Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Week 17 Waivers + Christmas Football Preview!
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright Release Date: December 24, 2024
1. Championship Week Motivation and Playoff Scenarios (02:05 - 12:07)
As the NFL regular season nears its climax, the Fantasy Footballers delve into the motivations of playoff-bound teams. Jason Moore notes the stark contrast between the AFC and NFC, highlighting that the AFC remains fiercely competitive with five teams still vying for playoff spots. He states, "Most of the playoff teams are still highly motivated. Staying motivated." (08:07).
Andy Holloway echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the impact of single-buy leagues in maintaining team motivation during the final stretch. He remarks, "I think that's been a nice change. Like I think that's made for better late season football having one buy to play for." (08:14).
Jason further analyzes the AFC dynamics, pointing out the Chargers' effort to secure a playoff spot by bringing back James Conner and the strategic implications for other teams like Indianapolis, Miami, and Cincinnati. He adds, "The Chargers are trying to hang on to your spot. And Indianapolis, Miami, and Cincinnati are hoping some things go south for those teams because they need a couple of losses." (08:55).
In the NFC, similar battles are unfolding with teams like Atlanta, the Rams, and Washington fighting for their playoff chances. Jason observes, "In the NFC, you have the Lions and the Vikings who play each other in the final week of the season." (12:07).
Key Insights:
- The AFC remains highly competitive with multiple teams still in contention.
- Single-buy leagues enhance late-season motivation.
- NFC teams are similarly engaged in intense playoff battles.
2. Waiver Wire Strategies and Player Highlights (24:18 - 34:35)
The podcast transitions to a comprehensive waiver wire segment, focusing on high-impact players available for championship matchups. Jason Moore emphasizes the importance of targeting players who can deliver big points in the final week.
Running Backs:
- Tajay Spears and James Conner: Jason advises prioritizing Spears due to his favorable matchup and Conner's uncertain availability. "Tajay Spears is a great play... if he's active after the month off, he is the starter that he was when he left." (25:02).
- Madison Abdullah and Deontay Johnson: These players are discussed as potential pickups, with Jason cautioning about their inconsistent performances. "Madison Abdullah had the better week... but he's a gamble." (26:35).
Wide Receivers:
- Jalen McMillan: Highlighted as a breakout candidate, Jason praises his recent performances and potential upside. "Jalen McMillan has been an outstanding wide receiver... he's putting up pretty large counting stats." (30:03).
- Dalton Schultz: Identified as a sneaky tight end play with excellent matchup potential. "Dalton Schultz is the sneaky play for me, beyond Chigakonko." (34:17).
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore: "If you have Sunday pivot options, you do not want to bench Connor." (16:07)
- Andy Holloway: "If you've got two similar options, go ahead and wait." (18:51)
Key Insights:
- Target waiver wire players with favorable matchups and high upside.
- Running backs like Tajay Spears offer reliable points in crucial matchups.
- Wide receivers such as Jalen McMillan can provide significant boosts in the final week.
3. Christmas Day Football Preview (40:18 - 50:28)
The hosts preview key Christmas Day matchups, offering strategic insights for fantasy managers.
Baltimore vs. Houston:
- Jason Moore discusses Lamar Jackson's performance and the Ravens' defense improvement. "They haven't given up more than 18 to 20 points since that Cincinnati game." (49:07).
- Andy Holloway highlights Derrick Henry's potential impact, stating, "They have Derek Henry giving you a return to greatness." (48:58).
Seattle vs. Chicago:
- Jason Moore emphasizes Keenan Allen's resurgence under the new coaching staff. "Keenan Allen's been really good since Waldron left." (52:04).
- Mike Wright expresses concerns about Chicago's quarterback instability with Caleb Williams struggling. "Watching Caleb Williams right now is difficult." (53:31).
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore: "The Ravens defense is a very difficult defense, which is more like the Baltimore Raven way." (49:40)
- Andy Holloway: "Keenan Allen is the number one wide receiver for this new offense with Caleb Williams." (58:51)
Key Insights:
- Baltimore vs. Houston is a must-win game with high fantasy implications.
- Seattle's Keenan Allen is a strong play against Chicago's struggling defense.
- Quarterback performances, especially with potential injuries, are pivotal for matchups.
4. Player Injury Updates and Lineup Adjustments (14:08 - 22:00)
The hosts provide updates on key player injuries and discuss their impact on fantasy lineups.
James Conner:
- Jason Moore addresses Conner's availability, highlighting his crucial role and potential impact if he plays. "If he plays, he's a top 10 running back." (14:32).
Dalton Schultz:
- Facing ethical dilemmas, Jason considers Schultz's viability if promoting team success over personal gains. "I don't have to go play like a scramble."- (15:53)
Kendra Miller and Deontay Johnson:
- Discussions revolve around Kendra Miller's waiver status and Deontay Johnson's signing with the Texans, emphasizing strategic pickups. "Deontay Johnson, who's signed by the Texans, that's a smart waiver pickup." (20:02).
Notable Quotes:
- Andy Holloway: "Here, you just don't have a clear path, you'd need to go to the waivers, get someone that you could pivot into." (16:07)
- Jason Moore: "Dalton Schultz is the sneaky play for me, beyond Chigaconko." (34:17)
Key Insights:
- Monitoring player injuries is critical for last-minute lineup decisions.
- Prioritize versatile players who can adapt based on game flow and team needs.
- Make strategic waiver pickups to strengthen championship matchups.
5. Final Waiver Wire Recommendations and Flex Options (24:25 - 46:18)
In the concluding waiver wire segment, the hosts provide final recommendations for last-minute pickups and discuss flex options.
Running Backs:
- Tank Dell: Out due to a serious knee injury, making him unavailable for the final week.
- Michael Carter: Highlighted as a reliable option if Deonte Johnson is limited.
Wide Receivers:
- Jalen McMillan and Dalton Schultz: Strong recommendations for high-impact plays.
- Xavier Worthy: Presented as a flexible and high-upside pickup, especially in favorable matchups. "If you have Sunday pivot options... I would throw in my Christmas player." (18:51).
Tight Ends:
- Dalton Schultz: Continues to be a top recommendation due to favorable matchups and consistent usage.
- Chig Okonkwo: Identified as a strong play against tough defenses, despite concerns about his performance. "Chig is someone that... he is available. Go get him." (34:35).
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore: "Dalton Schultz is the tight end 7 and 4, two out of the last three weeks." (35:58)
- Andy Holloway: "Chig is someone that... you have to make the decision." (34:35)
Key Insights:
- Focus on high-upside players who can capitalize on favorable matchups.
- Utilize flexible players like Xavier Worthy to maximize scoring potential.
- Tight ends such as Dalton Schultz offer reliable points in crucial games.
6. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement (55:00 - End)
As the episode winds down, the hosts share personal anecdotes about holiday traditions and encourage listeners to engage with their fantasy communities.
Personal Stories:
- Andy Holloway and Jason Moore discuss their experiences with holiday activities such as gift wrapping, adding a light-hearted closure to the episode.
Community Engagement:
- The hosts remind listeners to join their fantasy football community at JoinTheFoot.com and follow them on Twitter @TheFFBallers for ongoing updates and support.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason Moore: "Enjoy the holiday, everybody. Thanks for following along." (63:44)
- Andy Holloway: "Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast." (63:49)
Key Insights:
- Building a strong community enhances the fantasy football experience.
- Personal connections and shared traditions foster listener loyalty and engagement.
Conclusion
This Christmas Eve episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of the final NFL regular-season week, focusing on waiver wire strategies, key player evaluations, and Christmas Day game previews. The hosts offer valuable insights and actionable advice to help fantasy managers optimize their lineups for championship success.
For More Information:
- JoinTheFoot.com: Access premium Discord, the ultimate dashboard, and bonus episodes.
- Follow on Twitter: @TheFFBallers
Enjoy the holiday and good luck winning your league!