Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode Title: Pump the Brakes, Stash or Trash, Riding Zebras
Release Date: September 12, 2018

Introduction

While the episode begins with sponsor advertisements, the core content kicks off shortly after the initial greetings among hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright. The trio dives directly into the fantasy football strategies and player analyses that form the heart of the podcast.

Pump the Brakes Segment

Overview: The "Pump the Brakes" segment focuses on advising fantasy managers to reconsider their current player selections based on upcoming matchups or performance concerns.

1. Derrick Henry Concerns

   • Mike Wright expresses worries about Derrick Henry's usage:
     "[07:09] Mike Wright: I'm concerned for him this particular matchup and season long as well."
   • Jason Moore agrees, highlighting Henry’s draft price versus his current performance:
     "[08:44] Jason Moore: He's a seventh, eighth round pick."

2. Larry Fitzgerald's Road Split

   • Andy Holloway suggests caution with Larry Fitzgerald due to his poor performance on the road:
     "[09:44] Andy Holloway: My Pump the brakes this week is a hall of fame wonderful wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald."
   • Jason Moore adds skepticism about Patrick Mahomes' performance against Pittsburgh:
     "[11:25] Mike Wright: Derek Henry vs. Bilal Powell... it's probably going to be Bilal Powell."

3. Patrick Mahomes vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

   • Jason Moore considers pumping the brakes on Patrick Mahomes due to a potentially tough matchup:
     "[12:19] Jason Moore: Patrick Mahomes has a bright fantasy future... but facing Pittsburgh’s defense might limit his output."
   • Andy Holloway remains optimistic but advises not to expect breakout performances:
     "[13:00] Andy Holloway: I believe he's going to be in a 52 point over under."

News and Notes

Key Highlights:

1. Kenyan Drake vs. Frank Gore Analysis

   • Jason Moore and Mike Wright discuss Drake's underperformance relative to Gore:
     "[04:04] Mike Wright: He is infinite."
   • Andy Holloway references coach Kyle Borgignon’s positive remarks on Drake:
     "[04:43] Mike Wright: Or he listens to the show."

2. Greg Olson's Injury Status

   • Jason Moore updates on Greg Olson's fractured foot and potential resting period:
     "[16:31] Jason Moore: Panthers tight end Greg Olson plans to rest his fractured foot."
   • Andy Holloway and Jason Moore debate whether to stash or drop him, concluding minimal action is necessary unless his status changes.

3. Martavis Bryant’s Resignation

   • Jason Moore comments on Martavis Bryant's resignation and its implications for the Raiders’ receiving corps:
     "[17:56] Jason Moore: Martavis Bryant resigned to a one-year deal."

Stash or Trash Segment

Overview: This segment provides listeners with recommendations on whether to keep ("stash") or drop ("trash") specific players based on recent performances and future potential.

1. Kelvin Benjamin

   • Jason Moore advocates for stashing Kelvin Benjamin despite mixed performance:
     "[24:56] Andy Holloway: I would go Sutton. Because the ceiling over the next few weeks... is higher."
   • Mike Wright echoes concerns over Benjamin's consistency:
     "[26:28] Andy Holloway: I might play him in Lambeau, but that's still weeks from now."

2. Sammy Watkins

   • Jason Moore confidently labels Sammy Watkins as trash due to negligible impact in Week 1:
     "[28:29] Jason Moore: Sammy Watkins, stash or trash? Yeah, speaking of Sammy Watkins. Trash."
   • Andy Holloway and Mike Wright agree, citing Watkins' irrelevance post-preseason.

3. Cortland Sutton

   • Jason Moore suggests stashing Cortland Sutton, considering his potential despite a rocky start:
     "[27:11] Jason Moore: Cortland Sutton, stash or trash. He had an interesting game..."
   • Mike Wright prefers established receivers over Sutton:
     "[30:14] Jason Moore: I'd have rather Brandon Marshall right now."

4. George Kittle

   • Jason Moore discusses the high cost and potential of George Kittle at $44 FAB:
     "[31:08] Jason Moore: ... if you spent $44 FAB on George Kittle, do you think I overspent?"
   • Andy Holloway defends the investment based on Kittle's performance:
     "[32:07] Andy Holloway: ... I believe in him."

5. Josh Gordon vs. Rex Burkhead

   • Corey from Denver asks whether to trade Josh Gordon for Rex Burkhead.
   • Andy Holloway advises against the trade unless seeking long-term gains, emphasizing Josh Gordon as a keeper:
     "[41:43] Jason Moore: Josh Gordon is a keeper. Absolutely a keeper."

Mailbag and Listener Questions

Featured Questions:

1. Anthony Miller Drop

   • Corey from Denver inquires about dropping Anthony Miller to pick up Jared Cook.
   • Andy Holloway and Mike Wright confirm that once a player has participated in a game, they are typically locked and cannot be dropped:
     "[43:54] Mike Wright: 100% locked."

2. Kelvin Benjamin vs. Mike Williams

   • John from Phoenix asks whether to drop Kelvin Benjamin to acquire Mike Williams.
   • Jason Moore and Andy Holloway favor picking up Mike Williams over Kelvin Benjamin:
     "[44:51] Jason Moore: I'd rather have Mike Williams."

3. Coach Trustworthiness

   • Listener queries about the least trustworthy coaches in hyping players lead to discussions about Pete Carroll and Adam Gase:
     "[45:14] Andy Holloway: Pete Carroll was the name that came to mind."

4. Russell Wilson vs. Joe Flacco

   • Matt in Kansas City debates whether to start Russell Wilson or keep Joe Flacco.
   • Andy Holloway and Mike Wright advocate for starting Wilson, citing his established performance:
     "[46:58] Mike Wright: I would still start Wilson."

5. Josh Gordon as a Keeper

   • Christian from El Paso asks if Josh Gordon is a keeper.
   • Jason Moore and Andy Holloway affirm that Josh Gordon should be kept, with Moore suggesting leveraging Gordon in trades for value:
     "[48:51] Jason Moore: Josh Gordon absolutely a keeper..."

Thursday Night Preview

Key Matchup:

• Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
  • Jason Moore predicts a low-scoring affair with an over-under of 44 points and recommends the under due to both teams' defensive strengths:
    "[35:20] Jason Moore: ... I would take the under in this one."
  • Mike Wright notes Joe Flacco's improved offense and potential effectiveness despite previous inconsistencies:
    "[38:26] Mike Wright: ... if it were a Sunday game at home, to me, that would be very different."

Player Focus:

• Alex Collins emerges as Mike Wright's primary offensive option for the Ravens, especially with Kenneth Dixon out:
  "[36:14] Jason Moore: ... I'd like Alex Collins."

Riding Zebras Segment

Humorous Interlude: Towards the episode's end, the hosts engage in a light-hearted discussion about the feasibility of riding zebras, blending humor with their usual analytical style. This segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and ability to balance serious fantasy football talk with entertaining banter.

Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on player performances and strategic moves, encouraging listeners to engage with the community via social media and the podcast's website. The hosts reiterate their commitment to providing actionable fantasy football insights to help listeners dominate their leagues.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore on George Kittle's value:
  "[31:23] Jason Moore: If you look at the route, the routes that George Kittle ran, this was a center of the offense performance to me."

• Andy Holloway on Larry Fitzgerald's matchup:
  "[09:44] Andy Holloway: ... he's one of those guys where I'm not saying you have to, but if there are other good options, I would be willing to sit Larry for a week."

• Mike Wright on Le'Veon Bell's return:
  "[42:27] Mike Wright: It's really hard. James Conner is going to be an RB1 this week again."

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast delivers a comprehensive blend of strategic advice, player evaluations, and engaging discussions. From in-depth analyses in "Pump the Brakes" to evaluative decisions in "Stash or Trash," the hosts equip fantasy managers with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Interactive segments like "Mailbag" and "Thursday Night Preview" further enhance the episode's value, ensuring listeners are well-prepared for their fantasy football endeavors.

Whether you're a seasoned fantasy veteran or a newcomer to the game, this episode offers valuable insights and entertaining discourse to elevate your fantasy football experience.