Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Start/Sit Courage + Hungry For More, TNF Preview
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Platform: FantasyFootballers.com
1. Episode Introduction
The episode kicks off with Andy Holloway welcoming listeners on a lively note, highlighting the significance of the current playoff push in fantasy football. The hosts set the stage for discussing key start/sit decisions, player performances, and upcoming Thursday Night Football (TNF) matchups.
2. Start/Sit Decisions
Joe Mixon’s Dilemma ([10:19] - [15:18])
Andy expresses significant concern over Joe Mixon's status due to his recent injury from a hip drop tackle—a hard hit that was not penalized by officials. Jason delves into Mixon's performance outlook, noting:
"I think Joe Mixon has a very down game. I think that's kind of where you're at. And if he didn't play, you also would know early, right?" ([14:22])
Mixon is set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a team boasting one of the best defenses against running backs. The hosts anticipate a challenging game for Mixon, projecting:
"I would play him over both of them, and if he's out..." ([14:31])
Kirk Cousins and the Falcons’ Quarterback Situation ([16:00] - [23:08])
The discussion shifts to Kirk Cousins being benched by the Atlanta Falcons in favor of Michael Pittman Jr., following Cousins' underwhelming performance. The implications for fantasy football are significant, with potential negative impacts on key receivers like Bijan Robinson. Jason highlights the uncertainty:
"I thought about this and there's only one thing to root for here, and that is for the Falcons to win the super bowl..." ([16:47])
Andy adds skepticism about Pittman Jr.'s immediate impact, emphasizing the risks of relying on a rookie quarterback in a playoff scenario.
Jerome Ford vs. Josh Jacobs ([20:35] - [22:05])
Andy and Jason debate whether to start Jerome Ford for the Browns against the Bengals. Despite Ford’s modest recent performances, his matchup against the Bengals—who are motivated for playoff positioning—makes him a viable start:
"Jerome Ford has played a committee back for role historically with the Browns. His numbers are better splits wise with DTR than they are with Winston..." ([20:35])
Jason concurs, recognizing Ford's potential in a game where the Bengals are likely to pass more.
3. Hungry For More Segment
Tajaya Spears ([05:19] - [10:04])
Jason introduces the "Hungry for More" segment, focusing on Tajaya Spears, the Tennessee Titans' running back recovering from an injury. Spears has seen limited opportunities but showed promise by scoring two touchdowns in his recent game. The discussion covers:
- Spears’ increased involvement due to Tony Pollard’s injury.
- The Titans’ favorable matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, who have struggled against running backs.
Jason remarks:
"Tajay Spears is a very, very talented... he looked good last week. He got two touchdowns." ([07:27])
Andy supports this outlook, noting Spears' rising involvement and potential for fantasy impact.
Jalen McMillan ([08:19] - [10:04])
The focus shifts to Jalen McMillan, a rookie wide receiver showing increased target share and touchdown potential. Despite initial underutilization, McMillan's current performance and upcoming matchup against Dallas make him an attractive fantasy option:
"I'm hungry for more. Jalen McMillan making an impact on fantasy teams." ([09:36])
Jason adds that McMillan has started to capitalize on opportunities, enhancing his value in fantasy lineups.
4. News and Notes
Player Injuries and Updates ([10:04] - [26:52])
Andy and Jason review the latest NFL news, focusing on key player injuries and their fantasy implications:
- George Pickens: Dealing with a hamstring issue, remaining a risky start.
- Cedric Tillman: Remains in concussion protocol, limiting his availability.
- Kyle Pitts vs. Jalen McMillan: Debating start options based on performance and matchup.
Jason discusses Joe Mixon’s injury:
"Joe Mixon has been injured... He’s finishing the game, so he’ll keep trying to attack recovery." ([12:13])
Andy highlights the slim chances of Houston Titans improving their playoff seed, adding context to Mixon’s motivation despite his injury.
5. Thursday Night Football (TNF) Preview
Denver Chargers Showdown ([28:21] - [33:00])
The hosts preview the Thursday Night Football matchup between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams are vying for playoff seeding, and defenses play a crucial role:
- Chargers Defense: Ranked high in points per game allowed but showed vulnerability in recent games.
- Denver’s Offensive Players: Concerns over quarterback health and wide receiver performance.
Jason analyzes the defensive strengths and potential fantasy outcomes:
"Chargers have been slipping... Their defense has been very good, but last week they were very bad." ([29:15])
Andy advises caution with Chargers’ wide receivers due to inconsistent performance:
"I’d play McConkey for sure. He is not the kind of player that gets followed all over the place." ([31:06])
6. Mailbag and Listener Questions
Quarterback Start/Sit ([37:31] - [43:50])
Listeners inquire about starting quarterbacks in tough matchups. For example, Tristan from Texas is torn between Kyler Murray and Bo Nix. The hosts recommend:
"I'll play Kyler in that matchup." ([37:59])
Amari Cooper Droppable Decision ([46:03] - [50:50])
A question arises whether to drop Amari Cooper for the Packers' defense. Jason advises:
"Any mid-level questionable starter... should be droppable if you need to." ([46:03])
They discuss the value of trading hype versus player performance, highlighting Cooper’s potential decline in production compared to his trade expectations.
Wide Receiver Choices ([43:04] - [49:56])
listener Logan asks whether to start Jaden Reed or Jameson Williams. The hosts favor Williams due to his higher probability of returning touchdown opportunities:
"I'm more confident in Jameson Williams than I am in Jaden Reed." ([43:23])
Andy concurs, citing Williams' potential targets and offensive dynamics without Zach Ertz.
7. Strategic Insights
Trading on Hype vs. Performance ([49:08] - [50:50])
Jason and Andy discuss the pitfalls of trading players based solely on hype. Using Amari Cooper as an example, they caution against overvaluing players based on potential rather than current performance:
"Amari Cooper has sucked. He has been irrelevant as a Bill... there was the what if." ([49:18])
Andy emphasizes the importance of evaluating trade value based on realistic outcomes rather than speculative potential.
Defense Matchups ([51:06] - [52:24])
The hosts compare the Packers' and Falcons' defenses, ultimately recommending the Packers due to potential quarterback pressures that could lead to defensive fantasy points:
"I would go with the Packers." ([51:25])
Jason adds that while the Bengals' defense isn't top-ranked, strategic playmaking can offer unexpected fantasy points.
8. Community Engagement and Final Thoughts
Andy and Jason engage with listeners through hypothetical scenarios and light-hearted banter, emphasizing the importance of community interaction and listener support. They wrap up by encouraging listeners to submit questions and participate in the fantasy football community.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Joe Mixon Injury Concern:
"What is the status of Joe Mixon?... It's a hip drop tackle. They've come out again. This is the second time he's been injured." ([10:19])
-
Hungry for More on Tajaya Spears:
"Tajay Spears is a very, very talented... he looked good last week. He got two touchdowns." ([07:27])
-
Trading on Hype vs. Performance:
"Amari Cooper has sucked. He has been irrelevant as a Bill..." ([49:18])
-
Quarterback Recommendations:
"I'll play Kyler in that matchup." ([37:59])
-
Wide Receiver Start Decision:
"I'm more confident in Jameson Williams than I am in Jaden Reed." ([43:23])
Conclusion
This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides in-depth analysis of critical start/sit decisions, player performances, and strategic insights for the fantasy playoffs. Hosts Andy Holloway and Jason Moore offer actionable advice backed by recent performances and upcoming matchups, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to make informed decisions for their fantasy teams. The episode also fosters community engagement through listener questions and interactive segments, solidifying its reputation as a go-to resource for fantasy football enthusiasts.
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