Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Starts of the Week, Week 5 Matchups, News
Release Date: October 6, 2016
Introduction
On October 6, 2016, the Fantasy Footballers—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—hosted an engaging episode focusing on Week 5 of the NFL season. The trio delved into starts of the week, analyzed key matchups, provided news updates, and shared their expert opinions to help listeners make informed fantasy football decisions.
Starts of the Week: Interactive Trivia Segment
Jason Moore kicked off the show with an interactive trivia segment, challenging the hosts with questions about wide receiver snap percentages:
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Question 1: Which team has a wide receiver trio with a snap percentage of 96% or higher?
- Answer: The New York Giants — Victor Cruz, Sterling Shepard, Odell Beckham Jr.
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Question 2: Which two wide receivers from the same team are both top five in snap percentage among all wide receivers?
- Answer: The Miami Dolphins — Kenny Stills (99%) and Jarvis Landry (96%)
This segment highlighted the importance of consistent snap counts in evaluating fantasy football assets, emphasizing players like Sterling Shepard and Jarvis Landry as reliable starters.
News and Notes
The hosts provided updates on player statuses and team news impacting fantasy lineups:
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Carson Palmer Injury:
- Jason Moore reported that Carson Palmer was out for Thursday's game, leading to Drew Stanton stepping in as quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.
"Jason was air driving through the, through the imaginary roads." [00:53]
- Jason Moore reported that Carson Palmer was out for Thursday's game, leading to Drew Stanton stepping in as quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals.
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Latavius Murray Status:
- Latavius Murray was listed as doubtful for Week 5 due to a toe injury. If sidelined, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard would have increased roles.
"Latavius Murray is doubtful for week five. He's going to try the toe out." [06:53]
- Latavius Murray was listed as doubtful for Week 5 due to a toe injury. If sidelined, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard would have increased roles.
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Other Injuries:
- Zach Ertz from the Philadelphia Eagles was reported to have a new back injury, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming week.
"It's being reported that he has injured his back in addition to the ankle." [10:05]
- Zach Ertz from the Philadelphia Eagles was reported to have a new back injury, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming week.
Matchup Analyses
1. Washington Redskins vs. Baltimore Ravens
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Ravens' Defense:
- Fifth-ranked against the run and third against the pass, limiting big plays.
"They have incredible...they're not giving up big plays, which is the forte of a guy like DeSean Jackson." [15:11]
- Fifth-ranked against the run and third against the pass, limiting big plays.
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Redskins' Offense:
- Joe Flacco remains a viable quarterback option despite a steep pass defense.
"Flacco, Kirk Cousins, I'm not afraid to start him, but I would personally be looking for a better option." [17:09]
- Joe Flacco remains a viable quarterback option despite a steep pass defense.
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Key Players:
- DeSean Jackson facing hot cornerback Sharice Wright, potentially leading to a breakout performance.
"DeSean Jackson could go off this game." [16:19]
- DeSean Jackson facing hot cornerback Sharice Wright, potentially leading to a breakout performance.
2. New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns
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Patriots' Advantage:
- Tom Brady returns, making the Patriots 10.5-point favorites.
"The Patriots are going to binge on the scoreboard this week." [24:26]
- Tom Brady returns, making the Patriots 10.5-point favorites.
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Browns' Strategy:
- Relying on Isaiah Crowell and wear clock down tactics against a strong Patriots defense.
"They have to just wear out the clock." [19:08]
- Relying on Isaiah Crowell and wear clock down tactics against a strong Patriots defense.
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Fantasy Implications:
- James White and LeGarrett Blunt were recommended as key starts for the Patriots.
"James White. LeGarrett Blunt." [24:27]
- James White and LeGarrett Blunt were recommended as key starts for the Patriots.
3. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions
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Eagles' Strength:
- Strong against pass defenses, leading to opportunities for Zach Ertz and Michael Crabtree.
"Eddie Royal should put up some good numbers." [35:16]
- Strong against pass defenses, leading to opportunities for Zach Ertz and Michael Crabtree.
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Lions' Offense:
- Matthew Stafford poised for a productive game against a struggling Eagles defense.
"I like Eli Manning this week." [55:03]
- Matthew Stafford poised for a productive game against a struggling Eagles defense.
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Key Considerations:
- Ryan Matthews' usage and Wendell Smallwood' involvement were discussed with differing opinions.
"I think you're going to need to throw the ball." [20:50]
- Ryan Matthews' usage and Wendell Smallwood' involvement were discussed with differing opinions.
4. Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts
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Colts' Defense:
- 24th against the pass and 18th against the run, presenting favorable conditions for running backs.
"The Colts defense is not stopping the run." [34:15]
- 24th against the pass and 18th against the run, presenting favorable conditions for running backs.
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Bears' Offense:
- Reliance on Jordan Howard, who has exploited the Colts' weak run defense.
"Jordan Howard is rushed for 10 or more yards on 7 of 34 carries." [34:12]
- Reliance on Jordan Howard, who has exploited the Colts' weak run defense.
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Fantasy Insights:
- Jordan Howard recommended as a strong start due to the matchup.
"Jordan Howard is my start of the week." [53:57]
- Jordan Howard recommended as a strong start due to the matchup.
Starts of the Week: Player Recommendations
Tight Ends
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Gary Barnage (Mike Wright):
- Increased usage with Cody Kessler at quarterback.
"Barnage is getting regular usage, which is what you want out of a tight end." [46:02]
- Increased usage with Cody Kessler at quarterback.
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Cameron Brait (Jason Moore):
- Expected volume against Carolina's defense, especially with ASJ potentially out.
"Cameron Brait, he's a special talent. I don't think you're going to see this balance of touchdowns." [46:35]
- Expected volume against Carolina's defense, especially with ASJ potentially out.
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Zach Ertz (Andy Holloway):
- Returning strong post-bye week, high target volume against Detroit's vulnerable tight end defense.
"Zach Ertz should be safe... he's set to play Week 1." [47:40]
- Returning strong post-bye week, high target volume against Detroit's vulnerable tight end defense.
Wide Receivers
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Amari Cooper (Jason Moore):
- Favorable matchup against a stingy San Diego defense, poised for high targets and touchdowns.
"Amari Cooper is a special talent. I think this is the week that Cooper and Crabtree see success." [48:46]
- Favorable matchup against a stingy San Diego defense, poised for high targets and touchdowns.
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Steve Smith Sr. (Mike Wright):
- Ascending target numbers and consistent performance against Washington's beatable defense.
"Steve Smith has been ascending." [49:57]
- Ascending target numbers and consistent performance against Washington's beatable defense.
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Eddie Royal (Andy Holloway):
- High involvement in the passing game against the Colts' secondary, good for flex spots.
"Eddie Royal should put up some good numbers." [50:09]
- High involvement in the passing game against the Colts' secondary, good for flex spots.
Running Backs
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LeGarrett Blunt (Andy Holloway):
- Expected significant usage against the Browns, either grinding out yards or capitalizing on Patriots' leads.
"LeGarrett Blunt will be involved... he averages about 5 points more per game." [51:16]
- Expected significant usage against the Browns, either grinding out yards or capitalizing on Patriots' leads.
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Jeremy Hill (Mike Wright):
- Consistent increases in carries with Dallas, showing flashes of reliability without severe fluctuations in points.
"Jeremy Hill has been much better overall on the year. I think that Dallas is beatable." [52:28]
- Consistent increases in carries with Dallas, showing flashes of reliability without severe fluctuations in points.
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Jordan Howard (Jason Moore):
- Dominant matchup against the Colts' poor run defense, high involvement in the offense.
"Jordan Howard is my start of the week." [53:57]
- Dominant matchup against the Colts' poor run defense, high involvement in the offense.
Quarterbacks
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Eli Manning (Jason Moore):
- Favorable home game against a weak Giants defense, expected high passing volume.
"Eli Manning has made my top 10." [50:03]
- Favorable home game against a weak Giants defense, expected high passing volume.
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Ben Roethlisberger (Mike Wright):
- High potential at home against the Jets' porous pass defense, despite inconsistency.
"Big Ben is a must start because he's my number one guy." [55:59]
- High potential at home against the Jets' porous pass defense, despite inconsistency.
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Derek Carr (Andy Holloway):
- Expected to exploit San Diego's defensive weaknesses with high touchdown potential.
"Derek Carr will have a very good game." [56:35]
- Expected to exploit San Diego's defensive weaknesses with high touchdown potential.
Fantasy Strategy Insights
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Defense Matchups:
The podcast emphasized the importance of evaluating defensive strengths and weaknesses, particularly how they can limit or enhance player performances. For example, Baltimore's top-tier defense against passes makes Joe Flacco a safe if not standout option, while the Colts' permissive run defense makes Jordan Howard an attractive running back start. -
Injury Impacts:
Injuries play a crucial role in determining player starts and flex options. The uncertainty surrounding Latavius Murray's status highlights the need for contingency planning with backups like DeAndre Washington. -
Player Consistency vs. Upside:
The hosts debated the merits of consistent performers like Jeremy Hill versus high-upside players like Amari Cooper and Eli Manning, advising listeners to balance reliability with potential breakout performances in their lineups.
Concluding Remarks
The Fantasy Footballers wrapped up the episode by directing listeners to their website for comprehensive player rankings and premium projections. They encouraged engagement through their community platform, JoinTheFoot.com, ensuring fans have access to the latest insights and expert analyses to dominate their fantasy leagues.
"Check it out on the website. And today we also release our premium projections." [57:45]
"Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast." [58:35]
Notable Quotes
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Mike Wright:
"Grave Before Shave has everything you need. Literally everything." [00:00]
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Jason Moore:
"Sterling Shepard is an actual viable fantasy asset right now." [03:23]
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Andy Holloway:
"LeGarrett Blunt will be involved because... you have to throw the ball." [54:02]
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Jason Moore:
"I'll take the under on the 40 points." [42:09]
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Mike Wright:
"Jerick McKinnon is still a fine play." [45:00]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essential discussions, insights, and player recommendations from the Fantasy Footballers' Week 5 podcast episode, providing valuable information for both seasoned and novice fantasy football enthusiasts.