Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary

Episode: Week 1 Hype + Changing Opinions, Undrafted Gems
Date: September 2, 2025
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Episode Overview

With NFL Week 1 just days away, the Fantasy Footballers trio rides the pre-kickoff hype. This episode focuses on:

• Undrafted fantasy gems you should know for waivers or as late-round pick-ups
• Changing opinions and players offering strong first-month value
• Major off-season news and training camp outcomes impacting rosters
• Answers to listener questions for Week 1 preparation and fantasy season strategy

The hosts keep up their signature blend of humor, high-energy discussion, and insightful, actionable fantasy advice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

League of Record Draft Stories & League Momentum ([02:15]–[06:23])

• The crew recaps their league of record draft night, with special mention of reigning champ Al Borland’s over-the-top draft entrance complete with lighting rigs, pyrotechnics, and smoke machines.
• Andy jokes about the emotional shift—now they’re looking at real Week 1 matchups, not just months of "jibber jabber."
• Jason, who traded away picks last year for a title run, recounts going into the draft bare: “I have nothing on this roster. I went all in last year and Al beat me in the title game.” ([05:52])
• The group jokes about team builds, rookie-risking, and hoping key players like CMC stay healthy.

“I drafted a great team from 2018… That’s how you get upside.” — Jason Moore ([05:23])

Announcements: Megalobowl, UDK, Ultimate Membership ([06:23]–[08:44])

• Final Megalobowl drafts are happening; listeners can still join.
• The Ultimate Draft Kit (UDK) can be turned into membership credit at jointhefoot.com.
• Week 1 rankings and start/sit tools are live.

Undrafted Gems Segment ([09:09]–[14:30])

Andy’s Pick: Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay ([09:25])

• Rationale: Due to injuries in the Packers WR room (Jaden Reed foot fracture), Doubs could be the steady, high-floor option early on, with a soft schedule in the opening weeks.
• Beat reporter buzz and his proven reliability in Green Bay position him as a sleeper flex candidate.
• “If nothing else, a safe floor play for the first month… a chance at something great happening.” — Andy Holloway ([11:19])

Mike’s Pick: Hunter Henry, TE, New England ([11:48])

• Rationale: Henry has the easiest initial schedule for TEs and historically starts hot—three top-2 weeks in the first two games over the last two years.
• Led the team in targets, got a fresh contract, but is overlooked and likely on waivers.
• “He is probably a really good Week 1 start—just grab him and start him over whoever you drafted.” — Mike Wright ([12:37])

Jason’s Pick: Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota ([12:55])

• Rationale: With Jordan Addison sidelined, Thielen emerges as a short-term option, especially early (revenge game vs. former team, Monday night football).
• Difference-makers early may fade as teammates return from injury (“players to trade away” vision).

Additional mention: “There are a bunch of players that are hot start players that will probably be good players to trade away, and Doubs could be one of them.” — Jason Moore ([13:02])

Strategic Insights: Chunking the Season ([14:30]–[15:32])

• Andy and Jason stress that managers must break the fantasy season into “chunks” and not panic if things go wrong:

  “If you start 1-2, 1-3, break the season down into chunks. Your next two games—who can fill those flexes? That’s how you sneak into the playoffs.” — Andy Holloway ([15:22])

News & Notes ([16:07]–[24:58])

Steelers Backfield:

• Jalen Warren’s two-year extension ($12M guaranteed) cements him as Week 1 starter, but rookie Caleb Johnson’s rise remains an undercurrent—debate among hosts on his dynasty potential.
• “We might be more opposed on Caleb… I think Caleb Johnson is an elite running back who’ll eventually take over... I thought he was pedestrian, average.” (summarized from [16:51]–[17:26])

Browns RB Situation:

• Quinchon Judkins may join team soon but faces an uncertain (possibly 3–6 game) suspension.
• Even after signing, disciplinary or acclimation delays could mean 8–9 weeks before meaningful snaps.
• “It might be 8-9 weeks before he’s giving you any meaningful touches.” — Andy Holloway ([21:09])

Key Injury Updates:

• AJ Brown, Najee Harris (ramping up for Brazil), Quentin Johnston, and Matthew Stafford are all trending toward Week 1 availability.
• Jalen Coker’s slot role is on hold due to a quad injury (IR, 4–6 weeks); Panthers sign Hunter Renfrow.
• Xavier Legette, Christian Kirk mentioned as WRs to consider in light of shifting depth charts.

Listener Mailbag ([28:10]–[54:46])

Start/Sit Dilemmas ([28:10]–[31:15])

• Devonta Smith (Thursday) vs. DJ Moore (Monday)—split opinion.
• Mike: “So tough for me to watch the opening game and not use my player.” Says DJ Moore is better play, but emotional pull for Thursday night.
• Jason: Devonta Smith, because Philly may pile up points (“the lack of a pass rush will give Devonta time to run wild”).
• “It happens all the dang time… we get surprised every week.” — Jason Moore ([30:49])

Platform Settings & League Rules ([31:17]–[34:32])

• Allowing ‘doubtful’ players to go on IR—hosts approve for convenience.

Draft Night Rule Change Laughter ([32:18]):

• Jason tries to change ‘safety’ scoring from 2 to 3 points, only for Andy to discover their league already gives 4 points.
• New rule: one fantasy point for a stop on fourth down.

Coping with Bad Draft Grades & Rookie Picks ([35:18]–[37:25])

• Listener worries about last-place projections after drafting rookies.
• “Don’t even worry about that… you can draft all rookies right now and probably be in really good shape if you’re gonna do it, this is the year to do it.” — Jason Moore ([36:44])
• Ignore generic platform draft grades; focus on optimizing week-to-week.

Over/Under-drafted Players & Changing Persuasion ([51:43]–[53:30])

• Discussing the phenomenon of falling in love with players only after drafting them.
• Andy admits DK Metcalf is his new emotional investee; “You idiots for not drafting him.”

Managing Too Many Leagues ([45:50]–[47:20])

• Mike: 8 leagues, Jason: 9–10, Andy: similar.
• “If Tuesday shows up and you sigh at the amount of waivers, you’re in too many.” — Andy Holloway ([47:13])
• Solace: Ultimate Dashboard helps enormously.

Waiver Questions—Jaden Reed ([49:49]–[51:43])

• Jaden Reed’s foot ailment sours ceiling and makes him a week-to-week heartache, but he could produce if active.
• Mike: He fell far in recent drafts, but “if Reed plays, you’re going to play him.”
• Jason: “This ceiling season is gone now.”

Mike’s Famous Dip Recipe ([54:02])

• By listener request, the “Hitman Dip”:
  • ½ lb sweet Italian sausage (brown it)
  • 1 block Philly cream cheese
  • 1 can Rotel (don’t drain)
  • Mix in crockpot, enjoy with chips

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Undrafted Gems:
  “He [Hunter Henry] is probably a really good Week 1 start… no one, unless you’re in a dynasty league, has drafted him.” — Mike Wright ([12:37])

• On Fantasy Season Panic:
  “If you start 1–2, 1–3… break the season down into chunks. That’s how you sneak into the playoffs after a bad start.” — Andy Holloway ([15:22])

• On Jalen Warren/Steelers:
  “I still think Warren is a great pick, he’s the presumed starter… I think Caleb Johnson is an excellent elite running back who’s eventually going to take over.” — Mike Wright ([16:57])

• On Too Many Leagues:
  “If you literally don’t know who to root for… you’re probably in too many leagues.” — Andy Holloway ([47:13])

• On Instant Post-Draft Emotion Change:
  “It changes everything. Our league being done… now we get to see what happens.” — Mike Wright ([05:19])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:15] League of Record Draft Recap & Vibes
• [06:23] Megalobowl & UDK Announcements
• [09:09] Undrafted Gems Segment Begins
• [14:30] Breaking the Season into Chunks (Strategy)
• [16:07] News & Notes
• [28:10] Listener Mailbag (Start/Sit)
• [45:50] How Many Leagues Are You In?
• [49:49] Jaden Reed: Drop or Hold?
• [54:02] The Mike Wright “Hitman Dip” Recipe

Closing

• The hosts wrap up with encouragement for the FootClan to attack waivers, chunk the season, and not overreact to a rough draft or low projections.
• Reminders for the last Megalobowl drafts and key in-season resources.
• The crew displays their characteristic camaraderie, combining humor with practical advice as the fantasy season begins in earnest.

For listeners looking for last-minute waiver advice, player stashes, or Week 1 lineup tweaks, this episode is both entertaining and full of sharp, actionable recommendations right up to kickoff.