The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap – Week 7
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Monday – Studs and Duds and Breece Lightning
Welcome to an upside-down week! With so many heavy favorites taking the week off, we saw an abundance of fantasy confusion. After getting sophisticated, Andy, Mike, and Jason try to break it down for us.
News
Things deteriorated quickly for Cam Akers and the Rams are exploring a trade with anyone willing to consider the option. There are also trade rumors surrounding Christian McCaffrey, and many teams, including the Rams, are interested. In injury news, Carson Wentz fractured his ring finger on Thursday night, and Robbie Anderson was “excused” from the sideline on Sunday. Hollywood Brown left with what looked like a nasty foot injury, and people are concerned that it could be another Lisfranc injury. Thank goodness Hopkins returns this week. JK Dobbins did not play the second half for Baltimore because his knee tightened up and Kenyan Drake filled in nicely. Cameron Brate left with a vicious head and neck surgery and Dak Prescott is due to return in week seven.
Studs
Joe Burrow starts us off with his incredible performance in the Superdome. He is currently QB5 on the year. Matty Ice returned to old ways with 58 pass attempts, and Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, and Marcus Mariota were other successful QBs this week. Lawrence and Mariota are potential streamers and Mahomes had a big game. Rhamondre Stevenson, Jason’s start of the week, was highly successful against a Cleveland defense that all RBs should be played against. Kenneth Walker had a similar day in Seattle, cementing his RB1 status in the Pacific Northwest. CMC and Deon Jackson both had big games. Kenyan Drake had a great day after JK Dobbins exited, and he will be a confusing waiver wire possibility in Baltimore. The Dump Trunk Lenny continued scoring TDs for Tampa Bay and Breece Lightening has come into his own. Jason is giddy. Saquon’s anti-second TD broke many fantasy owners’ hearts. Alvin Kamara took advantage on a team sans WRs, and Zeke was slightly back. Jason suggests trading for him.
Ja’Marr Chase did Ja’Marr Chase things on Sunday. Stefon Diggs is the WR1 on the year, and he looks unstoppable. Brandon Aiuyk was a surprise success – the Niners abandoned the run, and Aiuyk enjoyed the spoils. Tyreek Hill is on pace for almost 2,000 receiving yards, and with Waddle potentially being hurt, it might get even better for Hill. Pitty City was rebuilt, much to Mike’s delight. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Allen Lazard owners were also pleased with the week. In the TE world, Mike Gesicki, Mark Andrews, and Travis Kelce had solid games, and minus Andrews and Kelce, you are left chasing. Gesicki Griddy improved. If Randal Cobb is out, Bob Tonyan might be an option moving forward after his Sunday performance. Finally, Kyle Pitts scored a TD.
Duds
Mike’s starting TE, Tyler Higbee, did not deliver, but the primary name here is Taysom Hill, much to Mike’s delight. Conklin, Hurst, and Goedert were also duds. The QB duds are highlighted with Lamar Jackson, which seems to correlate with Rashod Bateman being on the field. Tom Brady did not deliver in what looked like a great matchup. Aaron Rodgers has yet to be a QB1 this season and it seems like you cannot start him moving forward. Kyler was gross. On to the RBs. Jeff Wilson had a rough Sunday in a bad game, and it will be scary to start him against Kansas City next week. The New England Patriots shut down both Cleveland RBs and Andy is hitting the panic alarm for the Green Bay RB duo. With no TD, CEH was a disappointment.
Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf had terrible games in Seattle, and Mike says to move on. The Moores are done – DJ and Elijah. Say farewell. Despite having a lousy week, Drake London has a fantastic schedule moving forward. A TD bailed out Christian Kirk, and the goose crew consisted of MVS and Robbie Anderson.
Tuesday – Waivers, Full Stream Ahead
Monday Night Recap
We watched some football last night, and we have had 110 fewer TDs than in 2020 and close to 100 fewer TDs than the previous season. The kickers were the stars. Justin Herbert did not throw a TD, yet attempted 57 passes and completed 37 of them. The Broncos hate TDs, hesitant to give them up or to score them. The Russell Wilson conundrum is still alive and well, and he only completed three passes for 15 yards in the second half and overtime combined. TE Greg Dulcich was the only Broncos highlight. At some point, Nathaniel Hackett will fall on his sword with the horrific playcalling. Latavius Murray (off the street) took the work from Melvin Gordon, and fantasy owners threw their hands in the air in sheer confusion. The Chargers need Keenan Allen to return.
News
The Chiefs have restructured Travis Kelce‘s contract, sparking rumors about many possible trades. Hollywood Brown is looking to miss six weeks due to a fractured foot, but do not worry, Robbie Anderson is on the way to save the day for the Arizona Cardinals. Randall Cobb will be out for two to four weeks with a high ankle sprain. Over in Carolina, Steve Wilkes says the hope is to designate Sam Darnold to return.
Welcome to the Fold – Waivers
Last week we were introduced to the bye weeks, and this week it is more painful. Some big names are off this week, and owners must figure out options. Starting with the WRs – Wan’Dale Robinson from the Giants is Jason’s primary target. Robinson might not deliver immediately, but he has the best chance to become their true WR1. Alec Pierce of the Colts is another great pickup, and Andy reminds us to stash Jameson Williams. Speedy Tyquan Thornton is someone to look out for coming out of New England as he was the fastest at last year’s combine. Remember to check and see if Rondale Moore is on your waiver wire, who should give you a solid floor, and the new Cardinal Robbie Anderson is worth a check.
The RBs are up, and it’s the old-man week! Latavius Murray and Kenyan Drake are poorly owned and have good matchups this week. Jason prefers Murray since JK Dobbins is still fighting his knee injury. Last week Deon Jackson was the hot pickup and looked competent. This week they play Tennessee, and you don’t even know if Jackson will play with Jonathan Taylor hopefully returning. Some stash alert players include the Gus Bus in Baltimore and Kyren Williams in Los Angeles. Finally, the Rams and 49ers have been implicated in a potential CMC trade, and the trade deadline is November 1st. If you are looking to fill a TE need, look the way of Robert Tonyan and Dawson Knox. Knox and the Bills are on a bye this week, but Tonyan could be started. Rookie Greg Dulcich could be a bright spot in a dark TE landscape. Cade Otton is also worth a look, with Cameron Brate going down with a concussion and neck injury.
Evan Engram is a “smash glass in case of emergency” guy. Need a defense? The Dolphins have a good matchup, and if the Patriots are there, they should be your primary target. Jason’s sneaky start is the Jets against Russell Wilson.
Full Stream Ahead
Mike is streaming Davis Mills this week. Jason is starting Derek Carr against the Texans, and Andy is streaming Jimmy G.
Wednesday – Trust Issues and Ride or Die, Thursday Night Breakdown
After discussing the makeup of their teams heading into this bye week, the guys jump into Ride or Die.
News
Russell Wilson is considered day-to-day following an MRI on his hamstring and is taking the Mac Jones approach and wants to play. It is an actual injury, and something is clearly wrong with Russ. In assault news, a misdemeanor has been filed against Davante Adams, which moves the penalty into the personal conduct section. Mike McDaniel is optimistic that Jaylen Waddle will play this Sunday, but this should be monitored, and the Muth should be Luth again this weekend. Keenan Allen is also expected to be back to practice this week. It is up in the air if Mac Jones will play on Sunday, and it might be more of Zap Zap Zappe. Taylor Heinicke will be starting for the Commanders this weekend, and DeSean Jackson signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Thursday Night Breakdown
The New Orleans Saints take on the Arizona Cardinals in this primetime spectacular. There are injuries on the New Orleans side, but the team has seemed better with Andy Dalton over Jameis Winston. The Cardinals are horrific against TEs; therefore, Taysom Hill is a great option, to Mike’s delight. He is the dart throw he has always been, and Alvin Kamara is also back. The Cardinals’ ability to shut down the WR1 makes Chris Olave a potential trap. De’Andre Hopkins returns Thursday, Robbie Anderson has come to town, and Jason has Kyler at QB8. Eno should be the primary RB in this game, but New Orleans is successful against RBs, so give pause. The Saints’ strength is their defense, so it might be another low-scoring Thursday night game.
The guys end the episode with a mailbag segment. Remember to check out all the website tools as you struggle with your start/sit questions!
Thursday – Never Not Working, Starts of the Week, Fantasy Forecast
It’s football time – hopefully!
Never Not Working
There has been an abundance of chatter about the low number of fantasy points this year, and the guys are discussing why. According to PFF, we have the lowest yards per dropback since 2007. They are looking at two metrics, first downs per game and red zone TD rate. First downs per game tell us who can move the ball, and the number of team offensive first downs per game is similar to last year, yet the teams that have improved per game are turning fantasy on their heads. Jacksonville, Philly, Atlanta, and Detroit are examples here. The offenses we had bought into pre-season are the ones that have regressed, and that is where we see the diminishing amount of fantasy points. The red zone TD rate is how often a trip to the red zone results in a TD. Last year, through six weeks, teams averaged a TD on 63% of red zone trips and only nine teams are doing that this year. Only seven teams rank in the top 12 in both of these metrics this season. The two unusual teams here are the Chargers and Bucs, and Andy suggests targeting these players as bounce-back games will be on the horizon.
News
Keenan Allen states he might take another week off before the bye, but Joshua Palmer also missed practice with a concussion. Apparently, Melvin Gordon will start at RB for the Broncos. Make sure to take some preventative medicine if he is going into your lineup. Lamar Jackson was limited, and Mark Andrews did not practice, probably because of a veteran’s day off. Darren Waller did not practice as he is still dealing with a hamstring issue, and Dak Prescott is medically cleared and should play on Sunday. There is no Michael Thomas tonight, and Jason says Andy Dalton will start.
Fantasy Forecast
The Atlanta Falcons play the Cincinnati Bengals in our first matchup. Based on what we have seen over the last month, there should be some good options here for the Bengals’ passing game. You are starting Joe Mixon, hoping the running game will improve. Tee Higgins is still banged up, but still an every-week starter. On the other side of the ball, feel free to roll the dice and start Kyle Pitts, but make sure to hold your breath. Drake London is on your bench this week, but the Falcons’ schedule opens up soon. The Lions head down to Texas to take on the Cowboys, who get Dak back. There are a lot of fantasy-relevant players here – start Dak immediately, as well as Zeke and perhaps Tony Pollard. Lamb and Gallup are also a go. D’Andre Swift is not guaranteed to play, so keep your ear to the ground. Amon-Ra is right back in your lineup.
Next up, the Colts duel the Titans, and the winner takes control of the division. Currently, there looks like no snow in Vermont, so stay cautious. The Colts tend to start slow, but the matchup is good for the WRs, and Matt Ryan is streamable. The guys are leaning away from Robert Woods on the Tennessee side. Green Bay heads east to play the Taylor Heinicke-led Washington Commanders. Andy believes Robinson will get the lion’s share of the carries, even with Ron Rivera stating they will try to involve Antonio Gibson more. Aaron Jones should have a good game and Allen Lazard should also be started. Jason is leaning against starting a Washington WR.
Tampa Bay plays on the road against the Carolina Panthers in what might be a rough matchup. CMC is always a start, and do not touch DJ Moore. Brady should have a bounce-back game on the Bucs’ side, and the Dump Truck Lenny should be good to go. Cade Otton is a TE dart throw, but mainly in DFS. The 5-1 New York Giants take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Andy’s almost upset of the week. The Giants get zero respect, and their defense has been solid. Offensively, your only options are Saquon Barkley and perhaps Wan’Dale Robinson. It is the Evan Engram revenge game, so he is an option if needed, and Travis Etienne is a scary start. Jason is benching RB James Robinson if he can.
Starts of the Week
Andy is starting Justin Herbert against Seattle, Aaron Jones, and Big Mike Williams. Jason is going with The Plant Man Tom Brady, Zeke, Amari Cooper, and Gerald Everett. Finally, Mike is starting Dak Prescott, Kenneth Walker, Brandin Cooks, and Evan Engram.
Friday – The CMC Episode, Fantasy Forecast
Welcome to a world where Christian McCaffrey is a San Francisco 49er!
Thursday Night Recap
If you started Eno Benjamin or DeAndre Hopkins, you were happy. Hopkins was fed, and it was nice to see him as a leader out there. Chris Olave had 14 targets, and the Cards were unable to shut down the WR1 for the Saints. Andy Dalton was fantastic for fantasy, yet not great for actual football, and Alvin Kamara was ok. The biggest disappointment was Rondale Moore, who had a great start but could not keep it up. Mike thinks better days are ahead.
News
The Carolina Panthers traded CMC to the 49ers for a myriad of draft picks. This is massive. The Niners do not pass to RBs at a high rate but throw that out the window with CMC in town. Jason thinks you cannot start him this week with this big move, as he has not had enough time to learn the playbook. If you are a McCaffrey owner, you might be hoping that he is ruled inactive so that you do not have to decide whether to start him or not. Carolina-wise, DJ Moore is left alone, dreaming of passes and a trade offer, but he will get the targets. The RB room will be D’Onta Foreman and Chubba Hubbard, and Mike thinks Foreman will be the guy. In other news, the Jets’ Elijah Moore has requested a trade and will not play this weekend. Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow were both on the injury report for the Raiders, and we might be back with Mac Hollins. Mark Andrews did not practice Wednesday and Thursday, and you might need to find a pivot.
Fantasy Forecast
Cleveland heads to Baltimore in an AFC matchup. Both teams have had issues finishing out games, so it will be interesting to see who can close it out. If Rashod Bateman is active, he is a flex-level start, and with JK Dobbins potentially out, Kenyan Drake is a fine play. On the other side, Nick Chubb is a start, and if you need an RB floor play, Kareem Hunt is a good option. The 4-2 New York Jets take on the Denver Broncos in a very low over/under. This will be tough for the Jets’ running game because of the Broncos’ solid defense, and Jason is scared for Breece Hall, yet you are still starting him. On the Denver side, Courtland Sutton has not been great because the Russell Wilson experience has not been delightful. Greg Dulcich, with his mustache and curly hair, is the hero we did not think we needed. His QB situation will not be great.
Houston heads to the desert to play the Raiders, and we probably will not have Darren Waller. Mac Hollins could be in play here, but Josh Jacobs could be the big star. You do not start Derek Carr. On the Texans side, you are starting Dameon Pierce and Brandin Cooks. Seattle flies to sunny California to play the Chargers in our next matchup. This has the highest over/under of the week, and the Chargers’ lineup is filled with starts of the week. Josh Palmer is a sneaky start if Keenan Allen is still out, and you can still start Geno Smith on the Seattle side. Ken Walker is Andy’s start of the week. The Chiefs versus 49ers game is more interesting with the addition of CMC, but the Niners are dealing with a decimated defense, so it could still be difficult to stop the Chiefs’ offensive weapons. Jimmy G. is a good streaming option, as they will probably be playing from behind. CEH is not an auto-start against a team who is good against the run.
The Sunday night game is Pittsburgh against Miami, and Jason expects the Dolphins to come out strong. Tyreek Hill will crush it, you are not starting Chase Edmonds, and you can consider riding the lightning that is Mike Gesicki. Najee has yet to hit 12 fantasy points this season, and it is a scary thought to start him, but you might have to. The Muth should be back getting Luth, but do not gamble on a George Pickens. Chase Claypool could be a stash amid trade rumors. New England and Chicago close out the week. The Patriots’ defense is solid, and you might have to start Montgomery and no one else. On the other side, Rhamondre Stevenson must be started. The WRs are more complicated, especially with uncertainty at the QB position.
The guys end the episode with the DraftKings Fantasy Faceoff and Andy (once again) spins the wheel of shame!
Good luck this week, FootClan!