Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Starts of the Week + Week 11 Breakdown, Over the Bottom!"

Date: November 14, 2023

1. News and Updates

The episode kicks off with the hosts discussing the latest news and updates impacting fantasy football lineups for Week 11.

• Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington): [03:21] Andy Holloway remarks, "He's been awesome this year. A touchdown machine when he's active." However, concerns arise due to a tough matchup against the Eagles' formidable defense. Jason Moore adds, "I'm a little bit hesitant," advising caution when deciding whether to start Robinson, especially if facing tough defensive opposition.

• George Kittle (San Francisco): [05:06] Andy Holloway highlights Kittle's stellar season, stating, "He has just been so dominant. I don't think enough credit has been given to George Kittle's season so far." With an average of 14.9 half-point PPR across games, Kittle is a top-tier tight end, outperforming last year's number one tight end, Sam LaPorta.

• Najee Harris (Pittsburgh): [04:10] Mike Wright voices concern over Harris not practicing on Wednesday following an early exit from the last game. Jason Moore notes, "Does that concern you?" indicating vigilance regarding Harris's health and availability.

• DK Metcalf (Seattle): [04:05] Updates on Metcalf practicing in full suggest stability in his performance outlook.

• Additional Player Updates:

  • Jason Moore and Mike Wright discuss the injury status and practice reports of players like Aaron Jones, Dalton Kincaid, and Isaiah Pacheco, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these statuses for optimal lineup decisions.

2. Starts of the Week

The Hosts provide their recommendations for key positions, advising fantasy managers on optimal player starts.

Quarterbacks

• Russell Wilson (Denver): [08:30] Mike Wright endorses Wilson, noting his favorable matchup against the Baltimore Ravens' pass funnel. Andy Holloway expresses uncertainty but acknowledges Wilson's value: "I'm going with my stream of the week."

• Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers): [09:33] Jason Moore supports Herbert for his strong passing attack against a Cincinnati team that ranks 28th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Andy Holloway concurs, appreciating Herbert's potential for a Super Bowl-caliber performance.

• CJ Stroud (Dallas): [10:59] Given the Bears' struggling pass defense, Andy Holloway opts for Stroud over other Dallas QBs, citing favorable matchup conditions.

Running Backs

• Kareem Hunt (Cleveland): [12:17] Mike Wright praises Hunt's increased touches and favorable matchup against the Buffalo Chiefs, who rank 31st in schedule-adjusted points allowed to running backs. Jason Moore echoes this sentiment, favoring Hunt's consistent performance.

• Nick Chubb (Cleveland): [13:12] Despite some hesitancy, Jason Moore opts for Chubb against the Saints' top-ranked run defense, labeling it a "good matchup for Nick Chubb."

• Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas): [14:09] Andy Holloway selects Jacobs over similar options, emphasizing his high usage against a Chicago defense vulnerable to the run.

Wide Receivers

• George Pickens (Pittsburgh): [15:49] Jason Moore identifies Pickens as a top flex option due to Baltimore's weak pass defense, stating, "The trajectory for Pickens is great."

• Calvin Ridley (Atlanta): [17:19] Andy Holloway recommends Ridley against Minnesota's struggling pass defense, highlighting Ridley's dominant target share.

• Juwan Jennings (Pittsburgh): [15:01] Mike Wright praises Jennings' strong target metrics, suggesting he’s a reliable flex play.

• Jordan Addison (Seattle): [36:49] Andy Holloway advises moving on from Addison, expressing preference for more consistently productive receivers like Ricky Pearsall or Jacoby Myers.

Tight Ends

• Tucker Kraft (Green Bay): [17:54] Jason Moore recommends Kraft against Chicago's defense, noting his touchdown potential and favorable matchup.

• Mark Andrews (Baltimore): [43:44] Andy Holloway decides to retain Andrews despite some recent inconsistency, valuing his high touchdown likelihood over other options like T.J. Hawkinson.

3. Fantasy Forecast and Matchup Analysis

The hosts delve into detailed analyses of key matchups, providing predictions and strategic insights for fantasy managers.

Packers vs. Bears

• Jason Moore analyzes the Packers' favorable matchup against a struggling Bears offense, predicting an offensive boost from Green Bay. Andy Holloway aligns with selecting Packers' running back Josh Jacobs, citing Chicago's vulnerabilities against the run.

Ravens vs. Steelers

• Prediction: Andy Holloway leans towards a Ravens victory, despite Jason Moore expressing uncertainty due to the Steelers' improving defense. Key factors include:
  • Derek Henry (Ravens): [41:46] Critical to Ravens' success, especially against a middling Steelers run defense.
  • Lamar Jackson (Ravens): Mike Wright notes Jackson's reliability against the Steelers, enhancing his fantasy value.

Raiders vs. Dolphins

• Jason Moore highlights the Dolphins' robust defense, making the Raiders a tough play. Despite Andy Holloway’s humor regarding quarterback uncertainties, the consensus leans towards favoring Dolphins' defensive dominance.

Rams vs. Patriots

• Jason Moore and Andy Holloway discuss the Rams' inefficiency and the Patriots' struggling offense. Andy Holloway dismisses offensive plays like Travis Etienne (ETN), favoring more reliable receivers.

Browns vs. Titans

• Andy Holloway anticipates a Cleveland win, boosted by coaching changes and favorable matchups. Jason Moore agrees, citing Cleveland's disciplined strategy under new leadership.

4. Parlay Picks

The Hosts conclude the episode by sharing their parlay picks, combining multiple fantasy football prop bets into a single, high-reward wager.

• Jason Moore's Picks:

  • Calvin Ridley, over 50+ receiving yards.
  • George Pickens, over 60+ receiving yards.

• Andy Holloway's Picks:

  • Kareem Hunt, over 3.5 receptions through innovative "over the bottom" passing strategies.
  • George Pickens, supporting picks from both hosts.

Andy Holloway humorously discusses the mechanics of throwing over the bottom, adding a lighthearted touch to the strategic recommendations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mike Wright on George Kittle: "[05:21] Andy Holloway: 'He has just been so dominant. I don't think enough credit has been given to George Kittle's season so far.'"

• Andy Holloway on Russell Wilson: "[09:24] Andy Holloway: 'I love that he's a good value. But then I'm like, but the problem with that is then I'm relying on Russell Wilson.'"

• Jason Moore on Calvin Ridley: "[17:19] Jason Moore: 'Since DeAndre Hopkins was traded, Ridley's numbers have been impressive. I'm focusing on him now.'"

• Andy Holloway on Derek Henry: "[41:46] Andy Holloway: 'Derek Henry is the reason that Baltimore wins this game.'"

• Jason Moore on George Pickens: "[15:49] Jason Moore: 'George Pickens is on pace for a breakout week with Baltimore's struggling pass defense.'"

Conclusion

This episode provides comprehensive insights into Week 11 matchups, player conditions, and optimal fantasy football strategies. The Fantasy Footballers trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—offer actionable advice, backed by in-depth analysis and engaging discussions, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to dominate their fantasy leagues.