luck: Did not practice and is unlikely to play Thursday's game.

• Robert Griffin III: Designated for return; expected to play next week.

• Mark Ingram: Out of concussion protocol and returning.

• Ryan Matthews & Darren Sprouls: Injuries affecting their availability.

The hosts discuss how these updates impact fantasy lineups, advising on potential starts and sits based on player availability and team needs.

Thanksgiving Day Matchup Previews [23:09 - 85:43]

As Thanksgiving approaches, the hosts preview key matchups, offering recommendations on which players to start or sit:

Vikings vs. Lions

• Andy Holloway [23:54]: "I feel very confident about starting Eric Ebron at the tight end position in this game."

• Jason Moore [26:15]: Advises against starting Vikings' running back due to the Lions' defensive strength.

Redskins vs. Cowboys

• Jason Moore [28:44]: "Start Dak Prescott over Big Ben Roethlisberger."

• Andy Holloway [31:33]: Highlights the Redskins' ability to cover points and praises Rob Kelly's consistent performance.

Steelers vs. Colts

• Andy Holloway [33:01]: "Big Ben is my start of the week at quarterback position."

• Jason Moore [35:03]: Suggests caution with Frank Gore based on the Colts' defensive prowess.

Cardinals vs. Falcons

• Jason Moore [40:30]: "Carson Palmer is going to be slinging it around. Happy to start him."

• Andy Holloway [42:19]: Recommends starting Muhammad Sanu over Taylor Gabriel due to health and matchup considerations.

Bengals vs. Ravens

• Jason Moore [43:39]: "I would still start Jeremy Hill just because of necessary volume."

• Andy Holloway [44:50]: Advocates for starting Steve Smith Sr. over Brandon Marshall for consistency.

Packers vs. Eagles

• Andy Holloway [63:26]: "I'm going with the over."

• Jason Moore [99:04]: "I'm going to take the under."

The hosts provide nuanced strategies based on team defenses, player health, and matchup specifics, aiming to maximize fantasy points for their listeners.

Steaming Hot Trade Tips [56:20 - 62:48]

Focused on navigating the trade deadline, the hosts share strategies to enhance fantasy rosters:

• Jason Moore [56:47]: Emphasizes trading for teams in need rather than targeting specific players.
  "Don't trade for players, trade for teams."

• Andy Holloway [58:53]: Advocates for quality over quantity, encouraging trades that bring superstar players to win crucial weeks.
  "Now's the time to cash in on some of that... take advantage of 2 for 1 and 3 for 1s on hurting teams."

• Mike Wright [60:35]: Recommends not being stingy and being willing to give up depth for key playoff contributors.
  "If you are getting a key cog for the playoff run, would an example of..."

Together, they stress the importance of strategic trading to bolster teams for the impending playoff push.

Fantasy Forecast & Weekly Starts/Sits [63:20 - 121:54]

In the Fantasy Forecast, the hosts outline their recommendations for player starts and sits across various positions, integrating matchup analysis and player performance trends.

Key Recommendations Include:

• Josh McCown vs. Colts: Consider streaming quarterbacks based on Colts' defensive weaknesses.
• Robert Griffin III: Expected to play, potential start depending on the matchup.
• Gary Barnage vs. Giants: Flexible start based on team needs.
• Julian Edelman vs. Jets: Highlighted as a strong start due to increased targets.
• Zach Ertz vs. Packers: Recommended as a must-start tight end.
• Kyle Rudolph vs. Lions: Favorable matchup making him a solid start.
• Derek Carr vs. Panthers: Suggested starting quarterback based on favorable conditions.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [117:39]: "Julian Edelman... definitely starting him."

• Andy Holloway [118:07]: "I'm going with Rashad Jennings. Cleveland's given up eight touchdowns in the last five games to running backs."

• Mike Wright [121:15]: "Derek Carr is at home... I'm going to send in the car with no hesitation this week."

The detailed analysis provides listeners with actionable insights to optimize their weekly lineups, emphasizing the importance of matchup exploitation and player consistency.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the Megalodon episode, the hosts reinforce the importance of strategic decision-making in fantasy football, especially during pivotal weeks like Thanksgiving. They encourage listeners to engage with their community, utilize the advice provided, and stay informed through continuous player updates and matchup analyses.

Andy Holloway [123:42]: "Enjoy your sourdough Jack. Wait till you see the rest of the forecast."

Listeners are reminded to join the Fantasy Footballers community for ongoing support and to participate in exclusive giveaways, ensuring they remain competitive and informed throughout the fantasy season.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [04:20]: "Is it wrong if I throw my next games to keep someone out of the playoffs?"

• Jason Moore [56:47]: "Don't trade for players, trade for teams."

• Andy Holloway [58:53]: "Quality over quantity... take advantage of 2 for 1 and 3 for 1s on hurting teams."

• Jason Moore [117:39]: "Julian Edelman... definitely starting him."

This episode serves as an essential guide for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to navigate the complexities of mid-season management, offering expert advice to enhance their chances of securing playoff spots and ultimately winning their leagues.