Fantasy Footballers Podcast – September 22, 2016: Starts of the Week, Week 3 Matchups, Debate

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Episode Number: 270
Release Date: September 22, 2016

1. Episode Overview

In episode 270 of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the intricacies of Week 3 in the NFL season. The episode is segmented into three main sections: Starts of the Week, Week 3 Matchups, and the Fandings.com Debate of the Week. Each segment offers expert analysis, strategic insights, and actionable advice to help listeners optimize their fantasy football rosters.

2. Starts of the Week

The Starts of the Week section highlights players the hosts recommend as essential additions to fantasy lineups. Each host presents their top picks across various positions, providing reasoning and supporting statistics.

a. Quarterbacks

• Philip Rivers (Jason Moore)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: With key players like Keenan Allen and Danny Woodhead injured, Rivers is poised for increased volume. Moore cites the matchup against a weakened Indianapolis Colts defense, offering Rivers a high-scoring opportunity.
  • Notable Quote:
    "Philip Rivers should be able to carve this game up. I think it's going to be a high scoring game." [47:04]

• Russell Wilson (Andy Holloway)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: Despite being ranked 27th at QB, Holloway supports Wilson due to his matchup against the San Francisco 49ers and expects efficiency and touchdowns.
  • Notable Quote:
    "You're going to have some short field opportunities because that defense is going to create them. I think you see an efficiency. I think you see enough touchdowns to make you happy." [48:20]

• Eli Manning (Mike Wright)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: Manning faces the Washington defense, allowing an average of 300 passing yards per game. Wright believes Manning can exploit this weakness.
  • Notable Quote:
    "I'm playing Eli Manning against that Washington defense. Odell Beckham is due for a big game." [51:00]

b. Running Backs

• C.J. Anderson (Jason Moore)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: Consistently productive and faces a Bengals defense that struggles against the run.
  • Notable Quote:
    "C.J. Anderson is a locked and loaded running back. One until further notice." [37:53]

• Melvin Gordon (Jason Moore)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: Benefiting from improved offensive line play and increased volume. Gordon is projected for a top 10 week.
  • Notable Quote:
    "Everything is lining up here for Melvin Gordon to have a top 10 week. I would start him in all of my lineups." [53:23]

• Charles Sims (Andy Holloway)

  • Recommendation: Flex
  • Reasoning: Versatile in both rushing and receiving, especially valuable against the Rams' defense.
  • Notable Quote:
    "Charles Sims is just going to be on the field too much to ignore... he's a flex-worthy start." [54:04]

c. Wide Receivers

• Devonte Parker (Andy Holloway)

  • Recommendation: Flex
  • Reasoning: High snap count and a favorable matchup against Miami Dolphins, making him a sneaky flex play.
  • Notable Quote:
    "Devonte Parker is going to be on the field too much to ignore. I think you can flex him this week." [55:07]

• Travis Benjamin (Mike Wright)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: Proven performance in previous seasons and favorable matchup against the Chargers' defense.
  • Notable Quote:
    "Travis Benjamin proved last year with the Browns that he is a stud weapon... I'm buying into Travis Benjamin this week." [55:42]

• Willie Sneed (Jason Moore)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: High target volume and a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, who have a history of allowing multiple touchdowns.
  • Notable Quote:
    "If you've got Willie Sneed, you probably have other tough options. Don't bench Willie Sneed this week." [56:37]

d. Tight Ends

• Jason Whitten (Andy Holloway)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: Leading the league in targets and a reliable option in his matchup.
  • Notable Quote:
    "Jason Whitten never hurt. Best friend to Dak Prescott at home against Chicago, leads the league in targets." [58:20]

• Dennis Pitta (Mike Wright)

  • Recommendation: Start
  • Reasoning: Despite recent injuries, Pitta remains a high-target option when healthy, especially in favorable matchups.
  • Notable Quote:
    "Dennis Pitta is now the two hip, not quitta because he has two functional hips... I love Pitta getting the targets." [58:15]

3. Week 3 Matchups

The hosts analyze key NFL matchups affecting fantasy football outcomes, offering predictions and strategic advice.

a. Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots

• Overview:
  The Patriots' defense has not allowed a pass completion for 40+ yards this season, posing a significant challenge for Houston's receivers.

• Key Players:

  • Lamar Miller (Texans): Despite a low efficiency (3.6 yards/game), his volume makes him a steady start.
    "He is as safe as it gets and you still have the upside you haven't even seen yet." [19:58] – Jason Moore

  • DeAndre Hopkins & Will Fuller (Patriots): Hopkins remains a consistent starter, while Fuller is considered a flex option despite facing a tough Patriots secondary.
    "Hopkins A1, you start him every single week." [21:23] – Mike Wright

• Predictions:

  • Winner: Patriots
    "Patriots are going to find a way." [23:17] – Jason Moore
  • Betting Line: Patriots favored by points.
  • Over/Under: 47 points. Expected to break due to high passer efficiency and potential defense pitfalls.
    "Something's got to give." [22:38] – Jason Moore

b. Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills

• Overview:
  The Bills struggle offensively, especially in the passing game, making Lamar Miller a valuable asset against their defense.

• Key Players:

  • Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals): Maintains high target volume and is a red-zone favorite.
    "He is the number one red zone read for this offense." [28:34] – Jason Moore

  • LaShawn McCoy (Bills): Involved in both ground and passing games, offering flexibility.
    "He likely won't get a touchdown, but he'll be an okay start." [27:16] – Jason Moore

• Predictions:

  • Winner: Cardinals
    "I give him another four receptions, Mike." [27:16] – Jason Moore
  • Over/Under: 50 points.
    "Low end running back 2." [27:16] – Jason Moore

c. Minnesota Vikings vs. Carolina Panthers

• Overview:
  The Panthers' underwhelming rushing defense and the Vikings' strong pass defense create a dynamic matchup.

• Key Players:

  • Stefan Diggs (Vikings): Despite a strong season, faces a tough Carolina secondary.
    "Stefan Diggs is first out of all the wide receivers. I did not project a great game for Diggs." [34:03] – Andy Holloway

  • Matt Asiata (Panthers): Best-performing running back in the matchup, suitable for start.
    "Asiata is at least has an A." [33:34] – Andy Holloway

• Predictions:

  • Winner: Carolina Panthers
    "Packers are good against the run... and Sam Bradford's offense." [33:04] – Mike Wright
  • Over/Under: 43 points.
    "I expect it to be a low scoring game." [30:29] – Mike Wright

d. Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals

• Overview:
  The Broncos' strong run defense against the Bengals' running game is a critical factor. C.J. Anderson remains a top RB option.

• Key Players:

  • C.J. Anderson (Broncos): Locked and loaded, continuous high performance.
    "C.J. Anderson is a locked and loaded running back. One until further notice." [37:53] – Jason Moore

  • AJ Green (Bengals): Essential due to his high target volume despite tough matchup.
    "He might be in wide receiver three area on my rankings, but I'm still going to start him." [37:53] – Jason Moore

• Predictions:

  • Winner: Bengals
    "Jaguars are one point dogs at home. Ho hum." [43:07] – Andy Holloway
  • Over/Under: 37 points.
    "C.J. Anderson is a locked and loaded running back." [37:53] – Jason Moore

e. Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

• Overview:
  A divisional matchup with the Packers favored, featuring Aaron Rodgers against Matthew Stafford in a high-scoring prediction.

• Key Players:

  • Aaron Rodgers (Packers): Leading QB with multiple receiving options.
    "I'm really do. I don't see how he can blow up again against this defense." [34:03] – Andy Holloway

  • Stefan Diggs (Vikings): Faces a Packers defense continuously improving in pass coverage.
    "Stefan Diggs is first out of all the wide receivers." [34:03] – Andy Holloway

• Predictions:

  • Winner: Packers
    "If Green Bay is able to put points on the board... then Matthew Stafford is going to be able to throw the ball around." [35:00] – Jason Moore
  • Over/Under: 48 points.
    "It's going to be a high scoring game." [39:35] – Andy Holloway

f. Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Overview:
  The Ravens' top-rated pass defense faces a Jaguars offense struggling with injuries and offensive line issues.

• Key Players:

  • Allen Robinson (Ravens): Expected bounce-back game, a top-tier wide receiver against a struggling Jaguars defense.
    "If Robinson doesn't perform this week, isn't there panic in the air?" [46:11] – Andy Holloway
    "Allen Robinson is my third ranked wide receiver this week." [46:22] – Jason Moore

  • Mike Wallace (Ravens): Increasingly reliable target with Joe Flacco's offensive adjustments.
    "Mike Wallace has taken that position of a primary target for Joe Flacco in a Mark Trustman offense." [44:24] – Mike Wright

• Predictions:

  • Winner: Ravens
    "I think it could be a high scoring game." [45:53] – Jason Moore
  • Over/Under: 47 points.
    "I'm taking the over." [43:06] – Andy Holloway

4. Fandings.com Debate of the Week: Is It Wrong to Send Out Bad Trade Offers?

The hosts engage in a spirited debate about the ethics of sending out poor trade proposals in fantasy leagues. The discussion centers around whether it's deceitful or strategic to present bad trades in hopes of negotiations.

• Jason Moore's Stance:

  • Perspective: It's acceptable to send out bad trade offers occasionally as a starting point for negotiation.
  • Key Points:
    "It's not a bad thing to send out a trade offer that's, let's say, poor... because it gives you a place to start." [05:46] – Jason Moore
    "If you're sending out trade offer after trade offer... he is absolutely wrong." [07:01] – Jason Moore

• Andy Holloway's Stance:

  • Perspective: Generally agrees that sending occasional bad offers is permissible but cautions against excessive or hurtful tactics.
  • Key Points:
    "If I know for sure that it is a awful trade, I would think it's wrong." [07:01] – Andy Holloway
    "The etiquette of trades is quite a hilarious debate." [09:54] – Andy Holloway

• Mike Wright's Input:

  • Perspective: Emphasizes the importance of replying to trade offers respectfully and not sending "smelly dog turd" deals.
  • Key Points:
    "You need to reply in a timely manner." [09:02] – Mike Wright
    "The conversation will not be moving forward if you give me a smelly dog turd." [09:32] – Mike Wright

Conclusion: The hosts concur that while initiating negotiations with less favorable offers can be a strategic move, it’s crucial to maintain respectful and ethical interactions to preserve league harmony.

5. News and Notes

The hosts provide updates on injuries and player statuses that could impact fantasy lineups:

• Corey Coleman (Cincinnati Bengals): Suffered a broken hand, out for 4-6 weeks.
  "He loses the most athletic up and coming player on your team for four to six weeks." [10:31] – Andy Holloway

• Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots): Game-time decision due to injury, expected to play if healthy.
  "He’s been telling teammates he plans to play." [12:10] – Andy Holloway

• Jamal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs): Likely out another week, but eager to return, making him a potential waiver wire target.
  "He may get on the field, but it's looking more like it'll be another week." [14:22] – Andy Holloway

• Hunter Henry (Atlanta Falcons): Antonio Gates questionable, Henry could step in as a tight end option.
  "Hunter Henry would take over and could be a shot in the dark, a sneaky start." [13:30] – Andy Holloway

• Dwayne Washington (Detroit Lions): Role expanding due to injury to Amir Abdullah, providing upside as a rookie.
  "Dwayne Washington's role will expand after the Amir Abdullah injury." [16:35] – Andy Holloway

• Sammy Watkins (Cleveland Browns): Dealing with a foot injury, likely to be shadowed by Patrick Peterson.
  "Sammy Watkins was not at the start of practice today on Thursday." [17:12] – Andy Holloway

6. Special Promotions

While the hosts briefly mention advertisements, these sections are generally skipped as per the summary guidelines. However, notable promotions include:

• Jointhefoot.com: A fantasy football community offering exclusive rewards and premium projections.
  "You can jump in there and you get exclusive rewards with our show." [00:00] – Mike Wright

• PristineAuction.com: Recommended for verified sports memorabilia, including signed jerseys and helmets.
  "Everything on Pristine Auction is extremely verified. It's completely legit." [23:53] – Jason Moore

• Harry's: Offering a free trial set with the promo code "footballers," including a post-shave balm.
  "Go to Harry's.com right now, enter the code footballers at checkout..." [26:00] – Andy Holloway

7. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their recommendations and encouraging listeners to engage with their fantasy football community online. They emphasize the importance of staying updated with player statuses and making informed decisions to maximize fantasy performance.

“Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter @theffballers.” [61:35] – Jason Moore

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Starts: Focus on players with favorable matchups and increasing roles due to injuries or team dynamics.

• Trade Ethics: Balance strategic negotiations with ethical behavior to maintain league integrity.

• Stay Informed: Regularly monitor player injuries and updates to adjust lineups effectively.

• Community Engagement: Utilize resources like Jointhefoot.com and PristineAuction.com for additional insights and memorabilia.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from episode 270 of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, providing valuable guidance for fantasy football enthusiasts seeking to enhance their league performance.