Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Starts of the Week, Week 2 Matchups, News
Release Date: September 15, 2016

Introduction: Week 2 Kickoff

As the NFL season progresses into its second week, The Fantasy Footballers—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—dive back into the fantasy fray. Andy kicks off the episode with enthusiasm for FanDuel's new features, emphasizing its appeal for everyday fantasy enthusiasts. He highlights, “[FanDuel] is all about fantasy football for everyday fans, making your Sunday a better experience” (00:00).

Debate of the Week: Start or Sit Thomas Rawls

The trio engages in their weekly debate, focusing on whether fantasy managers should start or sit Thomas Rawls for Week 2.

Jason Moore's Stance: Jason advocates for starting Rawls, positioning him as a reliable RB2 option. He reasons, “I believe that you drafted him where you drafted him. He's needed to start in most of those rosters” (04:26). Jason emphasizes Rawls' potential workload against a Rams team that allowed a strong performance from Carlos Hyde in Week 1, predicting, “you can trust Thomas Rawls to have at least 15 carries” (05:15).

Mike Wright's Counterpoint: Mike counters by expressing caution due to Rawls' ankle injury. He states, “I'm not ready to put a guy into my starting lineup” (05:15), advocating for alternatives like Jeremy Hill. Mike underscores the importance of not sidelining Christian Michael, who outperformed Rawls in Week 1, saying, “You cannot throw away what he has done” (05:15).

Andy’s Verdict: Despite Mike's arguments, Andy sides with Jason, noting his own confidence in Rawls’ potential breakout. He concludes, “I think it’s very wrong. And so I give it to Jason” (07:44).

News and Updates: Player Performances and Injuries

Sammy Watkins Questionable: Adam Schefter reports that Sammy Watkins is questionable for Week 2. Andy mentions, “I started him in my week two rankings to play and do play poorly” (09:27). Jason concurs, advising fantasy managers to position Watkins in the WR slot to manage potential underperformance.

Russell Wilson Status: The Seattle Seahawks report considering Russell Wilson a full-time starter with no limitations, as stated by offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Andy reacts by planning to drop Matt Ryan in his league, preferring to start Wilson.

Vikings QB Situation: Andy decides to drop Matt Ryan in favor of starting Russell Wilson, citing the Seahawks' favorable quarterback situation.

Demarious Thomas and Keenan Allen Updates: The hosts discuss Demarious Thomas being on hip watch and acknowledge Keenan Allen's increased target potential, recommending him as a valuable WR pickup.

Injuries Across Teams: Multiple players are on practice squads or recovering from injuries, including Arian Foster, Julio Jones, and others. The team advises monitoring player statuses closely, especially Jonathan Stewart's potential injury against the Broncos.

Starts of the Week: Strategic Player Recommendations

The heart of the podcast focuses on the hosts' recommendations for starting players based on Week 2 matchups.

Quarterbacks:

• Andy Holloway: Matt Ryan vs. Oakland Raiders
  Andy suggests Matt Ryan as a solid streaming option, anticipating a high-scoring game where Ryan could throw three touchdowns. He notes, “[Matt Ryan] has a chance for three touchdowns in this game” (40:02).

• Jason Moore: Matthew Stafford vs. Detroit Lions
  Jason favors Matthew Stafford, highlighting his strong performance in Week 1 against the Colts and the Lions' pass-heavy offense. He emphasizes Stafford’s high upside and consistent target distribution, stating, “Matthew Stafford with all of his weapons should be a very fine safe play” (41:34).

• Mike Wright: Marcus Mariota vs. Detroit Lions
  Mike opts for Marcus Mariota, impressed by the Lions' offensive surge under their new coordinator. He predicts Mariota will keep pace in a high-over game, saying, “So I think he's a fine start” (41:57).

Running Backs:

• Jason Moore: Jonathan Stewart vs. Carolina Panthers
  Jonathan Stewart is Jason’s top RB pick, given his favorable matchup and reliability. He asserts, “Jonathan Stewart just has such a high floor and if he gets a touchdown... you’re going to be very happy with him” (46:12).

• Andy Holloway: Thomas Rawls vs. St. Louis Rams
  Andy chooses Thomas Rawls, confident in his increased workload and role in the offense. He shares, “I have had a lot of people write me and say something like... I think by week three or four, he's going to be a prolific runner” (48:00).

• Mike Wright: Garrett Blunt vs. Miami Dolphins
  Mike recommends Garrett Blunt, expecting significant carries and touchdown opportunities against a Miami defense that struggles to contain the run. He explains, “I think that there’s a heavy workload coming for LeGarrett Blunt with great chance to score” (47:17).

Wide Receivers:

• Andy Holloway: Tajie Sharp vs. Detroit Lions
  Tajie Sharp is Andy’s top WR pick, projecting a strong performance in a high-scoring environment paired with Marcus Mariota’s offense. He remarks, “I think you can start him as a 2” (42:37).

• Jason Moore: Alan Hearns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
  Jason favors Alan Hearns, believing he will capitalize on an overmatched Jaguars defense. He states, “Alan Hearns is the forgotten man... he is in a great matchup for a touchdown” (43:25).

• Mike Wright: Mike Wallace vs. Baltimore Ravens
  Mike selects Mike Wallace for his upside in a matchup against the Ravens, anticipating deep passes and potential touchdowns. He comments, “If I need that flex upside play... it would not surprise me at all if Mike Wallace can steal one away this week” (44:35).

Tight Ends:

• Andy Holloway: Virgil Green vs. Indianapolis Colts
  Andy recommends Virgil Green, praising his targeting and matchup against a vulnerable Colts secondary. He notes, “I’m exceptionally happy with the matchup against the Colts” (49:08).

• Jason Moore: Antonio Gates vs. New England Patriots
  Jason endorses Antonio Gates, highlighting his reliability and touchdown potential despite Gates' age. He asserts, “I love Gates” (50:12).

Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with their community through jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter. They tease upcoming segments, including deeper analyses of remaining matchups and Daily Dose insights for DFS players. Additionally, they mention an after-show on YouTube where they delve into fan questions and share personal anecdotes.

Andy concludes with a nod to their sponsor and a reminder to check out their websites for comprehensive articles summarizing their weekly starts and recommendations.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (04:26): “I think you drafted him where you drafted him. He's needed to start in most of those rosters.”

• Mike Wright (05:15): “I'm not ready to put a guy into my starting lineup.”

• Jason Moore (43:25): “Alan Hearns is the forgotten man... he is in a great matchup for a touchdown.”

• Jason Moore (50:12): “I love Gates.”

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Week 2 matchups, player statuses, and strategic starts to optimize fantasy football performance. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or new to fantasy football, The Fantasy Footballers offer valuable insights to help you navigate the early weeks of the NFL season.