Starts of the Week + Week 6 Breakdown, Prayer Yards

Summary:

The Hosts and Setup of the Show 00:00

“Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.”

• The Fantasy Footballers Podcast features hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, bringing entertaining commentary and analysis on all things fantasy football.
• As they kick off the episode, there is a playful exchange regarding a “15-yard penalty” which sets a light-hearted tone for the discussion.

NFL News and Matchup Discussions 02:15

“We have NFL News to talk about today.”

• The hosts dive into essential NFL news, emphasizing that critical decisions must be made for fantasy football players in the coming week.
• There is an assurance that listeners can expect insights geared toward helping them succeed in their fantasy matchups as the episode progresses.

Coaching Changes and Player Analysis 04:35

“Todd Downing is taking over play-calling duties for the Jets.”

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• A significant discussion revolves around Todd Downing’s promotion to offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, replacing Nathaniel Hackett.
• The hosts acknowledge that this change signals potential improvements in performance, particularly for players like Breece Hall, whom they recommend targeting in trades.
• They discuss the necessity of adjusting game strategy to maximize Hall’s potential despite existing challenges on the offensive line.

Player Injuries and Roster Management 06:54

“Michael Pittman…IR is a possibility.”

• The conversation shifts to injuries impacting player availability, focusing on Michael Pittman‘s status and what it means for the Indianapolis Colts.
• Josh Downs is highlighted as an emerging talent, suggesting that his opportunities may increase with Pittman potentially sidelined, making him a valuable fantasy asset.

Javonte Williams Update and Starts of the Week 10:14

“The only people really paying attention to Javante are those that have him on a roster.”

• Javante Williams is not a focal point for most fantasy players at this time, with attention likely only given by his owners.
• Although his situation has improved slightly, there is still uncertainty surrounding his performance and potential in the season.
• The possibility for an Estime takeover is on hold, but as the season is long, this remains a potential consideration.

Running Back Starts of the Week: Breece Hall and Tony Pollard 10:58

“Breece Hall is my start of the week… you could just say it’s a blanket statement for the Titans against the Colts because it’s a great matchup.”

• Breece Hall is positioned as a key start this week despite previous disappointments, especially with a favorable matchup against Buffalo.
• He has managed to sustain a moderate production rate, which may allow him to regain solid fantasy value under the renewed focus of his head coach.
• Tony Pollard is also highlighted as a must-start against the Colts, as the matchup has historically benefited running backs.
• Pollard’s workload provides reassurance of his consistent performance, with a notable share of both carries and targets.

Quarterback Starts of the Week: Kirk Cousins and Caleb Williams 12:13

“Kirk Cousins… it’s a great matchup against Carolina.”

• Kirk Cousins is recognized as a strong start for the week based on his recent performance and an advantageous matchup against Carolina.
• The recent emergence of receivers like Darnell Mooney and Drake London further boosts Cousins’ prospects as he retains a high target volume in a profitable offensive scheme.
• Caleb Williams is also recommended against the Jaguars, who are experiencing a poor season in terms of fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, potentially boding well for Williams’ production.

Wide Receiver Starts of the Week: Amari Cooper and Jalen Tolbert 15:03

“Amari Cooper is still number four in the NFL in targets.”

• Amari Cooper is presented as a prime start given his high volume of targets and the anticipated heavy passing game against Philadelphia.
• His historical target share indicates that he can deliver significant fantasy value, especially considering the struggles of the opposing defense.
• Jalen Tolbert emerges as a promising option due to his increased target share, particularly in light of Brandon Cooks being out, making Tolbert a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.

Tight End Starts of the Week: Cole Kmet and Trey McBride 17:20

“Cole Kmet… he is the tight end six on the year.”

• Cole Kmet is being recommended as a strong start option taking into account his high percentage of snaps and a favorable matchup against Jacksonville, who has struggled against tight ends.
• Trey McBride is noted for his steady progress without achieving an explosive game yet. The recommendation comes despite average performances, as his underlying numbers indicate potential for a breakout.

Game Analysis and Tools for Optimization 19:56

“You can use the ultimate dashboard to optimize your lineup.”

• The video emphasizes the importance of utilizing the ultimate dashboard available at jointhefoot.com. This tool helps fantasy sports players optimize their lineups efficiently.
• By signing up, users gain access to a plethora of resources including a custom waiver wire sheet and spot-start options tailored for their specific leagues.

Player Highlights: Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 20:41

“Caleb Williams is your start of the week.”

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• The matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars, currently at one win and four losses, and the Chicago Bears, with three wins and two losses, is highlighted. The Bears are favored by two points based on Draft King sportsbooks, with an over-under set at 44.5 points.
• Caleb Williams is notably featured as a key player to start, while DJ Moore‘s performance is acknowledged as outstanding. His light-hearted comments about Caleb Williams display team dynamics and leadership, showcasing both camaraderie and competitiveness on the field.

Performance of Running Backs in Week Matchup 21:42

“DeAndre Swift continues to show the world that scoring at the goal line is not his strength.”

• DeAndre Swift has recently demonstrated excellent performance over the last two weeks, making him a strong candidate to play against Jacksonville, who ranks 27th against the run.
• However, Swift’s inconsistency at the goal line poses challenges, as opportunities have been split with teammate Rochon Johnson—indicating strategic decisions may be necessary for lineups.

Wide Receiver Expectations and Tight End Decisions 22:30

“Brian Thomas is still in for me.”

• The Bears’ defense complicates the passing game significantly, suggesting that expectations for rookie receiver Brian Thomas should be tempered, even though he is still considered a playable option.
• With tight end Evan Ingram returning to limited practice, there’s speculation about his impact on team dynamics and other players’ target shares, particularly affecting Christian Kirk‘s opportunities.

Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals Matchup Insights 25:32

“Trey McBride is your start of the week.”

• As the Packers prepare to face the Cardinals, the discussion pivots to key players like Josh Jacobs, Jaden Reed, and tight end Tucker Kraft. Each player is touted as a likely starter, highlighting their potential impact on the game.
• The wide receiver situation for Green Bay poses risks due to varying target shares and performance inconsistencies. The return of Christian Watson could further complicate these dynamics.

Running Back Strategies for the Colts vs. Titans 29:15

“Pollard is your start of the week against the 24th ranked Colts defense.”

• The Colts, with a two-win and three-loss record, go head-to-head with the Titans, making the latter two-and-a-half point home favorites according to Draft King sportsbooks. The game presents valuable opportunities for running back Tony Pollard, who is projected to perform well against the Colts, known for their defensive vulnerabilities.

Calvin Ridley and Will Levis‘ Performance Expectations 29:50

“They have a great defense, but they have to be the most frustrated 1-in-3 football team.”

• The discussion centers around the performances of Calvin Ridley and Will Levis, highlighting that they have only been observed in three games. In one game, Ridley ranked as the wide receiver eight, but in the other two, he was largely ineffective.
• There’s an optimistic outlook for Ridley based on the matchup in the upcoming game. Levis needs to focus on passing rather than relying heavily on the run game for success.
• The mention of the team’s strong defensive performance emphasizes that while their record is poor, their overall capabilities may be better than suggested. The expectation is that Levis can improve and become more consistent moving forward.

Injury Updates and Team Challenges 30:57

“The Colts offense right now is beat up.”

• The conversation shifts to the injuries plaguing the Colts, noting that key players like Michael Pittman are expected to miss the game, while there is uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson’s participation.
• The mention of a “full DNP” for Trace Herman suggests a need for other players to step up, such as Tyler Goodson, who might see an increase in workload.
• The Colts are facing difficulties with their offensive depth, which raises concerns about their ability to score consistently, especially against a strong Titans defense.

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots Preview 33:12

“This game is going to be my almost upset.”

• A preview of the Texans versus Patriots matchup indicates that the Texans may not perform as strongly without Nico Collins. The defense of the Patriots, although decent, could capitalize on this weakness.
• The uncertainties surrounding CJ Stroud’s ability to move the football effectively due to the absence of key players could impact the game’s outcome significantly.
• There’s a keen focus on how the players like Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz will fare, particularly in light of the injuries and lineup changes affecting their opportunities.

Tight End Performances and Matchup Analysis 36:44

“Dalton Schultz is not a startable player.”

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• The conversation critically examines potential tight end performances for the upcoming games. Dalton Schultz is highlighted as particularly ineffective, with suggestions that he lacks the speed and agility needed to be impactful.
• Tank Dell‘s performances are also scrutinized, especially in light of recent changes in the lineup, which could provide him with more opportunities to shine.
• The analyses showcase a broad range of opinions on player matchups, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making in fantasy football.

Evaluating Player Confidence and Risks 39:23

“I just feel like the Saints are trying to stay away from players not named Alvin Kamara.”

• The analysis suggests skepticism regarding the Saints’ scoring capabilities, particularly in a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With key players like Rashid Shaheed not practicing, there’s concern about their ability to score effectively.
• The focus is largely recommended to remain on Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, who may still provide some fantasy value despite their team being considered “beat up.” However, Olave is also viewed as a risky start, especially with Tampa Bay’s defense struggling.

Baker Mayfield‘s Performance Concerns 41:00

“Baker Mayfield has 11 passing touchdowns already… So I would probably shy away from him this week.”

• There is a debate about the viability of starting Baker Mayfield against the Saints, who possess a strong defensive ranking. Despite a decent number of touchdowns, his performance seems uncertain, especially given previous struggles against tougher defenses.
• The consensus suggests exploring other quarterback options available in the waiver wire, as Mayfield may not present a high upside, particularly on the road.

Analyzing the Eagles vs. Browns Matchup 44:30

“Cleveland hasn’t scored 20 points in a game this year.”

• The Cleveland Browns face significant challenges, especially with Deshaun Watson‘s lack of effective passing this season. Given that they haven’t scored adequately, confidence in their offensive players remains low.
• The Eagles’ defense presents a tough opponent, likely leading to a situation where the Browns will have to play catch-up, which creates a slight opportunity for wide receiver Amari Cooper despite the overall offensive struggles.

Tight End Decisions with Injury Implications 47:16

“David Njoku should be rostered but not played.”

• With ongoing injury concerns surrounding David Njoku, fantasy players are advised against starting him, particularly against an Eagles defense known to limit tight end production.
• Meanwhile, Dallas Goddard is discussed as a player facing inconsistency but with potential upside, especially with other Eagles’ star players returning from injury, suggesting he might be a better choice despite previous underwhelming performances.

Over-Under Betting and Derrick Henry‘s Unusual Correlation 48:43

“The over-under is a beautiful, majestic 51 points.”

• This video segment introduces the concept of betting lines in fantasy football, specifically focusing on an attractive over-under set at 51 points. The discussion notes how the betting landscape does not seem to respect the performance of the four and one Washington Commanders, despite their success.

Snow in Vermont and Fantasy Football Analysis 48:50

“If it’s snowing in Vermont, that always led to great games for Derek Henry in Tennessee.”

• A lighthearted discussion emerges around whether it snows in Vermont and how an unusual correlation with Derek Henry’s performance has been discovered. The presenters analyze that there might be a snow model theory, suggesting that snowy conditions in Vermont somehow impact Henry’s games positively. Speculation follows about whether this phenomenon might translate to his performance with the Baltimore Ravens.

Derek Henry’s Performance Metrics 49:40

“He’s got a rushing touchdown in every game.”

• The conversation shifts to Derek Henry’s performance statistics, emphasizing he has scored a rushing touchdown in every game this season. He averages 21 carries per game, which points to his critical role in the team’s success, especially since they are heavily favored in their upcoming matchup. Despite being almost 31 years old, his commitment to fitness and performance is highlighted with discussions around the significant investment he makes in body maintenance.

Zay Flowers and the Washington Defense 50:52

“Zay Flowers is okay.”

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• Attention turns to Zay Flowers, another key player, who has garnered double-digit targets in several games. Despite the Washington defense’s struggles, Flowers’s specific style could align well in the matchup, opening doors for potential scoring opportunities. The defense’s ranking, being 27th in points allowed to wide receivers, also suggests they can be taken advantage of.

Jaden Daniels and Running Back Analysis 51:26

“I would not play him.”

• The importance of Jaden Daniels for fantasy rosters is debated. Despite an inconsistent defensive performance from the Ravens, concerns are raised about playing Brian Robinson due to his health issues. The segment mentions that while the Ravens may give up points, they do not typically do so to running backs, and thus plays could be pivoted to other positions like tight ends or flex options.

Tight End Comparisons 53:35

“How did he turn eight targets into 10 yards?”

• In a discussion on tight ends, the analysis covers Zach Ertz‘s productivity despite receiving eight targets, which raised questions about his efficiency. The presenters contrast him with other tight ends like Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, who presents a dilemma given their recent performances in their respective games. Ultimately, the consensus suggests taking the safer points from Ertz over the riskier options.