Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary – Week 15 Waivers & QB Streamers, Kenneth Dixon
Release Date: December 11, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this action-packed episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deep into Week 15's waiver wire moves and quarterback streaming options. With the fantasy playoffs looming, the trio provides strategic insights to help listeners navigate crucial roster decisions.

Waiver Wire Strategies

Running Backs: Justin Jackson vs. Derek Henry vs. Kenneth Dixon

The discussion kicks off with a focus on running back pickups, emphasizing the importance of securing high-upside players as fantasy championships approach.

• Justin Jackson
  Jason Moore highlights Jackson as a "must-have pickup" with a compelling matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson's versatility in both rushing and receiving makes him a valuable asset, especially if Melvin Gordon is sidelined.

  "Justin Jackson is a strong play. You got to move to the future with him."
  (Timestamp 18:09)

• Derek Henry vs. Kenneth Dixon
  The debate intensifies between choosing the reliable but occasionally unpredictable Derek Henry and the emerging Kenneth Dixon. While Henry boasts consistent performance with four touchdowns in the past game, Dixon offers potential for significant upside if Tampa Bay's defense softens.

  "If you don't want a stinker from Dixon, you can go Henry. He'll give you a stinker of his own."
  (Timestamp 43:37)

  Ultimately, both hosts lean towards Kenneth Dixon due to his increasing involvement in the offense and lower ownership rates, presenting a higher value proposition.

  "I would say Kenneth Dixon over Derek Henry."
  (Jason Moore, Timestamp 41:03)

Wide Receivers: Navigating Uncertainty

The hosts express concerns over several wide receivers facing tough matchups or inconsistent performance:

• Kenny Golladay (Buffalo vs. Green Bay)
  Rated a 3 on the worry scale, Golladay's limited production despite a strong team defense prompts minimal concern.

  "I don't want to say it, but it's true."
  (Andy Holloway, Timestamp 23:05)

• Curtis Samuel (Philadelphia vs. New Orleans)
  Positioned as one of the best waiver wire pickups, Samuel benefits from increased targets due to the New Orleans defense's struggles.

  "Curtis Samuel is among the best pickups this week."
  (Andy Holloway, Timestamp 27:40)

• Other Notable Worries
  Players like Allen Robinson, Alshon Jeffery, D.J. Moore, Adam Humphries, Calvin Ridley, and others are discussed with varying degrees of concern, primarily reflecting their inconsistent performances or challenging matchups.

Tight Ends: Hidden Gems and Risks

Ian Thomas and Vernon Davis

The podcast highlights untapped tight ends who offer potential value with low ownership rates:

• Ian Thomas (Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans)
  Positioned as the top tight end waiver pickup, Thomas leverages a favorable matchup against a struggling New Orleans defense.

  "Ian Thomas would be my number one waiver wire pickup."
  (Andy Holloway, Timestamp 47:49)

• Vernon Davis (Washington vs. Jacksonville)
  Davis presents an intriguing option due to the absence of other tight end options in Washington's offense.

  "Vernon Davis is alone as the tight end in Washington. I think you could pick him up."
  (Andy Holloway, Timestamp 49:22)

Other Options
Players like Evan Ingram and CJ Uzama are mentioned, though concerns about their involvement and snap counts limit their attractiveness.

Streaming Defenses

As defenses play a pivotal role in fantasy success, the hosts recommend targeting specific units with advantageous matchups:

1. Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals
   Atlanta's defense is favored due to Arizona's struggling offense, particularly against the run.

   "I would play Atlanta over Denver."
   (Andy Holloway, Timestamp 53:32)

2. Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns
   Despite Denver's solid defense, the matchup against Cleveland's evolving offense presents challenges.

3. Washington Redskins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
   Washington's defense remains formidable against Jacksonville's inconsistent offense.

Quarterback Streaming Options

With playoff implications on the line, selecting the right quarterback can be a game-changer:

• Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants)
  Andy advocates for Dak Prescott, citing his availability on many waiver wires and the Dolphins' vulnerability.

  "Dak needs to keep pace. I like Dak a lot this week."
  (Timestamp 55:40)

• Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions)
  Jason Moore supports Josh Allen for his "legs crowd" and consistent performance, especially against a less formidable Detroit defense.

  "I'm going with Josh Allen."
  (Timestamp 57:05)

• Tom Brady (New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
  Despite facing a tough Steelers defense, Brady remains a reliable starter, though Jason suggests Josh Allen might outperform him.

  "You can’t blame you for playing Tom Brady, but there are some matchups that are questionable."
  (Timestamp 57:25)

Other Options
Players like Marcus Mariota and Joe Flacco are briefly discussed, with caution advised due to inconsistent performances and unfavorable matchups.

Player News and Updates

Tyreek Hill and Melvin Gordon

• Tyreek Hill
  Hill's foot injury is alleviated, allowing him to play against the Chiefs. His performance remains pivotal for fantasy owners.

  "Tyreek Hill you better play."
  (Mike Wright, Timestamp 62:10)

• Melvin Gordon
  With suspicions about his availability, fantasy managers are urged to consider alternatives like Justin Jackson.

  "Melvin Gordon news goes everywhere, he'll be less dropped but he will hit some waivers this week."
  (Timestamp 17:55)

Other Player Updates
Injuries and status updates on players like Austin Ekeler, LaShawn McCoy, and others are discussed, providing listeners with timely information to make informed decisions.

Notable Quotes

• "There's no future long term outlook and there's no getting cute. This is the playoffs." – Andy Holloway
  (Timestamp 02:17)

• "Justin Jackson will hit the waivers and when he does, you have to pick him up because he could be the Bell Cow in a super high scoring game against Kansas City." – Andy Holloway
  (Timestamp 13:43)

• "It's a scramble. It's the playoffs here." – Jason Moore
  (Timestamp 16:16)

• "Defenses for the upcoming week. When you look at the unowned defenses... I would play Atlanta over Denver." – Andy Holloway
  (Timestamp 53:32)

Conclusion

As Week 15 approaches, the Fantasy Footballers equip their audience with crucial waiver wire targets, quarterback streaming options, and defensive units to consider for the fantasy playoffs. Emphasizing the importance of strategic pickups and informed decisions, the hosts ensure listeners are well-prepared to secure their championship runs.

Additional Resources:

• Follow the Fantasy Footballers on Twitter: @the_ffballers
• Join their Fantasy Football community: join.thefoot.com
• For more insights and updates, visit Draft.com.