Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Week 13 Waivers + Playoff Prep, Difference Makers
Release Date: November 26, 2024

1. Episode Overview

In this engaging Week 13 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright dive deep into waiver wire strategies, playoff preparations, and identify key difference-makers that can influence the final stretch of the fantasy football season. The trio blends expert analysis with entertaining banter, offering listeners invaluable insights to bolster their fantasy rosters.

2. Playoff Prep and Player Performance Discussions

Tyreek Hill vs. John U. Moore Debate

The hosts engage in a spirited discussion about the Dolphins' offensive strategy, particularly focusing on the diminished roles of star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Andy expresses frustration with John "Johnny" Smith's involvement in the offense, stating, "I like to be a part of this great show and ruin Tyreek Hill." ([02:29] Andy Holloway).

Mike clarifies his stance on Tyreek Hill's fantasy value, emphasizing the distinction between professional performance and fantasy output: "I do, just by a small margin, believe Tyreek has been a better pro." ([03:09] Mike Wright).

Andy adds another layer to the conversation by highlighting Tua Tagovailoa's inconsistent fantasy production despite solid team performance: "Tua himself has not been productive... that was because the Patriots defense." ([04:35] Andy Holloway).

Jason provides statistical insights into Tua’s performance post-IR, noting his impressive numbers: "Since Tua has been back from the IR concussion stint, he's averaging 26 completions for 255 yards a game and over two touchdowns." ([05:14] Jason Moore).

Quentin Johnson's Performance

The conversation shifts to Quentin Johnson's significant drop in performance during a nationally televised game, which directly impacted fantasy matchups: "He had mostly buried the demons. I mean like that one was the one that sent Greg Roman's head backwards." ([06:07] Mike Wright). Andy underscores the irony of Johnson's collapse, explaining, "It's only as big as it is because he's been playing well." ([07:15] Andy Holloway).

3. Difference Makers: Waiver Wire Strategies

Presented by IMES Pet Food, the Difference Makers segment focuses on identifying potential waiver wire gems that can provide a crucial edge during the playoff push.

Key Recommendations:

• Jeremy McNichols: Highlighted as a top-tier pickup due to his dual-threat ability in both rushing and receiving. Jason emphasizes his historical pass-catching prowess: "He caught 28 of them for 240 yards. That's 8.6 yards per catch." ([12:09] Jason Moore).

• Gus Edwards: Positioned as a reliable second option, especially if J.K. Dobbins remains injured. Andy asserts, "If it turns out by the time waivers clear that this is a season-ending injury for Dobbins then Gus is a must pick up." ([33:08] Andy Holloway).

• Don Tavion Wicks: Despite concerns about his catch rate, Mike acknowledges his target volume: "He's targeted on 30% of the routes he runs, which is awesome." ([41:46] Mike Wright).

Strategy Advice:

Mike advises, "You can win a week with a strategic pickup. That's why you should have... a little bit of fab left over to be able to pick up one of those guys." ([15:17] Mike Wright), encouraging managers to stay proactive on the waiver wire.

Andy adds strategic planning for the final playoff week: "Next week, look at your opponent's matchup... it's going to make a difference between whether you make the playoffs or not." ([16:45] Andy Holloway).

4. News and Notes

Injuries and Team Updates:

• J.K. Dobbins: Suffered a knee injury and is ruled out, making him a high-impact waiver target.

• DeMarcus Robinson: Arrested for potential DUI, impacting his fantasy reliability.

• David Montgomery: Listed as DNP due to lack of practice, with uncertainty surrounding his availability.

• Amon-Ra St. Brown: Limited practice and potential game time reductions.

• Raiders’ Quarterback Situation: Speculation around Aidan O'Connell starting, with Daniel Jones' trade status being discussed.

Andy and Jason humorously discuss NFL player careers and contracts, providing entertaining yet relevant context for fantasy decisions.

5. Waiver Wire Segment: Top Pickups

Running Backs:

• Jeremy McNichols vs. Gus Edwards: A debate ensues on who offers more immediate value, with Andy leaning towards McNichols for his clarity in role and matchup.

• Amir Abdullah: Mentioned as a dependable pass-catching RB with recent good performances.

Wide Receivers:

• David Moore (Carolina Panthers): Noted for his target volume and in-play performance: "David Moore had 10 targets, 6 for 81 in a touchdown." ([38:26] Mike Wright).

• Elijah Moore: Highlighted for consistent target acquisition despite inconsistent yardage: "Elijah Moore has never struggled to get targets. He's always struggled to get yards and fantasy production." ([42:49] Andy Holloway).

• Don Tavion Wicks: Recognized for his athleticism but cautioned due to low catch rates: "He just doesn't catch football." ([41:46] Mike Wright).

Tight Ends:

• Taysom Hill: Celebrated for his versatility and high-scoring potential: "Taysom Hill, the weirdest player that ever existed. Could be the weirdest player that's ever helped you win a title." ([47:16] Andy Holloway).

• Cole Comet vs. Zach Ertz: A debate on who to start based on target share and recent performances, with Andy favoring Comet for his recent integration into the offense.

6. Streaming Quarterbacks and Defensive Picks

Quarterbacks:

• Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks): Recommended for his high-volume passing against a struggling Jets defense: "Gino's on pace for... 650 plus passing attempts." ([55:39] Mike Wright).

• Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Praised for his recent performance and favorable matchup: "He's averaging basically 20 fantasy points per game... a 48.5 point over/under against the Saints." ([55:00] Andy Holloway).

• Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos): Cautioned due to previous inconsistent performance but expected to improve against Cincinnati: "Hopefully you were able to bail out there at the Last second... better this week." ([56:11] Jason Moore).

• Cooper Rush (Dallas Cowboys): Noted for his increasing volume and improving performance: "He is volumizing his way into being a competent fantasy quarterback." ([59:28] Mike Wright).

Defensive Picks:

• Dallas Cowboys Defense: Mentioned for their recent improvements with key players like Micah Parsons returning: "Their defense has been playing better recently." ([53:12] Andy Holloway).

7. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Segments

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease the upcoming Megalodon Episode, promising an in-depth analysis of Thursday, Friday, and weekend football matchups. They also promote their website JoinTheFoot.com for custom waiver rankings and lineup optimizations, ensuring fantasy managers have access to tailored advice.

Andy humorously signs off, "Join our fantasy football community on JoinTheFoot.com and follow us on Twitter @TheFFBallers." ([60:04] Andy Holloway), encouraging listeners to stay connected for ongoing support throughout the fantasy season.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway:
  "I like to be a part of this great show and ruin Tyreek Hill." ([02:29]).

• Mike Wright:
  "I do, just by a small margin, believe Tyreek has been a better pro." ([03:09]).

• Jason Moore:
  "Since Tua has been back from the IR concussion stint, he's averaging 26 completions for 255 yards a game and over two touchdowns." ([05:14]).

• Andy Holloway:
  "Next week, look at your opponent's matchup... it's going to make a difference between whether you make the playoffs or not." ([16:45]).

• Jason Moore:
  "Cole Comet is a, you know, an elite option I believe right now." ([49:47]).

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the Week 13 episode, providing listeners with valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance their fantasy football performance as the playoffs approach.