Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - "Pump the Brakes, Key Playoff Questions, Rotten Watermelons"

Release Date: November 28, 2018

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deep into critical fantasy football strategies as the playoffs approach. Titled "Pump the Brakes, Key Playoff Questions, Rotten Watermelons," the trio offers astute analysis, addresses listener queries, and provides invaluable advice to help fantasy managers navigate the competitive landscape of the season's final stretch.

1. Pumping the Brakes on Key Players

Joe Mixon Analysis

The hosts begin by discussing Joe Mixon's performance and upcoming matchup. Mike Wright advises listeners to temper their expectations for Mixon, highlighting a challenging game against the Denver Broncos and an aged quarterback, Jeff Driscoll.

• Mike Wright (04:05): "Adjust your expectations because you can't bench this player. But it's Joe Mixon, running back."

Andy Holloway concurs, emphasizing that Mixon may transition to a mid to lower-range RB2 for the week due to the tough defensive matchup.

• Andy Holloway (05:04): "Joe Mixon is going to have a tough sledding instead of that RB1 you thought you had."

Baker Mayfield Concerns

Jason Moore shifts focus to Baker Mayfield, cautioning fantasy managers about his upcoming game against a formidable Houston defense renowned for its defensive front.

• Jason Moore (06:37): "I'm pumping the brakes on Baker Mayfield... he's going into Houston, a team that's on fire right now, with a very strong defensive front."

Mike Wright echoes these sentiments, noting Mayfield's past issues with collapsing pockets and ball security.

• Mike Wright (07:22): "He's never seen anything quite like the J.J. Watt, Javion Clowney defensive front and not the most elusive of all quarterbacks."

AJ Green's Return and Implications

A significant portion of the discussion centers around A.J. Green's potential return from injury. The hosts debate the likelihood of Green playing, considering his health and the Ravens' strategic decisions.

• Andy Holloway (06:09): "If he's healthy, that's why you bring him back. Because he's a football player and he plays football."

Jason Moore adds skepticism about Green's immediate return, questioning the motives behind his potential comeback.

• Jason Moore (06:54): "So why would you even bring AJ Green back at this point?"

2. Player Outlooks and Rankings

Tevin Coleman’s Season Outlook

Listener Kevin from Tulsa poses a dynasty question about Tevin Coleman, questioning whether his current performance aligns with his early-season potential.

• Jason Moore (29:46): "Tevin Coleman is pretty much in the best case scenario right now... he's just going to be trouble for Tevin Coleman."

Andy Holloway agrees, comparing Coleman's situation to Isaiah Crowell's free agency, suggesting Coleman will find a role but likely not as a primary back.

• Andy Holloway (30:26): "You'll find him part of some sort of balanced backfield... he won't be the only guy."

Kenny Golladay vs. Robert Woods

In response to Nick from Indianapolis, the hosts evaluate Kenny Golladay against Robert Woods for the stretch run toward the playoffs.

• Andy Holloway (19:24): "Robert Woods is a top 10 wide receiver almost every single week in rankings."

• Jason Moore (19:37): "Robert Woods... his ability to be a reliable target makes him a safer pick."

Matt Breida vs. Mark Ingram

Tim from Oklahoma seeks advice on choosing between Matt Breida, Mark Ingram, and Kenny Golladay in a PPR league. The consensus leans towards Breida and Golladay due to their reliability and matchup advantages.

• Jason Moore (21:30): "I mean, Ingram is the one that has more variability."

• Andy Holloway (21:55): "I would bench Ingram out of those three."

3. Playoff and League Strategies

Activity of Non-Playoff Teams

Addressing concerns about teams outside the playoff bracket making waiver claims, the hosts advocate for continual competitive play regardless of standings.

• Andy Holloway (22:38): "Those are the owners that I want in my league."

• Mike Wright (23:05): "Imagine in the NFL if they went over to the other locker room... You have to play to win, man."

Maintaining Competitive Integrity

Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of fairness in league activities, discouraging teams from hoarding resources or intentionally disrupting others' rosters.

• Jason Moore (24:49): "It's just you left. You win."

Andy Holloway reinforces that leagues should allow all teams to make transactions freely to maintain a healthy competitive environment.

• Andy Holloway (25:12): "Unless your league locks teams that are out of the playoffs for making transactions, which is dumb."

4. Thursday Night Preview: Saints vs. Cowboys

The hosts transition to previewing the highly anticipated Thursday night matchup between the 10-1 New Orleans Saints and the 6-5 Dallas Cowboys.

Game Dynamics and Fantasy Implications

Andy Holloway highlights Amari Cooper's advantageous position in the Cowboys' offense, noting his reliability and the Saints' weak defense.

• Andy Holloway (39:38): "Amari Cooper should be... he should be a reliable starter because logic says you should."

Jason Moore discusses Cooper's recent performances and his importance in the Cowboys' game plan.

• Jason Moore (39:53): "He destroyed my soul last week... You can't expect nine for 180."

Fantasy Start/Sit Decisions

Listeners receive advice on whether to start players like Amari Cooper or opt for alternatives like Kenny Golladay and DJ Moore based on recent performances and matchup strengths.

• Andy Holloway (42:10): "This is where he's gonna coop all over you."

• Jason Moore (43:41): "You can start Amari Cooper or DJ Moore against Tampa."

5. Notable Quotes and Insights

Throughout the episode, the hosts sprinkle their discussions with witty remarks and memorable quotes to emphasize their points:

• Jason Moore (27:18): "Their defense is worse than two mics and clearly worse than a vase."

• Andy Holloway (34:21): "If I'm in the playoffs, I want a running tick next year."

• Jason Moore (37:51): "Just imagine if the yardage for the pick six is counted for James, just imagine 500."

These quotes not only add humor but also underline the critical evaluations of player performances and team strategies.

6. Listener Engagement and Mailbag Highlights

The episode features a lively mailbag segment where the hosts respond to listener questions, providing personalized advice and engaging in humorous banter. Topics range from player comparisons, trade evaluations, to start/sit dilemmas, ensuring that every fantasy manager finds value in the discussion.

• Nick from Indianapolis (19:06): "Who do you guys like better in the stretch run for the fantasy playoffs? Kenny Golladay or Robert Woods?"

• Kevin from Tulsa (29:08): "What’s your outlook on Tevin Coleman as a high-end RB2?"

The dynamic interaction between the hosts and listeners fosters a sense of community and ensures the content remains relevant and actionable.

7. Concluding Thoughts and Community Engagement

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to stay engaged through their website and social media channels, promoting giveaways and community events that add an extra layer of excitement to the fantasy football experience.

• Andy Holloway (50:04): "Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Wright (04:05): "Adjust your expectations because you can't bench this player. But it's Joe Mixon, running back."

• Andy Holloway (05:04): "Joe Mixon is going to have a tough sledding instead of that RB1 you thought you had."

• Jason Moore (19:37): "Robert Woods is a top 10 wide receiver almost every single week in rankings."

• Andy Holloway (39:38): "Amari Cooper should be... he should be a reliable starter because logic says you should."

• Jason Moore (27:18): "Their defense is worse than two mics and clearly worse than a vase."

These quotes encapsulate the insightful and entertaining nature of the podcast, offering both strategic advice and memorable moments for listeners.

Conclusion

In "Pump the Brakes, Key Playoff Questions, Rotten Watermelons," the Fantasy Footballers provide a comprehensive analysis of current fantasy football scenarios, offering strategic advice, player evaluations, and engaging listener interactions. Whether you're grappling with start/sit decisions, navigating playoff pressures, or seeking to optimize your roster, this episode equips you with the knowledge and insights needed to excel in your fantasy football league.