Week 17 Matchups + Wheel of Shame, A Beautiful Trap
What a kickoff to Week 17! On today’s fantasy football podcast, matchup breakdowns continued and reactions to the Thursday Night game! Get Week 17 start sit advice and player outlooks for championship week! 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 29th, 2023.
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Summary:
Final Show before Championship Week 00:00
- This is the final show of the Fantasy Footballers before the championship week.
- Last-minute start/sit decisions and a shame at the end.
“This is it, this is the final show of the Fantasy Footballers before the championship week.”
Announcement of Championship Shirts 01:18
- The hosts mention that championship shirts are available for purchase on their website.
- There are two championship shirt designs: the Footclan title shirt and the retro title shirt.
- They encourage listeners to visit the website and shop for the shirts.
“We have a championship shirt available on the website, the Footclan title shirt and the retro title shirt.”
Recap of Joe Flacco‘s Performance 03:53
- Joe Flacco performed exceptionally well in the game against the Browns.
- He threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns in the first half.
- David Njoku had 128 receiving yards in the first quarter.
“Joe Flacco threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, and David Njoku had 128 receiving yards in the first quarter.”
An Old Man Tired at the End of a Football Game 08:30
- Bree Hall was a great play, as Jason predicted the game’s outcome 08:33
- Both defenses scored in the game 08:36
- Twitter had a lot of positive feedback from people who made good returns on their bet 08:41
“Bree Hall was a great play, just as Jason predicted.”
Decision to Bench Joe Flacco 08:50
- Garrett Wilson was not a good play 08:50
- Mike made the decision not to play Joe Flacco 08:56
- The result of Joe Flacco‘s performance is irrelevant for the team’s net result 09:06
“Garrett Wilson was not a good play, so benching Joe Flacco was the right decision.”
Emotional Impact of Joe Flacco‘s Performance 09:18
- Mike felt relieved that Joe Flacco didn’t throw two more touchdowns 09:13
- Mike was in a dark place emotionally due to the decision to bench Joe Flacco 09:26
“I was in a dark, dark place emotionally when Joe Flacco didn’t throw two more touchdowns.”
Browns’ Missed Opportunity with Joe Flacco 10:57
- The Jets missed out on Joe Flacco, whom they needed as a quarterback 11:02
- The Browns left Joe Flacco and stuck with Zach Wilson despite their defensive strength 11:09
- The Jets deserved the beating from Joe Flacco 11:02
“The Jets missed out on Joe Flacco when they needed him, and they deserved the beating from him.”
San Francisco 49ers vs Washington Commanders 17:50
- The San Francisco 49ers are projected to score almost 31.5 points, making them a strong offensive team.
- The Washington Commanders have struggled defensively and teams tend to perform well against them.
- The Commanders are coming off a loss, which makes the 49ers even more motivated to win.
- Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel could potentially be garbage time heroes in this game.
“The 49ers are going to roll them honestly if you were counting on the Brock pie Christian McCaffrey Debo IU KD Universe you were going to play them anyways…because Shanahan off a loss…you know he crushes the team implied total.”
Carolina Panthers vs Jacksonville Jaguars 22:14
- The Jacksonville Jaguars are favored to win by 6 points.
- Trevor Lawrence might not be playing in this game due to injury.
- The Jaguars are dealing with multiple key players being injured.
- Evan Ingram is a must-start as he has been consistently targeted in recent games.
“Evan Ingram he’s a must start because he is just getting targeted like crazy.”
Efficiency of throwing to receivers vs tight ends 24:12
- It’s more efficient to throw the ball to a wide receiver than to a tight end.
- A player like David Njoku has been valuable after the catch.
“It’s more efficient to throw the ball to a wide receiver than to a tight end.” – The Fantasy Footballers
David Njoku‘s value 24:20
- David Njoku has been the number one tight end for the majority of the season.
- Many fantasy players credit their championship success to picking up David Njoku.
“Whoever picked up Njoku deserves credit for their championship success.” – The Fantasy Footballers
Matchup analysis for Calvin Ridley and McLaurin 25:28
- Calvin Ridley is a fine flex option regardless of the quarterback situation.
- The Panthers’ defense doesn’t give up a lot to wide receivers, so Ridley’s upside may be limited.
- Terry McLaurin is in the same tier as Ridley and is also a viable flex option.
“Calvin Ridley and Terry McLaurin are both in the same tier as flex options.” – The Fantasy Footballers
Chuba Hubbard‘s matchup and Miles Sanders 26:54
- Chuba Hubbard has been a top 24 running back for five consecutive weeks.
- Jacksonville’s defense is vulnerable to the run, making Hubbard a good start if he’s healthy.
- If Chuba Hubbard is ruled out, Miles Sanders becomes a viable option.
“Chuba Hubbard has been a top 24 running back for five consecutive weeks.” – The Fantasy Footballers
Consideration of Miles Sanders and Antonio Gibson 27:44
- If Miles Sanders starts, he would be an okay start due to the team’s heavy reliance on the run.
- Between Miles Sanders and Antonio Gibson, most would choose Miles Sanders.
“If Miles Sanders starts, he would be an okay start due to the team’s heavy reliance on the run.” – The Fantasy Footballers
Matchup against Baltimore’s defense 31:12
- Mostert will likely be playing against Baltimore’s defense.
- Playing against Baltimore’s defense doesn’t guarantee success for running backs.
- The game might require throwing the football if they get down to Baltimore who is favored.
“Against running backs so Mostert, you’re obviously playing them. But it doesn’t mean they’re going to have success on the road against Baltimore’s defense.” 31:12
Evaluating Derrick Henry‘s matchup against the Texans 39:25
- The game script is not favoring Derrick Henry.
- The Texans have been the number one defense against the run in the last six weeks.
- Even with a bad matchup, Derrick Henry is still a strong play over Devon Singletary.
“If you have Devon Singletary and Derrick Henry and you’re going into this matchup, you’re playing Derrick Henry.”
Assessing DeAndre Hopkins‘ fantasy outlook 42:07
- DeAndre Hopkins has had four games outside the top 50 in the last seven weeks.
- With a good game from CJ Stoudt, Hopkins could have a productive game.
“Hopkins is a good play this week if CJ Stoudt has a good game.”
Breakdown of Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Seattle Seahawks matchup 43:44
- The over/under is low at 41 points.
- DK Metcalf and Rashaad Penny have not practiced, which raises concerns.
- The Steelers defense can be unpredictable, sometimes dominant and other times beatable.
“The Steelers defense can be very strange, sometimes they show up and other times they don’t seem that great.”
“Jackson Smith and Jigba is a solid play against the Steelers, especially if DK Metcalf is out.”
Curtis Samuel and Jacoby Brissett 45:35
- Curtis Samuel had a lower efficiency per reception last week, but his talent is promising. Betting on his talent and playing Samuel with Jacoby Brissett is a good move.
“I’d play Curtis Samuel with Jacoby Brissett over [Jackson Smith-Jigba].”
Diontae Johnson‘s Performance 45:55
- Deontay Johnson didn’t do much with Mason Rudolph last week, but he had scored in three straight weeks. Mason Rudolph missed a play where Johnson was running free, which would have been a sizable touchdown.
“Deontay Johnson didn’t do much with Mason Rudolph last week but had scored in three straight weeks. Mason missed him on a play where he was running free.”
George Pickens 46:17
- George Pickens is high-risk, high-reward. Although he had a big game last week, it doesn’t guarantee future success. However, his volatility and potential make him worth considering in lineups, especially for underdogs.
“I don’t think you look at George Pickens as a lock, but I would like the volatility in my lineup and the potential for a big game.”
Choosing between George Pickens and Gabe Davis 46:49
- When deciding between George Pickens and Gabe Davis, Pickens would be the better choice. However, it depends on the context of the matchup. If someone is an underdog in the championship, it would be wise to play both Pickens and Davis, but if someone is a favorite, it’s better to avoid the risk.
“I would be playing Pickens and Gabe Davis if I’m an underdog in the championship. I would not play either one if I was a favorite.”
Javonte Williams‘ Receiving Yards 51:53
- Javante Williams has had negative receiving yards in his past two games. Adjusting expectations will be necessary for him in the future.
“The javante discussion heading into next year is going to be a very interesting one because adjusting expectations is the move for javante Williams.”
“Here we are, the struggling Kansas City offense.”
Week 17 Matchups and Wheel of Shame 52:40
- The matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals seems ideal for Patrick Mahomes.
- Mike believes it is a “Get Right” game for Mahomes and the offense.
- Even though the running back situation is uncertain, Mike still recommends starting Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
“I think that this is a getright game for the offense if you have momes I’m not bailing on him for this matchup in championship week same for Travis Kelce.”
Offensive Outlook with Running Back Situation 53:10
- The question is what the Chiefs’ offense will look like with the running back situation.
- Mike believes that if Clyde Edwards-Helaire plays, the passing volume will actually increase a little.
- Mike is still confident in starting Mahomes and Edwards-Helaire against the Bengals.
“If Clyde is good to go I’m playing him against the Bengals.”
Ja’Marr Chase and the KC Secondary 54:31
- Jamar Chase has been trash talking the Kansas City secondary.
- Despite the tough matchup, Mike believes that Chase will still be in most people’s lineups.
“I wouldn’t blame anybody for putting the guy they drafted top five into your lineup for a championship game.”
The Trap of the Bengals-Led Chiefs Defense 54:46
- Mike points out that the matchup between the Chiefs and the Bengals is a trap for fantasy football.
- He acknowledges that L’Jarius Sneed has played well, but still expects the Bengals offense to perform.
- Mike refers to this trap as a “beautiful elaborate well-laid out trap.”
- However, he still suggests starting Jamar Chase over Z Flowers due to Chase’s big-play potential.
“It’s a trap but it’s a beautiful elaborate well-laid out trap that I am going to step into.”
Minnesota vs Green Bay Matchup 56:02
- The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers game is the final game of championship week.
- Based on the draftking sports book line, Minnesota is favored to win.
- The game is crucial for both teams’ playoff chances.
- Mike predicts Minnesota will win, while Jason picks Green Bay.
“I will take Minnesota to win the game.” – Mike
Jordan Love and the Vikings Defense 56:54
- Jordan Love will start for the Green Bay Packers.
- Mike acknowledges that Love has been solid overall, but his inconsistency is a concern.
- The Vikings have a strong defense, which may pose a challenge for Love.
- Mike anticipates a more conservative gameplan from the Packers, potentially affecting fantasy players like Justin Jefferson and Ty Chandler.
“My anticipation is a little bit of fear that they’re going to be more conservative, run the ball more.” “Jefferson, Ty Chandler, we don’t know how many snaps Madison will receive.”
The Importance of the Game 57:45
- The game between the Vikings and Packers is crucial for both teams’ playoff chances.
- The winning team’s playoff percentage chance is around 50%, while the losing team’s chance plummets to 1-4%.
- This adds significance to the matchup for fantasy football decision-making.
“The winner of this game, their playoff percentage chance is about 50. If they lose, though, it plummets to 4% and 1% for the Packers.”
Jordan Love vs. Tua 01:00:01
- The caption mentions Jordan Love and Tua as quarterbacks in a matchup.
- The speaker expresses their preference for Tua and mentions playing him.
- They mention liking the over on the game.
“I like Tua versus Jordan Love. I just play Tua. Yeah, I like the over in that game.”
Jordan Love‘s Ranking 01:00:10
- The speaker expresses surprise about Jordan Love‘s high ranking as the sixth quarterback for the week.
- They believe that Love will be fine despite his previous bad games.
“Can you believe Jordan Love is the quarterback six? I think Jordan Love will be fine.”
Fantasy Football Updates 01:00:25
- The speaker provides updates on various players:
- Hollywood Brown is placed on season-ending injured reserve.
- Kyler Murray is back at practice and expected to play.
- Josh Jacobs‘ status for Week 17 is uncertain and will be a game-time decision.
- Ezekiel Elliott returns to Patriots practice after being ill.
- No information provided about Z Flowers.
“Hollywood Brown season ending IR. Kyler Murray back at practice. Josh Jacobs will be a game-time decision for Week 17. Ezekiel Elliott returns to Patriots practice. No information on Z Flowers.”
Wheel of Shame 01:01:46
- The speaker mentions spinning the wheel of shame.
“All right, spin the stupid wheel of shame. I am excited.”
Fantasy Face-Off Lineup 01:02:22
- The speakers discuss their lineup selections for the Fantasy Face-Off segment.
- They mention Derek Carr as their quarterback choice and Christian McCaffrey as a must-have running back.
- One of them did not select DeAndre Swift but instead picked Kiren Williams.
- They mention various wide receivers and tight ends in their lineups.
- They discuss their chosen defenses.
“I’m going Derek Carr, 5500, against Tampa Bay. Derek Carr, 5500. Do we all have Christian McCaffrey? I have DeAndre Swift, Kiren Williams. My wide receivers this week are Puka Nakua, Chris Olave, and Richie James Jr. Tight end is Durham Smythe. My flex is a conditional one. Defense is the Carolina Panthers.”
“I have Derek Carr, 5500. Christian McCaffrey, DeAndre Swift. My wide receivers are Puka Nakua, Rashid Shahid, Rashid Rice. Tight end is Gerald Everett. Flex is conditional. Defense is the Broncos.”
Patriots Defense Choice 01:06:52
- The speaker mentions choosing the Patriots defense against the Buffalo Bills.
- They acknowledge that it may be a mistake but justify it based on the projected freezing temperatures.
“I have the Patriots defense against the Buffalo Bills. Probably a gigantic mistake, but it’s at least going to the projection is freezing temperatures.”
