Last Straw Players, Pump the Brakes, Manly Men

Summary

Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Last Straw Players, Pump the Brakes, Manly Men"

Release Date: October 3, 2018

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into critical fantasy football strategies and player evaluations as Week 5 approaches. The episode is structured around key segments, including "Pump the Brakes" and "Last Straw Players," supplemented by league news and listener questions. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the essential discussions, insights, and takeaways from the episode.

---

1. Introduction and Show Overview

The hosts kick off the episode with a brief introduction, setting the stage for the day's topics. They emphasize the importance of strategic decision-making in fantasy football to secure league victories.

---

2. Pump the Brakes Segment

Objective: The "Pump the Brakes" segment focuses on cautioning fantasy managers against impulsive decisions when evaluating players who have recently shown standout performances but may not sustain their output.

Key Discussions:

• Nick Chubb:

  • Mike Wright advises caution against the rush to grab Chubb from waivers despite his impressive performances. He highlights Chubb's high efficiency but warns against overvaluing his short-term gains.
  • Quote: "Let's slow down a bit because he had three carries. He also had three snaps." [06:34]

• Andrew Luck:

  • Jason Moore expresses skepticism about Luck's performance, especially against the Patriots who are sans their top receiving weapons. He suggests not starting Luck until he demonstrates consistency.
  • Quote: "The Patriots are about to rise and I think that Andrew Luck is in their sights." [09:54]

• Philip Lindsay:

  • Andy Holloway questions Lindsay's reliability as an "auto start" due to inconsistent carries and the need for favorable matchups.
  • Quote: "Philip Lindsay is very talented, but you're going to get between seven to 11 carries from Philip Lindsay." [12:23]

Insights:

• Managers should evaluate players based on long-term potential rather than one-off performances.
• Assessing team dynamics and upcoming matchups is crucial before making roster changes.

---

3. Last Straw Players Segment

Objective: In "Last Straw Players," the hosts identify players who are on the verge of being dropped from fantasy rosters due to underperformance. These are players who, if they don't elevate their game in the immediate future, may no longer provide value.

Key Discussions:

• Latavius Murray:

  • Mike Wright considers Murray irrelevant in his current role and unlikely to produce significant fantasy points.
  • Quote: "If Dalvin Cook is out, or even if he's very limited and doesn't seem to matter, Murray is irrelevant again for another week." [24:05]

• Nelson Aguilar:

  • Jason Moore points out Aguilar's declining touchdown production despite consistent targets.
  • Quote: "Nelson Aguilar is not coming through in the touchdown department." [26:01]

• CJ Hogan:

  • Jason Moore criticizes Hogan's lack of production despite high snap counts.
  • Quote: "CJ Hogan... he's been playing in the slot a lot. Over 61% of his snaps are coming from the slot." [27:30]

• Additional Players Discussed:

  • Rashad Penny: Lack of breakout performances.
  • Kenyon Drake: Inconsistent usage by the coaching staff.
  • Jamal Williams: Struggles in maintaining volume and effectiveness.
  • Derek Henry and LaShawn McCoy: Henry's declining efficiency makes him a target for dropping, while McCoy remains slightly more viable due to involvement in the passing game.

Insights:

• Continuous monitoring of player performance and matchup suitability is essential.
• It's vital to recognize when a player's ceiling no longer justifies their roster spot, especially in teams that need to "manufacture wins."

---

4. News and Notes

Objective: This segment covers the latest updates and important news affecting fantasy football decisions.

Key Discussions:

• Joe Mixon's Injury Status:

  • Andy Holloway expresses confidence that Mixon will play in Week 5 despite concerns.
  • Quote: "Joe Mixon will play this week. He's a great start." [55:26]

• Rams' Kicker Changes:

  • The Rams released their kicker and signed Cairo Santos until Greg Zuerlein returns, offering an opportunity to exploit their high-powered offense in fantasy matchups.

• Le'Veon Bell's Potential Return:

  • Mike Wright discusses the possibility of Bell returning from injury and the strategic moves managers might consider if they are in must-win situations.

Insights:

• Stay updated with team injury reports and roster changes to make informed decisions.
• Consider the impact of team dynamics and strength of schedule when evaluating player performance opportunities.

---

5. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Answers

Objective: The hosts address listener-submitted questions, providing personalized advice to enhance fantasy team management.

Key Questions Addressed:

• Tight End Valuation:

  • Listener Question: How should tight ends be valued in trades, especially concerning injuries and scarcity.
  • Advice:
    • Jason Moore suggests valuing tight ends consistently and advises against trading away top performers like Zach Ertz.
    • Quote: "I think you value them the same and do not trade Ertz away." [50:25]

• Trade Decision: Jay Ajayi and Jarvis Landry for David Johnson:

  • Advice:
    • Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of favorable matchups and suggests that acquiring Jarvis Landry could be beneficial given his high-value schedule.
    • Andy Holloway recommends replacing Jarvis with Alshon Jeffery and considering David Johnson as a trade asset.
    • Quote: "Would be willing to swap out Lockett for Baldwin this week or would you give him more time? I would play Baldwin." [52:58]

Insights:

• Evaluate the long-term value and consistency of players before making trade decisions.
• Consider schedule strength and player roles when assessing potential trade targets.

---

6. Strategic Takeaways

• Selective Waiver Moves: Avoid overvaluing players based on single-game performances. Instead, focus on consistent producers with favorable upcoming matchups.

• Roster Management: Regularly review and adjust your roster based on player performance trends, injuries, and team dynamics to maximize your team's potential.

• Trade Wisely: Make informed trade decisions by considering player consistency, team schedules, and positional scarcity. Prioritize maintaining key assets while strategically upgrading other positions.

---

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers valuable insights into managing fantasy rosters effectively. By emphasizing strategic caution in "Pump the Brakes" and identifying critical "Last Straw Players," the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions that can significantly impact their fantasy football success.

Notable Quotes:

• "Manufacture wins and you have to do it now." — Mike Wright [42:09]
• "If you can get yourself over the hump manufacturer, go week to week." — Andy Holloway [42:09]
• "You need to see if those targets turn into receptions and maybe you build that rapport." — Andy Holloway [26:01]

For more detailed discussions and expert advice, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode and engage with the Fantasy Footballers community.

Transcript

[Andy Holloway]

Hey, Foot Clan Lowes is my new go to destination for discovering the newest Craftsman products including mechanics, tool sets, storage and more in store and online. Like the 120 tooth ratchet, it has a 3 degree arc swing. Not none of that 2 degree stuff.

[Jason Moore]

No.

[Andy Holloway]

Lets you loosen or tighten bolts with less movement in those hard to reach spots. Plus it comes in a gunmetal chrome finish that's not only sharp looking, makes them corrosion resistant. That's pretty cool. Shop the new home for craftsmen today@lowe's.com footballers that's lowes.com footballers and we want.

[Jason Moore]

To remind you about jointhefoot.com our Patreon community, foot Clan. This is where you can come and support the show. We are independent, but we're giving you awesome stuff for supporting the show. A bonus weekly podcast, community access. Those Foot Clan leagues we often talk about, that's how you get into those premium resources. A game day alerts on Sunday so you know who's in, who's out. There's tons of awesome things that comes along for supporting the show. So check it out. JoinTheFoot.com welcome to the Fantasy Footballers podcast.

[Mike Wright]

Coming to you from Draft.com Studios with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, welcome in. I see Mike has broken out.

[Jason Moore]

The hat week continues.

[Andy Holloway]

Hat week. Arizona Cardinals cap. Today you've. You're enough days removed from the loss that you can wear a Cardinal cap.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, we're. We're on to week five now.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, let's see. If you had, if you had asked for a hat from, I don't know, Christian, Kirk, Larry Fitzgerald, Ricky Seals, Jones, any of those, they would have dropped it. They would have dropped it.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Andy Holloway]

Welcome in Wednesday, October 3, 2018. It's another day. Another day in the neighborhood.

[Jason Moore]

That's what they say.

[Andy Holloway]

We've got some great segments prepared for you today. Pump the brakes. Last straw. We're revealing our last straw players. Players that we. Well, we're giving you one last chance and then we're kicking you off our teams vindictively. Yeah, we'll click that button so hard. Click. Yeah. That was a loud click. Mike. Jason, how are you doing today?

[Mike Wright]

I'm doing all right. You know, the middle of the week, the hump day. The Wednesday is like, okay, man, I'm just getting over last week. I'm doing all my research for this coming week and so my mind is like a knot. So who knows what you're getting from me today? I mean, I'm. The things that'll come out of my mouth. Will, shock and awe.

[Jason Moore]

Had a quick story I thought was funny to share, and you reminded me because Lois was kind enough to sponsor the show. Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Yesterday.

[Jason Moore]

I know.

[Mike Wright]

I'm gonna do.

[Jason Moore]

I'm gonna do some man stuff.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Jason Moore]

I got one of those hard not to these days nest thermostats.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

I've never changed the thermostat. I installed this bad dog upstairs.

[Mike Wright]

I was.

[Jason Moore]

I tested it. I'm so proud of myself. I go down. I'm flexing. I'm flexing for the family, saying, look. Look what this dad accomplished. We eat dinner, you know, everything's going fine. We go upstairs to go to bed. It's 83 degrees upstairs.

[Andy Holloway]

Not working.

[Jason Moore]

No, it was working just in the opposite direction.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, you hooked it up, like, backwards. Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Well, I guess I'm taking the blame. I thought I followed the directions appropriately, but somehow the wires were crossed. Something about a heat pump reversal. I don't know. But instead of cooling the air, the upstairs for everyone to have a pleasant sleep, I was heating it.

[Andy Holloway]

That's really funny now.

[Jason Moore]

So it's 8:30pm yeah. And I'm scrambling to fix the stupid thermostat that it worked before. Oh, it sucked.

[Andy Holloway]

I have my own nest thermostat story and that. Look, I've installed them at my house. Three of them did. Three of them in half an hour. Flexed for the family. They were impressed. They gave me the clap, Jason.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, it's so easy.

[Jason Moore]

It's not easy.

[Mike Wright]

And he says, it's so easy. So, yeah, I got them for my house.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. I said, I got this.

[Mike Wright]

I was like, andy, you've done these? Yeah. Hook it up.

[Andy Holloway]

Come on over. I said, no big deal.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. I'll just do this real quick. Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Rips his shirt off.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, yeah.

[Jason Moore]

This is how old man does it.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. How'd that turn out?

[Mike Wright]

Well, you broke my air conditioning unit. You tripped something, and the fuse broke. And I had to get a professional.

[Jason Moore]

Out there because I knew that story. I made sure I had turned everything off.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

So thank you.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. No hot swapping. No hot swapping on the thermostats. All right. Follow us on Twitter. The Ffballers. All year long, we're here with you every day, helping you navigate your league. Have some fun. Jason got trolled live on the show yesterday. It was incredible timing. He received his own four balloons from his week four opponent.

[Mike Wright]

Still gonna be the champ.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay, we'll see YouTube.com/the fantasy footballers. We're throwing some highlights up there as well. Every day. Thanks, Baby Josh, you are. You're doing a good job over there. He's nodding. He's nodding like a baby.

[Jason Moore]

He doesn't have a microphone. Baby Josh does not get to speak on the show.

[Andy Holloway]

It's risky business, if that. Yeah. No way. Footclangiveaway.com signed Corey Davis jersey, championship belt. You can check that out. And our rankings are up later today. It's Wednesday, and, well, you know.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, oh, oh. O'Reilly. O'Reilly. Ow.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, Pump the brakes. Our weekly Pump the brakes segment with O'Reilly Auto Parts. Jason, who are you pumping the brakes on heading into week five?

[Mike Wright]

Look, I'm pumping the brakes on a guy, a star rookie running back with multiple touchdowns and over 100 yards, doing it more efficiently than any running back in the history of football. A lot of people rushing out to grab Nick Chubb from the waiver wires. I think there are plenty of people, those Chub truthers who will say, you know what? I'm plugging them in. I want the breakaway touchdowns, which clearly he can provide. And I'm saying, whoa, whoa, Nelly. Let's slow down a bit because he had.

[Jason Moore]

Are you Toll Booth Willie?

[Andy Holloway]

Do you really think people are.

[Mike Wright]

I'm coming out of the booth.

[Andy Holloway]

You think people are starting 100%, apparently. Who's starting? Nick Chub?

[Mike Wright]

Every single time that a player goes off for a monster game, there are those people in certain leagues that want to chase those points. And here's the thing. News came out saying that they want to get Nick Chubb more involved.

[Jason Moore]

So Hugh Jackson said that?

[Mike Wright]

Exactly, yes. Baby Huey himself. Baby Huey Jackson wants to get Nick Chubb more involved. So I think that there will be people plugging them in or at least making large waiver bids to get the hopeful future star running back. And I'm. I'm pumping the brakes majorly because, look, he had three carries. He also had three snaps. Three times he got on the field.

[Jason Moore]

That's 100% touch rate, though.

[Mike Wright]

That is. That is true. I mean, highly efficient. And. And I liked Nick Chubb. I liked his team coming into college. I had a note that basically said, look, if he goes to a team with an awesome offensive line, he's going to be great because you get him with a head of steam and you're not stopping him. We saw that this last week. If he goes to a team with an average or mediocre line, I think he's going to get taken down a lot behind the line of scrimmage, but he's not going to get the work.

[Andy Holloway]

But Jason. But Jason.

[Jason Moore]

Wow, that's quite a voice of Public opinion.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, Mrs. Public opinion.

[Andy Holloway]

If you gave him 15 carries, he'd have 10 touchdowns.

[Mike Wright]

Exactly. Wrong. That's what I'm pumping the brakes on. People extrapolate too much. He got three snaps and he was a change of pace guy. I'm not really worrying about it. If you want to pick him up if you've got a burner spot because maybe he becomes.

[Jason Moore]

I think he's a fine stash.

[Mike Wright]

Sure, stash.

[Jason Moore]

But he's a handcuff. I agree. I'm going to jump in here. My Pump the brakes.

[Andy Holloway]

If you're the height owner, maybe you think about it. Yeah, that'd be the. Yeah, sure.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Running backs are dropping like flies these days. So a high upside stash. Nick Chubb I think is an okay play for your fantasy team. I'm pumping the brakes on someone last week who had himself a monster fantasy game. The number three quarterback on the week, over 460 yards for passing touchdowns. I'm pumping the brakes on Andrew Luck. I don't want to play him this week. Short week playing the Patriots will be without his top two weapons and that means. Yes, I am including Jack Doyle as a top two weapon for the Colts.

[Andy Holloway]

Because he was out last.

[Jason Moore]

No, he had Ty Hilton last week.

[Andy Holloway]

For a small part of the game.

[Jason Moore]

For most of the game, but he is out. We're now dealing with Ryan Grant, Pascal, Chester Rogers and I think that the Patriots figured some things out last week. You had the three and O Dolphins who maybe they weren't. They didn't look as good as their record. But to just completely shut them down offensively. Ryan Tannehill had 100 passing yards and.

[Andy Holloway]

They'Re at home again.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Missing his biggest big play weapon.

[Jason Moore]

This is what the Patriots do. They start slow, they figure things out. It's not the beginning of the end.

[Andy Holloway]

Nope.

[Jason Moore]

It's the end of the beginning.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

The Patriots are about to rise and I think that Andrew Luck is in their sights.

[Andy Holloway]

You got some Batman Forever going on in my head now. The end is the beginning is the end. Remember that?

[Jason Moore]

I don't. The only thing I remember about that.

[Andy Holloway]

Is Smashing Pumpkins, I believe. Oh, is that a smashing Pumpkin? So that's the song.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, I just remember.

[Andy Holloway]

You remember that.

[Jason Moore]

Brooks, time to kick some ice.

[Mike Wright]

I think we referenced it in the.

[Andy Holloway]

Here's your question.

[Mike Wright]

Fire show.

[Andy Holloway]

Did Batman Forever come out before or after baby Josh was born?

[Mike Wright]

Oh, way before.

[Andy Holloway]

What year were you born? 1996.

[Jason Moore]

He says maybe.

[Andy Holloway]

Why don't you vet that?

[Mike Wright]

Legitimate question. That is really okay.

[Jason Moore]

Batman Forever was 1995.

[Andy Holloway]

So that came out.

[Jason Moore]

You avoided that thing.

[Mike Wright]

Good for you. You remember that movie, Josh, when you were one? You need to chill.

[Andy Holloway]

That was bad. My pump the brakes and I'm sticking with it. Not that you can listen to me anymore. I mean, I'm looking at last week, right? Mike, home run. Pump the brakes. Isaiah Cruell, he basically pumped the brakes entirely. He was. He didn't even start right. The car didn't move right. It's in the driveway.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, he forgot to let the E brake.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, this wasn't even a bad game. It was a no game. Marvin Jones, Jason, he had a very mediocre week. Didn't get the touchdown, just like you projected. And then I pumped the brakes on the greatest player in the history of the NFL.

[Jason Moore]

Your process was sound.

[Andy Holloway]

Calvin Ridley.

[Jason Moore]

It was Jason.

[Mike Wright]

Get out of here.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I mean, Calvin, who's on the field for what, like 40% of snaps? Also less targets than Sanu and Julio Jones, and yet two touchdowns again.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Andy Holloway]

So we'll stay in those. What do you call that? The ice water. I'm pumping the brakes on Philip Lindsay, my start of the week last week, who did perform as the start of the week, and I'm pumping the brakes in the context of, look, he is not an auto start. To me, he still needs a good matchup to play him. And you have to put him in this category of basically, you know, Royce Freeman's great. Vance Joseph stupid Devontae Booker's there. And because of that, you need Philip Lindsay to get into the end zone for you. If he didn't do it last week, he's not an auto start and Philip Lindsay is very talented, but you're going to get between, what, seven to 11 carries from Philip Lindsay.

[Jason Moore]

Really?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. I mean, I think that's about. I think what he has.

[Mike Wright]

Week one, it was 15. Week two, it was 14. Then he was concussed, then it was 12. So, I mean, so maybe you get.

[Andy Holloway]

Maybe you get 12 carries from him, but I don't think he's an auto start each and every week. I think he's a decision. Like, would you rather start Philip Lindsay or Dion Lewis this week? What do you think? Are you going to stay in Philip Lindsay's. Yeah, probably in the rotation.

[Mike Wright]

I think they're both good matchups and both good plays, but I would probably.

[Andy Holloway]

Philip Lindsey is in New York this week, so the Jets. Correct. Well, it could be the Giants for the Jets. So Philip Lindsay, Nick Chubb, Andrew Luck. I hope Andrew Luck has a bad week. I'm facing him this week. Oh. So it's always nice when you can root for. For that. Those are. Pump the brakes.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Andy Holloway]

With O'Reilly Auto Parts. Better parts, better prices, each and every day. Let's go ahead and get into some of this news.

[Mike Wright]

News and notes from around the league, rest of season.

[Andy Holloway]

Royce Freeman or Philip Lindsay? Who do you want?

[Jason Moore]

Philip Lindsay. I have to say I'm going to.

[Mike Wright]

Stick with Royce Freeman.

[Jason Moore]

The problem is with Philip Lindsay. He's very good.

[Mike Wright]

Right?

[Jason Moore]

That's the problem. The problem is not like, okay, this undrafted guy, the team is backing him. He's had, he's flashed a couple times. He's, he's excellent. I mean, he makes, he does things that Royce Freeman cannot. They complement each other very, very well.

[Andy Holloway]

But what about this step? Philip Lindsay has Never finished an NFL road game in his career. 100% of the time he's been thrown out for trying to play Nintendo's punch out on a football field.

[Mike Wright]

100% of the time. I mean, that's hard to argue. Now he's going on the road.

[Andy Holloway]

Fisticuffs are going to fly 5.9 a carry this year.

[Mike Wright]

He's. Yeah, he's been great. I mean, I remember after week one, I just wanted to 165 pounds completely discount Philip Lindsay and every which way. And so I went back, I watched every snap and I was like, darn it, darn it. He's pretty good. He's shifty, he's powerful. And so what does that mean? Say he has 4, 3, 9 speed.

[Andy Holloway]

That's what I say I have too.

[Jason Moore]

No, that was, that's what he added the pro day.

[Andy Holloway]

5, 8, 1, 65.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I'm generally speaking, but obviously looks great.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, it was a start of the week for a reason last week. And look, I'm setting you up here.

[Jason Moore]

Sure.

[Andy Holloway]

Every week you can start your Philip Lindsay. Leonard Fernett is out for Week 5 against the Chiefs. We knew this was coming, but it's official. Yeah, his hamstring is in recovery.

[Mike Wright]

It's made of candy. Licorice.

[Jason Moore]

Have some candy.

[Andy Holloway]

Dan Quinn said he expects Devonta Freeman to return in week five. Does he return to your lineup against the Sealers?

[Mike Wright]

That's a great question. That's a question I asked Brooks, my co owner this morning because, I mean, we've got Alex Collins, Amari Cooper and Devonta Freeman that were really. We need two of those three guys. And I think it's going to depend on some of what happens in practice. I want him fully back and I'm going to, I mean, look, by the end of this week I'm going to have researched how people come back from his injury as well as I can because it's everyone who has DeVont Freeman is going to have to ask that question. They drafted him to be an RB1, possibly RB2, definitely. So they're hurting without him.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I think it'd be good to look and see how Freeman has performed since he's come back from these little hammy strains, that type of thing. Well, it's not only my recollection. He's always been. Once he's back, he's pretty much back. But I'd like to confirm that and.

[Jason Moore]

But will he be fully back this week as in the team?

[Andy Holloway]

That's what is.

[Jason Moore]

But I'm saying this particular week to me like Tevin Coleman's playing all right. They have Edo Smith now who's playing pretty well.

[Mike Wright]

This is an absolute 100% for both teams. Must win game. Right. I mean both the Steel, the Steelers and the Falcons. You lose this game, there are, there's not even, there's no hope. Your season is over for one of these two teams and it's going to be a high scoring game. I don't think you're going to roll out Edo Smith. If, if, if Freeman is good enough to be full participant in practice through the week, then he is, you know, that's going to be really, really telling because you're not going to go out there in a such a must win game and say, okay, Ito, take over.

[Andy Holloway]

I agree. I mean he's your 41 million dollar man. So if he's healthy, I think they're going to play him. But we need to, we need to monitor that.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

Antonio Callaway, his playing time could be dialed back according to head coach Hugh Jackson, probably from not playing good football. That would be the top reason that I would dial it back is what, three of nine targets. He's been very, he's been athletically amazing and, and mentally he hasn't put it together yet.

[Mike Wright]

We're going to be talking about the final straw players and he was almost one of those guys where it's like you, you keep wanting because you see the potential, you see the upside in the rookie and Baker coming in where you go, he maybe he could be something but at some point you have to move on from a guy who's not getting it done.

[Andy Holloway]

I agree. And Rashard Higgins Rookie, it's been two weeks.

[Mike Wright]

I'm saying at some point.

[Jason Moore]

But you're going to go with Rod Streeter.

[Mike Wright]

I'm not.

[Andy Holloway]

So if Hens is probably a better play than Antonio Callaway, but I'm saying.

[Jason Moore]

When, when you're in 3 wide, Callaway's got to be on the field.

[Mike Wright]

I don't.

[Jason Moore]

I think it would be a mistake to bench him.

[Mike Wright]

You think to bench him?

[Jason Moore]

Well, as in to dial his. To dial the snaps.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, for the. For the Browns. Not for fantasy. No.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I'm talking for the. I'm talking for the Browns. I'm saying let him play through it. Let him figure it out.

[Andy Holloway]

All right.

[Mike Wright]

So you're saying they'll bench him?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I think they'll. Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Geronimo Allison not practicing Wednesday remains in the concussion protocol. We'll monitor that. We'll let you know in the.

[Jason Moore]

We had a sleeper alert that came through just right before this. And Green Bay has confirmed that Marquez Valdez Scanling will be the guy. It's not anything we weren't assuming, but it's at least been confirmed that if Cobb or Allison cannot play, Valdez Scantling is the guy to pick up.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. The Rams are releasing their kicker and signing Cairo Santos until Greg Zurline's back. So high powered offense, if you want to take a shot. Yeah, go ahead. I, eh, that's all right. Mike Tomlin asked about the possibility of a star running back returning to town. His name's Le'Veon Bell. And he said, I have not talked to Le'Veon and I have no Le'Veon.

[Mike Wright]

Update, therefore we have none.

[Andy Holloway]

That's fair. We do have the Thursday night preview on today's show. But first we'll get into. We'll get into the main event, but before that, we want to thank today's sponsor.

[Jason Moore]

Absolutely want to thank Pristine Auction for sponsoring the show. Pristine Auction, the best sports memorabilia site of all time. And we have a signed Kareem Hunt jersey on the wall right now. Excellent work, Brooks. Superstar Kareem Hunt got it done and now he's getting it done in the office, making it look, oh, so fresh, oh, so good, oh so clean. There's hundreds of new things on Pristine Auction every single day. You got to check it out. I log in at least once a day to see what's going on and check out some of these deals that recently happened on pristineauction.com a Josh Rosen signed Cardinals logo football just $79. A Christian Kirk signed football just $69. Antonio Brown signed Steelers jersey, $86. This and so much more. Foot Clan Pristine Auction P R I S T I n e auction.com make a completely free account. And when you do, make sure you tell them the fantasy footballers sent you.

[Mike Wright]

And we want to make sure everybody knows about Prime Video channels, which are absolutely awesome. Look, when you join Amazon prime, which I'm sure everyone listening has. Has done because it's so awesome, in addition to fast free shipping, you also have great entertainment delivered to you instantly through Prime Video Channels. Not everybody knows about Prime Video Channels. We do. Andy, I know you use. You've got Showtime.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I was checking out the kidding episodes with Jim Carrey.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, which. Yeah, I need to get back on that. But here's the deal. You can watch over 100 channels on Amazon, no cable required. So for all the cable cord cutters out there, this is your service. It's fantastic. You create a lineup from premium and specialty channels. Showtime, Starz, hbo, cbs, All Access, whatever you want. All the tons of fall content ballers on hbo. You want that. You want NFL exclusively on cbs All Access coming up. It's right there through Amazon Prime Channel. So, look, only pay for the channels you want with prime video channels. Start your free trial of over 100 channels by visiting tryprimechannels.comfootballers Again, that's triprimechannels.comfootballers to start your free trial of over 100 channels. The last draw.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay, these guys are getting dropped if they don't show up this week. We all wanted to pick out. I didn't say pick out one. I didn't say pick out three. Just give me a couple names, guys, that are your last straw. Players that will hit the waiver wire if they don't show you something in week number five. I don't care who goes first.

[Mike Wright]

I'll kick it off with a guy that. There was some debate yesterday, or while we were preparing yesterday's show for waivers about whether or not we should even include Latavius Murray in there. And we were talking about. Okay, well, look, if Latavius Murray was on your waivers, you.

[Jason Moore]

I would probably pick him up.

[Mike Wright]

Right. Mike was saying that. And Dalvin Cook, he might not be back. He might. You know, we talk a lot about Leonard Fournette. Okay, that's worrisome. Hamstring problem comes in re aggravates it. That's a huge issue. Well, that's pretty much what's going on with Dalvin Cook. They just haven't come right out and said that there's as Big a problem. So I'm a little bit worried about Dalvin Cook. So that says, oh, Latavius Murray, that's the guy. You need to get him. You need to have him. The problem is Murray has had opportunity, Cook hasn't been there, and Murray has done jack squat. I mean, he has completely been irrelevant in the best situation imaginable. Remember that game against Buffalo? No. Dalvin Cook, best matchup ever, where he got two carries. Turn those into a yard. That's not helpful. C.J. ham is the one always with the ball in his hands. They've got another rookie running back. It's just like at some point, Rock Thomas. Rock Thomas is involved, too. Latavius just doesn't look good when he's.

[Jason Moore]

Not being a detective. Of course.

[Andy Holloway]

Of course.

[Mike Wright]

Dumb shoes. But the thing is, is I'm not ready to drop him yet. I'm not ready to not pick up Latavius Murray because it's still a small sample size. But if Dalvin Cook is out, or even if he's very limited and doesn't seem to matter, Murray is irrelevant again for another week. He's gone. He gone. I'm moving on. I'm not picking him up. I'm not holding them, I'm not stashing them. I'm just saying he's not a good enough handcuff.

[Andy Holloway]

No longer married to him.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, no. I feel like Murray horse mode.

[Jason Moore]

He's been a victim of circumstance, of game script.

[Mike Wright]

And that. That's why the Buffalo.

[Jason Moore]

It was. They were down multiple touchdowns, but you would have blink of an eye, you.

[Andy Holloway]

Would have hoped somebody that has the passing game acumen of Murray in his career would not be being supplanted by CJ Ham who sucks or born. Or it's like they have. They've predetermined that Murray's not going to be evolved in that way, even if Cooks off the field.

[Mike Wright]

Agreed. Well, yeah. And two weeks ago against Buffalo, Murray was involved. He had five receptions for 30 yards.

[Andy Holloway]

He pulled the last straw for me last week.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I mean. I mean, maybe that. Yes. I need one more straw to break the camel's back. That's it.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Just mix and mix all of them.

[Jason Moore]

Mix all the straws.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Okay. So your. Your last straw. First one, Latavius Murray. I'm going to throw out Nelson Aguilar.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

It's not been good since Carson Wentz's return. I was just looking at teams that lead the league in drops right now. Cleveland, Minnesota, Philadelphia, also known as Callaway, Treadwell, Aguilar that's why they lead the league in drops. And Aguilar since Wentz's return, not been good. You've got multiple tight ends that can be used in this offense. You have Alshon Jeffrey back. It doesn't seem like now the targets were still there last week and that's why he's not already dropped. I want to see it. I want to see what happens this week. I want to see if those targets turn into receptions and maybe you build that rapport. I don't want to let a guy go that could be the PPR guy for a really good quarterback in Carson went. So I don't want to let him go now. I want to wait and see. But he's on his final straw.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I don't blame you at all. I mean, Nelson Aguilar, he had the, you know, the breakout season last year, but it was on the back of eight touchdowns, only. 768 yards, 62 receptions. I mean, those numbers are fine, but when you add in eight touchdowns and. And the off season was filled with discussion of, okay, what happens to Carson Wentz Touchdown Radio. It's not sustainable. Well, it's only been a couple games here, but Nelson Aguilar is not coming through in the touchdown department. My first guy. Oh, man, it pains me. It pains me. I was grasping at straws, just wishing and hoping that this player would come through because he is on the field so much. But it's Chris Hogan, wide receiver for the Patriots. From my guy to last straw player in the matter of four weeks, here's the problem. He's been, like I said, he's been on the field for over 90% of New England snaps. But he's not getting targets. Enzo facto is. He's not getting receptions, and he's been playing in the slot a lot. Over 61% of his snaps are coming from the slot, according to Pro Football Focus.

[Mike Wright]

Ruh row.

[Jason Moore]

That's Julian Edelman's job. He's about to get Spartan kicked right out of the slot. And as Jules says, Hogan, thanks for filling in. You did a really horrible job.

[Mike Wright]

There's New England.

[Jason Moore]

Wait, this. Oh, New England. And it's trouble. It's troublesome for Hogan if you have him. I am going to give him one more week because I talked about, does it somehow improve his output with Edelman back on the field? But if you want to drop him, I do not blame you at all.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, Jason, why don't you give us another last straw player from your list?

[Mike Wright]

All right, I'VE got kind of a two pack here because there are two running backs that I don't think you can. I just don't think you. I think you drop these guys, but this is the last straw. I mean, if, if, if these two guys come out this week and don't produce, you're, you're dead in the water. I mean, maybe it would be better for your team to drop them. And that sounds ludicrous, right? It's the two pack of Lashawn McCoy and Derek Henry. Not one of these guys has had a double digit fantasy game. Now I'm much more concerned with Derek Henry than I am with Shady. Shady has kind of like what you were saying, Mike. He's been a victim of circumstance, missed a game, had hurt, broken ribs or.

[Jason Moore]

Cartilage, got a hand problem.

[Andy Holloway]

Three road games to start the year. Baltimore, Minnesota, Green Bay.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, very difficult. So I'm a little bit more confident with Shady. But when it comes to Derek Henry, the dude has gotten work. I mean, a lot of work. He has had all the opportunity in the world to produce 10 carries, 18 carries. 18 carries. Now this last week with Philadelphia game, they won, they said, hey, you're only getting eight carries. And I don't think that was a bad idea because he has stunk. I mean, he hasn't had 60 yards with all those carries in a single game. He's barely cracking seven points. In a fantasy league. You cannot start him. If he comes out this next week and gets fewer than 10 carries again and does nothing with them, or I would even say if he comes out and gets 13, 14, 15 carries but is atrocious as he's, as he's been against Buffalo, who should not be able to stop him. So this is one of those perfect situations where it's like, hey, if you need to start Derek Henry this week, you should be able to stop.

[Jason Moore]

The offense is improving.

[Mike Wright]

The offense is improving. The matchup is just fine. You should be able to flex him in and hopefully he has his bounce back game. And I'm glad that I didn't cut him already. But if he sucks this week, I guess Derek Henry would be on the chopping block. There are situations that could happen based on injury and waiver wire pickups. Where I go, I might rather have this waiver wire star than a guy who every single week is scoring five fantasy points.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I mean, I don't blame you for that. And ironically, McCoy and Henry get to be inefficient against each other this week. You know, McCoy only had eight touches last week. Eight touches. We're not just. We're hoping that's five carries. Well, he was on the field for 36 snaps, so I don't like that, you know, you're on the field for 36 snaps. By far the leader in the backfield. Ivory was on the field for 22 snaps. Titans give up the fourth most yards per carry. If you're not going to do it against the Titans this week.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

When are you going to do it? I mean, you're at home. I just. I'm in the same boat now. I'm. I would never cut McCoy.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

Because of the snap count. Because it does. It's not the same as Henry to me, where not only is McCoy involved in the. Theoretically involved in the passing game, he had three catches.

[Jason Moore]

He's been involved before.

[Andy Holloway]

He's been involved before. And this offense is anemic. It's terrible. I'm playing the Tennessee defense this week, but McCoy is going to have a longer leash for me. There's a few more straws left in there, but I get it. I mean, both these guys, he will be benched for better options. I mean, like this week, you're going to play Philip Lindsay, you're going to play the Sean McCoy against Tennessee at home. If you're not playing the Sean McCoy at home against Tennessee, a week removed from the injury, when are you playing him?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, fair point.

[Andy Holloway]

Painful. I'm going to throw a couple more names out there, a couple more last straw guys. Rashad Penny.

[Mike Wright]

He was a last draw last week for me.

[Andy Holloway]

Even with the.

[Mike Wright]

When Mike Davis came in and took over and they said, penny, you're. You're a dirty Penny. I, yeah, Chunky Penny. I don't want him.

[Andy Holloway]

For me, it's because he gets a leash. For me, because of the rookie nature. The first round capital. There were weeks when we were going, ah, man, what's going to happen with Sonny Michelle? You just traded him away. It doesn't look like there's a future that's strong. And then, boom, overnight, I feel like that could be the Penny situation. One breakout game from Penny and everything changes. But definitely it hasn't happened. And the other one is Kenyon Drake. My opinion on Kenyan Drake has been the same throughout his entire career. If you hand him the entire backfield, he's explosive enough to give you an entire bucket full of fantasy points. But it's the choice of the staff. If they don't have an option, then they'll play him. If they have another option, then they Won't. That's just been the case with Kenyan Drake and he, you know, they have an option right now the play other player and they don't. So Rashad, Penny, Kenyon, Drake are both in that category. Mike is smirking.

[Jason Moore]

Sorry.

[Andy Holloway]

I got Merkel over there.

[Jason Moore]

It was. It was waiver time. And so I had to check something because in our dynasty league, I am in tight end purgatory. I started Rhett Ellison last week.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm sorry.

[Jason Moore]

So Uzuma was there and we talked.

[Andy Holloway]

About this for Yuzama.

[Jason Moore]

Thank you. I don't want to get around Yuzuma. We don't know. What'd you say?

[Mike Wright]

Isn't it Zama? Isn't it Zom? I don't know.

[Jason Moore]

Look, Cju he for the tight end for the. For the Bangles. We don't know if it's going to be him or Tyler Croft. It's. It's really a toss up. But CJ you was on our waiver wire and I put in what I thought was a really high bid to make sure that I got him. And then I was pleasantly surprised to find I outbid brooks by just $2. Eat it, Brooks.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I'm the. I'm the Croft owners. Yeah. I really hope it's Croft. It's.

[Andy Holloway]

It's Yuzama.

[Jason Moore]

Use them. Okay, we've got it.

[Andy Holloway]

The official Cincinnati Bengals pronunciation in front of my face.

[Mike Wright]

Yuzuma.

[Andy Holloway]

Use them well.

[Jason Moore]

I hope they use them a lot.

[Andy Holloway]

I really. I'm really. I'm really on the fence with that. Very right.

[Jason Moore]

It could be either. This is a dynasty league, so this is just a stash and hope. It was just brought a smile to my face. When you outbid someone by just a fraction, it means you did it right. It feels so good.

[Andy Holloway]

You did it perfect.

[Mike Wright]

And that person considered upping it by a few bucks a few times.

[Jason Moore]

It feels so good.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Zach Pascal picked up.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

By me. I actually am very curious on Zach Pascal. He's undrafted rookie, but he's £216. 62 and runs a 4. 5 4. And he was actually involved now with Ty Hilton out of the way. It's just one of those curiosity things for a dynasty league.

[Andy Holloway]

He's got a different shine to him now for Jason now that he's on his roster.

[Mike Wright]

No, this was.

[Andy Holloway]

There was not that level of shine yesterday for Zach Benson.

[Mike Wright]

There was not that level of shine Suddenly you did more digging on the show. I did more digging and then I decided to bid $20.

[Jason Moore]

He's also a French Mathematician who created a unit of pressure. A wonderful name equal to 1 Newton per square meter. I mean Pascal. Common knowledge.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, of course it is. We went to college for some period of time. Mike, let's hear the final couple last drop players.

[Jason Moore]

The last one I want to throw out is Jamal Williams, running back for the Green Bay Packers.

[Mike Wright]

It's. This is the perfect. Like I. I was really upset that you had him in here because this was. This is my. This week. My primary last draw player. He's on my roster. And I kept struggling with do I. Do I drop him? Right? And I said, no, I need one more week. But one more week. If Aaron Jones takes over and is the guy. I mean he's. He's gone.

[Jason Moore]

I think it will remain a nasty timeshare for fantasy purposes. But Aaron Jones is the best running back. He's. I think we'll get the most opportunities by. By a hair. And he will be the most productive guy with those opportunities. If Jamal Williams doesn't get full volume, then he's not useful for your fantasy team. And he's unlike Shady McCoy. I'm okay dropping Jamal Williams because I know someone else out there is going to go, oh, Jamal Williams. I should pick him up.

[Andy Holloway]

I've seen a ton of Twitter messages already flogged the roster that say Jamal Williams just hit my waiver wire. What do I do?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

And I say leave him there.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. He's a roster clogger.

[Mike Wright]

So. By the way, Mike, you have already had the last straw. Yeah you guys.

[Jason Moore]

But I'll give him one more week.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike, you accomplished your goal in the listener league as well. I was going after Mr. Kiki.

[Jason Moore]

Ah, my co owner.

[Andy Holloway]

And you outbid me by $6.

[Mike Wright]

Wow.

[Jason Moore]

That's my co owner.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, that stinks.

[Jason Moore]

What's up, Jack?

[Andy Holloway]

I am the resident Will Fuller owner. And that would have been real nice. Real nice to protect that. So thanks for nothing. Demarius Thomas. Jason, is he a guy in that category for you?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. So he's. He's similar to the two running backs that I mentioned. Where you go, I don't know that I can drop demarius Thomas. He's still getting the targets. And that's the volume is really what you chase. But he is a last straw in the sense that if he. If he stinks again in New York against the jets, then he is a ride the pine for a long time type of guy. Or a package. A package. 100% must trade prime time for pine time. You got it. I mean the problem is cortland Sutton literally looks like the better player on the field right now. I haven't seen anything from demarius Thomas to say that he is a special talent this year other than he's a big strong guy with pretty good hands.

[Andy Holloway]

And I think I made this prediction in the studio yesterday. By the way, the touchdown to interception ratio for Case Keenum over the last three weeks, that would be zero touchdowns, three interceptions for three weeks. That's the problem, people. Let's stop worrying about that. The problem is the quarterback. And I talked about this yesterday in the office. I think they're going to lose to the jets this week. I think they're going to lose to the Rams the week after. And I think you're going to be wondering and clamoring. And I know Denver fans, they are fiery. I talked to one yesterday who wanted to tell me that Pat Mahomes, Kareem Hunt and Tyree Kill were very, very bad players and not talented maybe. And I know what you've been through. You've been through Simeon, you've been through the Paxton lynch experiment. You have the $18 million you spent on Case Keenum. It is, you've given him a long leash and you need to. And I don't think Case Keenum is the worst in the entire NFL by any stretch. But right now he's the 25th ranked fantasy quarterback and that is, you know, when you throw 245 and 0 up for fantasy at home against the worst defense in football in Kansas City, that's your problem. Single digit fantasy points. Demarys Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Cortland Sutton can't perform when your quarterback is getting under 10 fantasy points.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I mean, the problem is Emmanuel Sanders has been pretty good and Cortland Sutton has impressed while demarius Thomas has stunk. And my issue is this, Mike. In the off season, we, you know, we talk much more in depth. In the off season. We're doing a lot of, you know, real digging on players and you created kind of a target versus fantasy expectation and what the discrepancy is there. And we looked back over several years and there was this trend where when a player is above age 30 and the metric was really bad on one of their seasons, it tended to point towards that's the end for that player.

[Jason Moore]

Right. Like over and over when they're still getting a bunch of targets, they rank highly in that, but they rank poorly in fantasy points. And that was, we did, we saw that was a marker for the beginning of the end of a lot of.

[Mike Wright]

Players, and that was last season's demarius Thomas. Last season, he showed up as one of the worst in that stat at age 30. And so I'm worried that maybe Demarius Thomas, just like, you know, Andre Johnson and a lot of great players that are big or not speed guys, when they hit, they hit a wall. And so that's where he's in my final straw, where I'm paying close attention. I want to actually watch him, not just his production, but, you know, his routes and everything and just see is, is this someone I just need to move on from?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. And I don't know, I wouldn't. I wouldn't be cutting him because he's on pace for 132 targets.

[Mike Wright]

Right, exactly.

[Andy Holloway]

Corland Sutton is impressive physically, but the targets haven't been there. But you could see a migration over the second half of the season. They got to fix that offense. Brooks, you had a question about the last straw players. I know you. You brought it up earlier.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Just wondering, does your team's record impact your decision? You know, if you're in a must win situation or the opposite if you're undefeated? I think a lot of teams with these players are in a must win situation. Right. I mean, if you have Lashawn McCoy and Derek Henry and you drafted those as early running backs, you probably lost a couple games where you needed them and they were in your lineup and sucked. And so I do think you have to be willing to make moves. We talked about this yesterday. You have to manufacture wins and you have to do it now. If you've got a bad record, you don't have time to keep running out the same tired and true trash. That is not getting the job done. So, yeah, if you, if your record is poor, I think you, you can't wait around for these players. You have to package, trade them or make the move. The scary, ugly, gross move of going to someone else off of waivers and trying to black out the names in your heart and mind.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, yeah, I like the phrasing you used. Manufacturer wins. If you can get yourself over the hump manufacturer, go week to week. You know, you've got bye weeks to navigate. You've got opponents with bye weeks. If you can find those matchups, get a few wins under your belt. If you've had a rough start, other teams will start to disintegrate around you. If you can stay the course. Let's get into the Thursday night game.

[Mike Wright]

Thursday night breakdown.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, you. Mike's already talked about Andrew Luck. He thinks that There may be. He may have a mental breakdown. With the lack of weapons in New.

[Mike Wright]

England, Jack Pascal, best wide receiver ever, begs to differ. It's the best weapon he's ever had.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, the Patriots are at home. Sony, Michelle, coming off the big week for New England, what do you expect to see from the receiving corps now that Edelman's back? Gordon's had a few snaps. You know, Dorset's on the outside, Patterson got involved. Hogan is a ghost.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, a big question. The biggest question is Gronk. What is the health of Rob Gronkowski? Conflicting reports happening, said coming out saying the ankle injury is not serious, but he's not been at practice on Monday or Tuesday. Gronk, I think he will play. Where do your guys lean on Gronkowski's availability?

[Andy Holloway]

I believe he'll play.

[Jason Moore]

Jason?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, Short week, I could see him miss. I mean, this is one where I don't feel I've got a. It's going to be based on today. I mean, if he's not with them today, I can't imagine he plays tomorrow.

[Jason Moore]

So for the pass catchers for Julian Edelman, I think it's.

[Andy Holloway]

You'll roll them out there right away.

[Mike Wright]

Big hug.

[Jason Moore]

The return of my friend. If I'm Tom Brady, it's Julian Edelman. I'm so happy that you're back. I know where you're going to be and I know you have reliable hands. So I think the. You know, that 7 target range for Julian Edelman is back immediately.

[Mike Wright]

So are you willing to throw him in a lineup week?

[Jason Moore]

Yes, I would play Julian Edelman as a wide receiver, too.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, let me. Let me. Let me put some names out there. Would you play Jeffrey or would you play Edelman?

[Mike Wright]

Jeffrey?

[Jason Moore]

Probably Alshon. Jeffrey for ceiling.

[Andy Holloway]

What about Kenny G and the smooth routes?

[Jason Moore]

Oh, that's an excellent question.

[Andy Holloway]

Kenny Golladay or Screen Bay? I think I'd play Golladay.

[Mike Wright]

I would as well.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. So maybe. Maybe Edelman's a wide receiver. Three for.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, that's Quincy and Noonwa. Or Julian Edelman?

[Jason Moore]

Edelman.

[Andy Holloway]

Tyler Boyd or Julian Edelman?

[Mike Wright]

Boyd.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I gotta stay in the flames with Boyd.

[Andy Holloway]

Emmanuel Sanders or Julian Edelman?

[Jason Moore]

Edelman.

[Mike Wright]

Sanders.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, Josh Gordon, is he holding pattern on your bench right now?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I still haven't seen enough that I'm ready to throw him into the lineup. Do you disagree, Jason?

[Mike Wright]

No, I completely agree. It's one of those. This is. There's going to be production from New England. Is it going to be Gronk? Is it going to Be Edelman. Is it going to be let's say Gronk is out. If Gronk is out, Josh Gordon becomes much more interesting to me. The big body.

[Andy Holloway]

Both of these teams rank in the top 10 in terms of pace of play. Colts are number one. Pats are number nine. Lot of the no huddle, quick pace of play probably going to play a factor for the Colts too on the road dealing with the Foxborough crowd and.

[Jason Moore]

Both running backs are startable. I want to play both of the New England and by both.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, both. Sony not on.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Not both from 15.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Sony Michelle James White. I like them both.

[Andy Holloway]

51 1/2 point over under Colts are second. Colts have the second most sacks in the league right now. The Patriots are not getting to the quarterback. They have the second fewest. We talked about Naim Hines earlier in the week. Marlon Mack has been practicing. Hines has the fourth most running back receptions in the league which I think gives him or gives him the baseline that you guys both see with Naim Hines and the need for them to likely be, you know, they don't have a lot of weapons. They're coming back in this game. You guys think that there's value for Heinz?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I think Heinz I even with Marlon Mack coming back, even with Robert Turban coming back, Jordan Wilkins looking like the best of the rookies on the ground. That's going to be a muddled situation. I don't want to touch any of those guys. But in the passing game if look, the Patriots are favored by 10 points on a high over under. That's a coming back Andrew Luck manufacturing a bunch of yards. I, you know, I know you pumped the brakes. I totally get it. You got a guy with I still.

[Jason Moore]

Want to play Hines.

[Mike Wright]

You got a guy with a shoulder injury coming off of an overtime game where he threw 60 plus passes on a short week. That's going to be hard. But you know what's not going to be hard? Those dump offs to Hines. I mean it's going to be left, right and center. So yeah, I like Naim Hines quite a bit. I actually like Eric Ebron for those reasons as well. It's hard for me to be anti Andrew Luck here. I just think the situation is he's going to have just. He's going to have to throw the ball.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, he's going to have to. I just think he will not have success. I don't disagree with the have to.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, any other thoughts from this game that you want to get into? I mean you talked A lot about the wide receiver core. I still think Grant, the PPR situation, I looked at catch percentage over the last, you know, first four weeks of the season. Who's best in the NFL in terms of catch percentage. Now I know that has to deal with average depth of target, but regardless, Ryan Grant is in the top 10. He's catching the ball. You know, Michael Thomas, Ryan Grant, those guys are go to receivers and if you have to gain yards five, six, seven at a time, run through the air, so to speak, he's going to be a beneficiary from that. And while Rodgers and Pascal have more upside, Grant has the higher floor. Do you agree with that?

[Mike Wright]

Yes. Grant's floor should be, should be absolutely fine if you're in a full point per reception league. I think, I think that's good. The last thing that we need to bring up because it's an early game and this is a very important player for stupid leagues that still have kickers. Adam Minetary has been limited due to a groin injury which, ah, McGroin. Pretty significant piece of equipment for kickers. Is there groin?

[Jason Moore]

That's what I hear.

[Andy Holloway]

I swapped Vinatieri out for Dan Bailey this morning. Good move in our league of record. It's a good move because I saw that questionable tag show up. That's why I don't mess with Santos necessarily. For a one week rental you can, but basically with kickers my philosophy is this. Remove as many variables as possible and the variables involve a new incoming kicker, injury risk, concern and weather. If I can remove those three things, I give myself the best chance to get lucky and have a middling week. You know, Dan Bailey's first week with Minnesota, he ended up, you know, that.

[Mike Wright]

Was such a wacky. It was down 20 points to the Buffalo Bills and can't kick a field goal.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, but, but ultimately when a new kicker comes in, like Cleveland brought one in, you just, you just run a risk of a guy being out there for the first time with such a mental game with a kicker. Obviously Santos didn't have a job and he tried out for other teams, so. And Zurline will be back. But that's just my philosophy. I remove variables with kickers. All right, let's.

[Jason Moore]

What you're telling us is to remove kickers.

[Andy Holloway]

Take the middle words out. You are dead on. Let's go ahead and get in the mailbag.

[Mike Wright]

Mailbag, Mailbag.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. We love answering questions, helping you win your league. And this time it's week five questions. You can dial our voicemail hotline 302464 TFFB if you want to leave us a voicemail question for the show, you can also go to the website thefantasyfootballers.com, click the submit a question button and leave us a question. That way we get to a few here and there and first one's a voicemail.

[Mike Wright]

Hey ballers, Noah here from Austin, Texas. So I have Ertz and Reed on my team and I'm getting some offers for Jordan Reed. How should I value tight ends in trades going forward? Do I value them higher because there's less, less than with all the injuries or should I value them just as I have in other years? Thanks guys. Bye bye.

[Andy Holloway]

What do you guys think?

[Jason Moore]

I think you, you value them the same and do not trade Ertz away. Ertz is one of the, one of the big ones. That is a massive advantage for your team. I love Jordan Reed. I think he's a tight end one, but he's the one I would be willing to trade away.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, Chase and Phoenix has a question. Should I trade Jay Ajayi and Jarvis Landry for David Johnson?

[Jason Moore]

I'm glad this came up because I. This is an aside. This is not me answering your question yet, but for Jarvis Landry. Here is the lineup for the Cleveland Browns. Schedule wise, they play Baltimore this week. Gross, that I don't really, I don't, I don't like. It's not favorable. But check this out. Chargers, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Atlanta, five games. Holy freaking crap. Those are, those are the matchups you want your fantasy players to be going up against. If I could get Jarvis Landry right now, I would be super happy. Andy has him in our league of records, so I know there's zero chance that I can get him right now. But in my other leagues I'm seeing if I can get Jarvis Landry on my team.

[Mike Wright]

Now that being said, to be able to transfer from Jay Ajayi, who, I mean, I feel like I'd love to.

[Jason Moore]

Get rid of Jay.

[Mike Wright]

I feel like what's the over under on three more full games on the season? Like you just, you're just so worried that he is at some point going to have to call it quits on the season with that broken back that he's playing through David Johnson. You know, owners are still willing to sell him right now and the running back position being much more difficult to come by. Would you be willing to trade Jarvis plus Jai with the great schedule, I.

[Jason Moore]

Would be willing to do this. I just wanted to have the quick.

[Andy Holloway]

Aside of Cleveland looking good for Jarvis and the targets are obviously always there for Jarvis.

[Jason Moore]

If you can acquire in Joku.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Off of some. He's on the waiver wire for a lot of people as well.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, the schedule's pretty nice.

[Jason Moore]

That's fantastic.

[Andy Holloway]

In this specific instance, Chase can replace Jarvis Lander with Alshon Jeffrey in his lineup. I like picking up David Johnson there as well. Curtis in North Carolina. Doug Baldwin looked all right in his first game back and was pretty much on par with Lockett. Would you feel comfortable swapping out Lockett for Baldwin this week or would you give him more time? I would play Baldwin.

[Mike Wright]

I would play Baldwin 100%. Baldwin is a good to go now that he's gotten one game in. He was 5 for 41. He should be absolutely fine. Now this, it's a tough match.

[Andy Holloway]

No setbacks that we know of the.

[Mike Wright]

Los Angeles Rams, but they are at home and the Rams are going to score like silly scoring with now the Earl Thomas less Seattle Seahawks. So I think they'll have to have Baldwin should be a good play this week.

[Andy Holloway]

That was one of the interesting observations I saw in the catch percentage charts. Brandon Cooks is actually near the top of the league in catch percentage to targets. And the Rams in general have one drop on the season. So their receivers, that's the number one in the league.

[Jason Moore]

That helps.

[Andy Holloway]

They're holding on to the football for Jared Goff.

[Mike Wright]

It's amazing how a drop kills a drive. Yeah, it, it changes a first down to like, oh, now it's third and long or whatever.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, it's true. First to third. It does afford, it does afford a show like us though, to come up with insightful nicknames for players. Like Mike did with drop Tony O'Calloway yesterday.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, what?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, come on. It was bad both directions. I believe one of you said Antonio, drop away.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, that was. That was.

[Andy Holloway]

That was really bad. And then drop Tony O'Calloway is also very bad.

[Jason Moore]

I'm getting calls from the Louvre, from the Smithsonian, the Guggenheim.

[Andy Holloway]

I highly doubt it. Little bit of a news.

[Jason Moore]

I am creating art out of thin air.

[Andy Holloway]

That is one possible way you would describe what you're doing.

[Mike Wright]

Well said, Andy.

[Andy Holloway]

Joe Mixon is still yet to be cleared for week five and we didn't talk about this enough. We will obviously have full update for you in the matchups when we get into him tomorrow. Gio Bernard situation who's banged up with an undisclosed injury. We don't know that situation. There is a world where Mark. Where Mark Waltenberg is a Important player this week.

[Jason Moore]

I thought he got hurt too.

[Mike Wright]

What? I don't get hurt, man. Hey, Mike.

[Jason Moore]

Hey.

[Mike Wright]

What?

[Jason Moore]

Mark Waltenberg.

[Mike Wright]

You think I can get in the game, get the ball, maybe score a touchdown?

[Jason Moore]

Well, you. You did exit the game with a possible concussion. I don't know if you remember that. Probably because of the concussion.

[Mike Wright]

Man, I totally forgot. Hey, say, how do you father for me? Wait. I mean, mother. Dang it.

[Andy Holloway]

Joe Mixon. If he isn't cleared, he said quote he will for sure play week six against the Steelers. But it could be Geo again for one more week.

[Mike Wright]

Joe Mixon.

[Jason Moore]

Holy will.

[Mike Wright]

Joe Mixon will play this week. 100,000%.

[Andy Holloway]

That's what you believe.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Joe Mixon is starting this week. He's a great start.

[Jason Moore]

He might have to. But I'm just running down the. Running down the chart.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Thomas Ross would be the next man up by next, but I mean the fourth man up. If something happens to Geo Mark Waltenberg and Joe Mixon.

[Mike Wright]

Joe Mixon is a great start this week. I have no worries. You know, we talked about. Will you play a guy coming back from an injury? Yes. This is the time frame is absolutely fine. He has recovered. But yes, you've got. You were able to talk about Thomas Rawls again.

[Jason Moore]

I can't wait till. We're talking about starting Thomas Rawls tomorrow.

[Mike Wright]

Never going to happen.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, final question mark in Minneapolis. How much fab do I spend on Russell Wilson if someone cut him and put him on waivers?

[Mike Wright]

A dollar.

[Jason Moore]

$6, maybe $1.

[Andy Holloway]

Not a lot, guys.

[Mike Wright]

5, 5, 6% of your budget. Yeah. It's not. It's not a lot. You're not going hard in the paint. You're not going. Oh, he's a big name. I've got to spend 30, 40% of my budget to pick him up because first of all, quarterbacks are replaceable. Second of all, Russell Wilson is stunk. Third of all, you're not going to start him at least. I don't really want to start him this week against the Rams.

[Andy Holloway]

Go to fourth of all.

[Jason Moore]

Fourth of all, Pete Rawls is four. Always four.

[Andy Holloway]

Looks like you picked up Cameron Bray today.

[Jason Moore]

I did. I'm shocked that no one else bid on him.

[Mike Wright]

It's a bye week. It's difficult to roster a bi week tight end.

[Jason Moore]

I made it. Don't forget.

[Andy Holloway]

Drop it like it's hot. Check your waiver wire. See who is released. Especially this week because players are desperate as the season goes on. The more desperate you get, the more willing you are to let go of a player that has longer term value to get shorter term value. If you're in a nice position, three and one, two and two, four and oh, you might be able to grab a guy that doesn't have value for two, three, four weeks like a Cameron Brait or somebody else that is just sitting out there.

[Mike Wright]

I was actually going to bring that up to mention that for those teams out there that are four and oh.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, are you talking to me?

[Mike Wright]

Or three and one. If you can go after Le'Veon Bell because that owner has been hurt, their number one pick has been gone, they're probably one in three if you're three and one four and oh, you can, you can hold on if you have to go 500 from now until the time left Bell gets back. But you can get a top two back. You can add Todd Gurley to your lineup essentially for the second half of the season run and through the playoffs.

[Jason Moore]

Are you that positive that he comes, that he does come back after the bye week and that he is immediately injected into the 90% snap?

[Mike Wright]

So there is definitely a world where that doesn't happen. But I am sure enough for the reward, the reward is so great that I'm willing to take the chance that you could be wrong there because I don't think there's a world where he comes back and rides the bench while James Conner goes and they just don't play him. So even if he is not a 90% snap count guy and they move him down to 60, 65% then he's going to be giving you what David Johnson's giving you right now, which is still pretty good even though you're disappointed. More than likely he's going to come back and be who he's been, right?

[Jason Moore]

Just saying that the price is up because the person, if you have Le'Veon Bell, you have for sure heard the news, the reports that ESPN is saying he'll be back. So.

[Mike Wright]

But if you're owing four, if you're 04 with Love Bell, have fun waiting. I mean you just can't.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, that is it for today's episode. Matchup starts of the week coming up tomorrow and lots more as we head into week five. Thanks for subscribing supporting the show.

[Jason Moore]

Check out draft.comballers to get ready for the weekend. Play some daily goodbye.

[Mike Wright]

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on JoinTheFoot.com and follow us on Twitter @The FF Ballers.