Fantasy Footballers Podcast: "Take Checks + TNF Preview, Trade Decisions"

Episode Date: September 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this packed episode, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive into a pivotal time of the fantasy season: post-Week 1 waiver runs, critical trade decisions, early reactions to preseason takes, a preview of the Thursday Night Football (TNF) matchup, and insightful Mailbag questions. The hosts bring their signature mix of sharp fantasy analysis, lighthearted banter, and actionable advice, helping managers navigate waivers, lineups, and trades as the season heats up.

Key Segments and Insights

Waiver Wire Reactions & "Drop It Like It's Hot"

Timestamps: 02:13–06:07, 15:29–23:18

• The hosts candidly share their waiver strategy and results. Andy reflects on bidding hard for "Huge" and Kayshon Boutte—“I was $19 for each. Yeah…” (03:06)—but narrowly misses out thanks to keen league-mates.
• Mike highlights the value of $0 bids: “$0 bids, they go through more than you would think… Put a zero dollar in. Yes, sometimes things happen.” (03:49)
• They discuss their experience in a new league format, the "chopped league," where the waiver spending was surprisingly aggressive.
• The "Drop it like it’s hot" segment focuses on players likely dropped post-Week 1 (e.g., Trevor Lawrence, Kendre Miller, Juju Smith-Schuster) and encourages savvy managers to stay alert for value pickups others might overlook.

Early Season Takeaways: Hits and Misses

Timestamps: 06:09–15:29

Each host reflects on one take they feel validated by, and one that's shaky post-Week 1:

Andy:

• Right About: Michael Pittman’s value when not paired with Anthony Richardson or injured (“…in the games that Michael Pittman played without Anthony Richardson…he was double digit fantasy points. He was basically a wide receiver two every single week…” 06:33)
• Shaky About: Caleb Johnson as a breakout (“…my fantasy MVP, a guy that I really believe in… but I’m feeling very shaky because I don’t like liking players that don’t play football.” 08:01)

Jason:

• Right About: JSN being set up as a Seahawks WR alpha (“JSN looks real good after one week…” 10:14)
• Shaky About: Initially doubting Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson—who both excelled. (“The take I feel very quickly on the opposite side of now is my doubts around Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson…” 10:45)

Mike:

• Right About: Jordan Mason as a rising RB for the Vikings. (“I think that transition happens even more rapidly now…he’s going to be a home run pick.” 12:06)
• Shaky About: Ken Bone Walker’s volatility and uncertain usage in the Seattle backfield.

Backup Options (Waiver Wire Additions)

Timestamps: 15:29–23:18

• QBs: Trevor Lawrence is a streamer after a disappointing Week 1; monitoring Caleb Williams’ status (16:00–17:02).
• RBs: Key attention to dropped handcuffs/insurance backs such as Trey Benson, DJ Giddens, and Kendre Miller (18:07–18:42).
• WRs/TEs: Keep an eye on widely dropped or overlooked receivers (Juju, Wandale, etc.), and TE options like Jonnu Smith or Hunter Henry. The group debates Kincaid vs. Goddard (20:33–21:14).

Memorable Quote:
“Juju is going to get targets…he just keeps popping up for the Chiefs when they need him.” – Mike Wright (19:39)

• DSTs: Noted the Patriots, Seahawks, and Eagles as strong multi-week plays (22:30+).

News & Notes

Timestamps: 24:38–28:04

• Christian Watson (Packers WR) signed to one-year extension, despite injury.
• Raheem Morris expects Jake London to play Sunday; reminder to use FLEX spots for greater roster flexibility with late-week questionable players.
• George Kittle officially to IR. “He’s gonna miss the next four games, and while he’s missing that time, he’s gonna go to Little Caesars, probably on an elk or some kind of raising deer…” – Andy (26:34)

Thursday Night Football (TNF) Preview: Washington @ Green Bay

Timestamps: 28:09–38:17

• Green Bay enters as home favorite on a short week, with a high 48.5 point over/under.
• Jordan Love: Streamable, but with limited upside (“Jordan Love has an excellent game and a mediocre fantasy output.” – Andy, 29:48)
• Jaden Daniels ("JD8"): Intriguing for his rushing, “6 for 58 with a touchdown. On the ground, he looked so incredibly fast…like he was dunked in grease…” – Mike (17:04)
• Packers pass-catchers: Targets spread thinly; Tucker Kraft is a viable TE streamer, but WRs are touchdown-or-bust.
• Washington: Terry McLaurin is a start, but expectations are tempered by defensive matchup.
• RB Questions: Bill Crosky’s role is discussed versus alternatives like Jordan Mason and Jalen Warren. Verdict leans to Mason or Warren in most cases.

Mailbag: Listener Questions

Timestamps: 38:23–56:30

Waiver FAB Strategy

• “I adjust my bids proportional to my need…use our FAB as a guide, but also know your league.” – Jason (39:18)
• In new FAB leagues, Mike suggests being bold: “Go a little harder than you think.” (40:44)

Lineup/Trade Decisions

• Tyreek Hill: Start Keenan Allen or Hollywood Brown over Tyreek? (43:23–44:47) – General consensus is to fade Tyreek for those options given quarterback performance and trade rumors.
• Trade Questions: AJ Brown vs. Tee Higgins – prefer AJ Brown; CMC/Derrick Henry vs. Justin Jefferson–keep the RBs (48:01, 49:29).

Strategy Talk

• Streaming a QB to neutralize an opposing WR: “You want the most points at your quarterback position possible… just get the most points.” – Jason (54:09–55:37)
• Malik Nabers vs. JSN: Still lean Nabers, but gap has lessened after Week 1 (51:33–53:55).

Memorable Quotes & Fun Moments

• “$0 bids, they go through more than you would think…” – Mike Wright (03:49)
• “I don’t like liking players that don’t play football.” – Andy Holloway (08:01)
• “JSN looks real good after one week.” – Jason Moore (10:14)
• “Go a little harder than you think [on FAB bids].” – Mike Wright (40:44)
• “If you want to play a Packer, you gotta say, I believe they’re getting a touchdown.” – Andy Holloway (34:37)
• “You want the most points at your quarterback position possible…just get the most points.” – Jason Moore (55:20)

Notable Timestamps

• 03:49: Mike’s tip on $0 waiver bids
• 06:33: Andy’s case for Michael Pittman
• 10:14: Jason’s validation on JSN call
• 15:29: “Drop It Like it’s Hot” – Waiver/backup options segment start
• 24:44: News including Christian Watson, George Kittle to IR
• 28:09: TNF Preview – Washington @ Green Bay
• 39:18: Listener Mailbag: FAB bidding advice
• 43:23: Start/sit: Tyreek Hill vs. Allen/Brown
• 49:29: CMC/Henry vs. Jefferson trade question

Tone and Style

Upbeat, conversational, and irreverent, the trio delivers analysis through back-and-forth banter, playful jabs (“I believe Sharps had the ball and you go, oh sure, you blocked for Sharps.” – Andy, 14:19), and clear, direct advice. They bring real transparency to their fantasy play (own league moves, misses as well as hits), keeping the audience both informed and entertained.

Summary Takeaways

• Waivers: Monitor who is dropped as much as who is added. Utilize $0 bids and be aggressive in starting FAB leagues.
• Early Season Overreactions: Don’t panic after one week but note snap shares and injury reports; stay open to change.
• Thursday Night Preview: Temper expectations for all but the highest volume players in a spread-it-around Packers offense.
• Trades & Start/Sit: Weigh market value, team construction, and matchup, but prioritize upside for needed positions.
• General Strategy: Know thy league, bid with purpose, and don’t chase points just to block opponents.

If you missed the episode, this summary provides the full playbook—both the X’s and O’s, and a little bit of locker room fun.