The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap – Week 1
And all of a sudden, it’s football time! With kick-off looming, remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Tuesday – Undrafted Gems and Fantasy Fears
The excitement is palpable as Andy, Mike, and Jason are ready to lead the FootClan in the last cram session before the season starts on Thursday. After discussing their biggest fantasy fears of the season, the guys are onto the news.
News
Sean McVay said he will have more info on Cooper Kupp’s status on Wednesday after he visited a body specialist. Joe Burrow is looking to start Week 1, and the Colts announced they would use a running back by committee situation with Taylor on the PUP. George Kittle has a groin injury, so monitor that. Finally, Devon Achane returned to practice.
Waiver Wire
Today, the guys will look at undrafted gems ahead of waiver wire pickups next week. Jason starts with Marvin Mims, who has risen lately in ADP, and Andy grosses us out with AARP-sponsored WR Adam Thielen, who should be the top target for Rookie QB Bryce Young. Mike is a fan of RB Sean Tucker, who went undrafted because of a heart condition. The Tampa Bay depth chart is not solidified, so Tucker has a clear shot.
If you need to pivot from George Kittle with his injury news, the guys suggest Tyler Higbee or Jake Ferguson. Andy also doesn’t mind Cole Kmet. Remember to stash IR players, especially Kyler Murray.
The Ballers end with the mailbag, and just like that, the NFL is another day closer.
Wednesday – Level Up Players and Super Bowl Picks, Kelce Reaction
After assuring us that the Travis Kelce injury is “not that bad,” Andy jumps in with a new segment.
Hungry for More
During the season, this segment will center on players who had outlier games and whether the guys think they will continue. Today, the guys look at players that finished last season strong. Christian Watson, AJ Dillon, and Dameon Pierce are all discussed.
News
Kadarius Toney was limited but looks to play this week. Terry McLaurin is progressing to recovery, which is good news, and Mark Andrews will hopefully return to practice today.
Thursday Night Breakdown
The Detroit Lions go to Arrowhead to play the Chiefs, and the line has now moved – by a Kelce. When Andy Reid has time to prepare, things go well, and Patrick Mahomes will clearly get it done even if Kelce is out. Andy thinks the ball will be spread around. On the Detroit side, with Kansas City DL Chris Jones not starting, the Lions’ weapons are exciting. Jason is a big fan of Amon-Ra in this game, but keep an eye out for Josh Reynolds as well. The guys also expect a David Montgomery TD.
After some mailbag questions, the guys share their Super Bowl picks. Andy is going with the New York Jets winning over the Dallas Cowboys, Mike picks the Buffalo Bills over the 49ers, and Jason sees Philadelphia losing to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Thursday – Starts of the Week, and It’s Football Time!
Andy has emerged from the fetal position after weeping over the Travis Kelce knee scare and is ready to talk football. If Kelce is active, even if he is on a snap count, you play him no matter what. If he is out, the guys like a pivot to Sam LaPorta or Gerald Everett.
News
Cooper Kupp has been ruled out for Week 1, and Sean McVay has not ruled out IR for him. Mark Andrews returned to limited practice, and Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs missed practice on Wednesday. On a positive note, JSN will play in the opener, and Devon Achane has been removed from the injury report. Dalvin Cook is a full go, and watch out – Josh Dobbs will be starting for the Arizona Cardinals.
Fantasy Forecast
As we start the first fantasy forecast of the year, keep in mind that the guys will only be talking a little about the elite options. You are starting those guys unless there is something newsworthy. Need more detailed info? Head to the website and check out the rankings!
Carolina heads to Atlanta for a very low over/under game and Bryce Young’s debut. Number one overall QB picks have not won in their first week since 2002, so Young is batting from behind. Desmond Ridder’s low completion rate makes you concerned about starting Kyle Pitts and the other pass-catchers, especially against what was a decent Carolina defense last year. Mike does foresee some uptick in passing for Atlanta and is okay starting Drake London. Carolina-wise, Miles Sanders is set up for a lot of volume, and keep your eyes on WR Jonathan Mingo.
Next up is the Bengals at the Browns, and we will be able to see if Deshaun Watson is indeed back. Jason is waiting to see how he comes out this week before starting him. You start your usual Cincy studs, and last year, the Browns’ defense was beatable, so Joe Mixon could have a solid game. TE Irv Smith could be started in a pinch.
Jacksonville heads to Indy to take on the Colts next, and we get to see what happens with Anthony Richardson. Andy is not ready to start him this week, but he looks forward to the future. Deon Jackson will get the start in the RB position, and it should come down to receptions for him. If Zack Moss is active, Mike is bailing on Jackson. The guys are treading lightly into Pitty City in a decent matchup. Start your Jacksonville stars, as well as Kirk and Evan Engram.
Tampa Bay goes north to play Minnesota for WR Jordan Addison’s debut. The guys prefer to sit him for the first week and see how he is used. Baker Mayfield could surprise if you are in a Superflex league, and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are good starts. Make sure to watch for Sean Tucker. Next up, the Titans take on the Saints in a lower over/under. It is an excellent matchup for Derek Carr’s debut, and Chris Olave could light it up. Jamaal Williams should also get a ton of volume, and Andy likes the Saints’ defense in this matchup. Titans-wise, you can start D-Hop, but lean away from Chig.
The 49ers go to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers in what could be a bloodbath in Jason’s eyes. Facing the number one run defense makes it scary to start Najee and Jaylen Warren. The Steelers’ defense is also solid, so Brock Purdy should be worried – you might be disappointed in some of these fantasy assets this week. Moving onto the high-flying offense of the Cardinals that take on the Commanders. Oddly enough, it’s Andy’s almost upset of the week. You can start James Conner, and that is it. On the other side, you can start Gibson and Robinson, and Dotson should be a great start.
Starts of the Week
Andy is sending in the Carr and starting Brian Robinson, Chris Olave, and Tyler Higbee. Mike likes Tua, Alexander Mattison, Tyler Lockett, and Gerald Everett. Finally, Jason is starting Geno Smith, JK Dobbins against Houston, Jahan Dotson, and TE Juwan Johnson.
After the season premiere of the always-praised Boom Boom Kicker, the guys sign off. Enjoy the game!
Friday – TNF Reaction, Stack Boom!
Thursday Night Recap
Detroit pulled off a massive win in Arrowhead, and we learned that Travis Kelce is indeed essential. Kadarius Toney was horrifying, and Skyy Moore was disappointing in that he ran so many routes but didn’t get a catch. The real fantasy message is that outside of Kelce, feel free to spin the wheel of targets of Chief pass-catchers, and best of luck.
On the other side of the ball, David Montgomery made his hay with volume, and Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs looked great; unfortunately, he tripped on a carry that would have been a TD. Jason believes he will be utilized more moving forward. It was an excellent debut for Sam Laporta, who had five receptions.
News
Joe Burrow signed an extension and is now the highest-paid player in the history of the NFL. Terry McLaurin returned to full practice, George Kittle remained limited, and Kendre Miller is not expected to play this week. Mark Andrews practiced Thursday, but it is unclear if he will play on Sunday. Romeo Doubs returned to practice on the Packers’ WR front, and Christian Watson did not practice.
Fantasy Forecast
The guys start today with Houston and Baltimore – a tough start for a rookie QB. Most Baltimore options should have great games; make sure to see if Mark Andrews and/or OBJ sit. Texans-wise, Dameon Pierce is scary in a tough matchup, but Jason is not too worried. Green Bay heads to Chicago in the next game. There are a lot of questions to be answered in this game – look for Khalil Herbert‘s usage and which of the Packers’ WRs will step up for Jordan Love. You can start Aaron Jones, and AJ Dillon is in play.
The Raiders head to the mile-high city to take on the Broncos – let’s ride. With a decent matchup, Russell Wilson could have a decent game, but Jason is taking a wait-and-see approach. You can start some of the other pieces, but temper your expectations. If Jeudy is out, Marvin Mims is an option. Josh Jacobs is a clear start for the Raiders, and you drafted Davante Adams to start him.
Super Bowl-playing Eagles take on the Patriots in a game that might have a “little but rain.” Rhamondre looks to play after a late add to the injury report. Play all your studs for Philly, and you should not spin the RB wheel. Miami travels west to play the Chargers in a nice over/under game. Tua is Mike’s start of the week, and you always start Hill and Waddle. RB Raheem Mostert is a great start this week in a good matchup – Jason thinks he will get a ton of volume. Start your Charger studs, but wait on Quentin Johnston.
The Rams and the Seahawks play next, and Los Angeles is once again without Cooper Kupp, and it could be rough. Outside of Cameron, there are few players to look at. Andy would take Van Jefferson’s targets in this game. On the Seattle side, JSN would be a gamble, and the guys suggest waiting a week. If Walker does not play, Zach Charbonnet should have a monster game.
Dallas and the NY Giants play on Sunday night, and Saquon and Darren Waller will be great starts. Watch the Giants’ WRs to see who emerges. On the other side, Tony Pollard is finally the guy. Mike thinks Dak is an okay start. Buffalo and the NY Jets close out Week 1 in what should be a great game. Play your Bills studs, including James Cook, and call it a day. The Jets’ defense is solid. For the Jets, Jason is excited to start Breece Hall. You can also start Dalvin Cook.
The guys give their DraftKings lineups and sign off. Good luck in Week 1 FootClan!
Comments
I listen to every episode but I forget stuff.
This is awesom!!!