Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 8 Matchups, In-or-Out, Blastoff!

Release Date: October 26, 2018
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

1. Episode Overview

In this engaging Week 8 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into the latest fantasy football developments. From pivotal player injuries and in-depth matchup analyses to strategic in-or-out decisions, the trio provides listeners with essential insights to enhance their fantasy football strategies for the week ahead.

2. Key News and Updates

Deshaun Watson’s Resurgence & Will Fuller’s Injury

One of the standout topics was Deshaun Watson’s remarkable performance rebound, juxtaposed with the unfortunate injury to Will Fuller:

• Mike Wright highlights Watson's explosive return:

  "[05:28] Mike Wright: It hurts [for fantasy owners] because Deshaun Watson has come back to life for fantasy purposes."

• Andy Holloway laments Fuller’s injury:

  "[05:01] Andy Holloway: Hopkins gets a bump up from Fuller, but Watson gets a bump down."

Watson's renewed vitality offers a much-needed boost for fantasy managers, especially those balancing quarterbacks, while Fuller’s potential torn ACL poses significant challenges for his fantasy reliability.

Ed Dixon’s Signing with the Seattle Seahawks

A major injury update was the signing of Ed Dixon by the Seattle Seahawks, which promises to bolster their offensive capabilities:

• Andy Holloway expresses excitement:

  "[15:09] Andy Holloway: The Seattle Seahawks signed a monster contract."

• Mike Wright adds details on the contract specifics:

  "[15:31] Mike Wright: He's signed for three years at $10.7 million, with $3 million guaranteed."

This acquisition is anticipated to enhance the Seahawks' running game, providing valuable depth and potential fantasy upside.

3. In-or-Out: Player Injury Updates

The hosts meticulously review player statuses, advising fantasy managers on whether to keep or drop players based on recent injury reports and game-time decisions.

Notable In-or-Out Decisions:

• Marlon Mack:

  "[08:46] Jason Moore: Are you in or out?"
  "[09:07] Andy Holloway: He was downgraded after not practicing."

  Decision: Andy opts to wait for further updates before making a move.

• Matt Breida:

  "[10:02] Andy Holloway: If Breida is active, would you play the Colonel?"
  "[10:32] Mike Wright: I would not."

  Decision: Start Raheem Mustard if Breida remains inactive.

• Royce Freeman & Ben Watson:

  "[11:10] Mike Wright: Royce Freeman, in or out?"
  "[11:52] Jason Moore: Eileen, Out."
  "[11:44] Jason Moore: I lean out as well."

  Decision: Both players are trending out; managers should consider benching them.

• Larry Fitzgerald vs. Ben Watson:

  "[45:39] Andy Holloway: I would take Rudolph over Watson."
  "[46:16] Andy Holloway: So, I'd start Rudolph."

  Decision: Favor Fitzgerald due to the favorable home matchup against the Vikings' tight end defense.

4. Fantasy Forecasts: Matchup Analysis

The hosts break down key matchups, offering strategic advice on which players to start or sit based on their upcoming opponents and recent performances.

Eagles vs. Jaguars ([21:33] - [23:05])

• Key Points:

  • A.J. Bouillet is out, potentially boosting Carson Wentz’s passing game.
  • Nelson Aguilar receives increased target opportunities but hasn’t capitalized on them consistently.

• Notable Quote:

  "[22:06] Jason Moore: AJ Bouillet is out. Amazing for Carson Wentz."

Browns vs. Steelers ([23:03] - [27:06])

• Key Points:

  • Nick Chubb is a reliable RB2 option with touchdown upside.
  • James Conner shines against Le'Veon Bell, with potential for increased usage.

• Notable Quote:

  "[23:51] Jason Moore: Lower level RB2 production. Chubb is a goal-line threat."

Colts vs. Raiders ([28:11] - [31:38])

• Key Points:

  • Jordy Nelson expected to be a key target in a favorable matchup.
  • Doug Martin offers low-yardage, high-efficiency potential despite past inconsistencies.

• Notable Quote:

  "[28:33] Mike Wright: How much would you pay for that ticket? Doug Martin debut."

Packers vs. Rams ([32:20] - [37:37])

• Key Points:

  • Remarkable odds with the Packers as underdogs.
  • Jimmy Graham emerges as a top TE option due to increased opportunities.

• Notable Quote:

  "[38:34] Andy Holloway: Jimmy Graham is a tight end one this week."

Saints vs. Vikings ([37:37] - [46:04])

• Key Points:

  • Stefon Diggs is a must-start with high target volume.
  • Latavius Murray offers flexibility but remains a low-end RB2 option.

• Notable Quote:

  "[38:34] Jason Moore: Jimmy Graham is a tight end one this week."

Patriots vs. Bills ([46:04] - [48:51])

• Key Points:

  • Patriots favored despite Bills' sporadic defensive performances.
  • Tom Brady remains a reliable QB1 option with adjusted target distribution post-Gronk.

• Notable Quote:

  "[47:47] Mike Wright: Patriots Destiny defense is a solid choice."

5. Special Segments

Quarterback Draft

In a fun and strategic segment, the hosts engage in a quarterback draft, discussing their selections and the reasoning behind their choices.

• Andy Holloway opts for the reliable Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing his dominance:

  "[50:53] Andy Holloway: My guy has to be Patrick Mahomes."

• Jason Moore selects a mix of proven and high-upside QBs:

  "[53:17] Jason Moore: Roger's team projected to win."

• Mike Wright combines safety with potential breakout performances:

  "[52:12] Mike Wright: I went with Ben, Kirk Cousins, Mitchell Trubisky, Andy Dalton, and Russell Wilson."

Notable Quote:

"[50:26] Mike Wright: But you already know how to play."

6. Conclusion

The Fantasy Footballers wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of staying updated with player statuses, making informed in-or-out decisions, and leveraging favorable matchups to maximize fantasy points. They also hint at upcoming special content, including a Halloween surprise for their listeners.

Final Words from Hosts:

• Andy Holloway:

  "[54:44] Jason Moore: We hope you are the banker version of Oregon Trail this week. Goodbye."

• Jason Moore:

  "[54:50] Andy Holloway: Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mike Wright [05:28]:
  "It hurts [for fantasy owners] because Deshaun Watson has come back to life for fantasy purposes."

• Andy Holloway [15:09]:
  "The Seattle Seahawks signed a monster contract."

• Jason Moore [08:46]:
  "Are you in or out?"

• Andy Holloway [10:02]:
  "If Breida is active, would you play the Colonel?"

• Mike Wright [22:06]:
  "AJ Bouillet is out. Amazing for Carson Wentz."

Final Thoughts

This Week 8 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast is a treasure trove of insights, offering valuable advice on player selections, injury management, and matchup strategies. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the hosts ensure you're well-equipped to navigate the complexities of fantasy football and set your team up for success in the coming week.

For more insights and to join the Fantasy Footballers community, visit jointhefoot.com and follow them on Twitter @FFballers.