Week 13 Studs & Duds + Turkey Trauma
Week 13 recap on today’s fantasy football podcast! Andy, Mike, and Jason discuss the best and worst performances of the week. What should fantasy football managers expect going forward as the playoffs get closer? Plus, injury news, Ready To Roll, and Monday Punday! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for December 2nd, 2024.
Connect with the show:
- Subscribe on YouTube
- Visit us on the Web
- Support the Show
- Follow on X
- Follow on Instagram
- Join our Discord
Check out today’s sponsors:
Studio is brought to you by Amazon Prime
Ready to Roll presented by Nissan. Visit https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/crossovers-suvs/pathfinder/rock-creek-edition.html
News & Notes presented by USAA. Visit https://USAA.com/Insurance
Summary:
Holiday Traditions and Humor 00:44
“Now I’m on board; now the tree is up, hot cocoa, and the music, Jingle Bells, around the house.”
- The hosts of the podcast engage in some light-hearted banter about holiday traditions, highlighting the joy and excitement of the season. They mention setting up a Christmas tree, drinking hot cocoa, and listening to holiday music, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- One of the hosts reflects on watching the holiday classic “Elf” again, expressing how enjoyable the film is, remarking, “Every 30 seconds is just a banger,” showcasing the blend of nostalgia and humor associated with such films during the holidays.
Thanksgiving Tales and Cooking Adventures 01:49
“I had to spatchcock another one.”
- The conversation shifts to Thanksgiving experiences, specifically focusing on cooking a spatchcock turkey. One host humorously recounts the challenges faced while preparing a frozen bird, emphasizing the difficulty of cutting through it, “I was literally on the ground trying to like…”
- This segment reveals a mix of camaraderie and laughter as the hosts share their holiday cooking trials and successes, including the mention of a giveaway for listeners centered around their Thanksgiving themes, indicating a community-driven approach to engaging with their audience.
Fantasy Football Updates and Reactions 02:53
“We’ve got a lot of reactions to the weekend.”
- They discuss recent developments in fantasy football, reinforcing that with the playoffs approaching, the excitement and stakes are rising. The hosts share their experiences watching games over the weekend, celebrating both victories and disappointments in their fantasy lineups.
- There is a mix of lightheartedness when addressing team performances, with commentary on players who underperformed or surprised their owners. The discussions serve as a reflection of the unpredictable nature of fantasy football, connecting to the audience’s shared experiences.
Player Performances and Analytical Insights 10:02
“Which running backs are actually getting a much more increased workload down the stretch?”
- The segment transitions to a deeper analytical discussion about player performances, especially focusing on running backs’ increasing workloads leading to better fantasy points as the season progresses.
- The hosts highlight players like Bucky Irving, who they note are thriving with increased opportunities, showcasing effective strategies for fantasy football players as they prepare for the playoffs. They emphasize the importance of monitoring such trends to optimize teams for upcoming weeks.
Baker Mayfield and the Running Game Struggles 11:58
“Baker Mayfield‘s team has been reliant on the passing game due to a lack of rushing efficiency.”
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Baker Mayfield at the helm, have struggled with rushing efficiency over the past two seasons, which forced them into a heavy passing strategy. Despite not necessarily playing poorly, Mayfield’s success is questioned because the team needed to throw the ball instead of relying on a strong running game.
- With the emergence of Bucky Irving as a top running back, the Buccaneers have shifted to a more balanced offensive approach, which has allowed them to win games even when Mayfield faced challenges.
Bucky Irving‘s Rising Performance 12:26
“Bucky Irving has quickly established himself as a reliable and effective running back.”
- Bucky Irving‘s performance has significantly increased, showcasing his capability to break tackles and contribute to the team’s success on the ground. Over the last month, his involvement in the offense has propelled the team to the fifth-highest rush rate in the league.
- This shift in offensive strategy marks a departure from the previous reliance on the passing game. Irving’s opportunities have drastically increased, making him a key player in their offensive scheme.
Chase Brown and Other Rising Stars 14:00
“Chase Brown is becoming a major contributor, showing significant improvements in his opportunities and performance.”
- Along with Bucky Irving, Chase Brown has also seen a notable increase in his opportunities, marking him as another rising star in the running back position. His involvement has jumped from an average of 14.6 opportunities to 22.7 over the last three weeks, making him valuable for his team despite their struggles.
- Additionally, players like Rico Dowdle are also gaining traction, having finally been given the starting role, which has led to improved fantasy relevance for these running backs.
The Impact of Fantasy Football Trends 14:34
“Fantasy football performance is closely tied to player opportunities and usage in games.”
- The discussion highlights significant patterns in fantasy football, illustrating how players like Bucky Irving and Chase Brown have greatly benefited from increased opportunities, leading to a spike in their fantasy points per game.
- Conversely, other players like DeAndre Swift have seen diminished production due to a decrease in opportunities. The importance of tracking these changes is vital for fantasy football players looking to adjust their lineups accordingly.
James Conner‘s Positioning and Future Outlook 17:41
“Despite declining opportunities, James Conner remains a strong fantasy option due to an easier schedule ahead.”
- James Conner‘s performance has faced slight declines in both opportunities and efficiency. However, with the Arizona Cardinals having a favorable schedule against weaker rushing defenses, there is optimism for Conner to rebound in fantasy performance.
- The combination of Conner’s scoring potential and the Cardinals’ offensive trends make him a player to watch going into the fantasy playoffs.
Analysis of Quarterback Decision-Making 21:50
“Caleb Williams was the scapegoat for the botched ending of the game.”
- The discussion highlights the mismanagement during the closing moments of a game, specifically pointing fingers at quarterback Caleb Williams for not handling the situation properly.
- With 16 seconds remaining and the team at the line of scrimmage, there was ample time to execute a strategy that would have allowed them to get into field goal range, instead of calling for a timeout.
- The speakers emphasize that the optimal move would have been to let the clock run down, gain a few additional yards, and then call a timeout right before attempting a field goal.
Coaches and Offensive Coordinators in Focus 22:56
“Ben Johnson is the number one candidate and the bell of the ball.”
- As discussions shift towards coaching, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, receives notable praise for his ability to elevate player performance without necessarily having a superstar quarterback to work with.
- Comparisons are drawn to other famous coordinators, emphasizing the value of producing results without reliance on elite talent, highlighting Johnson’s successful utilization of Jared Goff.
- The conversation also touches on the rumors surrounding coaching changes, particularly in relation to the Bears, indicating that there is potential for shifts in offensive strategy.
Player Contracts and Injuries to Watch 24:24
“James Connor’s extension makes complete sense for the Cardinals.”
- The segment discusses the new contract given to James Connor by the Arizona Cardinals, underscoring his integral role within the team’s locker room and on-field performance.
- Connor’s extension is framed as a smart business move for the Cardinals, who are looking to maintain stability during tumultuous times within the organization.
- The notes transition into a broader discussion on the current state of rookie running backs in the league, noting a concerning trend of underperformance among this class.
Injury Reports Impacting Teams 25:20
“The fear is that Christian McCaffrey‘s season is over.”
- A major focus is the significant injury suffered by Christian McCaffrey during a game, with implications for the 49ers’ strategy moving forward, as he may miss multiple weeks or possibly the rest of the season.
- The team is advised to approach roster decisions as if McCaffrey’s injury is indeed season-ending, indicating the immediate need for alternatives and replacements.
- Further, the talk includes other notable injuries—like those affecting Trevor Lawrence and Taysom Hill—highlighting the broader impacts these injuries could have on team dynamics and strategies for the remainder of the season.
Injury Concerns for Players 31:26
“Every single time Lad Makoni got up in this game, he looked like he was hurting.”
- Lad Makoni of the Chargers left the fourth quarter with a knee injury, raising concerns about his overall health during the season. Despite his impressive performance and being a key player with 12 targets, 9 receptions, and a total of 117 yards in the first half, his physicality and smaller frame, standing at 6’0″ and weighing only 180 pounds, put him at risk during intense plays. His style of play involves going for contested catches and putting his body on the line, making it crucial for him to gain about 20 pounds to withstand NFL hits better.
Coaching Comments on Player Availability 33:03
“John Harbaugh made some very ambiguous comments about Deontay Johnson’s availability.”
- Deontay Johnson’s situation has become increasingly opaque, as Coach John Harbaugh was hesitant to comment on his availability, indicating possible interpersonal issues within the locker room. This comes at a time when multiple teams relied on him, yet he was not receiving adequate playing time. Additionally, Isaiah Likely is expected to return to a full-time role given the news surrounding Rashod Bateman‘s injury.
Quick Recovery and Comebacks 33:50
“Baker Mayfield left with an ankle injury but is likely to keep playing.”
- Various players in the league, such as Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving, are dealing with injuries while maintaining a strong push for playoffs. Mayfield has shown resilience by returning from injury, while Irving was seen heavily bandaged and limping after giving his all on the field. DK Metcalf‘s situation was particularly dramatic; he initially struggled to get up and appeared severely injured, only to bounce back and re-enter the game shortly after.
Fantasy Performers of the Week 35:51
“Snow couldn’t stop Josh Allen; he was the leading scorer in four-point passing leagues.”
- Despite weather conditions, Josh Allen stood out as the top fantasy scorer, showcasing his versatility by throwing a touchdown to himself among his other accomplishments in the game. He made history as the only quarterback to have a passing touchdown, rushing touchdown, and receiving touchdown in a single game, asserting himself as an MVP frontrunner after a dominant victory.
Defensive Struggles for Detroit 41:58
“No team has more players put on the injured reserve than Detroit, so there are going to be some holes as they try to find personnel to fill in.”
- The Detroit defense faces significant challenges as they currently lead the league in players placed on injured reserve. This depletion in talent is expected to impact their performance negatively in the coming weeks, especially in a key match that sees them struggling with personnel issues.
- Despite these setbacks, Detroit’s defense has shown impressive capability over the last two months; however, the number of injuries makes it unrealistic for them to maintain that level of play.
- In an unexpected twist, even with numerous defensive players missing, the team managed to secure a win, highlighting the resilience of the unit, albeit partially attributed to the performance of key players like Caleb Williams.
Celebrating Individual Performances 42:41
“Caleb Williams‘ performance was pivotal in securing that win. Mike Evans also made a strong comeback, contributing immensely.”
- Players like Caleb Williams have become crucial for Detroit, especially under pressure due to the injuries weathering the team. His contributions were essential in securing the victory, showcasing why he is regarded highly.
- Mike Evans made a statement during his return with impressive stats, demonstrating his importance to the team. He finished in the top ranks for the game, making targeted plays that helped his team stay competitive.
Innovations in Game Review Technology 43:13
“We need camera technology that can track the ball effectively like in other sports, with 3D models and enhanced visual tools.”
- A discussion was held on the inadequacy of current camera technologies in football that fail to provide clear angles for key plays, especially evident in controversial calls such as touchdowns that should have been confirmed.
- The conversation touched on how other sports successfully utilize advanced technology to make accurate decisions, such as soccer’s 3D modeling for offsides and tennis’s line tracking. There is a call to adopt similar innovations in football to improve decision-making and enhance the viewing experience.
Fantasy Football Performers 45:01
“DJ Moore, under the new offensive coordinator, had a significant uptick in targets, reflecting a strategic change in the team’s offensive approach.”
- Recent games have seen DJ Moore receiving a staggering 16 targets, significantly increasing his fantasy relevance. The adjustment in the offensive scheme has allowed him to showcase his skills more frequently, resulting in multiple receptions.
- Adam Thielen also contributed notably with 8 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. His steady performance exemplifies the effectiveness of the newly implemented offensive strategies.
- Nick Westbrook is poised for a breakout period, especially with favorable matchups slated against Jacksonville and Cincinnati in the coming weeks, indicating that he could be a valuable addition to many fantasy lineups.
Notable Duds in Performance 48:32
“Both Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers actively lost their games with untimely mistakes, highlighting severe downturns in their play.”
- Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers were identified as major disappointments, with critical errors that not only halted their team’s momentum but also culminated in losses. Both quarterbacks had struggles; Cousins threw four interceptions while Rodgers was unable to cross 200 passing yards.
- CJ Stroud‘s performance continues to frustrate fantasy owners, reflecting poor consistency despite favorable matchups, reminiscent of past players who similarly faltered after early promise. His trend raises concerns about his ability to contribute effectively moving forward.
Player Performance and Trades 52:49
“Kenneth Walker is so much more valuable than Bucky Irving, fast forward a month and it’s like there’s no question you’d rather have Bucky Irving.”
- The discussion starts with Kenneth Walker being evaluated as a more valuable player compared to Bucky Irving. However, a month later, the sentiment shifts, leading to an acknowledgment that Bucky Irving is now the preferred choice.
- The context surrounding trades reveals dissatisfaction from one individual who traded away Bucky Irving to obtain Kenneth Walker, highlighting the unpredictable nature of player performance.
Running Back Struggles 53:04
“Breece Hall, another name that is underwhelming: 12 carries for 60 yards, no touchdowns and two fumbles.”
- The performance of running back Breece Hall is discussed, noting his struggles this season including fumbles and a lack of scoring.
- Isaiah Pacheco’s limited involvement is also mentioned, indicating that his performance with 37% of snaps turned other players like Kareem Hunt into ‘useless’ options for their teams.
Wide Receiver Takeaways 54:41
“Cooper Kupp had three receptions for 17 yards, which was inane.”
- Wide receivers are scrutinized, particularly Cooper Kupp, who had a disappointing performance with only three receptions despite leading the Rams in receiving yards at halftime.
- Garrett Wilson is highlighted as another player with poor output considering the number of targets he received, emphasizing the downsides of certain superstar players during the season.
Quarterback Benchings and Strategy 55:50
“There’s a chance Rogers gets benched.”
- The conversation shifts to the potential benching of Aaron Rogers, with speculation regarding his future with the Jets and the implications for the team.
- Suggestions of a more dramatic approach to the benching are made, emphasizing a desire for clear communication about the decision, reflecting on the public nature of sports management.
Team Performance Insights 58:32
“The Niners are hard to figure out right now.”
- The San Francisco 49ers’ current struggles are examined, suggesting they may be exhibiting signs of being a bad team this season.
- The likelihood of making playoffs appears grim, due to their poor divisional standing and tough upcoming schedule, demonstrating how critical the final games of the season are for playoff positions.
Show Conclusion and Community Engagement 01:02:54
“Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast.”
- The episode concludes with a shout-out and expression of gratitude from the hosts, reinforcing their appreciation for listeners’ engagement.
- The hosts invite their audience to join the fantasy football community, highlighting the interactive platform available at jointhefoot.com.
- They encourage followers to stay connected via Twitter @theffballers, emphasizing community building and ongoing conversations around fantasy football.