Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Starts of the Week + Week 1 Breakdown, It’s Football Time!
Release Date: September 10, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Guest: Darren Waller, Tight End for the Las Vegas Raiders

Introduction and Draft Recap

The episode kicks off with the triumphant return of football, with Darren Waller joining the hosts to celebrate the commencement of Week 1. The hosts reflect on their recent league of record draft, sharing anecdotes about late-night drafting sessions and memorable trades.

Quote:

• Darren Waller [01:03]: “It is. This is the most triumphant and glorious return of football that any of us has ever experienced.”

Andy Holloway expresses a slight regret about his draft performance but remains optimistic:

Quote:

• Andy Holloway [02:24]: “I feel like I could have done better.”

Jason Moore highlights a significant trade made during the draft:

Quote:

• Jason Moore [02:36]: “I traded up to acquire Jonathan Taylor in last night's draft.”

"Taking it up to 100" Segment

The hosts introduce a new segment titled "Taking it up to 100," where they select players poised for breakout performances in Week 1. Although it's the first week with no prior performances to evaluate, they focus on rookies and players outside the typical starter pools.

1. Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Indianapolis Colts)

   • Andy Holloway [05:20]: “Jonathan Taylor is a phenomenal talent... he's going to see a player take it to 100.”
   • Andy anticipates Taylor's explosive potential against the Jaguars, citing his speed and agility.

2. Boston Scott (Philadelphia Eagles)

   • Jason Moore [07:31]: “Boston Scott's got a shot to produce and it's Washington.”
   • Scott is highlighted due to his increased role following injuries in the Eagles' wide receiver corps.

3. Antonio Gibson (Washington Football Team)

   • Darren Waller [08:51]: “Antonio Gibson is the most talented player on this team.”
   • Gibson is favored to showcase his versatility and talent despite competition in the backfield.

Additional Picks:

• Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders): Anticipated to have a strong performance against Carolina due to their struggling defense.
• Brian Edwards & Henry Ruggs (Las Vegas Raiders): Both are potential breakout wide receivers in Week 1.

News and Notes from Around the League

The hosts delve into recent news affecting fantasy decisions:

• Mike Evans (Miami Dolphins) Injury Update

  • Andy Holloway [10:18]: Discusses the uncertain status of Evans for Sunday’s game and emphasizes having a backup plan if he misses.

• Amari Cooper (Dallas Cowboys)

  • Jason Moore [11:13]: Mentions Cooper working on a contract extension with the Rams, impacting his availability and role.

• Jalen Reagor & Jalen Ramsey (Philadelphia Eagles)

  • Andy Holloway [22:39]: Notes Reagor’s return from practice and Ramsey’s potential impact on tight ends.

• David Montgomery (Chicago Bears) vs. Kareem Hunt (Baltimore Ravens)

  • Andy Holloway [13:19]: Expresses skepticism about starting Montgomery due to his recent injury and prefers Hunt, especially in PPR formats.

Matchup Breakdowns

1. New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

• Implied Team Total: Jets 16.5, Bills 39.5

• Analysis:

  • The Jets face a tough matchup against the Bills, with Andy Holloway recommending starting David Montgomery over Kareem Hunt due to Buffalo's resilient defense.
  • Andy Holloway [22:53]: “I would start Devon Singletary. I think Singletary is going to have a good game.”

• Recommendations:

  • Josh Allen (QB, Bills): A strong play given the favorable matchup.
  • Stefan Diggs (WR, Bills): Expected to capitalize on a weakened Jets secondary.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [21:33]: “Josh Allen is going to smash Mark Ingram… it's getting more boring to have Mark Ingram on your roster and play him.”

2. Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions

• Implied Team Total: Bears favored by 3 points over a 43.5 O/U

• Analysis:

  • Matthew Stafford (QB, Lions) is a key play, with Andy Holloway supporting his start despite past criticisms.
  • Mitch Trubisky (QB, Bears): Jason Moore leverages Trubisky’s past performances against the Lions.

• Recommendations:

  • Aaron Jones (RB, Packers): A staple in and out of favorable matchups.
  • James Robinson (RB, Jaguars): Considered a stash rather than a start for Week 1.

3. Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

• Implied Team Total: Packers implied to score 18.5, Vikings 46

• Analysis:

  • Focus on the running back usage for the Packers, specifically Aaron Jones, Jamal Williams, and A.J. Dillon.
  • Andy Holloway [31:24]: “I want to know how Aaron Rodgers does… when it comes to Aaron Jones, Jamal Williams, and A.J. Dillon, that is my great curiosity.”

• Recommendations:

  • Aaron Jones: A confident start by Andy Holloway.
  • Devin Singletary (RB, Vikings): Recommended starting over Bell due to a favorable matchup.

4. Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots

• Implied Team Total: Dolphins 42 over under

• Analysis:

  • Cam Newton (Patriots): A debutant quarterback with uncertain fantasy impact.
  • Will Fuller (Dolphins): A debated start with potential high upside.

• Recommendations:

  • Devonte Parker (Patriots): Potential high scorer.
  • Will Fuller (Dolphins): Andy Holloway prefers Fuller over DeSean Jackson for Week 1.

5. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers

• Implied Team Total: Raiders favored by 3.5 points over a 47.5 O/U

• Analysis:

  • Josh Jacobs (RB, Raiders): Expected to have a strong performance against Carolina’s struggling defense.

• Recommendations:

  • Josh Jacobs: Highly recommended due to the matchup.
  • Henry Ruggs (WR, Raiders): A possible breakout wide receiver.

6. Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Implied Team Total: Colts favored by 8 points over a 45 O/U

• Analysis:

  • James Robinson (RB, Jaguars): Viewed as a stash rather than a starter given the Colts' strong defense.

• Recommendations:

  • Chris Thompson (RB, Jaguars): Preferred over Robinson for PPR leagues.

7. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Football Team

• Implied Team Total: Eagles favored by 5.5 points over a 43 O/U

• Analysis:

  • Antonio Gibson (RB, Washington): Debutant with high potential but Andy Holloway advises against starting him in Week 1.

• Recommendations:

  • Zach Ertz (TE, Eagles): A reliable start.
  • DeSean Jackson (WR, Eagles): A risky but potential high-upside play.

Start of the Week Selections

Quarterbacks:

• Jason Moore: Matthew Stafford (Lions) – Confident despite past concerns.
• Andy Holloway: Matt Ryan (Falcons) – Anticipates high yardage against Seattle.
• Darren Waller: Josh Allen (Bills) – Strong start expected against the Jets.

Running Backs:

• Jason Moore: Mark Ingram (Bears) – Trusts his consistency.
• Andy Holloway: James Conner (Steelers) – Favored due to strong matchup.
• Darren Waller: David Johnson (Bears) – Higher ceiling with Houston's defense.

Wide Receivers:

• Jason Moore: Stefan Diggs (Bills) – Expected to excel against the Jets' secondary.
• Andy Holloway: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks) – Reliable and often underrated.
• Darren Waller: D'Sean Jackson (Eagles) – Potential for big plays despite risks.

Tight Ends:

• Jason Moore: Hunter Henry (Chargers) – Confident starter given the matchup.
• Andy Holloway: Eric Ebron (Steelers) – High potential for touchdowns and receptions.
• Darren Waller: Blake Jarwin (Rams) – Anticipates strong performance against a vulnerable Raiders defense.

Kicker of the Week

The hosts revive their kicker-centric segment, passionately endorsing Will Lutz (Saints) as the Kicker of the Week, emphasizing the importance of reliable kicking in Week 1.

Quote:

• Jason Moore [60:24]: “I had that kicker-centric segment back on the show for 2020.”

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with reminders about the Foot Clan community and upcoming matchups. The hosts express their enthusiasm for the new season and encourage listeners to stay engaged with their fantasy strategies.

Quote:

• Jason Moore [61:05]: “Click subscribe, click the bell, be alerted. Mike will be there with that JTT hair, giving you some very voluminous fantasy advice on Sunday.”

Key Takeaways

• Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Boston Scott, and Antonio Gibson are poised for breakout performances in Week 1.
• Josh Allen, Stefan Diggs, and Matt Ryan are top quarterback starts.
• Running back starts highlight a mix of reliable veterans and promising rookies.
• Wide receiver selections focus on high-upside players against weakened defenses.
• Tight ends like Hunter Henry and Eric Ebron are recommended based on favorable matchups.
• Will Lutz is recommended as the Kicker of the Week for his reliability.

This episode offers a comprehensive breakdown of Week 1 strategies, player selections, and matchup analyses, equipping fantasy managers with the insights needed to excel in their leagues.