Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Starts of the Week, Matchups, Debate, News
Release Date: September 8, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

As the NFL season kicks off, the Fantasy Footballers hosts dive directly into the excitement of Week 1, setting aside advertisements and intros to focus on valuable fantasy insights. The trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—bring their expert analysis to help listeners navigate the initial matchups, debates, and roster decisions.

Host Picks for Tonight's Game

Andy Holloway opens the episode by sharing his prediction for the season opener between the Panthers and Broncos:

"I think that the Broncos are going to win tonight's game and I think it's going to be 19 to 16. I think it's going to be a little bit ugly, a little bit dirty. And I think, I think the home team wins." (02:28)

Jason Moore echoes Andy's sentiment, anticipating a defensive showdown:

"You are reading my mind because that is exactly how I see this game going. Low scoring, high defense, ugly affair." (02:43)

Mike Wright adds his perspective, supporting the Broncos with a focus on their defensive prowess:

"I'm taking the home team." (03:08)

Debate of the Week: Will TJ Yeldon Be a Top 20 Running Back in Week 1?

A heated debate unfolds around TJ Yeldon's Week 1 ranking. Andy positions Yeldon within the top 20:

"I think he's going to get off to a solid start in this game against Green Bay. Be involved in the passing game heavily. I have him delivering a top 14 week." (09:00)

Mike Wright challenges this, arguing Yeldon's inconsistency and dependency on touchdowns:

"He's the only guy in town. Unless you have Toby Gerhardt countered at the goal line... There's just no way he's coming close." (10:30)

Jason Moore sides with Mike, ultimately ruling in favor of Yeldon not making the top 20:

"I could not project it that way. I do think that the game script is good for him... on this Fandings debate of the week, Mike, you got it." (12:13)

News and Notes

The hosts update listeners on key player statuses:

• Carlos Hyde: Cleared for football activity after concussion concerns, making him a sneaky start option in PPR leagues.

  "Hyde's going to be the man." (13:47)

• Jimmy Graham: Despite initial uncertainty from Pete Carroll, Graham is likely to play against Miami. Jason Moore advises:

  "I'm just recommending to people out there, patella spite. That is 100% patella span." (15:21)

• Thomas Rawls: Expected to see limited playtime with defense improvements in disguise.

  "All three of us have Kristen Michael ranked very highly." (35:07)

Fantasy Forecast: Matchups Breakdown

Panthers vs. Broncos

A defensive slugfest is anticipated with both teams' strong defenses from the previous year. Andy and Jason agree on the low-scoring nature:

"Low scoring game... you're working against the run defense." (22:37)

Buccaneers vs. Falcons

Projected as a high-scoring game with stars like Mike Evans and Julio Jones:

"I have Mike Evans very high this week. Devonta Freeman is one of my highest." (28:04)

Bills vs. Ravens

Complex decisions revolve around quarterback choices and running backs:

"I am going with Spencer Ware... he's a great player this week." (42:45)

Packers vs. Jaguars

An "almost upset" scenario where Andy roots for the Jaguars despite the Packers' strength:

"If the defense shows up... I think they're going to win." (36:02)

Chargers vs. Chiefs

A critical matchup where Mike opts to sit Philip Rivers due to Chiefs' dominance:

"I'm going with the Bears to still have a bad rushing defense. Lamar Miller is going to get a ton of work." (30:03)

Starts of the Week

The hosts share their top player picks for Week 1 across various positions:

Quarterbacks

• Mike Wright: Derek Carr – Predicts a high-scoring game against the Saints.

  "Derek Carr is a top five guy for me. He's my start of the week." (46:07)

• Jason Moore: Matthew Stafford – Expects a prolific outing against the Lions.

  "Matthew Stafford should be fine. I think they're going to punch in touchdowns." (47:02)

• Andy Holloway: Kirk Cousins – Sees an entertaining game against Pittsburgh.

  "Kirk Cousins can keep the momentum up, do enough this week." (48:21)

Running Backs

• Andy Holloway: Christian McCaffrey – Highlights his dynamic role and preseason performance.

  "Christian McCaffrey is my start of the week at the running back position." (49:23)

• Mike Wright: Charles Sims – Anticipates significant involvement against Tampa Bay.

  "Charles Sims can be a very sneaky play this week." (51:38)

• Jason Moore: Ryan Matthews – Credits his involvement in the Eagles' game plan.

  "Ryan Matthews... put in a decent RB2 week." (51:36)

Wide Receivers

• Mike Wright: DeSean Jackson – Expects explosive plays against the Dolphins.

  "DeSean Jackson could easily go vintage and get you a 60-yard bomb." (52:33)

• Jason Moore: Michael Crabtree – Values his consistency and touchdown potential.

  "Michael Crabtree is having a fine fantasy week this week." (53:35)

• Andy Holloway: Vincent Jackson – Excited about his capability to dominate despite past injuries.

  "Vincent Jackson is more than capable of taking a big role in this offense." (53:56)

Tight Ends

• Andy Holloway: Jason Whitten – Consistent touchdown opportunities with Dak Prescott.

  "Jason Whitten is a resource for Dak Prescott... I'll take Jason Whitten this week." (54:46)

• Jason Moore: Dwayne Allen – Highlights his touchdown reliability in season openers.

  "He has never not scored a touchdown in the first game he plays each season." (55:02)

• Mike Wright: Jesse James – Sees potential for touchdowns due to matchup advantages.

  "Jesse James is a great pick... great chance for a touchdown." (55:40)

Conclusion

As Week 1 unfolds, the Fantasy Footballers provide listeners with a comprehensive guide to navigating the initial fantasy matchups. From strategic start/sit decisions to insightful debates and player rankings, Andy, Jason, and Mike equip fantasy managers with the tools needed to excel in their leagues. They also emphasize the unpredictability of the season's opener, urging fans to stay engaged and adapt as the week progresses.

"Week one's the hardest... It's going to be a little bit of a bumpy road in the beginning." (35:07)

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore on FanDuel Advertising:

  "You want to be sports rich." (00:00)

• Mike Wright on Jason's Intro Dance:

  "The Jason dancing during this intro has been so fantastic." (01:29)

• Andy Holloway on Player Starts:

  "He's the Frank Gore of the tight end position." (44:09)

For more insights and community interaction, visit fantasyjocks.com and join the conversation on Twitter @FFballers. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where the Fantasy Footballers continue to break down the best strategies to win your league.