Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Starts of the Week + Week 15 Breakdown, Clown Ghidorah!
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Introduction to Week 15
The Fantasy Footballers kick off Week 15 with enthusiasm, celebrating the playoff momentum and gearing up for strategic lineup decisions. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the latest fantasy football insights, ensuring listeners are equipped to make informed choices.
News and Notes from Around the League
The hosts discuss significant NFL news affecting fantasy decisions:
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Isaac Garindo's Availability: Garindo is listed as questionable due to a foot injury. Andy notes, “The fact that he played football a couple of days ago and is going to be active in this game means that I don't think he's got a massive injury now” (11:00).
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Giants Coaching Changes: Rumors suggest Cam Ward may become the new head coach for the Giants, a move that could reshape the team's dynamics (15:08).
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Bucky Irving's Condition: Mike highlights concerns about Irving's participation, stating, “Bucky is very concerned... he's very, very banged up” (16:28).
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Kenneth Walker's Status: There's optimism regarding Walker's return, with Jason mentioning, “The news and the quotes coming out on Kenneth Walker are more of a 'He'll be back'” (17:55).
Starts of the Week
The hosts provide detailed recommendations for starting players across key positions:
Quarterbacks
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Kyler Murray vs. New England Patriots: Jason advocates for starting Murray despite recent struggles, saying, “I think that he is a fine top 12 play this week” (21:37).
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Justin Herbert vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike remains loyal to Herbert, emphasizing his consistent performance: “He's been a top 12 quarterback in each of his last four starts at home” (22:45).
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Tua Tagovailoa vs. Houston Texans: Andy praises Tua’s recent form and favorable matchup, noting, “Tua... is the number one in the NFL and EPA per pass attempt” (23:11).
Running Backs
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Rico Dowdle vs. Carolina Panthers: Jason supports Dowdle, emphasizing his consistent yardage: “He's averaging nearly 100 yards per game” (24:01).
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Rashad White vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Mike recommends White for his pass-catching abilities, stating, “White is the number one pick in the draft” (24:46).
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Tony Pollard vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Andy endorses Pollard due to the Buccaneers' weak run defense: “Pollard has been so good and so consistent” (25:07).
Wide Receivers
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Juwan Jennings vs. Los Angeles Rams: Jason highlights Jennings' efficiency and favorable matchup: “He's been over this line four straight games” (26:33).
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Darnell Mooney vs. Las Vegas Raiders: Mike favors Mooney for his separation and the Raiders’ pass defense: “This is a perfect situation for you to have the confidence in Mooney” (27:46).
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Jordan Addison vs. [Opponent]: Andy focuses on Addison’s explosive plays against a struggling defense: “Addison was able to get free” (28:26).
Tight Ends
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Pat Friar Muth vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Jason recommends Muth due to increased involvement: “The Eagles are 29th in schedule adjusted points to the tight end” (29:35).
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Adam Hawkinson vs. Chicago Bears: Mike supports Hawkinson for his matchup against a poor tight end defense: “He is our consensus tight end” (30:23).
Fantasy Forecast
The hosts break down key matchups anticipated to impact Week 15 fantasy performances:
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cleveland Browns
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Chiefs’ Offensive Concerns: Andy expresses worry over the Chiefs’ passing game, noting, “You're not going to bench him [Kelsey]. He's got the ability to score a touchdown” (35:07).
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Cleveland's Defensive Struggles: Jason highlights James Winston’s potential, stating, “He has been top 12 of three of the last four starts” (37:01).
Washington Commanders vs. New Orleans Saints
- Running Back Usage: Jason recommends Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. due to their involvement and favorable matchups: “Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a potentially very sneaky touchdown threat” (44:19).
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants
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Derek Henry’s Impact: Andy praises Henry’s performance potential, saying, “May you have Derek Henry and may you not face Derek Henry” (48:48).
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Giants’ Defensive Weakness: Mike advises leveraging the Giants’ poor run defense, stating, “If Derek Henry has any chance to catch Saquon Barkley to be the rushing leader” (51:06).
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Tennessee Titans
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Chase Brown’s Value: Mike emphasizes Brown’s role in the Bengals’ offense: “Chase Brown, the key cog of this Cincinnati offense” (71:55).
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Tight End Considerations: Jason suggests Devonte Adams for his increasing targets and reliable performance: “Devonte Adams... he's hit that in four of his last five” (71:55).
Crown Awards
In the episode’s concluding segment, the hosts award crowns to standout fantasy performers from the previous week:
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Andy Holloway awards the crown to Jameson Williams for his exceptional performance against a high-scoring game (70:08).
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Jason Moore honors Devonte Adams for his consistent receiving yards and increased targets (71:55).
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Mike Wright recognizes Chase Brown for his pivotal role and substantial receiving yards (71:55).
Quotes from this segment include:
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Jason: “Give me Chase Brown, the key cog of this Cincinnati offense with 25 plus receiving yards against Tennessee. He's cleared that mark in five straight and he looks great in the passing game.” (71:55)
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Andy: “His targets have been great and I just think if they're going to be scoring back and forth three and a half. His targets the last four weeks, six, seven, seven, eight.” (70:17)
Conclusion
The Fantasy Footballers wrap up Week 15 with strategic advice and player recommendations, ensuring listeners are well-prepared for their upcoming matchups. Emphasis is placed on leveraging favorable matchups, monitoring player health statuses, and making confident lineup decisions to navigate the fantasy playoffs successfully.
Notable Quotes:
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Mike Wright: “Don't dance with the devil on Sunday morning.” (04:02)
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Jason Moore: “This is the elimination of Patrick Taylor that we're having this conversation.” (11:47)
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Andy Holloway: “You need to win. Right. And you play to win.” (13:00)
Timestamp Reference: (For brevity, only select timestamps are included. Full transcript was referenced for accuracy.)
This summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers' Week 15 episode, providing actionable insights and key takeaways for fantasy football enthusiasts.