Starts of the Week, Wk 6 Matchups, Dad is Back

Summary

Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast Episode Title: Starts of the Week, Wk 6 Matchups, Dad is Back
Release Date: October 11, 2018

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Episode Overview

In this episode of Fantasy Footballers, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into Week 6 of the NFL season. They provide comprehensive analyses of key matchups, offer strategic fantasy football advice, update listeners on player news, and reveal their "Start of the Week" picks. Throughout the show, the trio engages in lively banter, ensuring both informative content and entertaining discussion for fantasy football enthusiasts.

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1. Episode Kickoff and Banter

The episode begins with the hosts engaging in their signature playful banter, setting an energetic tone for the show.

• Mike Wright (00:56): "Welcome in."
• Jason Moore (01:07): "Jason tried to burn down the building."
• Mike Wright (01:08): "I listened in to the show, and he was spitting hot fire... Jason was on the next level."
• Jason Moore (01:25): "He's a blowtorch."

This light-hearted exchange establishes the camaraderie among the hosts, making the content approachable and engaging.

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2. Listener Engagement and Promotions

While advertisements and promotions are typically part of the podcast, the hosts ensure they transition smoothly into the main content without lingering too long on non-essential segments.

• Andy Holloway (01:04): "We're glad to have you back. Papa."
• Jason Moore (03:14): Promotes FootClanVote.com (03:14-03:43), encouraging listeners to support the podcast in award nominations.
• Andy Holloway (18:59): Highlights Pristine Auction (pristineauction.com) as a go-to for authentic signed sports memorabilia.

These promotions are brief and seamlessly integrated, ensuring they don't detract from the episode's primary focus.

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3. Fantasy Forecast: Maintaining Energy in Week 6

A listener named Anthony from Atlanta poses a question about the dip in energy and excitement around the new season as Week 6 approaches. He seeks advice on maintaining momentum and leveraging league mates who might be losing interest.

• Anthony's Question (04:02): "Week six seems to be where the energy and excitement around the new season starts to die down. How do you keep your energy up and possibly take advantage of league mates that are not paying as much attention anymore?"

Host Responses:

• Mike Wright (04:44): Emphasizes the importance of building a routine and staying engaged: "I think it's just about building that routine up."

• Andy Holloway (04:40): Encourages turning negative emotions into positive energy: "You have to turn your anger, your depression... into power."

• Jason Moore (05:03): Adds humor while agreeing with the sentiment: "You have like a flying device made of butterflies."

Key Insight: Maintaining enthusiasm in fantasy football requires strategic engagement and mental resilience. The hosts suggest staying informed, actively managing your team, and using any waning interest from competitors to your advantage by making timely trades and pickups.

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4. News and Player Updates

The hosts provide updates on several NFL players, focusing on injuries and their potential impact on fantasy football lineups.

• Devonta Freeman (07:28-09:36):

  • Injury Update: Freeman is battling a bone contusion in his foot, a new injury following a previous knee contusion.
  • Fantasy Implication: Both Andy and Jason express concern about Freeman's availability and performance, suggesting pulling him out of lineups or seeking alternatives like Alex Collins or Edo Smith.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Mike Wright (08:44): "Devonta Freeman... I have him pulled out of my lineup right now."

• Cooper Kupp and Brandon Cooks (10:17-11:02):

  • Concussion Reports: Both players are progressing well through concussion protocols, indicating they might be available.
  • Fantasy Tip: If they continue to show progress, they could be reliable starters for their respective teams.

• Eric Ebron (12:00-13:03):

  • Injury Details: Ebron is dealing with multiple leg issues but appears on track to play.
  • Fantasy Advice: Despite injuries, Ebron remains a valuable tight end option due to his volume of targets.

• Isaiah Crowell and Jack Doyle (11:31-14:02):

  • Crowell: Not expected to play against the Jets, impacting his fantasy value.
  • Doyle: Officially out, leading to increased opportunities for Corey Clement and Wendell Smallwood.

Key Takeaway: Staying updated on player injuries and recovery statuses is crucial. The hosts advise monitoring news closely to make informed decisions about your fantasy roster, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and readiness to adjust lineups based on the latest developments.

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5. Matchup Analysis and Fantasy Advice

The core segment of the episode revolves around dissecting key NFL matchups for Week 6 and providing tailored fantasy football advice.

A. New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions

• Host Commentary:

  • Andy Holloway (20:41): Highlights the Lions' improvement and the intrigue within their division.
  • Mike Wright (20:53): Expresses a desire to watch every game in the division due to its unpredictability.

• Fantasy Insight:

  • The Lions, despite a rough start, are showing signs of becoming a formidable team. This could impact fantasy decisions regarding players like Kenny Galladay and carry-on Johnson.

B. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons

• Game Overview:

  • Prediction: Buccaneers favored by 3.5 points with a high over/under of 57.5.
  • Key Player Focus: Jameis Winston and Cameron Brate for Tampa Bay; Matt Ryan and Julio Jones for Atlanta.

• Fantasy Recommendations:

  • Jameis Winston (22:11): Suggested as a favorable QB option due to Atlanta's defensive vulnerabilities.
  • Julio Jones (27:18): Andy predicts a breakout performance, making him a must-start wide receiver.
  • Austin Hooper (28:19): Recommended as a top 12 tight end due to consistent volume.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jason Moore (24:15): "Winston threw for over 300 yards in six of 13 games... he is an absolute yardage machine."
  • Andy Holloway (28:42): "Julio scores this week. So the win will come at the end of the week."

Key Strategy: Leveraging the strengths of quarterbacks in favorable matchups can significantly enhance your fantasy team's performance. Additionally, targeting high-volume receivers like Julio Jones and reliable tight ends such as Austin Hooper can provide consistent points.

C. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

• Game Overview:

  • Prediction: Bengals favored by 2.5 points with a moderate over/under of 52.5.

• Fantasy Focus:

  • Tyler Boyd (30:09): Despite a lackluster previous performance, he remains the number two target and is recommended as a must-start.
  • C.J. Uzama (32:36): Favored over Austin Hooper due to effective utilization in red zone plays.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Andy Holloway (30:49): "Tyler Boyd is still the absolute number two target in this offense."
  • Jason Moore (31:18): "He's a must start."

Key Strategy: Consistency in target volume is paramount. Even if a player's recent performance dips, as long as they remain a primary target in their offense, they can still be valuable fantasy assets.

D. Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Chargers

• Game Overview:

  • Prediction: Browns are slight underdogs with a 45-point over/under.
  • Key Player Focus: David Njoku and Evan Ingram for the Browns; Khalil Mack and Josh Gordon for the Chargers.

• Fantasy Recommendations:

  • David Njoku (40:16): Emerging tight end with increasing targets; a potential breakout candidate.
  • Antonio Callaway (37:39): Suggested for leagues needing a wide receiver with upside, especially against a Chargers defense that has been inconsistent.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Andy Holloway (51:21): "If you can package trade him [David Johnson], I will say it until I'm blue in the face."
  • Mike Wright (41:28): "They have allowed the second most tight end fantasy points per game to the Chargers."

Key Strategy: Identifying breakout candidates and undervalued players can provide significant advantages. Monitoring the Chargers' defensive weaknesses against tight ends and wide receivers can guide effective roster decisions.

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6. Start of the Week Picks

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts announce their "Start of the Week" selections, highlighting key players they believe will excel in Week 6.

A. Running Backs

• Marshawn Lynch (54:29):

  • Team: Seattle Seahawks
  • Analysis: Lynch is deemed a game-script dependent RB1, especially in a motivational matchup against his former team, the Oakland Raiders.
  • Quote:
    • Andy Holloway (55:51): "He's second in the league in rushing yards... fourth in rushing touchdowns."

• James White (56:01):

  • Team: New England Patriots
  • Analysis: Despite being a running back, White's versatility and involvement in the passing game make him a top start.
  • Quote:
    • Andy Holloway (57:48): "He's second best in the league in rushing touchdowns... a top 15 wide receiver of the week."

• Jason Moore (58:52): Prefers Marshawn Lynch's explosive potential over James White's steady performance.

B. Wide Receivers

• Robert Woods (59:10):

  • Team: Los Angeles Rams
  • Analysis: Woods is expected to have a substantial game against Denver, who have a respectable defense at home.
  • Quote:
    • Andy Holloway (60:17): "He's going to be a top 15 wide receiver this week."

• Jarvis Landry (59:10):

  • Team: Cleveland Browns
  • Analysis: Landry is anticipated to break out with significant receiving opportunities against Denver's defense.
  • Quote:
    • Mike Wright (59:10): "Jarvis Landry is the guy that I want Blizzard."

C. Kickers

• Dan Bailey (64:58):

  • Team: Minnesota Vikings
  • Analysis: After a previous miss, the hosts are optimistic about Bailey's performance against a favorable matchup.
  • Quote:
    • Andy Holloway (65:06): "That would have been awesome."

• George Kittle (62:36):

  • Team: San Francisco 49ers
  • Analysis: As a dominant tight end, Kittle is expected to thrive, making him a valuable type of player to "stack" with his quarterback.
  • Quote:
    • Andy Holloway (63:20): "He is a beast. Freak athlete."

Key Strategy: Selecting players with favorable matchups and high usage rates can significantly boost your fantasy team's performance. The hosts emphasize the importance of considering both player potential and opposition weaknesses when making start-of-week decisions.

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7. Closing Remarks and Final Insights

As the episode wraps up, the hosts share additional tips and reiterate their promotional messages.

• Final Fantasy Tips:

  • Emphasize starting high-volume players and leveraging stacking strategies to maximize points.
  • Encourage listening to the hosts' picks and analyses to inform lineup decisions.

• Promotional Reminders:

  • FootClanVote.com: Support the podcast in award nominations.
  • Pristine Auction: Source for authentic signed sports memorabilia.
  • Social Media: Follow on Twitter at @theffballers and join their community at jointhefoot.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (65:44): "Hey, check out footclanvote.com carry us to another victory."
• Andy Holloway (65:56): "Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast."

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Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Footballers serves as a comprehensive guide for fantasy football managers gearing up for Week 6. By blending in-depth player analyses, strategic advice, and engaging host discussions, the podcast equips listeners with the tools needed to optimize their fantasy teams. Whether it's navigating injury news, capitalizing on favorable matchups, or selecting the right starters, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright provide invaluable insights to help listeners win their leagues.

For those serious about fantasy football, tuning into Fantasy Footballers offers a blend of expert analysis and entertainment that can make a tangible difference in weekly performances.

Transcript

[Jason Moore]

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[Andy Holloway]

The Fantasy Footballers podcast coming to you from Draft.com Studios with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.

[Mike Wright]

Welcome in.

[Andy Holloway]

We're glad to have you back. Papa.

[Mike Wright]

You boys okay?

[Jason Moore]

Jason tried to burn down the building.

[Mike Wright]

I don't. I don't agree. I don't agree with you. I. I listened in to the show, and he was spitting hot fire. I mean, Jason was. I mean, no offense, Mike, but Jason was just. He was on next level.

[Jason Moore]

He's a blowtorch.

[Mike Wright]

And it was pretty. I mean, you guys just held it down. You did a wonderful job.

[Jason Moore]

We glued it together. You did like a house of cards with super glue.

[Andy Holloway]

I was using Elmer's.

[Mike Wright]

You guys kept the shows. They weren't two, three hours long. It was impressive. Sorry for claiming the listeners were disappointed. I saw a strong movement for a Jason hosting opportunity, which even Jason said on the show. He goes, you don't know what you're asking for.

[Andy Holloway]

That's true.

[Mike Wright]

And then there was, you know, there was really one humongous mistake.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, no.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, I want to know what this is.

[Jason Moore]

Only one. Wait, wait. Only one.

[Andy Holloway]

We did it.

[Mike Wright]

You were talking on the waiver show, and you were talking through some of the wide outs and things like that, and you brought up Kiki Kuti. And then you said, you know, if you need somebody this week, Kiki will be a good play. But what you should have said was, Kiki would be sneaky, and you messed it up. Oh. I mean, do you see what happened?

[Jason Moore]

I.

[Mike Wright]

Look, you had a rhyme.

[Jason Moore]

I love a rhyme. I love a good rhyme all the time. I don't know that he's sneaky anymore.

[Mike Wright]

Okay, so you. You were going. Yeah. Okay, look, I'm just gonna.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm gonna say it like it is. If that's all we missed, then we. We rock the house. We didn't miss much.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, well, I am excited to be back. I appreciate you guys giving me a couple days. All the kids are now sick.

[Jason Moore]

That's what vacation does.

[Mike Wright]

So we came home.

[Jason Moore]

That'll teach you.

[Mike Wright]

Came home a little early and I'm back in the studio. So let's, let's get it going. We have a great show today. The fantasy forecast starts of the week. The boom boom kicker. Some news to get to. I'm excited. You can follow us on twitter@the ff ballers. Hey, heads up. Guess what?

[Jason Moore]

What?

[Mike Wright]

FootClan Vote dot com.

[Jason Moore]

Oh. Oh.

[Mike Wright]

Mike didn't realize what was happening there.

[Jason Moore]

I did not. I mean, that's, that's out of order for you. But Foot clan go to footclanvote.com. you helped us. We brought home the three time podcast awards and now we've got the Discover pods.

[Mike Wright]

Now we're getting greedy in our sights.

[Jason Moore]

Let's see what the Foot Clan can do. FootClan Vote.com. you only got to go over there once.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, it's just a nomination for the Discover Pods Awards 2018. I believe Estown brought home four of these last year, which a wonderful podcast.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, that is a great.

[Jason Moore]

They got nothing compared to this show.

[Andy Holloway]

You know what? S town doesn't have the Foot Clan.

[Jason Moore]

That's right.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Show them. S down.

[Mike Wright]

You wish. Anthony in Atlanta has our quick question for the day. He says week six seems to be where the energy and excitement around the new season starts to die down. How do you keep your energy up and possibly take advantage of league mates that are not paying as much attention anymore? Okay, that's a fair question. I mean, I like to believe that those around these parts, you know, Foot Clan headquarters and therein, those that listen. Not sure what words I just used, but I want to believe that those that listen to this show the energy staying up there. I mean, Jason's energy is, I would say, peaked.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Despite the record.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, the truth is, is you have to turn your, your anger, your depression, your sadness, if you're, if you're not winning into just. You know how you take butterflies when you're nervous and you use that energy to, you know, propel you forward. Instead you, you, you turn the negative into a positive.

[Jason Moore]

You have like a flying device made of butterflies.

[Mike Wright]

You take a bunch of butterflies.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm saying, what are you talking. When you got butterflies in your tummy when you're nervous, this is a common expression. And you, you use that nervous energy and you turn it around into power. And so you just need to take all your sadness and, you know, bottle it up and swallow it and turn it into anger. That's what I, that's what I'm doing.

[Mike Wright]

What advice you just gave.

[Andy Holloway]

Play dfs.

[Mike Wright]

And it's not that the butterflies isn't a common expression is the way you said it. Maybe picture you in a field like you're owing five and you got a big old net, and you're just trying to catch butterflies because you can't catch a win.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, well, you almost got one. We're back to two, man.

[Jason Moore]

You two enjoy the show.

[Mike Wright]

Look, I think that if you. Ultimately, you want to be in a league where everybody stays competitive, but even in the best leagues, there's ebbs and flows to people paying attention. There's ebbs and flows to people's interest into the amount of trade offers that go out there, into the amount of waiver pickups, those type of things. I think. I think it's just about building that routine up. You know, you can take advantage of a lot of teams that have bowed out, and I think the people that take advantage of that the Most are the 2 and 3 teams, the 1 and 4 teams. Because if a couple other teams that are in that same boat give up on the season, you only have to beat out a couple people to get into the playoffs, to sneak in there. And none of these platforms look at your record in the first playoff weekend and say, well, you don't get to win because you were nine and seven or you were eight and eight or whatever it might be. It's an even playing field. You can be playing the best team in the league. You only got to win one week.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, you just sneak into the playoffs. And the truth is, what you're saying is so true. We see it every year. We've been talking about it for several weeks, is that whoever sticks with it has a. This is the time, as the listener points out, that people stop, their passion wanes. And the truth is, just don't let that be you, because then it's extra. It's an extra advantage for you to not go away, to keep listening, keep playing, keep paying attention to the news, have a good time, and the winds will start rolling.

[Mike Wright]

All right, you can find us on YouTube. YouTube.com the fantasy footballers. If you want to see a cardboard bear the last three days, that's where you go to find. Find one. Let's get into the news.

[Andy Holloway]

News and notes from around the league.

[Mike Wright]

I'm noticing that there are a number of players that we've been excited to see return, but then they kind of like, they pump fake. They're like, I'm back. I'm not really back.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, the Guy's on my super team.

[Mike Wright]

Well, Leonard Fournettes won, right? I'm back. I'm not back. Dalma Cook. Yep, I'm back. I'm not back.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, yeah. Have him.

[Mike Wright]

And then Devonta Freeman.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, yeah, I got him, too.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, he said, you know, now this report's coming out. He's battling a bone contusion. Did not practice Wednesday. Some questions are out there as to his availability this week. There was a more positive report this morning about the fact the team isn't concerned to the degree that they were in week one about this injury.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, this is a new injury. So he had a bone bruise that he was dealing with, but that was a bone bruise in his knee. Now he has a bone bruise in his foot. So it's a completely new.

[Jason Moore]

Get this man a banana.

[Andy Holloway]

Seriously. Calcium up, my man. Get some potassium.

[Jason Moore]

Needs some potassium.

[Mike Wright]

I was gonna say there's no calcium in a banana.

[Jason Moore]

No, it's potassium, though.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, he still needs calcium.

[Jason Moore]

Get this man some milk.

[Andy Holloway]

Some milk. Dip that banana into some milk.

[Mike Wright]

Okay.

[Andy Holloway]

A milky banana.

[Mike Wright]

Not doctors. Not doctors.

[Andy Holloway]

Not a doctor.

[Mike Wright]

But reverting to the fantasy advice here, are you concerned about Freeman's availability this week? And then if he does return, are you worried that it's going to be a very slow process getting him to the workload you're happy with?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I have him pulled out of my lineup right now. I've got Alex Collins in over Devonta Freeman. I think this is a bump for Tevin Coleman. If you. I mean, look, you saw this last week. This was his first week back from the knee bone contusion, and that was after taking several weeks off. So now here's a new injury in the foot. Maybe it's not as severe or as serious, but it's brand new and, you know, it's. It's. It's going to hamper him. So, yeah, I'm. I'm concerned about Freeman, especially for this week when I was very excited about him being at home against Tampa Bay. The matchup looked great, and now I'm concerned and afraid to play him.

[Jason Moore]

Played fewer than 39% of the offensive snaps for Atlanta this past week in. Even if he plays, that's what I would expect again, which means he's just going to. He's going to tease you to start him for your fancy lineup, but I would really try not to do it.

[Mike Wright]

I don't remember you guys talking about Edo Smith on the waiver show. Is he somebody that you would be willing to play if Freeman was Out this week. Not I with the high over under in that game.

[Jason Moore]

Possible. I'm not, I'm not going to completely shut it down because they do use a two back system enough. And Edo Smith getting a goal line carry when all three were active.

[Mike Wright]

That's the 57 and a half point over under at home.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I am definitely not going to.

[Mike Wright]

Shut that down as you'd rather play Buck Allen.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, yeah. But desperate times, man. Let's say you have Devonta Freeman.

[Mike Wright]

There's bye weeks this week.

[Jason Moore]

You have Devonta Freeman. You got nobody else. Go grab Edo Smith just in case.

[Mike Wright]

I think he's, I think he's interesting. I don't think he's going to feel good to put him in your lineup, but there is an opportunity. Now let's talk about the number two fantasy football wide receiver, Cooper Cup. He took part in the walkthrough on Wednesday dealing with the concussion. So did Brandon Cooks. They were both listed as do not, did not practice. They're both training the right direction to get through the protocol. Are we feeling pretty good about these two?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Whenever you are progressing, that's. I was talking to my trainer this morning. When it comes to concussions, it's just a matter of you, you watch. Whether they were allowed to progress at all doesn't matter if they're limited but they, they need to be allowed to be on the side doing individual drills, doing things like that. If they're not, that's a really bad sign for them to play this week. If they are progressing. That's a, I mean that's usually it's as simple as that. If you're progressing, you're going to end up in. If you're not progressing, you're going to end up out. And they're progressing.

[Mike Wright]

Ty Hilton and Jack Doyle not expected to play against the Jets. We had kind of expected Hilton to make it back because of the long wait after missing the Thursday game. Now he's not expected to be out there. I mean Eric Ebron has been a must start tight end since the beginning. They spent money to bring him in, but Jack Doyle not being there just assures us of the volume.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay, I've got a couple questions for you regarding Eric Ebron.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, great.

[Jason Moore]

All right.

[Andy Holloway]

Would you start this week? Kyle Rudolph or Eric Ebron?

[Jason Moore]

Ebron, yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Would you start Devon funches in the flex or Eric.

[Jason Moore]

Wait a minute. What is happening?

[Andy Holloway]

Asking for a friend.

[Jason Moore]

What is happening?

[Andy Holloway]

Asking for a friend.

[Jason Moore]

Are we setting your lineup, Jason?

[Mike Wright]

No, I would play Ebron.

[Jason Moore]

I'd Play Ebron over funches and funch.

[Andy Holloway]

Funches or Kyle Rudolph just for a friend.

[Mike Wright]

Wow. That. That. That feels a little bit.

[Jason Moore]

Probably funches.

[Mike Wright]

A fantasy football eye exam there.

[Andy Holloway]

A or B, right? Yes.

[Mike Wright]

B or C. C or A.

[Jason Moore]

Are you seeing clearly what a selfish man you are?

[Andy Holloway]

No, no, no. This was for a friend.

[Jason Moore]

I see you perspiring, Jason.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, shoot.

[Mike Wright]

All right, well, Eric Ebron is dealing with the shin, quad ankle knee. Is that true? Shin, quad ankle knee, Brooks.

[Andy Holloway]

That's what they listed in minus on the practice report. Is this a Knees and toes, shin.

[Jason Moore]

Bones connected to the ankle bones.

[Mike Wright]

So the shin, quad ankle, knee. You couldn't just say leg, Lower leg. Leg. Well, not even lower. It's upper, too. You got the quad in there. Whole leg.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm super happy about his calves. His calves are in great condition. Yeah, no problems with his calves. It's full calves forward.

[Mike Wright]

They should only tell you what's right.

[Andy Holloway]

Right.

[Mike Wright]

At that point, it's like everything but the calves.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, shin, quad ankle. I've never seen. I've never seen a description like that. It's fantastic.

[Mike Wright]

So he's expected to play, though? He just didn't practice on Wednesday. He's busy resting after the big week.

[Jason Moore]

I guess.

[Mike Wright]

You guys feel confident he'll play?

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, they need him. They don't have anybody.

[Mike Wright]

All right.

[Andy Holloway]

They lost another.

[Jason Moore]

They got Swoop, I believe, hurt, too.

[Andy Holloway]

They probably. I believe they lost another guard as well.

[Jason Moore]

I'll have to.

[Andy Holloway]

I'll have to vet that. I know. I don't remember if he played this last week or not, but there was a serious issue with one of their guards where he hurt his. Apparently he broke a couple vertebrae, was still playing, and then came out. And then only after the game they found out had he continued to play like life. Paralyzation. So the offensive line, you thought can only get better for the Indianapolis Colts. And we were wrong.

[Jason Moore]

Try to tell you, man, it's not always up. You can move horizontally.

[Mike Wright]

Isaiah Crowell didn't practice today or on Wednesday. He's tired from beating my dynasty team. Mike's pathetic dynasty roster.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, I'm not going to argue.

[Mike Wright]

Ruined my perfect season thanks to Isaiah Cruella's 33 points. You beat me by what, 1.5 points.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, in thanks.

[Mike Wright]

Doug Baldwin.

[Jason Moore]

You were driving.

[Andy Holloway]

Not just Doug Baldwin, Matt Burrida.

[Mike Wright]

I don't know if you realized how one point.

[Jason Moore]

How intense the matchup was because it was Todd Gurley.

[Mike Wright]

I was listening at the very end.

[Jason Moore]

It was all three of us in the office were On Gurley watch of as, I held on to a two point margin.

[Mike Wright]

It's funny you were on Gurley watch because I was on my home's watch. He was at the goal line. And much like last week, I said if he passes here, I win my matchup. If he. If they run it with Hunt here, I lose my matchup. And they ran it with Hunt again. So two straight weeks, I've been punished by Kareem Hunt. Geronimo Allison has cleared the concussion protocol but will not practice Thursday because of a hamstring injury. That seems strange, but look, he's not going to practice. You're going to have to monitor this again. I know. Jason, you said on the waiver show you're very interested in people who catch passes from a guy named Aaron Rodgers.

[Andy Holloway]

That is, that is very, very true. Yeah. I mean, pay attention to the hamstring issue. He needs to get back into practice. We don't like hamstring issues. If he doesn't go, it's the same as what we were saying on the waiver show. Marques Valdez scantling is a great play.

[Mike Wright]

And you were right, Jason. Evan Ingram is out for tonight's game. The Thursday night game. There was a lot of optimism about him playing. But you said, I think it was yesterday in the Thursday night preview that look, it's probably not going to happen, as optimistic as they're being, because the team realizes there's 10 games between now or 10 days between now and then his next opportunity to start. So they're going to keep him healthy. Sterling shepherd, start him up, right?

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

And then Darren Sprols is officially out. So Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood, you start them both tonight.

[Andy Holloway]

Absolutely. I like both guys. And if you, you know, let's say you've got Evan Ingram and you've got an IR spot, throw him into the ir. And if you want a speculative pickup, pick up Josh Adams. Because if there's going to be a breakout, it would be, it would be tonight. It would be in the game. The first game where JJ goes on IR and Darren Sprols is still out there. You know, he's similar to the Ito Smith. Probably nothing, right. But you just don't have as many opportunities in the world to pick up running backs. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

And Clement has missed two games in a row. He was productive enough the previous two games, efficiency wise. The last game he played, he was pretty good. So we can Smallwood, we can hope for, hope for the skies.

[Andy Holloway]

We've never been a fan of Smallwood as a talent. And I fully stand by that. But he's looked pretty good. He understands his offense now, and they were utilizing him in ways that, you know, maximizes him. That's what I love about Peterson.

[Mike Wright]

Smallwood and Buck Allen hang out. Yes, they get froyo together. They're tight fro yo bros. They're just, they just hang on for dear life and then they turn into something because you learn the offense. Before we move into the fantasy, forecast the first half of the matchups for the upcoming week, we do want to thank 23andMe. 23andMe is a DNA testing service that can offer insights into your ancestry, health, wellness, and traits. I actually did a 23andMe, like 10 years ago. All three of us have done it. Dr. They include reports on how your DNA can influence your weight, your sleep quality, your caffeine intake. So they can tell you how you process caffeine. Maybe you're more or less sensitive, your sense of taste, whether you are likely to be lactose intolerant. They provide sleep reports. They tell you whether you're more likely to be a deep sleeper or to move during your sleep. They have all these very, very interesting, insightful reports. And I was listening to a podcast yesterday. I was talking all about, you know, the advances that people are making in biological testing and understanding more about how to reverse aging and things like that. It's pretty cool. So you can check it out right now. You can order your own 23andMe Health Plus Ancestry Service Kit today at 23andMe.com footballers. That's the number. 23andMe.com footballers and hey, foot Clan.

[Andy Holloway]

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever forget about Pristine Auction. That's P R I S T I n e auction.com. i want you to remember because you're going to come across a time in your life where you go, man, my dad's birthday's coming up. Oh, it's Father's Day. Oh, my.

[Mike Wright]

Almost yearly.

[Andy Holloway]

Whatever. Oh, mine. Yeah, exactly. Almost every year it's someone's birthday. And Pristine Auction sells or has an auction system of authentic signed sports memorabilia. That is unbelievable. I mean, you've heard us talk about him for years now. We know the guys. They are a great group of people. And you can steal things. Let me ask you this. Do you think Sterling shepherd signed Jersey? Do you think that that went yesterday for more or less than $50, signed on their auction?

[Mike Wright]

I don't know.

[Andy Holloway]

Less. So that's ridiculous. Corey Davis. Andy, you love Corey Davis. More or less than 50 bucks?

[Mike Wright]

Probably less.

[Andy Holloway]

What is happening. So go to Pristine Auction, make a free account, doesn't cost you anything unless you win. And make sure when you make it that you tell them you heard about them from the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Fantasy Forecast.

[Mike Wright]

All right, teams on by in week six, the New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions, which I'm kind of sad because I think if the Lions weren't on by, we'd be having a long debate about Kenny Galladay and what he is now and on into the future.

[Andy Holloway]

And we could be talking about carry on Johnson. Let's be honest, that's what I always want to talk about.

[Mike Wright]

Right. But I. Anyway, we'll move on. We'll talk about that next week.

[Andy Holloway]

They're looking good, though. I will say that they had a rough start to the season, but the Lions in general, that whole division is so fascinating right now because you've got the Bears who don't have a good quarterback and they are leading the division. And then, you know, the packers and the Vikings, the two juggernauts are struggling record wise and now the Lions look great. This is like I want to watch every single game in that division rest of season and every other game.

[Mike Wright]

I think. Didn't Trubisky still throw more touchdowns than Aaron Rodgers the past two weeks?

[Andy Holloway]

I cannot confirm or deny.

[Mike Wright]

All right, the two and two Buccaneers take on the one in four. Somehow the one in four Falcons in Atlanta. The Falcons are three and a half point favorites. This game is a 57 and a half point over under. And I've been on the fence about this game. Last week the almost upset was the Bills. They got it done. They took the almost into actual and it's going to happen again. Oh.

[Andy Holloway]

Andy is almost upset of the week. Oh, sweet mercy.

[Mike Wright]

The game's a 57 and a half point over under. It's going to be a barn burner. Vegas expects it. I expect it. These defenses, they expect it. They're playing, they're just booking when the scores will happen. Like let's do two in the first quarter, one in the second quarter. But I think it's going to be a dogfight right to the end. And I think the Bucks are going to win the game and the Falcons are going to be scratching their heads going how are we 1 in 5 with how the offense has performed? And then the defense will look sheepishly in the other direction. However, Jameis Winston, you guys have talked about him a lot this week. I believe even ESPN has him as the fifth highest projected quarterback this week. We love Jameis Winston in this matchup.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. I mean he's a guy that even still now days after waivers have run is still widely available to be picked up and started, which is crazy. And I would start him over. Most other options. I'm starting him over over Ben Roethlisberger this week. I want a piece of this game. Andy, if you actually think that the Buccaneers are going to upset or almost upset the Falcons in this hive and over under, it's going to be on the arm of Jameis Winston. There's just no other choice. Now that being said, Ronald Jones appears to be the starter. Are we in agreement there that he is going. It's not going to be Peyton Barber.

[Jason Moore]

I projected that way as well. Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

That's how I see it. And the Falcons have. You know, it's a shame because the Falcons can really be gashed by pass catching running backs, which is not Ronald Jones's specialty, obviously. So I am. I'm in love with Cameron Brait. We've talked about this. Some people think this is a trap game for Cameron Brait. I do not. I think Cameron Brait is going to.

[Mike Wright]

Destroy James Winston's thrown for at least 260 yards and three touchdowns in his last three matchups with Atlanta. He's Mike's stream of the week this week. This is the Falcons defense lacking Keanu Neil, Deon Jones, Ricardo Allen. Last year, the season last year, Jameis.

[Jason Moore]

Winston threw for over 300 yards in six of 13 games. And that includes the games where he got knocked out and came back way too early from his shoulder injury. I mean the. He is an absolute yardage machine paring things down at the tight end position to just Cameron Brait. We don't have to worry about the split between Brait and Howard. I think that actually helps Jameis Winston because he likes to focus in on guys and the emergence of Chris Godwin as well. This, this offense is. This is the best offense that Jameis will have played with.

[Mike Wright]

They're also coming off the bye week.

[Jason Moore]

That always helps.

[Mike Wright]

And I think that Ronald Jones, while I'm not projecting an incredible end of the season, he's a perfect flyer opportunity for your roster because I think you can go get him. Like he doesn't have a lot of optimism, excitement. I think go get him on the cheap. You can trade somebody like, I don't know, maybe you go trade John Brown because you have an abundance of wide receivers.

[Jason Moore]

Whoa. I would not.

[Mike Wright]

And you.

[Andy Holloway]

I think that's great advice.

[Mike Wright]

I think that's totally fine because what you do Mike and you of all people, you're Mr. Depth at the running back position. Of course, if you want to pick up Ronald Jones and let's say you have, even if it's a coin flip, that he ends up with 17, 18 carries in a productive week, he's not available for that price next week because he's running back. So I think that if you think he could do it, you do it.

[Andy Holloway]

He is still available in what, 30. He's actually 30% owned. So he's available in the majority of leagues.

[Mike Wright]

Still, he's available on the waiver wire. I would not trade John Brown for him.

[Andy Holloway]

I agree.

[Jason Moore]

Because you would not drop John Brown for him. Fair point.

[Mike Wright]

What do you guys think about the wide receiver split with Winston Evans, Jackson Godwin? Look, Evans is a must start every week.

[Jason Moore]

But yes, Evans and Evans and desean Jackson, those are the two guys I actually want to start. I did highlight Chris Godwin, but there's. There's concern because two weeks ago Adam Humphries played more snaps than Chris Godwin. It. It defies logic. It appears that Chris Godwin is the far superior wide receiver, but I'm not the coach making the decisions. And then you have a difference of offensive philosophy between Ryan Fitzpatrick who targets only wide receivers, to Jameis, who heavily utilizes his tight ends. So I have my concerns about starting Chris Godwin this week. I hope I'm wrong, but I would prefer not to play him.

[Mike Wright]

Flipping to the other side, the home team, the Falcons. Matt Ryan at home, he has a 76% completion percentage. He drops down to 58% on the road thus far. And I have a note here. I guess Brooks, you might have added this. It says, julio Jones destroyed the souls of Tampa Bay secondary last year with 12 catches for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Do you think it's possible that he could score again in his career?

[Andy Holloway]

I think that it's never going to happen. No, Actually he's my number one wide receiver.

[Mike Wright]

What happens first? Julio scoring or are you getting a league of record win?

[Andy Holloway]

I believe.

[Jason Moore]

I think one in the scores this week.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, Julio scores this week. So the win will come at the end of the week. Julio's will come during the week. So Julio, Julio's first. Julio is my number one wide receiver. I mean, everyone's starting him, but I think you can expect a huge game from him at home. You just described how good Matt Ryan has been at home. They need this. It's a divisional matchup with a beatable defense. So yes, 100%. Now Austin Hooper, that's a name that has been very interesting because tight end landscape has been will say piss poor and I, you know, you don't know who to start and I think Austin Hooper is a guy, he's had enough volume that I would rather start someone like Austin Hooper than do the tight end that you're just hoping for a touchdown and that's it.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, Hooper is a startable top 12 tight end.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. You're not excited, Trust me, I'm rolling them out there. I'm not going like, yeah, I've got Austin Hooper, sucker.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, it's, it's tough because between the cornerbacks on Tampa Bay, M.J. stewart, Brent Grimes, Carlton Davis, the receivers for Atlanta have such positive matchups across the board. I'm with you that Hooper's worth the dart throw, but I don't think he's getting anywhere close to the volume he got last week.

[Mike Wright]

The two two and one Steelers take on the four and one Bengals. The Bengals are two and a half point home favorites. Fifty two and a half point over under. Let's start on the Pittsburgh side of the ball. Big Ben, I love him this week. Again, the over under is on the high side. This is a divisional game. I think both teams are going to come to play and the Steelers are look, they're in need of a victory. The Bengals are 4 and 1. They're leading the division. What do you expect to be the biggest decisions that fantasy owners are going to have to make in this matchup?

[Andy Holloway]

One of the decisions is going to be what do I do with Tyler Boyd because he's not a huge name. It's just like in the NFL when you draft a guy with a first round pick, you have more rope to mess up. And in fantasy, when a guy has a big name, he was drafted high in our drafts, you give him more rope. Whereas Tyler Boyd had a disappointing game this last week, something like 4 for 44. It was disappointing. You want to go away from him immediately, that's a mistake. Tyler Boyd is still the absolute number two target in this offense and I think that this is going to be a higher scoring game. I would recommend starting Tyler Boyd again this week despite the fact that he didn't blow up how he wanted last week.

[Mike Wright]

I think he's a similar mindset than what fantasy owners had last year about Robert woods actually, where, because Robert woods was kind of like having these games and you didn't know what to believe. You didn't know whether you could buy into it all the time. And I find this tendency happens at this point of the year, every year with certain players. I'm sitting there at my rost, looking at my league of record roster this morning, and I'm thinking, how do I leverage a guy like Kenny Galladay to go get a better wide receiver? And then I had to ask myself the question, maybe I already have a better wide receiver. It's like our tendency is to want to go and replace a player that's unproven over a long period of time with a name. Sometimes we want to do that.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

But the production is going to be just as good with a guy like, you know, this year. Cooper Cup. Right. That's not the name everybody wanted. But he's the number two wide receiver. Or Robert woods or a Tyler Boyd who is. Look, Tyler Boyd, what's. What name do you want more right now? Jarvis Landry or Tyler Boyd? Now, now, Landry's kind of who you want, right? He's the one.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

But the production of those two guys is very similar. The volume of targets and things like that. It's just interesting to break those trust problems down.

[Jason Moore]

It certainly is. I really like Tyler Boyd this week, and that's because I have my concerns for AJ Green, who will be matched up with Joe Hayden. This is not a bench. AJ Green, you always play your studs. But Joe Hayden is back for Pittsburgh. He has been shadowing. He nearly shut down Julio Jones. I mean, he did for an entire half. So I'm expecting that Andy Dalton will have to look for his secondary and tertiary targets. And I'm looking for a return to form for Tyler Boyd.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, obviously, you start Joe Mixon.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Gio Bernard is out, which is great news for Joe Mixon. It's good news for us to be able to talk about Mark Waltenberg. You know, he's. He's out there saying, hey, hey, Joe, can I. Can I get him? Can I get a snap? Oh, no. Okay, that's cool. Say, how do you, Motherfucker, I get your water? I got your water.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, look, I think. Let me ask you this. CJ Uzama or Austin Hooper this week? Because last week, CJ had 91.7% of the snaps, ran 28 pass routes. He only caught two passes, only a couple of targets.

[Jason Moore]

But the targets for him were designed plays.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

To go to him, which is. It's nice that he's not just like, oh, the fourth option is open. I'm gonna go to him.

[Mike Wright]

The Steelers are giving up the second most tight end fantasy points per game. So that's one of the reasons I ask as well if you're taking a.

[Andy Holloway]

Shot I would rather go with Yuzama.

[Jason Moore]

Than what was that really?

[Andy Holloway]

Uzama. Uzama.

[Jason Moore]

Secret of the ooze.

[Andy Holloway]

Secret of the. Of the ooze. Yeah. I would rather go with CJ Usama because in the red zone Andy Dalton has been known to use tight ends a lot. And so with with the Tyler twins both being injured one on IR and I don't have an update on Tyler Croft, but I know he, he was dealing with another injury. If it's actually Usama for the well it was.

[Jason Moore]

I mean he was in for 90% of the snaps.

[Andy Holloway]

Croft was in almost 50% of the snaps as well. He got, you know, a target. I I do believe based on the matchup being at home and with if Croft is out.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, he's in a while he was in a walking boot on Wednesday, I believe.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. So I mean I like both guys willing to start both guys but I feel like the touchdown upside plus the between the twenties is there for Usama.

[Mike Wright]

Obviously this is the at least one more week of James Conner at, you know, top 10.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

Running back production. He's got the most snaps in football other than quarterbacks with 254 snaps tied for the third most touches in football. Those are the things that kind of raise your baseline each and every week. Right. It's just pure volume.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

And then he's been productive as well. So he's out there. You're starting. Antonio Brown had the big bounce back week. Kind of gave you Antonio Brown stuff and then Juju Smith Schuster. So the other question is Vance McDonald. I like him in this matchup because it's a high over under. I think there's going to be plenty of opportunity to go around. So do you guys agree with that?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

The Bengals have been getting beat by tight ends. Even though Vance McDonald was disappointing this past week, I'm still good playing him.

[Mike Wright]

You're going to be every tight end in his tier. Austin Hooper could very well have one catch this week. I mean that is in the range of his outcomes. So I think McDonald, he had the disappointing week, but I don't like bouncing around either. If there's a better player with a better matchup, that's fine. But I don't like just arbitrarily bouncing around. When McDonald he had the opportunity. He ran 28 routes. I mean disappointing week but he was out the runner out 3 and 2 Chargers take on the 2, 2 and 1 Browns 45 point over none over under. Browns are 1 point underdogs at home in this one. Do you guys think that line is interesting?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, no. I mean, you have to respect the Cleveland Browns defense right now and Baker's been able to move the offense enough, they're at home. So I think this was, this would probably be what I would guess the line would be slightly slight underdogs against the Chargers, who have been very good and they're a fine road team considering all 16 of their games are road games. This year. The concern there's, you know, this is one of those games you'll want to monitor the weather as we get closer. 13 mile an hour winds. Once you get up to about the 15 mile an hour winds, that's where you start seeing a shift to more rushing plays over passing plays. So that's where you just, you monitor it. You know, Antonio Calloway is the type of guy that we were talking about this, right. Like we don't want to talk about him, but his opportunity is perfect here.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean he, he really should be good. And I'm willing to take another flyer on him this week. Unless, you know, Sunday morning you're checking the weather and you go, yeah, it's 16, 17 mile an hour winds. If you've got another factor in there and you've got a guy like Antonio Calloway that you don't entirely trust, that's where I go. Yeah, okay. I'm going to look elsewhere.

[Mike Wright]

Mike, are you playing somebody like Antonio Callaway this week? Are you playing somebody like Keelan Cole?

[Jason Moore]

Ooh, that's an excellent question. It, that's a team dependent question of what I need. I'm, I am likely playing Antonio Calloway where I have him in Dynasty. I like the opportunity. The Chargers are giving up the fourth most points to the wide receiver position. Casey Hayward is for Los Angeles Chargers. Last year was an absolute elite shutdown corner. This year he's allowing over 16 yards per catch, a passer rating of 140. It's not been going very well. So I'm interested in Callaway.

[Mike Wright]

See Callaway, he actually called me. He asked me, he said, can you play me this week? I said, prove it. I said, show me, show me. First bring me your stat sheet and then maybe next week. Yeah, that's where he is for me. I think that at the wide receiver position there are so many guys you can play.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

Why force it?

[Andy Holloway]

No, I completely agree with that. I mean, I see Callaway as I would rather have him if I'm in a Like a tournament play. And he's cheap on, on a, on a daily fantasy, you know, swing for the fences because he could have a monster game, and that's why you take the chance. But what we've learned so far is you can't catch the ball, and that's. That sucks.

[Mike Wright]

It was one of the biggest.

[Andy Holloway]

You need to do that, right?

[Mike Wright]

Features of a whiteout. Baker.

[Jason Moore]

Baker's throwing for over 300 yards a game. Granted, he's going into overtime, so he's playing five quarters, but.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

And Andy holds up his bless him T shirt.

[Mike Wright]

But Jarvis is weak, guys.

[Jason Moore]

So let's, let's, let's test it. Then Antonio Calloway, who should be on the field for what, 80 plus percent of the snaps.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

With Rashad Higgins out, I mean, he was already on the field last week in his declined role of nearly 70% of the snaps. Antonio Calloway is going to be on the field or Josh Gordon in a juicy matchup, but he's playing like 18 snaps a game.

[Mike Wright]

Give me Gordon.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I'm going to take Gordon.

[Jason Moore]

All right.

[Mike Wright]

I think Duke Johnson could be more involved with the absence of Higgins as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see the game plan go that way. And also the short passing game, if the winds get up there, could be viable both with Landry and Duke Johnson. This will be an interesting game. I guess I'm a little bit surprised that the brands are getting this much credit in Vegas with the Chargers playing as well as they are. But the Browns, look, they're 2, 2 and 1.

[Andy Holloway]

The only other big questions here are, do you start Austin Eckler and do you start Mike Williams?

[Mike Wright]

I looked at Austin Eckler, and he is the most terrifying player to start in the face of the planet. He scored in four or five weeks. Right. And the weeks he doesn't score through the air, he scored on the ground. The week he doesn't score on the ground, he scores through the air. He has like 10 touches a game. And he terrifies me.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, because you can't. I mean, starting a running back.

[Mike Wright]

Because I know as soon as I start him, we'll get nothing.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Who only gets 10 touches is. Yeah, that's rough.

[Mike Wright]

Mike, are you starting him?

[Jason Moore]

You can flex him. Yep. Oh, man, you can.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm still leaving him on, covering my eyes. And Mike Williams, you know, he's one of those guys where I see a lot of the same argument that you're making about waiting on Antonio Callaway. There's just a lot of wide Receivers, there's a lot of options. You don't have to throw in the ooh, he could have a big game guy because you probably can. You know, you picked up Tyler Boyd or you pick I would much rather play the volume over the big play opportunities in Callaway and Mike Williams.

[Jason Moore]

I here's my advice for the Cleveland Browns. I talked about the schedule for them is absolutely incredible. Coming up with Chargers this week, Tampa, Pittsburgh, great matchups. If your tight end position is rough, try to get David and Joku. He's had seven plus targets in four of five games. Eleven targets this past week. He's starting to emerge. The touchdowns have not come for him. That's why people aren't freaking out about David and Joko. If he was putting up the the targets and receptions and had caught a touchdown or two by now everyone will be losing their crap For David and Joko. I think it's only a matter of time before he breaks out and I would like to get on it before the breakout happens.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I think there is a lack of trust in Callaway on the Todd Haley side of the equation and Njoku could be a beneficiary of that as well. The 2 and 3 bills take on the 2 and 3 Texans. Texans are 10 point home favorites, 41 point over under. Start your Texans defense based on those two metrics. I mean, yes, that's been the policy of me for weeks now. Just play whoever's playing the Bills.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

Because even if the Bills do produce, there's enough mistakes to go around and then if they don't produce, you're ending up in a great situation. Texans playing a little bit better of late. Deshaun Watson's been pretty good. Now Lamar Miller says he's definitely going to play in this game, but we need to remember one thing that I don't think you guys mentioned when you were talking about whether you liked Blue or not. Yesterday was the snap. The snaps were starting to change before Lamar Miller's injury. He wasn't the guy in the final game before his injury. He was sharing snaps with Alfred Blue. Because we saw this at the end of last year.

[Andy Holloway]

That's what I was going to bring up. I was going to bring up the end of last season when all of a sudden you had Lamar Miller, who was a workhorse running back for the.

[Jason Moore]

Whole season, Jason with the throat.

[Andy Holloway]

The throat leaving. I mean this is a guy who was averaging, you know, 17 carries a week through the first 13 games and then all of a sudden at the end of the year they're like, it's just. It's not that good. Let's give him nine, let's give him eight. Let's give him. And Alfred Blue took over. And so, yeah, you did start to see that. I think there. I really do believe there is a part of this team that is preparing these running backs for Deonta Foreman's return.

[Mike Wright]

Possible Lamar Miller could end up in devonte Booker shoes by the end of this year. I mean, he will still have a role, but I don't want to play him. And the Texans have won the last two games in which Lamar Miller has been phased out of the offense either by injury or by decision. I just. I'm not confident starting him is what I'm saying. I know that the matchup's beautiful for that, but, I mean, if I had to choose between Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue, like, if I had to, like you, just my life depended on it.

[Andy Holloway]

Gun to the face.

[Jason Moore]

Whoa.

[Mike Wright]

Right? He's got a gun to my head.

[Jason Moore]

Whoa.

[Mike Wright]

And I'm saying most people go head.

[Andy Holloway]

I say face.

[Mike Wright]

I'm. I'm going Alfred Blue is my point.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I would as well. And I would not dare do either of those things.

[Mike Wright]

No, I don't want to.

[Andy Holloway]

I think Mike correctly pumped the brakes on this backfield. Look elsewhere.

[Mike Wright]

I decided to pick up Chris Ivory. As a cursory hold.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, as a cursory hold.

[Andy Holloway]

I saw your pickup, and I was so upset with us that we did not talk about him more in the waiver wire show. You know, we were talking about so many people. Chris Ivory is a must own right now because LaShawn McCoy is not getting traded. Obviously, the Eagles play tonight, and if it's going to the Eagles, it's too late. But as the trade deadline approaches, it would not shock me at all if Lashawn McCoy is traded. And we talked about the value that that makes for Shady, but if he's gone, Chris Ivory is probably the. I mean, he is a much bigger beneficiary than even Shady is.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, he's just kind of the forgotten piece of that whole potential rumor mill. Now. It's not fun to sign a guy like that and have him on your bench, so you might not have room for him. I tried to look and see. Look, is there a bye week that strategically makes sense? But their buy is not until week 11. I'm just holding them for a couple, you know, a week or two. Yeah, my team can afford it. And if for some reason McCoy goes out the door, I got a starting Running back. I need one as my two running backs share a bye week. So just something I wanted to mention. You're not starting a bill other than the Sean McCoy this week. McCoy did have 24 carries last week, I believe.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, well, the volume is back for Shady McCoy, so you can. You can play him as a low end, too.

[Mike Wright]

Now, would you. You're playing Hopkins. Are you playing Fuller?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Are you playing Sneaky Cootie?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Sneaky Kiki.

[Andy Holloway]

I am willing to play Kiki Fuller and Hopkins and Watson, who.

[Mike Wright]

I think he is sneaky Mike. When he's the third guy, he's still. He's sneaky as the third guy.

[Jason Moore]

Fair point. And I think that's. I think he'll be sneaky because of his utilization of. They're going to need to throw underneath to Kiki this week.

[Mike Wright]

All right. The three and one bears take on the three and two dolphins 41 and a half point over under. This game's in Miami. The Dolphins are three and a half point dogs at home. Is that correct?

[Andy Holloway]

That is correct. The Bears coming off their by with their improved defense, their superstar quarterback, six touchdowns.

[Mike Wright]

I don't think I'd wanted a different defense. I mean, the Bears are.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

I mean, this is who I want to play.

[Jason Moore]

This is why people held the Bears through their bye week.

[Andy Holloway]

No, it's funny, we mentioned, oh, the Bears are owned everywhere. And then the amount of tweets I saw of people picking up the Bears. Oh, yeah, people were like, it happened in my league. The Bears were available.

[Jason Moore]

Good for you.

[Mike Wright]

Well, with the bye week, it makes sense. Yeah. And look how many touchdowns have they given up to running backs this year? Do you want to know?

[Jason Moore]

The Bears?

[Andy Holloway]

I'm going to guess less than 30.

[Mike Wright]

Okay. Warmer.

[Andy Holloway]

Zero.

[Mike Wright]

Zero. No touchdowns to the running back position. It's not going to be sunny days for Kenyan Drake or Frank Gore in this one. You have a Bears defense is playing well. The Dolphins are dead last in offensive pace and 31st in place per game. Isn't that like the antithesis of what Adam Gaze wants to do? And does this just mean Ryan Tannehill cannot comprehend this offense or run it at a. At a pace that is sufficient? Or does this fall on gays or everybody involved?

[Andy Holloway]

I think it falls on. On Gase and Tannehill that you. You can't blame Kenyan Drake for not getting the ball when he gets it. He does great things with it.

[Mike Wright]

He's going to have to go take it.

[Andy Holloway]

Ryan Tannehill is not a good enough quarterback to lead a Franchise to success. And Adam Gase is a butthole.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, based on analysis.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Now, if you. And I mean analysis.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, we need the.

[Mike Wright]

You need the rim shot. I'm sorry. Look, if you. Jason, if you had a gun to your face, as you were prone to.

[Jason Moore]

Say, stop with the violence.

[Mike Wright]

And you had to have a franchise quarterback for the next 10 years be the Ryan Tannehill or Mitch Trubisky, at which. Which hellish life would you prefer?

[Andy Holloway]

Sweet mercy.

[Mike Wright]

And I say that, you know, look.

[Andy Holloway]

People will be surprised.

[Jason Moore]

You got to go Trubs.

[Andy Holloway]

But you got to go Mitch Trubisky. Yeah, I mean, I, you know, my, my take against Mitch Trubisky is that he will never be a great quarterback, but I think he can be a middle of the pack quarterback which Ryan Tannehill cannot achieve.

[Mike Wright]

Is this the week that Mr. Jordan Howard awakes from hibernation?

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

3.2 yards per carry, second worst in the league right now.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, he's. He's going to be absolutely fine. The Dolphins can shut down everything except for the running back position. Allowing running back one performance after running back one performance. I am. I love Jordan Howard.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, Jordan Howard is a great trade for Target.

[Mike Wright]

I feel like we've said like I feel like I'm Groundhog Day because I feel like this is the same Jordan Howard conversation we have had like other than the bye week.

[Jason Moore]

But this time it works.

[Mike Wright]

Is it? Does it work?

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

I've seen the end of the movie. It works out well.

[Mike Wright]

You don't think that this the Tariq Cohen explosion.

[Jason Moore]

No.

[Mike Wright]

They played indicative of lack of production from Howard.

[Jason Moore]

No, I think that was game plan there, which they've said all along that the running backs will be game plan dependent. And last in their last game, which was two weeks ago, was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who can't stand stop the pass. The Dolphins can't stop the run. I'm expecting lots of Jordan Howard, symbolically.

[Mike Wright]

I will give my analysis on the Miami wide receivers by moving on to the next game. One in four Cardinals. Hey, if you know, if you know.

[Jason Moore]

The Bears anywhere, it's the fantasy wide.

[Mike Wright]

Receivers and I will not play.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay, I won't either. I mean, you can always get a long bum touchdown from Kenny Stills, but he's in the same boat to me as Mike Williams, Antonio Calloway Smith, Traquan Smith. You can get a long bomb touchdown from these guys. So what? Who cares? Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

The one in four car, Christian Kirk. The one in four Cardinals and Christian Kirk take on the two. Two and one Vikings. The Vikings are 10 point home favorites, 43 point over under. That's. The Cardinals aren't going to score based on that. Over under. I mean I would have expected a higher over under there with a 10 point gap, but I guess the Cardinals are just doomed in this one. How excited? What's the real ceiling for David Johnson in this road matchup against the Vikings 8th ranked running defense? They're only giving up 17.5 fantasy points per game to the position. You know, a few snaps are going to go chase Edmonds.

[Andy Holloway]

The ceiling. The best case scenario is the running back 15.

[Mike Wright]

Is that why you suggested the trade of David Johnson earlier?

[Andy Holloway]

That is I. Look, if you did, I mean not everybody gets to watch the games. And if you watch the Arizona Cardinals games, you see he was gifted two touchdowns by not even just Arizona's defense, but the combination of Arizona, CJ Beathard, CJ Beathard, you know, turning the ball over in bad situations. That's not going to happen every weekend. And again, David Johnson is hyper talented and is a workhorse. As the season goes on, you're going to get plenty of serviceable games from him as you've already had. I mean he's, you know, he's been okay for fantasy. Disappointing, yes, but okay. But if you can trade up, if you can package trade him, I will say it until I'm blue in the face. You have to do it. I mean this week. I don't. I mean David Johnson to me is an RB2 for sure.

[Mike Wright]

Now. I was not here to watch your face. So it's important to me that I bring up the David Johnson, Joe Mixon discussion briefly. I did get to listen to you admit that you were biased and that Mixon's the better pick. But can you do want to speak to that again while I'm present?

[Jason Moore]

He finally got to the truth.

[Andy Holloway]

Not really. I have to go away now. Let's talk about the Vikings.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, let's talk about the Vikings.

[Andy Holloway]

Dish, light them up.

[Mike Wright]

Thielen's the number one fantasy wideout. Diggs is number eight fantasy wideout in half point leagues. They're both incredible. And I believe. Did you know this? Adam Thielen, first wide receiver in NFL history with 100 yards in every game.

[Jason Moore]

Did you listen to the fantasy footballers podcast?

[Mike Wright]

Not on Monday. Mike, if you mentioned it on Monday. No, I was certainly did. I was.

[Jason Moore]

You were on the beat, not listening.

[Mike Wright]

I was on the beat.

[Jason Moore]

What a jerk.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. You're going to start both those guys. I think you could start.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, but did you hear?

[Andy Holloway]

I think you could start Kyle Rudolph as well. Of course, the real question here becomes the running mix. There is something has to give moment. It's like two.05 teams playing each other. Someone's going to win. The Cardinals are so putrid against the run. They cannot stop the edge. They cannot stop it up the middle. They. I mean, so the middle and the.

[Mike Wright]

Edges, they're bad at.

[Andy Holloway]

Exactly, exactly. But otherwise everywhere on that line is terrible. I mean, Matt Jerick McKinnon goes down. Matt Breida's tearing up the Cardinals. Matt Burrito goes down. Alfred Morris tearing up the Cardinals.

[Mike Wright]

Next man up. 34 and a half points per game given up the running back.

[Andy Holloway]

But the Vikings cannot run the ball. Latavius Murray has been bad. Their offensive line can protect Kirk when they're passing, but they cannot open anything for the running backs when they call a run play. It's like the offensive line just Olay lets him in and can you start.

[Mike Wright]

Latavius Murray is good for at least 10 fantasy points in this game.

[Jason Moore]

Yes. First off, we have to figure out if Dalvin Cook's going to play. He's. He was limited on Wednesday with the hamstring. Will they choose to say, we're going to win this game? Let's rest Dalvin Cook one more time.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

And let Latavius Murray play.

[Andy Holloway]

It would be such an. Such a stupid move to play Dalvin Cook in this game.

[Jason Moore]

So Latavius Murray in my league, where I have my choice, will likely come down to Buck Allen, Latavius Murray or Jamal Williams. And I will go Latavius Murray as of right now.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I can see that. I can see that. I mean, with that over under in that, that point spread, this is a game that Vegas expects them to be well out ahead of. And there's no reason Murray can't get 14 carries in this game.

[Jason Moore]

And I just expect that Latavius Murray can actually have success in this game.

[Mike Wright]

All right, let's move on.

[Andy Holloway]

Starts of the week.

[Mike Wright]

All right, Starts of the week for week six. I'm excited. Look, let's start at the running back position. And I'm going to go with the revenge narrative at home. Marshawn Lynch.

[Jason Moore]

Well, sort of. Sort of at home, right? I mean, by at home, you mean.

[Andy Holloway]

Like other side of the world.

[Jason Moore]

You mean like thousands of miles away?

[Andy Holloway]

That is a London game. Wake up early.

[Jason Moore]

No, no, you don't have to wait. That's why it's so tricky. Because when you're looking at the schedule, they're Playing at regular time.

[Andy Holloway]

That's incredible.

[Jason Moore]

That's why, that's why it sneaks up.

[Andy Holloway]

On you being a west coast guy. That is fantastic.

[Mike Wright]

Well, I'm exceptionally happy he's not playing in Seattle in that situation. And Marshawn lynch, look, he's a game script dependent RB1. That's what he is if things other than last week against the Chargers, 18, 19, 20 carries the previous three weeks. He's got motivation going up against his former club. And I think, look, if you're touching the ball 18 times a game, Seattle's middle of the pack at best against I think they're even a little below average against the running back. And they gave up, look, three touchdowns on the ground last week to the Rams. They gave up a touchdown to the Cardinals the week before.

[Andy Holloway]

Marshawn lynch is so good.

[Mike Wright]

He's just really good.

[Andy Holloway]

He's just really good. If you look the first half of last year, if you remember, they were really just.

[Jason Moore]

They thought they could rest him for the playoffs.

[Andy Holloway]

Exactly. They thought they were a Super Bowl. Consider they thought they were going to rest him for the playoffs and they didn't give him much work. And then they realized, oh, we got to win games. So they start using him. The second half of last year till now, he's second in the league in rushing yards. He's the second best. He's fourth best in the league in rushing touchdowns. I mean, the dude is a beast. It's called beast mode for a reason. Yeah, he's really good and it really is. I mean, for all intents and purposes, for the, for the point of analysis, it is a home game because the Raiders fans travel. They're much more international. It's. This is going to be a great game for Marshawn. I like that a lot. My start of the week is a guy that, I mean, he's a start of the year. He is. Don't go away from him. But specifically this week, James White is going to have 700 receptions. The Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots are going to try to break the scoring record. And it's going to happen through the air. James White, who is currently the running back, seven on the year. He is splitting time with Sony Michelle in a way that is usable on the ground. Two weeks ago, eight carries for 44 yards on the ground. Last week against Indianapolis, 10 receptions, 77 yards through the air, one receiving touchdown. He has four receiving touchdowns already. We're in week five or five weeks have, you know, been in the books. You just keep rolling with James White and you need to treat him. This is one of those things where if you want to trade for a player, you look at rest of season rankings, James White is surprised. I mean he's pretty much a top 15 running back, right?

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Which is crazy because I don't think anybody actually even myself even saying this. If I'm like setting up my rankings and my list, I wonder how far down if I were to make rest of season like you're having a draft today, how far down would I stupidly put? James White. Stop it. He's great. He's on the Patriots. He's going to be fantastic. Start him start of the week.

[Jason Moore]

And I'm on the opposite side of the game from Andy. I like the Marshawn call. I like the running backs over in the London game, the Seattle boys, Chris Carson and I'm even throwing in the bonus Mike Davis because I think that he is flexible. I don't know about him touching his toes, but flexible as in you could play him as a third option. Chris Carson his last two games over 100 yards in each performance. Mike Davis has 100 yard game to his credit as well. He's last week over five a carry, three touchdowns in his past two games. Schottenheimer. It's working. We gave him crap all off season, but it is working as of late for the Seattle Seahawks.

[Andy Holloway]

Still don't like it.

[Jason Moore]

And the Oakland Raiders are giving up the fifth most points to fantasy running backs. They're not going to be able to stop Chris Carson and Mike Davis.

[Andy Holloway]

The Raiders are surprisingly good at giving up yards and points to running backs.

[Jason Moore]

Fair.

[Mike Wright]

So congrats wide receiver start of the week. Bless him.

[Andy Holloway]

Bless him.

[Mike Wright]

I'm going to give you that Jarvis Landry pat on the back. He's only the 25th best wide receiver in fantasy football so far in the season. He's only scored one time. This is the week I believe he gets on track. He's good for a couple of these long breakaway touchdowns per year. The Odell Beckham style slant pass, shimmy shake, punt return style scores. I think it's this week. Jarvis Landry is the guy that I want Blossom.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I'm going with Robert woods and this is not Robert woods because Cooper cup and Brandon Cooks are.

[Jason Moore]

That would be a good reason.

[Andy Holloway]

No, no, no. This is. I'm fully expecting both of the all three of these players to play. This is a. I am making Robert woods my start of the week. With all three active. The Denver Broncos have a pretty good defense. No middle of the pack to top their top third. I see them as a top third defense.

[Mike Wright]

Top 30.

[Andy Holloway]

Definitely.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay. I accept against the wide receiver position they're the 12th best. So you know they're after last week.

[Mike Wright]

I declined them praise.

[Andy Holloway]

Sure. I mean The Robbie Anderson 15 snaps.

[Mike Wright]

Damage and then 30 something points against the Jets. I hesitate short.

[Andy Holloway]

No, that's fine.

[Mike Wright]

Robert woods is good.

[Jason Moore]

You don't have to talk up Denver to be happy that you're playing Roberts.

[Mike Wright]

That's true.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, there is and this is genuine, this is a, there is a huge, huge difference between Denver at home and Denver on the road. And in fact, if you look at the last Denver road game where they traveled east, I want to say it was like 2016 since their last victory there. So yes, they were terrible at the jets, but at home in Denver I think they're going to be better. But they're going to need Robert Woods. Robert woods has been great. You should not, cannot do not want to bench him. He's my start of the week. I think he's going to be a top 15 wide receiver this week.

[Jason Moore]

Did you know that the pace of the Rams wide receivers Robert woods on pace for over 1300 and both Cooper cup and Brandon Cooks over on pace for over 1400 noise.

[Mike Wright]

They are absolutely pretty good.

[Jason Moore]

Destroying my wide receiver start of the week. I pretty much talked it up already but Tyler Boyd, I'm taking the secondary option in the Pittsburgh matchup. Just trying to get in on that action. I know it's, it's, it's the divisional game so weird things do happen. But I have faith in Tyler Boyd coming through while AJ Green could certainly struggle against Joe Hayden. And I'm going to just real quick do my last two because it's a combo. I'm going with the stack my quarterback or did you. You did your wide receiver already, right Andy?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Jarvis.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, yeah. But I. Yes.

[Jason Moore]

So to get him out of the way. But Jameis and Cameron Brait, Tampa Bay Buccaneers stack I'm all about it. We analyze that game fully. So those are my starts. Jameson Cameron Last week to start the season, Cameron Braid had a touchdown. I think in like five straight games. I'm all about it.

[Mike Wright]

Jameson Cameron I'm stacking my quarterback tight end as well. I'm doing Vance Dance the remix. Vance McDonald the Bengals remix is always better. The Bengals have allowed the ninth most fantasy points per game to the tight end. It's a 53 point over under and I want a piece of that action.

[Andy Holloway]

And I'm going to Go with. I mean a guy that has just been on fire. True breakout this year. George Kittle that you have to stack the quarterback.

[Jason Moore]

That's the rules of this week's starts. Jason.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh no.

[Jason Moore]

So C.J.

[Andy Holloway]

Beathard. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

I thought he just had to put Hooper in. I thought that that's okay.

[Andy Holloway]

No, I've got a switch one because you said Kittle.

[Jason Moore]

So now you got beathard.

[Andy Holloway]

No, no, no. I switched to Hooper because I've got that right. Look, George Kittle has been absolutely unstoppable. He's you know, over five receptions game the last three weeks. Bathard targets him and he is a beast. I tweeted out. Did. Did either of you see the tweet?

[Mike Wright]

I don't follow you.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I muted you.

[Andy Holloway]

Really? I'm a pretty good follow.

[Jason Moore]

You're upgrade to block if you keep.

[Andy Holloway]

It up at Jason Ffl.

[Mike Wright]

Wallenberg. That just came out. Hey, follow me.

[Andy Holloway]

Kittle is an excellent run blocker as well. He's just a beast. Freak athlete.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I did see your tweet and I did see the video of George Kittle demoralizing somebody with your get bodied tweet.

[Andy Holloway]

So look, he is fantastic. I think that the matchup at Green Bay, they're going to need him. They're going to need to be passing the stay in the flames with George Kittle. He's the top five tight end. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

And then I guess I didn't even realize we hadn't said our quarterback. So Mike, you went with James Winston. I'm going Big Ben.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

With the high over under. And then Jason, you have Matt Ryan.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, Matt ryan at home, 57 and a half point over under Devonta Freeman either will be hobbled or missed the game. It's air.

[Mike Wright]

Big, big fantasy performance from Matt Ryan.

[Jason Moore]

Air Ryan on a big defeat.

[Mike Wright]

I mean just a big loss possibly.

[Andy Holloway]

I hope, I hope so. Not for, you know, the Falcons. I mean, let's face it, you're one of four. You're already out. The Falcons fans have had some brutal losses. I feel so bad for them. But if the Falcons lose, that means Matt Ryan slinging that ball for 60 minutes.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

And that would be great.

[Mike Wright]

All right. Those were the start of the weeks one final act.

[Andy Holloway]

Jason Moore's ironclad locked and loaded, 100% guaranteed. Boom, boom. Kicker of the week the first time around it didn't work. So I'm gonna pull out my ukulele and sing a song to get him going with the Vikings. Dan Bailey.

[Jason Moore]

I got two things here. Why did you go with a country twang to talk about a ukulele.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't know.

[Mike Wright]

To him, a ukulele and a banjo are identical.

[Andy Holloway]

They're the same. Thank you, Andy.

[Mike Wright]

I understand the brain of Jason.

[Andy Holloway]

More the banjo and the ukulele, the four strings are identical. They're teensy tiny guitars.

[Jason Moore]

Two when we were watching the games on Sunday, I had to turn because of the how this segment has been going. I turned to Jace and I said, holy crap. Did you was Mason Crosby your boom boom kicker of the week? And we both panicked for a moment, but it was not.

[Andy Holloway]

That would have been awesome.

[Mike Wright]

Were you okay last week?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, yeah, my kicker, he's been okay the last couple weeks.

[Mike Wright]

Here you did it. All right, the rest of the matchups tomorrow. Thanks for listening.

[Jason Moore]

Hey, check out footclan vote.com carry us to another victory. And if you're going to play some daily, check out draft.comballers. see you tomorrow. Goodbye.

[Andy Holloway]

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot. Com and follow us on Twitter at theffballers.