Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Starts of the Week + Wk 14 Matchups, Jason’s Back!"

Release Date: December 6, 2018

The Fantasy Footballers trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—delve into critical fantasy football updates and strategic forecasts in their December 6, 2018 episode. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their discussions, providing valuable insights for fantasy managers gearing up for Week 14 matchups.

1. Emmanuel Sanders’ Season-Ending Injury

The episode opens with a significant update regarding Emmanuel Sanders of the Denver Broncos. Sanders suffered a torn Achilles tendon during practice, confirming his placement on injured reserve and effectively ending his season.

• Jason Moore ([02:38]): "Emmanuel Sanders... is about to be placed on IR. His season is over. It's going to be a long road back."

The hosts discuss the implications of Sanders' injury, highlighting Denver’s potential to cut him due to his hefty $10.2 million salary, juxtaposed against the $2.6 million dead cap hit.

• Cortland Sutton ([03:23]): "Emmanuel Sanders is about 10 years older... The timeline for recovery says he's not ready for the start of the season at all."

With Sanders out, fantasy managers are advised to pivot towards emerging players like Daeshun Hamilton, who has shown promise in Sanders' absence.

• Cortland Sutton ([05:29]): "Daeshun Hamilton is the player to add. He’s a very polished wide receiver with incredible routes."

2. Player Performance and Team Updates

The discussion shifts to other team updates and player performances impacting fantasy decisions.

• Marquis Goodwin: Returned to practice, affecting Dante Pettis' usage.

  • Andy Holloway ([09:20]): "Marquis Goodwin returned to practice. This tempers Dante Pettis quite a bit."

• Melvin Gordon and Philip Lindsay: Both remain sidelined, limiting their availability for Week 14.

  • Jason Moore ([10:58]): "Melvin Gordon owners may have to brace for minimal production against the Bengals."

3. Week 14 Matchup Forecasts

The trio provides in-depth analyses of key Week 14 matchups, offering strategic advice for fantasy managers.

Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

A divisional game facing cold weather conditions, with Buffalo’s Josh Allen emerging as a pivotal figure.

• Jason Moore ([13:00]): "Josh Allen is going to legitimize himself as a real option if this and next week have the kind of rushing yardage he's put up recently."

• Cortland Sutton ([14:59]): "Josh Allen against the Jets is a top five upside play."

Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers

Highlighting Aaron Rodgers’ potential resurgence under new management, the game presents a high over/under of 50 points.

• Jason Moore ([27:07]): "I disagree with those down on Aaron Rodgers. He’s a top five quarterback, especially at home against the Jets."

• Andy Holloway ([29:36]): "Aaron Rodgers is my start of the week... He has Randall Cobb and a solid running game backing him up."

Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs

With the Chiefs nearing the playoffs and Lamar Jackson returning for the Ravens, this matchup is crucial.

• Jason Moore ([35:19]): "Lamar Jackson is top 12 for me. Despite fears of playing at Arrowhead, he remains a safe play with a high ceiling."

• Cortland Sutton ([38:31]): "Aaron Jones against the Packers remains a reliable option."

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins

A divisional showdown with the Patriots historically dominating fantasy playoffs.

• Jason Moore ([44:37]): "Tom Brady has not been a quarterback one in the last six weeks, currently ranked 13th."

• Cortland Sutton ([54:27]): "Andrew Luck remains a strong start with favorable matchups."

4. Start of the Week Recommendations

The hosts reveal their top picks for the fantasy playoffs, focusing on quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.

Quarterbacks

• Jason Moore: Aaron Rodgers is his top pick for the week, emphasizing Rodgers’ potential to ascend the top rankings.

  • Jason Moore ([51:46]): "Aaron Rodgers against Atlanta at home is a top five performance this week. Start of the week."

• Cortland Sutton: Andrew Luck is recommended despite recent struggles, citing his consistent performance from weeks four through twelve.

  • Cortland Sutton ([62:25]): "Andrew Luck is safe for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Trust in his performance remains strong."

Running Backs

• Adrian Peterson emerges as a must-start, especially against the Giants’ defense.

  • Jason Moore ([54:03]): "Adrian Peterson against the Giants is RB10 this week. Extremely safe and reliable."

• Dalvin Cook and Justin Jackson are also highlighted for their strong matchups and potential for high scores.

Wide Receivers

• Cortland Sutton: Emmanuel Sanders’ absence makes emerging wide receivers like Mark Andrews viable options.

  • Cortland Sutton ([62:25]): "Emmanuel Sanders is out, making Mark Andrews a strong start over Ian Thomas."

• Chris Godwin is touted for his favorable matchup against the Saints’ defense.

  • Andy Holloway ([61:10]): "Chris Godwin against San Francisco is a must-start."

Tight Ends

• The discussion centers around reliable options amidst a shaky tight end pool.

  • Andy Holloway ([61:32]): "Jalen Samuels is a must-start at tight end with Austin Hooper as a solid alternative."

  • Jason Moore ([63:50]): "CJ Uzama is a preferable start over Ian Thomas in desperate situations."

Kickers

• Kaimi Fairbairn of the Texans is selected as the boom boom kicker, praised for his consistent performance.

  • Andy Holloway ([66:43]): "Kaimi Fairbairn is a good kicker this year and my boom boom kicker of the week."

5. Strategic Insights and Final Thoughts

The hosts emphasize the importance of adaptability and making informed decisions based on matchups and player health.

• Jason Moore ([15:52]): "Can you handle mentally preparing and losing with big names on the bench? That's the question."

• Cortland Sutton ([62:26]): "Cortland Sutton becomes a strong start. Emmanuel Sanders is gone, making room for emerging talents."

The episode concludes with a nod to the holiday season, promoting Omaha Steaks as a sponsor, and encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the Fantasy Footballers community for ongoing fantasy insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore ([02:38]): "Emmanuel Sanders... is about to be placed on IR. His season is over. It's going to be a long road back."

• Cortland Sutton ([03:23]): "Emmanuel Sanders is about 10 years older... The timeline for recovery says he's not ready for the start of the season at all."

• Jason Moore ([27:07]): "I disagree with those down on Aaron Rodgers. He’s a top five quarterback, especially at home against the Jets."

• Jason Moore ([51:46]): "Aaron Rodgers against Atlanta at home is a top five performance this week. Start of the week."

• Jason Moore ([54:03]): "Adrian Peterson against the Giants is RB10 this week. Extremely safe and reliable."

• Andy Holloway ([66:43]): "Kaimi Fairbairn is a good kicker this year and my boom boom kicker of the week."

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast provides a strategic deep dive into Week 14, offering actionable insights and starting recommendations crucial for fantasy football playoff success. Whether navigating injuries, optimizing matchups, or selecting dependable players, the hosts' expert analysis equips listeners with the tools needed to potentially secure their league victory.