Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Starts of the Week + Week 2 Breakdown, Smooches!
Release Date: September 12, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with the hosts welcoming listeners and setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of Week 2 matchups in fantasy football. Andy Holloway leads the discussion, accompanied by Jason Moore and Mike Wright, as they delve into player performances, injury updates, and strategic starts for the upcoming week.
2. Challenging Player Rankings
a. Cameron Newton
- Discussion: Jason Moore expresses uncertainty about Cameron Newton's performance after an underwhelming Week 1, citing concerns over his shoulder and reduced rushing yards.
- Quote: Jason Moore: "Cam Newton is a guy that I loved coming into the season... So the matchup at home tonight should be great. But I'm hesitant." [04:18]
b. Todd Gurley
- Discussion: The trio debates Todd Gurley's unpredictable performance, highlighting his high upside versus inconsistent usage.
- Quote: Mike Wright: "Todd Gurley was out there running a bunch of routes. It wasn't that he was off the field..." [07:05]
c. Vance McDonald & Tight Ends
- Discussion: Vance McDonald’s involvement is scrutinized due to limited production despite high route runs. The conversation extends to other tight ends like Mark Andrews and Darren Waller, assessing their reliability and matchups.
- Quote: Andy Holloway: "He has the first tight end ever with 10 plus receptions, 100 yards and a touchdown." [56:46]
3. Injury Updates
a. Hunter Henry (Chargers)
- Details: Suffered a tibia plateau fracture, projected to miss 4-6 weeks.
- Impact: Chargers lose a key tight end, shifting focus to Mike Williams and potential waiver wire pickups like Greg Olsen.
- Quote: Andy Holloway: "Fantasy owners need to move on from Hunter Henry." [09:24]
b. Sam Darnold (Jets)
- Details: Diagnosed with mononucleosis, missing the Monday night game.
- Impact: Backup Trevor Simeon set to start, affecting fantasy quarterback options.
- Quote: Andy Holloway: "Sam Darnold will miss Monday's game with mono." [11:35]
c. Antonio Brown
- Details: Awaiting league's decision on his availability amid legal issues.
- Impact: Uncertainty around his participation affects his status in fantasy lineups.
- Quote: Andy Holloway: "There's a chance... that Antonio Brown will be on the field for Week 2." [14:07]
d. Other Notable Injuries
- Darius Geist (Colts): Torn meniscus, expected out for 6-8 weeks.
- AJ Green (Bengals): Recovering from running on a treadmill post-injury.
- Le'Veon Bell (Jets): Sidelined with a sore shoulder, MRI pending.
- Quote: Andy Holloway: "Darius Geist, though, do people have to drop him if you can't throw him on IR?" [20:20]
4. Player Rankings & Start Recommendations
a. Tight Ends
- Evan Ingram vs. Mark Andrews vs. Darren Waller
- Evan Ingram leads Week 2 as a standout option.
- Mark Andrews shines due to his high target efficiency.
- Darren Waller is highly recommended, especially with favorable matchups.
- Quote: Andy Holloway: "Evan Ingram is the go-to pass catcher besides Barkley." [56:46]
b. Wide Receivers
- Amari Cooper & Michael Gallup (Dallas Cowboys)
- Both are recommended as reliable starts over waiver wire pickups.
- Robert Woods (Rams) highlighted for his role as the primary target against the Saints.
- DK Metcalf (Seahawks) recommended as a flex option.
- Quote: Andy Holloway: "I'd start Gallup over pretty much every single one of those waiver wire pickups." [59:58]
c. Running Backs
- Leonard Fournette vs. Devin Singletary vs. Austin Ekeler
- Leonard Fournette is favored for his volume and role in the offense.
- Devin Singletary emerges as a strong candidate based on his Week 1 performance and snap counts.
- Austin Ekeler is touted as a must-start due to his involvement in both rushing and receiving.
- Quote: Jason Moore: "Devin Singletary has all of the behind the scenes metrics. This says he will." [64:25]
d. Quarterbacks
- Derek Carr vs. Russell Wilson vs. Aaron Rodgers vs. Josh Allen
- Derek Carr is avoided due to a tough matchup, while Russell Wilson is approached with caution.
- Aaron Rodgers is recommended for Week 2 with a favorable home matchup against the Vikings.
- Josh Allen selected as a strong start option, especially if he’s confirmed to play.
- Quote: Andy Holloway: "I like Aaron Rodgers this week. I really, really like it." [51:20]
5. Starts of the Week
a. Tight Ends
- Evan Ingram (TE): Leading Week 2 with remarkable Week 1 stats.
- Mark Andrews (TE): Continues to be a top contender based on his performance and matchup.
- Darren Waller (TE): Considered a top-five play due to favorable defensive matchups.
b. Wide Receivers
- Amari Cooper & Michael Gallup (Dallas Cowboys): Recommended as reliable starts.
- Robert Woods (Rams): Favored for his role as the primary target against a weak Saints defense.
- DK Metcalf (Seahawks): Suggested as a flex option with high upside.
c. Running Backs
- Leonard Fournette (Buccaneers): Favored for his workload and offensive role.
- Devin Singletary (Bills): Highlighted for his significant snap count and Week 1 performance.
- Austin Ekeler (Chargers): Mandated start due to dual-threat capabilities.
d. Quarterbacks
- Aaron Rodgers (Packers): Recommended for his home advantage and strong matchup.
- Josh Allen (Bills): Selected as a starting QB, contingent on his health status.
- Derek Carr and Russell Wilson: Generally avoided due to tough matchups and inconsistency.
e. Kicker
- Greg Zuerlein: Named Boom Boom Kicker of the week, highlighted for his reliable performance.
Quotes:
- Andy Holloway: "Evan Ingram is the first tight end ever with 10 plus receptions, 100 yards and a touchdown." [56:46]
- Jason Moore: "My point is he did this against the Arizona Cardinals. My start of the week is Mark Andrews." [57:42]
- Mike Wright: "Darren Waller is a top five play this week." [58:56]
6. Fantasy Strategy & Insights
The hosts emphasize the importance of flexibility in lineups due to unexpected injuries, such as moving players from flex to positional spots. They also discuss the value of monitoring game scripts and defensive matchups to optimize player starts. Additionally, they touch upon streaming strategies for quarterbacks and the unpredictability of certain offenses affecting wide receiver reliability.
Quote: Andy Holloway: "Fantasy owners will be in a very precarious position to. Give yourself some flexibility. That's the smart way to go." [24:45]
7. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their player starts for Week 2, sharing final thoughts on matchups, and encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the podcast for ongoing fantasy football insights. They also mention their competitive league status and upcoming segments focused on injury updates and player analyses.
Final Quote: Jason Moore: "Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast." [71:40]
Key Takeaways
- Reliable Starts: Focus on players with high involvement and favorable matchups, such as Evan Ingram, Mark Andrews, and Darren Waller for tight ends; Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup for wide receivers; Leonard Fournette and Austin Ekeler for running backs; and Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen for quarterbacks.
- Monitor Injuries: Stay updated on player injuries and adjust lineups accordingly to maximize point potential.
- Flexibility is Crucial: Maintain a flexible lineup to adapt to unforeseen changes and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Streaming Strategy: Utilize streaming tactics for quarterbacks and other positions with variable scoring potential based on weekly matchups.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essential discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Fantasy Footballers' episode, providing valuable guidance for fantasy football enthusiasts preparing for Week 2.