Week 5 Waivers & Streamers + THE Mark Andrews Discussion

Summary:

Reaction to Monday Night Football 00:55

• The hosts express their excitement following a single, intense Monday Night Football game between the Lions and Seahawks. They emphasize the game’s quality, indicating it was not a split experience but rather a showcase of impressive performances, particularly from Seattle.
• As they discuss the standout players, one host humorously refers to audience reactions about a specific player’s performance, capturing the nuances of fans’ expectations in fantasy football contexts.

“It was a great game; everyone was impressive in that game.”

Discussion on Quarterback Play and Fantasy Impact 03:14

• The conversation shifts to the struggles of backup quarterbacks after poor performances from Tyler Huntley and Mason Rudolph in the Titans vs. Dolphins game. The hosts note that the ineffective quarterback play rendered any skill position players ineffective for fantasy purposes.
• One host acknowledges a sentiment many owners share regarding star players like Calvin Ridley and Tyreek Hill, suggesting they might not perform adequately without competent quarterbacking.

“I think we have said in recent weeks we don’t even have enough starters that can run an NFL offense.”

Analysis of Specific Player Performance 06:41

• The discussion highlights the tough fantasy landscape post-Gametime for players like Calvin Ridley, Tyreek Hill, and others, noting how their potential is hindered by their teams’ quarterback issues. The hosts reflect on their expectations for these players heading into the next several weeks.
• They specifically look at Ridley’s matchups coming out of a bye week and share optimism about his performance potential if they can distribute the football better.

“I’m fine with Ridley; obviously, I’m not going to drop him heading into the bye.”

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Dan Campbell’s Decision and Player Performances 11:05

• Dan Campbell, the head coach, awarded the game ball to two players after a significant match while initially overlooking Jared Goff, who had an exceptional performance, completing 18 out of 18 passes. This feat is especially notable as it surpassed the previous record of 10 completions by Kurt Warner.
• The Lions’ offensive players showcased their potential with stars like Gibbs, Montgomery, and St. Brown contributing significantly. In essence, the team’s offensive execution was almost unstoppable.

“Jared Goff was perfect in the game, completing 18 passes in a row.”

Kenneth Walker‘s Impact and Injury Concerns 11:41

• Kenneth Walker delivered a standout performance with three touchdowns and 80 rushing yards on just 12 carries, despite concerns regarding his health before the game due to injury reports. Many players likely benched him, fearing a potential reinjury.
• The Lions’ defense had previously stifled running backs, yet Walker’s impressive showing highlighted his prowess and resilience, assuring fans that he remained healthy and capable of dominating on the field.

“I feel for many out there; if you held out the lions’ number one defense, it was hard to get Kenneth Walker in there.”

Player Injuries and League Updates 14:21

• Will Levis sustained an AC joint sprain, but he’s expected to start once he’s healthy. Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor‘s ankle injury is being monitored closely, and there’s no consideration for placing him on injured reserve.
• Christian McCaffrey‘s situation is more complicated, as he is experiencing Achilles tendonitis in both legs. This has caused some concern due to his previous injury history. However, it’s believed that he can manage and still play effectively.

“When you hear Jonathan Taylor and ankle in the same sentence, you start to get paranoid.”

Performance Comparisons Among Running Backs 18:20

• Bejan Robinson was limited in practice due to a hamstring injury, while Brian Robinson garnered attention for his impressive performance, ranking as the running back 11 in points.
• The performances of top picks like Bejan Robinson and Bree Hall have raised concerns among fantasy team managers, with both of them failing to deliver league-winning numbers consistently this season.

“Brian Robinson has been so much better than Bejan; what a world.”

Injury Updates and Waiver Wire Strategies 21:10

• Trey McBride is currently in concussion protocol but is reportedly making progress. Meanwhile, Nick Chubb is set to practice as the 21-day window for his potential return has opened. There seems to be an expectation that Chubb may take until about week seven to be fully ready. Jonathan Brooks has not yet had his practice window opened, indicating he isn’t returning soon.
• As teams face bye weeks, crucial fantasy players like David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs will be unavailable, meaning fantasy managers must turn to the waiver wire for replacements. The upcoming bye weeks for teams such as the Lions, Titans, Eagles, and Chargers signify it’s a pivotal time for waiver wire activity.

“Big, big waiver week ahead, especially with so many players unavailable.”

Evaluating Running Back Pickups 22:21

• The focus shifts to key running back pickups, with Kareem Hunt at the forefront due to the uncertain return timeline of other players. He stands out as a valuable addition despite not being at his peak performance. Hunt scored nine rushing touchdowns last year, showing he still has potential. Fantasy managers should consider Hunt a top priority, especially since he can contribute as both a runner and receiver.
• There’s a debate among analysts regarding the timing and impact of Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s return, making it essential for managers to assess the risk-reward ratio when targeting Hunt. He is noted to be rostered in only 37% of leagues, which signals great upside for those needing running back support.

“If Kareem Hunt is on your waivers, he’s my number one pickup of the week across all positions.”

Assessing Other Running Back Options 29:01

• Justice Hill is highlighting an emerging option, though there’s skepticism about his reliability week-to-week. While he had a standout game previously, overall season statistics show inconsistency, making him a more speculative addition for those seeking flex options. It’s acknowledged that while the team supports Hill, his value may fluctuate.
• Chase Brown is emerging as a more favorable option for some analysts, providing a higher potential impact. With the need for a reliable running back in many lineups, it’s crucial for fantasy managers to weigh their options carefully and consider long-term potential versus immediate payoff.

“Chase Brown has a chance to be more impactful than Justice Hill based on the current circumstances.”

Jacksonville Jaguars and Running Back Analysis 30:37

• The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a rocky start this season, raising questions about their performance and the health status of their key players.
• Surman seems to be fully available for those looking to make a starting decision, appearing to be a valuable asset in the current lineup.
• There was a notable mention of Aler’s performance towards the end of the last game, but uncertainty remains regarding his exact health situation due to game script irregularities.
• If Bean, another player, is unable to play, Aler could potentially become the team’s leading running back, maximizing his value significantly.

“Aler is very interesting because if Bean misses that, he catapults up to a workhorse role.”

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Importance of Team Needs and Waiver Wire Considerations 32:20

• It is crucial for players to analyze their team needs and the dynamics of their league when considering waiver wire options.
• The ultimate dashboard provides tailored recommendations, highlighting how availability of players like Justice Hill and Trey Surman may differ based on individual league rules and team compositions.
• The difference in player utility is significant; for instance, if a manager doesn’t need an immediate starter, they might prioritize a different pickup.

“It’s not one-size fits all, that’s what makes these tough.”

Evaluating Available Wide Receivers 33:20

• Tank Bigsby is a player to keep an eye on due to his availability and past performance, indicating that he could be a recurring name in waiver discussions if he continues to show potential.
• Xavier Legette has emerged as a valuable option following recent injuries to his teammate Deontay Johnson. He had a strong outing regardless of a couple of dropped passes and is expected to see increased action.
• The significance of identifying waiver wire pickups like Davian Wicks and Josh Downs who could flourish in the current matchups is noted, with emphasis on their potential upside in upcoming games.

“Xavier Legette will cost you nothing, and he’s a great start.”

Injury Impact and Player Analysis 40:03

• Jacobs’ potential injury will force the team into a time-sharing situation for the running back role, with Wilson likely taking the lead if Lloyd is not available. Lloyd has struggled with injuries while Wilson has been a reliable performer.
• In terms of wide receivers, the analysis highlights several players, including Wicks, Mooney, Downs, Legette, and Sutton, all expected to cope in a weak passing offense. The speaker suggests avoiding watching certain underperformers, specifically mentioning Wale Robinson, who is set to play against the competent Seahawks offense.
• Wale Robinson has emerged as a target magnet, with significant target numbers across several weeks, establishing his value in PPR formats. While not a top 20 play, he’s produced decent fantasy points, making him a solid option for full PPR leagues.

“If the offense is throwing the ball, it’s either to neighbors or checking it down to Wale.”

Target Leaders in the NFL 41:31

• The discussion turns to current target leaders in the NFL, noting Malik Neighbors topping the list with a significant 52 targets. Other prominent names include Nico Collins and Amon-Ra St. Brown, indicating a shift in value for players who are high in targets but may not reflect that in fantasy performance.
• The notable mention of Wale Robinson being a top five target leader who is still available on waivers highlights his overlooked potential.

“It’s rare when the fifth highest target leader is on waivers.”

Emerging Players and Roster Moves 42:30

• Jordan Whittington’s emergence is emphasized, showcasing his increased snaps and target share, suggesting he could be a breakout player moving forward. With a significant increase in snaps and a decent performance, he has become a valuable pickup.
• The discussion also includes recommendations on players to drop, suggesting that Ridley may not be worth keeping unless forced into a roster crunch, while stressing the importance of monitoring the performance of various players amidst injuries.

“If Whittington gets an opportunity, he could be great.”

The State of Tight Ends and Streaming Options 50:01

• The discussion surrounding tight ends highlights their evolving role in football, with emphasis given to the differences in performance between various players this season compared to previous years. Players like Kobe Parkinson and Tucker Kraft were noted for their potential upside, even though the speaker expressed reluctance in naming tight end options. Their performances are varied and may not inspire confidence in fantasy managers.
• Mark Andrews was mentioned as a significant player who has had disappointing weeks, leading to discussions about whether he should be dropped in favor of other tight ends. Despite his talent, his low utilization and minimal targets in recent games are concerning, creating a dilemma for managers who might be tempted to seek alternatives in the waiver wire.
• The narrative pointed towards the importance of individual performance, situational changes within team strategies, and how they affect tight end production. The conversation indicated that while some players may seem risky due to their current form, there is still the possibility of them becoming reliable assets as situations change.

“Mark Andrews has fewer fantasy points in standard scoring leagues than Jared Goff.”

Mark Andrews‘ Performance and Waiver Options 59:36

• The discussion revolves around the challenges of deciding whether to start Mark Andrews, a historically strong tight end, amid his recent poor performance. With significant risk in starting him, especially in need of tight end production, there are safer waiver wire options available.
• Ultimately, despite his struggles, the host leans towards keeping Andrews due to his potential value and past track record but acknowledges the difficulty of the situation, especially for those relying on a high-performing tight end for fantasy points.
• There is a recognition of how quickly a high-performing player can fall out of favor based on performance metrics and game situations, and the conversation touches on the unpredictability of tight end success, with comparisons to other players who have had similar downturns in performance.

“You’re risking zero, and guess what? Five is a lot more than zero when you need something at the tight end position.”

Analyzing Tight End Struggles 01:02:20

• The conversation highlights the psychological burden of starting a once elite tight end who is now struggling to produce. The example of Mark Andrews is discussed at length, where despite having the support of good metrics and employment history, he is underperforming.
• There are valuable discussions about opportunity and the importance of a favorable environment for tight end performance, as shown through comparisons to players like David Njoku and Evan Engram, who transitioned from poor stats to notable production in different seasons.

“This is not the retirement ceremony; he’s probably going to get another contract in the NFL.”

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Streaming Quarterbacks and Waiver Wire Suggestions 01:06:39

• The conversation shifts to quarterback streaming options with an emphasis on upcoming matchups, particularly highlighting Joe Flacco and Trevor Lawrence as potential streamable assets against weak defenses.
• There’s a notable mention of Gino Smith, who is currently performing well and providing a good option for fantasy players in need of reliable quarterback production. The emphasis is on finding favorable matchups and taking advantage of current trends in quarterback performance.

“Joe Flacco is the stream of the week; I’m putting him right in against Jacksonville.”

Quarterback Streaming Strategies 01:09:02

• The video discusses the viability of Geno Smith as a streaming quarterback, particularly after a recent game where he accumulated 5,000 passing yards against the New York Giants, a team with an average defense.
• Geno’s touchdown rate is underperforming at 2.5%, which is atypical for him, suggesting potential for improvement as he is known for his ability to score touchdowns.
• The hosts advise on whether to drop Patrick Mahomes for Geno Smith, highlighting Mahomes’ situation as a streaming candidate, meaning he should ideally be picked up based on matchups rather than kept throughout the season.

“Geno’s touchdown rate is struggling right now, but we know he can turn it around.”

Trading and Roster Management 01:10:00

• The discussion continues about managing high-profile players like Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing the importance of not just dropping him for matchup-based plays but rather exploring trades to maximize value.
• Although Mahomes is a well-known name, the hosts mention they have struggled to find trade partners despite actively seeking offers.

“If you’ve got Mahomes, don’t drop him; look for someone who can appreciate his value.”

Upcoming Show Highlights and Community Engagement 01:10:40

• The hosts preview future segments, including a Thursday Night Football preview and a mailbag Q&A session to prepare listeners for Week 5 matchups.
• There’s an encouragement to join their community at jointhefoot.com for premium content, emphasizing the benefits of membership such as access to tools and additional episodes.

“Join the community for exclusive content and the ultimate fantasy tools!”