Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 11 Matchups, In-or-Out Decisions, and FootClan Friday
Release Date: November 18, 2016
1. Introduction and Host Updates
The episode kicks off with the hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—welcome listeners and provide brief updates about their availability. Mike is mentioned as being away with his family and will return on Monday, engaging with fans through live streams on Periscope.
Notable Quote:
Al Robinson [00:26]: "Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast coming to you from the fantasyjocks.com studios with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright."
2. Week 11 Matchups Analysis
a. Jacksonville Jaguars and Michael Thomas Performance
The hosts express disappointment with the week's performances, highlighting underwhelming showings from key players. Michael Thomas, despite limited opportunities, managed to score, but overall expectations were not met.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [01:45]: "Nobody performed up to expectations. No one."
b. Cardinals vs. Vikings Defense Showdown
A detailed analysis of the matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings defenses reveals both units have been performing admirably, conceding approximately 10 points per game. The discussion delves into the implications for fantasy football, emphasizing the strength of each team's defensive lineup.
Notable Quote:
Al Robinson [16:13]: "Each defense has given up about 10 points a game. Wow, that is."
c. Bears vs. Giants Offensive Strategies
The Bears' offense, particularly the wide receiver corps, is scrutinized in the absence of Alshon Jeffery. Zach Miller emerges as a favored target due to the Giants' robust run defense, which poses challenges for running backs like Jordan Howard and Carlos Hyde.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [18:27]: "I like Zach Miller because he has been a constant target from Jay Cutler."
d. Patriots vs. 49ers Offensive Potential
Excitement is generated around the Patriots’ offense led by Tom Brady against the 49ers' struggling run defense. The conversation highlights key players like Martellus Bennett, Chris Hogan, and Dion Lewis, debating their startability based on current performance and matchups.
Notable Quote:
Al Robinson [29:16]: "Brady will be fine. So there's no question here, you're excited about Brady, you're excited about Bennett."
e. Packers vs. Redskins High-Scoring Prospect
The Packers' matchup against the Redskins is anticipated to be a high-scoring game due to the Packers' weak pass defense. Wide receivers like Jameson Crowder, Vernon Davis, and Jordan Reed are identified as valuable starts, with James Starks being a promising running back option against Washington's strong run defense.
Notable Quote:
Al Robinson [38:10]: "Crowder, Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed. Those are the three guys that I think are actually startable in this matchup."
f. Texans vs. Raiders Monday Night Football Outlook
The Texans vs. Raiders game in Mexico City is discussed with skepticism towards Derek Carr's performance potential against the Texans' formidable pass defense. Latavius Murray is recommended over Carr due to his consistent yardage and the challenging matchup for Carr.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [47:43]: "I would start Latavius Murray in this game. I have a lot of confidence in him."
3. Player Injury Updates and Fantasy Implications
The episode provides comprehensive updates on various player injuries and their availability for Week 11, offering strategic advice on who to start or sit based on current health statuses.
Key Highlights:
- Jordan Howard: Clarified as having an Achilles injury but is active and recommended to start.
- Percy Harvin: Expected to play but deemed not valuable enough for a fantasy roster spot.
- Jimmy Graham: Returned to practice and expected to play against Philadelphia, though with caution due to matchup concerns.
- Zach Ertz: Remains questionable, rated as a 50/50 start decision.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [09:11]: "Tom Montgomery returned to full practice Thursday. He should be good to go, but I'm not loving him as a player."
4. Specific Player Analysis and Recommendations
a. Running Backs: Todd Gurley vs. Jay Ajayi
A comparative analysis highlights Jay Ajayi’s superior big-play potential over Todd Gurley, who has struggled to gain significant yardage per carry this season. Ajayi is recommended as the preferred start in favorable matchups.
Notable Quote:
Al Robinson [26:26]: "Jay Ajayi has been one of the best, and Todd Gurley has not rushed for 20 or more yards on any of his 167 carries."
b. Wide Receivers: Jameson Crowder vs. Devonte Adams
Jameson Crowder is praised for his dependability and involvement in the Packers' offense, making him a valuable start against the Redskins. Devonte Adams is also recommended due to his consistent high performance over the past weeks.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [39:21]: "Devonte Adams over Crowder. Devonte Adams over the last four weeks has been one of the best wide receivers in the league."
c. Quarterbacks: Derek Carr vs. Dion Lewis
The discussion questions Derek Carr’s startability against Houston's strong pass defense, suggesting caution and preferring running backs like Latavius Murray instead.
Notable Quote:
Al Robinson [47:38]: "If you have to start, Latavius Murray. I have a lot of confidence in him."
5. Fantasy Strategy and Projections
The hosts delve into strategic decisions for fantasy managers, emphasizing the importance of balancing player performance, injury status, and matchup strength. They provide projections for key matchups, advising on optimal player starts to maximize fantasy points.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [37:28]: "I think his projection is as good as it has been going backwards... Lamar Miller is very safe. That's my outlook on him. Disappointing, but safe."
6. FootClan Friday and Community Engagement
The episode concludes with the announcement of the FootClan Friday gift card giveaway, celebrating listener support and fostering community engagement. The hosts also encourage listeners to follow them on Twitter and join their fantasy football community online.
Notable Quote:
Andy Holloway [05:08]: "Congratulations to Captain Sink."
Conclusion
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers a thorough analysis of Week 11 NFL matchups, player injuries, and strategic fantasy football recommendations. With expert insights and actionable advice, listeners are equipped to make informed decisions to enhance their fantasy teams and navigate the complexities of the fantasy football season.
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