Fantasy Footballers Podcast: Week 8 Studs & Stinkers + Weekly Rewind, Angels in the Endzone

Release Date: October 28, 2019

The Fantasy Footballers returned for their Week 8 episode, diving deep into the latest fantasy football insights, including standout performances, disappointing showings, injury updates, and strategic advice to help listeners navigate the competitive landscape of their leagues. Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delivered a rich and engaging discussion, peppered with humor and expert analysis.

League Updates and Records

Jason Moore kicked off the episode with a candid update on his own fantasy team. Despite an impressive personal score of 157.5 points (01:12), Moore faced a staggering defeat against an opponent who amassed 181.5 points (01:38). This loss pushed his team's record to 3-5. Reflecting on the situation, Moore remarked, “Fantasy football is a cruel, cruel animal” (01:26), highlighting the unpredictable nature of the game.

Andy Holloway chimed in humorously, “Sometimes we go through hard times, Jason” (01:26), easing the tension with camaraderie.

Injury News

A significant portion of the discussion centered around player injuries impacting fantasy decisions:

• Kenyon Drake Trade: The Arizona Cardinals acquired running back Kenyon Drake in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, exchanging a 2026 round pick (06:32). Concerns arose about Drake's reliability, especially with potential absences of Chase Edmonds and David Johnson. Jason Moore noted, “It's really one of those low end desperation flex plays” (08:05).

• Brandon Cooks and Team Injuries: Brandon Cooks sustained a concussion, likely sidelining him for the following week (09:05). Mike Wright expressed skepticism about Cooks’ return, comparing the severity to past injuries: “He could miss next week for sure” (09:12).

• Miles Sanders: Sanders exited with a shoulder injury after a significant touchdown run (09:30). Mike Wright humorously lamented, “Just waiting in an infinite pool of sadness because I benched him and I lost because of it” (09:53).

• Dee Dee Westbrook and Sam Darnold: Westbrook suffered a neck shoulder injury, and Sam Darnold faced a sprained thumb, further complicating team dynamics (10:30).

Studs of the Week

The hosts highlighted several top performers who delivered exceptional fantasy value:

• Deshaun Watson (14:28): Celebrated for his resilience and playmaking, Watson was likened to a "monster" for his performance under pressure.

• Matt Stafford (15:06): Stafford continues to dominate defenses, especially with an improved passing game. Moore emphasized, “He is a guy that I think is just going to keep having great games” (16:33).

• Aaron Rodgers (17:30): Rodgers reclaimed his form, delivering impressive performances akin to his prime years. “He is playing like Aaron Rodgers again” (17:43).

• Aaron Jones (22:57): Jones emerged as a fantasy powerhouse, leading the NFL with 11 total touchdowns and showcasing versatility in both rushing and receiving.

• Tevin Coleman (19:44): Despite minor injuries, Coleman amassed over 100 yards and four touchdowns with just 13 total touches, demonstrating explosive efficiency.

Stinkers of the Week

Conversely, several players underperformed, impacting their fantasy value negatively:

• Kyler Murray (36:13): Facing tough matchups against strong defenses like the San Francisco 49ers, Murray struggled to produce, leading Moore to humorously compare him to a "pastrami on rye"—undesirable and ineffective (36:59).

• Lev Bell (39:30): Bell's performance was abysmal, averaging 0.48 fantasy points per touch over two games. The hosts suggested trading him for minimal value, highlighting his lackluster output.

• Robert Woods (41:40): Woods failed to meet expectations, posting minimal receptions and yards despite having opportunities. “Through eight weeks, he has been a massive disappointment” (42:45).

• Odell Beckham Jr. (44:15): Beckham struggled with only 5 receptions for 52 yards and a single touchdown, leading to questions about his reliability in future games.

• Zach Ertz (47:02): Ertz showed limited touchdown opportunities despite steady yardage, prompting concerns about his long-term fantasy viability.

Strategic Insights and Advice

The hosts provided actionable advice for fantasy managers facing tough decisions:

• Streaming Defenses: With the Jets defense losing key players like Leonard Williams, Moore advised considering the Jets’ defense despite recent setbacks: “They are losing two of their best players. It stinks” (53:01), but highlighted the potential for favorable matchups.

• Handling Underperforming Players: For players like Robert Woods and Lev Bell, the recommendation leaned towards trading or benching, given their continued underperformance.

• Utilizing Studs Effectively: Emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on high-performing players, the hosts encouraged managers to rely on studs like Matt Stafford and Aaron Rodgers to gain competitive edges in their leagues.

Community and Engagement

Throughout the episode, the Fantasy Footballers engaged with their audience through social media, sharing humorous one-liners and encouraging listeners to participate in the conversation. Highlights included witty remarks like “Kenny kills my fantasy team” (05:10) and playful banter about streaming players and dealing with disappointing performances.

Conclusion

Week 8 of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast offered a comprehensive analysis of the latest fantasy football developments. From celebrating top-performing studs to strategizing around key stinkers and injuries, the hosts provided valuable insights to help listeners optimize their teams. With a blend of expert knowledge and engaging dialogue, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright cemented their reputation as essential resources for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to win their leagues in style.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments between [20:25] to [22:57] and [50:22] onwards were excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core content.