**Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Episode Summary
Title: Week 7 Matchups + The Rumble Bumble Stumble
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: October 23, 2020

Introduction

The Fantasy Footballers kicked off the episode with lively banter about a memorable play involving Daniel Jones, setting an engaging tone for the in-depth Week 7 matchup analysis.

The Rumble Bumble Stumble: Daniel Jones' Memorable Play

One of the standout moments discussed was Daniel Jones' spectacular touchdown run, which left both fans and fantasy managers in awe.

• Jason Moore [02:10]: "Daniel freaking Jones was loose. He ran. Clearly he was."
• Andy Holloway [01:46]: "His face was like he no longer had control of his body... He did not make it."

Andy and Jason reflect on Jones' unexpected speed, clocking at nearly 21 mph, which was just a fraction under Tyreek Hill's fastest speed of the year. This play resulted in a significant touchdown that impacted fantasy outcomes, particularly frustrating for those holding Jones in their dynasty leagues.

• Jason Moore [02:18]: "If you played him, you are very happy. If you saw him on your opponent's roster as Jason did, you're very frustrating."

Despite the excitement, Daniel Jones ultimately fumbled, leading to a narrow victory for the Eagles by one point—a game that epitomized the NFC East's competitive spirit.

Week 7 Matchups Analysis

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

• Buccaneers (4-2) are slight favorites with a 52-point over/under.

Quarterback Analysis:

• Tom Brady is recommended to be started despite Las Vegas being 20th against opposing fantasy quarterbacks.
• Mike Wright [18:30]: "I really like most of the Tampa Bay options, so I'm absolutely fine starting Brady."

Running Backs:

• Ronald Jones is praised for his performance against a weak Raiders defense (31st against RBs).
• Josh Jacobs remains a solid pick despite some defensive front concerns.

Wide Receivers:

• Henry Ruggs is considered high-risk due to his tendency for deep targets and inconsistent performances.
• Mike Evans is suggested to be shopped around due to his low target count despite high touchdown potential.

Tight Ends:

• Gronkowski shows promise with a 94% target pace, making him a viable option.

2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

• Chiefs (5-1) are heavy favorites with a 46-point over/under.

Quarterback Analysis:

• Patrick Mahomes is expected to continue his stellar performance against a Denver defense struggling against the run (Clyde Edwards is recommended over Giovanni Bernard due to his consistent touches).

Running Backs:

• Melvin Gordon’s role is uncertain with potential competition from Philip Lindsay.
• Mike Wright [28:10]: "If you're playing him despite Fournette practicing in full, you just got to keep."

Wide Receivers:

• Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are highlighted as strong options, with Williams offering high upside due to his deep play potential.

Fantasy Insight:

• Chiefs’ defense is formidable, limiting Denver’s scoring abilities and projecting a potentially close but low-scoring game.

3. Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams (Monday Night Football)

• Bears (5-1) take on the Rams (4-2) with a 45-point over/under.

Running Backs:

• David Montgomery is recommended as a solid RB2 option due to his volume against a Rams defense that allows the fourth-highest run success rate.

Wide Receivers:

• Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are favored over other options due to their reliable target shares and matchup advantages.

Tight Ends:

• Gerald Everett is suggested as a potential starter if Tyler Higby’s status is questionable.

Fantasy Insight:

• The Bears’ consistent performance makes them a reliable choice, while the Rams’ recent defensive vulnerabilities present opportunities.

4. Los Angeles Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Chargers (1-4) vs. Jaguars (1-5) with a 49-point over/under.

Quarterback Analysis:

• Justin Herbert is highly recommended due to his explosive play potential, especially against a defense that has allowed high passing yardage.

Wide Receivers:

• Mike Williams is emphasized for his deep-route capabilities and quarterback trust.

Running Backs:

• Justin Jackson is the favored pick, though limited practice raises slight concerns. Joshua Kelly is a strong flex consideration if Jackson is limited.

Fantasy Insight:

• Chargers offer high upside with Herbert’s passing prowess, making them an attractive option despite their overall record.

5. Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks

• Cardinals (3-3) host the Seahawks (5-0) with a 56-point over/under.

Wide Receivers:

• Christian Kirk is recommended due to his favorable matchup against a Seahawks defense that is susceptible to wide receivers.

Tight Ends:

• Tyler Higby remains a high-value waiver pick, though Gerald Everett offers a reliable backup option.

Fantasy Insight:

• The Cardinals vs. Seahawks game is anticipated to be high-scoring ("fireworks"), offering numerous engaging fantasy opportunities.

Key Injury Updates

• Michael Thomas: Did not practice on Thursday due to a hamstring tweak, making him a long shot to play [09:50]. It is advised to hold off on starting him until further updates.
• Joe Mixon: Not practicing, with concerns about a foot injury affecting performance and availability. Andy Holloway [10:11]: "If he's active, I'm playing Joe Mixon."
• Darrell Henderson: Missed practice with a thigh injury, raising doubts about his production in the upcoming game.
• Jameson Crowder: Added to the injury report with a groin injury, suggesting a need for pivot options.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick: No longer a starter, impacting the Chargers’ quarterback options.

Player Recommendations

• Start:

  • Tom Brady (Buccaneers)
  • Ronald Jones (Buccaneers RB)
  • Josh Jacobs (Raiders RB)
  • Keenan Allen & Mike Williams (Chargers WR)
  • Justin Herbert (Chargers QB)
  • David Montgomery (Bears RB)
  • Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs QB)

• Avoid or Exercise Caution:

  • Henry Ruggs (Raiders WR) due to volatile performance
  • Michael Thomas (Saints WR) likely inactive
  • Evan Ingram (Rams TE) after a costly drop
  • Joe Mixon (Bengals RB) due to injury uncertainty

• Potential Breakouts:

  • Christian Kirk (Seahawks WR)
  • Gerald Everett (Rams TE) as a reliable tight end option
  • JOSH Jacobs’ significant role if offensive line performs

Additional Discussions

National Best Friends Day Celebration

The hosts shared a humorous story about inadvertently creating a "National Best Friends Day" in their work calendar, which led to unexpected recognition and celebrations from their listeners.

• Jason Moore [06:35]: "This is just a really funny story..."
• Andy Holloway [07:22]: "Number one, it is National Best Friends Day. Send your best friend some encouraging words."

Insights and Conclusions

The Fantasy Footballers provided comprehensive insights into the Week 7 NFL matchups, emphasizing the importance of staying updated on player injuries and matchup-specific strategies. The discussions highlighted the value of reliable players like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, while cautioning against volatile options such as Henry Ruggs and injured stars like Michael Thomas. Additionally, the episode underscored the impact of unexpected plays, such as Daniel Jones' fumble, on fantasy outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Wright [20:55]: "All right, Henry Ruggs what do we think about Henry Ruggs possibilities in this game?"
• Jason Moore [22:45]: "I think you have a decent probability of re-agravating and leaving the game."
• Andy Holloway [34:10]: "I do everything I can to play anybody over David Montgomery."

The hosts concluded by encouraging listeners to engage with their community through JoinTheFoot.com and to participate in prop bets via Monkey Knife Fight, enhancing the interactive and strategic elements of their fantasy football experience.

This summary captures the key discussions, player analyses, and strategic insights from the Fantasy Footballers' Week 7 episode, providing a comprehensive overview for fantasy managers aiming to optimize their lineups.