Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary: "Week 17 Matchups, In-or-Out, Playoff Decisions"

Release Date: December 30, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Title: Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Week 17 Matchups, In-or-Out, Playoff Decisions

As the 2016 NFL regular season approaches its final stretch, the Fantasy Footballers – Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright – dive deep into Week 17's crucial matchups, player statuses, and strategic decisions that could shape the fantasy playoffs. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, ensuring listeners are well-prepared to optimize their rosters and secure championship titles.

I. Episode Kickoff and Community Engagement

The episode begins with a brief announcement about upcoming shows and community activities, setting the stage for an engaging discussion focused solely on fantasy football content.

II. Foot Clan Friday

Andy Holloway introduces "Foot Clan Friday," a weekly tradition where listeners can win a gift card to shopballers.com. Andy announces, “Every Friday, we give out a gift card to shopballers.com to one of our jointhefoot.com supporters” ([04:15]).

• Winner Announcement: Steve McCroskey is crowned the week's winner, fostering a sense of community and listener appreciation.

III. Interactive Segment: "Who Am I?"

To engage listeners, the hosts play a "Who Am I?" game focused on identifying a key running back:

• Clues Provided:
  1. Ranked RB12 in half-point per reception leagues ([05:19]).
  2. Accumulated 190 rushing attempts this season ([05:27]).
  3. Played in 12 of 15 games ([05:47]).
  4. Totaled 32 catches for 250 yards with no touchdowns ([06:07]).

Mike Wright initially guesses Tevin Coleman, but the correct answer, Latavius Murray, is revealed after further hints ([06:55]).

IV. News & Notes

The hosts delve into pivotal player updates affecting Week 17 lineups:

A. Running Backs

• D'Angelo Williams vs. Fitzgerald Toussaint:

  • Jason Moore expresses concern over Williams potentially sharing carries with Toussaint, leading him to switch his start to Williams ([08:33]).
  • Mike Wright references Jeremy Fowler's report: “Don’t be surprised if D'Angelo Williams gets a healthy run this week” ([07:42]).

• Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott:

  • Jason Moore laments, “I am eating crow all next week” due to Prescott's uncertain play time and Elliott's ranking criticism ([03:10]-[03:14]).
  • Andy Holloway notes the unpredictability: “If you were going to play Dak, you shouldn't” ([08:33]).

B. Quarterbacks

• Mark Sanchez and Tony Romo:
  • The potential for both quarterbacks to see action diminishes their fantasy reliability.
  • Jason Moore remarks on the unpredictability, favoring stable running backs over uncertain QBs ([09:08]).

C. Player Injuries and Statuses

• Cam Newton:

  • Mike Wright suggests, “He really shouldn’t [play],” emphasizing the importance of resting injured players ([09:40]-[10:05]).

• Robert Griffin III:

  • Cleared from concussion protocol but remains an unpredictable fantasy option ([10:14]-[10:26]).

V. In-or-Out Segment

The hosts assess various players' availability and performance to guide listeners on who to start or sit:

A. Running Backs Analysis

• Melvin Gordon: Needs three yards to reach the thousand-yard mark; his participation is uncertain against a tough-defense ([11:23]-[12:02]).
• Lamar Miller: Not practicing, with Alfred Blue and Akeem Hunt likely stepping in ([12:02]-[12:15]).
• Jonathan Stewart and LaShawn McCoy: Stewart is out; McCoy is deemed a reliable start ([12:35]-[12:52]).

B. Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

• Alshon Jeffery & Stefan Diggs: Both are set to play and are reliable starts despite minor illnesses ([13:00]-[14:09]).
• Randall Cobb & Robbie Anderson: Skepticism around their playtime makes them questionable starts ([16:23]-[17:08]).

VI. Matchup Breakdown

The hosts dissect key Week 17 matchups, providing strategic advice for fantasy managers:

A. Bills vs. Jets

• E.J. Manuel vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick:
  • Andy Holloway doubts Watkins' reliability against the Jets’ defense ([23:37]-[24:04]).
  • Mike Wright remains cautiously optimistic about Manuel’s potential contribution ([24:01]-[24:15]).

B. Cowboys vs. Eagles

• Darren McFadden vs. Ezekiel Elliott:
  • Jason Moore opts for McFadden over a likely benched Elliott ([26:21]-[26:22]).
  • Mike Wright advises starting McFadden due to Dallas resting key players ([26:44]-[27:06]).

C. Browns vs. Steelers

• Landry Jones vs. Mark Sanchez:
  • Jason Moore favors Landry Jones over uncertain backups like Matt Moore ([32:35]-[34:06]).

D. Raiders vs. Broncos

• Latavius Murray vs. DeAndre Washington:
  • Jason Moore supports both Murray and Washington for their consistent roles in the Raiders’ run-heavy offense ([43:36]-[45:18]).

E. Chiefs vs. Chargers

• Philip Rivers vs. Mark Sanchez:
  • Mike Wright cautions against Rivers due to his high interception rate ([50:03]-[52:22]).
  • Jason Moore agrees, highlighting Rivers’ declining performance and suggests avoiding him as a QB option.

F. Seahawks vs. 49ers

• Russell Wilson vs. Colin Kaepernick:
  • Jason Moore strongly recommends starting Russell Wilson, given his stellar performance and the 49ers’ inconsistent defense ([55:07]-[57:57]).
  • Andy Holloway concurs, emphasizing Wilson’s high ranking despite playing against a struggling team.

G. Packers vs. Lions

• Matthew Stafford vs. Aaron Rodgers:
  • Jason Moore highlights Zach Zinner’s potential as a sleeper option in the Lions’ offense ([57:40]-[59:58]).
  • Andy Holloway points out Stafford’s injuries and the Lions’ defensive vulnerabilities, advising caution ([59:20]-[60:07]).

VII. Fantasy Decisions and Strategies

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide actionable advice for fantasy managers:

• Start Reliable Performers: Emphasize starting players like Latavius Murray, Greg Olsen, and DeAndre Washington when they're fit and involved.

• Sit Injury-Prone or Inconsistent Players: Advise sitting players like Cam Newton, Tony Romo, and Mark Sanchez due to their unreliable statuses.

• Leverage Matchup Insights: Utilize knowledge of team motivations and defensive strengths to make informed lineup decisions.

• Spot Starts and Sleeper Picks: Encourage taking calculated risks with lesser-known players who have favorable matchups or increased roles, such as Zach Zinner and Byron Marshall.

VIII. Playoff Implications and League Integrity

The hosts discuss the complexities of Week 17, particularly for managers in Playoff Million or similar league formats:

• Week 17 Challenges:

  • Andy Holloway humorously suggests averaging out player performances from the first 16 weeks to avoid the unpredictability of Week 17 ([16:23]).

• Maintaining League Integrity:

  • Emphasize the importance of adhering to league rules and contemplating a shift to Week 16 to preserve competitive integrity ([16:34]-[16:43]).

IX. Playoff Predictions and MVP Discussions

The hosts engage in light-hearted debates about potential MVP candidates and playoff outcomes:

• MVP Predictions:

  • Jason Moore and Mike Wright lean towards Matt Ryan over traditional candidates like Tom Brady, citing Brady’s missed games and Ryan’s consistency ([37:00]-[38:41]).

• Playoff Scenarios:

  • Analyze how remaining games could impact playoff standings, emphasizing the importance of clutch performances in Week 17 ([43:36]-[57:29]).

X. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express excitement for the upcoming playoffs and encourage listeners to stay engaged with their fantasy teams:

• Community Engagement:

  • Promote joining their fantasy community at jointhefoot.com for ongoing support and resources.

• Upcoming Content:

  • Tease future episodes, including studio tours and playoff challenges, ensuring listeners have plenty to look forward to ([63:03]-[63:40]).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Foot Clan Friday Announcement:
  Andy Holloway at [04:15]: “Every Friday, we give out a gift card to shopballers.com to one of our jointhefoot.com supporters.”

• Eating Crow for Dak Prescott's Status:
  Jason Moore at [03:00]: “I am very confident that I might be eating whatever you pick out for me for lunch next week.”

• Concern Over Week 17's Impact on Leagues:
  Andy Holloway at [16:23]: “We haven't wanted to answer those Week 17 conundrums… some of them. It's been, like, just vilifying week 17 leagues.”

• Start vs. Sit Decisions:
  Jason Moore at [08:33]: “I think I'm switching my start of the week to D'Angelo Williams.”

• MVP Vote Insights:
  Andy Holloway at [37:58]: “Who wins MVP, by the way?”

• Russell Wilson's Reliability:
  Jason Moore at [55:07]: “I really like the Seahawks. Russell Wilson's my start of the week.”

• Matthew Stafford’s Performance Concerns:
  Andy Holloway at [59:20]: “Matthew Stafford is struggling with his throwing hand.”

This detailed summary encapsulates the essential discussions and strategic insights from the Fantasy Footballers' Week 17 episode. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or new to the game, the episode offers valuable guidance to navigate the final week of the NFL season and set up for a successful fantasy playoff run.