Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Week 2 Waivers + QB Streamers, Buy Low Targets
Release Date: September 10, 2019
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers delve into the critical early-season decisions surrounding waiver wire pickups, quarterback streaming options, and identifying buy low targets after the tumultuous Week 1 performances. Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, the trio provides expert analysis, lively debates, and actionable advice to help fantasy managers navigate the early weeks of the NFL season.

Week One Recap and Waiver Wire Overview

The hosts begin by reflecting on Week 1, emphasizing that past performances should not dictate future decisions.

Andy Holloway [03:30]:
"Last year after week one, I wanted to go back and look to see what the fantasy finishes were like... but none of the players that finished in the top 15 last year would have returned year-long value at all."

Jason Moore concurs, highlighting the variability of Week 1 performances and advising listeners to approach waiver wire pickups with a fresh perspective.

Buy Low Targets

The discussion shifts to identifying players who underperformed in Week 1 but possess potential for significant improvement.

Andy Holloway [05:03]:
"My favorites are all of the Buccaneers: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard."
He explains that despite a rough start, these players have upside that savvy fantasy managers can exploit.

Jason Moore [06:06]:
“Evans is a fantastic target coming off of that performance... Juju Smith Schuster is still in on the Steelers offense.”
He emphasizes the importance of understanding player roles and team dynamics when targeting buy low candidates.

Mike Wright [06:58]:
“James Conner had the worst possible game script against the Patriots... looking forward to better performances ahead.”

Player Performance Insights

The hosts analyze specific player performances from Week 1, offering insights into their fantasy potential.

Saints vs. Bears Game Highlights [09:34 - 12:00]:

• Alvin Kamara: Outstanding workload with 13 carries for 97 yards and 7 receptions, indicating high value.

  Andy Holloway [12:27]:
  “He was a beast. 13 for 97, seven receptions. He was a beast.”

• Dallas Cowboys: Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara showed impressive performances, reinforcing their status as top RBs.

• Cortland Sutton: Mixed feelings about his performance, with high potential but inconsistent game flow.

  Jason Moore [16:43]:
  “He was looking like a true NFL receiver making contested catches, running great routes.”

Waiver Wire Recommendations

Wide Receivers

Marquis Brown (Miami Dolphins) [28:09]:

• Andy Holloway:
  “Spending 5 to 8 FAB on him; he should be a fantastic long-term stash.”

• Jason Moore:
  “I would spend at least 15 FAB on Marquis Brown.”

John Ross vs. John Brown vs. John Brown vs. Michael Gallup:

• Jason Moore:
  “John Brown is the number one wide receiver on the Buffalo Bills... John Ross had a great breakout.”

• Andy Holloway:
  Prefers John Brown over John Ross for staying power and consistency.

• Mike Wright:
  Advocates for Cortland Sutton due to his physical gifts and team role.

Running Backs

Gio Bernard (Cincinnati Bengals) [43:17]:

• Jason Moore:
  “I would throw a couple of bucks at him and see if he trickles through the waiver system.”

• Andy Holloway:
  Less interested compared to other options, highlighting the depth at RB.

Malcolm Brown vs. Chris Thompson:

• Jason Moore:
  “Chris Thompson is my number one pickup.”

• Mike Wright:
  “Raheem Mostert is one of my top RB pickups.”

Tight Ends

TJ Hawkinson vs. Darren Waller:

• Jason Moore [50:13]:
  “Hawkinson has a higher ceiling... Waller is more consistent.”

• Andy Holloway:
  Prefers Darren Waller for stability but acknowledges Hawkinson's potential.

Notable Quotes:

Andy Holloway [50:24]:
"TJ Hawkinson is worth 15 FAB on a $100 budget."

Mike Wright [50:38]:
"Hawkinson is a downfield threat and likely one of the best tight ends of the decade."

Quarterback Streamers

The hosts discuss strategies for streaming quarterbacks, focusing on Week 2 matchups.

Big Ben Roethlisberger vs. Josh Allen vs. Dak Prescott:

• Andy Holloway [58:50]:
  “Big Ben has a good matchup at home against Seattle. He finished outside the top 12 only five times last year.”

• Jason Moore [58:07]:
  “Josh Allen is inconsistent but has rushing touchdowns and big-play potential.”

• Mike Wright [59:25]:
  “Dak Prescott is a must-pickup and must-start going forward.”

Notable Strategies:

• Dropping underperforming QBs like Baker Mayfield for higher upside options.
• Considering matchups, such as Big Ben facing a struggling Seahawks secondary.

Defensive Streamers

Focusing on defenses that can provide high fantasy points through sacks, turnovers, and stops.

Suggested Defenses:

• Tennessee Titans [63:04]:
  “Impressed with their defensive line; face the Colts this week.”

• Buffalo Bills [63:33]:
  “Great defense facing Eli Manning and the Giants; high interception potential.”

• Carolina Panthers [61:47]:
  “Strong defensive line, especially against Jameis Winston’s passing tendencies.”

Andy Holloway [61:21]:
"Defense versus offense, you want defenses that can capitalize on turnovers and sacks."

News and Notes

Updates on player injuries and statuses affecting fantasy decisions.

Key Updates:

• Joe Mixon (Cincinnati Bengals): Ankle sprain, day-to-day with a chance to play in Week 2.

  Andy Holloway [17:52]:
  “This is not a high ankle; best case for Mixon to play Sunday.”

• Tevin Coleman (Chicago Bears): High ankle sprain, likely out for 4 weeks.

• Sterling Shepard (New York Giants): Placed in concussion protocol after Week 1.

• Sammy Watkins (Philadelphia Eagles): Injury updates with Tyreek Hill potentially out for 6-7 weeks.

Notable Quotes:

Andy Holloway [07:26]:
"Philadephia looks great, but uncertainty around Antonio Brown's availability."

Mike Wright [21:07]:
"We did get word that the leaderboard series capped at 500 last week. It filled up very quickly."

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reiterate the importance of active management in the early weeks, encouraging listeners to leverage waiver wire pickups and streaming options to optimize their teams. They also highlight their social media presence and how fans can engage with the show’s content on platforms like YouTube and Twitter.

Andy Holloway [65:47]:
"Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our fantasy football community on joinetfoot.com and follow us on Twitter @the_ffballers."

Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway [02:33]:
  "He ruled that kingdom this past weekend." (Referring to Sammy Watkins)

• Mike Wright [07:17]:
  “Uncle Bill looked unfathomably good.” (Commenting on the Patriots' defense)

• Jason Moore [16:43]:
  “He was looking like a true NFL receiver making contested catches.” (About Cortland Sutton)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Fantasy Footballers' Week 2 episode, providing valuable takeaways for fantasy managers seeking to enhance their teams in the early NFL season.