Starts of the Week + Week 12 Breakdown, It’s Football Time!

Summary:

Banter About YouTube Commenters 00:44

“Our job is to dunk on the doosers and tell them what bad people they’ve done.”

• The hosts reflect on the comments made by their YouTube audience, highlighting the need to critique and humorously critique the players’ performances. They note, however, that the YouTube commenters often show sympathy towards the players who perform poorly, and the hosts appreciate the kindness shown by their fans.

Thursday Episode Insights 01:25

“Great show today. NFL News starts of the week.”

• In this Thursday episode, the hosts tease an exciting lineup that includes NFL news, fantasy forecasts, and discussions on player performances. They mention recent waiver wire activities, indicating a busy week in fantasy football strategy.

Injury News and Updates 04:02

“Eagles wide receiver Devonte Smith did not practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury.”

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• They discuss key injury updates impacting player rosters, including Devonte Smith’s hamstring situation, which could affect his matchup performance. The hosts emphasize the importance of monitoring these injuries as well as their potential implications for fantasy football choices.

Start of the Week Picks 05:50

“Devonte Smith is my pick at start of the week, plays the Rams.”

• The hosts share their recommendations for this week’s fantasy starts, particularly spotlighting Devonte Smith given his favorable matchup against the Rams. They also analyze other potential start options based on player performance metrics and ongoing injuries among key players.

Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Dallas Cowboys 09:57

“B. Rob is back from his injury; he was fully back last week with no easing in.”

• Brian Robinson Jr. has made a strong return from injury, showcasing his readiness by receiving a significant number of opportunities in the previous game.
• He has been averaging an impressive 13.5 fantasy points per game, which is based on about 16 opportunities per game.
• Robinson excels in goal-line situations, currently tied for fifth in touchdowns inside the 10-yard line with seven, showing his effectiveness near the end zone.
• Despite missing three games, his number of carries within the 10-yard line matches big names like James Connor and Alvin Kamara.

Matchup Analysis: Commanders vs. Cowboys 10:39

“The Commanders have the second-highest team implied total of the week and are 10.5-point home favorites.”

• This week, the Washington Commanders are positioned strongly against the Dallas Cowboys, noted for their poor run defense.
• Dallas ranks at the bottom of several defensive metrics, including expected points versus the run, rushing yards allowed per game, and total touchdowns surrendered to running backs.
• Consequently, the Commanders are expected to increase their running plays, significantly benefiting Robinson’s usage.

Quarterback Recommendations: CJ Stroud and Others 11:18

“I am very confident this week about CJ Stroud.”

• CJ Stroud‘s performance is highlighted as a top quarterback option given the return of wide receiver Nico Collins, which makes offense easier for the team.
• Stroud is projected to have a strong game at home against the Tennessee Titans, who are allowing plenty of points per game.
• Notably, Stroud has surpassed 300 yards in past games and holds a solid touchdown rate of 5%.

Additional Quarterback Choices: Bo Nix and Baker Mayfield 12:06

“Bo Nix has been on fire, ranking as a top 12 quarterback in five of his last seven games.”

• Bo Nix is recommended due to his consistent performance and favorable matchup against the Raiders, who have a weak secondary.
• The analysis cites that Nix combines a good passing ability with a reliable rushing floor, making him a strong choice for fantasy teams.
• Baker Mayfield is also mentioned as a noteworthy option after the bye week, especially with the anticipated return of Mike Evans, poised to enhance his game against the Giants.

Tight End Recommendation: Hunter Henry 13:43

“Hunter Henry has run the most routes of all tight ends through 11 weeks.”

• Henry is a tight end to watch this week, as he has become a focal point in his offense, with a substantial target share.
• The Miami Dolphins‘ defense poses a weakness against tight ends, making it an opportune match for Henry to shine.
• Previous performances from tight ends against Miami suggest that Henry could consolidate a solid week for fantasy players.

Alternative Tight End: Luke Schoonmaker 15:03

“Luke Schoonmaker was fed in relief of Turd Ferguson last week, seeing ten targets.”

• Schoonmaker’s role increased significantly due to an injury to Ferguson, resulting in a promising performance last week.
• The upcoming matchup against Washington looks favorable, as they have struggled against tight ends, especially since week six.
• His potential to be a newly favored target in the lineup makes Schoonmaker an intriguing choice for those needing a tight end option from the waiver wire.

Bears’ Defensive Weaknesses and Notable Player Performances 20:10

“The strength of the Chicago Bears lies in their defense, but where they can be beaten is on the ground.”

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• The Chicago Bears have a strong defensive unit, but teams can exploit them by running the ball effectively.
• The Minnesota Vikings’ offense needs Aaron Jones to perform better in order to secure a victory. His recent performances have been subpar, with noticeable inefficiencies in the last month.
• Although Jones started the season strong, he has struggled as the season has progressed, leading to concerns regarding his projection.

Changing Dynamics in the Bears’ Offense 21:22

“Every year we see shifts with offensive coordinators, and the involvement of running backs can change dramatically.”

• The Bears’ offensive strategy has transformed with a new coordinator; sometimes it leads to player roles changing significantly.
• Roshan Johnson has become more involved recently, which is crucial for fantasy players to note.
• Despite changes, caution is advised regarding both Johnson and DeAndre Swift, as the Vikings possess a tough run defense, ranked number two against running backs for fantasy points allowed.

Receivers and Flex Options 22:25

“DJ Moore is a scary flex option right now, but with Minnesota’s passing defense, he might find success.”

• DJ Moore had an influx of targets and worked well against the Vikings, who tend to struggle against wide receivers due to their offensive style.
• Keenan Allen is viewed by some as not worth roster space, as he’s been underperforming.
• There’s potential in Roma Dunes and DJ Moore as flex options, with both being seen as risky yet possibly rewarding selections.

Concerns Over Tight End Utilization 23:52

“Despite recent struggles, Hawkinson remains a definite start due to an upcoming soft matchup schedule.”

• T.J. Hawkinson has faced reduced snap counts recently, but his performance before injury suggests he will rebound.
• The upcoming schedule looks favorable for tight ends, including Hawkinson, particularly against the Bears.
• While Hawkinson is projected to perform well, the team appears to be managing his snap count more carefully.

Game Preview: Lions vs. Colts 25:23

“This matchup does not look favorable for Anthony Richardson.”

• The Lions come into this game as significant favorites, and their strong defense may pose challenges for Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
• Richardson’s ability to maintain performance, especially under pressure, is questioned given the dominant nature of the Lions’ defense.

Start/Sit Decisions for Fantasy Players 28:30

“If you don’t have a strong gut feeling, Josh Downs is not an auto start.”

• The advice is to consider other options over Josh Downs, especially when players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jameson Williams are available.
• The general takeaway is to proceed cautiously and make informed decisions based on matchups and recent performances when it comes to starting Richardson or any Colts players.

Game Previews and Player Performances 30:02

“It gets pretty easy on the land side in terms of Gibbs, Monty, Amon-Ra, and James Williams.”

• The discussion begins with expectations for certain players, mentioning that Gibbs and others are in favorable matchups. The effectiveness of these players hinges on their activity in practice, specifically regarding a player named La Porta, who is leaning towards being available for the game.
• The conversation revolves around the performance of Jared Goff, questioning whether to play him or another quarterback, Richardson. Although Goff hasn’t delivered consistent performances, there remains a risk in benching him after high-scoring games.

Performance Concerns for Running Backs 30:55

“Jonathan Taylor is going to be a tough one. Detroit’s defense has stonewalled the running back position.”

• The analysis shifts to Jonathan Taylor, emphasizing that he may struggle against Detroit’s defense, which has not allowed a running back to exceed 100 yards this season.
• There’s acknowledgment of Taylor’s immense talent, which makes him a probable start despite the challenging matchup, knowing the unpredictable nature of fantasy football.

New England vs. Miami Overview 31:52

“Miami is a heavy favorite at home, with a line of Miami minus seven and a half.”

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• The matchup between New England and Miami highlights a heavy betting line in favor of Miami, underscoring a challenging season for the Patriots. However, New England has shown they can be competitive in recent games.
• The discussion evaluates the capabilities of the Patriots’ tight ends against Miami’s defense, hinting at potential value in starting Hunter Henry.

Giants vs. Buccaneers Preview 36:05

“Tommy DeVito will start for the Giants while Baker Mayfield is your bonus start of the week.”

• This section transitions to the matchup between the Buccaneers and the Giants. The upcoming game features a change at quarterback for the Giants, now led by Tommy DeVito, while Baker Mayfield’s strong season continues, making him a viable fantasy option.
• There’s a notable contrast between the teams’ ambitions, with the Buccaneers still grasping at playoff hopes while the Giants appear to be searching for a better draft position.

Player Performance Insights 39:55

“I believe he’s not hurting anybody, but I would still like to see what Jalen McMillan can do if he was on waivers; I would want him on my team, a rookie with opportunity.”

• The discussion highlights Jalen McMillan as a noteworthy rookie player who, despite not having significant production yet, has the potential to surprise in future games.
• The conversation shifts towards Malik Neighbors, an athlete who almost became the “start of the week,” reflecting on concerns about player performance due to team changes, particularly the move from Daniel Jones to Tommy DeVito.
• The commentary provides confidence in starting certain players, especially in favorable matchups against teams like the Buccaneers, known for having a weak secondary.

Running Back Strategies for Matchups 40:50

“Tyron Tracy is a definite start this week, averaging nearly 19 opportunities a game.”

• Tyron Tracy is emphasized as a strong candidate for starting, given his average of nearly 19 chances per game, making him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.
• Alongside him, both Irving and Rashad White are recommended to start due to their increasing productivity and the Giants’ declining ability to defend against running backs.
• A particular focus on Bucky, who has recently gained recognition from the head coach, shows that his performance has been notably good since his opportunities increased in week three, making him another strong start.

Quarterback Considerations and Predictions 42:15

“I think Tommy DeVito is going to be an okay play this week.”

• Tommy DeVito is summarized as a viable option for super flex leagues, especially if managers face bye-week struggles and lack a second quarterback.
• His past performances indicate potential for over 500 rushing yards across games, adding reasonable upside for fantasy points in a good matchup against Tampa Bay.
• The commentary transitions to the overarching game dynamics where opposing teams like the Dallas Cowboys are struggling on offense, presenting a complex challenge for fantasy managers anticipating player performances.

Fantasy Impact of Team Dynamics 44:23

“This is why I’ve got Brian Robinson as my start of the week; his DK rushing line is 69.5 yards.”

• Brian Robinson is touted as a strong start due to the favorable matchup against a struggling Dallas defense, which has shown vulnerabilities against the run.
• The recent performance history of the Washington Commanders is discussed, highlighting close losses that suggest they remain competitive despite poor outcomes.
• Additionally, the commentary includes mixed feelings regarding rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels, advising cautious optimism based on his recent performance slump, noting fluctuating points but maintaining his position as a top quarterback option overall.

Running Back Matchups and Fantasy Implications 49:49

“Juba Hubbard is the only player you can play on the entire team, but even his rushing line is 49.5.”

• The discussion highlights the debut of Jonathan Brooks, a second-round rookie running back, who is expected to give Juba Hubbard some competition in the running game. However, it is anticipated that Hubbard will still lead the backfield, but there may be a reduction in his passing work due to Brooks’ involvement.
• The matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs is described as unfavorable for running backs. In the past six weeks, the Chiefs have been the top defense against running backs, allowing very little yardage on the ground, which could hinder both Hubbard and Brooks in their performances.

Quarterback Choices and Fantasy Rankings 50:45

“I’d prefer to not start Mahomes to be honest, he’s been much better.”

• The conversation notes that starting quarterbacks are under scrutiny, especially Patrick Mahomes, who may not be a reliable option in the current matchup. Comparisons are made to quarterbacks such as Jordan Love, Bo Nix, and Baker Mayfield, the latter having recently showcased improved touchdown production.
• There’s skepticism surrounding the competitiveness of the upcoming game, which may lead to lower fantasy point outputs.

Receiver Performance and Recent Trends 51:26

“He inexplicably did the thing where he catches a long pass and…doesn’t get his feet in.”

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• Zavey Worthy’s performance is analyzed following a decent outing, with mixed feelings about his potential. Despite showing flashes of talent, there are concerns about consistency, especially as Juju Smith-Schuster returns, diluting Worthy’s role.
• The mention of players like DeAndre Hopkins raises questions about their fantasy value amidst recent underwhelming performances. Hopkins had a couple of strong outings but has since seen diminished targets, particularly with the return of teammates, complicating his value.

Running Back Situations and Strategies 52:10

“I think Hunt is super in. If Pacheco is active, Hunt is 100% in as well.”

• Kareem Hunt‘s role and potential are highlighted, especially if Isiah Pacheco is returning. Both are considered valuable plays against a Carolina Panthers defense that struggles against running backs, though there is uncertainty about Pacheco’s workload upon his return.
• The consensus is that Hunt should definitely be in fantasy lineups, while Pacheco is more of a gamble in his first game back.

Upcoming Matchups and Confidence Levels 53:22

“I’m a little worried about Hopkins now that Juju is back.”

• With DeAndre Hopkins’ recent performance taking a hit, coupled with Juju Smith-Schuster‘s return, there’s a growing worry about how targets will be distributed among the wide receivers.
• The discussion includes comparisons of various wide receivers, with some suggested to have a higher confidence level than Hopkins in the current matchup.

Evaluating Top Players 59:26

“When I watch Justin Jefferson, I know he’s great.”

• The speaker expresses admiration for Justin Jefferson, underscoring his exceptional talent on the field. Jefferson’s remarkable ability to make plays, such as his impressive sideline catches, sets him apart as an elite player.
• He highlights the puzzling fact that defenders often fail to adequately guard Jefferson, signaling a potential oversight in defensive strategies.

Observations on Kelsey 59:40

“Kelsey looks like he’s doing nothing for years, casually walking down the field and faster than everyone.”

• The analysis shifts to Travis Kelsey, who is noted for his deceptively effortless style of play. While Kelsey appears to be nonchalantly moving on the field, his speed and agility often outpace defenders, showcasing his skill.

Upcoming Matchups and Promotions 59:47

“Thank you for joining us today. We’ve got more matchups tomorrow.”

• The speaker invites the audience to stay tuned for future matchups, particularly the Fantasy Face Off, indicating a commitment to keep fans informed about player performance and injury updates.
• Additionally, there are promotional mentions related to gambling, emphasizing age restrictions and eligibility for participating in offers.