Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Pump the Brakes, Wk 15 Playoff Mailbag, TNF Preview"

Release Date: December 14, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Episode Overview

In this episode of Fantasy Footballers, the expert trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—delve into strategic advice for the fantasy playoffs through their "Pump the Brakes" segment, respond to listener questions in the "Playoff Mailbag," and provide an insightful preview of the upcoming Thursday Night Football (TNF) matchup. The discussion offers valuable analysis to help fantasy managers navigate crucial Week 15 decisions.

2. Pump the Brakes

Segment Time: 03:31 – 11:16

In the "Pump the Brakes" segment, the hosts highlight three players or situations that fantasy managers should approach with caution as the playoffs approach.

• Marcus Mariota (Timestamp: 05:10):
  Andy Holloway advises managers to "double up on Marcus Mariota." Despite Mariota’s earlier promise, recent performances have been inconsistent. His matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead is particularly concerning due to the Chiefs' formidable defense and standout player Justin Houston. Mike Wright concurs, stating, "the Chiefs defense... changes everything about that defense in Arrowhead," recommending streaming a quarterback instead.

• New England Wide Receivers (Timestamp: 06:04):
  Jason Moore recommends caution with New England's wide receivers—Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, and Malcolm Mitchell. He points out that Denver's defense has been stingy against wide receivers, denying these players the opportunity to amass significant fantasy points. Moore emphasizes, "if they’ve put up great weeks, you’re going to be tempted to play them. If you have other good options, go with them this week."

• Drew Brees (Timestamp: 08:17):
  The debate around Drew Brees centers on his recent performance struggles. Despite being a "hall of fame level quarterback," Brees hasn't thrown a touchdown in nine quarters and faces a tough matchup against Arizona. Mike Wright notes, "he's had two bad games in a row," but ultimately maintains confidence in Brees, suggesting, "I still have confidence in Drew Brees as a top fantasy quarterback." Andy humorously remarks, "You're pumping the brakes on the people pumping the brakes on Drew Brees," highlighting the nuanced decision-making required.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore at [06:26]: "Everyone's wrong on that. It's all the little things that make the difference to help you get that playoff victory."

3. News and Notes

Segment Time: 11:27 – 16:04

The hosts cover various league updates and player news affecting fantasy decisions:

• Darren McFadden Activation (Timestamp: 11:31):
  Darren McFadden has been activated and moved onto rosters, altering the handcuff dynamics with Alfred Morris. Moore advises, "Alfred Morris has been a great must-own type of handcuff."

• Julio Jones' Injury (Timestamp: 12:01):
  Julio Jones is battling turf toe, a multi-week injury that impacts his availability. The hosts discuss the implications for teams relying on Jones, with Wright suggesting, "If you want to know, turf toe is normally a multi-week injury."

• Cincinnati Bengals Fire Mike Nugent (Timestamp: 13:49):
  The Bengals have fired kicker Mike Nugent, highlighting the volatile nature of the kicker market in fantasy leagues. The conversation humorously imagines a "Kicker House" reality show for released kickers.

• Michael Floyd Discipline (Timestamp: 15:00):
  Bruce Arians is exploring disciplinary actions for Michael Floyd, likely resulting in him being benched. This affects players dependent on Floyd's production.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore at [14:19]: "Should be a reality TV show that just follows that house that they all live in together."

4. Playoff Mailbag

Segment Time: 19:09 – 39:44

Listeners send in their fantasy dilemmas, which the hosts address with tailored advice:

• Alexa from Tampa (Timestamp: 21:43):
  Alexa seeks advice on whether to start Alshon Jeffery or Jimmy Graham.
  Advice:
  Mike Wright favors Graham due to his potential against a favorable matchup, stating, "Jimmy Graham had an opportunity for a 58-yard touchdown." Andy supports this, noting Jeffery’s underperformance, saying, "Jimmy Graham... [has] two touchdowns potential against LA."

• Listener from Law, Leesburg, Virginia (Timestamp: 23:35):
  Question about implementing rule changes to enhance league engagement.
  Advice:
  The hosts suggest maintaining engagement through stakes, penalties for last place, keeper leagues, and fostering a competitive culture via communication platforms like Facebook or Slack.

• Michael from Easley, South Carolina (Timestamp: 26:19):
  Michael must choose between Joe Flacco, Drew Brees, and Eli Manning.
  Advice:
  Both Andy and Jason recommend starting Brees over Flacco and Manning, emphasizing Brees' reliability despite recent struggles.

• Hugo in Houston, Texas (Timestamp: 27:03):
  Hugo contemplates starting Doug Baldwin or Jameson Crowder vs. the Chiefs and considers Jermaine Gresham.
  Advice:
  The consensus is to start Crowder and Baldwin, leveraging their favorable matchups and higher upside compared to Gresham.

• Listener from New Hampshire (Timestamp: 35:07):
  Decision between Pharaoh, Todd Gurley, DeAndre Hopkins, or Moncrief for the flex position.
  Advice:
  Andy and Jason advise starting Pharaoh despite his inconsistency, emphasizing Gurley’s limitations against a strong Seattle defense.

• Recent Playoff Decisions (Timestamp: 38:11):
  Spencer from Rockford, Illinois, asks about starting David Johnson over Alshon Jeffery or Dontrell Inman.
  Advice:
  Mike and Jason recommend starting Inman over Jeffery due to Inman's recent volume and potential, especially against a favorable Chargers matchup.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Holloway at [22:12]: "Great question. Awesome question. And I'm going to go ahead and start Jimmy Graham."
Jason Moore at [26:14]: "In my money league every week the highest points gets a small cash bonus."

5. Thursday Night Football Preview

Segment Time: 31:56 – 44:53

The hosts preview the Thursday Night Football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, providing fantasy implications and player evaluations.

• Game Dynamics (Timestamp: 42:26):
  The Rams are slight underdogs with a 15-point spread and a high over/under of 38.5 points. Andy suggests taking the Rams to cover the spread based on their solid defense and the Seahawks' late-week fatigue.

• Player Spotlights:

  • Thomas Rawls (Rams) (Timestamp: 44:53):
    Rawls is highlighted as a strong play due to his consistent performance and favorable matchup against Seattle's run defense.
  • Kenny Britt and Sherman (Seahawks) (Timestamp: 44:32):
    Britt’s consistent production with both quarterbacks makes him a reliable option, while concerns remain about Russell Wilson’s interceptions.

• Russell Wilson’s Performance (Timestamp: 46:21):
  Russell Wilson's recent struggle with interceptions is discussed, referencing his five-pick game and comparing it to John Kitna’s past performances.

Notable Quote:
Jason Moore at [43:56]: "The Rams are happy. They're celebrating in their locker room."

6. Closing Insights

Segment Time: 44:53 – 48:00

As the episode wraps up, the hosts briefly recap their key recommendations and tease upcoming content:

• Todd Gurley Achievement (Timestamp: 47:05):
  Mike Wright celebrates Gurley reaching significant milestones, emphasizing his value as a top fantasy running back despite previous underperformance.

• Final Advice:
  Andy encourages listeners to join their community for ongoing support and to take advantage of their sponsor offers for added value in their fantasy endeavors.

Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway at [47:26]: "You finally are paying off on that draft value."

Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Footballers offers critical insights for fantasy managers entering the playoffs. From cautioning against certain high-profile players in "Pump the Brakes" to addressing listener-specific dilemmas and providing a thorough TNF preview, the hosts equip their audience with the knowledge needed to make informed, strategic decisions. Whether it's navigating player injuries, optimizing matchups, or enhancing league engagement, the Fantasy Footballers deliver a comprehensive guide to winning your league in style.

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