Fantasy Footballers Podcast - 2016 Playoff Primer, Pump the Brakes, News
Release Date: November 16, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
In this pivotal episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, the expert trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—delve deep into the upcoming fantasy playoffs. Released on November 16, 2016, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their rosters for the critical playoff weeks. The hosts provide astute analysis, highlight key players to target or avoid, and offer strategic insights to help listeners secure their championship titles.
Playoff Primer: Pump the Brakes
Eli Manning's Volatility
Andy Holloway [04:06]: "My candidate this week is a guy who is very hot and cold throughout most seasons, Eli Manning."
Andy expresses caution regarding Eli Manning's recent performance surge. Despite Manning throwing seven touchdowns in the last two weeks, Andy warns fantasy owners to temper their enthusiasm. He points out that Manning is facing Chicago, a team struggling offensively, which might not sustain his high touchdown rate. Andy advises, "Don't play him if you're expecting to capitalize on his recent surge."
The Baltimore Passing Game Concerns
Willie Sneed [05:33]: "All right, I'm going to. My pump the brakes is going to be a combination. It's going to be the Baltimore passing game in general, which really for fantasy owners focuses on Steve Smith senior and Mike Wallace."
Willie raises concerns about Baltimore's passing game, particularly Steve Smith Sr. and Mike Wallace. He highlights Joe Flacco's underwhelming performance and Baltimore's challenging playoff schedule for wide receivers, including tough matchups against top defenses. Willie advises fantasy managers to exercise caution when considering Baltimore's wide receivers for their playoff rosters.
Additional Quarterback Cautions
Willie Sneed [06:35]: "Russell Wilson, he takes on Green Bay, the Rams in Arizona. You know, I don't think many people are tempted to play Tannehill."
Willie extends his "Pump the Brakes" segment to include other quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Mike Tomlin's quarterbacks, emphasizing their difficult playoff schedules against formidable defenses. He underscores the importance of not overvaluing matchups but using them as a critical component of playoff strategy.
News Highlights
Christian Michael Waived
Willie Sneed [08:08]: "Now, as much as I'd love to pretend Mike doesn't exist with the news that broke yesterday, big news. Christian Michael was waived."
The hosts discuss the surprising news of Christian Michael being waived, speculating on the reasons behind the move, such as offensive incompatibility. Willie suggests that Thomas Rawls might emerge as a key fantasy asset if he returns to form.
Tony Romo Supports Dak Prescott
Andy Holloway [12:28]: "I was so impressed by it. I think the young ones out there could follow the example, the humility."
Tony Romo publicly supporting Dak Prescott as the starting quarterback is a significant morale boost for Prescott and a confirmation for fantasy owners to trust Prescott's performance moving forward.
Jared Goff's First Start
Jared Goff Making His Debut [12:56]:
The anticipation surrounds Jared Goff's inaugural start, with the hosts debating his potential impact. While Andy is optimistic about signing the Dolphins' defense, Willie remains skeptical about Goff's ability to perform consistently.
Sammy Coates' Injury and Blair Walsh Cut
Sammy Coates' Double Broken Finger [13:48]:
The discussion turns to Sammy Coates' injury and the subsequent release of Blair Walsh by the Vikings. Both moves are scrutinized for their fantasy implications, highlighting the precarious nature of roster decisions during the playoffs.
Playoff Matchups Analysis
Quarterbacks
Best Playoff Schedules
- Philip Rivers: Faces Carolina, Oakland, and Cleveland.
- Drew Brees: Encounters Tampa Bay twice and a favorable matchup against Montana.
- Matt Ryan & Dak Prescott: Both have strong schedules in weeks 14-16, making them reliable playoff quarterbacks.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [16:43]: "Philip Rivers is the guy that I would prefer to have going into the playoffs."
Worst Playoff Schedules
- Aaron Rodgers: Matches against Seattle, Chicago, and Minnesota.
- Tom Brady: Faces Baltimore, Denver, and the Jets.
- Russell Wilson: Competes against Green Bay, the Rams, and Arizona.
Notable Quote:
Willie Sneed [17:00]: "Aaron Rodgers playing Seattle and then the divisional game at Chicago and then Minnesota. That's a tough, that's a tough run."
Running Backs
Best Playoff Schedules
- Jonathan Stewart: Faces San Diego, Washington, and Atlanta.
- Spencer Ware: Encounters Oakland, Tennessee, and Denver.
- Thomas Rawls & Procyce Rawls: If healthy, have advantageous matchups.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [27:15]: "Jonathan Stewart going San Diego, Washington, Atlanta. I have really no fears in that."
Worst Playoff Schedules
- Robert Kelly: Faces Philly, Carolina, and Chicago—three top defenses.
- Ivory and Yelden: Confront Minnesota, Houston, and Tennessee with robust run defenses.
Notable Quote:
Willie Sneed [31:16]: "Thomas Rawls is going to win you your fantasy playoffs."
Wide Receivers
Best Playoff Schedules
- Tyrell Williams (San Diego): Plays Carolina, Oakland, and Cleveland.
- Brandon Marshall (Detroit): Faces San Francisco and Miami, which are favorable matchups.
Notable Quote:
Willie Sneed [34:34]: "Tyrell Williams, you should pick him up if you have time to grab him still, he should be on your team."
Worst Playoff Schedules
- DeAndre Hopkins (Indianapolis): Faces Jacksonville, Cincinnati, and Green Bay, all strong against wide receivers.
- Ramsey and Others: Similar challenges for other wide receivers facing top defenses.
Notable Quote:
Willie Sneed [40:48]: "DeAndre Hopkins is too talented... If Brock Osweiler blows his knee out this week, he's going to become a great fantasy option."
Tight Ends
Best Playoff Schedules
- Cameron Brait: Faces two New Orleans matchups and Dallas, which struggles against tight ends.
- Zach Miller: Encounters Detroit and Green Bay, both poor against tight ends.
Notable Quote:
Willie Sneed [46:21]: "Zach Miller, Cameron Brait. I agree. Those two, the Gates Henry thing, obviously, if you got one of them, you're probably playing them."
Worst Playoff Schedules
- Delaney Walker: Faces Denver and Kansas City, two of the best against tight ends.
- Russell Wilson: Additional challenges depending on team matchups.
Notable Quote:
Willie Sneed [50:00]: "Delaney Walker is the second ranked tight end, but his week 13 bye context makes him a risky choice."
Thursday Night Game Preview
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
Willie Sneed [55:47]: "This is one of the biggest over/unders we've seen on the year. 52 points. Do you buy into that?"
The hosts preview the Thursday night divisional game between the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers. They discuss the implications of the Panthers potentially being eliminated from the playoffs with a loss and analyze the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Notable Insights:
- Andy Holloway [54:24]: "I would probably lean towards the under on this game, but I do expect there to be enough fantasy points."
- Willie Sneed [55:27]: Discusses starting Mark Ingram over Hightower, despite Carolina's strong run defense.
Strategic Insights and Conclusions
Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers emphasize the importance of considering playoff matchups when setting lineups. They caution against relying solely on player rankings or recent performances without factoring in the quality of upcoming defenses. The hosts advocate for a balanced approach, integrating player talent with favorable matchups to maximize playoff success.
Key Takeaways:
- Diversify Your Lineup: Avoid stacking too many players from the same team to mitigate the risk of facing tough defenses.
- Target Matchup-Friendly Players: Prioritize players facing weaker defenses during the playoff weeks.
- Stay Informed on Injuries and Team News: Player availability and team dynamics can significantly impact fantasy performances.
- Flexibility is Crucial: Be prepared to pivot your strategy based on the latest developments leading up to the playoffs.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [15:37]: "This is a piece of a puzzle. This is not the ultimatum."
Conclusion
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast serves as an essential roadmap for fantasy managers approaching the most critical phase of the fantasy season—the playoffs. By dissecting player matchups across all key positions and providing actionable advice, Andy, Jason, and Mike equip listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and secure their championship victories. Whether navigating quarterback dilemmas, optimizing running back lineups, selecting the best wide receivers, or choosing tight ends with favorable schedules, this episode offers invaluable insights to dominate the fantasy playoffs.
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