Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 2 Studs & Duds + Big Ben & Brees Injury Fallout

Release Date: September 16, 2019

In this engaging episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve deep into the second week of the NFL season, analyzing standout performers, underwhelming players, and significant injury news that has major implications for fantasy football enthusiasts.

1. Week 2 Highlights and Reactions

The hosts kick off the discussion by reflecting on the outcomes of Week 2, addressing both the excitement and the disappointments that come with the early weeks of the fantasy season.

Jason Moore [01:26]: "We still got the Monday night football game. Browns, Jets, we'll talk about it. A lot of reaction to the weekend."

2. Injury Fallout: Big Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the injury news surrounding two Hall of Fame quarterbacks: Ben Roethlisberger (Big Ben) and Drew Brees. The hosts discuss the potential impact of these injuries on their respective teams and the broader fantasy landscape.

• Drew Brees' Injury:

  Jason Moore [06:35]: "Drew Brees slated to miss six weeks. Torn thumb ligament. Going to need surgery this week."

  Andy Holloway [07:05]: "If they place him on IR, that would guarantee eight weeks. But I doubt they do that."

  The absence of Brees is expected to severely impact the New Orleans Saints' offense, leading to reduced opportunities for key players like Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas.

• Ben Roethlisberger's Injury:

  Jason Moore [08:33]: "Big Ben is out for the season. They're 0 and 2 right now."

  Mike Wright [10:18]: "For Pittsburgh, we might have another Peyton Manning Indianapolis situation where the team was already struggling."

  The Steelers' season outlook dims with Roethlisberger's exit, potentially making them a top pick in the upcoming draft due to their weakened quarterback position.

3. Stud Muffins: Top Performers of Week 2

The Fantasy Footballers identify the "Stud Muffins" of the week—players who delivered exceptional performances and are must-starts for fantasy managers.

• Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs):

  Jason Moore [18:05]: "Patrick Mahomes. 30 for 44, 443 yards and 4 touchdowns."

  Mahomes showcased his elite talent with a dominant second quarter, leading the Chiefs' offense with consecutive long completions.

  Jason Moore [19:50]: "DeMarcus Robinson is either the greatest player in NFL history or Patrick Mahomes is incredible."

• Austin Ekeler (RB, Los Angeles Chargers):

  Andy Holloway [23:59]: "It is Austin Ekeler."

  Ekeler emerged as the top running back after Week 2, despite dealing with minor setbacks, positioning himself as a reliable RB1.

• Aaron Jones (RB, Green Bay Packers):

  Jason Moore [25:13]: "Aaron Jones, you finally got to see kind of a heavy workload for him."

  Jones displayed versatility and consistency, making him a valuable asset in fantasy lineups.

• John Ross (WR, Cincinnati Bengals) & Tyler Boyd (WR, Cincinnati Bengals):

  Mike Wright [28:14]: "Currently leads the NFL in receiving yards... John Ross has this start to the season."

  Both Ross and Boyd had standout performances, capitalizing on opportunities in a struggling Bengals offense.

• Emmanuel Sanders (WR, New England Patriots):

  Jason Moore [26:15]: "Emmanuel Sanders... He balled out 13 targets. He is locked and loaded."

  Sanders showed great chemistry with Joe Flacco, making him a top target in the Patriots' revamped offense.

4. Stinkers: Underperforming Players of Week 2

Conversely, the hosts highlight the "Stinkers" of the week—players who failed to meet expectations and may require reevaluation in fantasy lineups.

• Alvin Kamara (RB, New Orleans Saints):

  Jason Moore [42:04]: "Alvin Camara, what are you gonna do? You're gonna play Alvin Kamara?"

  Kamara's performance dipped significantly due to the Saints' offensive struggles without Drew Brees, leading to reduced fantasy value.

• Christian McCaffrey (RB, Carolina Panthers):

  Jason Moore [42:10]: "Christian McCaffrey, you're gonna play him. It doesn't matter if he stung."

  McCaffrey's production was hindered by injuries and offensive inefficiencies, placing his consistency in question.

• Joe Mixon (RB, Cincinnati Bengals):

  Jason Moore [43:10]: "He is still the starting, you know, workhorse running back for this team."

  Mixon's limited usage due to ankle issues and a weakened Bengals offense caused his fantasy output to suffer.

• DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Arizona Cardinals) & Robert Woods (WR, Los Angeles Rams):

  Jason Moore [52:29]: "If you're concerned with Hopkins, you should quit. Fantasy."

  Both Hopkins and Woods delivered disappointing performances, prompting considerations for benching or dropping.

• Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers):

  Andy Holloway [53:08]: "Mike Evans had two really good plays called back on penalty."

  Evans' underwhelming game raised concerns, especially regarding his target volume and efficiency.

5. Fantasy Strategies and Advice

The hosts provide practical advice on managing teams amidst injuries and fluctuating player performances.

• Depth Importance:

  Jason Moore [05:18]: "You have to pivot now. You have to make adjustments."

  Emphasizing the need for depth, the hosts discuss the significance of having reliable backups to navigate through injuries.

• Trade Considerations:

  Mike Wright [22:28]: "I would do that." (Referring to trading Lamar Jackson for Patrick Mahomes)

  The discussion revolves around evaluating the fair trade value of elite quarterbacks and the potential impact on team depth.

• Waiver Wire Picks:

  Andy Holloway [31:05]: "I would go Debo, you're talking about the difference in targets."

  Highlighting potential waiver wire pickups like Debo Samuel and Marquis Goodwin, the hosts encourage managers to stay proactive in addressing team needs.

6. Stinkers of the Week Presented by Odor Eaters

Concluding the episode, the hosts humorously address the "Stinkers" of the week across various positions, reinforcing the unpredictability and challenges of fantasy football.

Jason Moore [42:10]: "Everybody poops sometimes."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason Moore [19:50]: "DeMarcus Robinson is either the greatest player in NFL history or Patrick Mahomes is incredible."

• Andy Holloway [23:59]: "It is Austin Ekeler."

• Jason Moore [42:04]: "Alvin Camara, what are you gonna do? You're gonna play Alvin Kamara?"

• Jason Moore [52:29]: "If you're concerned with Hopkins, you should quit. Fantasy."

• Jason Moore [05:18]: "You have to pivot now. You have to make adjustments."

Conclusion

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Week 2's performances and injury news, equipping fantasy football managers with the insights needed to make informed decisions. From celebrating standout players like Patrick Mahomes and Austin Ekeler to addressing underperformers such as Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey, the Fantasy Footballers offer valuable perspectives to help listeners navigate the challenges of their fantasy leagues.

For more detailed analyses and weekly updates, listeners are encouraged to join the Fantasy Football community at JoinTheFoot.com and follow the hosts on Twitter @TheFFBallers.