Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Starts of the Week + Week 18 Breakdown, Nasty Boys - Fantasy Football Podcast for 1/2
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Guest: Eric Dickerson, NFL Hall of Famer

1. Introduction and Week 18 Overview

Timestamp: [01:17]

The hosts welcome listeners to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, emphasizing the significance of Week 18 in the NFL season. Mike Wright humorously notes, “We’re still here,” highlighting the persistence of some fantasy leagues even as the regular season winds down.

2. League Engagement and Commissioner Challenges

Timestamp: [02:12] - [04:11]

Andy Holloway shares insights from a Twitter poll regarding Week 18 championship games, revealing that approximately 10% of fantasy managers are still actively competing in their leagues. Mike Wright jokes about the challenges faced by commissioners, mentioning, “We’ve got our best effort at matchup breakdowns.”

Eric Dickerson narrates a personal anecdote about a classic episode prank involving his family, adding a light-hearted touch to the discussion.

3. Championship Reminders and Merchandise Promotions

Timestamp: [04:11] - [05:30]

The hosts remind fantasy champions about available merchandise, including championship rings and belts. Andy Holloway provides a tip on securing a free ring by using the code "free ring" during checkout, stating, “If you type in free ring but you don’t have a ring in your cart, you’re not getting a ring” ([04:43]).

Mike Wright also announces upcoming changes to the podcast schedule, including a year-round show and bonus weekly episodes to maintain engagement during the off-season.

4. News and Updates from Around the League

Timestamp: [05:30] - [09:55]

Player Movements and Injuries:

• Atlanta Falcons: Mike Wright discusses the return of key players from injury, highlighting forfeited opportunities for running back Saquon Barkley: “He wants to do what’s best for the team. So we expect him to sit” ([06:20]). The discussion transitions into debates about preseason records and their long-term significance.

• Injuries and Suspensions: The conversation covers several players dealing with injuries or designated to return status (DMPS), including Tyler Huntley for the Dolphins and Anthony Richardson’s back spasms, which limit his playing time ([07:09] - [08:43]).

Team Performances:

• Minnesota Detroit: The hosts briefly touch upon Minnesota’s defensive struggles and Detroit’s offensive challenges, preparing listeners for matchup analyses.

5. Starts of the Week: Player Recommendations

Timestamp: [09:55] - [48:56]

The core segment of the podcast involves detailed player start recommendations across various positions. The hosts analyze matchups, player performance trends, and potential upside for Week 18.

a. Quarterbacks:

• Jared Goff (Detroit): Mike Wright recommends Goff for his favorable matchup against Minnesota, citing a high projected team total: “I’m going to go with Jared Goff against Minnesota” ([10:06]).

• Laser Mayfield: Andy Holloway praises Mayfield’s impressive statistics, stating, “He has been awesome” ([10:34]).

• Bryce Young (Atlanta): Eric Dickerson supports Young, highlighting his consistency and the weak Atlanta defense: “Bryce Young is in play here” ([11:34]).

b. Running Backs:

• Blake Corum & Isaac Garendo (Combo Platter): Mike Wright suggests a combination strategy, noting Corum’s increasing workload and Garendo’s potential emerging role: “Give me the rookie backups” ([12:40]).

• J.K. Dobbins (Baltimore): Andy Holloway endorses Dobbins for his performance and the Chargers' must-win scenario: “He is a favorite” ([13:26]).

• Jalen Warren (Cincinnati): Eric Dickerson recommends Warren due to his recent performance and favorable matchup against the Bengals: “He has been above the Warren line” ([15:04]).

c. Wide Receivers:

• Jordan Addison: Andy Holloway discusses the trade of Addison and its impact, expressing disappointment: “I traded away Jordan Addison. This is before the season” ([16:00]).

• Drake London (Atlanta): Andy Holloway highly recommends London for his high target share and favorable matchup: “Drake London is a very, very good start” ([17:56]).

• Jaden Daniels & Malik Neighbors: Mike Wright and Eric Dickerson advocate for Daniels and Neighbors, emphasizing their roles and recent performance: “I’m taking Malik Neighbors over 66 and a half receiving yards” ([48:56]).

d. Tight Ends:

• Noah Gray (Kansas City): Mike Wright suggests Gray due to Travis Kelce’s likely rest and Gray’s performance: “Noah Gray against Denver” ([18:36]).

• Benjamin Muth (Steelers): Andy Holloway recommends Muth for his consistent performance and critical matchup: “Benjamin Muth versus Cincinnati” ([19:29]).

6. Fantasy Forecast and Betting Insights

Timestamp: [20:42] - [34:18]

The Fantasy Forecast segment delves into betting lines, over/under predictions, and strategic parlay opportunities.

Key Highlights:

• Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens: Mike Wright analyzes the implications of the game’s predicted point totals and the Browns’ offensive opportunities: “The over under is just 41” ([21:04]).

• Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: The hosts emphasize the importance of Cincinnati’s win for their playoff hopes, considering the Steelers’ weak performance: “Carson Wentz fans on the planet” ([24:32]).

• Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers: Andy Holloway predicts a favorable outcome for the Falcons despite the matchup being labeled as “must win”: “It’s going to be cold” ([25:44]).

• Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans: Discussion centers on Joe Mixon’s potential bonus and the Texans’ struggles: “I think I would play Joe Mixon” ([40:58]).

• Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts: The hosts forecast a lackluster performance with minimal impact on starters: “You can confidently start a single player” ([42:15]).

• Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots: Mike Wright debates the viability of starting backup players due to the uncertain performance of both teams: “It doesn’t matter” ([46:00]).

Notable Quote:

Andy Holloway ([21:04]): “It’s going to be cold.”

7. Parlay and Betting Recaps

Timestamp: [47:22] - [48:56]

Mike Wright reviews last week’s successful parlays, noting consistent wins and strategic plays:

• T. Higgins: Evaluated over/under performance with a confident pick: “I’m going with T. Higgins over” ([47:37]).
• Jaden Daniels & JMO Williams: Recommendations based on recent touchdowns and matchup advantages.

Eric Dickerson concurs with selections, emphasizing the importance of leveraging player performance trends to maximize fantasy points.

8. Team Situations and Organizational Dynamics

Timestamp: [35:37] - [44:50]

The hosts discuss broader team dynamics and their impact on fantasy football:

• Chicago Bears: Analysis of the Bears’ disappointing performance, running back Rico Dowdle’s breakout season despite team struggles: “Rico Dowdle is over a thousand” ([31:20]).

• Detroit Lions: Speculation about coaching changes and the potential hiring of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson: “Ben Johnson will have so much power” ([35:51]).

• San Francisco 49ers: Consideration of how roster changes and coaching dynamics affect player performance and fantasy value.

Notable Quote:

Mike Wright ([31:05]): “They have to hold up. Chicago’s 4 and 12, they’re the ninth pick.”

9. Player Performance and Strategic Decisions

Timestamp: [44:25] - [48:56]

Deep dives into individual player performances and strategic roster decisions:

• Josh Downs vs. Alec Pierce: Debate on starting Downs over Pierce based on snap counts and recent performance: “I would start him over Pierce” ([44:31]).

• Keenan Allen’s Future: Speculation on Allen’s potential team moves and fantasy impact: “He won’t get a good opportunity” ([38:07]).

• Jake Ferguson: Discussion on his limited touchdown count and future prospects: “Jake Ferguson, zero touchdown” ([30:20]).

10. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Episodes

Timestamp: [48:56] - [49:42]

The hosts wrap up the episode by previewing upcoming topics such as the “Wheel of Shame” segment and the next fantasy face-off. They encourage listeners to engage with DraftKings promotions and tease future content focused on Week 18 strategies.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway ([15:04]): “I’m going with Jalen Warren against the Cincinnati Bengals.”
• Mike Wright ([10:06]): “I’m going to go with Jared Goff against Minnesota.”
• Eric Dickerson ([29:45]): “Rico Dowdle is over a thousand.”
• Mike Wright ([47:37]): “I will always doubt T. Higgins, brother.”

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides comprehensive coverage of Week 18's fantasy football landscape. From in-depth player analyses and matchup breakdowns to strategic betting insights and team dynamics, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate the final stretch of the fantasy season. Notable discussions on player starts, team performances, and organizational changes offer valuable perspectives for both casual and competitive fantasy managers.

For more insights and detailed breakdowns, tune into future episodes as the hosts continue to guide you through the ever-evolving world of fantasy football.