Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast Episode Summary Episode Title: Starts of the Week + Week 15 Breakdown, Notoriety of Toughness
Release Date: December 12, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Transcript Contributors: Ronald Jones II

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast, the expert trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—delve into a comprehensive analysis of Week 15’s fantasy football landscape. The discussion spans player updates, matchup evaluations, strategic recommendations, and a special segment titled "Notoriety of Toughness." The hosts aim to equip fantasy managers with the knowledge needed to craft championship-worthy squads.

News Updates and Player Status

Josh Jacobs' MRI Results:
Ronald Jones II opens the show with significant news about Josh Jacobs.

[03:35] Ronald Jones II: "Josh Jacobs. The MRI came back clean. Josh Jacobs expected to play in Week 15 against the Jaguars."

However, head coach John Gruden emphasizes caution:

[03:46] Ronald Jones II: "John Gruden, in tricky fashion says the positive results does not mean he's going to play in week 15."

Adam Thielen's Availability:
Adam Thielen’s status remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue.

[05:54] Jason Moore: "Who knows?"
[05:55] Andy Holloway: "I do think Adam Thielen is going to play this week on your bench. On my bench, yes. I would be very, very hesitant to put him in the lineup."

Mark Andrews' Questionable Status:
Mark Andrews is listed as questionable due to a slight hand fracture. The hosts debate whether to start him or pivot to alternatives like Ian Thomas or Tyler Higby.

[08:32] Jason Moore: "I don't think I would [flex Ian Thomas]."
[09:48] Ronald Jones II: "Mark Andrews has been injured more often than he has not been injured. Through this season he's pretty much been a top five tight end more often than he's not been injured."

Le'Veon Bell vs. Devin Singletary:
The discussion shifts to Lev Bell, who is deemed a reliable start despite a capped ceiling.

[07:40] Andy Holloway: "It's exactly the same. I think he's a startable asset, but your ceiling is capped."

Lamar Jackson and Further Updates:
Both Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews are listed as questionable, with Andrews' participation hinging on a "college try" approach.

[08:35] Johnny Moore: "They have a huge opportunity this week, but he sucks. Like, he's had two good games."

Fantasy Forecast

Quarterback Matchups

Broncos vs. Chiefs:
The Chiefs are strong favorites, posing a tough defensive challenge for Drew Lock.

[12:00] Andy Holloway: "Early season, the Chiefs look like they were a defense that you wanted to throw on. That has drastically changed."

Discussion points include Chiefs' playmaking secondary and the difficulty of running against their defense. The hosts recommend avoiding Chiefs' running backs due to Denver’s robust defense against the position:

[15:55] Jason Moore: "I'm staying away."

Ryan Tannehill vs. Jameis Winston:
A key debate centers around starting Ryan Tannehill over Jameis Winston, considering matchup strengths and injury concerns.

[25:35] Jason Moore: "I'm going with Ryan Tannehill. It's a one, actually, I leaned in like."

Tom Brady vs. Bengals' Defense:
Tom Brady’s recent performance has been lackluster against the Bengals, who rank 24th against quarterbacks.

[53:52] Ronald Jones II: "That's 24th against quarterback over the year."

The hosts agree on benching Brady due to his inconsistent performances and the Bengals' tough defense.

Running Back Recommendations

Chris Carson vs. Carolina Defense:
Chris Carson is highlighted as a top-five guaranteed start due to Carolina’s weakness against running backs.

[60:47] Ronald Jones II: "Chris Carson is number nine right now since week four in fantasy points per game at the running back position."

Raheem Mostert vs. Risky Options:
Raheem Mostert gains traction as a start of the week pick, thanks to increased workload and Kyle Shanahan's emphasis on his performance.

[61:48] Andy Holloway: "Raheem is making it difficult on me. He's just been too good with what he's been doing."

Joe Mixon and Others:
Joe Mixon is recommended for his consistency, while players like Tyler Boyd are advised against due to inconsistent target distribution.

Wide Receiver Insights

Cooper Kupp vs. Jared Goff:
Cooper Kupp emerges as a strong start of the week due to his matchup against a weak Dallas defense.

[64:06] Ronald Jones II: "He could be number one on the week."

Jarvis Landry vs. Odell Beckham Jr.:
Jarvis Landry is favored over potentially higher-profile players like Odell Beckham Jr. due to favorable matchups and recent performance spikes.

[67:42] Ronald Jones II: "He's a critical part of this game alongside Robert Woods."

Tight End Strategies

Austin Hooper and Greg Olson:
Austin Hooper is recommended as a guaranteed start, especially against defenses struggling to contain tight ends. Greg Olson is suggested if active.

[70:15] Ronald Jones II: "Austin Hooper returns to glory."

Ian Thomas vs. Tyler Higby:
Ian Thomas is endorsed for his consistency and high target share, making him a reliable option over more volatile tight ends.

Notoriety of Toughness

The hosts engage in a lighthearted yet insightful discussion about the cultural phenomenon of toughness associated with teams like the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. They explore the appeal of enduring harsh weather conditions as a testament to fan and team resilience.

[49:06] Andy Holloway: "You like the notoriety of toughness."

This segment underscores the importance of recognizing the grit and determination that fantasy football enthusiasts often admire in NFL teams.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their key recommendations for Week 15, emphasizing the importance of informed start/sit decisions and leveraging favorable matchups. They encourage listeners to utilize their expertise to navigate the complexities of playoff week fantasy football.

[71:23] Andy Holloway: "It's an NBA jams rule here. Jason Moore, yours. Ironclad, locked and loaded. 100% guaranteed."

The hosts sign off with anticipation for upcoming episodes and continued support for their fantasy football community.

Notable Quotes

• Ronald Jones II on Josh Jacobs:

  [03:35] "Josh Jacobs expected to play in Week 15 against the Jaguars."

• Jason Moore on Ryan Tannehill vs. Jameis Winston:

  [25:35] "I'm going with Ryan Tannehill. It's a one, actually, I leaned in like."

• Andy Holloway on Chris Carson:

  [60:47] "Chris Carson is number nine right now since week four in fantasy points per game at the running back position."

• Andy Holloway on Raheem Mostert:

  [61:48] "Raheem is making it difficult on me. He's just been too good with what he's been doing."

• Ronald Jones II on Cooper Kupp:

  [64:06] "He could be number one on the week."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and strategic insights shared by the Fantasy Footballers, providing listeners—both seasoned and new—with valuable takeaways for navigating Week 15 of the fantasy football season.