Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 5 Waivers + Droppable Names, Hamstrung (Released October 6, 2020)

Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

The hosts kick off the episode by welcoming listeners and setting the stage for a crucial Week 5 waiver discussion. Emphasizing the importance of strategic waiver wire pickups, they delve into analyzing potential roster moves, injury impacts, and streaming quarterback options to optimize fantasy football lineups.

Waiver Wire Strategy and Key Pickups

Running Back Analysis

Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs. Jonathan Taylor
Jason Moore initiates the conversation by comparing Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jonathan Taylor. Edwards-Helaire is praised for his consistent performance and high floor:

Andy Holloway [04:53]: "I'm still thrilled in the sense that you've got a really solid weekly plugged in guaranteed floor for a player..."

Mike Wright echoes the sentiment, highlighting Edwards-Helaire's reliability despite concerns about long-term durability:

Mike Wright [06:09]: "RB13 when you have one touchdown...you don't see a running back averaging over 20 opportunities a game and not scoring touchdowns."

Damien Harris and Team Injuries
The discussion shifts to Damien Harris of the Patriots, whose role has expanded due to injuries:

Andy Holloway [08:06]: "Sony is out, which really means Damon Harris is inheriting that role."

However, concerns are raised about his long-term value considering Cam Newton's potential return:

Mike Wright [08:55]: "If you are hurting at the running back position...he needs to be on your bench and see what happens."

Trading Julio Jones
A significant portion is dedicated to Julio Jones' hamstring issues. Andy Holloway expresses strong concerns about his availability and potential trade value:

Andy Holloway [17:00]: "I am super worried about Julio... How many more weeks are you going to miss?"

Jason Moore supports considering a trade, especially for managers needing immediate help:

Jason Moore [19:15]: "If you're two and two... you would trade away Julio Jones right now."

Wide Receiver Drop Candidates and Waiver Wire Pickups

Drop Candidates

The hosts review wide receivers that should be considered for dropping:

• A.J. Green:

  Andy Holloway [29:17]: "Yes."
  Known for his decline, the consensus is to trade rather than drop immediately.

• Ty Hilton, Brandon Cooks, Michael Gallup, Darius Slayton, DJ Moore:
  Jason Moore expresses reluctance to drop Hilton but acknowledges limited enthusiasm:

  Jason Moore [30:06]: "I'm not cutting Ty Hilton."

• Dalton Schultz vs. Blake Jarwin:
  The debate around keeping or dropping Schultz in favor of Jarwin reflects differing strategies:

  Mike Wright [53:33]: "He's a better offensive weapon."
  Jason Moore [53:37]: "I have to say these things."

Waiver Wire Pickups

Top Wide Receiver Targets:

• Russell Gage: Despite a disappointing game post-concussion, he's viewed as a reliable option:

  Andy Holloway [32:48]: "Russell Gage will be the guy."

• Scotty Miller: Highly recommended for his consistent performance and touchdown potential:

  Jason Moore [33:26]: "He's pretty much been good every single week."

• De'Andra Johnson vs. Justin Jackson:
  A split decision where Andy favors De'Andra Johnson for his role in Cleveland's improved offensive scheme:

  Andy Holloway [34:45]: "I'm going hard after Dearness Johnson."

Other Notable Mentions:

• McColl Hardman: Suggested as a deeper stash with upside potential:

  Jason Moore [36:49]: "He has to be an insurance policy."

• Mo Ali Cox: Considered a speculative pickup with touchdown upside but limited usage:

  Andy Holloway [55:27]: "He has proven himself to be a valuable weapon."

Streaming Quarterback Options for Week 5

The hosts evaluate available streaming quarterbacks, focusing on matchups and potential upside:

• Ben Roethlisberger (Big Ben):
  Seen as a prime streamer if available, given his history of strong performances:

  Jason Moore [57:13]: "This is the type of streamer I want as a fantasy player."

• Kirk Cousins:
  Recommended for his favorable matchup against Seattle and reliance on Justin Jefferson:

  Andy Holloway [58:32]: "Set your phasers to at least stun."

• Daniel Jones vs. Justin Herbert:
  A debated choice where Mike prefers Daniel Jones for his upside despite risk:

  Andy Holloway [61:03]: "You got to go Daniel Jones."
  Jason Moore [60:44]: "I think that's going to be a disaster."

• Teddy Bridgewater:
  Highlighted for his potential against a weakened defense despite low touchdown efficiency:

  Mike Wright [56:56]: "He's probably my favorite streamer."
  Jason Moore [60:38]: "I like the Bridgewater pick."

News and Updates

Injury Reports:

• Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns):
  Placed on short-term IR with a longer recovery timeline than initially expected:

  Jason Moore [19:37]: "Nick Chubb could be pushing five to six weeks."

• Lashawn McCoy:
  Sidelined with an ankle sprain, impacting potential waiver wire pickups.

Houston Texans Coaching Changes: The Texans have overhauled their coaching staff, including firing head coach Bill O'Brien. The hosts express skepticism about the immediate impact of these changes:

Mike Wright [21:14]: "They are thrilled. Please."
Andy Holloway [21:25]: "It's good for your franchise... but the new GM has a tough job ahead."

Other Updates:

• Cam Newton's Status:
  Discussed in relation to his potential return and impact on the Patriots' offense.

• Patrick Mahomes and Team Performance:
  Reflection on Chiefs' gameplay and its influence on fantasy football decisions.

Buys and Drop Discussion

Running Backs:

• Joshua Kelly vs. Justin Jackson vs. Dearness Johnson:
  Prioritization leans towards Kelly and Jackson from the Chargers, with a secondary focus on Johnson from the Browns:

  Mike Wright [40:27]: "I would prioritize Justin Jackson over Dearness Johnson."

Wide Receivers:

• Evan Ingram and Hayden Hurst:
  Considered but ultimately retained due to their respective roles and opportunities.

Tight Ends:

• Robert Tonyan:
  Highlighted as a strong performer with significant upside for the upcoming weeks:

  Jason Moore [15:15]: "Robert Tanya, six for 98 and three."

Conclusion

The hosts wrap up by emphasizing the importance of proactive waiver wire management and strategic roster adjustments. They encourage listeners to leverage their community resources and stay informed on player statuses to navigate the chaotic mid-season landscape effectively.

Notable Quotes

• "If you don't have these three running backs this year, it's a narrative or an argument for any draft strategy..."
  — Jason Moore [03:00]

• "I am super worried about Julio... How many more weeks are you going to miss?"
  — Andy Holloway [17:00]

• "Russell Gage will be the guy."
  — Andy Holloway [32:48]

• "He's the guy who can't get out of his own way."
  — Jason Moore [47:13]

• "I will be taking the credit for giving myself the advice to go hard enough."
  — Jason Moore [31:35]

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the volatile nature of fantasy football, especially mid-season when injuries and player performances can drastically alter team dynamics. The Fantasy Footballers provide actionable insights, player evaluations, and strategic advice to help listeners navigate Week 5 effectively.

For more detailed rankings and tools, visit the fantasyfootballers.com and join their community at Join the Foot.com.