Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 11/12 (Released November 18, 2014)

Hosted by Andy Holloway

Introduction

In this solo episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, host Andy Holloway steps in to guide listeners through Week 11/12 of the fantasy football season. With co-host Mike Wright out of town, Andy ensures that all essential updates, waiver wire tips, and start/sit decisions are thoroughly covered to help fantasy managers prepare for the upcoming games.

News and Notes

Injury Updates Impacting Fantasy Teams

• Ahmad Bradshaw's Season-Ending Injury

  • Timestamp [10:35]: Andy shares the unfortunate news, “Ahmad Bradshaw is out for the year after breaking his fibula while attempting to enter the end zone during the Colts game. If you were reliant on Bradshaw, consider pairing him with Trent Richardson, who is likely to take on an every-down role.”

• Broncos' Offensive Setback

  • Timestamp [12:50]: The Broncos face significant losses with both Julius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders sidelined. “Emmanuel Sanders suffered a concussion from a brutal hit and is navigating the concussion protocol. Meanwhile, Julius Thomas is expected to miss this week entirely due to an ankle injury,” Andy notes.

• Adrian Peterson Suspended for the Season

  • Timestamp [16:20]: Adrian Peterson will not return this season as the NFL reportedly won’t uphold his paid suspension. Andy advises, “Do not expect Peterson to be back, which is a substantial blow for fantasy managers relying on his production.”

• Jacksonville’s Wide Receiver Woes

  • Timestamp [19:45]: With Allen Robinson out for the year and Alan Hearns battling concussion symptoms, Andy suggests focusing on Cecil Shorts and Hearns. “Shorts has become the primary target, but monitor his health closely,” he cautions.

• Monte Ball's Reduced Role

  • Timestamp [22:10]: Monte Ball's ongoing groin issues relegates him to fantasy irrelevance. Andy recommends pivoting to more reliable options like C.J. Anderson and Juwan Thompson.

Additional Injury Concerns

• Brandon Cooks Out

  • Timestamp [25:00]: Brandon Cooks is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, opening opportunities for Kenny Stills and Cole St. Clair to step up.

• Philip Rivers’ Performance Dip

  • Timestamp [26:30]: While Rivers isn't officially injured, his recent struggles against the Packers' defense raise concerns. Andy urges managers to keep a close eye on his performance moving into the playoffs.

Waiver Wire Analysis

Quarterbacks to Consider

• Mark Sanchez

  • Timestamp [29:15]: Despite a recent struggle, Sanchez remains a viable streaming option due to his high-yardage potential. “He threw for 350 yards and two touchdowns last week, even with four turnovers,” Andy explains.

• Josh McCown

  • Timestamp [31:00]: McCown has been consistently productive with two touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. “With Mike Evans breaking out and facing a manageable defense this weekend, McCown is a reliable pick-up,” Andy recommends.

Running Backs to Target

• C.J. Anderson

  • Timestamp [34:20]: Emerging as the top option with Monte Ball and Ronnie Hillman injured. “Anderson is a must-own and must-start moving forward,” emphasizes Andy.

• Tre Mason

  • Timestamp [35:50]: Mason has secured the lead role in his team's backfield with 29 carries last week. “He’s handling a large workload and is a solid start option,” Andy advises.

• Charles Simms

  • Timestamp [38:00]: Increased playing time makes Simms a valuable plug-in option. “He’s likely to lead his team in carries and touches for the remainder of the season,” notes Andy.

Wide Receivers to Pick Up

• Cecil Shorts

  • Timestamp [40:15]: With Allen Robinson out, Shorts is stepping into the primary target role. “He’s a great waiver wire pickup, but watch out for potential injuries,” cautions Andy.

• Jordan Matthews

  • Timestamp [42:30]: Outstanding performance with Sanchez and Mike Evans’ rising form. “Matthews is a PPR beast going forward,” states Andy.

• Jarvis Landry

  • Timestamp [44:10]: As a strong checkdown option, Landry offers depth. “He’s a good option for depth or as a starter in favorable matchups,” suggests Andy.

Tight Ends to Acquire

• Kobe Fleener
  • Timestamp [46:50]: With Dwayne Allen out, Fleener has emerged as a top-tier tight end option. “He had a career game last week and is a must-start this week,” Andy strongly recommends.

Start of the Week Recommendations

Quarterback: Josh McCown

• Timestamp [49:00]: Given McCown’s consistent touchdowns and favorable matchup against Chicago, Andy endorses him as the quarterback start of the week.

Running Back: Alfred Blue

• Timestamp [50:30]: Blue’s high carry count and Houston’s aggressive run strategy make him a must-start. “With Foster’s status uncertain, Blue is a reliable option against a team that cannot stop the run,” Andy advises.

Wide Receiver: Kenny Stills

• Timestamp [52:10]: With Brandon Cooks out, Stills is poised for increased targets and significant production, especially against the Ravens.

Tight End: Charles Clay

• Timestamp [54:05]: Clay is gaining traction in Miami’s passing game and faces a susceptible Denver defense. “He has upside with a potential touchdown and steady receptions,” Andy recommends.

Defense: Green Bay Packers

• Timestamp [55:40]: Facing a weak Minnesota offense, the Packers’ defense has been dominant. Andy believes, “With Minnesota’s limited scoring ability, the Packers D is the optimal choice.”

Mailbag: Listener Questions and Answers

1. Mark Sanchez vs. Philip Rivers

• Question from Philanthropic [60:20]: Should I start Mark Sanchez against Tennessee or Philip Rivers against St. Louis?
• Andy’s Response: Andy chooses Sanchez, citing Rivers’ struggles and St. Louis’ strong defense. “I would go with Mark Sanchez versus Tennessee,” he concludes.

2. DeAndre Hopkins vs. Sammy Watkins

• Question from Son of Sammy [62:45]: Should I start DeAndre Hopkins against Cincinnati or Sammy Watkins against the Jets?
• Andy’s Response: Hopkins is favored due to Houston’s quarterback struggles. “I’m going to go with DeAndre Hopkins,” Andy decides, though he acknowledges the decision is close.

3. Andre Ellington vs. C.J. Anderson vs. Isaiah Crowell

• Question from RNB Me [65:10]: Choose two out of Andre Ellington (SEA), C.J. Anderson (MIA), or Isaiah Crowell (ATL).
• Andy’s Response: “C.J. Anderson is a guaranteed start,” and he prefers Ellington over Crowell. “Start C.J. Anderson and Andre Ellington,” advises Andy.

4. DEZ Bryant, Mike Evans, Jeremy Macklin, or Josh Gordon

• Question from Queen Diva [68:00]: Which three to start this week?
• Andy’s Response: Andy recommends DEZ Bryant, Mike Evans, and Jeremy Macklin. “Let Josh Gordon prove himself for a week,” he suggests, leaning towards Evans’ consistent performance.

5. Mark Ingram vs. Denard Robinson vs. Tre Mason vs. Ty Hilton

• Question from Eddie Stacy [72:15]: Choose two out of Mark Ingram, Denard Robinson, Tre Mason, or Ty Hilton.
• Andy’s Response: He opts for Denard Robinson and Ty Hilton. “Robinson is involved in the passing game and Hilton has high yardage potential against Jacksonville,” explains Andy.

Conclusion

Andy Holloway effectively navigates through a comprehensive analysis of Week 11/12, providing invaluable insights despite Mike Wright's absence. From critical injury updates to strategic waiver wire pickups and start/sit recommendations, Andy ensures that fantasy managers are well-equipped to make informed decisions heading into the fantasy playoffs.

Notable Quotes:

• “Ahmad Bradshaw is out for the year after breaking his fibula...” [10:35]
• “Emmanuel Sanders suffered a concussion from a brutal hit...” [12:50]
• “Do not expect Adrian Peterson to be back, which is a substantial blow for fantasy managers...” [16:20]
• “He’s a great waiver wire pickup, but watch out for potential injuries,” regarding Cecil Shorts [40:15]
• “C.J. Anderson is a must-own and must-start moving forward,” [34:20]

Final Notes:

For more insights and updates, visit thefantasyfootballers.com and consider subscribing to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. Engage with the hosts by submitting your questions via Facebook or email at the fantasyfootballers@mail.com.