Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Keep/Trade/Cut, Pump the Brakes, Wet Toilet Paper
Release Date: October 10, 2018

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into strategic decisions surrounding player management in fantasy football. The trio focuses on the Keep/Trade/Cut segment, offers a Pump the Brakes analysis on specific players, and engages with listener questions from the Mailbag segment. Throughout the discussion, notable insights, expert opinions, and actionable advice are provided to help listeners optimize their fantasy teams.

Keep/Trade/Cut Segment

1. Royce Freeman:
Royce Freeman has been averaging 9.4 points per game over five games. His performance has been hindered by the presence of Philip Lindsay in the Denver Broncos' backfield.

• Mike Wright emphasizes Freeman's potential:
  “Royce Freeman has the talent, the potential to be great. I don't want to trade him.”
  (19:51)

• Jason Moore concurs, highlighting the rarity of cutting running backs:
  “As a rule of thumb, we almost never cut running backs because things happen.”
  (21:30)

Decision: Keep
Both hosts agree that Freeman possesses the potential to elevate his performance, making him a valuable asset worth keeping.

2. Deion Lewis (Houston Backfield):
Deion Lewis has been underperforming, averaging only 9 points per game. Concerns revolve around his usage against a formidable Buffalo defense.

• Mike Wright discusses Lewis’s limited opportunities:
  “He might have to do [big plays] on one of his seven touches.”
  (04:19)

• Jason Moore suggests trading Lewis:
  “I would like to move Deion Lewis if I could.”
  (23:10)

Decision: Trade
Given the limited usage and uncertain future performance, both hosts lean towards trading Deion Lewis to improve team dynamics.

3. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals):
Fitzgerald has been facing an elusive and ineffective offense, leading to discussions about his viability in fantasy lineups.

• Mike Wright candidly states:
  “I would cut you [Larry Fitzgerald]. There's just too many wide receivers available on the waiver wire that I could plug in and start and get a great game.”
  (29:02)

• Jason Moore agrees, emphasizing the abundance of better options:
  “I would cut him as well.”
  (36:34)

Decision: Cut
Despite Fitzgerald's legendary status, his current performance and the availability of superior receivers on the waiver wire make him a candidate for release.

4. James Conner:
James Conner is at a pivotal juncture, especially with the potential return of Le'Veon Bell, impacting his future usage.

• Jason Moore advises trading Conner if Le'Veon Bell returns:
  “I am probably trying to trade him right now.”
  (30:07)

• Mike Wright supports trading Conner, especially for injured players:
  “James Conner has one game left of fantasy awesomeness and then will become almost irrelevant.”
  (33:56)

Decision: Trade
With uncertainties surrounding Conner’s future role and the return of a potential bell cow, trading him is recommended to secure more reliable assets.

Pump the Brakes Segment

1. Kenyon Drake (Pittsburgh Steelers):
Kenyon Drake has shown flashes of brilliance but suffers from inconsistent usage.

• Mike Wright highlights the utilization issues:
  “Kenyon Drake is my pump the breaks this week because utilization... he goes against the Bears, who are number one in fewest fantasy points given up to the running back position.”
  (03:20)

• Jason Moore draws parallels with Aaron Jones:
  “He’s in the game more like Aaron Jones lately, where you can play Aaron Jones, you know that the volume won't be there, but you know that the big play certainly could be there.”
  (04:19)

Decision: Exercise Caution
While Drake has potential for big plays, his inconsistent volume and tough matchup against the Bears suggest holding off on starting him unless guaranteed increased usage.

2. Houston Running Backs (including Lamar Miller):
The Houston backfield faces challenges against a strong Buffalo defense, raising doubts about their reliability.

• Jason Moore expresses concern over consistent performance:
  “I’m a little bit concerned. Lamar Miller... If you are not going to get the volume from Lamar Miller, I think you’re going to be very disappointed.”
  (06:44)

• Mike Wright underscores the defense’s strength:
  “The defense that Buffalo is... it's not very good.”
  (06:44)

Decision: Exercise Caution
Monitoring the usage and health of Houston’s running backs is advised, as their performance against Buffalo poses significant risks.

News and Notes

1. Jamal Charles to Jacksonville Jaguars:
Jamal Charles has been signed to a one-year contract, but TJ Yeldon remains the primary option alongside Leonard Fournette.

• Mike Wright dismisses Charles’s immediate impact:
  “That’s also because Jamal Charles is old and busted and done for.”
  (08:23)

2. Leonard Fournette’s Status:
Leonard Fournette is confirmed out for Week 6, impacting fantasy managers relying on him.

• Mike Wright advises caution:
  “I would be looking to trade him, to send him out.”
  (08:44)

3. Cincinnati Bengals Waivers:
Thomas Rawls has been waived by the Bengals, presenting potential opportunities for fantasy managers.

• Mike Wright shares light-hearted banter:
  “Say hi to your mother for me.”
  (09:25)

Mailbag: Listener Questions

1. Trading FAB Money:
A listener inquires about the pros and cons of trading FAB (Fantasy Adjusted Budget) money back and forth within the league.

• Mike Wright explains the complexities:
  “It's a lot of work for the commissioner.”
  (53:42)

• Jason Moore highlights the benefits:
  “You can help balance out trades... incentivize trades.”
  (54:48)

2. David Johnson vs. Joe Mixon:
Another listener from Ohio asks whether to trade David Johnson for Joe Mixon.

• Mike Wright ultimately prefers Mixon:
  “I officially say I would rather have Joe Mixon.”
  (57:13)

• Jason Moore supports the trade for Mixon’s consistent performance:
  “He’s a workhorse running back. He catches the ball and he's on a good office.”
  (56:53)

3. James Conner and Tyler Lockett Trade Proposal:
A listener suggests trading James Conner and Tyler Lockett for Kenyon Drake and Tyler Boyd.

• Mike Wright weighs the trade, favoring Tyler Boyd:
  “I'd rather have Boyd as well.”
  (59:16)

• Jason Moore agrees, emphasizing strategic value:
  “I would not [trade Conner straight for Drake].”
  (59:40)

Thursday Night Breakdown: Eagles vs. Giants

The hosts analyze the upcoming Thursday night game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, focusing on fantasy implications.

• Betting Line:
  The over/under is set at 44.5 points, which Mike Wright deems “middle of the pack” for this season.
  (42:33)

• Injury Updates:

  • Evan Ingram is likely inactive due to a knee injury, reducing the Giants’ tight end options.
    (44:00)
  • Corey Clement is confirmed to play, offering solid performance potential.
    (45:50)
  • Wendell Smallwood is highlighted as a valuable starting running back for the Giants.
    (46:23)

• Fantasy Strategies:
  The hosts recommend starting both Corey Clement and Wendell Smallwood to capitalize on their roles and potential high-output games. They also discuss the importance of strategic play based on the game's dynamics and player performance.

Conclusion

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide comprehensive insights into player management decisions, emphasizing the importance of evaluating player performance, usage, and upcoming matchups. Key takeaways include:

• Keep Royce Freeman for his untapped potential.
• Trade Deion Lewis and James Conner due to limited usage and uncertain roles.
• Cut Larry Fitzgerald to make room for more consistent performers.
• Exercise caution with Kenyon Drake and the Houston backfield due to utilization concerns.
• Engage actively with waiver wire opportunities and consider strategic trades to enhance team performance.

Listeners are encouraged to visit jointhefoot.com for exclusive content and follow the hosts on Twitter for ongoing updates and advice.

Notable Quotes:

• “Royce Freeman has the talent, the potential to be great. I don't want to trade him.” – Mike Wright (19:51)
• “As a rule of thumb, we almost never cut running backs because things happen.” – Jason Moore (21:30)
• “I would cut you [Larry Fitzgerald]. There's just too many wide receivers available on the waiver wire that I could plug in and start and get a great game.” – Mike Wright (29:02)
• “I officially say I would rather have Joe Mixon.” – Mike Wright (57:13)

Stay tuned for more expert analysis and actionable fantasy football advice from the Fantasy Footballers!