Studs & Duds + Week 17 Waivers, Amari Christmas!

Summary:

News Notes

• The hosts discuss various news items, including Jaylen Waddle‘s high ankle sprain and Isaiah Pacheco’s concussion.
• They mention Jerick McKinnon being placed on the IR and Clyde Edwards-Helaire‘s uncertain status due to injury.

“The big one, Jaylen Waddle, leg injury… There’s a very, very little chance that he will play this week… Jerick McKinnon was placed on the IR… Clyde Edwards-Helaire… normally you can’t be really excited about.”

Isiah Pacheco‘s Return from Concussions

• Pacheco’s position is still running back, technically speaking.
• He had a couple of really good plays and displayed good balance.

“He had good balance.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire‘s Injury

• Pacheco’s return from concussions may be difficult.
• It’s uncertain if he will be able to play in the upcoming game.
• Pacheco’s helmet came off multiple times in the last game, so his chin strap must be checked.

“It’s hard to come back from the concussions quickly.”

TJ Hockenson‘s Knee Injury

• Hockenson injured his knee and is getting an MRI.
• It is likely that he is out for the rest of the season.
• There are limited options for tight end replacements on the waiver wire.

“There’s a good chance he is done for the year.”

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Injuries to Other Players

• Jordan Addison suffered an ankle injury, which is not considered major.
• Trevor Lawrence injured his right shoulder, but it is not believed to be a major injury.
• DJ Moore got an ankle injury, returned to play but didn’t make any impact.
• Cole Kmet left with a knee injury during the game.
• Don Tavion Wicks was ruled out due to a chest injury.
• Jaden Reed did not play for the Packers.
• Brock Purdy left the game with a stinger but did not return.
• He was medically cleared, but Darnold finished the game.

“Trevor Lawrence has been beaten up. Yes.”

Studs and Duds

• Joe Flacco had impressive numbers with 368 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Amari Cooper has been performing well since week 10, ranking first in yardage.
• Justin Fields had a productive game, scoring both on the ground and through the air.
• Baker Mayfield and Jordan Love also had good performances.

“Joe Flacco, quarterback one, since joining the team, he has got them rolling.”

Running back studs

• Breece Hall had a big game against Washington.
• Jameer Gibbs scored two more touchdowns.
• Gibbs has been the running back three since week seven.
• Gibbs got most of the work after Dan Amont-Ghumry went out with an injury.
• Since Gibbs came back from his injury, he has had nine touchdowns in the last nine games.

“Jameer Gibbs has been a machine with nine touchdowns in the last nine games.”

James Conner‘s consistency

• James Conner has been consistently performing well.
• He had a good game even against tough matchups.
• Conner has three consecutive top 12 weeks.
• He has been reliable even when his utilization wasn’t perfect.

“James Conner is entering the category of just play him regardless of the matchup.”

Zeke’s performance

• Zeke had a good game with 11 targets and 9 catches.
• Derek Henry’s upcoming matchup against Houston is a concern.
• Bijon had a solid performance with 12 carries for 72 yards and 10 targets.
• Aaron Jones looked healthy and performed well with 127 yards on the ground.

“Zeke had a great game with 11 targets and 9 catches, while Derek Henry’s matchup against Houston is a concern.”

Chart’s performance for the Panthers

• Chart had two touchdowns for the Panthers and they had a chance to win the game.

“Chart got it done with two touchdowns for the Panthers who look, they could have won that game.”

Tight ends who performed well

• David Najoku and Evan Ingram were both starters this week and had successful performances.
• Najoku had six receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown.
• Ingram had 10 receptions for 95 yards.

“Tight ends. Not a big less, but David Najoku and Evan Ingram both starts the week. Got it done.” “Six or 40 for a touchdown for Najoku.” “Ingram was 10 for 95.”

Evan Engram‘s recent performance

• Ingram had a slow start to the season but has been performing well in the last four weeks.
• In the last five games, he has been on pace for 10 touchdowns and 1,100 yards.

“The last four weeks, I mean, he’s doing what he did last year.” “the last five games, you’d be on pace for 10 touchdowns and 1,100 yards.”

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Tight ends performance over the last five weeks

• Top tight ends in terms of points per game over the last five weeks are:
  1. Sam LaPorta
  2. David Najoku
  3. Evan Ingram
  4. Trey McBride
  5. Isaiah likely
  6. Travis Kelsey

“Top five over the last five weeks at the tight end position in points per game.” “Sam LaPorta is number one. David Najoku is number two. Evan Ingram, number three. Trey McBride, number four. And number five, Isaiah likely.”

Travis Kelce‘s recent struggles

• Kelsey has been experiencing a rough stretch with drops and frustration.
• He has recently had some on-field disagreements and the Kansas City Chiefs have been losing more games.
• He did not perform well in the last five weeks compared to other tight ends.

“losing Hawkinson now. Kelsey has been on a tailspin.” “Mahomes looked terrible.” “Top five over the last five weeks at the tight end position in points per game… Travis Kelsey is six 79.”

“Most losses ever by Mahomes in a season.” “Honestly, Mahomes looked terrible.” “You make a mistake. There was a, like a little spat on the sideline of the Kansas City game of, I’m trying to remember exactly what happened, but almost like Kelsey didn’t grab his helmet and Reed got mad at him… What are you doing, man? Like, let’s go. Let’s go, try and win this game and stop being a crybaby about it.” “He’s had a number one finish.” “We’re losing Hawkinson now. Kelsey has been on a tailspin.” “you get them rolling the wrong direction.” “It has been a rough stretch for Kelsey.” “Travis Kelsey is six 79.” “Most losses ever by Mahomes in a season.” “Honestly, Mahomes looked terrible.”

Tony Pollard‘s missed opportunity

• Pollard is being blamed for not getting into the end zone on a play where he could have easily scored.
• The blame shifted to another player who fumbled on the next play.

“Tony Pollard is getting most of the blame for the Dallas Cowboys defeat because he managed to not get into the end zone on a toss play where he could have run directly to the pylon and been in. And he decides to cut it back upfield, get stuff somehow, which seemed impossible. And then they fumbled the next play, disrupting a long drive to start the game.” “Yeah, I think everybody just looks at it like, Hey, you didn’t need to have the second play. Like that play shouldn’t have existed.”

Inefficiency of Travis Etienne

• Travis Etienne had a very inefficient performance with only six carries for 12 yards.

“He doesn’t get more inefficient than six for 12.”

Tony Pollard‘s goal-line struggles

• Pollard has been ineffective near the goal-line, failing to convert on 15 attempts inside the five-yard line.
• If he had been more successful, he could have been considered a top-five running back.

“15 attempts inside the five. How many touchdowns on 15 attempts?” “Yeah, that number should be like eight, nine, 10.” “7, 5.” “That’s that’s I mean, seven, seven, five.” “Yeah. I’d be happy with seven.” “No, I trust a, but he’s a, he’s a boom bust type of back.” “Two touchdowns on Tony Pollard on that level of work inside the five. We should be talking about his season as a top, not the one, not the running back 14, but the running back five.”

Comparison with Clyde Edwards-Helaire

• There is a debate about whether to play Hian or Clyde Edwards a lair.
• Hian has had five big games in three weeks, but since then his performance has dropped.
• It’s a tough choice between the two players, but the decision should be based on the players you have on your team.

“I don’t know, Clyde Edwards a lair or Hian. I think you play Hian, right? I don’t know, Clyde is by himself.”

Mike and Clyde Edwards a lair

• Mike and the narrator are facing off in a dynasty league.
• Mike invested in Clyde Edwards a lair, while the narrator was infatuated with Jonathan Taylor.
• The Kansas City Chiefs selecting Clyde Edwards a lair changed the dynamic of the rookie draft.
• The narrator wants to win the championship and have the poetic ending of Mike being defeated with Clyde as the star player.

“I mean, a poetic ending would be Mike the fantasy hitman on the back of Clyde, the muscle hamster 2.0. It would be amazing.”

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Disappointing Performances

• Kenneth Walker, Sharbonne, Joe Mixon, and Devin Singletary had underwhelming performances.
• Kenneth Walker was not able to get it done this week.
• Sharbonne was a non-factor.
• Devin Singletary was victim to a bad game script.

“Kenneth Walker could not get it done this week. Sharbonne was a non factor. Joe Mixon, Devin Singletary.”

Ty Chandler‘s Performance

• Ty Chandler scored a touchdown, but had no targets in the game.
• The team needed to throw the ball more, but didn’t utilize him as much.
• Despite a bad game script, it is recommended to continue sticking with him.

“He scored, but he had no targets. This was a team that needed to throw a bunch and they got next to the goal.”

Stefon Dig’s Struggles

• Stefon Dig has been performing poorly since week 10.
• He has only had one finish inside the top 45 and is averaging 7.1 fantasy points per game.
• Despite his poor performance, it is still recommended to play him at home against New England.

“The wide receiver of 55. Since week 10, Stefon Dig the invisibility cloak has not been removed.”

Duds: DeAndre Hopkins, Diontae Johnson, and Drake London

• DeAndre Hopkins, Diontae Johnson, and Drake London all had disappointing performances.
• Arthur Smith’s return as coach could further affect their performances.
• The lack of a consistent, confident quarterback also impacts their performance.

“DeAndre Hopkins, Diontae Johnson and Drake London. Second straight dud for London.”

Disappointing Performances

• Drake London, LaPorta, and McBride all had disappointing performances in their semifinal matchups.
• LaPorta had three receptions for 18 yards, while McBride had six receptions for 31 yards.

“Well, if you went into your semifinal matchup with LaPorta or McBride, you were left wanting.”

Waiver Wire Targets

• Clyde Edwards-Alar is the top pickup for this week due to the favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
• The Bengals have given up big games to running backs in recent weeks, making Edwards-Alar an appealing option.
• Another potential pickup is Zameer White, who could see an increased role if Josh Jacobs is unable to play.

“It is Clyde Edwards-Alar against the Cincinnati Bengals. If you need a running back help or your opponent needs running back help, this is who I’m targeting.”

Lack of Quarterback Production

• Aiden O’Connell had zero passing yards after the first quarter but managed to lead his team to a win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
• The offense heavily relied on the running game, with zero passing yards from O’Connell after the first quarter.

“He had no quarterback production, and we won.”

Waiver Wire Wide Receivers

• Amari Cooper is a good wide receiver known for making incredible catches.
• However, his performance is limited by the lack of a good quarterback.

“He’s always made those incredible catches that your eyes are like, what? How? He just doesn’t have a quarterback.”

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Quarterbacks Matter

• The performance of wide receivers like Amari Cooper is heavily influenced by the quality of their quarterbacks.
• The Jets missed out on the opportunity to maximize Garrett Wilson‘s potential by not utilizing Joe Flacco, who was already familiar with the team.

“This is why quarterbacks matter, man. Also the Jets, man. Yeah. Garrett Wilson could have been a ridiculous superstar this year if you just picked up Flacco, who was already in your system, who you already had, you know, familiarity with.”

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire

• Available wide receivers to consider on the waiver wire:
  • DeMarcus Robinson (14% rostered) consistently performs well.
  • DeMario Douglas had a nice game (5 for 74).
  • Greg dork for Arizona scored a touchdown.
  • Wanda had seven targets.
  • Darius Slayton had another huge touchdown.
  • KJ Osborne had a big game with five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.

“DeMarcus Robinson, 14% rostered keeps getting it done. DeMario Douglas had a nice game five for 74. The dork, Greg dork for Arizona scored a touchdown. And then you had seven targets for Wanda. You also had a big game from like, if you look at the snap counts for Darius Slayton, there’s a reason why like I was, I was microscopically close to playing him over Adam Thielen in our dynasty league. He had another huge touchdown. He’s playing all the time and Tyred Taylor. KJ Osborne, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver. He went ham with five for 95 and a touchdown against Detroit.”

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Rankings

• Wide receiver waiver wire rankings:
  1. KJ Osborne (Minnesota Vikings)
  2. DeMarcus Robinson (Kansas City Chiefs)
  3. DeMario Douglas (Buffalo Bills)

“I would have Osborne first at the top. Okay. And then DeMarcus. Yeah. DeMarcus has a nice Giants matchup too. So that’s worth looking at. And DeMarco Douglas, it’s tough because that team, you just never know who’s healthy on a weekly basis. Parker, Juju, is he back? But Douglas is a player you could throw into your lineup if you needed to.”

Sleeper Wide Receivers

• Sleeper wide receivers to consider:
  • Tyler Boyd (Cincinnati Bengals) could have another solid performance with no Jamar Chase.
  • Romeo Dobbs is a potential pickup, but other options are more favorable.

“And then Tyler Boyd this past week got it done with no Jamar Chase. And that could be the case again… I’d put the Jags at the top for me. I signed the Jags against Carolina.”

Defensive Streams

• The Rams had been a pretty good defensive late against teams like Jacksonville and Chicago, making them a good option for streaming.

“The Rams had been a pretty good defensive late. So Jacksonville, Chicago, the Rams.”

Emergency QB Pick: Mullins

• If he’s available, Mullins would be a desperation stream with an elite weapon in the passing game and a willingness to throw.
• Mullins didn’t perform well in DFS, but he was fine and ended up working out.

“So Mullins would be my desperation stream. If he’s out there, he’s got an elite weapon in the passing game. They are willing to chuck it. So I think Mullins would be my emergency start.” “Look, it wasn’t great for us in DFS this week playing Mullins, but it was fine. It was.”

Streamer Picks

• Baker Mayfield against New Orleans is a good streamer choice for the championship matchup, while Derek Carr against Tampa Bay is the ultimate process play.
• Mayfield has been performing well recently, and the points scored against New Orleans in previous weeks have been high.
• Carr has had three passing touchdowns in the past two weeks and has a favorable matchup against Tampa Bay.

“It’s the clear streamer this week. It’s who you want to play in your championship matchup. I’m going to take the quarterback on the other side of the ball. Baker Mayfield against New Orleans.” “It is the ultimate process play for your championship weekend. It is Derek Carr against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.” “Tampa Bay’s last three weeks, 29, 34, 30 points scored. They’re looking good. He was the quarterback seven against New Orleans in week four.” “This is the ultimate process says this should work. How will Camara be? That’s my question. He hopefully better than last week because that was brutal.”

Carr vs. Baker

• Jason prefers Carr, while Mike expresses hesitation about Carr and suggests playing Baker instead.
• The decision between Carr and Baker ultimately comes down to trusting the matchup or the player’s recent performance.

“Honestly, if you were rolling with the streamers already of, you know, trying to time up Browning, Joe Flacco, both Browning and Flacco have really bad matchups. Andy, would you, in this matchup, Baker on one side, who is playing well, looks good as, you know, would you rather play Baker or Derek Carr? Those two guys are both available. It’s championship week. You’re like, you’re like hitting the table with anticipation. You’re like, I would not have the, I would not trust Derek Carr. Okay.” “Derek Carr is going to slip on some banana peels this week or something. Yeah. Baker, I’d go Baker. Okay. Derek Carr is going to slip on some banana peels this week or something. Yeah. Baker, I’d go Baker.” “But Carr’s a better matchup. Yeah. So trust the matchup, trust the man. I mean, that is the decision to make.”

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Tampa Bay vs. Derek Carr

• There is a discussion about Tampa Bay being favored to win against Las Vegas, potentially leading to garbage time points for Derek Carr.

“Who do you think wins the game? Tampa. I guess you think, oh, you see, you think Tampa wins it?” “Yeah, I think Tampa wins. Which garbage time for Derek Carr then?”

Conclusion

• The hosts thank the listeners and end the episode, teasing the upcoming championship week.

“Thank you for joining us. Hope you had a great holiday and we’ll be back with another episode tomorrow. Get ready for championship week.”