Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary: Week 15/16 Championship Edition

Introduction

In this special championship edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into the pivotal Week 15/16 of the NFL season. Released on December 16, 2014, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis tailored for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to clinch their leagues' titles. The hosts combine their extensive expertise with engaging banter to provide listeners with invaluable insights, strategic advice, and a glimpse into their own fantasy triumphs.

Hosts’ League Update

The episode opens with Andy and Mike celebrating their unique position in their fantasy league's championship showdown. Both entered the playoffs as the 5th and 6th seeds but remarkably face each other in the championship game for the third consecutive year.

Mike (00:30): "Consequent year in our main league. Mike and I are taking each other on in the championship game."

Andy (04:11): "It's tremendous for us because... our league mates are just so discouraged."

Their repeated success underscores their deep understanding of the game, setting the stage for the expert advice that follows.

NFL News and Injuries Impacting Fantasy

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to dissecting the latest NFL injuries and their implications for fantasy lineups heading into the championship week.

• Quarterbacks and Running Backs:

  • Peyton Manning grapples with a severe flu and a minor quad injury, though it’s not expected to hinder his performance (05:28).
  • Ty Hilton exits the game with a hamstring injury, casting uncertainty on his availability for the championship week (05:56).
  • Frank Gore suffers a concussion, and his backup Carlos Hyde injures his back, reminiscent of earlier-season scenarios with Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller (07:04).
  • The instability in quarterback positions sees Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Savage both sidelined, elevating backups like Thad Lewis and Case Keenum (08:07).

• Injuries to Key Players:

  • Keenan Allen unexpectedly breaks his collarbone, adding to the injury woes (07:19).
  • DeMarco Murray, despite being a top running back, is hampered by a finger fracture, making his participation this week doubtful (10:28).

Andy (05:32): "If you're the commissioner of a league that has a championship game in week 17. Go home. Just stop."

The hosts emphasize the importance of monitoring injury reports meticulously to make informed decisions and safeguard championship aspirations.

Waiver Wire Recommendations

Navigating the waiver wire is crucial, especially with key players injured. The Fantasy Footballers highlight several promising free agents:

• Joseph Randall: Touted as the top waiver wire pickup, especially for those with DeMarco Murray on their roster. Randall stands ready to step in and secure carries if Murray is sidelined.

  Mike (11:43): "If he's. If you're a DeMarco Murray owner and you are listening to our podcast... you should have Randall on your bench."

• Alfonso Smith and Lance Dunbar are also recommended for their potential to exploit favorable matchups and compensate for injured starters.

Other notable mentions include Charles Johnson, Lance Dunbar, and Toby Gerhart, each bringing unique advantages based on their team’s offensive dynamics and matchups.

Weekly Start/Sit Recommendations

The hosts provide strategic start/sit advice for key positions, focusing on maximizing points during the championship week:

• Quarterbacks:

  • Kyle Orton (Bills vs. Oakland): Favored for favorable matchups and a strong Bills defense.
  • Alex Smith (another quarterback option): Recommended against Pittsburgh's struggling defense.

• Running Backs:

  • Toby Gerhart versus DeAngelo Williams: Endorsed due to DeMarco Murray’s questionable status and Gerhart’s opportunities.
  • Fred Jackson for Oakland: Highlighted for his involvement in the passing game and health.

• Wide Receivers:

  • Vincent Jackson: Finally integrated into the Buccaneers’ offense, offering upside against Green Bay’s vulnerable secondary.
  • Brandon LaFell: Anticipated to exploit New England’s defense in a heated divisional matchup.

• Tight Ends:

  • Brent Selleck: Chosen over Martellus Bennett due to matchup advantages and increased involvement in blocking and receiving.

• Defense:

  • Giants Defense: Recommended for their prowess in sacks and against a St. Louis offense with limited explosive plays.
  • Packers Defense: Mentioned as a reliable option against Tampa Bay.

Andy (21:25): "Jarvis Landry is a PPR machine... his floor is very high."

"Fantasy Footballers versus the World": Expert vs. Expert Picks

In a dynamic segment, Andy and Mike tackle start/sit scenarios posed by external questions, comparing their choices against expert consensus from FantasyPros.com.

1. DeAndre Hopkins vs. Isaiah Crowell:

   • Mike leans towards Crowell for his consistent ball security.
   • Andy opts for Hopkins, recognizing his reliability in PPR formats.

   Mike (31:46): "In this particular instance I think I would have the running back bias and go with the guy who I know the ball is actually going to get in his hands."

2. Justin Forsett vs. Jeremy Hill vs. Arian Foster:

   • Mike selects Marshawn Lynch over the trio, citing his reliability.
   • Andy reverses to Forsett, appreciating Lynch’s touchdown potential.

3. Julius Thomas vs. Jarvis Landry:

   • Mike chooses Landry for his high floor in PPR leagues.
   • Andy favors Landry as well, valuing his consistent point production.

4. Charles Johnson vs. Nate Washington:

   • Mike opts for Nate Washington, prioritizing safer floor.
   • Andy goes with Charles Johnson, banking on his higher ceiling.

5. Jordan Cameron vs. Michael Rivera:

   • Mike prefers Michael Rivera due to his role as a target monster.
   • Andy concurs, emphasizing Rivera's reliability over Cameron’s unpredictability.

The segment underscores the importance of aligning choices with league formats and personal team needs.

Listener Q&A (Mailbag)

Engaging with listeners, Andy and Mike address submitted questions, offering tailored advice:

• Jeremy Hill vs. Marshawn Lynch vs. Arian Foster:

  • Mike selects Marshawn Lynch for his touchdown potential.
  • Andy concurs, valuing Lynch’s reliability over Hill’s uncertain output.

• Mark Sanchez vs. Matt Stafford:

  • Mike chooses Matt Stafford, despite Andy’s skepticism about his late-season form.
  • Andy prefers Sanchez, emphasizing Washington’s shaky defense over Stafford’s potential struggles.

• Josh Gordon vs. Isaiah Crowell:

  • Mike opts for Josh Gordon, highlighting his talent.
  • Andy chooses Crowell, prioritizing consistent carries.

• Chad Henny vs. Doug Martin vs. Steadman Bailey vs. Alan Hearns:

  • Both advise against selecting Doug Martin, favoring Steadman Bailey and Alan Hearns for safer PPR options.

This interactive segment reinforces the hosts’ commitment to listener engagement and practical advice.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Andy and Mike share their aspirations for the future of the podcast, including potential enhancements like a dedicated website with articles, rankings, and forums. They encourage listeners to subscribe, leave five-star reviews, and engage with them on social platforms for continued support and feedback.

Mike (41:26): "We will give you $100 of fantasy advice if you give us a five-star review."

The hosts conclude with good wishes for the championship game, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among fantasy football enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes

• Andy (04:11): "It's the most satisfying second place of my life. Just because the rest of the league is so fed up with our crap."

• Mike (05:32): "If you're a DeMarco Murray owner and you are listening to our podcast at all and you still didn't have Randall on your bench, shame on you."

• Andy (11:43): "Joseph Randall... if DeMarco misses, so if you have him handcuffed, just be ready."

• Mike (31:46): "In this particular instance I think I would have the running back bias and go with the guy who I know the ball is actually going to get in his hands."

Conclusion

This championship edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast serves as an essential guide for fantasy football managers navigating the critical Week 15/16. With expert analysis, strategic waiver wire recommendations, and interactive segments addressing listener queries, Andy Holloway and Mike Wright empower their audience to make informed decisions and vie for their league titles with confidence and style.