Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 4/5 (Released September 30, 2014)

Hosts: Andy Holloway and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Weekly Overview

In this episode, Andy Holloway and Mike Wright delve deep into the happenings of Week 4, transitioning into Week 5 of the fantasy football season. They reflect on the strong performances across the board, particularly highlighting the impressive numbers posted by quarterbacks.

• Andy (00:51): "There was a lot of big numbers from quarterbacks this week."
• Mike (00:59): "Quarterbacks we didn't expect, some quarterbacks that we didn't expect."

The hosts discuss the evolving nature of fantasy leagues, suggesting a shift towards a more pass-heavy format as the season progresses.

Injuries and Their Impact

Injuries continue to play a pivotal role in fantasy decisions. The hosts highlight several key players whose availability could significantly influence their fantasy teams.

• Jamal Charles: Making a return, Charles impressed with his performance despite a scare with cramps (03:03). Andy emphasizes the importance of balanced usage to keep Charles fresh:

  • Andy (04:24): "Charl with Charles, his home run ability keeping him a little bit more fresh during the game."

• Vernon Davis: Facing back spasms and listed as questionable, making him a risky starter.

  • Mike (06:19): "Vernon Davis is having back spasms. That's not good."

• Niles Paulson (Washington Redskins): Suffered a concussion and is out of practice, raising concerns about his reliability.

  • Mike (06:23): "Niles Paulson had a catch and I don't remember who the defender was, but he literally just took the ball out of Paulson's hands."

• Teddy Bridgewater: His performance is under scrutiny as he's questionable for the upcoming Thursday game, adding uncertainty to his fantasy relevance.

  • Andy (05:20): "But for the rest of the year, I think his is not bad."

Standout Performances

Several players have emerged as consistent or breakout stars this week, providing valuable insights for fantasy owners.

• Antonio Brown: Continues his streak with five catches and over 50 yards for the 20th straight game.

  • Mike (11:58): "Antonio Brown continues to be an absolute monster consistency."

• Steve Smith: Despite minimal touches, Smith delivered a high-impact performance with multiple touchdowns.

  • Andy (09:56): "This week's explosion where he has an outlier stat line from this week with a fluke."

• Andrew Luck and DeMarco Murray: Both players are on an upward trajectory, becoming top choices in their respective positions.

  • Andy (13:25): "They are both number one right now."

Waiver Wire Recommendations

The hosts provide strategic advice on potential waiver wire pickups to strengthen fantasy rosters.

• Jerick McKinnon (Minnesota Vikings): Recommended as the top waiver wire pickup due to his athleticism and potential role increase.

  • Mike (22:56): "Jerick McKinnon is the number one waiver wire pickup."

• Ben Tate and Terrence West (Carolina Panthers): With injuries to primary backs, Tate emerges as a viable RB2 option.

  • Andy (27:16): "Crowell is averaging over five yards of carry."

• Eddie Royal: Continues to impress with multiple touchdowns, making him a valuable up-and-coming receiver.

  • Mike (28:52): "Eddie Royal... four touchdowns in two weeks."

Start/Sit Recommendations

Andy and Mike offer their top choices for starting players each week, guiding listeners on optimal lineup decisions.

• Quarterbacks:

  • Andy: Russell Wilson remains a steady start despite lower pass attempts, praising his intelligence and production. (34:35)
    • "Russell Wilson is everything he does."
  • Mike: Big Ben Roethlisberger is favored for his matchup against the struggling Jacksonville team.
    • "I like Big Ben. I like what they're putting together."

• Running Backs:

  • Andy: Suggests Rashad Jennings against the Falcons due to a weak defense.
    • "Rashad Jennings... playing the Falcons. The Falcons defense is not good."
  • Mike: Recommends Geo Big Gio Bernard for his role in the Vikings' offense.
    • "Geo Big Gio Bernard versus New England. They look like a sieve."

• Wide Receivers:

  • Andy: Endorses Keenan Allen, despite a shaky start last week, trusting in his potential upside.
    • "Keenan Allen... a good Snart."
  • Mike: Brian Quick is highlighted as a sneaky start with potential for explosive plays.
    • "Brian Quick, the guy from the Thundercats."

• Tight Ends:

  • Andy: Suggests Julius Thomas for his favorable matchup against Arizona's defense.
    • "Julius Thomas... playing Arizona. He's going to score three touchdowns."
  • Mike: Recommends Heath Miller and Logan Paulson based on their usage and matchup advantages.
    • "Heath Miller versus Jacksonville."

• Defenses:

  • Andy: Advises picking up the Chargers' defense due to their consistent performance.
    • "The Chargers... really good this year."
  • Mike: San Francisco 49ers' defense is also recommended for their disciplined play.
    • "I really like San Francisco's defense this week."

Listener Questions

The hosts address questions submitted by listeners, offering personalized advice based on their expertise.

1. Frank's Dilemma: Reggie Wayne vs. Michael Crabtree

   • Andy (42:32): "I'm gambling on Crabtree."
   • Mike (42:46): Recommends holding onto Reggie Wayne, citing Michael Crabtree's injury concerns.

2. Steve's Query: Dropping Torrey Smith for Eddie Royal, Andrew Hawkins, or Golden Tate

   • Andy (43:53): Supports picking up Golden Tate due to his recent performance.
   • Mike (43:57): Agrees, prioritizing Tate, followed by Royal and Hawkins.

3. Bobby Jr.'s Trade Proposal: Jerick McKinnon for Travis Kelce

   • Andy (44:17): Favors the trade if Kelce fits the team's needs better.
   • Mike (44:46): Recommends Travis Kelce for teams needing tight end strength, suggesting caution for those reliant on McKinnon.

4. Dennis's Choice: Greg Olson vs. Delaney Walker

   • Andy (46:14): Leans towards Delaney Walker.
   • Mike (46:19): Prefers Greg Olson based on consistency and team situation.

5. Is it Time to Drop the Carolina Defense?

   • Mike (46:54): "Yes, it is time to drop the Carolina defense."
   • Andy (47:05): Highlights Carolina's poor recent performances, advising abandonment in favor of more reliable defenses.

Conclusion

Andy Holloway and Mike Wright wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with their content through subscriptions and social media. They emphasize the importance of staying informed and proactive in managing fantasy teams to secure weekly victories.

• Andy (48:50): "Subscribe to us on iTunes, leave us a review, tell us what you like, what you don't like."
• Mike (49:17): "Enjoy week five, everybody."

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway (02:09): "This is a very pivotal point of the season making decisions can happen."
• Mike Wright (11:58): "We want Antonio Brown. We don’t want that desean Jackson boomer bust."
• Andy Holloway (16:40): "Maybe now you'll get more than you would, but I might sell."
• Mike Wright (26:56): "Jerick McKinnon is the number one waiver wire pickup."
• Andy Holloway (34:35): "Russell Wilson is everything he does."
• Mike Wright (46:54): "Yes, it is time to drop the Carolina defense."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and recommendations from the Fantasy Footballers Podcast for Week 4/5, providing valuable guidance for fantasy football enthusiasts.