Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 6/7

Release Date: October 14, 2014

Introduction

In this Week 6 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, the dynamic duo of Mike Wright and guest host Nicholas Vance dive deep into the latest happenings in the fantasy football landscape. With co-host Andy Holloway on vacation, Nicholas steps in to provide expert analysis and insights, ensuring listeners receive top-notch advice to navigate their fantasy leagues effectively.

League Updates: Injury Report

The injury bug has been relentless, wreaking havoc on team rosters and altering fantasy strategies.

• Victor Cruz suffers a season-ending torn patellar tendon. [03:08]
• Darren Sprouls out with slight MCL tears, potentially missing two weeks. [03:24]
• Steven Ridley's ACL is down for the season. [03:28]
• Eddie Royal exits a game with a rib injury requiring monitoring. [03:28]
• Theo Riddick aggravates his hamstring. [03:32]
• Marvin Jones is placed on IR after his condition worsens. [04:02]
• AJ Green's toe injury remains uncertain, with conflicting reports about his availability. [04:38]

Mike Wright remarks on the pervasive nature of injuries:
"The bloodbath continued this week. It was brutal." [03:09]

Nicholas Vance adds perspective on coaching decisions affecting player availability:
"When coaches say he's might play, it's often to make other teams prepare, but it ends up hurting us all in the fantasy world." [05:01]

Stud Muffins: Players to Watch

The Stud Muffins segment highlights players who have the potential to significantly impact fantasy scores either by continuing their stellar performances or offering unexpected breakthroughs.

1. Joe Flacco

   • Mike: "Five touchdowns in the first quarter. That is some stunning analysis." [06:32]
   • Analysis: Flacco's explosive start suggests he could continue his high-scoring trend against the Falcons at home.

2. Cameron Newton

   • Nicholas: "Vintage Newton. A top-five quarterback with his dual-threat capabilities." [08:15]
   • Analysis: Newton’s ability to both throw and run makes him a valuable asset, though consistency remains a concern.

3. Thomas Brady

   • Mike: "We buried him, but he’s still producing and Gronk is getting healthier." [09:30]
   • Analysis: Brady's resilience and evolving team dynamics keep him relevant despite previous downgrades.

4. Darren McFadden

   • Mike: "McFadden's job remains pivotal, but his recent performances are a letdown." [10:30]
   • Analysis: McFadden's potential resurgence is tempered by fluctuating performance metrics.

5. Ty Hilton

   • Mike: "In a dome, he does produce, but outside is useless." [12:10]
   • Analysis: Hilton's performance is weather-dependent, excelling in controlled environments like domes.

6. Russell Wilson

   • Mike: "Struggled against Seattle's defense, leading to an unexpected dip in fantasy points." [19:33]
   • Analysis: Wilson's recent underperformance against a fortified defense raises concerns for future matchups.

Waiver Wire: Top Targets

Identifying the best available players can provide a crucial edge in fantasy leagues. The hosts discuss the top waiver wire targets as highlighted by FantasyPros.

1. Odell Beckham Jr. (ODB)

   • Mike: "With Cruz gone for the year, ODB should be a starter now." [21:30]
   • Analysis: Beckham's talent is undeniable, making him a top priority, especially with increased opportunity.

2. Andre Holmes

   • Mike: "Third-year receivers like Holmes have the potential to break out." [24:06]
   • Analysis: Holmes' maturity and talent make him a promising addition for teams needing depth.

3. Keenan Allen vs. Chiefs

   • Nicholas: "Allen is touchdown-dependent. With Cam Newton back in form, his targets might increase." [29:01]
   • Analysis: Allen's role could expand, offering valuable points, especially in PPR leagues.

4. James Jones

   • Mike: "He's getting more targets and has the pedigree to be a reliable WR." [24:11]
   • Analysis: Jones' consistent target share makes him a safe and potentially high-scoring pick.

5. Derek Carr

   • Nicholas: "Despite situational challenges, Carr is putting up impressive fantasy numbers." [32:44]
   • Analysis: Carr's performance remains steady, offering dependable points each week.

Starts of the Week: Recommendations

The hosts provide their weekly recommendations on which players to start, aligning their choices with current form and upcoming matchups.

Mike Wright's Recommendations:

• Quarterback: Carson Palmer vs. Raiders
  [26:06]
  "Despite Arizona's defensive issues, Palmer remains a solid QB option."

• Running Back: Pierre Thomas vs. Lions
  [28:33]
  "With the Lions' reliance on Drew Brees, Thomas is poised for a high-target game, especially in PPR leagues."

• Wide Receiver: Kelvin Benjamin vs. Saints
  [28:34]
  "Benjamin's red zone presence and the improved Cam Newton enhance his fantasy value."

• Tight End: Jordan Reed vs. Titans
  [30:03]
  "Reed's consistent targets make him a reliable tight end choice."

• Defense: Chicago Bears vs. Dolphins
  [37:26]
  "Despite Sean Marino's injury, the Bears' defense can capitalize on the Dolphins' struggles."

Nicholas Vance's Recommendations:

• Quarterback: Kirk Cousins vs. Titans
  [32:16]
  "Cousins is expected to have a strong game against a weak Titans defense, mirroring Romo's previous outings."

• Running Back: Fred Jackson vs. Vikings
  [33:01]
  "Minnesota's offensive woes should lead to increased opportunities for Jackson in Buffalo."

• Wide Receiver: Marquise Colston vs. Lions
  [34:09]
  "With Jimmy Graham out, Colston is likely to see a surge in targets from Drew Brees."

• Tight End: Jay Sam Odrick vs. Patriots
  [35:21]
  "Despite skepticism, Odrick's matchup against the Patriots makes him a viable option."

• Defense: Chicago Bears vs. Dolphins
  [37:44]
  "The Bears can disrupt the Dolphins' Rashaad Penny-focused offense, leading to potential turnovers."

Game Segment: Fantasy Footballers vs. The World

In this interactive segment, Mike and Nicholas face off by selecting between two players based on their fantasy potential, comparing their choices to the broader expert consensus.

1. Odell Beckham Jr. (ODB) vs. James Jones

   • Choice: Mike favors James Jones (64% experts favor ODB)
     [39:05]
   • Outcome: "The experts have taken ODB, but I’m taking a victory with Jones."

2. Pierre Garcon vs. Sammy Watkins

   • Choice: Both select Pierre Garcon (64% experts favor Garcon)
     [41:12]
   • Outcome: Consensus aligns with selecting Garcon.

3. Kelvin Benjamin vs. Ty Hilton

   • Choice: Both agree on Kelvin Benjamin (61% experts favor Benjamin)
     [42:37]
   • Outcome: Experts support Benjamin, validating their choice.

4. Ronnie Hillman vs. Reggie Bush

   • Choice: Mike opts for Ronnie Hillman (61% experts favor Hillman)
     [43:48]
   • Outcome: Hillman's workload and favorable matchup make him the preferred pick.

5. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Keenan Allen

   • Choice: Both select Larry Fitzgerald (54% experts favor Fitzgerald)
     [46:17]
   • Outcome: Fitzgerald edges out slightly, making him the consensus choice.

Mike concludes the segment with:
"It's fun seeing how our picks align with the experts. Staying informed helps make the best decisions for your team." [38:35]

Mailbag: Listener Questions and Trade Advice

The hosts address listener queries, offering personalized advice to optimize their fantasy rosters.

1. Trade Eddie Lacy and Mohammed Sanu for Jamal Charles?

   • Advice:
     • Mike: "It's a fair trade, but with AJ Green out, retaining Sanu might be wiser." [49:06]
     • Nicholas: Recommends evaluating team needs and potential value before making the trade.

2. Ben Tate vs. Andre Ellington for the Rest of the Season?

   • Advice:
     • Mike: "Considering Tate's injury history, Ellington is the safer bet." [50:54]
     • Nicholas: Agrees with prioritizing Ellington due to Tate's unreliable status.

3. Trade Jeremy Hill for Jerick McKinnon?

   • Advice:
     • Mike: Suggests keeping Hill if available, but considers McKinnon valuable if Hill is uncertain.
     • Nicholas: Advocates for McKinnon if secure as Hill's role could be vulnerable with potential injuries.

4. Trade Matt Ryan, Fred Jackson, and Jerick McKinnon for Big Ben and Lashawn McCoy?

   • Advice:
     • Mike: Recommends holding onto Ryan, Jackson, and McKinnon, citing their consistent value.
     • Nicholas: Expresses concerns over Ryan's performance and opines to retain Fred Jackson and consider trading Big Ben separately.

Mike summarizes the Mailbag:
"Trading is about assessing current performance and potential future value. Make sure to align trades with your team's strategic needs." [48:00]

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Mike Wright and Nicholas Vance encourage listeners to engage with the podcast through subscriptions, reviews, and social media. They highlight the importance of staying proactive in fantasy management and leveraging expert insights to dominate their leagues.

Mike closes with a light-hearted remark:
"Hopefully, Andy has a job when he gets back. We are like the 49ers starting quarterbacks here." [56:51]

Key Takeaways:

• Injury Vigilance: Stay updated on player injuries to make timely roster adjustments.
• Stud Muffins Potential: Monitor players who have recently outperformed expectations for potential starts.
• Waiver Wire Strategy: Prioritize high-impact players like ODB and Kelvin Benjamin to strengthen your team.
• Start Wisely: Base your weekly starts on current form and favorable matchups to maximize points.
• Interactive Engagement: Utilize segments like Mailbag and Game to refine your fantasy strategies.
• Trade Smartly: Assess player performance and team needs before engaging in trades to enhance your roster.

Stay tuned for more insights and strategies to ensure your fantasy football season is a winning one!