Podcast Summary: Fantasy Footballers - Week 15 Buy or Sell + Semi-Finals Mailbag, Lizard Rules

Release Date: December 11, 2019

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Buy/Sell Segment

Overview: The hosts delve into the "Buy or Sell" discussion, evaluating key players' performances and their impact on fantasy football lineups for Week 15.

• Josh Jacobs:
  Jason Moore (03:04): "We all sold him as a top 12. So that's a win."
  Andy Holloway (03:07): "He was not a top 12. It's just facts."
  Outcome: Jacobs did not perform as a top 12 running back, validating the sell decision.

• Baker Mayfield:
  Jason Moore (03:11): "Baker Mayfield, a top 12 quarterback. We all sold that. He ended up quarterback 24."
  Outcome: Mayfield underperformed significantly, reinforcing the sell recommendation.

• Joe Mixon:
  Jason Moore (04:06): "Joe Mixon with 10 fantasy points versus New England. That's an easy buy for me."
  Andy Holloway (04:28): "He's too involved and too talented a player."
  Insight: Despite a modest performance, Mixon's consistent workload secures his value.

• Odell Beckham Jr.:
  Jason Moore (06:06): "I will sell just two games this entire season as the wide receiver, 16 or better for your first round pick, Odell Beckham Jr."
  Andy Holloway (06:42): "I'm going to sell, as they say. He does not get a top 15 performance against the hapless Arizona Cardinals."
  Decision: Beckham Jr. is recommended to be sold due to inconsistent performances against weak defenses.

• Todd Gurley:
  Jason Moore (11:46): "He's the RB12 on the season. He has five top 10 finishes..."
  Andy Holloway (12:26): "I'm going to sell begrudgingly."
  Conclusion: Gurley's high snap count and touchdown potential make him a buy despite some reservations.

Notable Quote: Jason Moore (05:23): "If Joe Mixon was on the Baltimore Ravens, he would be the best running back in football."

2. News and Notes

Injuries and Team Updates:

• Darius Geiss:
  Jason Moore (14:26): "The Redskins officially placed Darius Geiss on injured reserve."
  Impact: Geiss is out for the season due to a sprained MCL.

• Marvin Jones:
  Jason Moore (14:42): "Marvin Jones on injured reserve. Wide receiver for the Lions. Ankle injury."
  Impact: Jones' absence affects the Lions' receiving corps.

• Kenny Golladay:
  Andy Holloway (15:13): "This week he has just the creme de la creme matchup."
  Insight: Golladay faces a favorable matchup, boosting his fantasy potential.

• Alshon Jeffery:
  Jason Moore (16:21): "Alshon done for the season."
  Concern: Jeffery's injury underscores the need for robust WR depth.

Team Performances:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
  Andy Holloway (07:05): "Kyler Murray is at home against Cleveland. The last two weeks have been disasters for Kyler."
  Analysis: Tampa's offense struggles have significant fantasy implications.

• Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Jets:
  Jason Moore (19:01): "If Lamar Jackson walked on his hands, I think they lose by 10 points because the defense."
  Takeaway: Ravens are heavy favorites with a strong defense.

Notable Quote: Andy Holloway (07:05): "Tyree Kill ended up the wide receiver. 39. So far away from the top 15 area."

3. Thursday Night Preview

Ravens vs. Jets Analysis:

• Matchup Overview:
  Jason Moore (27:03): "The jets are 32nd in yards per play. 31st in rushing."
  Insight: The Jets face a tough Ravens defense, making them significant underdogs.

• Player Strategies:
  Jason Moore (37:23): "Just say Lamar Jackson and tomorrow's Thursday night game or if I continue streaming, Ryan Tannehill."
  Decision-Making: Evaluates whether to start Lamar Jackson or Ryan Tannehill based on matchup and performance.

• Risk Assessment:
  Jason Moore (19:26): "Lamar Jackson could not throw a single pass in this game, and Baltimore would win."
  Conclusion: Despite Lamar's injuries, his high ceiling makes him a staple in lineups.

Notable Quote: Jason Moore (35:34): "If you believe that Vegas is right about this game, I would not be surprised if Gus Edwards has a very nice performance over the just second half."

4. Mailbag: Listener Questions

Key Questions Addressed:

• Rolling Out Lamar Jackson vs. Ryan Tannehill:
  Listener Matt (37:20): "Just wondering if I roll Out Lamar Jackson and tomorrow's Thursday night game or if I continue streaming, Ryan Tannehill."
  Hosts' Response:
  Jason Moore (37:36): "I do think that Lamar Jackson is automatic. This team, they’re too smart, they don’t play a guy in this situation unless he can play and he says he's fine."
  Andy Holloway (38:27): "Lamar Jackson has a quad injury and you worry..."

• Picking Up Sammy Watkins:
  Listener Brian (39:00): "Do I dare pick him up and play him?"
  Hosts' Response:
  Jason Moore (39:41): "I'd play Robbie Anderson against Baltimore over Sammy Watkins."
  Andy Holloway (41:17): "Yeah, I do. It's not even a good matchup."

• Starting James Conner if He Returns:
  Host Discussion (43:09): Debates the reliability of James Conner due to his injury history and performance during returns.

• Devontae Freeman vs. Other Running Backs:
  Listener Arturo (44:52): "Devontae Freeman has been good the last two weeks. But he plays San Francisco. Where does he rank for you guys?"
  Hosts' Response:
  Andy Holloway (45:15): "Not low enough."
  Jason Moore (46:19): Emphasizes the importance of consistency and matchup.

• Fantasy League Playoff Rules:
  Jason Moore (46:33): "There's a camp that says if you didn't make the playoffs, you have no right or ability to touch the waiver wire..."
  Discussion:
  Andy Holloway (47:29): Advocates for continued engagement even after being eliminated from playoffs.
  Jason Moore (48:50): Argues against restrictive rules, citing motivations behind waiver pickups.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore (37:36): "Lamar has never finished 22nd the entire year and is just automatic."
• Andy Holloway (41:28): "He has one performance that quarterback to finish. That is in the top 20."
• Jason Moore (51:31): "I just think that people will only sign like, I'm not paying attention in a league. I'm out from a waiver wire standpoint."

5. Concluding Insights

Strategic Takeaways:

• Player Consistency:
  Emphasis on selecting players with proven consistency and favorable matchups, such as Joe Mixon and Todd Gurley.

• Injury Management:
  Importance of monitoring player injuries (e.g., Lamar Jackson) and making informed decisions based on health reports.

• Waiver Wire Strategy:
  Encouragement to actively engage with the waiver wire, especially for teams still in playoff contention, to bolster lineups.

• League Rules Advocacy:
  Hosts discuss the merits of maintaining active participation post-playoff elimination, advocating for flexible league rules to keep all members engaged.

Final Notable Quote: Jason Moore (53:25): "It's impossible. But... mere mortals, you know, we don't understand the ways of the lizard."

Conclusion: This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offers in-depth analysis on key player performances, strategic decisions for Week 15, and thoughtful discussions on league participation rules during the playoffs. The hosts provide actionable insights, backed by current player data and matchup evaluations, ensuring fantasy managers are well-equipped to make informed decisions for their teams.