Starts of the Week, Wk 9 Matchups, Facturate!

Summary

Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: "Starts of the Week, Wk 9 Matchups, Facturate!"

Release Date: November 1, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

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1. News and Updates

Lev Bell and the Steelers' Holdout

The hosts delve into the ongoing situation with Lev Bell, the tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has been holding out for a new contract. Andy Holloway initiates the discussion, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Bell's status:

"[05:07] Andy Holloway: November 13th is the last day that he can report and still be eligible to play this season and still be a free agent next year."

Jason Moore weighs in on the potential outcomes, expressing skepticism about the Steelers extending another franchise tender without Bell showing up:

"[06:11] Jason Moore: To say, okay, love Bell, we're going to do what you held out from. It would take away their franchise tag from being able to actually utilize it."

The trio concludes that if Bell continues his holdout past the deadline, the Steelers might franchise tag him again, but this move would likely sour the relationship between Bell and the team, impacting fantasy owners who have stashed him.

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2. Fantasy Forecast: Week 9 Matchups

The hosts provide in-depth analyses of six key matchups, focusing on over/under points, defensive strengths, and player performance trends to guide fantasy football decisions.

a. Steelers (4-2-1) vs. Ravens (4-4)

• Over/Under: 47.5 points
• Betting Line: Ravens are 3-point home favorites.

Key Insights:

• Tight Ends: Vance McDonald is a gamble due to fluctuating snap counts.

  "[12:57] Andy Holloway: It's a bit of roulette at the tight end position outside of the top options."

• Wide Receivers: John Brown emerges as a valuable start against a Steelers defense that struggles against deep targets.

  "[14:25] Andy Holloway: John Brown is easily my favorite start from the Ravens."

Conclusion: Both hosts lean towards the Ravens winning the game, citing Baltimore's stronger defensive capabilities and Big Ben's limited performance on the road.

b. Bears (4-3) vs. Bills (2-6)

• Over/Under: 37.5 points
• Betting Line: Bears are 10-point favorites.

Key Insights:

• Running Backs: LaShawn McCoy is deemed unreliable, averaging only 7.5 fantasy points per game.

  "[15:10] Andy Holloway: The Bears haven't allowed a rushing touchdown the entire season."

• Defense: The Bears' defense has been exceptional against the rushing game but vulnerable against quarterbacks, making their matchup against top-tier QBs a fantasy advantage.

Conclusion: The focus is on avoiding the Bills' running backs outside of LaShawn McCoy and capitalizing on the Bears' defensive strengths by targeting their quarterbacks and wide receivers.

c. Buccaneers (3-4) vs. Panthers (5-2)

• Over/Under: 55 points
• Betting Line: Panthers are 6.5-point home favorites.

Key Insights:

• Quarterbacks: Ryan Fitzpatrick is recommended as a safe start against a Panthers defense that has been conceding multiple touchdowns per game to QBs.

  "[24:00] Jason Moore: I think Russell Wilson is gonna have a really solid week."

• Wide Receivers: DJ Moore is praised for his potential explosive performance, supported by the Panthers' willingness to involve him more in the offense.

Conclusion: The Panthers' potent offense, led by Cam Newton, combined with their defensive vulnerabilities, presents lucrative opportunities for fantasy players to target their quarterbacks and wide receivers.

d. Chiefs (7-1) vs. Browns (2-5-1)

• Over/Under: 51.5 points
• Betting Line: Browns are 8.5-point underdogs.

Key Insights:

• Running Backs: Nick Chubb is highlighted as a must-start due to his heavy workload and the Browns' favorable matchup against the Chiefs' defense.

  "[51:02] Jason Moore: Nick Chubb has two weeks in a row of 18 carries. That is fantastic."

• Quarterbacks: Despite the presence of Baker Mayfield, the Browns' offensive struggles make them a risky fantasy option.

Conclusion: Chubb's high usage and the Chiefs' defensive weaknesses against the run make the Browns' running back a valuable fantasy asset for this matchup.

e. Jets (3-5) vs. Dolphins (4-4)

• Over/Under: 45 points
• Betting Line: Dolphins are 3-point home favorites.

Key Insights:

• Running Backs: Kenyon Drake stands out with increased involvement due to injuries in the Dolphins' wide receiver corps.

  "[35:37] Jason Moore: ...I'm definitely going to be starting Kenyon Drake."

• Wide Receivers: Devonte Parker is recommended over other Jets' receivers due to his enhanced target share against a Dolphins defense that has been porous against receivers.

  "[39:44] Jason Moore: ...I think Parker is one of those players you have to take the shot with."

Conclusion: The Dolphins' defense against running backs and receivers opens opportunities for Drake and Parker to deliver solid fantasy performances.

f. Lions (3-4) vs. Vikings (4-1)

• Over/Under: 49.5 points
• Betting Line: Vikings are 4.5-point favorites.

Key Insights:

• Wide Receivers: Marvin Jones is a key target against the Vikings' run-stopping defense.

  "[42:27] Mike Wright: ...DJ Moore, he is a very good play."

• Running Backs: Latavius Murray is favored to exploit the Lions' struggling run defense.

  "[44:31] Jason Moore: I think Latavius is a safe play."

Conclusion: The Vikings' strong defense against the run and balanced offense provides favorable conditions for their wide receivers and running backs to excel in fantasy leagues.

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3. Starts of the Week

The hosts share their personal recommendations for starting players across various positions, emphasizing value picks and high-ceiling options.

a. Quarterbacks

• Jason Moore: Recommends Russell Wilson despite mixed performances, citing a favorable matchup against the Chiefs.

  "[45:50] Jason Moore: ...Russell Wilson is gonna have a really solid week."

• Andy Holloway: Chooses Ryan Fitzpatrick against Carolina, anticipating a high-scoring game favoring Fitzpatrick's involvement.

  "[48:53] Andy Holloway: ...Ryan Fitzpatrick with the weapons and Carolina giving up at least two per game is a nice start."

• Mike Wright: Opts for Alex Smith against the Falcons, leveraging the Chiefs' defense struggles against quarterbacks.

  "[49:06] Mike Wright: My start of the week is Alex Smith taking on the Atlanta Falcons."

b. Running Backs

• Jason Moore: Picks Nick Chubb from the Browns for his high carry count and favorable matchup.

  "[51:24] Jason Moore: ...Nick Chubb has two weeks in a row of 18 carries."

• Andy Holloway: Selects Matt Burrito from the Raiders, predicting high usage against Oakland.

  "[52:07] Andy Holloway: Matt Burrito set a season high in carries last week... he's my start of the week."

• Mike Wright: Chooses Isaiah Crowell from the Jets, anticipating a monster game against Miami's weak run defense.

  "[53:24] Mike Wright: ...Isaiah Crowell up against Miami. This is a monster game."

c. Wide Receivers

• Jason Moore: Advises starting John Brown from the Ravens, expecting a strong performance against the Steelers' defense.

  "[53:52] Jason Moore: John Brown has been better at home... I'm going to make him my start of the week."

• Andy Holloway: Recommends Julian Edelman from the Patriots, anticipating a productive game against the Packers.

  "[54:56] Andy Holloway: Julian Edelman is owning the middle of the field..."

• Mike Wright: Supports DJ Moore from the Panthers, highlighting his increased targets and explosive potential.

  "[55:24] Mike Wright: DJ Moore... his ceiling is monstrous."

d. Tight Ends

• Jason Moore: Continues to endorse David and Joku from the Browns despite previous setbacks.

  "[56:27] Jason Moore: ...I am going so hard at the Browns."

• Andy Holloway: Advocates for O.J. Howard from the Patriots, capitalizing on Carolina's weak defense against tight ends.

  "[57:53] Andy Holloway: O.J. Howard against Carolina... he's an athletic freak."

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4. Facturate! Segment

A lighthearted segment where the hosts share amusing facts or trivia, often intertwining them with playful banter. In this episode, they humorously discuss name nicknames and personal anecdotes, adding a fun twist to the show's end.

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5. Key Takeaways and Conclusions

• Matchup Analysis: Understanding defensive strengths and weaknesses is crucial for optimizing fantasy lineups. Emphasizing matchups where defenses are vulnerable can lead to significant gains.

• Player Selection: Balancing safe picks with high-ceiling players is essential, especially during bye weeks and injury-ridden periods.

• Start Recommendations: Following the hosts' starts of the week can provide valuable insights, but always consider personal league dynamics and roster depths.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Staying updated on player statuses, such as injuries and holdouts, and being ready to pivot your strategy is vital for maintaining a competitive edge.

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Notable Quotes

• Jason Moore on the Importance of Week 9:

  "[03:14] Jason Moore: ...this is probably the most important show of all time..."

• Andy Holloway on Nick Chubb:

  "[51:24] Jason Moore: Nick Chubb has two weeks in a row of 18 carries. That is fantastic."

• Jason Moore on John Brown:

  "[53:52] Jason Moore: ...John Brown has been better at home and is an air yards master."

• Andy Holloway on Ryan Fitzpatrick:

  "[48:53] Andy Holloway: ...Ryan Fitzpatrick with the weapons and Carolina giving up at least two per game is a nice start."

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This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers comprehensive insights into Week 9 matchups, strategic player starts, and dynamic fantasy forecasts, equipping listeners with the knowledge to enhance their fantasy football performance.

Transcript

[Andy Holloway]

From 20th Century Fox comes Screen Dive, the first podcast developed and produced by a major Hollywood studio. Screen Dive re examines some of our most beloved films through new interviews and behind the scenes insights with the artists who brought them to life. Guests explore iconic titles like the Sandlot, Planet of the Apes, Deadpool and Devil Wears Prada. Listen to screen dive on October 30th on Apple podcast Stitch or YouTube or wherever you like to listen. Hi, this is Kyle Rudolph and you're listening to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast.

[Jason Moore]

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

[Andy Holloway]

Welcome in.

[Mike Wright]

We're back after the day off. No, we took yesterday off, man.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh. Because of Andy Ryan and Jeff. Jeff.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

There were a number of people who thought there were really gonna be three guest hosts and there were.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

And there were.

[Jason Moore]

So that was one of you. Clearly you're very, very wise now.

[Andy Holloway]

I understand. Like yesterday was the day to go to YouTube to listen to the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Today is the day to not go to YouTube.

[Jason Moore]

Absolutely not.

[Andy Holloway]

Do not go. Do not subscribe.

[Mike Wright]

There is a guest in the middle of the table.

[Jason Moore]

I look like a fool. I mean, I hate my face right now. And I tell you, foot claim the beard will be coming back because when you have no chin, but you got a big neck and you got the turkey gobbler, it's not good. But for the people for the Halloween.

[Andy Holloway]

You could have kept the mustache.

[Jason Moore]

I could have kept the mustache.

[Andy Holloway]

That would have helped the goblin.

[Jason Moore]

But I chose marriage over mustache and.

[Mike Wright]

We'Ve all been playing red dead. You could have gotten the spirit and gone old outlaw with the handkerchief over your face.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, no, I'm showing up.

[Mike Wright]

Look like you're about to rob a stagecoach.

[Jason Moore]

I'm a fat baby faced man right now. Look like look like an idiot.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh my goodness.

[Jason Moore]

It's just The Truth.

[Andy Holloway]

Thursday, November 1st. Welcome to November. We have matchups on the show today for the upcoming week, A little bit of news to catch you up on, but mostly it'll be fantasy forecast today and we have the starts of the week. So we're getting you ready to win.

[Jason Moore]

That's great news.

[Andy Holloway]

I've got to overcome piles of bye weeks and I know many of you have to do the same thing and find some spot starts. I mean this, this is the week where. Oh yes, a spot start is going to come in handy. Which part of that's going to be projecting injury? Because if somebody's out due to injury and you happen to sneak one of those guys on your roster that could be the best spot start situation that you can find. I mean Alan Robinson, for example, is he going to play, is he not going to play?

[Mike Wright]

Right?

[Andy Holloway]

Taylor Gabriel's banged up. Does that make Anthony Miller a start? You know, you can, can you buy a win, right?

[Jason Moore]

And it's easier to buy a win. You know, a lot of times you're like, oh, you've got a lot of buy players. You don't love who you're starting. But the reality is so does your opponent. You're. Everyone is hurt this week. So it is those fringe level players that are going to make the difference for half of the teams out there right now is did you pick the right fringe level player? So I'd say this is a, this is probably the most important show of all time, Dan.

[Andy Holloway]

That's why you shaved.

[Jason Moore]

I shaved just for the importance.

[Andy Holloway]

The importance.

[Mike Wright]

Strange.

[Andy Holloway]

I want to get into a quick question centering around a very important player. Before we do that, I want to remind you you can follow us on twitter @the ffballers. You can win a signed Saquon Barkley Jersey [e-mail] and it's free to enter. There are a number of cool ways you can enter, including voting for us. If you vote for us for the iHeartRadio podcast awards, that counts as an entry. So you get, you get a chance to win the Saquon Barkley autographed jersey. And you can see all that@footclain giveaway.com the rankings are up, our initial rankings for the upcoming week. And I think that's, I think those are the headlines. So here's what I want to talk about today because I know I don't.

[Mike Wright]

Want to talk about look, Lev Bell.

[Andy Holloway]

Didn'T has not shown up yet. And so I wanted to take a second in the quick question to talk about potential scenarios and piggyback on Jason's thought that look, James Conner is going to start another week. That's what Jason's been saying for a while now. And the trade deadline came and went. Lev, that wasn't clearly the only thing he was waiting for because he didn't show up at, you know, 4:01pm Eastern with the team. Now I'm aware of some different scenarios. Now November 13th is the date that I have down as the last day that he can report and still be eligible to play this season and still.

[Jason Moore]

Occur his free agent status. If he could show up past that, I believe and play this season. But then he wouldn't he wouldn't get a year. Right. So he wouldn't be a free agent next year. And so yeah, it's really, it's the 13th of November. That's right. So if he now his other op. So that would you say, okay, he wants to be a free agent, get the big money contract next year, he has to show up by November 13, sign his franchise Tinder and show up. There is another world here, a very realistic world where he holds out the whole season. If he does that, they can, the Steelers can franchise tender him again at the same rate of this year. It doesn't go up to a third year franchise tender because he didn't accrue that status. So he would not be allowed to be a free agent. But in reality, I can't fathom them doing that. Right. I mean it would be a black eye on them.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Jason Moore]

To say, okay, love Bell, we're going to do what you held out from. It would take away their franchise tag from being able to actually utilize it. If they wanted to use that for a player that, I mean, if they franchise tag him, do they think he's going to show up?

[Andy Holloway]

Well, isn't there? Yeah, but there's the angle where it's like, look, we don't want to lose our power and leverage of this situation. We're going to do it again, hope he signs it and trade him. Right like that. That is an option where they could get something for him.

[Jason Moore]

Sure.

[Andy Holloway]

But you're right, there could be and I believe pro Football Talk talked about this a little bit. There's a world where Lev Bell and the Steelers behind the scenes have a conversation, he says he's not showing up, they wink, wink and say, we're not going to franchise tag you next year because they don't want to pay him an extra $6 million if he does show up. Because they're ready to move on and he doesn't want to come show up, play, get hurt, miss out on the long term deal and they wink, wink, say, look, now that's, I think that's a CBA violation. But there's still a world where that happens where they basically say, look, don't show up. We want to save the 6 million, we're fine with Conor, we won't franchise you. Let's just move on from this relationship. And then fantasy owners that have stashed him weep into their pillowcases. And fantasy owners that took the chance on Connor around the trade deadline or moved to get him or you know, have been, hey, I'LL take a week or two. Get James Conner a top five guy all year long.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I think that's legit. So as of right now, if let's just assume he shows up on the 13th, that means that Connor has two more weeks this Sunday and next Sunday where Love Bell will not be a part of the team at all. And he and James Connors complete bell cow that 13th date will be really telling as to whether or not he gets the rest of the season because if he doesn't show up on the 13th, he. He's not showing up. He's just. I mean.

[Mike Wright]

Right. There's no reason to.

[Jason Moore]

Right. And so yeah, I have James Conner in the listener league. I have had several trade offers. Some suddenly come my way and I have held on to James Conner. Recommend you do the same.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, a couple of updates for the Thursday night game this evening. It looks like CJ Beathard is going to be a game time decision. There is an expectation out there that he's going to play tonight. That's what I think is going to happen. Adam Schefter says he's truly 50 50. Matt Burrito will be out there tonight. He's listed as questionable. Pierre Garcon, Raheem Mostert, also questionable. Another reminder, it's a Thursday night game so if you are privileged to run out some rate some Raiders and 49ers this evening, please put them in your starting spots.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, what an honor. It is.

[Andy Holloway]

It is a joy.

[Jason Moore]

I think there's going to be some fantasy.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, there'll be points here.

[Jason Moore]

I mean. Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Not good defenses.

[Jason Moore]

Breida is your start of the week.

[Andy Holloway]

That's true.

[Jason Moore]

Derek Carr is my stream of the week. You know, Jared Cook is a good play. Jalen Richard and Doug Martin are probably fine plays this week if we barely got it. Just trying to keep it down.

[Andy Holloway]

Right.

[Mike Wright]

Acid reflux.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. So. But we're okay here. I mean this, this game will be okay. Let's move on immediately.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, I said I thought maybe that was some of the candy from last night too. Did you kids end up with.

[Mike Wright]

Did they get candy?

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. Plenty of candy for the remaining year?

[Jason Moore]

They.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, they got some candy.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Were you guys rationers as kids? Did you when you had the Halloween haul, did you like spread it out over the next, you know, years worth of like, I've got candy every day.

[Jason Moore]

Or did you look at me and answer that question, Andy, what did I do? Take a guess. Look into my eyes.

[Andy Holloway]

Jason is destroying his self today.

[Mike Wright]

Self deprecation levels are on kill.

[Jason Moore]

I ate it all as quickly as possible.

[Mike Wright]

Did you eat it all last night?

[Jason Moore]

I ate several of my kids pieces.

[Mike Wright]

Your children?

[Jason Moore]

Oh, you're darn right.

[Mike Wright]

Krampus Styles. You hate your kids.

[Jason Moore]

My children candy. My children are all still alive. I need to get more candy next year. If I eat them this year, it's short sighted.

[Andy Holloway]

I ate several of my kids. My kids are my only mechanism to acquire candy.

[Jason Moore]

I need to keep them alive.

[Andy Holloway]

Wow. Okay, today's going well. Let's get into the forecast.

[Jason Moore]

Fantasy forecast.

[Andy Holloway]

There are some wild candies out there. I was looking through the kids basket buckets this morning. They have all these like sour chili pepper covered. I was like throw those out.

[Jason Moore]

What?

[Andy Holloway]

I was like throw. You got to throw those ones out.

[Mike Wright]

Get out of my life.

[Andy Holloway]

That's not going to work. All right, Fantasy Forecaster reminder. Six teams on by in Week 9, the Bengals, Cardinals, Colts, Eagles, Giants and Jags. This is where you insert a joke about starting those players getting you zero points because that's what will happen.

[Mike Wright]

Nice.

[Andy Holloway]

Let's start with the matchup between the Steelers 4, 2 and 1 against the 4 and 4 Ravens. The Ravens are three point home favorites. The line in this game is a 47 and a half point over under. And look, there are a lot of fantasy factors in this matchup. Can you start Vance McDonald? Let's start at the tight end position. Can you start Vance? Because it's been a real up and down season for him. Every time that you've been able to turn his direction and say look, the snap counts. Are there. Something like last week has happened, 38% of the snaps.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I think you can start Vance McDonald, but I. There are other options that you could probably start over him. But when you start, when you start Vance, right. I mean it's tougher this week with all the buys. The reason I say you could start Vance McDonald is sure he might be pretty worthless. He's been pretty worthless I think the last three weeks.

[Mike Wright]

But seven, seven for 68 and then three. He only played the 30, the high 30s and snap percentage but still was three for 47.

[Jason Moore]

Which, which three for 47.

[Mike Wright]

I would not be mad at that.

[Jason Moore]

You're going to be disappointed. You're going to be like ah, that's, that's kind of crappy. But here's what I'm saying. Half of the tight ends you're going to start this week are going to be pretty crap. You're going to be disappointed with them. There are not many players out there that have the chance, the opportunity, the talent to actually have a big blow up week. Vance McDonald has that in his range of outcomes and we've seen some big games that the Ravens have given up to the tight end position. You know, the last two weeks over 70 yards and a touchdown to tight ends. So I think Vance McDonald, I don't, I don't want to start him but if I'm, if I'm in a bad situation where I go, I don't like any of these guys, then he's probably the one I picked.

[Andy Holloway]

It's a bit of roulette at the tight end position outside of the top options. Jason, Mike has Big Ben as the pump the brakes this week. So I imagine that makes you less excited about Vance. But does that, you know, does that affect your view of, you know, juju Smith shoes for the second option?

[Mike Wright]

No, it doesn't. It doesn't change how I'm playing Antonio Brown, Juju or the pass catching weapons. It's just I think that the upside of the team and Big Ben is limited. I'm still going to play the skill position players though. It's very like James Conner who's in full three down guy that he is everything that you want in a fantasy running back. So I'm still playing all those guys, just not Big Ben.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I would take the under on this game. A divisional matchup.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm going to ask you who you think wins.

[Jason Moore]

It's on the road. I think Baltimore wins this game. I do too. They're coming off a loss. You've got Big Ben. I know it's his non throwing hand but he's fractured his finger. He's on the road. We always talk about road. Big Ben is not as good as home. Big Ben, Baltimore sacks people. This is a really tough matchup. So I don't like, I mean I completely agree with you, Mike. I'm not going away from Antonio Brown or juju. I'm starting those guys in almost every fathomable situation because they're just so talented. They can, you know, get. They'll be fine for fantasy but overall I think this is going to be a disappointing game.

[Andy Holloway]

On the Raven side though, John Brown, he torched them the last time they played earlier this year. The Steelers are not good against the fantasy wide receiver position, especially deep targets. Yeah, 35 and a half points a game. He was three for 116 and one in week four against them. And you know, 50% of Brown's targets are 15 plus yards.

[Jason Moore]

So he's easily my favorite start. From the Ravens. Agreed. I mean he's, we'll, we'll talk about him later.

[Andy Holloway]

4 and 3 bears. The 4 and 3 bears take on the 2 and 6 bills. The bills are 10 point underdogs at home. The overrun in this game is a very, very painful 37 and a half points.

[Jason Moore]

37.

[Mike Wright]

And the bears are 10 point favorite.

[Jason Moore]

With double digit dog.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, I mean, and I. And this. Look, you stay away from all bills not name LaShawn McCoy right now. McCoy through volume. It's enough to get you a baseline, but I mean he's only averaging seven and a half fantasy points per game.

[Mike Wright]

It's not good.

[Andy Holloway]

The Bears haven't allowed a rushing touchdown the entire season. And yet the last three weeks LaShawn McCoy's put up 108, 94, 95 total yards. So he's, we talked about it last week. He's doing it through the passing game. But you stay away from all Bills outside of that.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, the Bills are. Their implied total from this Vegas line is not even 14 points.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, that's not good. And we don't even know. I mean, Derek Anderson's out, Nathan Peterman's in. You're probably going to see more Wildcat.

[Jason Moore]

Hey, and we should just say, I mean because they're not waivers, they're not someone you could pick up. But congratulations to anyone playing the Bears defense this week. This is going to be very good for you. I will say this, Khalil Mack, I can't imagine starting him in this game.

[Mike Wright]

You know, if you're the Bears.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, he's still dealing with the ankle injury. This is one where you go, we're going to, we're going to take our, we're going to take our chances. Did either of you get a chance to watch the mic'd up segment? Not on the broadcast, but they had a whole full online mic'd up segment on Matt Nagy last week. It was awesome watching him coach, watching him talk to his players, how positive and encouraging he was. There was this really cool thing. I saw this from Reddit after the Jordan Howard touchdown. He grabbed Jordan Howard and he said, I'm going to get you going. I promise. I promise I'm going to get you going. Great run. So that's, it's cool to see that, that the coach cares. Yeah. I'm buying in believing Matt Nagy right now as an offensive mind. I mean obviously we knew he was a good coach. He was.

[Andy Holloway]

He's turned Mitch Trubisky into an every week 30 point fantasy scorer. Right now, Mitch Trubisky running the ball. I love Tariq Cohen, which maybe that doesn't necessarily mean you don't love Jordan Howard. You don't like Jordan Howard. I think Tariq Cohen is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Alan Robinson potentially missing this game. Cohen has been electric. Love Cohen. Question marks at the wideout position. Anthony Miller did score last week, but it was low target totals, low receptions. And Trey Burton, he's the tight end, six on the year, but he's had four fewer receptions in every game but one. This offense, the Matt Nagy offense has been spreading the ball around. It's been doing things efficiently and it's cost some of these players that have been formerly very volume dependent like a Jordan Howard. Right. Even, even a tight end that doesn't get four more receptions a week is going to be a little up and down even if you get the big, you know, the big games from Trey Burton. So you know, what's the confidence level in this matchup where the Bills are such heavy underdogs, but they've surprised from week to week on the defensive side of the ball, including last week. Look, the final score in the New England game betrayed the entire reality of that game. That game was a 12 to six game until about, you know, five minutes left.

[Jason Moore]

So I was just going to bring up, despite me saying all that kind stuff about Nagy and his offensive mind and what he's done with Trubisky. I would not, I'm not starting Trubisky this week. I don't see him as a weekly must start option. I mean, you've got the Bills who have had a really surprisingly good defense against some great quarterbacks. I mean, here's the quarterbacks that they've had, you know, not get to 20 points in a six point per passing touchdown league. They, they did that to Kirk Cousins, they did that to Aaron Rodgers, they've done that to Tom Brady, desean Watson. Watson. So I mean, look, Aaron Rodgers pretty much shut down the quarterback position after the first two weeks of the season. And I don't think Trubisky is going to be the one that just torches him.

[Andy Holloway]

And it's interesting because you would like. I think I'm with you.

[Jason Moore]

Sweet.

[Andy Holloway]

I think I'm with you. Despite the fact that, look, Trubisky's been on.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, he has.

[Andy Holloway]

He's the number seven overall fantasy quarterback. And you, you tell, you know, you tell fantasy owners he's playing Buffalo as a 10 point favorite and you just now look I think you can do worse than rolling him out there. But last week, 45 pass attempts for Brady didn't throw a touchdown pass.

[Jason Moore]

I would, I would take.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike's got a weird grimace.

[Mike Wright]

I was, I was, I was missed from mishearing what Jason was saying.

[Andy Holloway]

Mitch remembering.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, but I would play Trubisky. It's all about the rushing for Mr. Bisky. That is the second most rushing yards at the quarterback position. He has 13 fewer yards on the ground than Cam Newton. And this, and this is nearly about 25 fewer attempts running for a to carry. So it's, I'm not, I'm not enamored with Mr. Bisky, the passer, but the runner at the quarterback position. Absolutely. I think that he's, I think he's a safe play.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Last thing I'll say here, I think Jordan Howard is a good play this week. Whenever you've got a 10 point favorite in a low, you know, scoring affair that usually favors a running back. And I think if I had to pick between Jordan Howard and Tariq Cohen for this week, I would, I would go towards the Jordan Howard side.

[Mike Wright]

Before we move into our next matchup, want to thank today's sponsor, Zebra. It's been reported that Americans are overpaying on car insurance by over $21 billion.

[Jason Moore]

Fuck.

[Mike Wright]

Len, we got to get this together in Zebra.com they are helping us out. They are the nation's leading car insurance comparison site. It's the only place you can compare hundreds of policies from all the top carriers. Choose the best for you. Plus they will never sell your information to the spammers. Love that. So you're not going to get those unwanted calls or emails. Just answer a few questions on a simple fast form. They're going to find you the best rates. TechCrunch said it best. Zebra.com is the kayak for auto insurance. We all understand that. Just compare it, make it easy for me. And that's what Zebra is doing. You can go today. You can start [e-mail] footballers that's thezebra.com footballers spelled T H E Z E B R A.com footballers and foot clan.

[Jason Moore]

Don't forget, with all the bye weeks going on, maybe you're having a hard time with your players. With your season long league. You're like, ah, I'm frustrated with my matchup. Don't forget about fanduel. Fanduel. I mean we've got our DFS show every Friday, the Fantasy Footballers DFS show to help you win at Fanduel you can have so much fun. You don't have to be some crazy expert to play on FanDuel because they've got great games, a whole bunch of different options like their new gridiron pick them contest every week. You just pick the winners. You don't have to pick against the lines. No spreads. $10,000 is split amongst the top pickers. That's just a really fun thing to do. Gives you rooting interest in every game. That's why I'm really excited to be playing FanDuel this season. New users, if you haven't tried it out, you can get a $20 bonus when you make your first deposit on FanDuel. Come play with [e-mail] fantasy footballers. That's FanDuel.com fantasy footballers and listen to our DFS podcast to give you a couple extra tips to help you win this week and have an awesome time doing it.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, the 3 and 4 Buccaneers take on the 5 and 2 Panthers. Panthers 6 and a half point home favorites and it's a beautiful, wonderful, exciting 55 point over under this games in Carolina. How many points?

[Mike Wright]

Oh, I was waiting for it.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, I'm sorry. Brooks and I appreciate you. I appreciate you. And you haven't shaved your face. So you, you're living large. You look great, looking grizzly.

[Jason Moore]

Thank you.

[Andy Holloway]

You look great. Look. Is Ryan Fitzpatrick an upgrade for the entire offense?

[Mike Wright]

The wide receivers?

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

What about the tight ends?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I don't think it's an upgrade for tight ends, but I still O.J. howard. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

It's not the end of the world.

[Jason Moore]

They were still producing in the first three weeks with Fitzpatrick, but I have so much more confidence in desean Jackson, in Chris Godwin, even Mike Evans. I like Fitzpatrick in there to produce. I mean he's just proven it. We've got enough. We've got enough games with him even going back if you look at him in New York with the jets of how productive he can be for a couple really good. If you've got good wide receiving options, he can get the job done.

[Andy Holloway]

You want to hear a crazy stat?

[Jason Moore]

Heck yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

The Tampa Bay quarterbacks, whether it was Fitzpatrick or Winston, they have the second most fantasy points in the league behind Pat Mahomes.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

So the combined Tampa quarterback is the number two fantasy quarterback. And look, I wanted to take Fitzmagic and the Bucks as my almost upset this week, but, you know, I just couldn't do it. I just couldn't do it. But I do think it is a very a Very high scoring, exciting, fantasy producing game. So Mike Evans interestingly enough did not practice on Wednesday. We need to monitor that obviously tomorrow we have in and out. We think he's okay. We don't know for sure.

[Mike Wright]

He's getting. He's gotten shook a few times throughout the season so I'm guessing this is just the vet day off for him.

[Andy Holloway]

But you know desean Jackson, he put up huge games with Fitzpatrick and then Chris Godwin relevant again. Peyton Barber should be alone in the backfield. Jacquiz maybe on third downs but Barber's going to get a lot of work with Ronald Jones out for a few weeks.

[Jason Moore]

If you are in one of those positions, I've seen people where they have no running back to start. They have none and they got to go to the waiver wire. Now Jaquez is a guy that's 100% available that could end up used in the passing game, especially if the Panthers can get out to a big lead.

[Andy Holloway]

He's one of those disgusting, hard to start players.

[Jason Moore]

But I hope you don't have to do it.

[Andy Holloway]

Would you play Duke Johnson or Jacquiz? Roger?

[Jason Moore]

I would play Duke Johnson.

[Andy Holloway]

Just asking for a friend.

[Jason Moore]

It's just. That's the break the glass.

[Andy Holloway]

That's the break the glass player.

[Jason Moore]

In case of emergency, last resort. Break the glass.

[Mike Wright]

Use this four question just pops out. Yeah, hey, I'm ready for four receptions.

[Andy Holloway]

That's kind of what his whole career has been. It's been like it has an opportunistic win when you have to use him. I think, I think that's what Jamal Williams careers is heading towards. That's what I think. Let me talk about the Panthers now. Cam Newton. Multiple touchdown passes in six straight weeks. Highest red zone completion percentage in the league. Great numbers for Cam. You're always starting Cam. But Booty Scooter, he is. But DJ Moore, can you actually flex DJ Moore? And I want to know whether if you're making that decision, would you rather flex TJ Moore or Devin Funches? Because look, I think it's functious.

[Jason Moore]

I have funches ahead of DJ Moore. I don't think it's bold at all to say that this week you can start both. I would be completely fine if I see someone asking questions about Devin Funches. Start him. DJ Moore. Start him on a week like this week on a game with 55 points overall. On a game like this game with Cam Newton being. Is he our consensus number one?

[Mike Wright]

I know he's my number one.

[Jason Moore]

So then he's probably our consensus number one. Regardless if Andy has him one or two, it's just a great week for them. So, yeah, I do take Scrumptious. Devin S. Scrumptious. Wow.

[Mike Wright]

Haven't heard that very much this year.

[Jason Moore]

Over DJ Moore, but I think both are very good plays.

[Mike Wright]

I have them both in my top 24.

[Andy Holloway]

Whoa Nelly. Top 24 for DJ Moore?

[Mike Wright]

Yep.

[Andy Holloway]

How about Greg Olson? Is he a top five titan?

[Jason Moore]

Oh, yes.

[Andy Holloway]

You're all about.

[Mike Wright]

I'm all about the Panthers. Look at the Buccaneers defense, man, it's the worst.

[Andy Holloway]

It's not good.

[Mike Wright]

Most points to the fantasy quarterback position, second. Most of the fancy wide receiver. Most of the tight end position, still.

[Jason Moore]

Bad against running backs. Somehow they found a way because they.

[Mike Wright]

Score, but they can't stop anybody.

[Andy Holloway]

But that. And that's what translates for fantasy owners into quarterback production. If you look at the Chiefs defense, which we're about to talk about, seven one Chiefs take on the two five and one Browns in Cleveland, eight and a half point underdogs. Cleveland at home against the Chiefs, 51 1/2 point over under. The Chiefs defense has struggled to all the metrics against the chief defense. Outside of kind of being still lower. Lower third at wide receiver, that's translated into infinite points for Pat Mahomes. So, you know, if you have a great defense, your quarterback ends up in a position where they're not playing four quarters the way that you want them to play for fantasy.

[Mike Wright]

Right?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. I love that this game is in Cleveland because I think that the Chiefs defense and the Browns offense will be better for fantasy. Being that, you know, it's, it's away from Arrowhead Stadium, so I'm a big fan. You know, I've said this before, it's a little bit narrative street, but so far we're two for two on the coaches being fired and that first week, bouncing back the team kind of rallying Tampa Bay's defense.

[Mike Wright]

But that was only one coach being fired, Jason.

[Jason Moore]

That's true. Now, double negative, double whammy. I watched the double positive entire Greg Williams press conference. I did that to myself. Why?

[Mike Wright]

Well, we were the guy who could have signed immediately with four head coaching opportunities. Now, in fairness, we're not even going to interview him. They'll just give him the job.

[Jason Moore]

In fairness, he did not, he did not say that those were professional teams. Okay, so we don't know. This could be true.

[Mike Wright]

That's a fair point.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, the high school could have said, hey, Greg Williams, I'll let you be the head coach.

[Mike Wright]

But Greg Williams, the ultimate Clark Kent find of somebody right now.

[Jason Moore]

Find somebody in your life that loves you the way that Greg Williams loved.

[Mike Wright]

Loves himself.

[Jason Moore]

Greg Williams and you will be happy for a long time. But I do think the Browns rally, I think they have a great offensive output. I'm actually excited for the Browns for the first time this season.

[Mike Wright]

Wow.

[Jason Moore]

Their offensive players. I've been very.

[Mike Wright]

Andy's writing it down a date. I shall live and infamy.

[Andy Holloway]

So let's start with that side then. I mean, if you, you like Nick Chubb a lot, you're going to play Jarvis Landry.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Do we forgive David and Joku for goosing us?

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

What you have to. You are going to make a mistake.

[Andy Holloway]

What if that was injury related?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I mean it could be, but he was, he was still out there. He was still running routes. So I'm, I'm letting it slide like a, like the Hunter Henry, like Evan Ingram last year where he just had the random goose in the middle of the season.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. If you look at his last three games, 82%, 83%, 82% snap counts. This wasn't a. I mean, you could say, well, he was hobbled while he was out there, but he was on the field. I am 100% fine forgiving David and Joku playing him this week. I would definitely play him over advance McDonald, you know, he's a tier above that and we'll talk about that a little bit.

[Andy Holloway]

Baker Mayfield has the 31st ranked completion percentage in the league, 58%. They are 29th in the league in terms of scoring, in terms of percentage of possessions in which they score. So it's not been good with Baker thus far. Obviously the blame has fallen on Todd Haley and Hugh Jackson. Here's a little note from baby Josh. He's reminding us he's. He's the resident collegiate expert in this office. Baker beat Pat Mahomes in College 66 to 59. The last time they played, there was again 1,708 yards in that game.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

That's. That can't be true that in college.

[Mike Wright]

Look at those points. Of course there had to be that many yards.

[Andy Holloway]

No, but 1708 yards.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Is that the like 700 yard passing game or something for Pat Mahomes?

[Jason Moore]

That's incredible.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm seeing just a hand come up from behind a monitor over there.

[Jason Moore]

It's a little tiny hand.

[Andy Holloway]

It's a little baby hand.

[Mike Wright]

Is that Jack Doyle?

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, good news. Tyreek Hill practiced in full.

[Jason Moore]

He's full.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Ooh, great.

[Andy Holloway]

That's, ooh, that's great news for Pat Mahomes. It's great news for the offense. It's great news for me.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Is Sammy Watkins a wide receiver too?

[Jason Moore]

Yes. You start Sammy, you start Tyree Kill, you start Cream Hunt, you start Pat Mahomes. You start Travis Kelsey. Next team.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. Jets, Dolphins. I bet you wish we didn't move on now, huh? Next team then. Three and five jets take on the four and four dolphins. Dolphins are three point home favorites 45 point over under. It's been rough going for the jets in the in recent weeks, especially from a fantasy perspective. Darnold's struggled, Isaiah Crowell's not been good. You can't count on any wide outs. I pumped the brakes on the whole team last week and then even, you know, some people are getting excited about Chris Herndon at tight end. He scored in three straight weeks. He's just not out there for a lot of snaps. Not a lot of targets, not a lot of catches. He is scoring and it's nice that you know if you need to, if you need to roll the dice, you could do worse. But any excitement for anybody on the New York side, can you start Isaiah Crowell against this really bad Dolphins run D?

[Mike Wright]

Yes, you can. We are actually going to be talking about Crowell later on in the show. I'm very, yeah, I'm very excited for Crowell. I don't expect Elijah McGuire back. Trenton Cannon did out snap Crowell last week, but that was a byproduct of very negative game script for the Jets. I just don't see the game going that way. And the Dolphins are horrific against fantasy running backs this year.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay, all right, that makes sense. If you have to start a Jets wide receiver right, like you are obligated, which one do you start?

[Jason Moore]

Oh mercy. I think I start Jermaine Curse. And I know people don't want to hear the name double digit target.

[Mike Wright]

He was back to 10 targets last week.

[Jason Moore]

Last week. And look anti, you don't. I don't, I don't start a Jets wide receiver. I'm going to keep my eyes on Rashad Matthews. I mean he's new so I don't even know what his Sam percentage would be. But I do believe he's their best wide receiver. I mean he's actually a quality. I mean with, with Quincy out and Robbie being a much more of a one trick pony that doesn't match quarterback, he's banged up.

[Andy Holloway]

I'll agree with you that if all the other wideouts are Out. And he's the only one that's in. Yeah, he's the best.

[Jason Moore]

All right, welcome aboard.

[Andy Holloway]

But I think teams have noticed that he's, he's, he's lost a few steps in his day. I mean he tried out for how many teams before this job?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

But let's talk about the Dolphins because Brock Osweiler is going to start this game again. Kenyon Drake's been pretty good. Frank Gore has. You know, the matchup's pretty good. Can you start both of those players and what are your expectations from the running backs and you know, who can you trust?

[Mike Wright]

So Corey Evans, one of our writers over at the fantasy footballers.com he tweeted this out. Since week five, Kenyon Drake rakes as the PPR running back six. He's a double digit targets in each game and three touchdowns. His yards from scrimmage over that span, 115, 78, 87, 95.

[Jason Moore]

Just real quick, you said double digit targets. It's touches.

[Mike Wright]

I apologize. Thank you, Brooks. Yep, thank you. But I still don't trust Kenny and Drake. Even with all the evidence staring me in the face, I have a hard time saying yeah, okay, Kenny Drake, you're a running back too again.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I mean I totally get that when you say double digit touches. You know, look, 10 touches for a running back is not usually enough. But because of what's happened to their wide receiver core with Kenny Stills injured, with Albert Wilson gone and his capability in the passing game, I'm definitely going to be starting Kenyon Drake. You, you have to capability in the.

[Mike Wright]

Throwing game too, am I right?

[Jason Moore]

That's true. Yeah. He is one of those type of players that you have to, you have to take the loss.

[Andy Holloway]

What did it mean?

[Jason Moore]

Because he threw a touchdown.

[Andy Holloway]

No, he didn't.

[Mike Wright]

Who threw? Oh, amid Dolan threw the touchdown.

[Jason Moore]

But he could, he could probably his great misremembered. That's funny, so did Jason. Yeah, me too. There we go, the trifecta. Except Andy. But you have to take your lumps with a player like Drake in order to get the big blow up games. If he throws a touchdown this week and he's on your bench, you don't get those points.

[Andy Holloway]

Frank Gore. Frank Gore right now. Seven and a half fantasy points last week on the field for half the snaps carry count in the last five games. 11, 12, 15, 10 12. Ho hum. Frank Gore, do you want to start? Let me ask you this. Frank Gore, Duke Johnson, Austin Eckler, put those in order.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, well, I'm going.

[Jason Moore]

Austin Eckler Because.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

I don't believe Melvin Gordon plays this week.

[Andy Holloway]

Really?

[Mike Wright]

I think even if he plays, he looked. He's shaping up to be limited.

[Andy Holloway]

Wow.

[Jason Moore]

I believe that the Chargers will get it right and rest. If they rest in this week, I'm so much happier with Melvin Gordon. If they rush him out again, just like. Just like Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette. No, just let him rest this week. Bring him back next week. He'll be fine.

[Andy Holloway]

Let me ask you a question. If you were a Melvin Gordon owner, right, And Austin Eckler is out there on your waiver wire, how do you make. How aggressive are you?

[Mike Wright]

Depends on your depth.

[Andy Holloway]

Like you, Mike, you have. You have Melvin Gordon in our league of record.

[Mike Wright]

I do, but I also have a. I have very strong depth at the running back.

[Andy Holloway]

So you don't feel the need to get out?

[Mike Wright]

No, I saw him. He was out there. I didn't even put a claim in because I don't know, I don't have a spot.

[Andy Holloway]

I was hoping to draw.

[Mike Wright]

I thought you were getting one over.

[Andy Holloway]

But I was trying to troll him because I signed Austin Eckler today.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

No, it's a great sign for you.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

But would you rather.

[Andy Holloway]

No, no.

[Mike Wright]

I get our league.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm not going to get that. I get it. Because you're saying, look, if Melvin's down, I'd rather start X over Austin Eckler.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I did a double take because Austin Eckler shouldn't be on any waivers.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, he dropped. Yeah, he dropped yesterday.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, I know.

[Andy Holloway]

He was a. Drop it like it's hot.

[Jason Moore]

I didn't have any fab. You got him with two dollars. I put in a zero dollar bid. I saw that he was dropped like a. Like an idiot. Who dropped him?

[Andy Holloway]

I don't even know my opponent.

[Mike Wright]

Whoa.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. That's so fun when you. Those are so fun. Unless you're on the other side.

[Andy Holloway]

So I'm on. I'm on a super buy this week, right. Like, I've got mix and Barkley Beckham on by. So to. My two running backs are gone.

[Jason Moore]

He draws.

[Andy Holloway]

And here, Austin Eckler, my opponent for who? Peyton Barber.

[Mike Wright]

All right, I get it.

[Andy Holloway]

Which makes sense. I was going after Barber, but little insight to the league of record competition here. But I. If Gordon misses, I've got a. I got a starter. So that's why I took the chance on him. All right, before the starts of the week, one more matchup to three and four Lions against the four. Three and one Vikings. Vikings are four and a half point favorites.

[Mike Wright]

Hold on, Sorry. We do need to.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, Devontae Parker.

[Mike Wright]

We gotta.

[Andy Holloway]

Briefly, we do need to talk about.

[Mike Wright]

Devonte Parker on the Dolphins wide receiver.

[Andy Holloway]

Course we do.

[Mike Wright]

The jets are allowing over 35 points to fantasy wide receivers. Devonte Parker, he stepped up the first time that Mr. B Hole put him.

[Andy Holloway]

On the field 6 for 134.

[Mike Wright]

Gave him an in your face coach.

[Andy Holloway]

He was on the field for 40 of 41 passing downs.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

And so you go up against the jets, they've allowed the seventh most yards per game to receivers and obviously you still get. I like the fact that it's Brock again. Right.

[Jason Moore]

I was going to say you combine. You know, Mike's talked about this for years, but a lot of times when the backup quarterback comes in, they target the backup wide receiver. It just so happens that now the backup quarterback and the backup wide receiver are both starting and on the field at all times. So I actually think Parker is one of those players. You know, if you're telling me I got to play a Jets wide receiver or Parker, it's Parker without a Parker.

[Andy Holloway]

The number one on that. Would you start him over? Amendola or.

[Jason Moore]

He would be. Yeah, because he's the primary outside threat. I'd rather take the shot there.

[Mike Wright]

Kenny Stills, it was initially reported that he practiced yesterday, but he did not.

[Jason Moore]

How do these.

[Mike Wright]

How does this happen? Like, how are we getting these?

[Andy Holloway]

Did somebody like, like tweet and then they take their glasses off and rub them off and then they're like oh no, that wasn't him.

[Mike Wright]

Or reporters aren't showing up for work and they're like, yeah, pretty sure he practiced.

[Jason Moore]

Or if somebody puts out, you know, if, if, if the report comes out that he's like a limited participant and then they just published that and it was actually inaccurate.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, well, I mean let's, let's move on. Three and four, Lions four. Three and one, Vikings. Vikings are four and a half point favorites, 49 and a half point over, under. And I think what people need to know right now, let's start with the Detroit side. They're underdogs in this game. Golden Tate, see you later. Out the door, heading to Philadelphia. So Kerryon Johnson, Kenny Gollady, Marvin Jones, that seems like your offense on the Detroit side of the ball. Does that give you a boost of confidence? The Vikings defense has been pretty good against running the running back position. This is a Mike Zimmer defense that tends to get better over the course of the year as well. How much are they going to do to stop, carry on? And where are you viewing him? Is he a wide or a running back? Two this week?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, he's a two. He's a guy that should be started in most leagues, but I'm not excited about this matchup. It's difficult. I also. I'm surprised that the line is this high. Almost 50 points. You know, you get snacks to slow down the running. You know, you had a big hole.

[Mike Wright]

The player.

[Jason Moore]

The player.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. I was going to say. You might want to like, say the name of the person.

[Jason Moore]

Harrison. They traded for a very good defensive.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, Run stuffer.

[Jason Moore]

Run stuffer. Very large man. I mean, the name is snacks man after my own heart. His snack count is fully legit?

[Mike Wright]

Yes, 100.

[Jason Moore]

100%. And, you know, so if. If he plugs up some holes and their defense is a little bit better and you get rid of Golden Tate and their offense is a little bit worse or trying to figure out the new system and the Vikings defense is getting better under Zimmer. This is.

[Andy Holloway]

You would take the under?

[Jason Moore]

I would take the under. I'm still. I mean, that doesn't mean you don't start Carryon Johnson or Marvin Jones or Kenny Golladay. I'm excited.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, Kenny G. So smooth. The sacks, man. So smooth.

[Andy Holloway]

You should probably talk. I don't have any plans of stopping.

[Jason Moore]

He's like my face so smooth. So smooth.

[Mike Wright]

Like a baby's bottom.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't think we. I think he's have.

[Mike Wright]

We haven't let this thing still going.

[Andy Holloway]

Why? He hasn't been good for two weeks. So I'm trying.

[Mike Wright]

You're pumping him up?

[Andy Holloway]

I'm trying to pump him up. So Marvin Jones over Galladay.

[Jason Moore]

Do we know Xavier Rhodes? Is he.

[Mike Wright]

He'll play. Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[Mike Wright]

He'll play.

[Jason Moore]

Not good for one of those guys.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. But to be fair, Marvin Jones does have a history of torching roads. Like, it's. It's not impossible for him to be completely covered. Shadow covered the whole game and still have a great game.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, but at this point, do you shadow cover? I mean, would you choose to shadow cover Jones over Galladay if you're a Zimmer? I don't know. I don't think I do shadow. I think. I think they'll both see a little bit of Rhodes, but that's up to Zimmer. But my point is, I'm super excited. You guys know how much I love Kenny Golladay or Kerryon Johnson. And we've talked up Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones. I think this could be a down week for all three players. And don't, don't jump ship.

[Andy Holloway]

What about Stafford then? Same, same story. You just kind of temper expectations outside my top 12.

[Jason Moore]

He's not a quarterback one this week.

[Mike Wright]

To me, the biggest thing for Carry on is that Theo Riddick was limited in practice this week. If Theo comes back and they just fully reinsert him into that, into the pass catching role, it will be a hit because as you saw, if you played Carry on last week, he did nothing on the ground. All of his fantasy points for receptions.

[Andy Holloway]

All right.

[Jason Moore]

The Vikings side of the ball.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Let's talk about Dalvin Cook. He's probably going to be out again. You fire up Latavius Murray against the Lions. Yeah, you do. They're trash against the run.

[Mike Wright]

They have. I mean snacks is going to help them certainly. But you still play Latavius.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, Latavius is a. I mean in a week like this, certainly you've got, you've got bad options. I still like Kirk Cousins. This is in a dome. When you've got feeling, you got Diggs. Obviously you're starting those guys. What about Kyle Rudolph? That's the real question to me on that side of the ball is yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

If I need three points, man, I. Dude, there's no one I call.

[Jason Moore]

Who would you play between Kyle Rudolph and Vance McDonald's? McDonald.

[Andy Holloway]

Vance.

[Mike Wright]

I'd play Vance.

[Jason Moore]

That's one of those situations.

[Andy Holloway]

I would play in Joker over him as well.

[Jason Moore]

I think I agree that I would play Vance over because Kyle Rudolph, I would put it 60% odds Kyle Rudolph has a better game than Vance McDonald. Like he's got a better chance of having the better game. But that's six points over four points. You know, it's like, oh, so what? The huge game is Vance McDonald.

[Andy Holloway]

Kyle Rudolph is made for bye weeks because you feel great. If you need a bi week fill in tight end. You feel awesome with Kyle Rudolph.

[Mike Wright]

Sure.

[Andy Holloway]

If you need a week to week tight end. You feel me?

[Jason Moore]

I'm starting Kyle Rudolph in our dynasty league because Eric Eberon is.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, that makes perfect sense.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, let's talk starts.

[Jason Moore]

Starts of the week.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, babyface, who you got at the quarterback position for your start of the week?

[Jason Moore]

I am filling up the gas tank, cutting the brakes since you pumped them on Russell Wilson.

[Andy Holloway]

I did not pump the brakes on him. I said that he would haunt you.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, he was your haunt player.

[Andy Holloway]

He was my haunt.

[Jason Moore]

Okay, well I will.

[Andy Holloway]

You can cut the breaker size so.

[Mike Wright]

You'Re giving someone a call then? Apparently so.

[Andy Holloway]

Russell Wilson's your start of the week. That's interesting.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I mean this is a really tough. I didn't like what you said.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, he was going Ghostbusters.

[Jason Moore]

Ah, okay. I'm going to call. Yeah, I'll give him a call. Yeah. This is.

[Andy Holloway]

The joke is gone.

[Jason Moore]

This is a really rough week with the buys and with the specific matchups for quarterbacks. Russell Wilson's been a guy that's disappointed you most of the season until this last week. He's always been a second half of the year player, which we know about. But the reason that I like him here is much more about the Los Angeles Chargers that I don't believe. I mean, look, I was surprised coming into last week to realize that the Seattle Seahawks are the number one team against quarterback for fantasy production. They've really been a solid defense this year when I didn't think that was going to happen. But Philip Rivers has been MVP level so far this year. I think that the Chargers will be able to score on the Seahawks. And the Seahawks just won't be allowed to run the ball 30 times with Chris Carson, which is their desired preference with Doug Baldwin. You know, another week with the probably their best target of all time at Dixon in tow. I think Russell Wilson is gonna have a really solid week.

[Andy Holloway]

I and I'm not gonna detract from your start of the week. I just don't like these always, you know, a second half player argument because he's not playing bad. That's the point. Like Russell Wilson's playing fine. They're four and three, they're in the playoff hunt. It's not like, it's not like in the second half he goes, I'm gonna turn up my dial. But fantasy points.

[Jason Moore]

But here's the.

[Andy Holloway]

They play fine. He's playing fine in their offense.

[Jason Moore]

But here's the thing.

[Andy Holloway]

The offense is what limits.

[Jason Moore]

If you look at their, at their matchup, their schedule, they had very early season Mitch Trubisky before he got it going, Dak Arizona against, you know, rookie Josh Rose in Oakland.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, who are you talking about?

[Jason Moore]

The Seahawks. The Seahawks, they have not been really challenged and they haven't needed Russell Wilson. So he's been playing well, but he hasn't been able to be a fantasy superstar because they're not playing teams where he needs to be. And I think they do this week.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike, this is frightening.

[Mike Wright]

Well, it's only frightening because going you took, you go first and then that'll Work into mine.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay. Ryan Fitzpatrick is my start of the week. Taking on a Carolina defense that has given up at least two touchdowns for six consecutive weeks. That is a nice floor if you need to start a quarterback that you didn't have on your roster until this week. So the magic is back. The, the magic dust hasn't, hasn't fallen off yet. And I think Fitzpatrick with the weapons and Carolina giving up at least two per game is a nice start. I think you're going to get a top 10 performance from Ryan Fitzpatrick.

[Mike Wright]

So my quarterback start of the week is extremely difficult this week in particular with all the bye weeks and you look at the guys who are in the top 10 because we're trying to give you guys who aren't super obvious.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Mike Wright]

That's, that's the whole point of the starts of the week. And you don't get into my, you get out of the obvious plays at around quarterback 10 through 12. But quarterback 10 is Matt Ryan, who's like a top five guy in the season. Of course you're going to play Matt Ryan. Then Trubisky, who maybe I could have gone with him, but I think he's safe. But you don't love him against Buffalo. So that's, that's just how it worked out that my start of the week is Alex Smith and this is the super desperate stream of the week. Maybe waivers ran through. You didn't get the streaming guy. You wanted to have Ryan Fitzpatrick. You got outbid. Alex Smith is taking on the Atlanta Falcons. They've given up the second most points to the quarterbacks. They are allowing top 10 fantasy quarterbacks like hotcakes. Now Alex Smith has been very. Nah. But Washington, similar to Russell Wilson. Washington has been able to control and dictate the pace of the game and they go to Adrian Peterson when they're in the red zone. So that, that limits Alex Smith. But I was, I was in a really tough spot here, people, and you might be as well. And I think Alex Smith might just.

[Andy Holloway]

Be nice if he threw for over 200 yards.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, Alex Smith, he might be the.

[Mike Wright]

Vanilla ice cream that you, that you need.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, he should be, you know, a top 15 quarterback which, you know, if you're in a league where everyone's rostering two and you're down picking in the 20s that that's what you need this week.

[Andy Holloway]

Running backs, Jason, running backs.

[Jason Moore]

I am sticking with what I said earlier about the first time. I really like the Cleveland Browns offense. I think there's going to be motivation there. And you Know as they're getting yelled at by Greg Williams with F bombs after every other word that you're not man enough. The offensive line will man, thought you were a man. Thank you, Greg. But Nick Chubb.

[Mike Wright]

Get out of here with that crap.

[Jason Moore]

Nick Chubb has two weeks in a row of 18 carries. That is fantastic. You give a guy like Nick Chubb 18 carries. Do you want to know what I want to coincide with that? A great easy to run on matchup. And that's what they have. They're at home against the Kansas City Chiefs, 31st best team against the right.

[Andy Holloway]

Are you worried though that they get behind and Duke, you know, with the new offensive coordinator, Duke becomes the guy.

[Jason Moore]

No, I think that they. I see this is going to be a competitive game. So I think Nick Chubb has the opportunity to first of all always has the opportunity to break off a few 50 yard touchdown. His top speed is awesome and then they're going to need him. I don't think they're going to go away from him, especially with Greg Williams in tow. Greg Williams is going to be like, I don't care that we're down 35, run the ball. Aren't you a man. So I like Nick Chubb this week. He's my start of the week.

[Andy Holloway]

Matt Burrito set a career or I sorry a season high in carries. Last week in a game we didn't think he was even where he was.

[Mike Wright]

Supposed to be questionable.

[Andy Holloway]

We didn't think he was going to play. He plays tonight. He's my start of the week at the running back position taking on Oakland. Look, if he's knocked out of the game, his production is going to go down. That being said, I'm not presuming, you know, an incident on the field. He's playing mosterts banged up. Morris has been bad. Matt Burrida is the guy they count on in that backfield. He may actually catch a couple passes tonight. So I think Matt Burrida, you're looking at 16 to 20 total touches against Oakland. You give me 16 to 20 touches against Oakland, I'm feeling pretty good and I want to make it my start of the week. So the UFS confidence to roll them out there in one of those spots tonight.

[Mike Wright]

Man, if the, if the 50% happens that it is Nick Mullins throwing the ball, he better be checking down to Matt Burrito every chance that he gets. My start of the week, as I insinuated, it's Isaiah Crowell up against Miami. Miami has allowed 100 plus rushing yards in five of seven games the past two weeks carry on Johnson, Lamar Miller both saw huge tremendous success and I expect the jets to be in a more competitive game which shifts things to Crowell and we have seen what happens when Crowell is in a positive game script. It's monster game.

[Andy Holloway]

I have to give you a lot of credit on your what I'll call the Crowell timing this year because you made him a start of the week when he had a blow up game, you pumped the brakes on him immediately for the following week. Now was the time very difficult to figure out because he doesn't just give you a 10 point week, he stinks.

[Mike Wright]

He's all or nothing.

[Andy Holloway]

So Isaiah Cruell, hopefully this is the week. Jason, who's your wide receiver?

[Jason Moore]

My wide receiver that I insinuated, John Smokey Touchdown Brown. He is coming off a terrible week where we said this is a really bad matchup for him against Carolina. Lo and behold he had three for 28. But the last time he played Pittsburgh he put up 116 yards and a touchdown. He is an air yards master and it's a perfect matchup for what Pittsburgh has been struggling with. They came out of their bye. Pittsburgh did and they looked much better last week. But that could just be the one week because prior to the buy they were pretty much the worst in the league. Had given up the big plays to wide receivers and you know there's even including last week they're 27th against wide receivers for fantasy points given up. I think the matchup is perfect. John Brown has been better at home and John Brown's the type of guy where you are trying to find the right week. You're trying to go, okay, is this the week where I get the huge explosion? Is this week I need to bench the dud and this is the week I'm calling for an explosion. So I'm going to make him my start of the week as I did two weeks ago when he went ham.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay, all right. I'm going to go with Julian Edelman. Against Green Bay he owned the middle of the field. This should be a very exciting, fun game, primetime game. Edelman always shows up and look whatever deficiencies that they have with Gronkowski, that connection right now going on. Edelman is owning the middle of the field. He's owning third down and last week was a huge game for him, over 100 yards. I love Edelman in week number nine. And then let's. Mike, you've got your wide receiver.

[Mike Wright]

I do. I'm going with DJ Moore. DJ Moore, like I Said I have him. I have both Panthers wide receivers in my top 24 and I want to give people the confidence that I have in DJ Moore this week. That is, he is, he has a great flex option. I mean he's, he is 24, so technically he's a wide receiver too for me as well. Tampa Bay allowing 320 plus passing yards a game over 30 fantasy points a week to the two wide receiver position. Cam Newton's my number one quarterback. We saw Carolina make the change this week that they're trying to get DJ Moore involved. The snaps were finally there. Tori Smith being banged up. All signs point to the ascension of the rookie to finally be in our fantasy lineups and get us some points. And on top of that, where I think he's a safe play. DJ Moore ceiling is monstrous. His athletic measurables are insane.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, let's close out our starts of the week with the tight end position. Jason is doubling down on that Browns offense. Always a wise thing to do.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, no, it's risky. I'll be honest. I'll be really honest. I don't love that I've that I am going so hard at the Browns. I always stay away from the Browns. So this is going to be one of those.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, maybe you have the magic touch.

[Jason Moore]

With if you burn me. I've stayed away forever. I felt good about it and this is the time where I'm going in and watch it. Browns okay come through for me. But yeah, you're a man. A manny Manny man.

[Mike Wright]

We got to get that for Greg.

[Jason Moore]

Williams, David and Joku. David and Joku is a guy that you can't go away from just because he goosed tight ends. Goose Hunter Henry is named the goose.

[Mike Wright]

A goose hurts, man, when someone gives you a good pinch in the butt.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, it's not terrible. You don't want to get goose and I apologize for you being goose, but it's no good. But you can't stop starting a guy.

[Andy Holloway]

Can'T stop starting a goose.

[Jason Moore]

He's still running 82% snap percentages. He's on the field all the time. A freak athlete. He has been getting it done every week of the year except this last one. And you're going to want to go, oh, he goosed me. I can't, I can't play him. He's going to be. He's going to be okay. This isn't me saying he's the best start of the week. You know, I had George Kittle in there originally, but I was like, that's a little too obvious. Jared Cook. These are guys, you're starting over them. But because of the goose, a lot of people are going to say, I'm not playing. David and Joku, don't do that.

[Andy Holloway]

Yep, I'm going with O.J. howard against Carolina. Carolina has given up a touchdown to the tight end position in five of seven games. They're dead last in the league in fantasy points allowed to the tight end. O.J. howard's breaking out week after week. He's an athletic freak. Fitz Magic will get him the ball this week. O.J.

[Mike Wright]

Howard and I'm on the other side of the ball. Greg Olson, we've already kind of covered the matchup. I just really, really like the Panthers offense, so I'm trying to get a piece however I can. And Greg Olson, since he's returned, he's starting to get a healthy, a target share. He is involved in this offense. I think this is the game where we can really see him do something.

[Andy Holloway]

All right.

[Jason Moore]

Jason Moore's ironclad, locked and loaded, 100% guaranteed. Boom, boom. Kicker of the week. Kicking it home in a dome. I don't want to get nuts. I'm taking my four field goals from the Saints. Will Lutz.

[Mike Wright]

Four.

[Jason Moore]

Calling for the four pack.

[Andy Holloway]

Why not, why not, why not five? Jason put in a request.

[Jason Moore]

I would request eight field goals. William Lutz, if you could be so calm.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, you called him by his birth name to be.

[Jason Moore]

To be my man.

[Mike Wright]

It's weird. His birth name is actually Bill.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

No, it's Billiam.

[Jason Moore]

Hey, Footland, if you are struggling in your season long, you want to have fun. You want to go out and make some money, go over to FanDuel. Have fun. Football season is never more fun than when you've got something on the line. You got some horses in the race. Do something and look, everyone can play there. There's more ways to win than ever. Play their gridiron. Pick them contest. It's fun. You pick the winners. No lines, no spreads. Really fun. New users get a $20 bonus when they make the first deposit at FanDuel. Go to FanDuel.com fantasy footballers. That's FanDuel.com fantasy footballeters.

[Mike Wright]

This question is completely not football or fantasy related.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm interested.

[Mike Wright]

It's. It was interesting because I just had this discussion with my kids, but I was reminded of it because William somehow we can shorten that to Will or Bill.

[Andy Holloway]

Correct.

[Mike Wright]

And then you have Robert that for some reason you can just slip a B in there.

[Andy Holloway]

That can be Rob or Bob or Bob.

[Mike Wright]

When did this happen?

[Andy Holloway]

Long time ago.

[Mike Wright]

That we just decided. Do you not like the first letter of your name? You're allowed to put a B in. It's a legal substitution.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, that was at the council of Willembill.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, that's true. I don't know. That is actually factorate. That is actually factual. I was gonna bring up Rich, but we shall not go there.

[Mike Wright]

Why not?

[Andy Holloway]

I have an uncle.

[Mike Wright]

No, he was talking about.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, my uncle Dick.

[Mike Wright]

That's not where Jason was leading.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, that sure was.

[Mike Wright]

Was it?

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, that's the nickname for Richard. Richard.

[Jason Moore]

How did that.

[Mike Wright]

No, no, I thought you were. I thought you were replacing his name with what we're just talking about, like, if you changed Mike to bike.

[Andy Holloway]

No, we weren't. Because we don't think like you.

[Jason Moore]

No, we don't.

[Andy Holloway]

We were talking about reality where, like, Richard's nickname is Dick.

[Jason Moore]

How did that happen? How?

[Andy Holloway]

Nobody knows how anything happens.

[Jason Moore]

The first.

[Andy Holloway]

Let's be clear.

[Jason Moore]

The first Rich.

[Andy Holloway]

Nobody knows how anything has ever happened.

[Jason Moore]

Guy was just a jerk.

[Andy Holloway]

The first Richard was a jerk.

[Jason Moore]

There you go.

[Mike Wright]

King Richard.

[Jason Moore]

That was my grandfather's name.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, hey, thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to check out footclan, vote.com support the show and also youknowboutdraft.com ballers. See you tomorrow. Goodbye.

[Jason Moore]

Thank you for listening to another episode of the fantasy football footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter @the ffballers.