Fantasy Football Podcast 2016 - Week 5 Summary: Studs, Duds, Rising Stars, and Injuries

Release Date: October 10, 2016

In this dynamic episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Jason Moore and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into Week 5's fantasy football landscape. With Andy Holloway on a well-deserved vacation, the duo ensures listeners are well-equipped with insightful analysis, identifying standout performers, underperformers, emerging talents, and crucial injury updates.

Hosts' Banter and Introduction

The episode kicks off with Jason and Mike humorously discussing Andy's absence after 282 episodes. Jason quips, “[Jason Moore, 00:44] We finally got rid of him. Get that guy out of here,” highlighting the playful dynamic between the hosts.

Quick Question of the Day

Question: Which four running backs scored more fantasy points than all of the wideouts on their team combined in a half-point PPR format?

• Mike Wright [02:13]: Suggests Denver as a prime candidate due to strong running and weaker passing.

• Jason Moore [02:56]: Confirms three out of four, including David Johnson, Tevin Coleman, and Devonte Freeman.

• Mike Wright [03:58]: Correctly identifies Ezekiel Elliott as the fourth running back, praising his spectacular performance with “[Mike Wright, 04:14] Nailed it.”

News and Notes

The hosts provide a comprehensive roundup of the latest happenings across the NFL:

• Cleveland's Quarterback Woes:

  • Jason [05:02]: Highlights Charlie Whitehurst's unexpected performance.
  • Mike [05:46]: Discusses Cody Kessler's injury and the team's quarterback depth.

• Steve Smith's Injury:

  • Jason [05:51]: Details Steve Smith’s ankle injury and his potential return next week.

• Baltimore Ravens' Offensive Changes:

  • Mike [06:18]: Announces the firing of offensive coordinator Mark Tressman.
  • Jason [08:22]: Mentions potential shifts in the Ravens' offensive strategy with Terrell Pryor and Jeremy Hill's injuries.

• Carson Palmer and Trevor Siemian Updates:

  • Jason [11:47]: Notes Carson Palmer's concussion protocol status and Trevor Siemian’s readiness for Thursday night.

Stud Muffins of the Week

Identifying top performers who delivered exceptional fantasy value:

• Marcus Mariota [13:02]: Named the highest-scoring quarterback of the week with 163 passing yards.

• Tom Brady [14:11]: Celebrated his return with a commanding performance, throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns.

• Amari Cooper [16:49]: Despite some drops, Cooper secured four touchdowns, solidifying his stud status.

• Sammy Coates [19:42]: Emerged as a reliable flex option with six receptions, 139 yards, and two touchdowns, described as “[Jason Moore, 20:14] the Martavis Bryant role for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

• Ty Hilton [20:30]: Recognized as a rising star, benefiting from teammate Dante Moorefall's injury.

• Jordan Howard [30:09]: Highlighted as a consistent performer with 16 carries for 118 yards and a receiving touchdown, earning high praise.

Notable Quote:

• Jason Moore [23:10]: “I'll be my top wide,” referring to Sammy Coates' waiver wire acquisition.

Rising Stars

Emerging talents poised to make significant impacts in upcoming weeks:

• Sammy Coates: Continues to establish himself as a reliable receiver with big-play potential.

• Jordan Howard: Viewed as a safe and valuable asset for the latter part of the season, especially with favorable matchups ahead.

Jason Moore [45:19]: “He’s delicious. If he’s on your waiver wire, I would be very aggressive trying to get him.”

Duds of the Week

Players who underperformed significantly, disappointing fantasy managers:

• Eli Manning [50:23]: Delivered a disappointing performance with only 18 completions for 191 yards and two interceptions, prompting concerns about his effectiveness.

• Ryan Tannehill [51:54]: Struggled with 18 completions for 191 yards and two interceptions, signaling potential trades.

• C.J. Anderson [55:09]: Despite being a top contender, Anderson faltered with 11 carries for 41 yards, though his touchdown kept him relevant.

• Lamar Miller [57:36]: Underperformed with eight carries for 20 yards, raising doubts about his consistency.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright [50:26]: “[Mike Wright, 50:26] One of those guys would be Eli Manning.”

Injuries and Player Status Updates

Vital information on player injuries affecting fantasy decisions:

• Steve Smith: Ankle injury, potentially back next week.

• Mark Tressman: Ravens' offensive coordinator relieved of duties.

• Jeremy Hill: Chest injury, uncertain availability.

• Carson Palmer: In concussion protocol, expected to play but with caution.

• Trevor Siemian: Expected to play against the Chargers.

• Todd Gurley [42:58]: Returned from injury but faces future workload uncertainties with Cunningham’s return.

• C.J. Anderson: Despite recent underperformance, remains a high-value back with potential for trades.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright [55:16]: “I'm certainly buying Anderson.”

Strategic Insights and Recommendations

The hosts offer tactical advice to optimize fantasy rosters:

• Start Reliable Studs: Emphasize the importance of locking in high-performing players like Tom Brady and Sammy Coates.

• Monitor Injuries Closely: Stay updated on player conditions, especially quarterbacks and running backs pivotal to your lineup.

• Leverage Rising Stars: Target emerging talents like Jordan Howard through trades or waivers to strengthen the roster's depth.

• Trade Duds Strategically: Don’t hesitate to trade underperforming players like Eli Manning or Ryan Tannehill for more consistent options.

Mike Wright [54:56]: “If you can't sell him this week, sell him next week.”

Conclusion

Jason and Mike wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of staying active in monitoring player performances and injuries. They encourage listeners to engage with the Fantasy Footballers community through social media for real-time updates and strategic advice.

Notable Quote:

• Jason Moore [67:06]: “But you know what? I think the Foot Clan loves it.”

Overall, this Week 5 episode provides a thorough analysis, equipping fantasy managers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and fine-tune their teams for upcoming matchups.