Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Week 16 Matchups, In-or-Out, Playoff Decisions
Release Date: December 23, 2016

Episode Overview

In this Week 16 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into crucial matchup analyses, player updates, in-or-out decisions, and strategic playoff considerations. As the NFL regular season winds down, the trio provides expert advice to help listeners optimize their rosters for championship success.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Championship Week Preparations and Playoff Implications

The conversation kicks off with the excitement surrounding championship playoffs. With Dallas clinching home-field advantage, the hosts explore how this impacts player workloads, particularly focusing on key Cowboys' assets like Ezekiel Elliott (Zeke) and Dak Prescott.

• Zeke Elliott's Role:
  • Jason Moore [07:53]: "But I don't think you're going to see 20 plus carries from Ezekiel Elliott. And I think you need to go and acquire Darren McFadden if he's available in your league immediately."
  • Andy Holloway [08:56]: "They are not overly concerned about this. We need to rest everyone's situation."

The hosts agree on starting Zeke but caution against expecting a high volume of touches in Week 17, suggesting potential acquisitions to mitigate workload risks.

2. Injury Updates and Player Status

A significant portion of the episode focuses on player injuries and their implications for fantasy lineups. Key updates include:

• Running Backs:

  • Melvin Gordon: Not practicing; Jason Moore advises not to expect him to play.
  • Matt Forte: Dealing with a torn meniscus and nerve damage, limiting his usage.
  • Jeremy Hill: Back at practice and considered a safe start.

• Wide Receivers:

  • A.J. Green: Clearing concussion protocol but with uncertain snap counts.
  • Tyler Eiford: Dealing with a back injury; likely to miss the game.

• Quarterbacks:

  • Jared Goff: Cleared concussion protocol and expected to play.

• Jason Moore [11:02]: "Melvin Gordon, not practicing. Do not expect him to play all."

• Mike Wright [11:22]: "Matt Forte is not going to get volume in this game."

These updates are critical for listeners to make informed decisions on starting or benching players based on their health and potential game time.

3. Player Recommendations and Strategic Advice

The hosts provide tailored advice on which players to start or sit, considering the latest information and upcoming matchups.

• Running Backs:

  • Jason Moore [02:40]: "If you need him, you need him."
  • Andy Holloway [09:23]: "I completely agree that if you're playing through to week 17, you need to have Darren McFadden."

• Wide Receivers:

  • Julio Jones: Startable and off the injury report.
  • A.J. Green: Playable but with caution due to recent injuries.
  • Tyler Lockett: Back to practice; high upside but volatile.

• Tight Ends:

  • Jimmy Graham: Despite recent underperformance, remains a must-start for many.
  • Greg Olsen and Ladarius Green: Both out due to injuries.

• Jason Moore [28:50]: "It's hard to find upside like that you have with Jimmy Graham."

These recommendations aim to maximize fantasy points while minimizing risks associated with injuries and unfavorable matchups.

4. Matchup Analyses and Betting Lines

Detailed analyses of several key NFL matchups offer listeners insights into potential high-scoring games and favorable player performances.

• Patriots vs. Jets:

  • Betting Line: Patriots favored by 16.5 points over the Jets.
  • Predictions:
    • Jason Moore [17:24]: "I think they win by 17 points."
    • Mike Wright [17:50]: "Pretty much. No."

• Cardinals vs. Seahawks:

  • Betting Line: 43-point over/under with Seahawks favored by 8.5.
  • Player Focus: David Johnson remains a top pick despite past disappointments.
  • Jason Moore [37:14]: "You can't really stop him. So you know, he got you here. Don't, don't put him on the bench."

• Ravens vs. Steelers:

  • Betting Line: 44.5-point over/under with Ravens favored.
  • Player Focus: Big Ben's potential touchdown haul against a strong Ravens defense.
  • Jason Moore [43:44]: "Is that where he keeps like his touchdown? Good perform his touchdown."

• Broncos vs. Chiefs:

  • Betting Line: Chiefs favored by 3.5 points with a 37.5-point over/under.
  • Strategy: Favor low-scoring defenses over high-risk offensive players.
  • Jason Moore [48:09]: "If you are favored on paper in this game, I am 100% starting Derek Henry along with DeMarco Murray against Jacksonville."

By examining these matchups, the hosts guide listeners on where to place their trust in players and potential high-scoring opportunities.

5. Listener Questions and Mailbag Segment

The episode features listener interactions, offering personalized advice based on their unique fantasy league scenarios.

• Question from Trey Turner [54:17]:
  "I've got to start two and set one between Jonathan Stewart, Spencer Ware, and Bilal Powell. Currently, I've got Ware and Stewart starting, but my gut feeling is telling me to start Powell. Just let me know what you think."

  • Mike Wright [54:48]:
    "I'm going to give Spencer Ware a hearty handshake, a thankful pat on the back, and I'm going to say thank you for your service."

  • Jason Moore [55:14]:
    "If you are favored on paper in this game. I am 100% starting Derek Henry along with DeMarco Murray against Jacksonville."

• Question from Anna [55:48]:
  "I'm in the finals in both of my leagues. Nice. I'm playing Elliott and DeMarco Murray in a standard league. But should my flex be Miller, Rawls or Henry?"

  • Jason Moore [56:08]:
    "If you are favored on paper in this game. I am 100% starting Derek Henry along with DeMarco Murray against Jacksonville."

  • Andy Holloway [57:26]:
    "He [Rawls] has the touchdowns."

These segments highlight real-life dilemmas faced by fantasy managers, with the hosts providing actionable advice to navigate critical roster decisions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason Moore [07:53]:
  "But I don't think you're going to see 20 plus carries from Ezekiel Elliott. And I think you need to go and acquire Darren McFadden if he's available in your league immediately."

• Mike Wright [11:22]:
  "Matt Forte is not going to get volume in this game."

• Jason Moore [17:24]:
  "I think they win by 17 points."

• Jason Moore [37:14]:
  "You can't really stop him. So you know, he got you here. Don't, don't put him on the bench."

• Jason Moore [43:44]:
  "Is that where he keeps like his touchdown? Good perform his touchdown."

• Mike Wright [54:48]:
  "I'm going to give Spencer Ware a hearty handshake, a thankful pat on the back, and I'm going to say thank you for your service."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the regular season concludes, the Fantasy Footballers provide essential guidance for fantasy managers gearing up for the playoffs. From strategic player starts and sits to in-depth matchup analyses, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge needed to secure their fantasy championships. With a blend of expert insights and engaging discussions, this episode serves as a valuable resource for navigating the final stretch of the fantasy football season.

Happy Championships and Merry Christmas to all Fantasy Footballers!