Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Playoff Primer + Trade Targets & League Winners Summary

Episode: Playoff Primer + Trade Targets & League Winners - Fantasy Football Podcast for 11/13
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Date: November 13th
Duration: 71:08
Knowledge Cutoff: 2023-10

1. Introduction and Welcome

The episode kicks off with a warm welcome from the hosts as they acknowledge their loyal listeners, known as the "foot clan," and emphasize the significance of Week 11, marking the approach to the fantasy football playoffs.

Andy Holloway [00:36]:
"Welcome to week 11 as we venture into the near playoff territory."

2. Playoff Primer Overview

Jason Moore introduces the "Playoff Primer," highlighting its purpose to transition fantasy players from the regular season towards playoff success. The hosts discuss the unpredictability of playoff outcomes despite strong regular-season performances.

Jason Moore [01:18]:
"This is a show that helps take people from playing fantasy football heading towards the playoffs and turns them into championship winners."

Andy Holloway elaborates on the challenges of head-to-head matchups in playoffs, where even excellent teams on paper can falter due to one bad week.

Andy Holloway [01:40]:
"You can put the best team together and then just lose."

3. Player Analysis: Hungry for More

In the "Hungry for More" segment, Jason Moore spotlights T.J. Hawkinson of the Minnesota Vikings, emphasizing his resurgence and potential impact in the playoffs.

Jason Moore [06:34]:
"I'm hungry for more of TJ Hawkinson... he's going to be one of those players that can help take people to championships."

Andy and Mike agree on Hawkinson's importance, noting his increased targets and involvement in the Vikings' passing game.

Andy Holloway [07:57]:
"Hawkinson looked great this past week. He looked great. He looked right back into the flow of what made him great."

4. News and Notes

The hosts transition to the "News and Notes" segment, presenting recent NFL updates relevant to fantasy managers. Key highlights include:

• George Kittle's Injury: Injury status updates from the 49ers' head coach Kyle Shanahan regarding tight end George Kittle.

  Andy Holloway [16:15]:
  "49Ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said George Kittle left Sunday's game with, quote, hamstring irritation that will be monitored through the week."

• Trade Discussions: Jason Moore discusses a significant trade involving Nico Collins, opting to trade him for a pick swap and C.J. Lamb to bolster his team's future prospects.

  Jason Moore [19:19]:
  "I traded Nico Collins for a pick swap in my favor and C.J. Lamb to play. It's a hedge bet... Nico was the number one wide receiver."

• Quarterback Movements: Updates on quarterback changes, including the Colts promoting Anthony Richardson back to starter and critiques of Joe Flacco's performance.

  Mike Wright [23:03]:
  "The Colts are promoting second string quarterback Anthony Richardson back to being the starter."

5. Playoff Primers by Position

The core of the episode delves into analyzing the best and worst schedules for each fantasy position during the playoff weeks (Weeks 15-17). The hosts utilize schedule-adjusted metrics to provide a more accurate assessment.

a. Quarterbacks

Best Playoff Schedules:

• Baker Mayfield (Baltimore Ravens):
  Receives the support of Mike Evans and faces favorable defenses like the Chargers, Cowboys, and Panthers.

  Jason Moore [38:40]:
  "Baker's got a great schedule... he's worthy of winning a championship for sure."

• Bo Nicks (Peyton Manning's Offense):
  Offers mobility and downfield passing, resembling last year's performance akin to the escape artistry of Bryce Stroud.

  Andy Holloway [38:40]:
  "Bo Nicks has freedom in this Peyton offense to move around and find guys downfield."

Worst Playoff Schedules:

• Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills):
  Despite high performance, faces tough defenses that could hamper fantasy output.

• Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals):
  Excellent performance but encounters strong defenses like Tennessee and Denver in crucial weeks.

b. Running Backs

Best Playoff Schedules:

• Bijon Robinson (Atlanta Falcons):
  Faces defenses ranked 28th, 22nd, and 18th against running backs, presenting prime opportunities for fantasy points.

• James Conner (Pittsburgh Steelers):
  Scheduled to play against New England at home and Carolina, both favorable matchups.

Worst Playoff Schedules:

• Deandre Swift (Detroit Lions):
  Faces formidable defenses in Cleveland and Houston, limiting his fantasy potential.

• Isaiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs):
  Expected to struggle against tough defensive matchups in the playoffs.

c. Wide Receivers

Best Playoff Schedules:

• Calvin Ridley (Jacksonville Jaguars):
  Faces Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Jacksonville—teams with weak defensive secondaries.

  Jason Moore [52:09]:
  "Calvin Ridley should have a great stretch run. He's been good every single week."

Worst Playoff Schedules:

• Malik Neighbors (Baltimore Ravens):
  Despite being dependable, faces strong defensive matchups that could limit his output.

d. Tight Ends

Best Playoff Schedules:

• T.J. Hawkinson (Minnesota Vikings):
  Continued focus and favorable matchups make him a key asset.

• Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals):
  Faces weak defenses against tight ends, increasing his touchdown potential.

  Jason Moore [63:46]:
  "Mark Andrews is just a fine play... I think I'm going to take Baxter in a playoff run."

Worst Playoff Schedules:

• Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills):
  Although his schedule is manageable, the volume and efficiency are questionable.

6. Trade Targets and Waiver Wire

The hosts discuss strategic trades and waiver wire pickups to strengthen teams heading into the playoffs. Key points include:

• Desmond Ritchie (Raiders):
  Viewed skeptically by some hosts, with debates on his starting potential.

  Mike Wright [17:58]:
  "I will not tolerate any toxic group think against Desmond Ritter in this podcast."

• Cooper Rush vs. Mac Jones:
  A debated choice based on upcoming matchups, with mixed opinions on reliability.

  Andy Holloway [25:28]:
  "Cooper Rush against Houston or Mac Jones against Detroit? I'd stick with Mac Jones."

• Christian Watson (Green Bay Packers):
  A potential waiver wire gem with high upside despite current underperformance.

  Jason Moore [55:14]:
  "Christian Watson is worth picking up and stashing in hopes that they catch fire."

7. Defensive Matchups

Understanding defensive schedules is crucial for fantasy managers to optimize their lineup choices during the playoffs.

Best Defensive Matchups:

• Arizona Cardinals Defense:
  Faces New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams—teams with varying offensive efficiencies.

• Chicago Bears Defense:
  Pairs against teams with exploitable tight end schemes, enhancing fantasy value for tight ends like Trey McBride.

Worst Defensive Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills Defense:
  Although strong, their playoff schedule poses challenges against high-powered offenses.

• Detroit Lions Defense:
  Faces diverse offensive threats, making it a tough matchup for any fantasy lineup.

8. Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide insightful and sometimes humorous remarks, underscoring key points:

Jason Moore [04:31]:
"It's never happened once. And then once you're there, I'd focus on rabbit's feet. Four leaf clovers. Voodoo dolls."

Andy Holloway [12:26]:
"A player's coach. But he's detail oriented too."

Jason Moore [65:37]:
"Mark Andrews is just a fine play... but I don't think you're going to see these good volume games that he's also been adding with likely missing."

9. Conclusion and Resources

The episode wraps up with an invitation to listeners to access comprehensive player primer articles and charts on the Fantasy Footballers website. The hosts reiterate the importance of leveraging tools like the Strength of Schedule and Schedule Adjusted Metrics to gain a competitive edge in the fantasy playoffs.

Andy Holloway [69:40]:
"There'll be the article will be up on the website... it's updated weekly. You get schedule adjusted or fantasy points against... it's in our app, the Fantasy Footballers in Season app."

Listeners are encouraged to join the community at jointhefoot.com and utilize their premium tools for optimal fantasy performance.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Focus: Emphasize strengthening your team based on favorable playoff matchups rather than solely on regular-season performance.
• Flexible Lineups: Utilize player flexibility and consider trade deadlines to acquire players with beneficial playoff schedules.
• Stay Informed: Leverage tools provided by Fantasy Footballers to make data-driven decisions for playoff success.

For a deeper dive into player schedules and tailored recommendations, visit Fantasy Footballers and explore their extensive range of resources.