Fantasy Footballers Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Starts of the Week + Week 6 Breakdown, Smell Tests
Release Date: October 15, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Overview

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the critical starts for Week 6, provide a comprehensive breakdown of upcoming matchups, share essential news and updates from the NFL, and conduct their unique "Smell Tests" to evaluate player conditions and potential performance pitfalls. The discussion is enriched with expert analysis, strategic insights, and memorable quotes, ensuring fantasy managers are well-equipped to optimize their lineups and secure victories in their leagues.

Starts of the Week

"Take it to 100" Picks:

• Jason Moore ([03:36]):

  • McColl Hardman: "Whenever you've got a one-touch man like this that just needs one opportunity to have a great game...call Hardman takes it to 100."
  • Rationale: With Sammy Watkins out, Hardman is expected to see increased snaps and opportunities, especially against Buffalo.

• Mike Wright ([04:34]):

  • Antonio Gibson: "Super disappointing last week... taking on the Giants this week. I think they right the ship with the involvement of Antonio Gibson."
  • Rationale: Gibson's performance is anticipated to improve with Kyle Allen sidelined, providing a valuable flex option.

• Darren Waller ([05:15]):

  • Washington DST: "They're taking on New York... Daniel Jones, turnover machine. I expect Washington to have a fine day."
  • Rationale: Washington's defense has consistently delivered top-tier performances, making them a strong startable asset against the Giants.

News and Updates

• COVID-19 Developments:

  • Falcons: Returned to facilities after recent positive tests ([07:13]).
  • Cam Newton: Activated off the reserve COVID list and set to play against the Buccaneers ([08:05]).

• Player Movements:

  • Le'Veon Bell: Potential signing interests from the Dolphins, Bills, and Chiefs discussed ([09:06]-[12:52]).

• Injury Reports:

  • Keenan Allen: Dealing with back spasms but expected to play ([08:13]).
  • DeAndre Hopkins: Limited practice updates ([30:57]).
  • Odell Beckham Jr.: Sent home due to illness, status uncertain ([51:48]).

Week 6 Forecast and Matchup Analysis

1. Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans ([12:19]):

   • Key Players to Start: A.J. Brown, Derek Henry, John New Smith.
   • Analysis: Titans' efficient offense led by Ryan Tannehill contrasts with Texans' improving play. High scoring potential with a dynamic matchup.

2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts ([18:45]):

   • Key Players to Start: McColl Hardman vs. Tyler Boyd in PPR ([19:53]).
   • Analysis: Colts' robust defense poses challenges for Bengals' QB Joe Burrow. Hardman presents a higher upside in non-PPR formats.

3. Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots ([28:43]):

   • Key Players to Start: Julian Edelman, Cam Newton.
   • Analysis: Patriots receive Cam Newton back, enhancing their offensive prowess against a strong Broncos defense.

4. Washington Football Team vs. New York Giants ([35:40]):

   • Key Players to Start: Devonta Freeman, Philip Lindsay.
   • Analysis: Giants' weak defense against running backs favors Freeman and Lindsay, who can exploit Washington's defensive vulnerabilities.

5. Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles ([38:38]):

   • Key Players to Start: Miles Sanders, Mark Andrews.
   • Analysis: Eagles' high-powered offense against Ravens' solid defense. Sanders is a reliable RB start given the matchup.

6. Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers ([54:08]):

   • Key Players to Start: Big Ben (Ben Roethlisberger), Kareem Hunt, JuJu Smith-Schuster.
   • Analysis: Browns' strong running game against Steelers' formidable run defense creates a compelling clash with potential high fantasy output.

Smell Tests

Evaluating Player Conditions and Matchups:

• Zach Ertz vs. Mark Andrews ([41:22]):

  • Mike Wright: Critiques Ertz's performance and chemistry, suggesting skepticism about his reliability.
  • Jason Moore: Balances Mike's concerns with his own analysis, still leaning towards starting Ertz over other options.

• Odell Beckham Jr. ([52:46]):

  • Discussion: Beckham Jr.'s illness status affects his playability. If active, he presents significant upside against a weak Ravens defense.

• Ty Hilton ([24:08]):

  • Discussion: Evaluates Hilton's inconsistent target volume and reliability, concluding that he remains a risky start unless necessary.

• Noah Fant ([33:58]):

  • Jason Moore: Encourages considering Fant as a trade asset if his limited participation continues against tough defenses.

• DeAndre Hunt vs. Miles Sanders ([55:56]):

  • Darren Waller: Voicing confidence in Hunt's role and Cleveland's blocking prowess against Steelers' run defense.

Start of the Week Highlights

• Quarterbacks:

  • Darren Waller: Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cleveland Browns – "Big Ben is in play as a strong start."
  • Mike Wright: Matthew Stafford – "They get to 500 this week, the Dolphins, for life. Miles, Gas man."
  • Jason Moore: Cam Newton – "He's great for fantasy. He's seventh in points per game despite one bad week."

• Running Backs:

  • Darren Waller: David Montgomery – "David Montgomery week."
  • Mike Wright: Miles Sanders – "Set up for success assuming he's back out on the field."
  • Jason Moore: Ronald Jones II – "Excellent in the last couple of weeks."

• Wide Receivers:

  • Darren Waller: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, Deontay Johnson – "All should have a good game."
  • Mike Wright: Odell Beckham Jr. – "Set up for success assuming he's back out on the field."
  • Jason Moore: A.J. Brown – "Dominant player and should be in your lineup."

• Tight Ends:

  • Darren Waller: TJ Hawkinson – "Nine in points per game."
  • Mike Wright: Evan Ingram – "Enough for me at the tight end position."
  • Jason Moore: Darren Fells – "Falls into the end zone with Titans not great against tight ends."

Conclusions and Recommendations

The Fantasy Footballers provide a strategic approach to Week 6, emphasizing the importance of matchup-based starts and evaluating player conditions meticulously. Key takeaways include:

• Leverage High-Upside Players: Target players like McColl Hardman and Antonio Gibson who have favorable matchups and increased opportunity.

• Defense Plays a Crucial Role: Consider strong defensive units like Washington DST and Pittsburgh Steelers when selecting players facing them.

• Monitor Player Health: Stay updated on player statuses, especially for players like Odell Beckham Jr. and Zach Ertz, whose availability can significantly impact their fantasy value.

• Stay Flexible with Lineups: Utilize the "Smell Tests" to make informed decisions about risky or underperforming players, ensuring optimal lineup performance each week.

By integrating these insights and recommendations, fantasy managers can enhance their strategies, make informed decisions, and increase their chances of winning their leagues with expert guidance from the Fantasy Footballers.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore ([03:35]): "We're looking for a diamond in the rough. Trying to find our Aladdin here."
• Darren Waller ([41:22]): "You can't trust either quarterback in terms of fantasy football."
• Mike Wright ([54:08]): "The Steelers give up a ton of points to opposing wide receivers, too. This is a game where they're going to have to throw the ball."
• Jason Moore ([61:56]): "It's a Zach Ertz game. They need him."

For more detailed analysis and exclusive content, join the Fantasy Footballers community at jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter @the_ffballers.