Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 5 Matchups + In-or-Out, Iron Lungs

Release Date: October 4, 2019

The Fantasy Footballers hosts—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright—delve deep into Week 5 fantasy football strategies, player evaluations, and matchup analyses. This episode, titled "Week 5 Matchups + In-or-Out, Iron Lungs," provides listeners with insightful discussions, actionable advice, and engaging banter to enhance their fantasy football experience.

1. Opening Remarks and Set-Up

The episode kicks off with the hosts setting the tone for an engaging discussion. Mike Wright humorously refers to observing "the essence of manhood" in the Seattle Seahawks' performance from the previous night’s game.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright [00:11]: "We saw the essence of manhood last night, carrying the ball for the Seattle Seahawks, showing us what a man it is."

2. Player Performance Highlights

a. Rams vs. Seahawks Game Recap

The hosts dissect the thrilling clash between the Rams and the Seahawks, highlighting key performances and pivotal moments that influenced fantasy outcomes.

Key Points:

• The game significantly exceeded the over/under, ending with a 59-point total against a 49-point expectation.
• Chris Carson's outstanding performance is at the forefront, with 27 carries for 118 yards and two touchdown receptions.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [04:25]: "Chris Carson makes me look squishy."
• Andy Holloway [08:12]: "He's a talented human being. Right. He's truly an outlier of an athlete."

b. Cooper Kupp's Return to Form

Cooper Kupp emerges as a standout, solidifying his status as a top-five wide receiver with nine catches for 117 yards and a touchdown.

Key Points:

• Kupp's targets have surged to 17, indicating a key role in the Rams' offense.
• The dynamic between Kupp and Jared Goff remains strong, especially in critical game situations.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [05:23]: "Where Jared Goff wants to go is Cooper Kupp."
• Andy Holloway [08:51]: "Cooper Cup is a guaranteed top five wide receiver this year."

c. Tight End Usage and Gerald Everett's Role

The Rams' shift to a two-tight end formation with Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett raises questions about the distribution of targets and receiver involvement.

Key Points:

• Gerald Everett received 7 catches for 136 yards and was targeted 11 times, reflecting increased utilization.
• Concerns about Brandon Cooks' concussion and its impact on Everett's usage.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [06:02]: "No, I want to say I do not believe that this is a real thing."
• Jason Moore [06:49]: "Gerald Everett is being worked into this offense. 7 for 136."

3. In-or-Out Player Decisions

The "In-or-Out" segment evaluates the availability and potential impact of players for Week 5, assisting fantasy managers in making informed lineup decisions.

Selected Highlights:

• Quarterbacks:

  • Josh Allen: In despite remaining in concussion protocol.
    • Jason Moore [11:43]: "I today will be the tale for Josh Allen, but even if he's in, I'm not going to play him."
  • Sam Darnold: Officially Out.
  • Gardner Minshew: In with a knee injury.

• Running Backs:

  • James Conner: In
  • Marlon Mack: In despite recent absences.
  • Tevin Coleman: Out

• Wide Receivers:

  • Jarvis Landry: In
  • Michael Gallup: In
  • Christian Kirk: Out

• Tight Ends:

  • Vance McDonald: Out
  • Mark Andrews: In
  • Vernon Davis: Out

Notable Quote:

• Mike Wright [12:21]: "Marlon Mack did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he didn't last week as well. I'm going to say in Sunday night."

4. Fantasy Forecast and Matchup Analysis

The hosts provide comprehensive analyses of several key matchups, offering projections and strategic recommendations to maximize fantasy points.

a. Vikings vs. Giants

Key Points:

• Vikings' Defense: Highly ranked, posing challenges for rookie QB Daniel Jones.
• Giants' Offense: Limited effectiveness without Saquon Barkley.
• Recommendation: Focus on Evan Ingram as a must-start.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [16:02]: "The game is a tough matchup. I could very well be proven wrong."
• Andy Holloway [17:22]: "Aaron Rodgers is living on an Aaron Rodgers name now for quite a while."

b. Packers vs. Cowboys

Key Points:

• Cowboys' Strategy: Emphasis on the running game, expecting Ezekiel Elliott to shine.
• Packers' Challenges: Missing Devonte Adams, leading to a reliance on Aaron Jones and Jimmy Graham.
• Recommendation: Favor the Cowboys for their robust running game and favorable matchup.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [37:53]: "I still have the Cowboys winning because I think where you beat the Packers is the running game."
• Mike Wright [38:22]: "I think Darrell goes back to the bench."

c. Broncos vs. Chargers

Key Points:

• Broncos' Defense: Struggling, exacerbated by the loss of Bradley Chubb.
• Chargers' Offense: Strong ground game with Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler.
• Recommendation: Opt for Austin Ekeler over Melvin Gordon due to his explosive potential in this matchup.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [33:29]: "I think Eckler is a better start than Gordon in this one."
• Andy Holloway [34:41]: "Anthony Lynn said they're going to limit Gordon a little bit."

d. Chiefs vs. Colts

Key Points:

• Chiefs' Offense: Led by Patrick Mahomes, facing a disciplined Colts' defense.
• Indecisiveness in Running Back Selection: Balancing between Jordan Wilkins and DeMarcus Freeman.
• Recommendation: Lean towards Travis Kelce as a high-upside tight end.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [43:56]: "I don't think he's going to have enough volume for Metcalf leading to a breakout."
• Andy Holloway [46:18]: "Travis Kelce is going to have the biggest game of the year this week."

5. Ballers on a Budget: Affordable Fantasy Picks

In the "Ballers on a Budget" segment, the hosts identify cost-effective players who offer significant value for their price, ideal for fantasy managers operating under tight budgets.

Top Picks:

• Naim Hines ($4,800): Expected to dominate snap counts against Kansas City.

  • Jason Moore [52:00]: "I like Naim Hines. He's as cheap as it gets at the running back."

• Auden Tate ($5,300): Increased snap participation and favorable matchup against Arizona Cardinals.

  • Andy Holloway [52:46]: "Auden Tate over the last two weeks has been on the field like week one... extremely cheap."

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [54:07]: "You want a low ownership. The ownership I project to be very low."
• Andy Holloway [54:34]: "0.1%. And the point one is gonna be you."

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with final thoughts on emerging players and upcoming matchups. The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic player selection and staying informed on player statuses to gain an edge in fantasy leagues.

Key Takeaways:

• Stay Updated: Monitor player injuries and activation statuses closely.
• Value Picks: Utilize budget-friendly players to maximize roster flexibility.
• Matchup Exploitation: Leverage favorable matchups to enhance scoring potential.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Holloway [56:35]: "Sean McDermott said Josh Allen remains in the concussion protocol and he ain't playing."
• Jason Moore [57:11]: "We'll talk to you on Sunday. Mike will be there one hour before game time."

Final Note: This episode provides a wealth of information for fantasy football enthusiasts, from player evaluations and matchup insights to budget-friendly picks. By implementing the strategies discussed, managers can optimize their rosters and enhance their chances of winning their leagues.