Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast Episode: Starts of the Week + Week 4 Breakdown, Confidence Canoe
Release Date: September 26, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with a brief advertisement for Roman's FDA-approved hair loss treatment before welcoming listeners to the show. Mike Wright humorously comments on Kyle Rudolph's introduction, highlighting his slow cadence and excellent pronunciation during his children's book reading.

2. Week 4 Player Rankings Challenges

Wayne Gallman vs. Robert Woods

• Andy Holloway (02:57): Identifies Wayne Gallman as a challenging player to rank due to his uncertain role and the Minnesota offense's inefficiency. Despite Gallman's potential, Andy remains skeptical about his consistency.

• Jason Moore (03:22): Acknowledges Minnesota's offensive performance last week but shares Andy's doubts about Gallman's reliability.

• Mike Wright (03:41): Mentions that Gallman is a startable asset in some leagues but underscores the uncertainty regarding his team's dependency on him.

  Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (03:22): "But I have a hard time believing in Wayne Gallman. You know, he's still right now in my rankings, a very startable asset."

Sammy Watkins vs. DeMarcus Robinson

• Jason Moore (05:11): Highlights Sammy Watkins as a difficult player to rank due to inconsistent performance and limited targets, despite facing a favorable matchup against the Detroit Lions.

• Andy Holloway (06:30): Points out Watkins' fluctuating performance compared to DeMarcus Robinson, emphasizing Watkins' higher target share.

  Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (05:11): "I have a hard time believing in Wayne Gallman... Sammy Watkins... in the 40s."

3. News and Notes

Melvin Gordon's Return

• Mike Wright (08:25): Announces that Melvin Gordon will report to the Los Angeles Chargers but won't play in Week 4 due to a holdout ending.

• Andy Holloway (08:50): Expresses enthusiasm about Gordon’s return, acknowledging his value as a top running back and fantasy asset.

• Jason Moore (09:27): Reflects on the uncertainty surrounding Gordon’s return and praises early drafters who managed to secure his spot.

  Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (08:50): "We don't want to see him sitting out the whole year or 10 weeks."

Amari Cooper's MRI Update

• Mike Wright (11:02): Reports that Amari Cooper's precautionary MRI results are negative, suggesting he might be available for the next game.
• Jason Moore (11:14): Discusses the implications of the MRI results, seeking clarification on terminology.

Injury Updates

• Andy Holloway (13:23): Shares updates on players like Damian Williams, Ty Hilton, Mike Williams, and Chris Godwin, noting their practice statuses and injuries.

4. Weekly Matchup Previews

Panthers vs. Texans

• Overview (19:00 - 20:33): Discusses the matchup with the Texans favored by 4.5 points and a 47-point over/under. Focuses on quarterback DeSean Watson versus Kyle Allen, evaluating their fantasy viability based on team dynamics and offensive efficiency.

• Andy Holloway (20:01): Praises Christian McCaffrey’s consistency and discusses the reliability of players like Carlos Hyde versus Duke Johnson, favoring Chris Thompson for his explosiveness.

  Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (20:33): "I would scoop him up for sure. If you're in a super flex, have that third quarterback."

Cleveland Browns vs. Ravens

• Overview (26:32 - 28:45): Analyzes the game with the Ravens favored by 6.5 points and a 45.5-point over/under. Focuses on Baker Mayfield’s declining performance versus Lamar Jackson’s consistency.

• Jason Moore (26:32): Decides not to start Baker Mayfield against the Ravens due to his poor touchdown-to-interception ratio.

• Andy Holloway (28:13): Endorses Mark Ingram as a reliable weekly play, citing his high efficiency and volume.

  Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (26:32): "I'm not playing Baker against the Ravens."

Patriots vs. Bills

• Overview (37:00 - 42:21): Discusses the anticipated defensive struggle with a 42.5-point over/under. Evaluates Josh Allen’s QBs performance against the Patriots' stout defense.

• Andy Holloway (38:47): Expresses doubt in the Bills' offensive capabilities against New England’s defense.

• Mike Wright (40:35): Considers starting Darwin Howard due to Buffalo's strong defense limiting opposing QBs.

  Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (41:21): "I really want to start this guy... but I really don't want to play any of them."

Chargers vs. Dolphins

• Overview (42:21 - 43:56): Reviews the Chargers (15.5-point favorites) facing the Dolphins with a 44-point over/under. Highlights running backs like Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson against a weak Dolphins rush defense.

• Andy Holloway (43:49): Recommends starting Justin Jackson for his favorable matchup despite Ekeler’s high volume.

• Mike Wright (43:56): Agrees with targeting Justin Jackson and cautions against starting any Dolphins players.

  Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (42:56): "I actually think Justin Jackson is... he's a flex worthy start this week against this Dolphins."

Raiders vs. Colts

• Overview (46:57 - 53:38): Examines the Colts (7-point favorites) playing the Raiders with a 45.5-point over/under. Focuses on Jacoby Brissette as a streaming option and the potential impact of Ty Hilton’s health on tight end performance.
• Mike Wright (47:06): Prefers Matthew Stafford over Jacoby Brissette due to the expected offensive dynamics.
• Jason Moore (50:07): Emphasizes Eric Ebron as a start based on defensive vulnerabilities.

5. Start of the Week Picks

Tight Ends

• Andy Holloway (54:34): Selects TJ Hawkinson for his involvement and favorable matchup against Kansas City.

• Mike Wright (53:42): Chooses Austin Hooper, citing his consistent target share and the Texans’ defense against tight ends.

• Jason Moore (55:19): Starts Eric Ebron, anticipating increased opportunities due to Ty Hilton’s injury.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Jason Moore (57:29): "I like the narrative that you're bringing up about the likelihood of them having to throw to catch up in this game is very high."
  • Andy Holloway (57:07): "I'm going to make it TJ Hawkinson... if you're watching the game, he's still involved."

Running Backs

• Andy Holloway (61:18): Emphasizes Kerryon Johnson for his volume and matchup against Kansas City’s weak rush defense.

• Jason Moore (62:13): Sticks with Chris Carson, leveraging his efficiency and favorable matchup against the Cardinals.

• Mike Wright (60:43): Highlights James Conner against Cincinnati, acknowledging his struggles but favoring the matchup.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Andy Holloway (61:18): "He is the goal line guy and he will be out there in passing situations too."
  • Jason Moore (62:13): "He's pretty close to a weekly wide receiver to play because it's him and Darren."

Wide Receivers

• Andy Holloway (64:32): Chooses Tyler Boyd for his consistent double-digit targets and strong matchup against the Steelers.

• Jason Moore (64:35): Selects Sterling Shepard, leveraging his matchup against the Raiders' weak pass defense.

• Mike Wright (64:01): Picks Mike Williams for his potential bounce-back performance against Miami.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Andy Holloway (64:32): "Double digit targets out of the slot against the Steelers. I'm all about that life."
  • Mike Wright (64:11): "He's got a great opportunity to take a few extra targets."

Quarterbacks

• Mike Wright (58:42): Selects Russell Wilson for his ability to generate points against a vulnerable Arizona defense.

• Andy Holloway (59:16): Opts for Philip Rivers, favoring his consistency and favorable matchup despite potential travel fatigue.

• Jason Moore (59:16): Starts Matthew Stafford for his deep pass attempts and performance against Kansas City.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Andy Holloway (59:16): "If I had him, I would start him. He does have those weeks where it's very simple."
  • Jason Moore (59:16): "My start of the week, it's Matt Stafford at home against Kansas City."

Kickers

• Andy Holloway (66:19): Selects Will Disley, advocating for his touchdown-scoring ability.

• Mike Wright (66:19): Recommends Will Disley based on matchup and reliability.

• Jason Moore (66:19): Places emphasis on accuracy and matchup, ultimately supporting the hosts' choices.

  Notable Quotes:
  Andy Holloway (66:19): "Will Disley. He's your guy."

6. Humor and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter, joking about topics like power walking, humorous alliterations (e.g., "Confidence Canoe" for Chris Carson), and playful teasing about podcast rules and giveaways. This engaging dialogue adds an entertaining layer to the analytical discussions.

7. Giveaways and Sponsors

• Giveaway Announcement (07:03): Hosts promote a signed Saquon Barkley jersey giveaway in partnership with Pristine Auction, encouraging listeners to visit footclangiveaway.com.
• Sponsor Messages (15:47 & 67:42): The show acknowledges sponsors like Pristine Auction and partners promoting travel destinations like New Mexico.

8. Conclusion

In wrapping up, the hosts reiterate their start of the week picks, encourage listeners to join their fantasy football community, and tease upcoming content, including live social media updates and further analysis. They also humorously conclude with a nod to their sponsor’s auction achievements.

Final Notable Quote:
Jason Moore (67:34): "Appearantly his name is John Matthew Stafford. And now you know. We'll see you tomorrow. Goodbye."

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of Week 4 matchups, player rankings, injury updates, and strategic start-of-the-week picks. The hosts blend expert insights with entertaining discussions, making it a valuable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to optimize their lineups and gain an edge in their leagues.