Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Starts of the Week + Week 10 Breakdown, Loose Moose" (Released November 7, 2024)

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the latest fantasy football news, offer insightful player recommendations for Week 10, and provide expert analysis to help listeners optimize their fantasy lineups. The discussion is rich with strategic advice, lively banter, and valuable insights, making it an essential listen for fantasy football enthusiasts.

1. News and Updates

a. Chuba Hubbard's Contract Extension with the Carolina Panthers ([05:33] - [11:39])

One of the episode's focal points is the Carolina Panthers' decision to secure running back Chuba Hubbard with a substantial four-year, $33.2 million contract, including $15 million guaranteed.

• Mike Wright emphasizes the significance of this move:

  "Chuba Hubbard is an outstanding running back who deserves this contract with a team."

• Jason Moore analyzes the Panthers' team-building strategy:

  "If you're a running back, get that shmoney."

The hosts debate whether the Panthers' General Manager made a prudent decision, considering the numerous roster holes the team still needs to fill. While they commend Hubbard's performance and deserved contract, they express concerns about the lack of investment in other critical areas, such as securing a franchise quarterback.

b. Quarterback Injuries: Dak Prescott and Trevor Lawrence ([11:51] - [17:48])

The podcast addresses significant quarterback injuries impacting fantasy lineups:

• Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys suffers a partial avulsion of his hamstring, potentially necessitating surgery. This injury leads to questions about his availability and whether backup quarterback Cooper Rush should be considered.

  Jason Moore remarks: "Would you rather pick up Mac Jones or Cooper Rush in two quarterback leagues?"

• Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars is also dealing with a left shoulder injury, with reports suggesting surgery may be required. This situation forces fantasy managers to evaluate whether to stream quarterbacks like Mac Jones or Cooper Rush.

• Jason Moore shares his preference:

  "I think Mac Jones is going to struggle... But he can still get the ball to Brian Thomas Jr. and I would expect him to score more points than Cooper Rush, personally."

c. Dennis Allen and Kendrick Miller Situation ([15:34] - [17:18])

A contentious move by Carolina Panthers' Head Coach Dennis Allen is scrutinized as he places Kendrick Miller on injured reserve, allegedly out of spite.

• Mike Wright expresses strong disapproval:

  "Essentially Dennis Allen put Kendrick Miller on the injured reserve out of spite."

• Jason Moore adds context:

  "I saw some footage inside his office. He made the call, said, put him on IR. He got up, he walked over. He had a signed football hanging on his wall. He picked that football up. He spiked it. He was so thrilled with his transaction."

This decision has led to Dennis Allen being dismissed as head coach, highlighting potential mismanagement within the Panthers' organization.

d. Other Player News ([17:08] - [22:38])

Additional updates include:

• Gus Edwards returning from injured reserve.
• Will Levis practicing with the Tennessee Titans, potentially restoring him as the team's starter.
• Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns is not practicing but is expected to be fine for upcoming games.
• Nico Collins of the Houston Texans passes his hamstring tests but remains questionable for immediate play.

2. Starts of the Week – Player Recommendations

The hosts provide their top player picks for Week 10, focusing on maximizing fantasy points based on matchups and player performance.

a. Quarterbacks

• Mike Wright recommends Brock Purdy:

  "I don't see a path where Purdy isn't 202 in this game, which is the streaming standard."

• Jason Moore advocates for Kirk Cousins against the New Orleans Saints:

  "He's been on an absolute heater. He's on pace since that time for 5,000 yards and 44 touchdowns."

• Andy Holloway suggests Sam Darnold facing the Jacksonville Jaguars:

  "He's leading the NFL in passing touchdowns inside the 10. That is fabulous."

b. Running Backs

• Mike Wright endorses DeAndre Swift against the New England Patriots:

  "The Patriots are 31st in schedule adjusted fantasy points led to running backs. This is going to be a game you can win on the ground."

• Jason Moore selects James Conner facing the New York Jets:

  "James Conner is the engine of this offense. He should be a great start."

• Andy Holloway opts for Tyrone Tracy against the Carolina Panthers:

  "He's averaging 18 opportunities a game over the last five with three top 10 performances in that span."

c. Wide Receivers

• Mike Wright chooses Darnell Mooney against the New Orleans Saints:

  "He's the wide receiver 12 on the season. He is a player that I think a lot of decisions have to be made on a weekly basis."

• Jason Moore recommends Tank Del against the New Orleans Saints:

  "He's a good start because they give up a lot of points there."

• Andy Holloway highlights Jawan Jennings facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

  "It's a great matchup. I know that Christian McCaffrey is back, but I believe in the Brock Purdy start as well."

d. Tight Ends

• Mike Wright advises Hunter Henry as a primary option:

  "Hunter Henry is your primary outlet in this game."

• Jason Moore supports TJ Hawkinson against the Chicago Bears:

  "He has double digit fantasy points in three of the last four weeks."

• Andy Holloway suggests Theo Johnson as a streaming candidate:

  "He's a play against Carolina, who are dead last against tight ends."

3. Betting and Parlay Picks

In the latter part of the episode, the hosts engage in lighthearted banter about betting lines and DraftKings parlay picks.

• They discuss potential upsets and favorable matchups, such as the Atlanta Falcons versus the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• Jason Moore confidently predicts:

  "Christian McCaffrey will 100% be in every single lineup for everyone that drafted him."

• The hosts also entertain humorous interludes about on-air mishaps and the challenges of podcast production, adding an entertaining layer to the analytical content.

4. Concluding Insights

The episode wraps up with a recap of recommended players, betting insights, and a final push for listeners to leverage the Fantasy Footballers' tools and resources to enhance their fantasy football experience.

• Andy Holloway emphasizes the importance of strategic player selection based on matchups:

  "Protect your quarterback. This is going to be a game you can win on the ground."

• Mike Wright reinforces the value of staying informed and adaptable:

  "You need to stream quarterbacks when necessary and maximize your running back's opportunities."

Overall, this episode equips fantasy managers with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate Week 10 effectively, ensuring they make informed decisions to dominate their leagues.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright ([05:33]):

  "Chuba Hubbard is an outstanding running back who deserves this contract with a team."

• Jason Moore ([11:15]):

  "He's going to change the way you play your team in deucer's alley because you have to protect yourself against the hamstring injury."

• Andy Holloway ([71:31]):

  "It's 100% correct."

This comprehensive breakdown ensures that both seasoned and novice fantasy football players can glean actionable insights and optimize their strategies for the upcoming week.