Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Starts of the Week, Wk 2 Matchups, Boils + Beasles Release Date: September 13, 2018

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into Week 2 matchups, discuss optimal player starts, and address listener questions regarding trades. The trio provides in-depth analysis, strategic insights, and actionable advice to help fantasy managers optimize their lineups and trades.

Listener Question: Evaluating Trades

A listener from Chicago, Aaron, posed a question about determining reasonable trade offers to avoid wasting other managers' time with unbalanced deals.

Mike Wright offered the following advice:

"[04:16] So the step number one is you ask yourself, does this trade actually make the other team better or does it just make my team better? Because if it's one of those trades where you go, man, it's gonna be great if they accept this because my team is gonna be so much better. I, and I'm going to win and dominate this trade, then it's a bad offer."

Mike emphasized the importance of crafting trades that benefit both teams to increase the likelihood of acceptance. He further advised considering all parties involved and ensuring that the trade doesn't disproportionately favor one team over the other.

Jason Moore concurred, adding insights on multi-player trades:

"[05:22] …when there is a two for one trade, where you're trading two players for one better player, the better player is usually the side you want."

He highlighted that such trades should improve the starter positions without compromising roster depth, advising managers to evaluate the overall impact rather than just the immediate benefits.

Player and Team News

Rex Burkhead and the New England Patriots

Andy Holloway raised concerns about Patriots' running back Rex Burkhead being in concussion protocol:

"[07:13] Rex Burkhead is in the concussion protocol, but was spotted in pads on Wednesday doing individual drills."

Mike Wright remained optimistic about Burkhead's role:

"[08:14] It's wherever it was entering the season, which is… I still believe in Rex Burkhead long term."

He acknowledged Burkhead's versatility as a pass-catcher and his potential impact when fully healthy, though he noted concerns about Sony Michel potentially taking on a larger role in goal-line situations.

Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota

Andy Holloway shared updates on Marcus Mariota’s availability:

"[10:09] Marcus Mariota should be good to go for Week two against the Texans."

This development was seen as positive for pass-catching options like Corey Davis. Jason Moore suggested that Davis could represent a buy-low opportunity given Mariota's potential impact on his targets.

Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen

The discussion shifted to Bills' rookie quarterback Josh Allen and his upcoming start against the Texans. Andy Holloway expressed cautious optimism:

"[27:05] I'm expecting competence. I'm expecting him to be able to look."

He anticipated that the game script would favor running backs like Lashawn McCoy and Kelvin Benjamin over Allen himself, though Jason Moore maintained a slightly more optimistic view on Allen's fantasy potential.

Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers

A major focus was the interdivisional matchup between the Vikings and Packers, hinging on Aaron Rodgers' participation.

Andy Holloway highlighted the Vikings' offensive performance from Week 1 and Dalvin Cook's emerging role:

"[29:39] …Dalvin Cook was the surprise. …he impressed me with his, you know, rushing and passing ability."

Jason Moore discussed the potential trade value of Cook, noting his consistent usage and performance despite some early-season reservations.

Mike Wright addressed concerns about tight end Kyle Rudolph’s reliability, suggesting that managers consider trading him for more dependable options after an inconsistent Week 1 performance.

Week 2 Matchups Discussion

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

The Panthers face the Falcons as six-point favorites. With Falcons' Greg Olsen sidelined, Jason Moore identified Christian McCaffrey and Devin Funches as primary beneficiaries:

"[17:24] From Greg Olson missing. I think the primary beneficiary is Christian McCaffrey. … Christian McCaffrey would be all three of our starts of the week if he wasn't obvious."

Andy Holloway underscored McCaffrey’s increased targets and Funches' elevated role due to Olsen's absence, highlighting their potential for significant fantasy contributions.

Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers

In this high-profile matchup, the hosts debated whether to start Patrick Mahomes or Ben Roethlisberger (Big Ben).

Jason Moore rated Mahomes higher, suggesting his explosive potential despite the Steelers' motivated defense:

"[41:52] …I view this as another back and forth shootout. There's every single player I want with the exception of one big question."

Conversely, Andy Holloway expressed concern over Mahomes facing a formidable Steelers defense:

"[43:12] reading what I saw from Pat Mahomes last week and knowing the fact that this Steelers defense is motivated, … I think that, you know, what other options are you going to put in?"

The discussion highlighted the balance between Mahomes' high ceiling and the safety of starting Big Ben against a struggling Chiefs defense.

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Nick Foles confirmed to start for the Eagles, the conversation turned to his fantasy prospects against the Buccaneers' defense.

Jason Moore recommended Eduardo Aguilar and Mike Wallace as reliable targets:

"[44:56] You can count on Nelson Aguilar in full point leagues because he was the clear cut target. … I think Chad Williams, the youngsters. The one person that you saw him have a rapport with in preseason was Ricky Seals Jones and the opportunity for them."

Mike Wright discussed running backs Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles, favoring Ajayi's potential over Sproles' predictable usage:

"[46:06] So I think Ricky Seals Jones is a guaranteed tight end four through six this week."

Starts of the Week

The hosts shared their recommended starts across various positions, emphasizing matchups and player performance projections.

Wide Receivers

• Andy Holloway: Josh Gordon

  "[48:51] …Gordon is a manhandler of DBs. He's going to have his opportunities…"

• Mike Wright: Devin Funches

  "[50:29] …Devin Funches … has shot up nearly five PPR points a game when Greg Olsen is out."

• Jason Moore: Juju Smith-Schuster

  "[51:39] …he just looks like a star. … Juju is just a great player."

Quarterbacks

• Andy Holloway: Ben Roethlisberger (Big Ben)

  "[53:26] Big Ben is going to light it up this week."

• Mike Wright: Jimmy Garoppolo

  "[54:53] Jimmy Garoppolo is a fantastic start this week."

• Jason Moore: Alex Smith

  "[55:19] He's a quarterback one this. … a star of the week."

Running Backs

• Andy Holloway: Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson

  "[57:08] …Adrian Peterson against the same Colts as my start of the week. … Chris Thompson leads the league in both yards per reception and yards after contact on reception."

• Mike Wright: Royce Freeman

  "[58:22] …Royce Freeman, Denver Broncos running back. … he ran 15 times for 71 yards and a touchdown."

• Jason Moore: Chris Thompson and Juju Smith-Schuster

  "[58:36] …he leads the league in both yards per reception and yards after contact on reception."

Tight Ends

• Andy Holloway: Ricky Seals-Jones

  "[62:11] …Ricky Seals-Jones is a guaranteed tight end four through six this week."

• Mike Wright: Jack Doyle

  "[62:24] …Jack Doyle, especially if you're talking the Doyle Ebron split."

• Jason Moore: George Kittle

  "[63:57] …George Kittle was everybody's favorite waiver wire pickup this week for good reason."

Kickers

• Jason Moore: Will Lutz

  "[65:47] Boom boom kicker of the week. Last week's boom boom was a kick in the nuts. This week will be better with the Saints kicker, Will Lutz."

Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers provided comprehensive insights into Week 2 matchups, player performances, and strategic starts. They emphasized the importance of understanding matchups, player roles, and injury impacts to make informed decisions. The hosts concluded by reminding listeners of upcoming episodes for further matchup analysis and fantasy football advice.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright on Trade Evaluations [04:16]:

  "Does this trade actually make the other team better or does it just make my team better? If it's just benefiting my team, then it's a bad offer."

• Jason Moore on Trade Balance [05:22]:

  "When there is a two for one trade, where you're trading two players for one better player, the better player is usually the side you want."

• Andy Holloway on Christian McCaffrey [18:09]:

  "With Greg Olsen missing, Christian McCaffrey can really shine and become a primary target."

• Jason Moore on Corey Davis [11:39]:

  "Corey Davis is someone you could buy low on and see his efficiency go up with Mariota out."

• Mike Wright on Josh Allen's Start [27:11]:

  "Josh Allen has an unfathomably powerful arm and great rushing ability, which can translate well in fantasy."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and recommendations from the Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode, providing valuable information for both seasoned and new fantasy football enthusiasts.