Starts of the Week + Week 3 Breakdown

Summary:

Fantasy Football Player Insights 01:11

• The podcast hosts discuss the current state of the Thursday night football game, particularly focusing on quarterback Jacoby Brissett. They express concern over his ability to remain uninjured due to a weak offensive line and strong opposing pass rush.
• There’s a recognition of the unpredictability in fantasy matchups, often finding surprises in expected outcomes. The discussion highlights how fans have witnessed teams outperform expectations despite challenges.
• Despite historical data suggesting the risk of injury, there’s an underlying tone of hope that Brissett can navigate the game successfully, emphasizing the importance of survival in the fantasy context.

“My biggest hope is that Jacoby makes it through this game… I want to be proud of him for just leaving this game uninjured.”

Encouragement for Struggling Teams 05:36

• One of the hosts brings up the pressures faced by fantasy players who might start the season 0-2 or worse. They remind listeners that it’s common to feel despair, yet urge them to hang in there because recovery and success are possible.
• They recount anecdotes of players who faced difficult starts to the season yet managed to rebound and secure a playoff spot, emphasizing the importance of patience and proactive engagement.
• The conversation includes a reminder that other players in leagues might also falter, creating opportunities for those who persist.

“People are coming back and winning… other players lose interest… injuries happen every week.”

Injury Updates and News Notes 10:01

• The hosts share updates on key player injuries like Cooper Kupp, who is diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and may not go on IR immediately, indicating a cautious approach from his team.
• There’s discussion about other players like Nico Collins and DK Metcalf, who missed practice, but the commentary reassures listeners that mid-week absences for veterans are not always dire.
• The podcast also reviews the implications of injuries for the Dolphins’ running back situation, particularly how Raheem Mostert‘s return affects Devon Achane‘s fantasy value, suggesting a balanced offensive rotation as beneficial.

“Raheem Mostert coming back takes some load off of Devon Achane.”

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Joe Burrow‘s Matchup and Performance 10:25

• Joe Burrow is poised for a strong performance against Washington, given recent trends in the defense’s ability to allow fantasy points. Even without Jamar Chase, Burrow demonstrated his capability by throwing for 258 yards and two touchdowns in the previous week. Historically, Washington’s defense has struggled, allowing all but two quarterbacks to score over 18 fantasy points in their last 18 games. This sets up a promising outlook for Burrow to deliver a solid fantasy outing with significant upside.

“It should be a very easy 202 for Joe Burrow with tremendous upside against Washington.”

Geno Smith and the Seahawks Offense 11:16

• Gino Smith has emerged as a compelling start, particularly against Miami this week. He has successfully completed 74% of his passes in the past weeks, putting him in the top tier of quarterbacks. Smith’s performance is expected to continue trending upward as the offensive scheme better utilizes players, including the dynamic wide receiver corps. With Seattle’s offensive strategies evolving, he has potential advantages that could lead to high fantasy points.

“Gino Smith is looking like a good quarterback… the Ryan Grubb offense is working.”

Running Back Recommendations 14:00

• Tony Pollard is highlighted as a critical start against Green Bay, with a notable workload that includes over 15 carries and multiple targets in each of the first two weeks. The matchup against Green Bay is favorable, considering their tendency to give up significant rushing yards. Pollard’s role is vital for the game strategy, particularly as the offensive focus shifts toward the running game.

“It’s time for Tony Pollard to take the mantle.”

• Zach Moss is also a strong running back recommendation, as he displays clear lead back skills, commanding a significant snap share and rushing attempts. Playing against Washington, whose defense has been vulnerable, gives him a strong opportunity to replicate previous successes and provide fantasy value.

“Zach Moss will have the work in this game; they will be up and winning.”

Wide Receiver Focus 16:40

• Chris Olave is identified as a prime candidate to thrive against Philadelphia this week. While his teammate Rasheed Shaheed has taken some spotlight, Olave’s usage and the favorable matchup make him a critical player to watch. The Eagles’ secondary has allowed numerous fantasy points to wide receivers, indicating a possible high-scoring game where Olave can stand out.

“This is Chris Olave time; they’re going to need him.”

• Calvin Ridley is also a significant target, showing excellent performances and a high target share within his team. Expecting a competitive game against Green Bay, Ridley’s impact is emphasized as he possesses a strong likelihood of valuable receptions, further elevating his fantasy potential.

“Ridley is the most important part of this offense and he’s a high upside type of player.”

Brock Bowers‘ Impact and Comparisons to Other Tight Ends 19:58

• The discussion begins by highlighting Brock Bowers as an emerging star in the tight end position, noting that he has been targeted 30% of the time on his routes. His performance has been so impressive that many are urged to pursue trades to acquire him.
• It is emphasized that the only potential concern for Bowers’ production would be a change in the quarterback, which could affect target distribution. However, the commentary juxtaposes Bowers’ utilization against the struggles experienced by Kyle Pitts, underscoring that Bowers is already demonstrating elite tight end performance as a rookie.
• There is an allusion to trading players such as Nico for Bowers, illustrating a high level of confidence in Bowers after just two games. Moreover, comparisons are made to other tight ends, like Mark Andrews and George Kittle, stressing the distinct gap in opportunity and expectation between Bowers and other seasoned players.

“This is not an overreaction. The evidence is already there that Brock Bowers is going to be an impact tight end for the remainder of his career.”

Fantasy Forecast and Game Analysis 23:22

• As the forecast shifts, the focus turns to the upcoming matchup between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns. The analysis points out the Giants’ offensive struggles, suggesting that they may not score effectively against a robust Browns defense.
• There is concern over whether Deshaun Watson will deliver a strong fantasy performance, especially given the overall team issues of the Giants. The expectation is that, due to the Giants’ inability to score, the Browns may take the lead, allowing more opportunity for Watson.
• Additionally, the running back situation for both teams is discussed, highlighting Jerome Ford and Deontay Foreman as potential key players. It is indicated that one of these running backs should perform well, which adds an element of strategy for fantasy players regarding who to start.

“One of these guys is scoring a touchdown and one of these guys is getting 15 carries.”

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Analyzing Fantasy Football Matchups 29:44

• The discussion centers around the fantasy performance of players like Amari Cooper and the various matchups for the week. Amari Cooper continues to have high target counts despite struggling with drops in recent games, leading some analysts to believe he is still a viable fantasy option. There’s a consensus that Cooper should be played against the upcoming defense.
• In contrast, there is skepticism about other wide receivers’ consistency, particularly if Malik Willis is the starting quarterback for the Titans. Analysts express concern about lower performance expectations for receivers under an inexperienced quarterback.

“When you are getting those targets, you are open. That is still a good thing.”

Outlook on Week Three Matchups 31:11

• The conversation shifts to the Packers facing off against the Titans. With uncertainty surrounding Jordan Love‘s availability, the impact on fantasy relevant players like Christian Watson and Jaden Reed is highlighted. If Love plays, both players could be back in fantasy lineups but otherwise may not be suitable starts.
• The discussion also addresses concerns over Josh Jacobs‘ workload and the need for running back insurance, suggesting Emanuel Wilson as a key consideration if Jacobs continues to be heavily utilized.

“Josh Jacobs is locked into your lineup.”

Performance Concerns with Quarterbacks 34:10

• In this segment, the focus is on rookie quarterbacks facing challenging defenses. The dialogue around Anthony Richardson emphasizes the learning curve he’s experiencing and concerns over his turnovers, urging caution when considering him for starts.
• A comparison is made between Richardson and other rookie quarterbacks, highlighting differing performances and play styles. The argument is made for starting more stable choices over Richardson, given the uncertainty surrounding his matchups.

“I think there are many better options.”

Analysis of Player Performances and Strategies 39:10

• The discussion centers around the performance of various players, highlighting the need for stronger running efforts from certain athletes due to aggressive defensive pressures, specifically from the Bears’ pass rush. There’s a push for the quarterback to utilize his legs more.
• The conversation humorously touches on how easy it is to apply a “sit” label to certain players, suggesting this strategy is a light-hearted method of addressing underperformers.
• A significant focus is on the issues with quarterback performance, where inefficiency in completing passes is a critical indicator of a team’s struggle to effectively distribute yardage amongst the receivers.
• DeAndre Swift’s performance is questioned, attributing poor play to the overall inadequacies of the Colts’ running game, prompting a suggestion to consider alternative players for starting positions instead.

“This is not an indictment of those players; it reflects on the quarterback’s inability to complete even half of his passes.”

Upcoming Matchup Insights 42:35

• The segment analyzes an upcoming game featuring undefeated teams, emphasizing the Houston Texans‘ strong start against the Minnesota Vikings. There’s a discussion around the perceived lack of respect for the Vikings despite their solid performance.
• The implications of injuries and player availability, such as the status of Aaron Jones, are noted, hinting at strategic consequences on the field, particularly in backfield dynamics.
• There’s a reevaluation of the Texans’ defense as the conversation rolls into assessing their past performance against strong and weak offensives, which leads to questioning the true strength of their defensive capabilities against the running game.
• The impact of player matchups and individual statistics drives the discussions around who to start or sit, particularly focusing on the connection between quarterbacks and their wide receivers, reflecting the broader strategy in fantasy leagues.

“Can Sam Darnold continue to make good decisions and get the ball to his playmakers?”

Player Recommendations and Matchup Analysis 48:52

• There is a debate regarding whether to start certain players in upcoming games, especially focusing on quarterbacks. The advice leans toward starting Stroud over Richardson, indicating a preference based on past performances and matchups.
• The Philadelphia Eagles are facing the undefeated New Orleans Saints, with the Saints currently favored by 2.5 points and an over/under set at 49.5 points.
• Recent match outcomes have shifted betting lines significantly, showcasing the volatility in expectations based on past games. The Eagles were once favored by 2.5 points before their previous loss, indicating a notable five-point swing in the odds due to recent performances.
• There is recognition of a critical play that could have changed the outcome of the last Eagles game, highlighting how crucial moments affect overall team dynamics and can alter perceptions leading into new matchups.
• The commentary reflects a sense of pressure on the Eagles team, particularly their defense, suggesting that a lack of performance could lead to rising discontent among fans.
• The show also teases a segment about a fun interaction related to the fans shaving heads if the Eagles triumph, adding an element of humor to the analysis.

“Philly wins and they dominated over the reaction and betting; knowing that Philly stinks now, there’s pressure on them.”

Insights on Player Performances and Expectations 50:51

• Discussion shifts to player performance, notably mentioning Jalen Hurts, who remains a must-start quarterback despite previous inconsistencies.
• The utilization of key players like Saquon Barkley is noted, emphasizing his standout performance with the most touches and yards after contact in the NFL, indicating a strong run game contributing to team success.
• The commentary also addresses tight end Dallas Goedert, analyzing his usage relative to how heavily involved he was last season. Even if he presents as a low-end tight end option this week, the matchup conditions are encouraging.
• Further discussions revolve around Rasheed Shaheed’s rising status as a must-start player this week due to his scoring potential against a weaker secondary, showing how matchups can elevate players from bench to starter status.

“The matchup for Goedert is okay; he might be a low-end tight end one, but he could still perform well.”

Game Predictions and Enthusiastic Expectations 57:07

• Moving toward broader predictions, the analysis includes expectations for various matchups this week, emphasizing running games as a focus for teams such as Pittsburgh and the Chargers. The anticipated high volume of rushing attempts foreshadows a game potentially dominated by the ground game, sprinkling in some passing attempts.
• The conversation portrays a cautious optimism about player performances, highlighting the importance of game utilization and how injuries affect player deployment.
• Also, the panel reflects on potential receiving performances against teams with weak defensive units, providing specific insights regarding player dynamics and statistical outcomes.

“You’re talking about run versus run; this will be a game with a combined 80 rushing attempts.”

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Discussion on Running Backs Performance 58:17

• The conversation focuses on the performances of various running backs, particularly JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Ford. JK Dobbins has shown impressive results in the first two games, with rushing yards of 135 and 131 respectively, leading to a favorable outlook for his rushing line of 50.5 yards in the upcoming game. However, there’s a belief that although Gus Edwards requires a touchdown to be valuable, he’s still considered a solid pick, as he is likely to receive about 15 carries.
• The discussion also points to the potential for multiple running backs to be in play for fantasy lineups, while the wide receiver options appear less attractive. Players like Joshua Palmer are noted for their potential but may not yield significant fantasy points, raising concerns about how they will perform with limited touches.

“JK Dobbins is a must-play until you see otherwise.”

Insights into Fantasy Betting 01:00:22

• As part of the ongoing conversation, predictions are made about the upcoming week and players’ performances. The hosts discuss their projections for Rashad White, Raheem Stevenson, and Derrick Henry among others. Rashad White had a disappointing game with only five receiving yards, while Stevenson underperformed his receptions target, raising questions about their current performance trends.
• The segment wraps up with various prop bets, one involving Brandon Aiyuk who is expected to have a breakout game with favorable targets due to Deebo Samuel‘s absence. Other bets include James Cook with over two and a half receptions, and Kyler Murray projected to have a significant game against Detroit with 225 passing yards.

“Week three predictions: Aiyuk is set to finally get going.”