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.
