Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Week 9 Matchups, Election Results, In-or-Out

Release Date: November 4, 2016
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast

I. Introduction and Community Updates

The episode kicks off with the hosts encouraging listeners to join their thriving community at JoinTheFoot.com, boasting over 3,000 members engaging in fantasy football discussions and accessing exclusive content. Andy Holloway highlights the benefits, mentioning, “There are new articles up, including the week by Ben Cummins and Week 9 Daily Dose Article by Brandon” (02:38).

II. Election Results

The hosts discuss the results of their mid-season elections, which included breakout candidates and rule changes voted on by the community.

A. Second Half Breakout Candidates

• Nominees: Jeremy Hill, Kenneth Dixon, Alshon Jeffery
• Winner: Alshon Jeffery
  "Alshon Jeffrey ran away with the second half breakout election" (10:16). Jason Moore concurs, noting, “Makes sense. He's the best of the three” (10:36).

B. Second Half Slowdown Candidates

• Nominees: Jordy Nelson, LeGarrett Blount, Ty Hilton
• Winner: LeGarrett Blount
  "LeGarrett Blunt took the cake with 53% of the vote" (10:36). The hosts suggest he could be a fantasy MVP contender.

C. Rule Changes

Several proposed rule changes were up for a vote:

1. Team Defensive Points: Only the opposing office should score them.
   • Result: Passed with 87% approval (11:02).
2. Quarterback Rushing Points: Assigning one point per 25 yards (proposed) vs. the existing 10 yards.
   • Result: Rejected with 83% voting no (11:35).
3. Touchdown Points: Changing touchdowns from 6 points to 4.
   • Result: Failed with 78% voting no (11:53).

Jason Moore humorously remarks on the resistance to change: “People fear change. I get it” (11:19).

D. Fantasy MVP

• Nominees: Philip Rivers, Tyler Ifert, Mike Evans
• Winner: Mike Evans
  "Mike Evans rewarded us for his election with his evolution from last night's performance" (12:33). Evans' consistent performance makes him a standout choice.

III. In-or-Out Segment

The hosts engage in their popular "In-or-Out" segment, debating whether to start or sit specific players based on current performance and injury status.

Quarterbacks

• Ben Roethlisberger (Big Ben):
  • Decision: In
  • Quote: Jason Moore praises Big Ben's resilience: “He's been practicing this week, and he is made of a different meat than most people” (13:39).

Running Backs

• Spencer Ware:
  • Decision: Out
  • Reason: Still in concussion protocol (14:12).
• LaShawn McCoy:
  • Decision: Out
  • Reason: Injuries and questionable performance (14:24).
• Carlos Hyde:
  • Decision: In
  • Reason: Expected to play and benefit from DeJuan Harris’s involvement (14:43).

Wide Receivers

• Ty Montgomery:
  • Decision: In
  • Reason: High upside against particular defenses (15:48).
• Travis Benjamin & Tyrell Williams:
  • Decision: Benjamin Out, Williams In
  • Reason: Benjamin has a grade 2 PCL sprain, while Williams is expected to play despite inefficiency (17:34).

Tight Ends

• Delaney Walker & Dwayne Allen:
  • Decision: Walker In, Allen In
  • Reason: Both are back at practice and expected to play (18:22).

Defense

• Various Defenses Discussed:
  Detailed evaluations based on matchup specifics (19:00).

IV. Injury Reports and Updates

The hosts provide insights into key player injuries affecting Week 9 lineups.

• Mike Evans:

  • Status: Concussion protocol with 10 days
  • Discussion: Importance for playoff runs (09:56).

• Jameis Winston:

  • Status: Out with a concussion, replaced by Blaine McKown
  • Impact: Significant for fantasy matchups (09:47).

• Antone Smith:

  • Status: Injured and carted off the field
  • Impact: Decreased fantasy value (08:51).

V. Matchup Analysis

The trio breaks down several key matchups for Week 9, offering strategic advice for fantasy owners.

A. Panthers vs. Rams

• Key Players: Todd Gurley (RB, Carolina), Frank Gore (RB, Green Bay)
• Advice: Start Gurley over Gore due to favorable defense against running backs (24:18).

B. Saints vs. 49ers

• Key Players: Cole Kaepernick (QB, 49ers), Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay)
• Advice: Start Mike Evans and consider shredding Kaepernick for his inconsistent passing game against a weak Saints defense (27:04).

C. Chargers vs. Titans

• Key Players: Marcus Mariota (QB, Titans), Derek Henry (RB, Broncos)
• Advice: Consider starting Derek Henry for high upside against the Chargers' defense (36:05).

D. Bills vs. Seahawks

• Key Players: Tyrod Taylor (QB, Bills), Percy Harvin (WR, Seahawks)
• Advice: Favor defensive strongholds; start players like Jimmy Graham and Jeff Janus for Buffalo (44:05).

E. Broncos vs. Raiders

• Key Players: Derek Carr (QB, Raiders), Amari Cooper (WR, Raiders), Michael Crabtree (WR, Raiders)
• Advice: Start Carr despite Denver's strong pass defense, capitalize on Cooper and Crabtree's opportunities (42:37).

VI. Fantasy Forecast

The hosts provide tailored predictions and recommendations for Week 9, emphasizing strategic plays based on matchups and player performances.

• Jonathan Stewart (RB, Carolina):

  • Insight: Expected to continue scoring two touchdowns per game (26:30).

• Philip Rivers (QB, Colts):

  • Insight: Strong performance expected against Tennessee’s recently improving defense (35:10).

• Derek Henry (RB, Broncos):

  • Insight: High pick for flex due to favorable matchup and consistent performance (36:53).

VII. Daily Dose with Chris Meaney

Returning after a brief hiatus, Chris Meaney offers Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) advice focused on FanDuel strategies for Week 9.

A. Quarterbacks

• Aaron Rodgers (QB, Packers):

  • Recommendation: Top pick due to high target volume and consistent touchdowns (49:16).

• Drew Brees (QB, 49ers):

  • Recommendation: Value pick at $8,600, beneficial against the struggling 49ers defense (49:16).

B. Wide Receivers

• Antonio Brown (WR, Eagles):

  • Value Buy: Priced at $8,700, considered a steal for his high target volume (50:36).

• Dez Bryant (WR, Cowboys):

  • Recommendation: Solid choice with recent multi-touchdown performances (50:36).

C. Running Backs

• Zeke Elliott (RB, Cowboys):

  • Recommendation: High stability and volume make him a reliable RB2 (52:51).

• Derrick Henry (RB, Broncos):

  • Recommendation: Suggested as a flex option due to matchup and opportunity (36:53).

D. Tight Ends and Defenses

• Nick Foles (TE, Eagles):

  • Recommendation: Minimal involvement; opt for alternatives or stack with Aaron Rodgers (54:13).

• Philadelphia Eagles (Defense):

  • Recommendation: High-value defense option due to offensive consistency (53:50).

Chris Meaney emphasizes targeting high-volume players and leveraging favorable matchups to maximize DFS lineups.

VIII. Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts recapping their key recommendations for Week 9, urging listeners to make informed decisions based on the analysis provided. They also acknowledge their community members and reward a listener with a $50 gift card, reinforcing the supportive and interactive nature of the Fantasy Footballers community.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore on Election Predictions:
  “And Brandon ran away with the second half breakout election” (10:36).

• Andy Holloway on Mike Evans:
  “I think he's going to play. But I'd want to be able to make that decision as late as possible” (16:54).

• Mike Wright on Rule Changes:
  “When you have a team defense like the Rams, in case Keenum throws a pick six, it shouldn't hurt your Rams D” (11:02).

• Chris Meaney on DFS Strategy:
  “Aaron Rodgers up against the Colts, he just throwing the ball a ton. 38 times. 56, 42, 45. That's the last four games” (49:16).

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and strategic advice offered by the Fantasy Footballers during their Week 9 podcast episode. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or new to the game, the analysis provided can guide your lineup decisions effectively.