The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap – Week 5
Andy, Mike, and Jason are back to help break down all the good, bad, and ugly we saw in Week 4. Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 4 Studs and Duds & Fantasy Funnels
It is a Mike and Jason special this Monday, and they start by getting sophisticated.
Ready to Roll
We are a month in, and we now have a better grasp of how we are targeting the defenses. The guys focus on three categories via schedule-adjusted fantasy points given up: run funnel, pass funnel, and everything funnel. The new run-funnels this year are Dallas and Buffalo. On the opposite side, you can throw on Jacksonville, Minnesota, and Baltimore. Feel free to start all your players against the Commanders, Colts, and Rams.
News
Raheem Mostert will not see the field tonight, but Kenneth “Bone Zone” Walker should be returning. The 21-day practice window will be opened for Nick Chubb, which is good news, but Puka Nacua should miss at least one month. It has been reported that CMC should return in November, but it is up in the air. Davante Adams is week-to-week, and Rashee Rice had a brutal knee injury on Sunday. It looks to be an ACL. Jonathan Taylor also looks to have a high ankle sprain, and Colts QB Anthony Richardson got hurt.
Studs
Jordan Love was back and was studly. Justin Fields, Mike’s stream of the week, was successful in helping the team almost battle back, and Baker is the QB3 through the first four weeks. C.J. Stroud finally came through, and Jason finally believes in Sam Darnold for fantasy. Jayden Daniels is him.
The RBs are highlighted by King Henry, who still has it. Justice Hill also had a great game. D’Andre Swift clearly listened to the podcast and outperformed everyone’s expectations, even with Roschon Johnson being the goal-line back. Jordan Mason continued to perform, and both Bengals RBs were successful. Old man strength came through once again in the form of Alvin Kamara, and Kyren Williams is everything for the Los Angeles Rams.
On to the WRs. If you played against Nico Collins, apologies – he is on pace for over 2,000 receiving yards. Jayden Reed was successful with the return of Jordan Love. Dontayvion Wicks also took advantage, and in the same game, Justin Jefferson looked fantastic. Josh Downs looked good, and if Joe Flacco continues as the QB in Indy, he is worth a look. There were some decent TEs this week, including Tucker Kraft in Green Bay. The Muth is getting a little Luth, and Dallas Goedert also performed. With Rice injured, this seems the prime time for Travis Kelce to return to his past success.
Duds
Just put all the Buffalo Bills on here. Kyler Murray was disappointing after a great start, and this should have been an excellent game for him. Patrick Mahomes did not deliver, and expectations must be lowered. This week, Breece Hall was a dud in the RB room, and Jason thinks this is a throw-away rainy game. He plays Minnesota next week. The Carson Steele dream seemed to have died, and even with the volume, Cam Akers was bad.
Garrett Wilson was horrible, and although it was expected, it is now time to be worried. Brandon Aiyuk continues not earning his ridiculous paycheck, and Amari Cooper got screwed out of a long TD connection in a horrible call. D.J. Moore had a TD, but that wasn’t enough to save his day. Brock Bowers disappointed, and Kyle Pitts was a goose. Mike Gesicki was terrible, and keep an eye out for Erick All in dynasty. Mark Andrews had one target.
Enjoy the Monday night games!
Tuesday – Waivers & Streamers and THE Mark Andrews Discussion
Monday Night Recap
There were two (kind of) games last night. The Titans and Dolphins game was rough with Tyler Huntley and eventually Mason Rudolph under center. Any receiver on either side had a rough go. Jason is okay benching all the Miami pass catchers at this point. Tennessee has a bye, and you have to consider whether you are keeping Calvin Ridley on your team. The second game was fantastic with tons of offense – Jared Goff was perfect. All of the Lions’ offensive weapons delivered, and the Bone Zone was popping on the Seattle side.
News
Will Levis has a sprained AC joint, but it was reported he will still be the starter moving forward. CMC now has Achilles tendonitis in both legs, but this doesn’t really change anything for fantasy managers. David Njoku is expected to practice this week, and both Tank Dell and Joe Mixon are day to day. Bijan Robinson is estimated as limited with a hamstring issue, so keep an eye on that. Finally, the window is open for Nick Chubb to return – Jason expects them to use the full 21-day practice window.
Waiver Wire
The bye weeks are here, as the Lions, Titans, Eagles, and Chargers take the week off. Kareem Hunt is the big pickup here, and even with a potential CEH return, Andy thinks this is a good option. The next RB option is Justice Hill, who looked great last week but may not be reliable for true sustenance. Chase Brown can also be considered, and Mike reminds us Rico Dowdle is a starter. Keep an eye on the Bijan potential injury for a Tyler Allgeier possibility.
On to the WRs, and the big spender is Dontayvion Wicks. Andy’s discount purchase is Xavier Legette. Jason loves Josh Downs, especially if Joe Flacco is under center again. Courtland Sutton should be considered, and you might have to close your eyes, but Wan’Dale Robinson is getting a lot of targets. Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell are options, and Tre Tucker and Jakobi Meyers must be rostered with the shenanigans happening in Las Vegas.
We have entered the TE segment of the program – best of luck. Colby Parkinson, Zach Ertz, and Tucker Kraft are options. It is a tough world if you are a Mark Andrews owner; Jason would start the Muth over Andrews. A reminder that an injured David Njoku will return soon.
With defenses, look at Minnesota, Seattle, Denver, New England, and Las Vegas.
Full Stream Ahead
This week, Andy is streaming Joe Flacco if he gets the start, Mike is starting Trevor Lawrence, and Jason is going with Geno Smith.
Good luck with waivers!
Wednesday – Adams Trade Talks, Burning Questions & TNF Preview
Hungry for More
This was an easy week for Jason, who is hungry for more from Sam Darnold. He has had some great weeks and proven that he is legit. Mike wants to see more from Rico Dowdle – obviously. Finally, Andy is going with Brian Thomas Jr., even with Trevor Lawrence playing subpar football.
News
Davante Adams has officially requested a trade. Adams loves an old friend, and we could see him heading to the Jets or the Saints. TBD. Andy believes we will not see Adams play another snap for Las Vegas. Austin Ekeler is tracking to play, and Anthony Richardson could play on Sunday even if he does not practice. Christian Watson has a mild high ankle sprain, and the Cowboys will be without Brandin Cooks this week due to an infection. Miami will have Tyler Huntley under center once again. Malik Nabers is still in the concussion protocol and Devin Singletary also did not practice.
Thursday Night Breakdown
We have a fun one this week, with Tampa Bay taking on Atlanta. Bijan should be ready to go so Kyle can breathe a sigh of relief. You will be happy with Darnell Mooney if he scores a TD and is in flex consideration, and Drake London is becoming more safe to start. Andy tells us to get out of the Kyle Pitts business. On the Tampa Bay side, Baker is in the conversation if you need a QB. Rachaad White and Bucky Irving can also be started, and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are a go.
The guys hit the mailbag and send us on our way.
Thursday – Starts of the Week & Week 5 Breakdown!
News
Shocker – Davante Adams will not play this week. Malik Nabers is a long shot to play this week, as he still has concussion symptoms. Trey McBride was limited, but he looks to be available this week. Joe Mixon didn’t practice, and Andy is ready to be hurt again by Cam Akers. Nick Chubb is designated to return, and everyone is rooting for him.
Starts of the Week
Andy is starting Jordan Love, Joe Mixon (if he plays) or Chuba Hubbard, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jake Ferguson in Dallas. Jason is going with C.J. Stroud, Travis Etienne, Brian Thomas Jr., and Tucker Kraft. Finally, Mike is starting Brock Purdy, Trey Sermon (without JT), Jordan Whittington, and Juwan Johnson.
Fantasy Forecast
The Jets and Vikings start us off across the pond in a big revenge game. Andy sees this as a temper expectations fantasy game, but you are starting Breece Hall, while Braelon Allen is probably not in flex consideration. You are still starting Garrett Wilson, but the guys understand the nerves from managers. Carolina heads to Chicago to take on the Bears in Andy’s almost upset. If you are ever starting D’Andre Swift, this is the week. Diontae is a go, and Xavier Legette can be a flex. On the other side, D.J. Moore is still serviceable.
Baltimore and Cincinnati play in a fun AFC battle. You are starting your studs, but the tough start question surrounds Zack Moss and Chase Brown, and Jason doesn’t want to start either. The Ravens might keep it all on the ground, and starting Zay Flowers or Mark Andrews is scary. Miami heads north to play New England in a low over-under game. There is talk of Rhamondre being benched due to fumbling, but he is still the favorite to score, and if you have him, you should start him. You are starting Tyreek Hill, even with Huntley under center, but there are definitely other options out there. De’Von Achane can be started.
The Cleveland Browns and the Washington Commanders are the next matchup. Jayden Daniels is now a weekly must-start, and Terry McLaurin is in your lineup. Jason would prefer to capitalize on McLaurin this week. Monitor the health of Brian Robinson Jr. On the Cleveland side, you are starting Amari Cooper and potentially Deshaun Watson in a pinch. Zach Ertz is not a goose. The Colts and Jags battle next in what should be a get-right game for Jacksonville. Evan Engram is the wild card in this game, and if he manages one full practice, Mike is starting him. It will be a nerve-wracking game watching Jonathan Taylor on a questionable ankle.
Enjoy the Thursday night game!
Friday – Week 5 Matchups & TNF Fireworks, Wheel of Shame
And that is how you Thursday Night Football!!
Thursday Night Recap
Kirk Cousins broke all the Falcons’ passing records, and it was a massive night for almost everyone except Bijan Robinson. Robinson was not getting the utilization, as Allgeier has been getting significant time on the field. Darnell Mooney is close to being an every-week start WR. Laser Baker looked terrific last night on the Tampa side, even in a loss. This was the first time Rachaad White outrushed Bucky Irving this season, but Bucky’s fumble hurt. Finally, Chris Godwin had a disappointing game and Mike Evans was a huge win.
News
The report this morning is that Jonathan Taylor will miss some time, and Anthony Richardson was limited. It is unclear if he will play. Evan Engram remained limited, so he might reappear ready to play this weekend. David Njoku had a planned day off on Thursday but might also return to the field this week. Keep an eye on George Kittle, who missed practice due to a rib injury.
Fantasy Forecast
We start with Buffalo and Houston. The Bills’ defense is in shambles, making Stroud and the offensive weapons great starts. WR Khalil Shakir is out for Buffalo, and with that, the range of outcomes has changed for Josh Allen. You are still starting him, as well as James Cook. Keon Coleman is worth a flier. Joe Mixon is out for Houston, so you could play Cam Akers again (maybe?). Jason tells us you can start all Houston WRs. The Raiders play the Broncos in a low over-under. Play your Denver defense, and past that, there are not tons of fantasy options. Brock Bowers might be your only Vegas start.
The Cardinals head to Santa Clara to take on the Niners. Everyone on San Francisco is an excellent start with the history of this team when they are big favorites. Even though Kyler didn’t rush much last week, Jason thinks he stands a good chance to bounce back here. You should start James Conner, even in a tough matchup. Green Bay heads west to take on the Rams in the next game. The Rams’ defense is bad, so starting your Packers should be delightful. Jordan Whittington could be a sneaky start, and you are also firing up Kyren – hopefully, the Rams can keep up in this game.
The Giants head to Seattle to battle the Seahawks, and without Malik Nabers, it will be tough for New York. Andy is nervous this might not be the game we hope for. The Seattle RBs should have a solid day, and you are still starting up Metcalf. Wan’Dale Robinson is your only Giants start. Sunday night brings us Dallas and Pittsburgh. Justin Fields can be in your lineup, as well as Najee, Pickens, and the Muth in this economy. It is Dak, Lamb, and Ferguson for Dallas, and you are done.
Finally, New Orleans and Kansas City play on Monday night, and it is Andy’s almost upset. Jason doesn’t think you should be starting Patrick Mahomes with the team missing essential parts. Xavier Worthy is a TD or bust type of player, and Andy tells us to get ready for that Justin Watson TD. On the Saints’ side of the football, the Chiefs are tough to run on, but you are still starting Alvin Kamara. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are starts.
The guys reveal their DraftKings lineups, Jason spins the Wheel of Shame, and the guys sign off!