Fantasy Football Podcast Summary: "Studs, Duds, Rising Stars, Injuries, Mayhem"

Episode Overview Released on September 19, 2016, the Fantasy Footballers podcast episode titled “Studs, Duds, Rising Stars, Injuries, Mayhem” delivers an in-depth analysis of the early weeks of the fantasy football season. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dissect player performances, injury impacts, waiver wire strategies, and provide actionable advice for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to navigate the tumultuous start of their leagues.

Opening Remarks and League Promotion [00:00 - 00:42]

The episode kicks off with Andy Holloway promoting the Draft app, encouraging listeners to join the Fantasy Footballers leagues for added excitement and potential cash prizes. He emphasizes the ease of joining by using the code "ballers."

Andy Holloway [00:00]: "You put in the code ballers. It will automatically put you into our league."

Jason Moore and Mike Wright welcome listeners from the fantasyjocks.com studios, setting the stage for a discussion filled with humor and camaraderie.

Weekly Challenges and Listener Insights [01:07 - 03:14]

The trio humorously discusses their physical state post-weekend games, with Mike noticing minor injuries among the hosts, reflecting the emotional and physical toll of fantasy management.

Jason Moore [01:22]: "From last night's games. Mental, Mental reps. My body has gone with the games. I just watch, I get sore. I feel like I got injured."

Mike Wright references J.J. Zachary’s commentary on the unpredictable nature of the fantasy season, particularly in the early weeks where key players might underperform or get injured, leading to significant roster adjustments.

Mike Wright [02:06]: "There are some desperate fantasy football owners out there waiting for this show to drop for some insight, for some updates, for some hope."

Trade Dispute Discussion [04:00 - 07:50]

A segment unfolds around a listener's question regarding a trade involving LaShawn McCoy and Adrian Peterson. The hosts debate whether the trade should be allowed to proceed given that McCoy played on Thursday night, preventing the trade's processing until after the weekend.

Andy Holloway [05:31]: "The trade is up to whoever is getting the Adrian Peterson side. If they want to back out, they are allowed to back out. 100%."

Jason Moore [05:43]: "Because the trade has not gone through. And now you're receiving a player who is injured, but the trade hasn't got through."

The discussion highlights the complexities of trade processing windows and injury contingencies, emphasizing fairness and the need for clarity in league rules. Ultimately, the hosts agree to continue the debate on their Twitter page, acknowledging the trade's contentious nature.

Injury Reports and Impact Analysis [10:52 - 19:46]

The hosts provide a comprehensive rundown of player injuries affecting fantasy rosters. Key injuries discussed include:

• Arian Foster: Suffering a hamstring injury, potentially missing multiple weeks.

  Mike Wright [14:43]: "It was really bizarre to me. And then seeing the way he went into the locker room was like, okay, he's done. Like this might be career."

• Adrian Peterson: Exhibiting severe knee issues, with MRI results pending.

  Jason Moore [14:03]: "What is going on with those guys injury wise."

• Josh McCown: His involvement leading to potential opportunities for rookie Corey Coleman.

• Julio Jones & Tyrell Williams: Handling injuries impacting their performance and target availability.

Mike Wright [10:52]: "Jimmy Garoppolo has a sprained AC joint landed right on that shoulder."

The hosts delve into the strategic implications of these injuries, debating waiver wire pickups and optimal roster adjustments to mitigate losses from key injuries.

Stud Muffins and Rising Stars [30:30 - 51:56]

Stud Muffins: Top Performers of Week 2 The hosts highlight standout players who delivered exceptional performances despite the season's chaos:

• Philip Rivers [30:34]: Achieved 396 yards and three touchdowns.

  Andy Holloway [30:54]: "Very surprising performance there from Rivers."

• Cam Newton [30:59]: Compiled impressive stats with 53% completion and four touchdowns.

  Jason Moore [31:15]: "They just kind of go to sleep because they dominated so easily."

• Derek Carr & Carson Palmer: Both quarterbacks had strong performances against Atlanta's struggling secondary.

• Travis Benjamin & Kelvin Benjamin: Both receivers scored two touchdowns each, capitalizing on their targets.

Rising Stars: Emerging Players to Watch Several players are identified as rising stars, showing potential for increased fantasy value:

• Melvin Gordon [46:06]: With increased opportunities due to Danny Woodhead’s injury, Gordon posted 24 carries for 102 yards.

  Mike Wright [46:06]: "What I'm seeing from Melvin Gordon. I think he has a really good chance if he stays healthy."

• Corey Coleman [34:31]: Showed promise with 104 yards and two touchdowns, contingent on McCown’s health.

• Stefan Diggs [35:50]: Emerging as a top receiver with nine receptions for 182 yards and a touchdown.

  Jason Moore [35:50]: "Stefan Diggs is the number one guy."

• Kelvin Benjamin [47:27]: Demonstrated strong performance and potential as a WR1.

  Jason Moore [47:27]: "Kelvin Benjamin... he is matchup proof. He is a red zone weapon."

Fantasy Strategy and Waiver Wire Tips [19:46 - 35:48]

The hosts offer strategic advice on managing injured players and capitalizing on waiver wire opportunities:

• Arian Foster vs. Matt Asiata: Debate on whether to invest heavily in Asiata versus McCinnon for similar returns.

  Mike Wright [15:27]: "I'd rather spend like, you know, 15 fab on Aziata versus like 70 fab on McKinnon."

• Charles Sims [13:35]: Anticipated to rise as Doug Martin's injury sidelines him.

  Jason Moore [13:59]: "He's going to be near the top because either he's going to get that start or McCoy's back."

• Raphael Thomas' Waiver Priorities: Emphasizing the importance of monitoring injury updates to make informed waiver decisions.

Player Performance Analysis [37:05 - 56:59]

A deep dive into individual player performances, identifying both underperformers and those exceeding expectations:

• DeAndre Hopkins: Continued strong performance with over 100 yards.

• Eric Decker: Steady as a top option with consistent targets.

• Stefan Diggs: Exceptional game, leading the league in receiving yards.

• Melvin Gordon: Leveraging increased opportunities to produce solid fantasy points.

• Todd Gurley & Jeremy Hill: Mixed performances raising concerns about their reliability.

• Tight Ends: Highlighted are Martellus Bennett and Greg Olsen for their standout games, while expressing concerns over players like Dennis Pitta and Dwayne Allen.

Jason Moore [43:09]: "Stefan Diggs... he is the NFL league leader in yards right now at the wide receiver position from the Minnesota Vikings."

Long-Term Concerns and Benchmarks [52:05 - 59:44]

The conversation shifts to long-term concerns for certain players, evaluating their potential risks and future performances:

• John Brown & Emmanuel Sanders: Monitoring their performances against strong defenses.

• Sammy Watkins: Considering purchasing him at a low cost given his recent updates.

• A.J. Green: Despite a strong individual game, concerns about matchup difficulties.

Mike Wright [58:09]: "I have major long term concern with John Brown this year."

• Russell Wilson & Jameis Winston: Evaluating their performances and potential for consistent fantasy points.

Closing Highlights and Predictions [57:49 - 61:10]

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts recap key takeaways, reiterate the importance of staying updated on injuries, and tease upcoming segments like the "waiver show."

• Predictions:

  Mike Wright [60:57]: "I'm gonna take the Eagles as well."

• Rising Stars Recap:

  Jason Moore [47:27]: "Kelvin Benjamin... he is matchup proof."

• Final Advice:

  Mike Wright [61:06]: "Footballers, huge waiver show tomorrow. Don't miss it."

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore [01:22]: "From last night's games. Mental, Mental reps. My body has gone with the games. I just watch, I get sore. I feel like I got injured."
• Mike Wright [02:06]: "There are some desperate fantasy football owners out there waiting for this show to drop for some insight, for some updates, for some hope."
• Andy Holloway [05:31]: "The trade is up to whoever is getting the Adrian Peterson side. If they want to back out, they are allowed to back out. 100%."
• Jason Moore [14:03]: "What is going on with those guys injury wise."
• Mike Wright [46:06]: "What I'm seeing from Melvin Gordon. I think he has a really good chance if he stays healthy."

Conclusion

This episode encapsulates the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the early fantasy football season. The Fantasy Footballers provide listeners with valuable insights into managing injuries, optimizing rosters, and identifying key players to watch. Their blend of humor, expertise, and strategic advice offers both entertainment and practical guidance, ensuring that fantasy managers are well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.

For more detailed analysis and to stay updated on the latest in fantasy football, listeners are encouraged to join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter @FFBall.