Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 9/10

Episode Title: Fantasy Football Podcast for Week 9/10
Release Date: November 4, 2014
Hosts: Andy Holloway and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Podcast: The Fantasy Footballers

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Fantasy Footballers, hosts Andy Holloway and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into Week 9/10 of the NFL season, offering expert analysis, strong opinions, and actionable advice to help listeners dominate their fantasy leagues. Skipping the usual fluff, they focus on crucial updates, player evaluations, waiver wire gems, and interactive listener questions, all peppered with their trademark humor and camaraderie.

Week 9/10 News and Notes

Player Injuries

The hosts kick off the episode by discussing significant injuries impacting fantasy lineups:

• Nick Foles (Eagles QB):
  Mike: "[03:06] The big one was Nick Foles, quarterback of the Eagles. Fractured or broken collarbone. It looks like he will be out for the year and possibly the playoffs if the Eagles make it. Mark Sanchez is set to take over."
  Foles' injury could have profound implications for both the Eagles' season and fantasy owners reliant on him.

• Arian Foster (Houston RB):
  Andy: "[04:55] Arian Foster, another big one. He's dealing with a groin and hamstring injury but is expected to return post-bye week. Fantasy managers should prepare for potential downtime."

• Lamar Miller (Dolphins RB):
  Mike: "[04:24] Lamar Miller left the game with an AC joint injury but is likely to play next week after practicing. A challenging injury for a running back, but hopeful for minimal missed games."

• Philip Rivers (Chargers QB):
  Andy: "[05:00] Rivers hurt his hand, but it's speculated that the Chargers kept him in the game due to the lopsided score. This directly affected fantasy matchups."

• Ronnie Hillman (Patriots RB) and Wes Welker (Patriots WR):
  Mike: "[05:38] Hillman tweaked his ankle but returned strong, while Welker left with a back injury, making him day-to-day and unreliable for fantasy owners."

Adrian Peterson Legal Update

A significant non-injury update involves Adrian Peterson:

• Mike: "[06:03] Peterson reached a plea agreement that may conclude the legal aspects of his case, leaving the NFL to determine any disciplinary actions. This uncertainty affects his availability and fantasy value."

Fantasy Stud Muffins

The hosts highlight standout players who have been pivotal in recent weeks:

• Mark Ingram (Saints RB):
  Andy: "[10:45] Ingram had a stellar game with 30 carries, 100 yards, and two touchdowns, showcasing his role as a primary back in a run-heavy Saints offense."

• Jeremy Hill (Bengals RB):
  Mike: "[11:47] Hill delivered a monster performance with 24 carries, 154 yards, and two touchdowns, highlighting his explosive potential against weaker run defenses."

• Denard Robinson (Jaguars RB):
  Mike: "[13:12] Robinson has been consistent with three solid performances, averaging 94 yards and a touchdown, making him a reliable fantasy asset."

• Julian Edelman (Patriots WR):
  Andy: "[14:12] Edelman re-emerged with 89 yards and a touchdown, though his inconsistency makes him a borderline starter."

• Mike Evans (Buccaneers WR):
  Andy: "[15:00] Evans exploded with 124 yards and two touchdowns, reflecting his growing importance in Tampa Bay's receiving corps."

• Percy Harvin (Ravens WR):
  Mike: "[17:07] Harvin posted 129 yards and a touchdown, proving his versatility and value despite inconsistent usage."

Start of the Week Recommendations

Quarterbacks

• Mark Sanchez (Eagles):
  Mike: "[39:10] Sanchez faces the Panthers, a team ranked 26th against QBs. Despite recent struggles, the Eagles' offense remains QB-friendly, making Sanchez a viable start."

• Derek Carr (Raiders):
  Andy: "[39:06] Carr against Denver’s defense could yield decent fantasy points due to Denver's tendency to allow yards during garbage time. Recommended as an emergency QB."

Running Backs

• Ronnie Hillman (Patriots):
  Mike: "[42:27] Hillman is expected to maintain a prominent role against Oakland, who struggle against the run. Despite Monte Ball's potential return, Hillman's speed and opportunities make him a solid start."

• Trey Mason (Arizona):
  Andy: "[65:32] Facing a tough run defense, Mason offers quantity over quality. If active, he's a safer pick than competing options."

Wide Receivers

• Larry Fitzgerald (Ravens):
  Andy: "[54:33] Fitzgerald is matched against St. Louis, who have a weak defense. With 70% of experts favoring him, he's a reliable start."

• Michael Crabtree (Saints):
  Andy: "[53:55] Crabtree hasn't delivered monster games yet but is overdue for a breakout. Poised for high targets in a potentially shootout game against San Francisco."

Tight Ends

• Heath Miller (Jets):
  Mike: "[45:42] Miller faces a Jets defense ranked last against tight ends. With Big Ben performing exceptionally, Miller is a smart start due to high matchup upside."

• Larry Donnell (Giants):
  Andy: "[46:24] Donnell is targeted frequently in a pass-heavy Giants offense. Consistent usage makes him a worthy start."

Defenses

• Cardinals Defense:
  Mike: "[48:19] Facing the struggling St. Louis Rams offense, the Cardinals boast a strong defensive unit, making them a top defense start."

• Ravens Defense:
  Andy: "[49:11] Ravens play Tennessee, who have a middling run defense. Their solid overall defense is a favorable start option."

Waiver Wire Gems

The hosts recommend undervalued players available on waivers who could provide significant fantasy value:

• Alfred Blue (RB, Dolphins):
  Mike: "[31:02] Blue is the top waiver pick due to his potential increased role following Foster's bye week. Despite past inconsistencies, his opportunity makes him a worthwhile pickup."

• Charles Sims (RB, Falcons):
  Andy: "[31:59] Sims is highlighted as a potential difference-maker in playoff weeks with his pass-catching ability and favorable matchups in the coming weeks."

• Bobby Rainey (RB, Bills):
  Mike: "[32:37] Rainey's consistent performance when given the opportunity makes him a prime waiver target, especially with the Bills valuing a strong running game."

• Greg Jennings (WR, Cardinals):
  Andy: "[35:36] Jennings offers reliable production and could be a key contributor, especially if his quarterback situation stabilizes."

Mailbag: Listener Questions

Listeners submitted questions about optimal player starts and waiver pickups, which the hosts addressed with insightful advice:

• Pick Between Mike Evans, Owen Daniels, and Martavis Bryant:
  Andy: "[59:47] Recommends Mike Evans due to his dedicated role, despite Bryant's impressive touchdowns."

  Mike: "[60:42] Agrees with Evans, noting Bryant's split usage but emphasizing Evans' consistency as a number two receiver."

• Start/Sit Scenarios:
  Andy: "[51:15] Chooses Eric Decker over Brandon Cooks based on matchup and recent performance."

  Mike: "[52:15] Selects Ruben Randall over Alan Robinson for reliability despite Robinson's popularity."

• Additional Scenarios:
  The hosts debated various start/sit questions, ultimately advising listeners to trust their initial decisions unless significant news dictates a change. They emphasized the importance of consistency and favorable matchups in making informed choices.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy [57:38]: "I really believe that you go. If you're struggling with it and you listen to the podcast and you hear something that makes sense, then go with it."

• Mike [57:01]: "It's like a test. When you're taking one of those school tests, they say always, always go with your first answer. So it's usually right."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, Andy and Mike encourage listeners to engage with their content by submitting questions, leaving reviews, and staying connected via their website and social media. They humorously discuss internal bets and the potential for future content enhancements, maintaining their light-hearted rapport.

Closing Remarks:

• Andy: "[68:48] Visit us on the web thefantasyfootballers.com. If you like the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star review on iTunes to help us reach more fantasy managers."

• Mike: "[69:32] And Adrian Foster's growing. That's our one agenda. So, send in your questions and keep winning your leagues."

Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Week 9/10, blending actionable fantasy advice with entertaining banter, making it a valuable listen for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to enhance their team performance and league standings.