Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 3 – Studs & Duds, Rising Stars, Jason Tilt Watch

Release Date: September 24, 2018
Episode Title: Week 3 Studs & Duds, Rising Stars, Jason Tilt Watch
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this engaging Week 3 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve deep into the latest fantasy football action. Skipping advertisements and intros, the trio provides comprehensive analysis on player performances, emerging talents, disappointing outings, and strategic moves to help listeners dominate their leagues.

Weekly Rewind: Key Performances and Injury Implications

1. Quarterback Turmoil:

• Jimmy Garoppolo's Injury:
  At [02:03], Jason Moore shares his frustration, "Guys, I don't want to be here today. This is the first show in a long time where I go. I'm not happy to be. I hate fantasy football. Football's the worst."
  Garoppolo suffered a season-ending ACL tear, drastically impacting his team's offensive dynamics and fantasy prospects. Jason emphasizes, "[...] So I'm just hoping to win a game someday."

• George Kittle’s Value Amid Chaos:
  With Garoppolo sidelined, tight end George Kittle becomes a crucial asset. As Andy notes at [06:55], "the tight end landscape is a complete and utter mess."
  Jason Moore concurs, highlighting Kittle's reliability: "the only piece that I want from the passing game would be Kittle [...] he is a good enough player with opportunity in a pool full of awful options."

2. Tight Ends Analysis:

• Dallas Goddard’s Surprise Performance:
  Scoring an impressive 16.8 points per game, Goddard emerges as a potential breakout star. Mike Wright discusses his newfound value: "he was my favorite tight end, base catching tight end coming out of last year's draft class [...] he actually has a chance."

• Amari Cooper’s Inconsistency:
  Cooper’s fluctuating performances raise concerns. Jason Moore warns, "If it looks like you a t start Amari Cooper, bench him."
  Andy adds humorously, "If you can utilize his name and two out of the three weeks [...] but if you have Cooper up then, it can crap on your team."

3. Running Backs Under the Microscope:

• Rex Burkhead’s Decline:
  Burkhead's injuries and inconsistent usage have turned him into a "handcuff" as expressed by Andy at [11:50].
  Jason Moore reflects on the situation: "I just want to see Rex Burkhead, pick him up if I saw him on waivers, I'd probably pick him up. But I don't want him."

• Ezekiel Elliott vs. David Johnson:
  Andy and Mike compare the two, noting Elliott’s improved efficiency and reduced ceiling due to offensive shifts:
  Andy Holloway states, "the ceiling has been pushed down on Zeke because the offense is not going to provide as many scoring opportunities."
  Jason Moore prefers Elliott: "I would much, much rather have Zeke than David Johnson right now."

4. Emerging Quarterback Hope: Josh Rosen:
Josh Rosen's potential to stabilize the offense introduces optimism. Andy critiques the current offensive strategy:
"I tweeted my disgust with Mike McCoy's third down play, [...] it was a complete mess."
Jason remains skeptical but open to changes:
"Josh Rosen does bring hope with him. But I don't think Josh Rosen fixed the Cardinals offense."

Stud Muffins: Top Performers of the Week

1. Drew Brees (Atlanta Falcons):
Andy highlights Brees' stellar performance against New Orleans, throwing for 396 yards and two touchdowns:
"It was 39 for 49 for 396 and three for Brees."
Jason critiques the Falcons’ defensive lapses: "How the Falcons did not tackle Drew."

2. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons):
Ryan's dismissal of opponents with 374 yards passing emphasizes his fantasy value, especially with Calvin Ridley's breakout:
"Matt Ryan lit it up [...] Greenville kind of showed up."

3. Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers):
Cam's dual-threat ability shines, scoring two rushing touchdowns:
"He just breaks out of tackles and he runs the ball and he ran the ball again. Two touchdowns on the ground through another two."
Andy praises rule changes that benefit mobile quarterbacks like Newton.

4. Ryan Tannehill (Miami Dolphins):
Despite being a streamer pick, Tannehill delivers with 289 passing yards and three touchdowns, including a pivotal 70-yard touchdown run:
"Which big game defeated undefeated Miami Dolphins? These tap passes are so stupid."

5. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills):
Allen's dominance against the Vikings surprises many:
"Josh Allen, the Bills are open now to trading Le'Veon Bell... he dominated the Vikings."
Andy adds, "Josh Allen's the guy that will carry on."

Duds: Disappointing Performances to Avoid

1. Tom Brady (New England Patriots):
Despite being projected as the top quarterback, Brady underperformed significantly:
"Tom Brady, it was a complete bust. He was projected for the most points on several different platforms and did not get it done."
Mike Wright expresses frustration, "Britain should be benched."

2. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings):
Cousins' performance plummeted as he struggled with turnovers:
"Kirk Cousins for three quarters of the day was negative points after his two fumbles and interception."
Andy condemns, "Kirk Cousins was involved early, Jamal Williams was not the clear snap leader."

3. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys):
Prescott's inconsistency and poor game management make him a dud:
"Bad weeks for [...] Dak Prescott."

4. Amari Cooper (Dallas Cowboys):
Cooper's unpredictability cautions fantasy managers from relying on him:
"If it looks like you a t start Amari Cooper, bench him."
Jason advises, "Don't have him on your roster."

5. Le'Veon Bell (Pittsburgh Steelers):
Amid trade rumors, Bell's uncertainty impacts his fantasy reliability:
"Adam Schefter reporting that the Steelers are open now to trading Le'Veon Bell. That is a huge change from their previous demeanor."

Rising Stars: Players Gaining Momentum

1. Calvin Ridley (Atlanta Falcons):
Ridley's explosive performance eclipses Julio Jones, making him a valuable asset:
"Calvin Ridley, seven for 160 [...] he's on fire."
Jason Moore praises his ability to "destroy a zone," enhancing his fantasy ceiling.

2. Kenny Golladay (Detroit Lions):
Golladay emerges as a reliable receiver, trusted by Matthew Stafford:
"Kenny Golladay [...] sticky hands [...] missed a second touchdown by the back of his foot."
Andy emphasizes, "This is a breakout for Kenny Golladay."

3. Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers):
Williams shows promise with two touchdowns and increased target volume:
"Mike Williams [...] he is integrating himself into this offense."
Jason Moore notes, "He's going to be the guy he's emerging."

4. Kerryon Johnson (Detroit Lions):
Johnson's impressive rushing performance marks him as a reliable back:
"Kerryon Johnson crosses the century mark on only 16 carries. He is averaging 5.55 yards per carry."
Andy highlights, "He is now from here on out a startable player."

Trade Watch: Strategic Moves and Insights

Andy shares a live trade, exchanging Jared McKinnon and a second-round pick for Carlos Hyde and Kenneth Dixon.
Jason Moore supports the move, likening it to past successes:
"People freak out about Carlos Hyde because of Nick Chubb. [...] this is a DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry situation."

Mike Wright points out potential long-term benefits, while Andy reflects on the strategy of trading to bolster immediate season performance versus future planning.

Poopers: Players Connecting Less Than Expected

1. Amari Cooper (Repeated):
Cooper's inconsistent target-based performance is a significant concern, leading Jason to strongly advise against relying on him weekly.

2. Corey Davis (Jacksonville Jaguars):
Davis' poor matchup and limited targets warrant caution:
"You know, Jalen Ramsey, [...] it's every rushing play he..."
Andy suggests, "Look, it's just two games. You need two games and then I'll start Aaron Jones."

Concluding Insights

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up with a summary of the week's actions, emphasizing the volatility of early-season performances and the importance of adaptability. Jason Moore's candid frustrations and strategic advice aim to empower listeners to make informed decisions. The hosts encourage joining their community at JoinTheFoot.com for premium insights and following them on social media for continuous updates.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore at [01:21]: "Guys, I don't want to be here today. This is the first show in a long time where I go. I'm not happy to be. I hate fantasy football. Football's the worst."

• Andy Holloway at [03:01]: "I've always said whatever happens can happen in reverse, Jason."

• Mike Wright at [06:55]: "the tight end landscape is a complete and utter mess."

• Jason Moore at [16:16]: "I think about Hyde has moved up Baker Mayfield [...] What do you think of Alex Collins? Is this what you wanted to see?"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and actionable advice presented in the Fantasy Footballers' Week 3 episode, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to navigate their fantasy leagues successfully.