Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Week 15 Waivers, Streams, Bad Beats + Close Wins
Release Date: December 13, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Recap of Last Night’s NFL Game

The hosts kick off the episode by discussing last night's NFL matchup, highlighting the significant impact of turnovers on the game's outcome. Andy Holloway remarks on the "collapse of special teams," drawing parallels to their experience with the Cardinals. Mike Wright expresses surprise at Tom Brady’s performance, particularly noting Brady's unexpected surge in yardage following an 80-yard touchdown by Chris Hogan.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [02:03]: “Talk about it. That collapse of special teams. Oh, reminiscent of our Cardinals for the.”
• Mike Wright [02:36]: “I just thought it was a great game. And I was shocked by Brady's numbers at the end.”

2. Listener Stories: Close Wins and Bad Beats

The hosts share and analyze several listener-submitted stories involving close victories and heartbreaking losses. These anecdotes provide real-life context to the competitive nature of fantasy football, showcasing how last-minute waiver pickups and critical plays can dramatically influence league standings.

Notable Quotes:

• Ian Burgess [06:32]: “It was a 4 versus 5 seed plugged in Hogan from the waivers at the last minute. Down by 21 by two points and the four seed was his sister.”
• Ryan Sanity [06:38]: “I needed two points from DEZ Bryant on Sunday night Football.”

3. News and Notes: Player Updates and Injuries

The discussion pivots to the latest NFL news, focusing on player injuries, status updates, and their implications for fantasy rosters. Highlights include:

• Jeff Fisher Fired: The Rams have terminated Jeff Fisher’s contract following a disappointing performance, leading to celebrations in the locker room.

  Jason Moore [10:53]: “Jeff Fisher has been fired. So many, so many conflicting thoughts.”

• Ryan Tannehill Injury: Tannehill has sprained his ACL and MCL but does not require surgery. He is expected to miss substantial playing time.

  Jason Moore [12:05]: “Still gonna be out a little while.”

• Melvin Gordon Status: Gordon is dealing with a knee and hip sprain, likely sidelining him next week.

  Mike Wright [12:16]: “He has a knee sprain and a hip sprain. I would not expect him next week.”

• Michael Floyd Arrest: Floyd was arrested on a DUI charge, exacerbating concerns about his performance and future with the Cardinals.

  Jason Moore [14:03]: “He was arrested on a DUI, got suspended indefinitely, and was an issue coming into the NFL.”

• Adrian Peterson’s Potential Return: Peterson aims to return for Week 16 against the Packers, which could impact fantasy matchups.

  Mike Wright [15:24]: “I hope my opponent picks up Adrian Peterson and says, this one's for the glory play.”

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [11:10]: “I liked them always being .500. This is good news for Todd Gurley. Future wise, dynasty wise.”

4. Waiver Wire Recommendations

The hosts delve into potential waiver wire pickups, evaluating players based on recent performances and upcoming matchups.

a. Wide Receivers

• Alshon Jeffrey: Despite suspension, Jeffrey is expected to return and could be a valuable asset against Green Bay.

  Jason Moore [16:56]: “I would pick him up and, you know, if you don't have good options, I'm always going to be willing to throw out Alshon Jeffrey.”

• Malcolm Mitchell: Recently impactful over the last three weeks with consistent performances, making him a reliable pickup.

  Andy Holloway [03:12]: “We looked at the numbers and Edelman had only gone over 12 in a standard League One time this year. Mitchell had already done it twice.”

• Taylor Gabriel: With a favorable matchup against San Francisco, Gabriel is considered a strong candidate.

  Jason Moore [18:25]: “Taylor Gabriel, to me would be someone I would pick up and be willing to play this week.”

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [03:27]: “We said Mitchell. But Jason did say at the last minute in the studio, here he goes.”

b. Running Backs

• Bilal Powell: Viewed as the top running back waiver pickup due to his versatility and increased opportunity following injuries to teammates.

  Mike Wright [25:29]: “Bilal Powell, for me, he is certainly my number one waiver claim.”

• Kenneth Dixon: Despite recent caution, Dixon offers significant upside as the primary pass-catcher in his team’s backfield.

  Andy Holloway [05:01]: “Next week Kenneth Dixon is going to be 65% of the snaps.”

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [26:45]: “I think Kenneth Farrow could be a guy that these next two weeks wins. Some people, some matchups.”

c. Tight Ends

• Jermaine Gresham: With consistent targets, Gresham emerges as a potential starter over veterans like Antonio Gates.

  Andy Holloway [31:02]: “I think this to me, is a very good week for Jermaine Gresham versus New Orleans.”

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [28:37]: “Charles Sims is back from the IR, comes in immediately gets seven touches in the game.”

d. Defenses

• Buffalo Bills Defense: Positioned favorably against the Browns, making them an attractive streaming option.

  Mike Wright [33:52]: “Yes.”

• Houston Texans Defense: Facing the Jaguars at home offers a juicy matchup for fantasy points through turnovers and sacks.

  Andy Holloway [34:05]: “Texans at home, I believe. That’s juicy.”

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [34:10]: “That is juicy. We're getting like Portals, get some turnovers.”

5. Streaming Quarterback Options

The hosts evaluate streaming quarterbacks for Week 15, emphasizing the importance of matchups and recent performances.

• Sammy Baugh (referred to humorously as "Samuel J. Biscuits"): Highlighted for his consistent touchdown passes over eight weeks.

  Mike Wright [36:17]: “I'm going with Samuel J. Biscuits. He’s done eight straight weeks of two or more passing touchdowns.”

• Tyrod Taylor: Recommended for his favorable matchup against the Browns and his dual-threat capability.

  Jason Moore [38:18]: “Tyrod Taylor... high ceiling. He’s playing the Browns. Only two times this entire season they have not given up two or more touchdowns to the quarterback.”

• Andy Dalton: Chosen for his consistent performance and home game advantage against Pittsburgh.

  Andy Holloway [39:53]: “He’s at home against Pittsburgh. He’s had two touchdowns in each of the last two weeks.”

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [36:55]: “He's really good at changing light bulbs.”

6. Mailbag: Listener Questions

The hosts address various listener questions, providing personalized advice tailored to individual fantasy football dilemmas.

Example Questions:

• DJ from Maryland [41:10]: "Should I start Sammy Watkins or Alshon Jeffrey?"
  Response: Opt for Sammy Watkins due to his favorable matchup and lower risk.

• Chris from Denver [41:35]: "He needs a miracle tight end for this week. Who has the highest ceiling?"
  Response: Recommendations included Jermaine Gresham, Charles Clay, Hunter Henry, Ladarius Green, and others, with a preference for players like Gresham and Henry for their high ceiling potential despite some risk.

• Stu from Scotland [45:46]: "Do I start Powell or Ingram for Week 15?"
  Response: Stick with Powell unless Matt Forte returns from injury, in which case Ingram would be the start.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [41:22]: “What do you need? Do you need high ceiling? Do you need high floor?”

7. Conclusion and Promotions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts remind listeners of ongoing promotions and upcoming events, including the "12 Days of Foot Clan" and special giveaways. They encourage listeners to engage with the show's online community and participate in promotions for exclusive discounts and prizes.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [48:28]: “We are giving away live birds in the mail.”

Key Takeaways

• Player Performance and Injuries: Staying updated on player statuses is crucial, especially during playoff contention when weekly matchups can make or break a fantasy season.
• Waiver Wire Strategy: Prioritize players with favorable matchups and potential for high upside, even if they come with risks.
• Streaming Quarterbacks: Choosing the right streaming QB can mitigate points against, focusing on consistent performers with good matchups.
• Community Engagement: Engaging with fellow fantasy players and seeking expert advice can enhance strategic decision-making.

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of strategic decisions for Week 15, blending expert analysis with real-life listener experiences to equip fantasy managers with the insights needed to navigate the critical stages of their fantasy football season.