Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: The Halloween Show! + Starts of the Week, Week 9 Breakdown

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
• Host/Authors: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Episode: The Halloween Show! + Starts of the Week, Week 9 Breakdown
• Release Date: October 31, 2019

1. Halloween-Themed Segment: Players as Halloween Candy

The episode kicks off with a festive Halloween spirit as the hosts engage in a creative segment where they liken NFL players to various Halloween candies. This playful analogy sets a fun tone for the episode and provides insightful commentary on player performances.

• Devonta Freeman as Milk Duds ([04:20]):

  • Andy Holloway: “Devonta Freeman is like Milk Duds... they're both trash now.”
  • Jason Moore: “Fake chocolatey caramel. That used to be my go-to.”
  • Insight: Freeman, once a reliable asset, has become inconsistent, much like the sticky and disappointing nature of Milk Duds.

• Sammy Watkins as Taffy ([06:04]):

  • Jason Moore: “Sammy Watkins is Taffy... a 27% hit rate, just like Taffy.”
  • Andy Holloway: “27% of the time... just like Taffy.”
  • Insight: Watkins shows potential bursts of performance but is generally unreliable, akin to the unpredictable texture and flavor of Taffy.

• Darren Waller as a Full-Size Candy Bar ([07:43]):

  • Mike Wright: “Darren Waller was like robbing a bank of your choice. He has been nothing but sensational.”
  • Andy Holloway: “He's also huge.”
  • Insight: Waller emerged as a valuable and dependable player, contrasting with the inconsistent comparisons of Freeman and Watkins.

2. Fantasy Forecast and Injury Updates

The hosts provide critical updates and forecasts for Week 9, helping listeners make informed decisions for their fantasy lineups.

• David Johnson Not Expected to Play ([08:22]):

  • Jason Moore: “David Johnson's not expected to be out there.”
  • Andy Holloway: “All of the money.”

• Injury Impacts and Player Alternatives ([08:37]):

  • Jason Moore: “It’ll be a mixture of Kenneth and Drake...”
  • Andy Holloway: Clarifies the pronunciation: “Y, a, W, N.”

• Fantasy Advice:

  • Jeff Wilson Jr. vs. Adrian Peterson:
    • Andy Holloway: “I like Adrian Peterson. Buffalo's defense is great against wide receivers but not as strong against running backs.”
    • Jason Moore: “Would you play him over Adrian Peterson? I think Peterson is a safer and more reliable pick.”

3. Week 9 Game Breakdown

The hosts delve into analysis of key NFL matchups for Week 9, assessing defenses and predicting player performances.

• Texans vs. Jaguars ([11:08]):

  • Matchup: Gardner Minshew vs. Deshaun Watson.
  • Over/Under: 46.5 points.
  • Predictions:
    • Andy Holloway: “I would take the over... expecting a high-scoring affair.”
    • Jason Moore: “Deshaun Watson can overcome Jacksonville’s defense.”

• Bears vs. Eagles ([19:03]):

  • Key Players: David Montgomery vs. Jordan Howard.
  • Andy Holloway: “David Montgomery will finish around RB28-29 with some touchdown upside.”
  • Jason Moore: “Jordan Howard is a must-start this week against Chicago’s weak run defense.”

• Vikings vs. Chiefs ([24:15]):

  • Quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins vs. Patrick Mahomes (doubtful).
  • Mike Wright: “I’m betting on Kirk Cousins. He’s been the best quarterback over the recent weeks and should perform well against the Chiefs’ defense.”

• Redskins vs. Bills ([29:31]):

  • Quarterback Situation: Case Keenum out, Dwayne Haskins starts.
  • Fantasy Advice:
    • Andy Holloway: “Do not start Terry McLaurin against the Bills. It’s too risky with Haskins starting.”
    • Mike Wright: “Start the Bills defense instead.”

• Colts vs. Steelers ([35:14]):

  • Injury Update: James Conner dealing with an AC joint shoulder injury.
  • Andy Holloway: “James Conner is RB9 this week despite a tough matchup against the Steelers’ defense.”
  • Mike Wright: “Start Josh Jacobs, rookie RB for the Raiders, due to his favorable matchup.”

• Jets vs. Dolphins ([40:18]):

  • Key Players: Devin Singletary vs. Adrian Peterson.
  • Fantasy Advice:
    • Mike Wright: “Start Devin Singletary only if he showcases increased volume.”
    • Andy Holloway: “Prefer Adrian Peterson over Singletary given Peterson’s consistent usage.”

4. Starts of the Week

A crucial segment where each host shares their top picks for the week, guiding listeners on optimal fantasy starts.

• Mike Wright:

  • Running Back: Le'Veon Bell ([45:28])
    • Reasoning: Miami allows the third most fantasy points to running backs. Bell is projected for an 80% chance of a top-five performance.
    • Quote: “This is the moment we have waited for. I am setting it at 80% that Le'Veon Bell has a top five game this week.”

• Andy Holloway:

  • Running Back: Josh Jacobs, Oakland Raiders ([48:16])
    • Reasoning: Facing a weak run defense. Jacobs is healthy and in favorable condition to perform.
    • Quote: “Not a single team in the NFL has given up a top 12 every single week to running backs... Raiders are susceptible, so Jacobs is a great play.”

• Jason Moore:

  • Running Back: Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears ([49:53])
    • Reasoning: Bears' defense struggles against the run, Howard has a strong earning rate per carry and favorable matchup.
    • Quote: “Jordan Howard is a must-start this week. The Bears have given up seven touchdowns against running backs in the last four weeks.”

• Quarterback:

  • Mike Wright: Gardner Minshew, Houston Texans ([50:27])
    • Reasoning: Houston's defense gives up top 12 fantasy points to quarterbacks consistently. Minshew has a high target share with dependable receivers.
    • Quote: “Savage Garden Minshew... he’s crushing with his new best friends, DJ Chark and Chris Connell.”

• Kicker:

  • Andy Holloway: Robbie Gould, San Francisco 49ers ([59:22])
    • Reasoning: Single kicker option for the week with operations in cooler temperatures favoring Gould’s performance.
    • Quote: “100% guaranteed boom boom kicker of the week this Halloween.”

5. Wide Receiver and Tight End Highlights

The hosts discuss valuable wide receivers and tight ends to consider for weekly starters, focusing on matchups and player performance trends.

• Wide Receivers:

  • Andy Holloway: Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys ([55:00])

    • Reasoning: Strong matchup against Carolina’s weak secondary. Gallup has high target potential.
    • Quote: “PFF ranks Gallup with the fourth highest wide receiver matchup advantage in all of football this week.”

  • Jason Moore: DJ Chark and Chris Conley, Houston Texans ([56:39])

    • Reasoning: Chark is consistent, and Conley has a high target share against a vulnerable Houston defense.
    • Quote: “Chris Conley has seven targets in back-to-back weeks with a significant matchup advantage.”

• Tight Ends:

  • Mike Wright: Greg Olson, Tennessee Titans ([56:43])

    • Reasoning: Tennessee defense has given up top 12 fantasy points to tight ends consistently. Olson is a reliable streaming option.
    • Quote: “Tennessee has only been stout against tight ends twice... Greg Olson at home is a smart streaming choice.”

  • Jason Moore: Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers ([58:31])

    • Reasoning: Chargers’ defense struggles against tight ends, Henry has been active and productive since returning.
    • Quote: “Hunter Henry has no fewer than six targets since his return... Green Bay ranks 27th against tight ends.”

6. Kicker Selection: Robbie Gould

In the kicker segment, Andy Holloway confidently selects Robbie Gould as the top kicker for the week.

• Andy Holloway: “Boom boom kicker of the week this Halloween. Robbie Gould is locked and loaded.”
• Reasoning: With only one reliable kicker available for the week, Gould’s consistency and favorable conditions make him the clear choice.

7. Host Banter and Fun Moments

Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain a light-hearted and entertaining dynamic, enhancing the overall listening experience.

• Halloween Costumes and Jokes:

  • Jason Moore: Dressed as Chris Goblin, adds humor and festive flair.
  • Mike Wright: Wears a walrus costume, dubbed “Darren Waller,” engaging in playful interactions.
  • Andy Holloway: Struggles humorously with his costume mask, adding to the Halloween fun.

• Notable Banter:

  • Jason Moore and Mike Wright: Engage in playful taunting over player selections and strategies.
  • Andy Holloway: Balances serious fantasy advice with humorous commentary on costumes and interactions.

8. Conclusion and Final Tips

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate key fantasy football tips and encourage listeners to stay engaged with their advice for Week 9.

• Final Fantasy Advice:

  • Jason Moore: “Start your flex with Chris Conley if you want big plays.”
  • Mike Wright: “Stream Greg Olson on tight end based on matchup advantages.”
  • Andy Holloway: “Robbie Gould remains your top kicker choice. Focus on reliable players with favorable matchups.”

• Listener Engagement:

  • Hosts remind listeners to follow them on social media for updates and additional insights.
  • Encourage participation in their fantasy football community on JoinTheFoot.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway on Devonta Freeman as Milk Duds: “[04:20] Devonta Freeman is like Milk Duds... they're both trash now.”
• Jason Moore on Sammy Watkins as Taffy: “[06:04] Sammy Watkins is Taffy... a 27% hit rate, just like Taffy.”
• Mike Wright on Darren Waller as a Full-Size Candy Bar: “[07:43] Darren Waller was like robbing a bank of your choice. He has been nothing but sensational.”
• Andy Holloway on Le'Veon Bell: “[45:28] I am setting it at 80% that Le'Veon Bell has a top five game this week.”
• Jason Moore on Jordan Howard: “[49:53] Jordan Howard is a must-start this week. The Bears have given up seven touchdowns against running backs in the last four weeks.”
• Andy Holloway on Robbie Gould: “[59:22] 100% guaranteed boom boom kicker of the week this Halloween.”

Final Thoughts:

This Halloween-themed episode blends festive fun with in-depth fantasy football analysis, providing listeners with both entertainment and valuable insights. From creative player-candy comparisons to strategic Week 9 lineup recommendations, the Fantasy Footballers deliver comprehensive advice to help fans navigate their fantasy leagues effectively.

Stay tuned for more expert analysis and make sure to follow the Fantasy Footballers on Twitter and JoinTheFoot.com for the latest updates!