Liz Loza (2:19)

Q. In the spirit of the season, I want to lean into all of the optimism and so I'm hoping You have a cash out for me right now.

Quentin (Producer Q) (2:27)

Now I've got major cash outs for you. Just on a quick aside, my league, that goes till week 16, won the championship there. But the bigger story is I made it to the championship in the league that I've been in for almost 10 years now. Off of the D. Winters pick six at the end of the 49ers game on Monday Night Football, I had Eddie Pinero, no other pieces on the board. I was down by less than a point after that, Pat. I won the game by 0.08 points. So if you want to describe it in terms of our scoring system, I basically won by a yard. So it was hands down the best fantasy football win I've ever had. Will forever probably be the best one I've ever had.

Liz Loza (3:07)

I was also delivered a Monday night slash holiday miracle in one of my leagues. It is actually the home league that I've been in since before I was a professional fantasy football analyst. It's the one that inspired me to pursue this career and I haven't won in a long time because everybody in that damn league steals all of my information. So really on a streak and I want to make sure I capitalize and end up with the trophy. But I went into Monday night 65 points down. I needed Brock Purdy, Jonathan Taylor and Juwan Jennings to produce and girl, they went off. I also hit the over on Philip Rivers 17 and a half passing completion. So I won in many different ways.

Quentin (Producer Q) (3:50)

Oh, so we're feeling really spirited. This is just a couple winners in the conversation here right now, Liz.

Liz Loza (3:56)

I think that I'm gonna put a little Kahlua or Bailey's or maybe both into this hot cocoa you're serving up.

Quentin (Producer Q) (4:02)

Ooh, let's get lit. So just enjoy this. Enjoy time. Time slips away, I promise you. All right, Liz, let's start with a guy who has been gifting his believers with strong performances as of late, especially just in time for Christmas. What do you have on Tyler Shock?

Liz Loza (4:23)

Well, Christmas and the fantasy finals, which might be a little bit more important to our listeners right now. Um, yes, I have been very impressed with Shuck's growth as well as his production over the last four weeks. He has managed 17 or more fantasy points in four straight. He's been the QB8 overall during that time, averaging 18 and a half fantasy points per game. He is getting it done through the air and on the ground. In fact, he is the QB5 in completion percentage from weeks 13 to 17 despite having, let's be honest, a rather shallow stable of receivers to work with. But Q We both know that Shucks real upside is in his legs. He has recorded at least six carries in four of his last five outings and managed a total of 30 totes since week 12. For context, he is just behind Josh Allen in that space fan. So we're loving what he's doing on the ground. I also love the matchup at Tennessee this week. The Tennessee Titans defense has been a little bit interesting, but as it pertains to the quarterback position before the Chiefs game, which we're going to wipe out because it was a complete disaster, the Titans had allowed 14 of the last 15 quarterbacks that they faced to post to post 15 or more fantasy points and six of eight quarterback space to log 20 or more fantasy points. So while I don't think Shuck might end up being a league winner, I do think he is perfectly serviceable. Especially with Lamar Jackson and Jordan Love's availability in peril. I have him ranked in that QB 13 to 15 range for week 17.

Quentin (Producer Q) (6:05)

Well, I'll tell you what, anyone who knows me knows I'm a big Oregon Ducks fan, so to hear the positivity about Tyler Schuck brings me so much joy. Speaking of positivity, Liz, I want to give a gift to you now. I want to give you a chance to do a victory lap. Talk to us about Ashton Genti.

Liz Loza (6:24)

Well, I don't know if I can do a victory lap quite yet, but Genti's performance in Week 16 against arguably one of the best defenses in the league was oh my gosh, miraculous. I think you can say he demolished a three game slump that had preceded week 16 teens outing. He rushed a season high 24 times for 128 yards and a score. That was his groundwork. Let's also highlight the fact that he hauled in a gorgeous 60 yard catch for another touchdown. We love that Genti is showing off this bell cow appeal. He is currently the RB13 overall averaging 14.9 fantasy points per game. And who is he just behind? Oh one? Saquon Barkley who is currently Fantasy's RB12 averaging 15 fantasy points per game. I don't want to make it much of a competition but I can't help myself. I will say in Genti's defense and on his behalf, man, what he is doing given the offense and the offensive line that he has to work with has been incredible. 2.42 yards after contact is what he has registered. That's the first fifth most among running backs and those Running backs include Jonathan Taylor, Javante Williams, Devon H.N. and Derrick Henry. That is incredible to me. He also has the seventh most catches among running backs and the third highest number of receiving touchdowns behind just Christian McCaffrey and Travis Etn. Whoo. He also is getting one heck of a matchup against the giants in week 17. So you know you have to continue to roll with him. He could end up winning you your championship. Giants defense has allowed the third most fantasy points including 17 scores to opposing running back season RB5 Genty is in week 17.

Quentin (Producer Q) (8:23)

Ooh, RB5. What a rally back. Especially for a guy that people were saying some other analysts that maybe didn't know what they were talking about to binge Ashton Gente, you know. So I think that seeing the recovery is very beautiful. Speaking of some fiery hot takes that you had that have landed, you know, people call you the tight end whisperer for a reason and I want to revisit a player that you have already given to your loyal listeners. Who's that tight end?

Liz Loza (8:50)

Well, I may have whispered about Harold Fannin's potential at the top of the season, but I think everybody is yelling about it now. Especially after his performance in week 16. With with David and Joku sidelined for a second straight week and after Quinshon Judkins was unfortunately knocked out of the contest early, Harold Fannin Jr. Quickly became the Browns offensive focal point. He found the end zone twice, first on a 13 yard grab and then on a short run via his only rush of the game. He ended up with 19 and a half fantasy points. That was the second most for week 16. Fannin's performance was all the more impressive given the matchup against the Bills. Buffalo's defense had only allowed previous to week 16, two tight ends to manage eight fantasy points. And then Fannin comes in and blows the doors off of everything. We love the volume. He's been getting five or more targets in 11 straight games, a rushing attempt in four of his last five contests and yeah, he has another great matchup in Week 17 against the Steelers. Pittsburgh's defense has allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Also, little fun fact, fanon had a 15/ fantasy point effort against Pittsburgh back in week six. I have him ranked as my tight end five in week 17.

Commercial Narrator 1 (10:18)

If you believe teamwork wins games, you're already thinking like an arc raider in arc Raiders. You and your squad brave the face of a future earth where killer machines known as Ark roam the surface. And they always shoot on sight. Rely on your squad, fight the ark and extract before the time runs out. As a Raider, you'll build your loadout then loot the rust belt for materials and treasures to grow your stash and level up. But it's not just you guys up there. Other raiders have their eyes on the same prize. Every run is pressure, every decision is a play call. Do you push forward or extract while you're ahead? Team up, trust no one and make the right call when it matters most. Arc Raiders is on sale now available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S and PC rated T for teen.

Commercial Narrator 2 (11:06)

Quick break. Let's talk pizza. You want to bring restaurant quality pizza home this football season? Get Frigidaire's stone baked pizza oven Fresh pizzas go from dough to done in just two minutes right from your kitchen and ready before halftime. Perfect for watch parties or just upgrading pizza night without the delivery delay. Only from Frigidaire. Game ready pizza. Get it today at the Home Depot. How doers get more done this season on Fansville by Dr. Pepper. College football enters into the great unknown. Will the 12 team playoffs bear a new champion? Will conference realignment spark new rivalries? And will Dr. Pepper continue to have one of a kind taste with a unique blend of 23 authentic flavors? Okay, we actually know the answer to that last one and it's yes. Most definitely yes. So prepare yourself for more drama, more angry comment sections, and more ice cold Dr. Pepper, because this season everything is about to change. Stop by your local retailer today to score some ice cold Dr. Pepper college football. It's a pepper thing.

Liz Loza (12:17)

All right. For this episode, I wanted to do something special with it being the holidays and the fantasy championship week. So I asked someone inside the circle to join us. Producer Alex, come on in.

Producer Alex (12:30)

Hey guys. Hey, Liz. Good to see you. Merry Christmas. I lack a Christmas sweater. I just don't have one. But I'm here on the holidays and I'm the scrooge.

Liz Loza (12:39)

I'm the scrooge. And Alex doesn't even come with Christa's Christmas finery.

Producer Alex (12:43)

Listen, out here in the east coast in the winter we go gray black. That's pretty much it. Until the sun comes back up in like April. So this is what we got. I want to take our viewers kind of underneath the hood a little bit here. We've had a season long debate raging here about Tom Hanks. Literally Tom Hanks, the actor, American icon. I'm not going to pick sides or point fingers, but basically this has all kind of landed us on the movie Polar Express, which is a film that producer Q Absolutely adores. So I'm gonna bring him in. This is the only way we could get him to work on Christmas Eve was by giving him the floor to talk about Polar Express.

Liz Loza (13:27)

100% accurate.

Producer Alex (13:29)

Q. What do you got, bro?

Quentin (Producer Q) (13:31)

Okay, well, listen, first of all, I have fervently defended this movie. And I will admit there is just a quick aside on me. I have a lot of sentimental value with this movie. I have a lot of memories in my youth of watching this movie with my cousin Tyler. Shout out Tyler. You know it just in general, it's a beautiful movie. It teaches good messaging that sometimes the flashiest present isn't always the best present. In that believing in something that may or may not be bigger in yourself. And yes, it's silly, the animation's goofy, but it has beautiful voice acting from Tom Hanks, that I might add. And he plays multiple roles in that film. And yes, I said film, I didn't say movie. So all I'm going to say is I feel like the Polar Express doesn't get enough love in terms of the lexicon of Christmas movies. And yes, I will always be the one to step up and bat for it.

Liz Loza (14:19)

We can sidebar this because it is Christmas Eve and I think our editors would like to get working on editing the episode and publishing it, so. Fine. But go ahead, Alex, you can have the floor again.

Producer Alex (14:32)

Q, this is your chance. Give us a Polar Express game to take us home here in week 17.

Quentin (Producer Q) (14:37)

Okay, do you guys want to get all aboard the Polar Express? Might I say I would love to.

Liz Loza (14:44)

As long as that weird ghost doesn't come haunt me? Sure.

Quentin (Producer Q) (14:47)

All right, so this is the game that we're going to play, right? And so if you've seen the movie, you know that there is Shocker, a giant train in which children are invited onto the train. But we're not going to invite children. We're going to determine whether or not we're inviting these players that I'm going to give to you and you're going to decide going into your fantasy championship game, are you inviting them onto the Polar Express and taking them with you on your title run, or are you saying, nah, you could stay at the house. I'm not going to bring you with me on this title campaign that I'm playing. All right, Liz, let's start with you. First, I want to discuss the all important quarterback position and specifically Giants quarterback Jackson Dart. Is he leaving the station?

Liz Loza (15:28)

Well, no one is giving Hero Boy, if you will, like Jackson Dart. So I think I have to Bring him along for the ride. I know he's coming off of an absolute, absolutely abysmal, showing, like, 0.02 fantasy points. He threw for 33 yards and managed just two rushing attempts. Frankly, he was playing. Playing like someone who had been very adamantly instructed to avoid visiting the blue tent, and it's tough to do that because his play style is very much his own. And as a rookie, he has yet to, like, develop into himself. So it's a little bit concerning because I think he might be at a transitional point in terms of his technique yet. The matchup against the Raiders makes me think that we could have a rebound here. You know, the Raiders have recorded the fourth lowest pressure rate, so I'm not worried about Dart maybe feeling the brutality of a defense as much, and therefore I think he'll be able to post. I have him in the QB14 range. For reference, I would start Trevor Lawrence ahead of him, maybe even Shuck. They're pretty closely ranked for me, but I would definitely start Dart ahead of, like, Jared Goff or Baker Mayfield.

Producer Alex (16:40)

Yeah, I. I fully agree here. Dart's getting on the train with us and heading to the North Pole, and the thing I really like from him this week is his rushing upside. The Raiders allowed rushing TDs to similar quarterbacks over the course of the season. Marcus Mariota, Trevor Lawrence ran for two touchdowns. Bo Nicks got it in the end zone. I think Dart's gonna put up a representative game throwing the ball, but I think he's gonna really supplement those passing numbers with a rushing TD so he can come with us to the North Pole.

Liz Loza (17:07)

As long as he is allowed to get loose, I think he will.

Quentin (Producer Q) (17:11)

All right, well, on the. To the next player now, I kind of want to be selfish this time, you guys, and get some lineup advice. And, Alex, I'll see you up first with that one. Michael Carter, are you feeling the spirit of letting him onto the train?

Producer Alex (17:26)

To me, Michael Carter is like, you've asked for a gift, and your parents bring you the knockoff version of it. You're happy you got something, but maybe.

Liz Loza (17:35)

It'S the Autobots instead of a Transformer or something.

Producer Alex (17:37)

Exactly, exactly. The GoBots instead of the Transformers.

Liz Loza (17:41)

Yeah.

Producer Alex (17:41)

Yeah. The thing with this Cardinals offense that I just don't really understand is it feels like Marvin Harrison Jr. S return actually makes them more awkward and confused than they are when he's not on the field. But it is a tough week for people in the RB2 range. Breece hall has got the Patriots, Rico Daddle and Chase Hubbard have Seattle, Omarion Hampton has the Texans. You got Carter. He's going up against the Bengals. I mean, he's a legit alternative, but I don't love it.

Liz Loza (18:12)

Yeah, I agree with you. I mean, we are so far down the roster at this point. Bam Knight is out. Amari Di Mercado is still in the mix, but he's being used as a change of pace option. Um, I think you hit the nail on the head here with the GoBots analogy and the fact that the matchup is key. Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Also, this game, interestingly has an over under of 53 and a half. Arizona is a seven point underdog, but you know, with, with an over under a total that high, I feel like you gotta start your people. And there are other worries in that RB2 range. So I do think I, I don't know if I would use him as an R. Honestly, Alex, I think he's more of an RB3 or a Flex for me, but it wouldn't surprise me if he falls into the end zone.

Quentin (Producer Q) (18:59)

All right, let's now pivot over to a guy that on a week to week basis has been switching between the naughty and the nice list. And it's hard to figure out what to make out of them. And Liz, we'll start with you first. Are you giving Tearoa McMillan a golden ticket to get on the train?

Liz Loza (19:12)

You know, I have said throughout the season, and I believe this fervently, that talent is always a tiebreaker. We saw it with Astron genti in weeks 16. And McMillan is undeniably talented. He has been dealing with so many off target throws from Bryce Young and yet managing a very impressive contested catch rate regardless. He's also being fed because what other receiving options do the Panthers have? He's drawing 7.3 targets per game, which is the Wide Receiver 13 for that category. He's also recording 4.3 catches per game, which is the Wide receiver 21. So that is that discrepancy of efficiency likely. Not likely, certainly due to Bryce Young's issues under center. But still, McMillan can show out when he gets fed. Now, the matchup is tough versus the Seahawks, but I'm gonna have to believe for what it's worth as well right now, McMillan is the odds on favorite to win offensive rookie of the year at minus 280. So that to me is a testament to the talent that I mentioned at the top of answering this question. I'd put him in the wide receiver 25 range. So more of a flex than an automatic wide receiver, too. But as we've seen before, he has the talent to get you more than you could anticipate. You just can't count on it necessarily.

Producer Alex (20:34)

I'm not feeling great about this, but I'm leaving Ted at the station. You mentioned that he's drawing 7.3 targets per game, which seems like a lot, but he's only reached 70 yards receiving in one game where he's had fewer than 10 targets. So to me that means even if he's getting targeted seven or eight times, he's not necessarily getting there. That's just a really high level of volume to hit against a good Seattle defense that since their bye in week eight, has allowed double digit targets to a wide receiver only three times. And one of those was last week where it was Puka Nakua without devonte Adams. So I kind of want to throw that one out. I wouldn't be shocked if I'm off here, but I'm leaving Ted at the train station.

Liz Loza (21:13)

Can we contextualize this a little bit though? So people are like. Because sometimes you're like, flex wide receiver too. I have Tet ranked similarly to like a Michael Pittman. If that adds clarity, I certainly wouldn't start him over. I don't know, like a Juwan Jennings or even a Stefan Diggs or even a Jalen Waddle. I would prefer to start those guys ahead of Tetra. So I don't know if I'm putting Tet in the caboose with Michael Carter, but I am allowing him on the train under the parameters that he is a flex only.

Quentin (Producer Q) (21:45)

All right, we'll start with Alex this time because I want to put the pressure on him a little bit to not leave another player out in the snow. And I want to discuss someone who is giving ghost of Christmas past vibes. Right in terms of fantasy relevance. And he's now he's back on the board, potentially someone you could start in your fantasy championship. Alex, are you finally going to let a player on the train? And is it going to be Mr. Darren Waller?

Producer Alex (22:10)

Tis the season, but I'm afraid the Ghostbusters have showed up for this. Ghost of Christmas past. I'm leaving Darren Waller at the station. I don't want any part of anybody outside of Han in this Dolphins offense. With Quinn Ewers under center, it feels like that team has already given up on the season. They're swimming off to find warm waters for the winter. I just can't hear the bells when it comes to the Dolphins. Tight end.

Liz Loza (22:32)

I am going to challenge Alex a little bit on the Ewers take because Jalen Waddle did clear 70 yards last week and he is one of my facts versus feelings highlight players in the column. So I'm not as worried about Ewers as I relate. I mean after watching what Tua did or didn't do on the field. But I will say that Waller really disappointed in an excellent matchup against the Bengals in week 16 and frankly, I just don't think the volatility here is worth it. Say what you want about the quarterback, say what you want about Waller. To me, he's like getting a hoverboard for Christmas and then realizing it's going to explode and need to be recalled. So I'm just not appreciative of what he has done enough and so I too will finally leave a player in the cold.

Producer Alex (23:20)

The one note I do want to make Tampa needs to win this game to stay alive in their chase behind Carolina. I just don't see the Dolphins being really motivated here.

Liz Loza (23:30)

I think it's gonna be more of a Waddle and Hn game versus a Waller game.

Quentin (Producer Q) (23:36)

All right guys, well that's all the players I have for you. I'm gonna jump on the train now myself cause I'm not gonna stay out in the snow. And Liz, I'll let you take it the rest of the way from here.

Liz Loza (23:45)

Choo choo. You got it? Okay, I did the choo choo.

Producer Alex (23:48)

You.

Commercial Narrator 2 (23:53)

You ever show up late to the game and your friends already saved your seat, your drink, even a plate that's looking out, that's having your back. And that's exactly what AT and T does. With the AT&T guarantee, they know staying connected matters. That's why AT and T has connectivity you depend on guaranteed. Or they'll proactively make it right. Just like that friend who takes care of things before you even ask. AT&T connecting changes everything. Terms and conditions apply. Visit att.comguaranty for details.

Commercial Narrator 3 (24:25)

If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple shop pay button you see at checkout? The one that makes buying so incredibly easy? That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it incredibly easy to start and run your business. Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Shopify gives you a leg up with hundreds of beautiful ready to go templates to express your brand style and forget about the code. Tackle all those important tasks in one place. From inventory to payments to analytics and more. Spread your brand's word with built in marketing and email tools to find and keep new customers. And did I mention that iconic Purple Shop pay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today@shopify.com network. Go to shopify.comnetwork shopify.com network.

Rich Eisen (25:41)

Rich Eisen here. The tax deadline will be here before you know it and you just want to know your taxes are actually being handled. But the old way, you hand everything off and then silence. Days pass, weeks pass. You start wondering should I send another follow up email? It feels like you're chasing updates and getting nowhere. But now taxes are different because your taxes are done for you by a TurboTax full service export expert. With Intuit TurboTax you can match with your dedicated tax expert and hand off everything right in the app. And while your expert checks for every deduction, you'll see real time updates on your phone. So you always know exactly where things stand. Suddenly you're not refreshing your inbox, you're going for a run, grabbing a coffee, scrolling anything other than a just checking in message because your TurboTax expert is handling it, keeping you in the loop. So this tax season, get your best possible outcome and every dollar you deserve without the guesswork. Visit TurboTax.com today to learn more. Real time updates only in iOS mobile app only available with TurboTax full service experts.

Quentin (Producer Q) (26:54)

Last Call.

Liz Loza (27:00)

Today we learned that Monday night miracles are thankfully alive and well. That Tom Hanks is undeniably a talented actor, but by no means a visionary. Come at me later. And that the clock is always ticking. I know that we are all running on fumes this time of year, but let's stay grateful for the fact that we are at least still in the running. Good luck in your fantasy finals. We're taking next week off guys but we will be back in January with an end of the season wrap up episode. Stay tuned because I want to start 2026 hearing all of your cash outs from 2025. Be sure to check out my week 17 edition of Facts vs. Feelings, the column that is currently live on the dot com Big thanks to producer Quentin, my sweet angel baby, for always bringing the warmth, the cheer, the delight. I adore you, Quentin. Until next time. May your facts be solid, your feelings be right, and your bus be someone else's problem. Good luck, y'.

Quentin (Producer Q) (28:02)

All.

Liz Loza (28:07)

3, 2, 1. Ending the season with a Big Mama Rizz the season clap.

Quentin (Producer Q) (28:14)

All right. 3. All I want for Christmas is you.

Liz Loza (28:19)

Is you, baby.

Quentin (Producer Q) (28:21)

All right.

Liz Loza (28:23)

Saccharine means, like, disgustingly sweet.

Quentin (Producer Q) (28:26)

Is that such a thing?

Commercial Narrator 3 (28:27)

Before you go, let me leave you with this. If you're gearing up to paint behr Marquis interior paint and primer from the Home Depot is how you finish fast and finish strong. With advanced stain blocking and over a thousand colors to choose from, you can skip the extra steps and still get lasting results. 1 Coat coverage no overtime Bear Marquis only at the Home Depot. How dewars get more done Valid only when tinted to colors from the ber Marquis interior. One coat hide collection.