The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap Week 14
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Monday – Studs and Duds, Liver King Lifestyle, Monday Punday
The guys are back with another week of fantasy football, and the playoff push is real. Andy, Mike, and Jason get sophisticated and then jump right in.
News
Matt Stafford is out for the rest of the season with a spinal issue, and we all know the Rams’ season has been done for a while. Now to the plethora of Sunday injuries – Jimmy G. broke his foot and is out for the year, bringing doubt into the WR room. Lamar Jackson had a knee injury, which is hopefully just “days to weeks” for him. Tua has a minor ankle injury, and Ken Walker left early after getting his ankle jammed. Treylon Burks also exited with a concussion, and his status should be monitored. Fournette is questionable for the Monday night game.
Studs
Jalen Hurts cannot be stopped. He is one fantasy point away from the most by a QB this season, and he does not look like he will slow down anytime soon. Joey B., Geno Smith, and Jared Goff looked great, and Dak Prescott had a fantastic Sunday night. Our RB studs are highlighted with CMC, and his success should continue with the QB change to Mr. Irrelevant. Tony Pollard is now RB7 on the year, and his partner Zeke also had success. Josh Jacobs is now the RB1 on the year – while injured – and it was great to see AJ Dillon come back to life. Samaje Perine was great, in relief of the concussed Joe Mixon. Cam Akers also scored twice for Los Angeles.
Davante Adams is always wide open in Las Vegas and has not lost a step switching QBs. The Sun God continues to shine, AJ Brown served revenge cold to the Titans, and DeVonta Smith had a great game. DK Metcalf, Tyreek Hill, and Keenan Allen finished the game successfully, even with Herbert having a challenging game. The TE field is bleak. Noah Fant and Evan Engram were your best TEs of the week. Shocking. Greg D. had a small return and starting him might be possible if Courtland Sutton is out. Cole Kmet also had a decent week.
Duds
Deshaun Watson returned to football and looked like he hadn’t played in a long time. Which he hadn’t. Surprisingly, Kirk Cousins did not have success. Derrick Henry had another dud game, and over the last month, his longest carry has been ten yards. The Gus Bus crashed, and Jeff Wilson only had one carry against his old team. Although Travis Etienne returned, he did so without success. WR duds are highlighted with Amari Cooper, Pitty City, and Ju-Ju. George Pickens had a high cardio day, and Zay Jones was a mirage. Travis Kelce was a dud TE, and Gesicki and Knox goosed you.
Enjoy the Monday night game!
Tuesday – Waivers and Spot Starts, Full Stream Ahead
Monday Night Recap
The ghost of Marshon Lattimore hindered Mike Evans, and just like that, Andy lost his bye. Alvin Kamara was putrid, getting only 26 yards, and was outrushed by Mark Ingram. The Bucs do not look great, and the reality is that whenever there is pressure on Tom Brady, he gets rid of the ball as fast as possible. He needs more protection. Both Bucs’ RBs had moderate success in what now looks to be a legitimate timeshare.
News
HC John Harbaugh called Lamar Jackson week to week, being less likely to play this week. Ken Walker has a slight strain in his ankle, and with the rest of the Seattle backfield banged up, it is anybody’s guess who the next man up will be. Hayden Hurst looks doubtful for the Bengals, and Mike White will start against Buffalo. If you need more clarity on some of these injuries, check out Matthew Betz and his injury recap article.
Welcome to the Fold
Six teams are on a bye this week, coupled with all the injury shenanigans, equals waiver wire importance. Starting with the WRs, Jason thinks there are two options you can start – Zay Jones or Michael Gallup. Mike likes DJ Chark as an option after his solid game on Sunday, and he plays Minnesota this week. Darius Slayton could also be picked up and started in a pinch, and Jahan Dotson is playing a lot of snaps. If you are looking for a stash – Corey Davis or Trent Sherfield if Jaylen Waddle is out. You could consider Courtland Sutton with his injured hamstring and his subpar QB if you need a drop candidate.
Owners should be fighting over James Cook this week, and if he has a good week against the Jets, you will feel good starting him moving forward. Bam Knight is a knight in shining armor if Michael Carter is out again this week, and Cam Akers is another option depending on who the QB is in Los Angeles. Jerick McKinnon might be undervalued, and Jason believes that anyone else on the wire is a stash or a miracle. Make sure you have your insurance RBs as we move into the playoffs!
Big Greg D. highlights the TE pickup section, and with all the teams on a bye, he is a good option to start this week. Evan Engram is a good choice, and Hunter Henry is playing Arizona, so you know that is a good matchup. Noah Fant might be a safe pickup as well.
If you are looking to pick up or stream a defense, the Raiders play the Rams and perhaps a third-string QB, the Chiefs play Denver, and Seattle takes on Carolina in a good matchup.
Streamers
Andy is streaming Kirk Cousins this week, Jason likes Jared Goff, and Mike is sending in the car with Derek Carr.
Wednesday – Playoff Push, Ride or Die, Thursday Night Preview
News
Trevor Lawrence will not practice on Wednesday and is unknown if he will play on Sunday. He had a horrible-looking injury last week, and he looked like he was bouncing back, but be ready to pivot. Lamar has a sprained PCL, and he could be out for several weeks, and once he returns, his rushing upside will be capped. Only one team placed a claim on Baker Mayfield, and he is now heading out to sunny California. Darren Waller might return from IR in Week 15, and Andy is looking to stash him. Bruce Wayne Gallman was signed to the Seattle practice squad, and finally, Davis Mills will be back until center for Houston.
Thursday Night Breakdown
The Las Vegas Raiders head to Southern California to play the Rams in Andy’s almost upset of the week. The Raiders are on a hot streak, and it has been great if you own Davante Adams. Cam Akers plays the 32nd run defense, and the Rams will need to run, so Akers could have a good day on volume alone. You play your Vegas studs, and Mac Collins is in contention with his target share. There is not really anyone else you can confidently start on the Rams’ side.
Mailbag
After breaking down the Thursday night game, the guys jump into the mailbag. A WR question starts us off with Jason telling us to start Josh Palmer, especially if Mike Williams is out. If you are deciding between the Dolphins’ RBs, both guys have a juicy matchup – Jeff Wilson has seen the most opportunities, but Mostert can still be started. If you have another RB decision to make, this time with the Buffalo RBs, the decision between James Cook and Devin Singletary could be an issue many owners face. Jason thinks this will be a close game; therefore, he leans toward Singletary. Mike disagrees. After addressing Tyler Lockett versus Garrett Wilson, the guys sign off.
Thursday – Starts of the Week, Week 14 Breakdown, Dynasty Breakdown
Never Not Working
We will chat about dynasty rankings and the big risers and fallers from this season. Dynasty values can change significantly, and it does not always go to plan, and there are always some diamonds in the rough. It looked bad for Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Tua; now, these three are much more valuable. Tua is currently the guy’s fave. There were also several RBs that came out of nowhere this season. Josh Jacobs and Saquon have risen the most drastically, but Mike is nervous about where Jacobs could land. Tony Pollard – also very young – has shot up the board. Andy reminds us not to get hung up on a player!
News
Waddle and Tua were limited Wednesday, but Andy feels good about them going Sunday night. Mike Williams returned to limited practice, and Josh Palmer might lose a little value if he goes. Treylon Burks and Trevor Lawrence did not practice, and the guys expect Lawrence to play. In Seattle RB news – neither Walker nor Dallas practiced, and Travis Homer was limited. It seems that if Homer is active and others are out, he will have an opportunity. Desmond Ridder has been named the starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons, and it is time to see what they have with him.
Fantasy Forecast
We have six teams on bye this week, and we start with the Jets playing Buffalo. It looks to be cold with a chance of rain, but that will not impact many starts. The Jets have been the best against WRs, and this could put you off Gabe Davis. The Jets’ Corey Davis could be a good start, with Mike White slinging the ball. Garrett Wilson is a must-start but shy away from streaming Mike White. Cleveland plays Cincinnati in the battle of Ohio. Joe Mixon looks to play, and Jason thinks you can start all your Bengals, including Perine. Deshaun Watson showed significant rust in his game last week and will continue to be rusty against a staunch defense.
In another state battle, Houston plays Dallas in what could be a bloodbath. Andy gives us a desperation start with TE Jordan Akins. The Dallas defense is stellar, and that may be all they need to do. You don’t expect much from Dak and the passing game simply because teams don’t have to throw a lot against Houston. You can start the Doctor. Next, Minnesota heads to Detroit for an NFC North battle. This rematch should be great – you can fire up both QBs with the chance of a shootout. The Lions’ run defense is solid, but you are still starting Cook. Monitor Swift and his practice report, and you can start almost all of the WRs, even throw a dart at DJ Chark. Mike is still betting on Jamaal Williams to score another TD.
The Philadelphia Eagles head to New York to play the Giants and can clinch their playoff berth this weekend. The Giants are good against the QB, but you are still starting Jalen Hurts and his weapons. It might be hard to stay in the Darius Slayton fire on the New York side with other pass catchers emerging. Rookie TE Daniel Bellinger returns this week, so keep your eye on him. Baltimore travels to Pittsburgh to play a low over/under game. The big question here is Mark Andrews in a tough matchup, but Tyler Huntley looks to him when he is on the field. Steer clear of this complicated RB room in general – you might have to start some players you do not want to in this week full of byes.
Starts of the Week
This week Jason is starting Geno Smith, Zeke, Tyler Lockett, and Gerald Everett. Mike is going with Jared Goff, Raheem Mostert, Christian Kirk, and Hunter Henry. Finally, Andy is starting Trevor Lawrence, Joe Mixon (with a touch of Perine), DeVonta Smith against the Giants, and Chigoziem Okonkwo.
Jason’s Boom Boom Kicker prose closes out the show.
Friday – Week 14 Matchups, Andy’s a Witch, Wheel of Shame
Thursday Night Recap
Andy’s witchcraft came through again with his almost upset of the week and his guaranteed Cam Akers TD. Baker Mayfield led the Los Angeles Rams 98 yards down the field to score the winning TD over the Las Vegas Raiders. Unfortunately, Derek Carr did not deliver on his streaming promise, throwing no TDs, and you were only happy with Josh Jacobs from the Raiders. Davante Adams had a disappointing second half.
News
Michael Carter practiced in full for the Jets, and Jason is fine putting him right back into flex consideration. Trevor Lawrence remained sidelined but is still adamant he will play. Updates out of Seattle – Ken Walker and DeeJay Dallas did not practice, and Travis Homer practiced in full. Saquon was added to the injury report with a neck issue, so keep your ears to the ground for more info, and Mike Williams was also a full participant. DeAndre Hopkins and Rondale Moore did not practice in Arizona, and Andy is moving on from Moore.
Fantasy Forecast
Jacksonville takes on Tennessee in our first matchup today, and it is up in the air if Trevor Lawrence will start. If he does not go, the pass catchers take a minor hit, but CJ Beathard is still competent against a defense that is easy to throw against. You still start Etienne, even against a strong run defense. On the Titans’ side, you start Henry – Jason expects him to take care of business. Kansas City plays Denver and Russell Wilson in the next game, and the Broncos have not beaten the Chiefs since the Obama administration. You start Mahomes and Kelce, but the WR room is confusing. You can start Pacheco. On the Denver side, Jerry Jeudy and Greg D. are options.
Tampa Bay heads west to take on the Brock Purdy-led 49ers. Purdy might have to throw with Tampa’s good run defense, and you hope he has success. With Fournette popping up on the injury report, Rachaad White is the RB start for Tampa this week if you must start one. Mike Evans has been bad, and he is a scary start – if you have a better option, you should take it. Next up, Carolina plays the Seahawks in Seattle. You can start all your Seahawks; just make sure to monitor all the injury reports. Noah Fant could be a desperate play. Panther-wise, DJ Moore could be your only start.
The Dolphins and Chargers play Sunday night in what could be an exciting game. You start all your studs, but questions surround which Miami RB to start. Mike is fine starting both Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert. For the Chargers, if Mike Williams plays, you can start him. Jason still likes Josh Palmer, even if Williams plays. The Patriots face the Cardinals to close out the week Monday night in Arizona. You start Kyler, Hollywood, and Hopkins. You could Dortch if you need a spot start. New England’s Hunter Henry is Mike’s Start of the Week, and Rhamondre should have a monster day.
The guys close out the show as always – Andy spins the Wheel of Shame, and the guys reveal their DraftKings lineups for the week.
Good luck, FootClan!