Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Starts of the Week + Week 3 Breakdown, Right Angle Analysis"

Release Date: September 19, 2019

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike “The Fantasy Hitman” Wright

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts settling into their dynamic rapport, exchanging banter and setting the stage for a comprehensive dive into Week 3 of the NFL season. Mike Wright opens with his characteristic humor, joking about his love for Skittles before transitioning into the main content.

News and Notes

Fantasy League Updates:

• JuJu Smith-Schuster: The hosts share humorous updates about their fantasy leagues, including playing against JuJu Smith-Schuster. Jason Moore remarks, “We are officially playing JuJu Smith-Schuster this week in the Sleeper Bowl” ([07:59]).

• David Njoku Injury: A significant discussion revolves around Brown’s tight end David Njoku, who has suffered a broken wrist. The conversation highlights the importance of securing reliable tight ends, with Al Borland expressing frustration: “No one wants to trade for Delaney Walker” ([05:48]).

Player Updates:

• Sam Darnold & Jacoby Brissette: The hosts discuss Sam Darnold’s confidence in returning for Week 5 and the implications for Jets’ quarterback Jacoby Brissette. Jason Moore notes, “Jets quarterback Sam Darnold has full confidence he'll be ready for the Week 5 matchup against the Eagles” ([11:03]).

• Cam Newton: Updates on Cam Newton indicate he won't be practicing, leading to debates about his availability and performance impact.

Fantasy Forecast

Matchup Analysis:

• Broncos vs. Packers ([22:37] - [27:08]): The Packers are favored with a 7.5-point edge against the Broncos. The hosts delve into the Packers’ defensive strengths and question Denver’s offensive consistency. Al Borland shares his insights on running backs Philip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, stating, “I'm not playing either of them” ([24:41]).

• Falcons vs. Colts ([27:10] - [35:31]): With the Colts being slight favorites, the discussion focuses on Marlon Mack's injury and the potential rise of Jordan Wilkins. Mike Wright emphasizes the importance of Mack, saying, “I'm playing him if he's active” ([16:08]).

• Ravens vs. Chiefs ([34:07] - [47:13]): Lamar Jackson’s burgeoning performance is contrasted with Patrick Mahomes’. The over/under is set at 52.5 points, with the hosts leaning towards the over, expecting high offensive output from both teams.

• Bengals vs. Bills ([38:54] - [41:06]): The Bills are slight favorites, but the hosts anticipate a close game with potential turnovers. Jason Moore strongly recommends starting Josh Allen, declaring, “You must start Josh Allen in this game” ([40:32]).

• Jets vs. Patriots ([46:27] - [54:56]): The Patriots are heavy favorites, but strategic plays involving tight ends like Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are analyzed for potential high returns. Al Borland advocates for playing Brown despite uncertainties around Edelman and Gordon.

Implied Point Totals:

The hosts explain the concept of implied point totals based on game lines, aiding fantasy managers in projecting player performances. For instance, in the Broncos vs. Packers game, the implied points are 25 for the Packers and 17 for the Broncos ([22:37]).

Starts of the Week

Quarterbacks:

• Jason's Pick: Josh Allen vs. Cincinnati Bengals. Highlighted as “perennially undervalued” with strong rushing attempts ([57:25]).

• Al’s Pick: Aaron Rodgers vs. Denver Broncos. Despite Denver’s defense, Al remains confident in Rodgers’ performance ([58:39]).

Running Backs:

• Jason's Pick: Marlon Mack vs. Colts. Despite injury concerns, if active, Mack remains a top choice ([59:25]).

• Al’s Pick: Carlos Hyde vs. Chargers. Hyde’s rejuvenated performance under Bill O’Brien is emphasized ([60:40]).

• Mike's Pick: Frank Gore vs. Ravens. Positioned as a reliable but not top-tier starter, expecting high volume ([58:44]).

Wide Receivers:

• Jason's Pick: Mike Evans vs. New York Jets. Looking for consistent targets and play opportunities ([60:53]).

• Al’s Pick: Kenny G vs. Detroit Lions. Improved target share and rapport with Matt Stafford make him a solid start ([62:16]).

• Mike's Pick: Larry Fitzgerald vs. Baltimore Ravens. Veteran reliability and favorable matchup ([60:51]).

Tight Ends:

• Jason's Pick: O.J. Howard vs. Arizona Cardinals. Post-interception motivation and consistent targets make him a prime start ([63:14]).

• Al’s Pick: Greg Olson vs. Arizona Cardinals. Secondary tight end option with strong target share ([63:55]).

• Mike's Pick: Vance McDonald vs. Denver Broncos. Two-touchdown game potential and connection with Mason Rudolph ([62:26]).

Kickers:

• Jason's Pick: N/A (focuses on streamable options rather than specific kicker picks).

• Mike's Pick: Harrison Butker vs. Kansas City Chiefs. Reliable option, recommended to consider a kicker against the Chiefs' defense ([64:30]).

Right Angle Analysis

A focused segment on kicker performance and potential streaming strategies. Jason Moore humorously suggests considering kickers as startable positions with fluctuating performance, highlighting Harrison Butker as a top choice against the Chiefs due to Denver’s inflated fantasy point expectations ([64:30]).

In-Depth Player Discussions

David Njoku ([09:41] - [12:08]):

David Njoku’s injury status sparks debate on whether to drop him. Mike Wright emphasizes caution: “I would not roster those guys for a month” ([11:04]).

Marlon Mack’s Calf Injury ([13:37] - [16:38]):

The Colts’ running back Marlon Mack’s calf injury leads to discussions about his availability and the rise of Jordan Wilkins. Al Borland expresses concern over Mack’s potential retirement due to recurring injuries ([15:40]).

Le’Veon Bell vs. Josh Gordon ([46:43] - [55:35]):

The tight end battle between Le’Veon Bell and Josh Gordon is dissected, with Borland favoring Bell for his PPR (Points Per Reception) value, while Wright remains cautious about Gordon’s inconsistency ([47:07]).

Humorous Interludes and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted exchanges, such as joking about Jersey swapping, their fantasy league antics, and playful insults, enhancing the show’s entertaining atmosphere. Notably, the segment where they name TJ Hawkinson humorously as “Hockstrap” ([56:25]).

Listener Engagement and Recommendations

Listeners are encouraged to join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com for additional perks, including consistency charts and premium projections. The hosts also promote their social media presence, urging fans to follow them on Twitter and other platforms for real-time updates.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a recap of the week's starts, emphasizing strategic plays and the importance of staying updated on player statuses. The hosts sign off with reminders about upcoming content, including signed memorabilia offers and daily steals via pristineauction.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore on Starting Josh Allen: "You must start Josh Allen in this game." ([40:32])

• Al Borland on David Njoku: "No one wants to trade for Delaney Walker." ([05:48])

• Mike Wright on Marlon Mack: "I'm playing him if he's active." ([59:25])

• Jason Moore on Aaron Rodgers: "Aaron Rodgers has his first quarterback one game of the season." ([27:08])

• Al Borland on Le’Veon Bell: "Negative 21 air yards. Is a dominant PPR running back right now." ([47:07])

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers delivers a thorough analysis of Week 3 matchups, player performances, and strategic starts, all infused with the hosts' signature humor and expertise. Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to fantasy football, the insights shared provide valuable guidance to optimize your lineup and navigate the fantasy landscape effectively.