Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Week 16 Matchups + Injury Concerns, Big Play Big Day
Release Date: December 20, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers kick off Week 16 with a lively discussion covering critical matchups, injury concerns, and strategic fantasy football advice. Hosts Andy Holloway and Melvin Gordon delve deep into the intricacies of the upcoming games, offering insights to help listeners optimize their fantasy lineups.

2. Foot Clan Friday

Winner Announcement:
The segment titled Foot Clan Friday rewarded Taylor Bradford, a Foot Clan supporter from jointhefoot.com, with a $55 gift card to shopballers.com.
Melvin Gordon (02:48):
“Taylor Bradford, Foot Clan supporter from jointhefoot.com you win 55. A $55 gift card to shopballers.com.”

Community Engagement:
Listeners are encouraged to support their champions with Foot Clan merchandise, including T-shirts, hoodies, and mugs—perfect for showcasing league victories.

3. Key News and Injury Updates

Dalvin Cook & Alexander Madison:
Dalvin Cook is not expected to play this week due to injury, casting uncertainty on Alexander Madison’s status.
Melvin Gordon (04:38):
“Dalvin Cook. Not expected to play. Alexander Madison didn't practice on Thursday. ... It looks like a high ankle sprain for Alexander Madison.”

Andy analyzes coach Mike Zimmer’s comments, expressing cautious optimism about Madison’s potential return but advising caution due to inconsistent practice participation.

Julian Edelman’s Status:
Edelman is confirmed to play, but concerns remain about his performance and injury status, impacting his reliability in fantasy lineups.
Melvin Gordon (05:27):
“All week, Julian Edelman will need to perform exceptionally to justify his spot in PPR leagues.”

Gerald Everett Returns:
Everett’s return affects tight end options, prompting a pivot to alternatives like Jacob Hollister for owners relying on lower-tier tight ends for big games.

Joe Mixon’s Calf Injury:
A new calf injury for Joe Mixon introduces risk for his Week 16 performance, especially given his favorable matchup.
Andy Holloway (08:24):
“Joe Mixon is a smash play. ... Anytime it pops up late in the week and it's new, ... those have a tendency to end up with surprise inactives.”

4. Matchup Analysis

A. Steelers vs. Jets

• Record & Favorites:
  Steelers (8-6) are three-point favorites over the Jets (5-9).

• Key Players:
  James Conner remains the primary running back option for Pittsburgh.
  Melvin Gordon (13:44):
  “They put squarely on the shoulders of Connor who is outside the top 12 as a running back to this week.”

• Fantasy Advice:
  Start James Conner and Le'Veon Bell despite Bell’s tough matchup, emphasizing consistency and volume over uncertain alternatives like D.J. Chark.

B. Ravens vs. Browns

• Record & Favorites:
  Baltimore Ravens (12-2) are 10-point favorites over the Cleveland Browns (6-8).

• Key Players:
  Nick Chubb remains a cornerstone for Cleveland despite concerns about the Ravens' run defense.
  Melvin Gordon (17:31):
  “So you're not benching Nick Chubb? He's been a rock star ...”

• Fantasy Advice:
  Start Nick Chubb and Lamar Jackson, leveraging their high performances and favorable matchups. Consider Hollywood Brown for his explosive potential against a vulnerable Browns secondary.

C. Chargers vs. Raiders

• Record & Favorites:
  Los Angeles Chargers (6-8) are seven-point favorites against the Oakland Raiders (5-9).

• Key Players:
  Mike Boone is recommended over Aaron Jones for Cleveland’s matchup due to better matchup prospects.
  Andy Holloway (39:13):
  “If I knew for sure. I have flipped. If I knew for sure. And I feel very confident right now that it's Boone.”

• Fantasy Advice:
  Emphasize Darren Waller over Tyrell Williams due to target distribution changes with Hunter Renfrow’s return. Consider streaming options like Philip Rivers based on defensive weaknesses.

D. Jaguars vs. Falcons

• Record & Favorites:
  Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9) vs. Atlanta Falcons (5-9), with Falcons as 7.5-point favorites.

• Key Players:
  Matt Ryan is highlighted as a prime start, backed by Devonta Freeman.
  Melvin Gordon (28:35):
  “... Matt Ryan is a top wide receiver quarterback and ...”

• Fantasy Advice:
  Start Matt Ryan and Devonta Freeman, leveraging their consistent target volumes and favorable matchups against the struggling Jaguars defense.

E. Cowboys vs. Eagles

• Record & Favorites:
  Dallas Cowboys (7-7) are 1.5-point favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles (7-7).

• Key Players:
  Ezekiel Elliott is a must-start due to his consistent performance and volume.
  Melvin Gordon (52:35):
  “That should have counted. And so another week of health ... I'm Austin Hooper's name.”

• Fantasy Advice:
  Exercise caution with Dak Prescott’s injury status. Start Ezekiel Elliott and consider alternative wide receivers if Prescott’s availability is uncertain. Emphasize high-performing tight ends like Greg Ward.

F. Packers vs. Vikings

• Record & Favorites:
  Green Bay Packers (5-8-1) vs. Minnesota Vikings (10-4-1), with Vikings as five-and-a-half-point favorites.

• Key Players:
  Kirk Cousins and Adam Thielen are pivotal for the Vikings against a mediocre Packers run defense.
  Melvin Gordon (64:00):
  “Stefan Diggs... he's... leading the league in yards per target.”

• Fantasy Advice:
  Start Kirk Cousins and Devante Adams, leveraging their target volume and the Vikings' ability to exploit Packers' defensive weaknesses.

G. Chiefs vs. Bears

• Record & Favorites:
  Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) are six-point favorites over the Chicago Bears (7-7).

• Key Players:
  Anthony Miller emerges as a reliable target with consistent snap counts.
  Andy Holloway (59:29):
  “They've been great. So I worry about that.”

• Fantasy Advice:
  Start Anthony Miller and Allen Robinson, considering their high target volumes and the Bears' less formidable pass defense.

5. Fantasy Advice

Start/Bench Recommendations

• Mike Boone vs. DeAndre Washington:
  Andy favors Mike Boone for his consistent matchup potential, though Melvin underscores the complexities of relying solely on Boone due to potential game script changes.
  Melvin Gordon (38:50):
  “... he could see something unexpected from the Chargers’ past D.”

• Kyle Boddy vs. Adam Thielen:
  Both hosts recommend Tyler Boyd over Adam Thielen due to Thielen’s injury concerns and Boyd’s favorable matchup.
  Melvin Gordon (70:30):
  “Tyler Boyd, just 6200...”

Ballers on a Budget Picks

• Andy Holloway's Picks:

  • Justin Watson ($5,700):
    Despite concerns, Andy values Watson’s upside in a game plagued by injuries.
    Andy Holloway (68:43):
    “Hollywood Brown at 5700 is such a good price that I am in for sure.”

  • Tyler Boyd ($6,200):
    Chosen for his cost-effectiveness and strong matchup against Miami’s secondary.
    Melvin Gordon (70:30):
    “... very cheap, very inexpensive compared to the value I think you're going to get.”

• Melvin Gordon's Picks:

  • Hollywood Brown:
    Advocated for his explosive potential in a favorable matchup.
    Melvin Gordon (21:26):
    “... you could be on that. He's in the start worthy category.”

  • Tyler Boyd:
    Highlighted for his affordability and high target volume.
    Melvin Gordon (70:30):
    “Tyler Boyd, just 6200...”

6. Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reminding listeners to engage with their community via jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter for ongoing updates and live sessions. Emphasis is placed on finalizing lineups ahead of crucial Week 16 matchups and preparing for a high-stakes Week 17 and playoff run.

Melvin Gordon (72:01):
“Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers.”

Notable Quotes

• Melvin Gordon (04:38):
  “Alejandro Madison doesn't practice, ... looks like a high ankle sprain.”

• Andy Holloway (08:24):
  “Joe Mixon is a smash play. ... surprise inactives.”

• Melvin Gordon (13:44):
  “That's outside the top 12 as a running back this week.”

• Andy Holloway (17:31):
  “Nick Chubb... a rock star...”

• Melvin Gordon (21:26):
  “... start worthy category.”

• Andy Holloway (38:50):
  “... Chargers’ past D.”

• Melvin Gordon (70:30):
  “Tyler Boyd, just 6200...”

These quotes encapsulate the hosts' key points on player assessments, injury impacts, and strategic lineup decisions essential for maximizing fantasy performance in Week 16.

Final Thoughts

This Week 16 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast delivers comprehensive coverage of critical matchups and player updates, essential for any fantasy manager aiming to secure their championship title. By blending analytical insights with actionable advice, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate the final stretch of the NFL regular season effectively.