Week 16 Matchups + Wheel of Shame, Bah Humbug!
Week 16 is underway! On today’s fantasy football podcast, matchup breakdowns continued and reactions to the Thursday Night game! Get Week 16 start/sit advice and player outlooks for semi-final playoff matchups! Plus, Andy spins the Wheel of Shame during the Fantasy Faceoff! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for December 22nd, 2023.
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Summary:
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans 14:36
- Case Keenum and Joe Flacco, two quarterbacks with successful careers, face off in an unexpected important matchup. 14:36
- Joe Flacco won a Super Bowl, and Case Keenum had a successful career before both saw their careers decline. 15:05
“Cleveland’s nine and five, Houston’s eight and six. They won with Case Kingdom last week. The Draft King Sports Bookline Cleveland minus two and a half.” “This is so fun to me. The fact that you’ve got Joe Flacco versus Case Kingdom. You have two very, you know, Case Kingdom had a successful career.” “And Joe Flacco won a Super Bowl, started and had a successful career and then his career was over.”
Devin Singletary‘s Performance and Fantasy Value 15:39
- Devin Singletary had a strong performance with 31 opportunities, making him a relatively safe option despite the tough matchup. 16:31
- Singletary is considered a high floor, low-end RB2 in fantasy. 16:58
“Jayden Reed is one of those where it’s like, I’m sorry that you had to play him because there’s no one that chooses to play him.” “What I view Devin Singletary as is a high floor, low-end RB2.”
Dameon Pierce‘s opportunity and shift in the backfield 17:19
- Damian Pierce had the highest number of opportunities two weeks ago against the Jets.
- However, the last game against the Jets was Pierce’s last chance.
- The team made a shift because Pierce did not perform well in those two games.
“They gave him an opportunity to earn some of the backfield back after his injury, and he wasn’t able to deliver in those two games. And so they made a shift.”
Pass attempts by Keenum and potential return of Nico Collins 17:51
- Kenan had 36 pass attempts in the previous game.
- This game against Cleveland might be more of a shootout than expected.
- Noah Brown is banged up but expected to play.
- Nico’s return from injury is uncertain and carries a risk of re-aggravation.
“36 pass attempts last week for Kenan. They weren’t afraid to let him throw the football a little bit… No Brown was banged up too… Nico is, that’s scary, scary business, man.”
JSN versus Nico and Diontae Johnson 18:41
- JSN is favored over Nico against Tennessee.
- Deontay Johnson with Mason Rudolph is also a good option.
“Would you play Nico Fresh, assuming he plays? Or would you play, let’s go, Deontay Johnson against the Bengals?… Let’s Deontay with Rudolph as well.”
Injured players: Noah Brown and Nico 18:10
- Noah Brown has been limited in practice due to a knee injury.
- Nico’s return from injury is uncertain.
“Noah Brown was banged up too. Can I get an injury report on him? He’s been limited, I believe, the past two days… Nico is, that’s scary, scary business, man.”
Tough matchup for ETN and questions about Calvin Ridley 20:01
- ETN’s matchup against Tampa Bay is unfavorable for running backs.
- Although the Tampa Bay defense is tough on running backs, it is a good matchup for wide receivers.
- Calvin Ridley‘s performance depends on the presence of Trevor Lawrence.
“ETN is a fixture in your lineup… This is the number one defense shutting down the running back… Ridley is a great play if Lawrence is in… He got so seemingly lucky last week… Ridley has been bad most of the year, but his big games are great.”
Chris Godwin‘s performance and alternatives 22:40
- Chris Godwin had an outstanding performance last week.
- However, previous great matchups have not translated to success for Godwin.
- Look at alternative wide receivers such as Jordan Addison and DeAndre Hopkins.
“Chris Godwin is not someone that you just have to blindly bench… I think I’m going to play Calvin Ridley… I would chase Jordan Addison… I’ll go Hopkins.”
“He got so seemingly lucky last week… Ridley has been bad most of the year, but his big games are great.”
Importance of the Cardinals-Bears matchup 21:52
- The game is crucial for both teams’ playoff implications.
- Arizona and Chicago have opposite trajectories but need a win to improve their playoff chances.
“And this is like exceptionally important for both these teams playoff implications.”
Justin Fields and Marwill’s performance 25:18
- There doesn’t seem to be a case for why Fields and Marwill would struggle in this game.
“I can’t even, I can’t find a case for why Fields and Marwill struggle in this game.” “I mean, the only hope you have if you’re facing him is turnovers.”
Hopes against Justin Fields 25:34
- The two hopes against Justin Fields are turnovers and the defense scoring points.
- Justin Fields tends to commit turnovers and their defense has shut down opposing quarterbacks.
“There’s two hopes. Number one, Justin Fields commits turnovers because he loves it. He is kind of into that.” “Number two, their defense scores points.” “I mean, Chicago’s defense has shut down opposing quarterbacks all year long, including the last six weeks.”
Arizona’s pressure on the quarterback 26:04
- Arizona might struggle to pressure the quarterback, giving Fields more opportunities.
“But otherwise, I mean, Fields is lined up. Arizona can’t pressure the quarterback.”
Running game for Chicago 26:16
- There are different opinions about the running game for Chicago.
- Some options mentioned are Roshan Johnson and Stirling Foreman.
“We talked yesterday about the running game for Chicago where we all had different opinions.” “For me, it’s Roshan Johnson. I think he is the best option.” “And nice Stirling foreman.” “Sure.”
Possibility of running backs taking over the game 26:44
- There’s a possibility that one of the three running backs for Chicago could have a big game.
- Deontra Forman has had games with 20-plus opportunities in the past.
“The way out for teams against Fields or DJ Moore this week is one of the three running backs gets hot, which that’s not a stretch against what Arizona has done.” “I mean, you’re hoping for, like, Deontra Forman has three games here with 20-plus opportunities.”
Justin Fields and DJ Moore 27:12
- Justin Fields, DJ Moore, and Cole Comet are highly regarded players.
- If Fields were to leave the game for a sale on Christmas items, it would impact Moore’s performance.
“But if I have Fields, DJ Moore, Cole Comet, I’m a big fan.” “What if there’s like a sale on some Christmas items that he’s been looking for that goes live mid-game?” “Is there any chance Justin Fields would… Oh, and he has to bail on the game? This has got to be a real good sale, man.”
Justin Fields and Dak Prescott comparison 28:26
- There is a debate between Dak Prescott and Justin Fields.
- Some prefer Dak Prescott, while others have their own opinions.
“There’s so many people asking, Dak Prescott or Justin Fields.” “In that situation, I would go… I’d have my answer. It’s a pretty easy answer for me.” “For me, I said Dak.” “It’s Dak.”
Evaluation of Kyler Murray 30:19
- Kyler Murray‘s upside in this game is not considered high or tremendous.
- The Cardinals may have difficulty due to a lack of good weapons for Kyler to throw the ball to.
“I don’t think Kyler’s upside is high or tremendous in this game whatsoever.” “So I don’t know how much is on Kyler and how much is not on Kyler for the fact that he really does not have good weapons to try to throw the ball to.” “But he’s not going to have good weapons in this game.”
“I go flacco Kyler Mullins.”
Juggling Snap Counts and Opportunities 32:29
- Saquon Barkley is ranked fifth and 11th in fantasy finishes in the last two weeks.
- Barkley had a standout performance against San Francisco with a 44-yard run.
“He is fifth and 11th in terms of their fantasy finishes in the last two weeks including a game against San Francisco where he had a huge run, a 44-yard run in that game.”
Evaluating Week 16 Matchups 32:56
- For the choice between Saquon Barkley and James Connor, the hosts lean towards Barkley.
- The hosts mention Devin Singletary as an alternative to Barkley or Connor, but express less enthusiasm for Singletary.
“Saquon against Philly or James Connor against Schrodinger.”
Analyzing High Over/Under Games 34:26
- Although many high over/under games have resulted in disappointingly low scores this season, the hosts still expect an exciting matchup between Dallas and Miami.
- The Dolphins have the highest points per game average in the league, making their offensive assets valuable choices for fantasy football lineups.
“I mean what are your real question marks in this game? I mean all of the core assets are getting played, right?”
Assessing Dak Prescott‘s Performance 35:03
- The hosts believe Dak Prescott will bounce back from his recent subpar performances.
- Last week’s game against Buffalo was particularly challenging due to the inclement weather.
“Last week was legitimately bad. That was out in the rain on the road in Buffalo. This is on the road against a good Dolphins team. But I think that bounces back and has a good game.”
Hunter Henry‘s Potential Injury Concerns 37:32
- Hunter Henry has missed the last two practices, and his availability for the upcoming game is uncertain.
- If active, the hosts consider Henry a strong start due to his excellent performance and favorable matchup against the Broncos.
“Do we have an updated injury report on him just that he’s missed the last two practices? If he’s active does that instantly make him a must-start to you?”
Taking a Chance on New England Receivers 38:03
- The hosts humorously argue that throwing a dart at the New England receiving corps would only result in hitting one’s own face.
- They do not recommend starting any New England receivers due to their lack of consistent production.
“If you throw a dart and it lands on one New England receiver to take a chance on, what’s the name? Your face. Nice. That dart’s like a boomerang.”
Disappointment with Javonte Williams 38:27
- The hosts express disappointment with Javonte Williams‘ performance after returning from a significant injury.
- Williams has been inefficient and struggles to produce significant yardage.
“I’m sad because we’ve always loved Javonte. Yeah. Coming back off of this massive injury he has not yet looked the same. Maybe next year with another offseason, because his injury was legitimately difficult.”
Considering Courtland Sutton vs. DeAndre Hopkins 39:36
- The hosts debate between starting Cortland Sutton or DeAndre Hopkins in a low-scoring game.
- While Sutton has consistently scored touchdowns recently, the New England defense poses a challenge.
“Corland Sutton has 53 plus yards in six straight games. He loves to score touchdowns. But New England is great for taking away your number one option, and that is Cortland Sutton in this offense.”
Trevor Siemian starting for the Jets 40:02
- Zach Wilson has been ruled out for the game against the Raiders.
- The speaker still believes Wilson can have a fine game with around 12 fantasy points.
“I play Wilson. Yeah. We got the official word. It’s Trevor Simeon. Yeah. Zach Wilson ruled out this morning. Yeah. I’m still of the belief that Wilson can have a fine… OK game like 12 fantasy points Christmas football dot com slate.” 40:02
Raiders vs. Chiefs matchup 40:11
- The Raiders are 6-8, while the Chiefs are 9-5.
- The D.K. Sportsbook line has the Chiefs as 10-point favorites and the over/under set at 41.
- The speaker believes the Raiders will cover the spread.
“We’ve got the Raiders against the Chiefs Raiders are six and eight Chiefs are nine and five the D.K. sportsbook line Kansas City minus 10. The over under is 41. I’ve already used my almost upset. I do think the Raiders will cover in this game. That’s just my opinion” 40:11
Chiefs offense and players 40:38
- The Chiefs offense is not as strong as in previous seasons, with less passing yards but more interceptions.
- Cadarius Tony has been a frequent target for interceptions.
- Travis Kelce has been slowed down recently but can still be played.
- Rashi Rice is an automatic start due to his consistent performance.
- The Chiefs’ newfound love for the run game and Clyde Edwards-Helaire‘s return may impact the expectations for Patrick Mahomes, Rice, and Kelce.
“You know big game for the Raiders last week against the hapless Chargers Kansas City offense clearly not the juggernaut of older third and passing yards but fifth most interceptions in the league. So we’re home really is. Well he keeps targeting Cadarius Tony in the hands. Yeah. So that’s called an interception.” 40:38
Josh Jacobs‘ availability for the game 41:46
- Josh Jacobs is expected to be back for the game, but he has not practiced.
- There is conflicting information regarding whether he will play.
- The speaker prefers playing B. John as they have less confidence in Jacobs’ return.
“So did they find something. Did you say you expect Josh Jacobs to be back. That’s what it was reported early in the week. That he was going to be back. OK. But he hasn’t practiced right. He is not practiced. We’re getting conflicting information. I say this only because this is Christmas. So this is like you’re going to have to make a decision before you might know the answer. If you don’t have Samir White. Right. You need to really watch Saturday. Yeah 100 percent.” 41:46
Matchup between Giants and Eagles 44:17
- The Giants are 5-9, while the Eagles are 10-4.
- The D.K. Sportsbook line has the Eagles as 13.5-point favorites with an over/under of 43.
- The speaker finds the Giants’ projected points at 14.8 to be unimpressive.
“The Giants are five and nine Eagles are 10 and four. The D.K. Sportsbook line is a monstrous Philly minus 13 and a half. The Overlanders 43 that gives the Giants 14.8 points. Gross.” 44:17
Philadelphia’s defense and the Giants’ offensive challenges 45:17
- Over the last six weeks, the Eagles’ defense ranks 23rd against opposing running backs and 31st against the pass.
- The Giants lack weapons beyond Saquon Barkley to move the ball effectively.
“The defense for the Eagles while over the course of the year they ranked number one pretty much as the one of the best matchups. Or rather one of the best defenses against running backs over the last six weeks the Eagles defense is twenty third against opposing running backs. So and they’ve also they’re also thirty first against the past. So, like, the problem is that New York doesn’t have weapons beyond Saquon to move the ball down the field.” 45:17
Tommy DeVito‘s trademarks and possible future deals 45:17
- Tommy DeVito has filed for two trademarks: “Tommy Cutlets” and “The Passing By Zano.”
- The speaker jokes about Jason making a deal or registering names like “Captain Calzone” or “Captain Canole” as well.
“What if I told you we got news that Tommy DeVito‘s LLC has filed for two trademarks guys. Oh let me hear him. One you can guess. It’s a little bit of Tommy Cutlets. Tommy Cutlets. Yeah, the second one which is delightful. It got me. It got a little chocolate. I mean it’s delightful. The passing by Zano. Wow. Oh man. What is I’ve made enough money to register LLCs right now. I have. Well when he’s not you know not showing up to pizza places things like that.” 45:17
D’Andre Swift‘s performance and matchup against the Eagles 46:41
- Andre Swift has been inconsistent, but the speaker still prefers starting him.
- The Eagles’ defense has been weaker against running backs and passing plays.
“The Andre Swift has not been great. He was he was a yard away from a very good game last. So we’re good. But he goes. But I’m saying 18 for 74. You comfy. Yeah, he he did Connor Swift. I would go Swift. I would also go Swift.” 46:41
Dallas Goedert‘s involvement and concerns about DeVonta Smith 47:23
- Dallas Goedert showed early game involvement in the previous week.
- DeVonta Smith‘s performance has raised concerns.
- The speaker feels good about Goedert but is cautious about starting Smith.
“I think one of the storylines for Philly last week what’s the early game involvement of Dallas Goddard. He didn’t get it done over the back half of that game. They ended up losing it. But he is back out on the field for 84% of snaps the last two weeks nine targets and Goddard seems OK. I think it seems really good because I am starting to get a little afraid of Devontae Smith. Devontae Smith was Goddard. Wait a minute. We’ve got. Oh no. Oh no. I know. It’s not good. Podcast.” 47:23
Goddard’s involvement and injury concerns 48:22
- Devontae Smith’s involvement in the past two weeks has been 7.5 points and 7.8 points.
- Devontae Smith is missing practice due to a knee injury. 48:22
“He is missing practice with a knee injury.”
Uncertainty around Devonta Smith‘s availability 48:37
- Devontae Smith missed Thursday’s practice due to his knee injury.
“He missed Thursday practice… That’s why I’m… you’ve got to be prepared.”
Impact of Dallas Goddard on Devontae Smith’s performance 49:11
- Devontae Smith’s performance has been impacted by the involvement of Dallas Goddard last year.
- The matchup against the Giants is favorable for Devontae Smith if he is active.
“And they [Giants] are the Monday game… I’m not benching when I say I’m worried. I’m just holding my breath that he plays.”
Players likely to be in lineups 49:38
- AJ Brown, Devontae Smith, Dallas Goddard, Swift, and Jalen Hurts are all likely to be in fantasy lineups.
“I would think AJ Brown, Devontae Smith, Dallas Goddard, Swift, Jalen Hurts… they’re probably all in your lineup.”
Decision between Devontae Smith and Garrett Wilson 49:48
- The recommendation is to choose Devontae Smith over Garrett Wilson due to Jalen Hurts‘ favoritism towards Smith.
“I would go Smith…because it’s just non-sustained drives, he hasn’t really done anything for your fantasy team.”
Concerns about playing Darren Waller for the semi-finals 50:14
- It is risky to play Darren Waller due to his limited playing time and lack of production for fantasy teams.
- The recommendation is to pick up Waller only as a pivot option if you don’t have a tight end and are in a challenging situation.
“You know, for catches, 40 yards last week…it’s just so risky for the semi-finals…I don’t want to play him.”
Evaluating Saquon Barkley‘s start/sit decision 51:13
- Saquon Barkley‘s matchup against tight channel is unfavorable.
- Chuba Hubbard may be a better start option than Saquon Barkley, but it is a tough decision.
“I think the right call there is Chuba Hubbard… But I wouldn’t do it… Saquon is… don’t listen to me this week.”
Lamar Jackson‘s inconsistency and positive outlook against San Francisco 54:58
- Lamar Jackson has been inconsistent in the past three years after his MVP season.
- San Francisco 49ers‘ defense is a tough matchup for quarterbacks, but due to Baltimore’s strong offense, it can be seen as a positive for Lamar Jackson.
“He is not consistent… but I view it as a positive because of how good their offense is.”
Lamar Jackson vs Brock Purdy 56:35
- Lamar Jackson is ranked higher in the quarterback category for the week.
- The speaker believes that Lamar Jackson is still a good play.
- They would play Brock Purdy ahead of Lamar Jackson.
- Brock Purdy has been performing exceptionally well and has a strong offense.
- The opponent of the 49ers doesn’t matter for Brock Purdy‘s performance.
“I put Lamar in the quarterback seven or eight on the week category. I think that’s absolutely still your play now I would play Brock Purdy ahead of him.”
Brock Purdy‘s High Floor 57:05
- The speaker believes that Brock Purdy has a higher floor compared to Lamar Jackson.
- Brock Purdy has consistently scored around 20 fantasy points per game.
- Lamar Jackson hitting 40 fantasy points is less realistic than Brock Purdy hitting 40 in this game.
“But the floor is definitely higher to me with Brock Purdy and that seems crazy. He’s just throwing so many touchdowns.”
Baltimore Ravens Wide Receivers 57:44
- There are concerns about Odell Beckham‘s injury and his consistency over the years.
- The Baltimore wide receivers raise more questions compared to the San Francisco side.
“And then the guy to the point we were about to trust him. Yeah. And we were let down so is there like there feels like there’s no questions on San Francisco side and there’s all questions on the on the Baltimore side.”
Baltimore Ravens vs San Francisco 49ers 58:09
- The Baltimore Ravens are heavily favored despite playing against the 49ers.
- The line is at 5.5 points in favor of the Ravens.
- The outcome of the game is uncertain, but there is a possibility that the 49ers dominate.
“Yeah. I didn’t realize I mean I’m sure you read it when we started but five and a half point line. I know they’re at home. They’re playing against a 11 and three Baltimore Ravens still heavily favored still heavily favored and I remember last week I was or was it two weeks ago. I was a little surprised when they went on the road to the Eagles and the line there was their favorite it. Maybe San Francisco just beats the crap out of them. It’s I think it’s possible.”
Injury Updates and Trevor Lawrence 59:02
- Hollywood Brown is officially out for the game.
- Trevor Lawrence is confirmed to be playing this week.
- The speaker mentions a recent coin flip incident but the details are unclear.
“Baltimore to their credit they just find a way to stay in games a lot of the time but couple injury updates as we close it out Hollywood Brown out officially and then Doug Peterson said Trevor Lawrence playing this week. You’re gonna love it. It’s gonna be real helpful. Coinflit which side. As one of them never fails. Tales. I don’t know if he’s on the tail side.”
Fantasy Face Off 59:22
- The speaker discusses the previous week’s Fantasy Face Off results.
- They mention making a costly bet and ending up in last place.
- The average points scored for Jason and the speaker are mentioned.
“Fantasy face off presented by draft Kings. Last week I tried the bravado attempt. I just I made a just like a blind one-sided bet cost your couple bingis cost me a couple hundred dollars I was last place Mike wanted Jason in second. And for what it’s worth on the course of 15 weeks Jason his average points scored 141. Mine’s at 135 makes it 133.”
Wheel of Shame 01:00:03
- The speaker expresses dissatisfaction with Mike laughing about the Wheel of Shame.
- A Cowboy safety first cat Stevens is mentioned, referring to a previous episode’s wheel punishment.
- The speaker feels uncomfortable in the cat mask they are wearing.
“Will. Of. Shame. Go ahead. I’m not thrilled with Mike laughing about this yesterday. It’s silly. Cowboy safety first. Cat Stevens. Wait that’s the silver spoon. Oh yeah yeah famous little boy blue and famous for the moon. What folk singer. Instead of instead of just a cat mask which I’m really getting thrilled suffocating weekly.”

