Fantasy Footballers Podcast - Week 9 Waivers & QB Streamers, Triumvirate

Release Date: October 30, 2018

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

Introduction

In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dive deep into Week 9 waivers, quarterback streaming options, and present their top waiver wire pickups. Aimed at helping fantasy managers navigate bye weeks and optimize their rosters, the discussion is rich with expert analysis, strategic advice, and engaging banter.

Recap of Last Week's NFL Game: Patriots vs. Bills

The hosts begin by dissecting the recent matchup between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills, where the Patriots emerged victorious with a score of 25-6. Despite the scoreline, Tom Brady's performance was underwhelming, as he failed to register any touchdowns.

• Mike Wright remarked, "I thought he was bad for three quarters." ([04:37])

• Andy Holloway added, "Rob Gronkowski, who was heavily targeted… no touchdowns." ([05:00])

Jason Moore highlighted the Bills' defensive prowess, noting their ability to contain Patriots' key receivers like Gronkowski and Edelman, making the game closer than the final score suggests.

NFL News and Implications: Coaching Changes in Cleveland Browns

The conversation shifts to significant NFL news, particularly the firing of Hugh Jackson and Todd Haley from the Cleveland Browns.

• Andy Holloway expressed skepticism about the impact of these changes, saying, "He does find these little wrinkles to add to his defense. But he has no offense whatsoever, and that's what ultimately cost them in the end." ([05:34])

• Jason Moore echoed concerns regarding the mid-season turnover, stating, "It's a big move up. I can't see this being positive for Baker Mayfield this season." ([11:15])

The hosts discuss the hiring of Freddy Kitchens as the new offensive coordinator, emphasizing the uncertainty it brings to Baker Mayfield's performance and the Browns' offensive strategy.

Waiver Wire Recommendations

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to evaluating potential waiver wire pickups for Week 9, focusing on both wide receivers (WR) and running backs (RB).

Wide Receiver (WR) Recommendations

1. Cortland Sutton (Denver Broncos)

   • Andy Holloway: Advocates for Sutton, especially if Demaryius Thomas is traded. "Cortland Sutton is a touchdown monster. He is a big play monster." ([18:24])

   • Jason Moore: Suggests allocating significant bid resources, "I'm willing to spend 20, 25% of my budget on Cortland Sutton." ([18:47])

2. DJ Moore (Carolina Panthers)

   • Andy Holloway: Highlights Moore's increasing snap counts and favorable matchup against Tampa Bay. "DJ Moore is absolutely in the conversation." ([21:24])

   • Jason Moore: Emphasizes Moore's elite talent and development, labeling him as a "triumvirate" pick due to his high upside. ([22:29])

3. Devonte Parker (Philadelphia Eagles)

   • Mike Wright: Points out Parker's high average depth of targets and potential impact against the Jets. "19.3 average depth of targets for Devonte Parker. That's what you want." ([22:21])

Running Back (RB) Recommendations

1. Josh Adams (Philadelphia Eagles)

   • Andy Holloway: Positions Adams as his top pick, citing his strength and increased role. "Josh Adams is at the top of my list." ([29:23])

   • Jason Moore: Expresses reservations about Adams' reliability, "I have a really hard time trusting Josh Adams." ([30:37])

2. Jalen Richard (Oakland Raiders)

   • Jason Moore: Recommends Richard for his involvement in the passing game, especially in PPR leagues. "He's my number one." ([31:54])

3. Elijah McGuire (Miami Dolphins)

   • Mike Wright: Suggests McGuire as a stash option due to his role in filling the running back position amid injuries. "They need somebody to fill that Bilal Powell role." ([33:30])

Tight End (TE) Recommendations

1. Jack Doyle (Detroit Lions)

   • Andy Holloway: Considers Doyle a worthy pickup despite sharing snaps with Eric Ebron. "Jack Doyle is start worthy... same kind of inconsistencies." ([38:23])

2. Ed Dixon (Carolina Panthers)

   • Jason Moore: Endorses Dixon as a valuable addition, especially in keeper leagues. "Ed Dixon... one of those six to ten range tight ends the rest of the way." ([39:31])

Streaming Quarterback (QB) Options

The hosts explore effective quarterback streaming strategies, presenting several options based on weekly matchups and player availability.

1. Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns)

   • Andy Holloway: Recommends Mayfield as a streaming option against the Kansas City Chiefs. "Baker's about 42% owned and taking on Kansas City." ([43:50])

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

   • Jason Moore: Praises Fitzpatrick's high-reward potential, highlighting his "three straight games of over 400 yards." "Ryan Fitzmagic." ([45:56])

3. Derek Carr (Oakland Raiders)

   • Jason Moore: Advocates for Carr based on his favorable matchup and remaining talent. "Derek Carr is a very, very fine streaming candidate." ([46:06])

The discussion also touches on backup quarterbacks like Chad Kelly and their unpredictable performances, emphasizing the risks involved in streaming lesser-known QBs.

Defense (DEF) Recommendations

The hosts briefly discuss defensive options for Week 9, highlighting:

1. Kansas City Chiefs Defense

   • Mike Wright: Predicts a strong performance against the Cleveland Browns, expecting high sack counts. "The Kansas City Chiefs defense is going to sack Baker probably four to five times." ([40:44])

2. Miami Dolphins Defense

   • Jason Moore: Suggests selecting Miami's defense based on their solid performance and favorable matchup. "Smash the under. I believe that's the low. That's the lowest number of the week." ([41:44])

Strategic Bidding and Waiver Prioritization

The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic bidding on the waiver wire, considering both personal team needs and blocking opponents from acquiring key players.

• Jason Moore: Advises managers to evaluate both their team and their opponent's needs when placing bids. "Look not just at your team but your opponent's team." ([36:14])

• Andy Holloway: Highlights the advantage of outbidding opponents to secure valuable players. "It's a twofer because you're keeping them away from your opponent." ([36:28])

Conclusion

Wrapping up, the hosts remind listeners of the upcoming Halloween episode featuring special guests and further analysis of the trade deadline. They also promote their community and additional resources available on their website.

• Andy Holloway: Encourages listeners to check out new podcasts and stay connected. "Origins with James Andrew Miller, now available on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen." ([50:53])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Cortland Sutton is a touchdown monster. He is a big play monster." – Andy Holloway ([18:24])

• "Ryan Fitzmagic." – Jason Moore ([45:56])

• "Look not just at your team but your opponent's team." – Jason Moore ([36:14])

• "It's a twofer because you're keeping them away from your opponent." – Andy Holloway ([36:28])

Final Thoughts

This detailed episode offers comprehensive advice on managing fantasy rosters during bye weeks, optimizing waiver pickups, and implementing effective streaming strategies. The hosts' blend of expert analysis and relatable commentary makes it an invaluable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to gain a competitive edge.

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