Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Week 11 Waivers, Eric Dickerson, Streams of the Week
Release Date: November 15, 2016

1. Hosts and Show Dynamics

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway and Jason Moore take the helm as Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright is out of town. Their chemistry is immediately evident as they engage in light-hearted banter about almost having a solo show and Andy’s humorous exaggeration about “jumping off a bridge” due to frustration with fantasy football (00:56–01:19). This sets a relaxed and entertaining tone for the episode.

2. News and Updates

a. Rob Gronkowski Injury
Adam Schefter reports that Rob Gronkowski has a chest injury, initially feared to be a punctured lung. The injury is deemed not overly serious, but Gronkowski could miss one to two weeks (09:11–09:41). Andy emphasizes the impact on fantasy teams, stating, “Anytime you miss a game with a superstar, that's a serious injury for your fantasy team” (09:41).

b. Alshon Jeffery Suspension
Alshon Jeffery has been suspended for four games due to performance-enhancing drugs, possibly expired supplements. Jason notes, “Alshon Hopkins is a bad fantasy option right now. You can’t trust him” (10:26–10:45).

c. Brandon Marshall Addition
Andy shares his experience of trading Larry Fitzgerald for Brandon Marshall, highlighting Marshall's potential despite the team's ongoing issues: “I'm really happy he's on by this week” (12:06–12:23). Jason notes the strategic benefit of not having to start Marshall without guilt.

3. Waiver Wire Advice

a. Running Backs
Andy and Jason delve into the best running back pickups for Week 11:

• Rob Kelly (Washington Redskins): Andy praises Kelly’s preseason performance and current form, predicting he may secure a starting role: “Rob Kelly almost got 100 yards against the Minnesota Vikings” (14:11–15:16).
• James Starks: Jason considers Starks a solid pick with potential involvement in the passing game: “He came out first game back, scored a touchdown” (15:22–15:44).
• Kenneth Dixon (St. Louis Rams): Both hosts recommend Dixon due to his rising involvement and impressive recent performances: “I would spend a first waiver claim position on Kenneth Dixon” (17:30–18:34).
• Jeremy Langford: Andy endorses Langford as a reliable option in case Jordan Howard misses time: “Jeremy Langford will have the role over Kadeem Carey” (18:47–19:24).

b. Wide Receivers
Key waiver wire pickups discussed include:

• Steve Smith Sr.: Jason highlights Smith’s consistent performance and reliability: “He is an absolute 2. As in the way that I look at Steve Smith” (22:44–23:24).
• Rashard Matthews: Andy remains optimistic about Matthews’ streak, stating, “He has become the number five wide receiver” (23:28–24:36).
• Tyreek Hill: Jason recommends Hill as a high-upside play with favorable matchups: “I would pick up Tyreek Hill as a play this week” (26:09–26:50).
• Others: Mentioned names include Eli Rogers, Cameron Meredith, Eddie Royal, and Tyrell Williams, each with specific contexts for their potential fantasy impact.

c. Tight Ends
The hosts evaluate several tight-end options:

• Vernon Davis: Noted for his recent double-digit performances, Andy remains cautious yet optimistic: “I am afraid to do it. But I think I might have blinders” (28:47–29:10).
• Cameron Brait, Ladarius Green, C.J. Fedorowicz: Andy favors Brait for his consistent usage and recent performance: “He has scored in the last three games” (31:06–31:37).

d. Quarterbacks (Streaming Options)
Options for streaming quarterbacks include:

• Colin Kaepernick: Jason advocates for Kaepernick due to favorable matchups and his dual-threat ability: “He is my streaming quarterback of the week” (36:25–37:09).
• Tyrod Taylor: Andy prefers Taylor for his improving performance and advantageous schedule: “Tyrod Taylor is a great play” (37:52–38:48).

4. Guest Interview: Eric Dickerson

NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson joins the show to provide expert insights on the running back position.

a. The Role of Running Backs in Modern NFL Offenses
Dickerson discusses the evolving use of running backs, emphasizing that having versatile, every-down backs like Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley, and David Johnson is becoming standard:
“I don't think it's hard at all… the running back is a very important factor in playing a football game” (40:40–41:15).

b. Ezekiel Elliott’s Rookie Rushing Record
When asked if Elliott will break Dickerson’s rookie rushing record, Dickerson responds candidly:
“No, I don't. I don't think he'll break it now” (42:40–42:46).

c. Opportunity vs. Talent in Fantasy Football
Discussing whether opportunity or talent is more crucial for fantasy production, Dickerson advocates for the importance of both, leaning slightly towards opportunity provided by a strong offensive line:
“I would rather have that great offensive line” (44:30–45:29).

d. Todd Gurley’s Struggles with the Rams
Analyzing Todd Gurley’s diminished performance, Dickerson attributes it to poor offensive line play and increased defensive pressure, suggesting that Gurley’s situation may not improve significantly:
“It’s going to be tough on Todd to have a great year this year” (46:23–49:57).

e. Dynasty Running Backs: David Johnson vs. Todd Gurley
When choosing between Johnson and Gurley for dynasty leagues, Dickerson leans towards David Johnson due to his system and consistent production:
“For fantasy players, I would have to take David Johnson” (50:24–51:04).

5. Mailbag/Q&A

Listeners submit questions which Andy and Jason address:

a. Vikings Defense:
Shauna from Florida asks when to stop starting the Vikings defense. Both hosts agree to treat them like any other defense, emphasizing the importance of matchup considerations:
“If you can find somebody better to play this week… start them depending on matchups” (53:31–54:19).

b. Trade Decision:
Cole in Boston debates trading Melvin Gordon and DeAndre Hopkins for Amari Cooper, Jay Ajayi, and Brandon Cooks. Both hosts support the trade, citing DeAndre’s underperformance and the value of the incoming players:
“If you have a need at wide receiver… I would do that trade” (54:32–55:23).

c. Dropping Players for IR Spot:
Drew in Taos faces a dilemma on whom to drop to move Thomas Rawls into his roster. Andy advises dropping Kristen Michael over Derek Henry or Christian Michael, emphasizing Rawls' value:
“I’m going to boot him with confidence” (56:18–56:27).

d. Dropping Landry for Parker:
Rich in Charlevoix questions whether to drop Ryan Landry for Parker in non-PPR leagues. Both hosts unanimously advise against the trade, highlighting Parker’s current inconsistency:
“In no format would I do that” (56:39–56:59).

6. Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Andy and Jason wrap up the show by encouraging listeners to join their fantasy community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter. They also promote Pristine Auction, highlighting its unique sports memorabilia offerings, and originalgrain.comfootballers for exclusive watch discounts.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (03:51): “Once I continued to pay attention and followed the game, it made me so much better for future years.”
• Jason Moore (05:44): “Disrupting the playoff hopes of my friend Jason would only bring me great joy.”
• Eric Dickerson (41:15): “The Cowboys are good at that. I see the Steelers are good at that.”
• Eric Dickerson (42:46): “If he breaks the record, he breaks the record. Do I think he'll break it now? Yeah, I think that they'll try to cut back on some of his carries.”
• Jason Moore (36:26): “Colin Kaepernick is one of those guys due to his schedule... he could be a streaming playoff quarterback.”
• Eric Dickerson (50:24): “For fantasy players, I would have to take David Johnson because what he's able to do.”

This episode provides comprehensive insights into Week 11 waiver pickups, strategic streaming options, and expert analysis from Eric Dickerson on the running back landscape. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the Fantasy Footballers offer valuable advice to optimize your team and navigate the complexities of the season.