Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Title: Week 1 Matchups + Clyde Debuts, In-or-Out
Host/Authors: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: September 11, 2020
Duration Covered: 0:00 – 59:58
Introduction and Episode Overview
The episode kicks off with a brief advertisement for NFL Game Pass by Andy Holloway (00:00), followed by the welcoming remarks from Mike Wright and Jason Moore (00:26–00:37). The hosts, Andy, Jason, and Mike, introduce themselves and set the stage for a Friday episode focusing on Week 1 NFL matchups, the debut of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and an "In-or-Out" segment analyzing player viability.
Week 1 Reactions and Clyde Edwards-Helaire's Debut
The discussion begins with reactions to the first week of the NFL season. Mike Wright highlights Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s impressive debut for the Kansas City Chiefs, noting his performance despite the Chiefs’ conservative goal-line attempts.
- Mike Wright (03:16):
"The big story of the night was Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He had 25 carries, 138 yards on the ground, and a touchdown. It was absolutely wild."
Despite his strong performance, Clyde Edwards-Helaire did not record any receptions during his debut. The trio debates whether Clyde is a suitable goal-line back, ultimately agreeing that he is not designed for that specific role but possesses significant fantasy upside.
- Andy Holloway (05:02):
"I don't agree. I think Clyde is a goal-line back."
They also discuss Sammy Watkins’ underwhelming performance in Week 1 and debate whether to trade him if available in fantasy leagues.
- Jason Moore (06:27):
"Trade him if you have. Nobody has him."
Injury Updates and Their Impact on Fantasy Lineups
A substantial portion of the podcast is dedicated to injury updates affecting key players:
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Kenny Golladay:
- Limited practice and uncertain status for the upcoming game.
- Andy Holloway (11:42):
"Kenny Golladay did not practice on Thursday. Was very limited today."
-
Cortland Sutton:
- Sprained AC joint reported but expected to play unless an injection is taken.
- Mike Wright (13:37):
"I do think he can play. It's a matter of whether he decides to get an injection."
-
Mike Evans:
- Hamstring issues could impact his performance against the New Orleans Saints.
- Mike Wright (14:34):
"What did he have? He had a full-on goose. Yeah, he may have done that."
-
Others:
- Updates on David Montgomery, Deontay Johnson, and Noah Fant are provided, emphasizing their availability and potential impact on fantasy lineups.
The hosts emphasize the challenges fantasy players face with early-season injuries and the importance of making informed start/sit decisions.
- Andy Holloway (15:16):
"Not to play who you drafted. It's one of the biggest challenges that fantasy football players have."
Detailed Matchup Breakdowns
The trio delves into an analysis of several Week 1 NFL matchups, providing insights into player performances and team strategies.
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Seahawks vs. Falcons
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Key Points:
- Seahawks are two-point road favorites.
- Debut of Jamal Adams on defense for Seattle.
- Jason Moore (20:33):
"This is a game that could very easily hit the over, could have a lot of points scored."
-
Notable Players:
- Matt Ryan as a fantasy start.
- Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are highlighted as strong fantasy options.
- Discussion on tight ends Greg Olson vs. Will Disley.
-
-
Browns vs. Ravens
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Key Points:
- Ravens are 7.5-point home favorites with a 48-point over/under.
- Emphasis on Ravens' strong running game and Browns' potential strategy to control possession.
- Jason Moore (25:58):
"This could end up being a game that ends quicker than most as there's so many, you know, rushing plays."
-
Notable Players:
- Mark Andrews is recommended as a high-value tight end.
- Concerns about running backs Odell Beckham and Marquis Hollywood Brown facing strong defenses.
-
-
Chargers vs. Bengals
-
Key Points:
- Chargers are three-point road favorites with a 42-point over/under.
- Rookie quarterback Joe Burrow’s debut against the Chargers’ formidable defense.
- Jason Moore (31:44):
"Have the ability to pivot on those guys."
-
Notable Players:
- A.J. Green discussed as a potential sleeper.
- Austin Ekeler’s workload is under scrutiny.
-
-
Buccaneers vs. Saints
-
Key Points:
- Saints are 3.5-point favorites with a 48-point over/under.
- Tom Brady's team is an underdog for the first time since 2005.
- Mike Wright (35:05):
"Tom Brady's team is an underdog in a regular season game for the first time since 2005."
-
Notable Players:
- A.J. Brown and Alvin Kamara are highlighted, while Gronkowski is viewed skeptically.
- Chris Godwin and Scotty Miller are recommended starts.
-
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49ers vs. Cardinals
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Key Points:
- 49ers are six-and-a-half-point favorites with a 48-point over/under.
- Air quality in San Francisco under scrutiny.
- Mike Wright (40:06):
"It's really hard to install a rookie week of without practicing."
-
Notable Players:
- George Kittle is a must-start tight end.
- Kenan Allen and Jordan Reed are potential value picks.
- Kendrick Bourne is suggested as a sneaky option.
-
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Cowboys vs. Rams
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Key Points:
- Cowboys are three-point favorites at home against the Rams with a high 50.5-point over/under.
- Challenges at the running back position due to Rams' strong defensive line.
- Jason Moore (43:15):
"I'm not going to play Cam or Malcolm Brown; Rams' defensive line is worrisome."
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Notable Players:
- Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Michael Gallup are confirmed starters.
- Tyler Higby and Blake Jarwin discussed with mixed recommendations.
-
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Steelers vs. Giants
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Key Points:
- Steelers are 5.5-point road favorites with a 46-point over/under.
- Focus on James Conner and Eric Ebron as key starts.
- Andy Holloway (46:19):
"James Conner start of the week. Eric Ebron start of the week."
-
Notable Players:
- Deontay Johnson’s availability is uncertain.
- Evan Ingram and Sterling Shepard are under the spotlight.
-
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Titans vs. Broncos
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Key Points:
- Titans are 2.5-point road favorites with a 41-point over/under.
- Discussion on Ryan Tannehill, Derek Henry, and A.J. Brown’s potential.
- Jason Moore (50:56):
"Practice and a prayer. I like both of those players this week."
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Notable Players:
- Melvin Gordon vs. Philip Lindsay/David Montgomery debated for running back starts.
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Fantasy Forecast and Start/Sit Recommendations
The hosts provide actionable fantasy football advice based on the matchup analyses:
- Mark Andrews emerges as a top tight end pick due to his favorable matchup and potential for high target volume.
- Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are consistently recommended for their rapport with Russell Wilson and high ceiling.
- Will Fuller is viewed with caution but considered reliable if targeted appropriately.
- James Conner and Eric Ebron are highlighted as solid options for Steelers matchups, while Melvin Gordon is favored over Philip Lindsay and David Montgomery for the Titans vs. Broncos game.
"Prop It Like It's Hot" Segment
A new segment in collaboration with Monkey Knife Fight, the hosts engage in prop betting based on player statistics:
-
Mike Wright's Prop:
"Austin Ekeler, more or less 19.5 fantasy points in PPR format. Taking the over." (58:26) -
Andy Holloway's Prop:
"Jimmy Garoppolo passing yards: Over 268.5." (56:44)
"Kyler Murray passing yards: Over 229.5." (57:53)
Notable Quotes:
-
Mike Wright (56:44):
"Last year Jimmy Garoppolo averaged 249 passing yards a game. He was only over that threshold six times." -
Jason Moore (57:53):
"I'm taking the over for both Garoppolo and Kyler Murray." -
Andy Holloway (58:26):
"Start Josh somewhat or develop in their roles. I'm taking the over on Austin Ekeler."
The hosts encourage listeners to participate in the prop betting via Monkey Knife Fight, emphasizing its alignment with fantasy football knowledge.
Conclusion and Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with a brief advertisement for Monkey Knife Fight and a reminder about supporting the podcast through jointhefoot.com for additional resources like injury updates and premium projections (56:44). The hosts tease upcoming live streams and future games, emphasizing ongoing analysis and support for fantasy football enthusiasts.
-
Mike Wright (58:48):
"If you want to support this independent podcast, visit jointhefoot.com for a whole bunch of goodies." -
Andy Holloway (59:41):
"This afternoon. And Mike is Sunday. He's gonna be there for Sunday live once again this year."
The hosts sign off by thanking listeners and directing them to their website and social media channels for more content and updates.
Key Takeaways
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire had a standout debut, signaling strong fantasy potential despite limited receptions.
- Injury Updates are critical in Week 1, impacting several key players' availability and performance.
- Matchup Analyses provide deep insights into player performances and strategic start/sit decisions.
- New Prop Betting Segment offers an engaging way to leverage fantasy football knowledge in different betting formats.
- Start/Sit Recommendations focus on high-value players with favorable matchups and reliable performances.
Notable Quotes:
-
Mike Wright (03:16):
"Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 25 carries, 138 yards on the ground, and a touchdown. It was absolutely wild." -
Jason Moore (06:27):
"Trade him if you have. Nobody has him." -
Andy Holloway (15:16):
"Not to play who you drafted. It's one of the biggest challenges that fantasy football players have." -
Mike Wright (35:05):
"Tom Brady's team is an underdog in a regular season game for the first time since 2005." -
Mike Wright (56:44):
"Last year Jimmy Garoppolo averaged 249 passing yards a game. He was only over that threshold six times." -
Jason Moore (57:53):
"I'm taking the over for both Garoppolo and Kyler Murray."
Resources and Further Information:
- Website: www.thefantasyfootballers.com
- Twitter: @the_ffballers
- Support the Show: jointhefoot.com
- Monkey Knife Fight Promo: Use code BALLERS for a 100% deposit match up to $50.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Fantasy Footballers' Week 1 podcast episode, providing valuable information for both seasoned fantasy players and newcomers alike.