Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 17 Matchups + Scenario Sifting, Everything You Got!
Release Date: December 27, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Introduction
In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers delve into the critical Week 17 NFL matchups, offering in-depth analysis, strategic fantasy football advice, and answering listener questions. The hosts focus on pivotal games that could determine playoff berths and fantasy league championships, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to make informed decisions.
Week 17 Matchups Analysis
1. Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
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Overview: The Titans (8-7) face the Texans (10-5) in a game with playoff implications for Tennessee.
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Key Players:
- Derek Henry (Titans): Expected to play against Ryan Tannehill. Andy Holloway emphasizes, “The main three of the Titans, Tannehill, Henry, and A.J. Brown. I want all three as absolute must starts this week” (07:08).
- Josh Jacobs (Texans): Recently underwent surgery to address an infection. His availability is uncertain. Jason Moore notes, “If Josh Jacobs is active, I play him; if he's not, I play DeAndre Washington” (27:52).
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Fantasy Advice:
- Titans: Strong starts from Tannehill, Henry, and Brown are recommended.
- Texans: Cautious approach advised due to player injuries and limited upside. Holloway suggests avoiding Texans players unless Jacobs is confirmed active.
2. Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys
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Overview: The Redskins (3-12) take on the Cowboys (7-8), both vying for a playoff spot.
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Key Players:
- Dak Prescott (Cowboys): Dealing with a shoulder injury. Andy Holloway expresses concern, “you have enough concern with the shoulder to say find another option” (10:34).
- Amari Cooper (Cowboys): Inconsistent performance due to injuries.
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Fantasy Advice:
- Cowboys: Jason Moore recommends starting Dak Prescott with confidence, emphasizing the Cowboys' strong defense.
- Redskins: Players like Adrian Peterson (AP) are recommended, while Moore advises avoiding others due to defensive limitations.
3. Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Overview: The Colts (7-8) battle the Jaguars (5-10) in a game with little at stake for both teams.
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Key Players:
- Marlon Mack (Jaguars): Highlighted as a valuable fantasy asset. Andy Holloway states, “Marlon Mack is a player that is hard enough to tackle” (14:36).
- Tyler Lockett (Seahawks): Discussed later in the context of the 49ers game.
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Fantasy Advice:
- Jaguars: Mack is the clear play due to the Jaguars' weak defense.
- Colts: Limited fantasy upside; focus on other options.
4. Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants
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Overview: The Eagles (8-7) contend with the Giants (4-11) for the NFC East title.
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Key Players:
- Miles Sanders (Eagles): Consistently high-performing running back. Jason Moore praises, “he would have been the number one on the week I'm playing” (16:14).
- Daniel Jones (Giants): Emerging as a strong fantasy quarterback. Andy Holloway recommends, “I think Daniel Jones is a very good DFS play” (19:12).
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Fantasy Advice:
- Eagles: Stick with Miles Sanders and consider Daniel Jones for strong performances.
- Giants: Utilize options like Saquon and Sterling Shepard, though caution is advised.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
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Overview: The Steelers (8-7) aim to secure a playoff spot against the Ravens (13-2), who have nothing to play for.
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Key Players:
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Fantasy Advice:
- Steelers: Focus on Benny Snell and defensive plays; avoid questionable players like Conner.
- Ravens: Limited fantasy value due to backups and defensive focus.
6. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
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Overview: The Raiders (7-8) compete with the Broncos (6-9) for playoff contention.
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Key Players:
- Josh Jacobs (Raiders): Central to the Raiders' offense if active.
- Tyrell Williams (Raiders): Limited confidence due to injuries. Andy Holloway expresses doubt, “confidence in Tyrell Williams is coming back” (25:21).
- Robert Woods (Raiders): Highlighted as a key play. Jason Moore recommends him, “I play Cooper, Woods, and Gurley” (32:05).
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Fantasy Advice:
- Raiders: Opt for players like Robert Woods and consider defensive options.
- Broncos: Limited upside; consider DeAndre Washington if Jacobs is sidelined.
7. Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
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Overview: The Rams (8-7) match up against the Cardinals (5-9), with both teams eliminated from playoff contention.
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Key Players:
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Fantasy Advice:
- Rams: Focus on Todd Gurley and consider George Kittle.
- Cardinals: Play Christian McCaffrey if healthy, alongside potential options like Larry Fitzgerald.
8. San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
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Overview: The 49ers (12-3) play against the Seahawks (11-4) in a high-stakes game affecting NFC playoff seeding.
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Key Players:
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Fantasy Advice:
- 49ers: Utilize running backs like Raheem Mostert and Travis Homer.
- Seahawks: Cautious approach with Russell Wilson; consider alternatives like Travis Homer for value.
Ballers on a Budget
Highlighted Pick:
- Travis Homer (49ers): Priced at $5,900 on Fanduel, Homer is recommended due to his increased targets and the 49ers' reliance on the running game. Andy Holloway notes, “Travis Homer would be the guy” (41:42).
Other Recommendations:
- Marlon Mack (Jaguars): High usage against a weak defense.
- Stephen Sims Jr. (Giants): Potential upside with a quarterback upgrade.
Mailbag Questions
1. Keeper Selection for 2020
Nate from Jacksonville asks:
"I have Austin Eckler, Devin Singletary, Joe Mixon, Miles Sanders. Which two do I keep for 2020?"
- Recommendation:
- Always Keep: Joe Mixon (locked).
- Choose Between: Devin Singletary and Miles Sanders. Andy Holloway advises, “I would take Singletary here and Austin Eckler” (47:15).
2. Valuing Kenyan Drake in a Dynasty Draft
Oliver from Houston asks:
"How high would you take Kenyan Drake in a Dynasty startup draft?"
- Recommendation:
- Andy Holloway: Suggests not prioritizing Drake due to the typical decline of running backs, despite his recent performances. Holloway states, “asking for a friend I would almost not take” (48:11).
- Jason Moore: Suggests a preference for Drake over David Montgomery if circumstances align, emphasizing Drake’s fit with the Cardinals (49:21).
Conclusion
The Fantasy Footballers provide comprehensive insights into Week 17's crucial matchups, emphasizing the importance of player health, team motivations, and strategic lineup decisions. Whether securing your league title or navigating late-season fantasy shifts, their expert advice ensures you’re prepared for the final stretch of the NFL season.
Notable Quotes
- Andy Holloway on Titans Players: “I want all three as absolute must starts this week” (07:08).
- Jason Moore on Texans Strategy: “I'm just choosing to avoid it, honestly” (09:55).
- Andy Holloway on Daniel Jones: “I think Daniel Jones is a very good DFS play” (19:12).
- Jason Moore on Todd Gurley: “I play Cooper, Woods, and Gurley” (32:05).
- Andy Holloway on Russell Wilson: “Russell Wilson play Lockett, Metcalf, Sanders” (40:59).
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