Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Starts of the Week + Week 8 Breakdown, Middle School Memories
Release Date: October 24, 2019

1. Opening Banter and Introductions

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Jason Moore and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, welcoming listeners in the absence of their regular host, Andy Holloway, who is sidelined due to illness. Mike humorously laments, “I'm not gonna miss it this time,” highlighting his commitment to the show despite recent setbacks (02:21).

2. Middle School Memories

A segment titled "Middle School Memories" invites the hosts to reflect on NFL players who remind them of their younger selves:

• Jason Moore draws a parallel between himself and Baker Mayfield, stating, “I thought I was the shiz... I was super funny, and I loved sports. I could beat anybody at sports. And then it turned out I wasn't as good as I thought I was” (04:28). He relates this to Mayfield's current performance in the NFL.

• Mike Wright humorously compares himself to Tom Brady, noting Brady's transformation from a “sloppy and a weird looking dude in college” to the legendary quarterback he is today (05:56).

3. News and Updates

The hosts delve into the latest NFL news impacting fantasy football:

• Arizona Cardinals’ Roster Moves: The Cardinals have signed Alfred Morris and Zach Zenner amidst uncertainty surrounding David Johnson’s availability. Jason expresses skepticism about Johnson’s participation this week, stating, “I think they had to sign two players” due to injuries (07:07).

• Patriots’ Josh Gordon: The Patriots have placed Josh Gordon on injured reserve, effectively ending his 2019 season. Discussions hint at his potential release once healthy, freeing him up for other teams (^08:36^).

• Drew Brees’ Status: Questions arise about whether Drew Brees will play against the Cardinals. Jason remains doubtful, “there is a 0% chance of Drew Brees playing” despite Brees’ expectation to participate (09:38).

• Seattle Seahawks Updates: Tyrell Williams returns to practice, and Sammy Watkins is expected to play. Jason questions Watkins' effectiveness with Matt Moore as quarterback (14:25).

4. Matchup Breakdown

The hosts analyze several key matchups for Week 8, offering player insights and fantasy recommendations:

Seahawks vs. Falcons

• Matt Ryan’s Availability: Should Matt Ryan play, he's considered a solid start given the Falcons' leaky defense. Jason believes, “Russell Wilson has been fantastic for fantasy purposes” and emphasizes Ryan’s potential impact (17:49).

• Wide Receivers Focus: DK Metcalf and Calvin Ridley emerge as strong receivers against the Falcons. Jason highlights Metcalf’s red-zone prowess and Ridley’s increasing target share due to Mohammed Sanu's departure (20:10).

Cardinals vs. Saints

• Kyler Murray vs. Drew Brees: Jason advises cautious optimism for Kyler Murray, acknowledging the hostile environment but still endorsing him as a startable QB (23:18).

• Tight Ends Consideration: O.J. Howard was initially recommended but later questioned due to his absence from practice, leading to a pivot towards Cameron Brady (55:20).

Chargers vs. Bears

• Running Backs Dilemma: With Melvin Gordon underperforming, Jason supports starting David Montgomery as the Chargers struggle against the run (27:30).

• Wide Receiver Strategy: Despite a tough matchup, Keenan Allen remains a reliable start due to his high target share and consistent involvement (33:04).

Jets vs. Jaguars

• Quarterback Choices: Sam Darnold is a contentious pick. Jason remains skeptical but suggests starting him if key players like Herndon are active (36:18).

• Wide Receivers: DJ Chark stands out as a top option due to favorable defensive matchups (39:09).

Giants vs. Lions

• Quarterback Streams: Matthew Stafford is highlighted as a strong streamable QB against the Giants’ stout defense (42:24).

• Running Backs Focus: Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissick are recommended for their expected workload and favorable matchup against the Giants’ defense (43:04).

Buccaneers vs. Titans

• Quarterback Selection: Ryan Tannehill is preferred over Jameis Winston due to the Titans’ formidable run defense, which could limit Winston’s effectiveness (49:47).

• Wide Receivers: Corey Davis and A.J. Brown are intriguing options against the Buccaneers’ weak defense for wide receivers (53:47).

5. Starts of the Week

The hosts provide their top player recommendations to start for Week 8:

• Wide Receivers:

  • Kenny Golladay: Despite a recent dip, his matchup against the Giants presents a high ceiling.
  • John Brown: Benefiting from Mitchell Trubisky’s throws and poor pass defense by the Bears.

• Running Backs:

  • LaShawn McCoy: Set to have a favorable matchup against the Broncos, expected to see significant carries.

• Quarterbacks:

  • Josh Allen: Recommended for his dual-threat capabilities against the Eagles’ vulnerable defense.

6. Kicker of the Week

Jason Moore crowns Greg Zuerlein as the Boom Boom Kicker of the Week, lauding his reliability and potential to excel in the upcoming week (64:34). He humorously remarks, “This week's locked and loaded Boom Boom is sure fine,” emphasizing Zuerlein’s playability.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore: “I thought I was the shiz... I was super funny, and I loved sports. I could beat anybody at sports.” (04:28)
• Mike Wright: “Tom Brady wasn't always like, fashionable, handsome. Sure he was. He was sloppy and a weird looking dude in college.” (05:56)
• Jason Moore: “If Matt Ryan plays, I am fine putting him in my lineup.” (10:07)
• Mike Wright: “Transformative season for Calvin Ridley. Calvin Ridley is going to be a great player. Yes.” (20:16)
• Jason Moore: “Keenan Allen is still 24% market share. That's a good number. He's going to get his…” (34:25)
• Mike Wright: “I'm leaning Tannehill. I think I like Tannehill as well.” (52:02)

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating their player recommendations and encouraging listeners to engage with their community through JoinTheFoot.com. They emphasize strategic starts and leveraging favorable matchups to maximize fantasy football success for the week ahead.

This summary captures the essence of the Fantasy Footballers’ Week 8 episode, providing key insights and actionable advice for fantasy football enthusiasts.