Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 2/3
Hosts: Andy Holloway & Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Episode Release Date: September 16, 2014
Podcast Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
1. Week 2 Review: Injuries and Player Performances
A Bloodbath of Injuries
Week 2 was a tumultuous one for fantasy football managers, marked by significant injuries to key players.
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Mike Wright opens the discussion highlighting the extensive injuries:
"Week two is done. We are the fantasy footballers and this is the Fantasy Footballers podcast." [00:21] -
Andy Holloway reflects on his own team's resilience and the broader impact:
"I was mostly unscathed but I'm still suffering from last week when that rock of a player, Ben Tate got hurt on the third play of the game." [01:06]
Key Injured Players:
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Jamal Charles: Suffered a high ankle sprain early in the game, with concerns about a two-month recovery.
"Jamal Charles is hurting and we don't know how long. High ankle sprain is the report." [01:50] -
A.J. Green: Exits early with a toe injury, potentially sidelining him longer than expected.
"A.J. green, his toe, he goes out early." [02:07] -
Rod Robert Griffin: Also injured, raising questions about his availability for upcoming games.
"Rod Robert Griffin is the third." [02:09]
Implications for Fantasy Managers:
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Mike Wright emphasizes the rarity of such widespread early-round injuries:
"I can't really remember when so many key early round draft picks went down in a heap or at least suffered some kind of multi-week injury." [02:07] -
Andy Holloway notes the strategic dilemmas faced by managers:
"These were players who started and they weren't late game injuries. This was like A.J. green, Jamal Charles." [02:28]
Standout Performances Amidst Chaos
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Darren Sproles emerges as a top-performing running back, surprising many by outperforming expectations.
"He probably won't say the number one running back all year but impressive through two weeks." [03:49] -
DeMarco Murray also shines, benefiting from increased opportunity and showing strong performance fundamentals:
"DeMarco Murray is a pretty locked in top 3, top 5." [06:27]
2. Waiver Wire Recommendations
In light of the injuries, the hosts provide strategic waiver wire pickups to bolster fantasy rosters.
Quarterbacks:
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Kirk Cousins:
"There are juicy matchups coming up against Philadelphia, Giants, Tennessee, and Dallas." [09:31]
Recommendation: Consider as a backup, especially if current QB is injured. -
Ryan Tannehill:
"He has shown some stuff and has favorable matchups in the next two games." [10:24]
Recommendation: Reliable addition with upcoming favorable opponents. -
Geno Smith:
"He looks like some things are starting to come alive, but he's mistake-prone." [11:22]
Recommendation: Use with caution; potential streaming option.
Running Backs:
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Niall Davis:
"He's the type of handcuff you wanted, dedicated sole backup." [12:10]
Recommendation: Immediate pickup for guaranteed role and impact. -
Donald Brown:
"A strong start for at least four or five weeks, with potential for more." [14:03]
Recommendation: Valuable, especially in free agent budget leagues. -
Roberto Rainey:
"Potential RB1 based on opportunities with the new coaching regime." [16:00]
Recommendation: High risk but high reward; consider based on team needs.
Wide Receivers:
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Muhammad Sanu:
"Sanu is a talent, though slightly injured." [20:48]
Recommendation: Worth the pickup for his potential once fully healthy. -
Brian Quick:
"A sneaky pickup who showed productivity despite limited snaps." [21:21]
Recommendation: Great depth option, especially in PPR leagues. -
Aaron Dobson:
"Primary downfield threat for the Patriots; needs to stay healthy." [21:26]
Recommendation: Potential breakout if Tom Brady remains healthy.
Tight Ends:
- Anthony Fasano & Larry Donald:
"Both show potential, with Fasano dealing with issues but Donald showing promise." [23:12]
Recommendation: Consider Larry Donald for stronger performance outlook.
3. Matchup Previews for Week 3
The hosts delve into specific NFL matchups, providing insights and recommendations for fantasy starts and sits.
A. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
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Andy Holloway recommends starting Matt Ryan and Julio Jones:
"Start your Falcons, start your Matt Ryan." [25:39]
"Julio Jones is a start and never sit kind of player." [25:51] -
Injuries: Roddy White may miss the game, but Julio Jones is expected to perform fully.
B. San Diego Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills
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Mike Wright backs starting Ryan Tannehill and the Bills Defense:
"Buy in on the Bills defense; start Tannehill." [27:35] -
Andy Holloway urges starting Antonio Gates:
"If you drafted Larry’s Green, you need to immediately pick up Antonio Gates." [28:42]
C. Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns
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Steve Smith Emerges:
"Flacco looked to Steve Smith four consecutive times in the red zone." [07:56] -
Running Backs: Start Terrence West and monitor Pierce's goal-line opportunities.
"Start Pierce, but watch Lorenzo calls." [30:02]
D. Tennessee Titans vs. Cincinnati Bengals
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Mike Wright emphasizes starting Jeremy Hill and considering Geno,
"Start your Bengals defense as well." [32:13] -
Andy Holloway suggests sitting all Tennessee running backs:
"Sit every single one of them." [32:17]
E. Dallas Cowboys vs. St. Louis Rams
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Focus on Defense:
"Start the Cowboys defense; they're one of the best against the run." [35:53] -
Running Backs & Receivers:
"Stay away from Cowboys’ offensive players unless injury requires." [35:43]
F. Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
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Fantasy Funhouse Potential:
"This is a fantasy fun house game with lots of potential points." [36:51] -
Start All Key Players:
"Start everybody on both sides – Stafford, Calvin, Reggie Bush." [38:19]
G. Houston Texans vs. New York Giants
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Arian Foster:
"Arian is on pace for record-breaking carries; a must-start if available." [39:25] -
Giants' Offense:
"Eli Manning is learning a new offense; cautious optimism on running backs." [41:08]
H. Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks
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Mike Wright favors starting key Broncos players despite Seahawks' presence:
"Still starting them all." [55:08] -
Andy Holloway recommends starting Emmanuel Sanders and monitoring Steven Ridley's role:
"Start Steven Ridley; Gronk’s health impacts the game." [45:35]
I. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins
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Mike Wright suggests starting Ryan Tannehill and Mike Wallace:
"Start Tannehill and Mike Wallace." [57:08] -
Andy Holloway aligns with starting Tannehill, highlighting the matchup against Chiefs' secondary:
"Start Kelce if needed; Leroy is a keeper." [56:05]
J. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers
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Running Backs Under Scrutiny:
"Don't expect monstrous things from Le'Veon Bell this week." [59:06] -
Wide Receivers:
"Start Antonio Brown; Kelvin Benjamin is risky but a potential play." [59:26]
K. Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets
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Start Victor Cruz and Brandon Marshall:
"Cruz had a quiet week, but Marshall is an iron man." [63:02] -
Running Backs:
"Start Forte; he's equipped to perform even with a lead." [61:27]
L. Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
- Don’t Play Saints Defense:
"Most leagues have dropped the Jaguars solidly, but monitor Saints' defense." [43:50]
4. Breakout Candidates and Key Recommendations
DeMarco Murray:
A top-tier running back, Murray benefits from increased touches and a favorable game script:
“DeMarco Murray is a pretty locked in top 3, top 5.” [06:27]
Keenan Allen:
Expected to have a resurgence, especially with defenses like the Bills struggling:
“I think you're finally going to see the real Keenan Allen this week.” [65:21]
Darren Sproles:
Continues to outperform expectations, making him a solid RB2 or flex option:
“I think he'll return to the mean. LaShawn McCoy will probably ascend." [04:18]
5. Strategic Insights and Manager Tips
Sell High on Emerging Stars:
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Darren Sproles:
"I think I'd be selling but that's my nature. I like to sell high when the opportunities are there." [03:55] -
Mike Wright advises trading high-performing assets before potential regression:
"I'm not going to say he's going to drop off the map but I think he'll return to the mean." [03:55]
Buy Low on Underperformers with Potential:
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Eddie Lacy:
"If he struggles this week, I'm launching a full attack to get Lacy." [38:54] -
Andy Holloway urges caution and suggests stashing rather than trading:
"If you’re buying low on Lacey, I'd do it." [07:23]
Defense Streaming Strategies:
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Andy Holloway and Mike Wright discuss the challenges of streaming defenses due to early inconsistencies:
Andy: "My streaming defense last week was not a good decision." [24:50]
Mike: "I had Green Bay ready to go against the Jets." [24:53] -
Recommendation: Monitor weekly matchups and recent performances closely to make informed decisions.
Injury Management:
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Prioritize Handcuffs:
"Niall Davis is the type of handcuff you wanted." [12:10] -
Monitor Player Health:
"Steve Smith was impressive in week number two." [07:56]
6. Listener Engagement and Support
Q&A and Personalized Advice:
Both hosts encourage listeners to reach out with questions about trades, player decisions, and specific team issues via email:
- "If you have a question about a trade, about a guy on your team, about a decision that you need to make, go ahead and send us an email." [66:09]
Subscription and Feedback:
Listeners are urged to subscribe on iTunes, leave reviews, and provide feedback to help improve the podcast:
- "Subscribe to us on our iTunes podcast and leave us reviews." [67:08]
7. Conclusion
Andy Holloway and Mike Wright wrap up the episode by reiterating their readiness to assist fantasy managers through questions and providing strategic advice. They emphasize the importance of staying proactive with waiver wire pickups, monitoring player health, and making informed matchup decisions to navigate the challenging early weeks of the fantasy football season.
- "Have a good one, guys." [67:34]
- "Good luck this week." [67:32]
Notable Quotes from the Episode:
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Andy Holloway:
"I was mostly unscathed but I'm still suffering from last week when that rock of a player, Ben Tate got hurt on the third play of the game." [01:06] -
Mike Wright:
"I'm not going to say he's going to drop off the map but I think he'll return to the mean." [03:55] -
Andy Holloway:
"If you’re buying low on Lacey, I'd do it." [07:23] -
Mike Wright:
"Kirk Cousins, the aforementioned Kirk Cousins, and it's." [09:31] -
Andy Holloway:
"Don’t take Michael. I would take Turban." [56:08]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and strategic advice provided by Andy Holloway and Mike Wright during the Week 2/3 episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Whether addressing injury impacts, waiver wire strategies, or matchup-specific recommendations, the hosts offer valuable guidance to help fantasy managers navigate the complexities of their leagues.