Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary Episode: Week 3 Waivers + Full Stream Ahead, Tubular!
Release Date: September 22, 2020
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Episode Overview

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers delve into crucial Week 3 fantasy football strategies, focusing on waiver wire pickups, injury updates, and streaming quarterback recommendations. The hosts provide in-depth analysis to help listeners optimize their rosters amidst a week plagued by injuries and unexpected performances.

2. Game Recap: Raiders vs. Saints

Andy Holloway kicks off the episode by highlighting the importance of in-season management over the draft, emphasizing the impact of injuries and waiver decisions on fantasy success.

• Derek Carr’s Performance:

  • Andy [02:20]: "Between Josh Allen and Derek Carr to start the year, they're a combined four."
  • Jason [02:36]: "Everything was to Darren Waller. That's how I saw it."

  Derek Carr delivered an outstanding game, passing effectively to multiple receivers, notably Darren Waller, who dominated the Raiders' receiving corps.

• Darren Waller’s Impact:

  • Andy [05:48]: "The Raiders had 34 total targets, 16 of them were Darren Waller."

  Despite the high target volume, there's confusion over Waller's visibility until the catch, leading to humorous banter about Jason Witten's one-eye strip.

3. Injury Updates

The hosts provide a comprehensive rundown of key injuries affecting Week 3 fantasy decisions.

• Positive Updates:

  • Davante Adams: "The hamstring injury does not look serious nor a threat to playing time."
    (Andy [09:03])
    Adams is expected to return soon, providing a boost to fantasy teams.

  • Chris Godwin & Kenny Golladay: Both players are nearing returns from their respective injuries, enhancing their fantasy value.

• Negative Updates:

  • Christian McCaffrey: Out for 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain.
    (Andy [10:17], Jason [10:20])
    This affects teams heavily reliant on CMC, forcing tough waiver decisions.

  • Corland Sutton: Out for the season with a torn ACL.
    (Andy [12:19], Jason [12:29])
    Opens opportunities for players like Jerry Jeudy and Noah Fant.

• Other Notable Injuries:

  • Cam Akers: Diagnosed with separated cartilage in his ribs, remains day-to-day.
  • Tyrod Taylor: Hospitalized post-injection for rib injury, raising concerns about his availability and performance.

4. Waiver Wire Strategies

The discussion centers on optimal waiver wire pickups, prioritizing running backs and wide receivers amidst the injury chaos.

• Top Running Back Pickups:

  • Jerick McKinnon: Highlighted for his role in the San Francisco 49ers' offense.
    (Jason [35:52], Andy [36:47])
    Jason prioritizes McKinnon due to his consistent involvement in the passing game.

  • Mike Davis (Carolina Panthers):
    (Jason [35:52], Mike [36:47])
    Seen as a reliable spot start, especially in PPR leagues.

  • Joshua Kelley (Los Angeles Chargers):
    (Mike [34:51], Jason [35:43])
    Secure role with 23 carries and involvement in the passing game makes him a valuable pickup.

• Top Wide Receiver Pickups:

  • Corey Davis: Affordable option with potential upside against Minnesota.
  • Russell Gage: Consistent target volume makes him a must-add.
  • Michael Pittman & Jalen Rager: Emerging rookies with growing target shares.

• Tight End Pickups:

  • Johnny Smith & Mike Gesicki: Both are reliable options with favorable matchups.
  • Dalton Schultz: Top option due to his performance and opportunity in the Cowboys' offense.

• Defensive Pickups:

  • Tampa Bay & Indianapolis Colts: Recommended based on favorable matchups and defensive performance.

5. Streaming Quarterbacks

With several quarterbacks underperforming or injured, the hosts suggest strategic streaming options to maximize weekly performance.

• Gardner Minshew (Jacksonville Jaguars):

  • Andy [56:06]: "Taking on the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football."
  • Noted for his reliability and favorable schedule over the next few weeks.

• Mitchell Trubisky (Chicago Bears):

  • Jason [54:58]: "A great stream against Atlanta’s poor defense."
  • Recommended due to Atlanta's struggles against quarterbacks.

• Ryan Tannehill (Minnesota Vikings):

  • Mike [57:17]: "Facing a porous Minnesota defense, offering high upside."

6. Drop Decisions

The hosts discuss which players to consider dropping to make room for high-potential waiver pickups.

• Recommended Drops:

  • Michael Gallup: Despite being a high-profile receiver, inconsistent performance warrants a drop.
  • Emmanuel Sanders & Tariq Cohen: More reliable options are available on waivers.

• Holders:

  • Naim Hines, Ronald Jones, Devin Singletary: Still valuable for their roles and potential upside.

7. Tight End Analysis

Focusing on tight end strategies, the hosts highlight emerging talents and undervalued players.

• Johnny Smith:

  • Jason [46:42]: "Necessary with the current injury and his matchup against Minnesota is phenomenal."
  • Offers strong target volume and reliability.

• Mike Gesicki:

  • Jason [46:42]: "Very happy with Gesicki as well."
  • Another solid option with high upside against favorable defenses.

• Dalton Schultz:

  • Mike [48:13]: "Dalton Schultz would be the top option here."
  • Recognized for his consistent performance and opportunity within the Cowboys' offense.

8. Defensive Pickups

The hosts recommend defenses that have favorable matchups and high point potential.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

  • Strong defensive playmaking ability makes them a top pickup.

• Indianapolis Colts:

  • Facing the New York Jets, offering a high upside for fantasy points.

• Arizona Cardinals:

  • Effective fantasy performance against Detroit and other opponents.

9. Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway [02:20]: "Send in the car. Send in the car."
• Mike Wright [02:38]: "Because he's gigantic and a walrus."
• Jason Moore [35:52]: "Jerick McKinnon is the next guy to me I think I would like Jerick McKinnon more than Mike Davis because Jerick McKinnon's role could be season long."
• Mike Wright [48:30]: "He is Gigantor. And people, if you have not seen Mo Ali Cox, he is just, he's the biggest man I've ever seen in my entire life."

10. Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of strategic in-season management, especially during injury-heavy weeks. They encourage listeners to make informed waiver decisions, consider streaming options, and stay adaptable to maximize their fantasy football success.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections, focusing solely on the in-depth analysis and discussions relevant to fantasy football management for Week 3.