The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap for Week 14
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Monday – Monday Punday, Fantasy Studs & Duds
Supposedly, they will play a football game tonight in a rain/snowstorm/hurricane. Get excited! After teasing the high-powered offensive shows from the weekend, Andy, Mike, and Jason get sophisticated.
News
On Sunday, Jalen Hurts did not play with a high ankle sprain, giving way to Minshew winning Mania. Trey Sermon was placed on IR, and Jeff Wilson Jr. left with an unspecified injury. It may be time to cut bait there. Daniel Jones is out for multiple weeks. Big Ben apparently has privately admitted this to be his last season, and Mike is excited for Aaron Rodgers to move to the state of Pennsylvania. Adam Thielen and Miles Sanders also got injured this weekend. Kenyan Drake broke his ankle and is out for the rest of the season.
Fantasy Studs
It was pretty much everyone this week. Welcome back, Kyler Murray, who was incredibly rested and efficient. Tom Brady shockingly destroyed the Falcons, Justin Herbert was on fire, and Matt Stafford got back on track. Zack Wilson made his fantasy stud debut, and Kirk Cousins, Jason’s start of the week, was successful even after losing Adam Thielen. On to the RBs, and we all experienced Javonte’s Inferno last night. Sony Michel and David Montgomery also had monster weeks, and of course, Jonathan Taylor had another great game. Alexander Mattison stepped up without Dalvin Cook, and Leonard Fournette looked great. Justin Jefferson highlights the WR studs. Dionte Johnson had a slow first half but turned it on in the second half. Tee Higgins had a great game, and Cooper Kupp is back to having breakfast with his QB. Chris Godwin caught an insane number of passes, Tyler Lockett helped Russ cook again, and Elijah Moore looked great. Welcome back, George Kittle, who will clearly win you a week. Jason’s start of the week, Dallas Goedert had a ceiling game catching passes from Gardner Minshew. Also, Gronk catches TDs. Frequently.
Fantasy Duds
Guess who’s back? Patrick Mahomes did not look like himself again. Dak and Lamar underdelivered, and we should not have sent in any kind of semblance of the Carr. On to the RBs. James Robinson looked atrocious and was benched. Zeke was disappointing on Thursday, Mark Ingram looked terrible, and the fire of the Gas-Man was extinguished. Both Darrell Henderson and Boston Scott were questionable going into Sunday and were considerably underwhelming. Tyreek Hill was a WR dud, and Terry McLaurin was almost invisible. Ja’Marr Chase did not deliver and has not been inside the top 24 since week 7. DK Metcalf, Darnell Mooney, and DeVonta Smith were disappointments. Chase Claypool was a dud, and it seems the Brandin Cooks ship may have sailed. With the TEs – Travis Kelce was bad, and Zack Ertz did not show up. The Muth did not pro-duth.
Good luck finishing off the week!
Tuesday – Monday Night Recap, Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire, Waivers, Streamers
Monday Night Recap
The wind was clearly the player of the game last night, and it was truly a battle of wits. New England ran the ball pretty much the entire game, with Mac Jones only throwing the ball three times in the win. Andy feels that the Bills got outcoached, with them not using their running QB Josh Allen as much as they could have. Damian Harris had a great game and tweaked a hammy. Yoo-hoo! A bye week might be a good enough salve. The Buffalo RB situation was a bit confusing, Matt Brieda fumbled and was benched, and Zack Moss finished it out.
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
The guys are starting with Russell Gage and his back-to-back top 12 finishes. He finished last season as WR18 after the bye week, and Andy is concerned that this fire might be a mirage. Jason feels that he is pretty essential to the offense now, yet he would not place him any higher than his WR3. Next up is the resurgence of RB Tony Pollard, who has a lot of big yardage plays. Jason says smoke – he has recently been better for fantasy, yet he has not been used as much as early in the year. His playoff schedule does not hint towards the propensity for big RB plays. Andy disagrees and says fire.
News
Keenan Allen was placed on the Covid list but still has a chance to play this week. If he misses, Jaylen Guyton could be a desperate play. Julio Jones is designated to return from IR, and Chase Edmonds could also return next week. Elijah Mitchell is in the concussion protocol, and JaMycal Hasty might be the last man standing. Darren Waller is day to day, and Corey Davis is out for the season.
Waivers
One week before the fantasy playoffs, and good luck, especially if you have players on a Week 14 bye. Starting off the waiver segment, Jason mentions that he would be ok dropping Broncos WRs to make room for pickups. Mike’s main pickups for WRs start with Russell Gage, followed by KJ Osborn due to Adam Thielen‘s injury. Jason likes Devante Parker, who is on a bye this week, and if you have a bench spot – stash him. There is also some interest in Jamison Crowder, and MVS is a possibility. On to RBs. The well is fairly dry down there, but Mike suggests Amer Abdullah as an option and (gulp) a Seahawks RB against Houston. In that game, Jason says Sexy Rexy Burkhead could be a play – at least opportunity-wise. Andy likes Tyler Conklin as the top TE pickup. The guys like the Chargers as a pickup against a Giants QB. The Saints get the Jets this week, Denver looks strong, and Green Bay has a great matchup. There are a lot of great defensive options this week.
Streamers of the Week
If Taysom Hill plays, Mike says he is a great QB streaming option. Jason is on board with Booty Scootin’ Cam Newton, and Andy begrudgingly suggests Big Ben. A strong “just in case.”
Wednesday – Buy or Sell, Mailbag, Thursday Night Breakdown
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Buy/Sell
Andy, Mike, and Jason jump right in with Buy/Sell. To start – Is Russell Wilson a top 10 QB at Houston this week? After seeing some palpable Wilson progress, Andy will buy. Jason and Mike disagree and still have nerves starting him. Next up, will Hollywood Brown hit 65 receiving yards, which he has not hit since week 9. Even with his big-play capability, Andy sells this. Lamar just does not look like himself lately. Finally, will Saquon have 80 total yards against the Chargers? Mike’s heart says sell, where Andy and Jason will buy.
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News
Alvin Kamara is expected to play this week against the Jets, and Sean Payton has said Taysom Hill will start this week. Logan Thomas‘ season is over as he goes on IR and Dalvin Cook looks like he might be back for the fantasy playoffs.
Mailbag
After some beautiful producer dissonance, Andy asks the first question – is it worth hanging on to insurance RBs during a playoff run, or should you drop them for depth? Jason mentions that this is precisely the time to hold on to your insurance players, and Mike adds that by holding on to these insurance players, they not only help you, but they are also unavailable for other owners to pick up. Next up, a listener asks if you should start Taysom Hill over Lamar Jackson. Jason is leaning towards Hill, especially with the matchup against the Jets. After disclosing their League of Record records, the guys discuss Terry McLaurin. Are we starting him moving forward? McLaurin fits the definition of a draft bust but is still a must-start. Mike starts him as he knows what he CAN do. The next question is RB-centric – is Tony Pollard or Kareem Hunt a better start? Andy is team Pollard, who has been successful and efficient, especially with Zeke leaving much to be desired lately. Elijah Moore or Hollywood Brown rest of the season. Andy confidently says Moore.
Thursday Night Breakdown
The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Minnesota Vikings in the Thursday Night game. Both teams have explosive players, so there is a chance for fantasy relevance. With no Adam Thielen, KJ Osborn and Tyler Conklin should help to fill the target void. You should be able to start Mr. Reliable Kirk Cousins, even in prime time, as well as Justin Jefferson. On the other side of the ball, Diontae and Najee are locked, and Jason still feels good about starting the Muth. Chase Claypool has had a rough season and is not valuable unless he scores a TD, yet Jason is willing to play him.
Take those Thursday Night players out of your flex!
Thursday – Dalvin Cook Updates, Never Not Working, Fantasy Forecast, Starts of the Week, Boom Boom Kicker
Dalvin Cook Updates
The guys have their fingers on the pulse of Dalvin-gate. Several reports suggest that he might start tonight and against a horrendous Steeler run defense; the question is now, what do you do? Jason feels like there will be more of a timeshare than usual, and the game script should define a lot. If Cook plays, Andy, Mike, and Jason will play him, with Mattison still being a flex option.
Never Not Working
This week, the guys took a deep look at many depth charts and WR cores. A good example is Mike Williams, who traditionally was only a deep threat, yet he started the season leading the league in intermediate targets. Through this, there are two WR cores to address. The first is the Bengals. Early on, Ja’Marr Chase was seen as the future of the team, but since week 7, we have witnessed Tee Higgins rise to the top. Defenses have figured out Chase, and in so doing, Higgins numbers have greatly improved. Moving forward, it is clear that both are solid startable options. The other core to look at is the Los Angeles Rams. With the addition of OBJ, Van Jefferson‘s role has changed, and he is becoming an important part of the offense. OBJ might be a great option in the fantasy playoffs.
News
Adam Thielen is officially out tonight, and the game should be very interesting. Mike Williams was placed on the Covid list as a close contact. Tomorrow will matter a lot with this, so make sure to tune in to Matthew Betz and his injury blitz podcast out Friday. Mark Ingram was also placed on the Covid list, and Alvin Kamara should be back and ready to go. Justin Fields will start against the Packers, and Allen Robinson returned to practice. The 49ers injury segment was long, as most of the RB room is down. Finally, Elijah Moore is day to day.
Fantasy Forecast
The guys start with a big AFC rivalry – the Ravens at the Browns. Andy has some hesitation with the Ravens – you play Lamar, but he does not think it will be a big week for their pass catchers. Do not expect a barnburner. Start your locks, but temper expectations with Hollywood Brown. Kareem Hunt is back and healthy. Jacksonville heads to Tennessee to play the Titans in the next game. Julio should be back for this game, and he is an option. Andy thinks that D’Onta Foreman is the safest play for the Titans this week. On the other side of the ball, you are still starting James Robinson, despite being banged up. Starting a Jags WR is ill-advised. The Raiders head east to take on the Chiefs, and after a surprise game, we learn that Hunter Renfrow is a great start. Start your Chiefs studs against a bad Raiders defense, with Darryl Williams being a questionable start, and you can play Josh Jacobs, but do not send in the Carr. Next, the Saints head to New York to play the Jets in Andy’s almost upset of the week. New Orleans has lost a bunch of offensive weapons, and you have Taysom Hill at the helm. You start Kamara if he plays, as well as Hill and his rushing floor. Even though he is injured, if Elijah Moore plays, Jason is still starting him. If Moore sits, Jamison Crowder is an option. Finally, the Dallas Cowboys play an “on fire” Washington Football Team. You start a dodgy Zeke on the Dallas side, and the waters are even murkier with Tony Pollard now injured. On the Washington side, start Antonio Gibson, and keep an eye out to see if Smooches is back. The guys are somewhat interested in Ricky Seals-Jones, and Terry McLaurin is a borderline starter.
Starts of the Week
Andy’s starts of the week include Big Ben, Leonard Fournette, and Evan Engram. Mike is starting Taysom Hill, CEH, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tyler Conklin. Finally, Jason likes Aaron Rodgers, Javante Williams, and Darnell Mooney.
The guys end the show with the elegant prose that is Jason’s Boom Boom Kicker.
Friday – Thursday Nigh Recap, Fantasy Forecast, Fantasy Faceoff & Wheel of Shame
Thursday Night Recap
Dalvin Cook and his shoulder device had a record game. Cook had massive holes to run through and came out relatively unscathed with two TDs. The main disappointments were Alexander Mattison and Tyler Conklin, and you have no one to blame but Pittsburgh allowing the Vikings not to throw. On the other side of the ball, Andy is clearly a genius making Big Ben his start of the week. Najee had a monster game, and despite some questionable decisions, Chase Claypool was successful. In some of the best advice of the season, Andy tells Claypool to get himself a Kurt Warner.
News
Darren Waller remained sidelined on Thursday, and you might have to play your other option. Elijah Moore and Tevin Coleman still did not practice, and Tony Pollard will be a game-time decision. Both Jeff Wilson Jr. and David Montgomery were back at practice.
Fantasy Forecast
The guys are back with the second half of the matchups. First up is the Falcons at the Panthers. Cam is as risky as it gets, but the upside is tremendous. Mike is playing Chubba with confidence as an RB2 and is a little more concerned with Amer Abdullah. DJ Moore is your only startable pass catcher. On the Atlanta side, you can start Cordarrelle and Russell Gage. You might have to start Kyle Pitts as well. Next up, The Seahawks head to the heart of Texas to play Houston. This should be a get-right game for Seattle. Mike believes that there will be an RB who provides great fantasy value, but he is unsure who that player will be. On the other side of the ball, you can consider David Johnson, but Brandin Cooks might be too risky. The Detroit Lions head west to take on the Broncos. Start Javonte Williams (Jason’s start of the week), and Andy says Melvin Gordon is flex-worthy. It is hard to start any Denver WR. There is concern that Detroit will do enough to stay relevant, so the only actual plays are TJ Hockenson and Jamal Williams. The crumbling New York Giants play the Chargers in the next matchup. The Los Angeles WR room is still up in the air, so keep your ear to the ground for info. Ekeler is an excellent play in this game, and Justin Herbert will find a way. Mike Glennon should be the starter, and therefore it has the potential to be an excellent Saquon game. The 49ers at the Bengals is a matchup of two teams fighting for the playoffs. If Elijah Mitchell is out – as it looks like he will be – you are looking at Jeff Wilson and JaMycal Hasty in this great matchup. You can start Brandon Aiuyk, but Andy says you have better options than the QBs in this matchup.
The Bills play the Bucs in one of the biggest games on the slate. You are starting both QBs, and Leonard Fournette is the only startable RB in the game. Start Stefon Diggs and Dawson Knox is Mike’s start of the week. You are starting your Tampa Bay pass-catchers, and Breshad Perriman could be a dart throw. Sunday night, there is a battle in the NFC North between the Bears and the Packers. Andy sees no pathway for Justin Fields to succeed here, and he is scared to start any Bear. Jason is playing his start of the week Darnell Mooney, and he is also ok playing David Montgomery. Start your usual Packers, and MVS is a tempting option. Finally, the Monday night game should be a doozy. The Rams head to Arizona to play the Cards, and the Rams are playing for a lot. There are a lot of fantasy-relevant players here, and with the confusing Los Angeles RB room, Jason is starting Sony Michel, even if Darrell Henderson plays. You start both QBs, as well as Kupp and OBJ, and for Arizona, it’s Hopkins and Ertz.
Fantasy Faceoff & Wheel of Shame
The guys end the show revealing their latest DraftKings lineups, and Mike spins the Wheel of Shame! Good luck with the final playoff push!
Mike had to spin the *Wheel of Shame* during this week's Fantasy Faceoff segment presented by @DraftKings!
Watch the full segment with our Week 14 #DFS lineups: https://t.co/m7xX2Pfabe
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— Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) December 10, 2021