Week 14 Waivers + Dart Throws, Difference Makers
Waiver Wire pickups for Week 14 on today’s fantasy football podcast! With the fantasy playoffs around the corner, find out who can be a difference maker and who is droppable! Plus, QB streamers, injury updates, and more! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for December 3rd, 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
Difference Makers presented by IAMS Pet Food
News & Notes presented by USAA. Visit https://USAA.com/Insurance
Summary:
Fantasy Playoffs and Waiver Day Insights 00:43
“It’s also, in most leagues, the final week of the regular season for your fantasy football leagues.”
- The podcast is airing on December 3rd, highlighting that it’s Waver Day and an essential time for fantasy football players as they prepare for their league playoffs. In many leagues, this marks the end of the regular season, adding extra gravity to the decisions players need to make about their rosters.
Recap of the Denver vs. Cleveland Game 01:26
“It was the longest game I can remember because it started at… I’m sleepy right now because I did not get my booty.”
- The conversation shifts to a detailed examination of the previous night’s game between Denver and Cleveland, noted for its numerous plays and extended duration. There were a total of 152 combined plays, making it the most active game of the season without going into overtime, which contributed to the fatigue felt by the hosts after witnessing the thrilling but exhausting match.
Jameis Winston‘s Standout Performance 03:52
“It was the most Jameis that Jameis can be.”
- Jameis Winston‘s performance is a key highlight, as he threw for an astonishing 497 yards, alongside six touchdowns. This remarkable feat included four touchdowns to his teammates and two to opponents, showcasing his unpredictable style of play. Given his ability to throw high yardage and rack up points despite scattershot tendencies, he has become a desirable fantasy option heading into the playoffs.
Running Back Situation in Denver 04:51
“It is hard to throw a Denver running back into your lineup.”
- The hosts discuss the inconsistency of the Denver Broncos‘ running back situation, pointing out that Jaleel McLaughlin emerged as the most effective runner in a recent game. Despite its hot-hand approach, there is uncertainty regarding who will perform well each week, which complicates lineup decisions for fantasy owners. The hosts acknowledge McLaughlin’s impressive performance but express confusion over why other running backs like Javante Williams continue to be prioritized in playtime despite lackluster results.
Jerry Jeudy‘s Rise in Values 07:18
“Jerry Judy could be pulling the Amari Cooper of last year.”
- Jerry Judy’s development with Jameis Winston taking over is noted, with the potential for him to become a valuable fantasy asset due to his rapport with the quarterback. His connection is evident as he emerges as one of the highest-ranked players since Winston stepped in, reflecting the impact a change in quarterback can have on a wide receiver’s performance and value.
Injury News for Jordan Mason 10:56
“Jordan Mason had suffered a high ankle sprain in the same snow game and was now being placed on IR.”
- Jordan Mason‘s high ankle sprain during the snow game has significant implications for his team and fantasy leaguers alike, leading to his placement on injured reserve (IR).
- His absence is perceived as a positive development for other fantasy players, particularly those in the “Pickle Palace,” as it may clear the path for championship contenders who were standing against Mason’s prowess.
The Waiver Wire Appeal of Isaac Guerendo 12:00
“We are now going to talk about Isaac Garendo as the number one waiver pickup of the week.”
- With Mason out, Isaac Garendo has emerged as the top waiver wire target, making him an essential pickup for managers to bolster their rosters.
- It’s emphasized that even teams well-stocked with running backs should prioritize acquiring Garendo to prevent competitors from gaining an advantage.
Guerendo’s Performance Metrics and Potential 12:44
“Isaac Garendo has opportunity and elite speed.”
- Garendo is highlighted for his significant opportunity in upcoming games, boasting a strong performance metric of 63% snap count and noteworthy yardage with a touchdown in week eight.
- While Garendo may not possess the advanced running skills found in players like McCaffrey or Mason, his elite speed and a hundredth percentile speed score make him a potential game-changer in the right scheme.
- The San Francisco 49ers’ offense, particularly their strong offensive line, bolsters the belief that Garendo could thrive, making him a potential weekly starter in fantasy leagues.
Fantasy Outlook and Considerations 15:36
“They have the 10th easiest schedule adjusted for running backs.”
- As the 49ers face a favorable schedule in the coming weeks, Garendo’s fantasy outlook remains promising; he could potentially position himself as an RB1 if given the right opportunities and matchups.
- Despite the uncertainties surrounding the team’s injury situation and Garendo’s own role, his combination of size and speed creates a compelling case for his potential impact on playoff runs.
Waiver Wire Overview 20:38
“Let’s jump in. Welcome to the waiver wire.”
- The discussion kicks off with a focus on the waiver wire as several teams, such as the Broncos, Colts, Commanders, Ravens, Patriots, and Texans, are on bye.
- Unique player names are highlighted due to the absence of key players like Lamar Jackson, Nico Collins, and Joe Mixon, each impacting fantasy rosters.
Key Players to Consider 21:07
“If you are skipping ahead to the waiver wire section, we talked extensively about Isaac Garindo in the difference makers segment.”
- Isaac Garindo tops the recommendation list, and viewers are encouraged to prioritize acquiring him, as he is not widely rostered across relevant leagues.
- Following Garindo, there are a variety of running back options categorized into “boring bin” players and “what if maybe” prospects such as Jaleel McLaughlin, who has seen a significant number of carries but is currently on bye.
Emerging Talents 22:40
“Sincere McCormick, 12 for 64 on the ground. He was the predominant running back.”
- Sincere McCormick is introduced as an undrafted free agent who demonstrated promise, and at least one viewer mentions a lack of prior awareness about him.
- The discussion also acknowledges Gus Edwards, who has been a consistent mention in waiver discussions but has underperformed this season without exciting contributions, emphasizing the need to seek more favorable matchups or potential substitutes.
Backups and Depth Players 24:54
“You do want those backups rostered.”
- The conversation pivots to the importance of securing backups, with names like Blake Corum and Braylon Allen discussed as players becoming more significant due to team dynamics.
- Kendra Miller is notably brought up as a player to watch as he nears a return from injury, suggesting he could contribute significantly if Alvin Kamara’s workload is managed.
Drop Candidates Assessment 28:09
“I am of the opinion that you can drop Gus Edwards.”
- Evaluations are made regarding players who may no longer serve valuable roles on fantasy teams. Players like Gus Edwards and Kareem Hunt are labeled droppable.
- The assessment rests on the belief that neither player has shown the ability to positively affect rosters in light of current performances.
Targeting Wide Receivers 29:02
“Adam Thielen is near the tippy top of the list.”
- The waiver wire focus shifts to wide receivers, with Adam Thielen identified as a strong candidate due to his recent performance and playoff schedule.
- Xavier Leggett is also mentioned, sparking a debate among viewers about their respective upsides, leading to a consensus that both players are viable options depending on fantasy league formats.
Analyzing Wide Receiver Targets and Strategies 30:24
“Adam Thielen immediately walked into 10 targets in his first full game back.”
- Adam Thielen had an impressive returning game, logging ten targets right off the bat against Tampa, indicating a strong role in the offense.
- Similarly, Westbrook-Akine, with only 27% rostered, also showed promise with three receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns. He consistently plays every snap and could leverage a favorable matchup against Jacksonville, suggesting a potential for scoring.
- The analysis hints at making strategic waiver wire decisions based on players that can either offer high touchdown upside or a stable points-per-reception (PPR) floor.
Making Strategic Waiver Moves 31:23
“If you need to shoot for the moon, to me, that is Westbrook-Akine.”
- This week’s waiver wire may lack a structured order due to various team byes, pushing managers to assess if they need high-risk, high-reward players to stay competitive.
- Players like MVS (Marquez Valdez-Scantling) and potential rising stars such as Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman are suggested as targets for managers looking to bolster their lineup for the future games.
Evaluating Players’ Performance and Potential Drops 34:55
“This is a player where it’s all a matter of what is your league and what are your options.”
- As managers assess their players, important considerations include tough decisions on bench spots, especially with Tank Dell being one of the top drop candidates due to underwhelming performance.
- Players like Cedric Tillman and Parker Washington could present opportunities due to their performances exceeding others on the waiver wire, despite questions around their current health status.
The Potential of Tight Ends in the Current Landscape 38:30
“Juwan Johnson was the number one tight end in fantasy last year during championship week.”
- With Taysom Hill out of the picture, Juwan Johnson has the potential to become a reliable tight end option if he receives ample targets from his quarterback.
- However, it’s cautioned that his matchup against the Giants may not yield strong results, suggesting he may not be the best stash this week.
- Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys is highlighted as an appealing tight end option if available, especially in light of injuries and favorable matchups coming up.
Deep Tight End Play: Tommy Trimble and Others 40:06
“My deep play is Tommy Trimble because he played 100% of snaps for the Carolina Panthers.”
- Tommy Trimble is a tight end for the Carolina Panthers who has recently caught the attention due to his full participation in snaps during games. In a recent outing, he recorded five receptions for 77 yards, indicating potential for significant involvement in the offense.
- The commentary also suggests that, with fellow rookie Jatavian Sanders no longer in play, Trimble could be targeted more if Bryce Young‘s performance improves as a passer.
- Although Trimble has been perceived as a disappointment given his draft position as a third-round pick, there remains hope for his emergence as a valuable fantasy asset. The discussion humorously reflects the anticipation around playing someone named Tommy Trimble, with a play on words implying that owners would be “trembling” at the prospect of starting him in their lineups.
Waiver Wire Insights and Tools 42:30
“It’s a really helpful tool that’s new this year. If you haven’t checked it out, the playoffs are coming.”
- The segment discusses the importance of utilizing tools available on the mentioned website to maximize fantasy team performance, especially as playoffs approach.
- Users are encouraged to leverage this tool for identifying available players on their roster who might not currently be under consideration but could significantly impact their team. This tool helps prioritize waiver wire options based on individual league needs.
Updates on Wide Receivers and Tight Ends 43:00
“Lad McConkie is going to be evaluated this week; there’s a world where they’re going up against Kansas City.”
- The conversation shifts to updates regarding specific wide receivers, including Joshua Palmer and Lad McConkie, who are facing uncertain statuses due to injuries.
- Palmer has been highlighted due to his past performances against strong teams, like Kansas City, while the group discerns whether it is safer to pick up tight ends like Will Disley, who has been involved in the target hierarchy despite fluctuations in his performance.
Analyzing Defense Options in Fantasy Football 44:41
“There are good defenses that you’ve been playing every week that have some troubling matchups coming up.”
- Fantasy managers are cautioned to reevaluate their defensive picks, especially since some strong defenses may face challenging opponents in upcoming matchups. The callout of the Steelers’ schedule highlights potential risks in relying on them during critical playoff weeks.
- The discussion emphasizes teams like the Saints and Cardinals, who might have favorable matchups against struggling offenses, positioning them as better options for the upcoming week.
Quarterback Streaming Options 49:06
“If your league is quarterback crazy and there are not many options available, what do I do?”
- In leagues where quarterback choices may be limited due to bye weeks and high demand, players should consider streaming options. Will Levis, also nicknamed “Banana Rama,” is set to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars, making him a viable option for teams in need.
- Westbrook Akine is highlighted as a strong candidate for a touchdown in this matchup, with expectations for a productive game. As the Jaguars allow an average of eight yards per pass attempt, leveraging this matchup could yield significant points.
- Despite his current low start percentage, Westbrook Akine’s recent performances, which show an impressive target pace, suggest he could dramatically increase in popularity among fantasy managers seeking solid options.
Assessing Player Value and Strategy 50:16
“He’s on pace for 95 targets over the last five games. That’s good enough.”
- Even though Westbrook Akine has been started by only a small percentage of teams, his target share indicates he could be a reliable fantasy player. With projections showing him potentially reaching 1,000 yards, he presents an intriguing option for those needing an injection of talent into their lineups.
- The discussion on Will Levis as a streaming option further emphasizes the need for effective decision-making in fantasy football, especially when typical starters might not be available.
Evaluating Roster Moves and Player Performance 51:01
“Should something happen, this is Chuba’s team, but if Chuba goes down, Jonathan Brooks is going to be very good for fantasy.”
- The conversation reflects on roster decisions regarding Jonathan Brooks, who has recently shown potential despite limited previous playing time. His good performance in receiving plays suggests that he could become a valuable asset if the main running back faces an injury.
- The emphasis on players who can unexpectedly step up reinforces the importance of having a solid backup plan, especially as the playoff season nears.
Start/Sit Decisions in Tough Matchups 51:59
“If everything is good, like Brock Purdy‘s there and they’re not playing in a blizzard, then Juwan Jennings is an absolute must-start.”
- Fantasy managers face important decisions regarding player starters based on matchups and player performance trends. Johnnie Smith is suggested to be a solid choice over Kate Otten in a difficult matchup scenario, stressing the need to evaluate not just recent performances but the overall context of each player’s situation.
- The dialogue captures the unpredictability of player contributions, highlighting that even established players can be affected by external factors such as weather conditions and team dynamics.
Draft Strategy in Dynasty Leagues 54:33
“There’s a handful of good ways to determine draft order.”
- Questions about how to determine draft order in dynasty leagues are addressed. The use of maximum points scored instead of solely relying on win-loss records helps maintain competitive integrity by discouraging tanking.
- This method encourages managers to field the best possible team regardless of their current standing in the league, thereby ensuring that every game remains relevant throughout the season.