The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap – Week 6
It is just Andy and Jason holding it down on Monday, but Mike will return on Tuesday, singing the praises of Rico Dowdle. Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 5 Studs and Duds & Red Alert Offenses
The gentleman, sans Mike, start the week out by getting sophisticated and then jump right in.
Ready to Roll
Today, the guys are looking at where teams are at this juncture, focusing on the pace of play and how that impacts fantasy football. Andy highlights a few fast-paced and slower-paced teams so listeners can consider what might continue. One of the fastest teams is the Commanders, the first in no-huddle. Another fast team, at least over the last two weeks, is the Colts. There is a big difference between Richardson and Flacco. The Cowboys, Seahawks, and Bears are three other fast teams. Managers might need to reclassify some fantasy options with the slower pace of the Chiefs, Bills, Chargers, and Saints.
News
The Chiefs remain hopeful that Rashee Rice could still return this season. The Rams are targeting a Week 7 return for Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Jones went down in the Vikings game which you could see the immediate impact of on the offense. De’Von Achane went down with a concussion, and they will have a bye next week. Nico Collins looks to have hurt his hamstring, and David Njoku seems to have had another injury.
Studs
Kirk Cousins went insane on Thursday night, and Joe Burrow said hold my beer. Lamar is the QB1 on the year so far, Joe Flacco doesn’t age, and Kyler had an incredible rushing game. Caleb Williams is finding his footing. At RB, Andy’s guy Tank Bigsby had a great outing. The guys think they saw the Rico Dowdle breakout game, and D’Andre Swift had another fantastic game. The ceremonial benching of Rhamondre meant nothing, and Chuba Hubbard has continued to be successful. Tyrone Tracy is someone to keep your eye on.
The WRs are highlighted with Ja’Marr Chase and then with Drake London and Darnell Mooney on Thursday night not far behind. Garrett Wilson had 22 targets and Darius Slayton became viable and successful with Malik Nabers out due to injury. Jalen Tolbert took advantage of his opportunity. Tucker Kraft was a great pickup in this economy, and Brock Bowers should have had two TDs. George Kittle had 12 targets in a great game.
Duds
Brock Purdy and Josh Allen start off the dud section, and Sam Darnold almost slides in as well. Breece Hall had a rough day across the pond, even with 74% of the snaps. Chase Brown looked much more explosive than Zack Moss, and Jerome Ford almost disappeared. It has not looked good with Marvin Harrison, which is something to monitor. Deebo vanished in the same game. D.K. Metcalf, Jordan Addison, and Diontae Johnson all had terrible games.
Andy doesn’t think it will happen for George Pickens this season – he is in the matchup category here. Dontayvion Wicks was the biggest letdown this week, especially with the amount of FAAB spent. It is tough to start Tank Dell right now. The Bills need Dalton Kincaid desperately, but for some reason, it is not working. The Muth was not as Luth as we would have liked.
Enjoy the Monday night game!
Tuesday – Week 6 Waivers & Streamers, and Drop Decisions, Kraft Singles
Due to the ongoing “feud,” it is just Andy and Mike today.
Monday Night Recap
That game was pretty gross, and the Kansas City defense is not great for fantasy. Alvin Kamara was alright, but Olave was shut down. Mike makes it clear that you should not drop him. Derek Carr went down with an injury, so TBD on what happens next. On the Chiefs’ side, Patrick Mahomes has yet to have a top-12 finish this season. The corpses of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kareem Hunt were successful, and Kelce is back in the fold.
News
The Jets have fired HC Robert Saleh, which will clearly solve all the problems. It seems like we are approaching the end of the Davante Adams saga, and we might see the departure of Amari Cooper from Cleveland. It is confirmed that Rashee Rice is out for the season, and it is uncertain whether Joe Mixon will return this week.
Waivers
Starting at RB, there are five well-owned players Andy reminds us of: Rico Dowdle, Chase Brown, Alexander Mattison, Trey Sermon, and Braelon Allen. The two big names this week are Tank Bigsby and Tyrone Tracy. Keep an eye on Ty Chandler, who does have a bye this week. Mike is most intrigued by Tracy, and you could get Jaylen Wright for very little.
Darnell Mooney is now an every-week start, and he is readily available. Josh Downs is an option, but he has a QB conundrum, and Jalen Tolbert is a good option if you need a start this week. If you are happy with your team and need a stash, JuJu Smith-Schuster could be targeted. Allen Lazard can also be in play.
TE-wise, if Tucker Kraft is still out there, Mike suggests going hard on him. Tyler Conklin returned to form, and he would be a spot start. With the rumors of Amari Cooper leaving town, the guys suggest trying to hold David Njoku if possible. For defenses, consider Houston, Philadelphia, Denver, and the Chargers on the other side.
Full Stream Ahead
Without Jason in the building, Jay Grizz is streaming Caleb Williams, and Mike is going with Kirk Cousins against Carolina. Finally, Andy likes Joe Flacco if he gets the start, and otherwise, Geno Smith.
Wednesday – Fantasy Draft Re-Do & Hungry For More, TNF Preview
Hungry for More
It’s just Andy and Mike today, and they are both hungry for more. Andy wants to see more from Jalen Tolbert, who was a waiver wire darling this week with Brandin Cooks out. With the announcement that Drake Maye will be starting for the Patriots, Mike is hungry for more from Ja’Lynn Polk.
News
Break out the sad music as Nico Collins has been placed on the IR with a hamstring injury, and Andy is excited to see what happens with Tank Dell. Derek Carr will miss multiple games, and Spencer Rattler looks to be taking over. Aaron Jones is week to week with a hip injury, and it is uncertain if he will return after their bye week.
Thursday Night Breakdown
It is a battle of the NFC West on Thursday in Seattle between the Seahawks and Niners. Mike asks the question of who would you not start in this game, and even though Purdy had a rough game last week, he is still a start. The Bone Zone is open for business as the RBs are being used frequently in the receiving game, and Andy is still okay starting JSN.
Fantasy Draft Re-Do
With the first pick, Mike goes with Ja’Marr Chase, who has a great ceiling in his eyes. For Andy, if he were redoing the draft, Kyren Williams would be his guy – he is averaging 22 opportunities a game. Kyle is choosing Saquon, who has had success and is past his bye week. Mike takes Justin Jefferson, Andy goes with Malik Nabers, who is on pace for 221 targets for the year, and Kyle takes CeeDee Lamb based on his potential moving forward.
Mike follows with Amon-Ra, Andy takes his first RB with Derrick Henry, and Kyle goes with Jahmyr Gibbs, who has huge upside if David Montgomery goes down. The next few rounds illustrate the difference five weeks make with no CMC, Brian Thomas Jr. before Marvin Harrison, Lamar Jackson the first QB off the board, and Brock Bowers closing us out.
Ah, the gift of hindsight.
Thursday – Starts of the Week and Week 6 Breakdown, Prayer Yards
News
Todd Downing will take over play-calling responsibility for the Jets, which Andy believes is excellent for Breece Hall. Pitty City is injured (thanks, Mike), and IR is possible. Aidan O’Connell and Spencer Rattler will be getting starts this week, and hopefully, Rattler will hyper-target Olave. Malik Nabers is still not practicing, so ensure you have a pivot option.
Starts of the Week
Andy is starting Breece Hall in a great matchup, Kirk Cousins, Amari Cooper, and Cole Kmet. Mike is going with Tony Pollard, Caleb Williams, Jalen Tolbert, and TMcB.
Fantasy Forecast
We head back to London with Jacksonville and Chicago. Caleb Williams is Mike’s start of the week, and D’Andre Swift has been great the last few weeks – he continues to be a good play. On the Jags’ side, it might be tough because Chicago can stifle the passing game; Mike will not be forcing Christian Kirk into his lineup. Tank Bigsby is a tough flex decision. Arizona takes on Green Bay in what should be a good game. You are starting your Packer studs, including Tucker Kraft, but Dontayvion Wicks is a risk. On the Arizona side, you are starting your main guys with a few tough decisions there.
The Colts play the Titans in a low over/under. Andy is willing to start Calvin Ridley in a great matchup. For Indy, there is a smattering of DNPs, so keep apprised of the news heading into the weekend. Tyler Goodson could be the next man up in a not-so-great matchup. Josh Downs is playable if he gets on the field. Houston plays New England in Andy’s almost upset of the week. The guys are avoiding the entire Texans backfield, and without Nico Collins, other pass catchers will have to step up. Tank Dell is a risky start. On the Pats’ side, we get Drake Maye, so we could see some other offensive pieces have success. Maybe.
Tampa Bay and New Orleans battle next, and it is Spencer Rattler in his debut. Andy is benching Shaheed and is okay playing Olave and Alvin Kamara. Baker has been having a great year so far, but Mike is leaning away from him this week. Rachaad White is a go, as are the Tampa WRs. Cleveland travels to Philly to take on the Eagles. Andy has confidence in Amari Cooper, and you can flex Jerome Ford. On the other hand, you are starting almost all your Eagles. Enjoy.
Washington and Baltimore are the next matchup and we all wonder if there is snow in Vermont this week. Derrick Henry is a fantastic start, as well as Lamar. For Washington, it is tough to say no to Jayden Daniels, but Andy would sit Brian Robinson. Zach Ertz is a desperation play.
Enjoy the Thursday game!
Friday – Week 6 Matchups and Wheel of Shame, Road Warriors
Thursday Night Recap
Mike was encouraged by Ken Walker and the Bone Zone last night, with Walker being used in the passing attack. Conversely, D.K. Metcalf had the most unlucky fantasy night ever. Lockett and JSN made it into the end zone, and for the Niners, the big story was Jordan Mason’s injury. It was reported that he had an AC sprain. Isaac Guerendo came in for Mason and went down intentionally to help win the game for San Francisco. Kittle and Deebo had great games, and Brandon Aiyuk faded back into the shadows.
News
Anthony Richardson practiced in full, and Jonathan Taylor looks doubtful. The circus continues with Michael Pittman Jr. in uniform at practice, and it is uncertain if he will be playing this week. Evan Engram is limited and will be a risky play. Rachaad White and Brian Robinson missed some practice this week, so make sure you have a pivot option. On a positive note, Joe Mixon returned to practice. Finally, Malik Nabers has been ruled out with a concussion.
Fantasy Forecast
The Chargers take on the Broncos to start us off. This could be nasty. Javonte Williams is the only player Andy will consider starting for Denver in this game. The matchup against Denver is brutal, but J.K. Dobbins could be startable on volume. Moving on to Pittsburgh and Las Vegas, another “exciting” matchup. Brock Bowers and Najee are the only locks in this game, and Mike reminds us that Jaylen Warren could return soon.
Detroit versus Dallas should be much more exciting. Start your Dallas studs, and Jalen Tolbert is Mike’s start of the week. Rico Dowdle might be the only question on the Cowboys’ end, but you are full steam ahead on CeeDee. Start all your Detroit weapons. Atlanta and Carolina are the next matchup. Start of the week, Kirk Cousins should be great, so fire up those pass catchers to go along with the QB. Bijan should be awesome, but Andy believes we will see more of Tyler Allgeier than managers want. On the other side of the football, it’s Chuba and Diontae and cash out.
Sunday night brings us the Bengals and the Giants in another story of road warriors. The Giants’ defense is not a pushover, but Zack Moss and Chase Brown are both in play. Chase and Higgins should be in your lineups. With Malik Nabers sidelined again, you have Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton to think about. Keep an eye on Devin Singletary and his injury. The week ends with Buffalo traveling to play the Jets in another Andy’s almost upset. The Bills are down nearly all of their WRs against a robust New York defense, and the guys are suggesting a pivot – start Dalton Kincaid and cross your fingers. On the Jets’ side, you are starting Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, and you can always Conk in this economy.
The guys reveal their DraftKings lineups, Mike spins the Wheel of Shame, and we are on to Week 6!