Fantasy Flops + Playoff Scenarios, Week 18 Motivation

Summary:

Javonte Williams as a disappointment 02:23

• Javante Williams was a highly touted rookie prospect with high expectations that have not been met.
• Despite being just 23.7 years old, Williams has failed to live up to the hype due to injuries and underperformance.
• Concerns about his future success arise from the opportunities he received this season without delivering significant results.
• The Denver Broncos may need to address their running back room due to Williams’ underwhelming performance.
• With Williams potentially being replaced in the upcoming season, it is uncertain whether he can bounce back.

“I don’t blame him coming off of that injury. In fact, it’s impressive. He got back and he played, you know, all but one game this year. All but one game.”

Uncertain future for Javonte Williams 06:32

• Pondering the possibility of Javante Williams being replaced in the next season.
• Factors that could contribute to his potential replacement include the Broncos’ need for a stronger running back room and the limitations of their offense.
• Pending the outcome of free agency and the draft, Williams’ value in dynasty leagues may decline.
• The future workload and production of Williams remain uncertain.

“Well, the two names I’ll throw out there, running back. I mean, it’s not a surprise, but Austin Eckler, Derek Henry, aging, declining house names.”

Digging into the struggles of Stefan Diggs 09:06

• Moving on from players like Derek Henry and Austin Ekeler should be part of a bigger trade to avoid tipping off desperation 09:06
• Age 30+ running backs have historically been less relevant for fantasy 09:43
• Ekeler is a bigger concern for next season compared to Henry 09:49

“Because if the trade is just I’m trying to get rid of Derek Henry, it’s, it’s like holding up a, a big sign. Yeah. And if you work him into a bigger deal, then maybe that name starts to pay dividends for you.”

“Yeah, I am more concerned with Eckler than I am with Henry for next season though.”

Get the 2026 Ultimate Draft Kit!

Preorder the 2026 UDK

The decline of Stefon Diggs 11:36

• Stefan Diggs’ production significantly dropped after Week 9 11:46
• Diggs went from being a top 5 wide receiver to wide receiver 55 during Weeks 10-17 12:32

“Like, there, there was a very noticeable change.”

Unraveling the disappearance of Stefon Diggs 13:02

• Multiple factors contributed to Diggs’ decline, including coaching changes and a shift in offensive strategy 13:02
• Diggs’ dependency on the passing game has been reduced due to other receiving options and a heavier emphasis on the run 16:03

“And yeah, Diggs was great. So he’s 30. He still has a bunch more years and a bunch more guaranteed money, but what is going to happen?”

The uncertain future of Stefon Diggs 16:40

• Buffalo Bills face a decision with Diggs, either keeping him as the number one receiver or exploring trade options 16:40
• Trading Diggs may be difficult due to his contract 16:31

“Here’s a glass half full approach. And by the way, I think everybody that was let down by Diggs over the last handful of weeks was thrilled to hear that entire diatribe because we understand.”

Dalvin Cook‘s Release from the Jets 19:19

• Dalvin Cook has been released by the New York Jets.
• Cook had requested to be released, potentially hoping to sign with a team that will be in the playoffs.
• It is worth noting that Cook’s tenure with the Jets was not successful, and it is uncertain if he has much left to offer.
• The Miami Dolphins have reportedly made a contract offer to Cook and are a potential destination for him.

“He wants the opportunity to go sign some place… They did, you know, before he signed with the Jets, but that’s the team that he’s most linked to going forward.” 20:19

Arizona Cardinals‘ Commitment to Kyler Murray 20:51

• Jonathan Gannon, the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, recently expressed complete assurance that Kyler Murray is their franchise quarterback.
• Gannon emphasized that there is no doubt about Murray being the quarterback for the next season.
• Despite speculation surrounding Murray, Arizona’s commitment is unwavering.

“There is no doubt that Number one, Kyler Murray is their franchise quarterback… What are you talking about? We already have our quarterback… it was surprising to me that there was no question.” 21:17

Potential Improvement for the Arizona Cardinals 22:42

• If the Arizona Cardinals lose this week and the New England Patriots beat the New York Jets, Arizona would be in a position to draft players like Marvin Harrison Jr.
• Kyler Murray‘s value in dynasty leagues could increase if the Cardinals acquire offensive assets through the draft and sign significant defensive players in free agency.
• With the right personnel, next season could be a better year for Murray.

“Next year could be a much better year for Kyler, especially if you add someone like Marvin Harrison or Malik neighbors.” 23:23

“Kyler Murray‘s value will either skyrocket or plummet. And I think that it will go up… This is the moment the championships over Kyler had a disappointing season. We’re not sure he’s got a job.” 24:10

“Kyler Murray‘s value in dynasty leagues could increase if the Cardinals acquire offensive assets through the draft and sign significant defensive players in free agency.” 22:56

Get the 2026 Ultimate Draft Kit!

Preorder the 2026 UDK

“They look good. They have played hard this year. They just don’t have personnel. So Kyler Murray, a down year coming back from injury, we have to remember there’s going to be, I don’t think we let him off the hook at all this year.” 22:53

Teams that have clinched and have little or nothing to gain 25:51

• Ravens are the number one seed in the AFC
• Chiefs are locked at three
• Browns are locked at five
• Expect to see very little of the Ravens, if at all
• Resting players to avoid injury 26:21
• Harbaugh is undecided about Lamar Jackson‘s playing time but may only play a half or a couple of drives 26:33

“Give them health, give them rest. It’s kind of what you see every year now.”

Playoff scenarios and motivation for Week 18 matchups 30:09

• Rams can move between the number six and seven seed, likely won’t change how they utilize players 29:13
• 49ers are favored by three and a half against the Rams, might also sit players 29:21
• Bears will be playing great teams fighting for playoff seeding, so expect them to give their best effort 30:59
• Jaguars highly motivated to win over Tennessee to become AFC South champs and secure a home game 31:12
• Bills battling for AFC East title, Dolphins can eliminate them with a loss 31:24
• Cowboys can secure the AFC East title with a win 32:07
• Eagles can secure the number two seed if they win and the Cowboys lose 32:39
• Lions can move up to the number two seed with a win and losses by the Eagles and Cowboys 32:50

“You want players in these games.”

Off-season activities 40:41

• In the off-season, the Fantasy Footballers podcast releases fewer episodes but continues to work on recordings and the Dynasty Pass.
• They are excited to start prospect scouting and working on the Dynasty Pass.
• They have two shows a week on the main podcast.
• Personal hobbies are also part of the off-season plans.
• However, there is a tendency to put off big projects and end up taking naps instead.

“We’re in prospect season, that’s kind of like the big work project. But then, you know, for- Yeah. The UDK starts pre-selling on Super Bowl Sunday and the Dynasty Pass is available instantly. So we jump in there for sure.” – The Fantasy Footballers

College football playoffs 42:01

• The hosts enjoyed watching both college football playoff games.
• The Michigan game stood out to them and they were impressed with how well Michigan played.
• They mentioned the excitement and energy surrounding the games.

“The Michigan game was the one I watched more of and I couldn’t help even when things were going their way at the end. I was like, Alabama’s going to find a way to win it. They always do. So it was exciting.” – The Fantasy Footballers

Excitement for Michigan 44:22

• The hosts expressed their support for Michigan and their desire to see Michigan win the championship.
• They found Michigan’s performance impressive and discussed the excitement surrounding the game.

“I want to see Michigan win it. I do.” – The Fantasy Footballers

Handling co-manager winnings 45:30

• The hosts discussed how to handle payment if a co-manager didn’t contribute all year but the team still won.
• They suggested that there should be an understanding beforehand about how winnings would be divided.
• One proposed solution was to give the co-manager a smaller percentage of the winnings based on their contribution.

“Let’s say you want $1,000. Okay. You give him a hundred bucks. Yeah. So 10% you go, here you go. Thank you for following my coattails. Yeah. Enjoy.” – The Fantasy Footballers

Selling CMC in the Off-Season? 47:56

• Andy almost made a mistake by trying to sell CMC last off-season in dynasty but was rejected. 48:01
• CMC has missed zero games since being a member of the 49ers and is on the best offense with the best coach and situation. 48:54
• CMC has no perceivable age-related decline and has a great contract situation. 49:06
• It is worth relying on CMC due to his physical fitness and dedication to training. 49:23
• The advice for trading running backs early does not apply to CMC, he is an outlier. 49:58
• Many league champions had Christian McCaffrey on their team. 50:25

“I tried to sell CMC. I was rejected mercifully by an idiot and had I done it, I would have regretted it immensely.”

Get the 2026 Ultimate Draft Kit!

Preorder the 2026 UDK

“CMC has missed zero games since being a member of the 49ers. He’s on the best offense with the best coach and the best situation with no perceivable age-related decline of any kind with tons of money invested into him. There’s no way CMC is not great.”

“CMC is a freakazoid when it comes to physical fitness, physical fitness help. There’s a reason he’s able to do what he’s able to do.”

Damian Pierce’s Hype and Singleterry’s Deal 50:37

• The community was excited for Damian Pierce in dynasty rankings, but it didn’t turn out that way. 50:51
• Singletary has a one-year deal. 51:02

“The community was very excited for Damian Pierce.”

Closing Remarks 51:05

• They will have starts of the week and catch-up previews for Week 18. 51:05
• Andy won’t be there tomorrow but will be there on Friday. 51:14
• They will have a record-setting fourth “wheel of shame” for Jason. 51:20
• They are giving away a Travis E.T. and jersey and title gear on footcleangiveaway.com and shopballers.com. 51:42
• They thank the listeners and say goodbye. 51:56

“Last chance to head to footclean giveaway dot com. We’re giving away a sign, Travis E. T. and Jersey and a bunch of swag and again shopballers.com for your title gear. That’ll do it for today’s show. Thank you for joining us back tomorrow with another one. Goodbye. Have a good day, everybody. Goodbye.”