Loading summary
Transcript128 lines
- [00:00]
A
Hey, Ryan Reynolds here wishing you a.
- [00:02]
B
Very happy half off holiday because right now Mint Mobile is offering you the.
- [00:07]
A
Gift of 50% off unlimited.
- [00:09]
C
To be clear, that's half price, not half the service. Mint is still premium unlimited wireless for a great price. So that means half day. Yeah, give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront.
- [00:23]
A
Payment of $45 for three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of networks busy. Taxes and fees extra. Cmintmobile.com hey, I'm Liz Loza and this is Facts vs Feelings, your amuse boost to your fantasy focus. Main course we're bringing more fantasy, more facts, more feelings and of course, more fun. And now that I have your attention, today's fact is that while structure matters, dancing outside the lines can be just as important. Aw, look, it's precious producer Q joining us this week. Because honestly, now that I think about it, what is facts versus feelings without a gentle Gen Z reminder to touch grass?
- [01:07]
C
Hello, Liz Loza. Thank you for inviting me back again. I'm very excited to be here. And I do have to say, although I have been known to tell people to touch grass, you are never going to be a person that I tell that to.
- [01:20]
A
I love by the way that you use both my first and last name when you address me. Nothing makes me feel like more of a millennial. But I mean, you might as well call me ma'. Am. What the hell is this?
- [01:33]
C
I can call you ma' am if you want me to call you.
- [01:35]
A
Are you kidding me? I will. You will never be back on this show, Q. You will be under the grass if you ever call me ma'.
- [01:42]
C
Am. I would rather not be under the grass. That much is for certain. So, ma', am, no fly zone for sure.
- [01:49]
A
Okay. And while I'm making demands of people, I would love for our viewers to like and subscribe to this video, go ahead and smash those buttons. Also, if you're crashing out like I almost just, just did, after a Sunday slate of games, give us a call and let it all out vent on our fantasy therapy hotline. You can leave a voicemail. Q. Do you want to tell the fine folks what that number is?
- [02:13]
C
Yes, I can. That's 914-348-1893. And when do we check that voicemail, Liz?
- [02:21]
A
We check them on Monday for crash outs, cash outs. We aren't just negative here. And any questions that may be rolling around your big beautiful brains.
- [02:33]
C
And we definitely have some crash outs to hit on today, Liz, but that's a little for later.
- [02:38]
A
Then let's get to the disclaimer so we can move on.
- [02:42]
C
Hit it. Fantasy football is a game of inches, luck and irrational confidence. Proceed with caution, trust your gut and remember. Side effects of listening to this podcast may include spontaneous victory dances, mild trash talking, and the belief that your sleeper pick is better than everyone else's. Take the facts of fantasy football seriously, but consult your feelings before making any lineup changes.
- [02:56]
B
Dare to strike out and find new ground.
- [02:59]
C
Liz Did I tell you I'm going to Monday Night Football this week at Levi's Stadium? At Levi's Stadium, you betcha. And one of the players that I'm most excited to see is Brock Purdy. What do you have on him?
- [03:11]
A
Well, I think you should be excited because I expect his performance to be awesome, especially if you roster him in fantasy because he is back, baby. Ricky Pearsall, Juwan Jennings, George Kittle and CMC all joined a healthy boy, Brock Purdy for the first time since week one last Sunday, and Purdy promptly completed over 70% of his passes for 200 yards and 1, 2, 3 scores in week 11. Purdy has now cleared at least 16 fantasy points in all three of his starts. He's also recorded multiple touchdowns in each of those three games. I like this matchup. I know that the spread is seven and a half and that might give people some pause, but listen, the Panthers are often because they've not usually been good run on, but that doesn't mean they're not susceptible through the air. On paper, the Panthers are allowing the ninth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, but the quarterbacks they faced are far from a murderer's row. We've got tomato cans including Michael Penix, Tyler Schuck, Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence. You look at the other competition they've faced. Drake, May, Tuatanga, Vailoa, Dak Prescott and Josh Allen. And each of those guys has posted at least 22 fantasy points. So I think Purdy is back just in time to help fantasy managers make a nice playoff push. He is my QB6 in week 12.
- [04:40]
C
QB6 indeed. Now I have a question for you and you let me know if I'm delulu for asking it, but Ricky Purcell had a little bit of a bummer performance. One catch, zero yards. Do you think that his bad performance will have any bearing on Brock Purdy potentially going into next week? Like, could we see him get a little bit more peppered early and that could actually help Brock Purdy's stats.
- [05:03]
A
I think that a healthy offense is certainly a healthy offense, by the way, as well as a banged up defense will only increase Purdy's production.
- [05:14]
C
Sweet. All right, should we carry on here?
- [05:18]
A
Please do. What do you got next?
- [05:20]
C
A player that really had the lines popping off is Justin Jefferson. And you've deliberated on him quite a bit. What have you found after that deliberation?
- [05:28]
A
It makes a ton of sense that everyone is crashing out, right? Because when you have a player as elite and that you drafted as high as Justin Jefferson, you are really frustrated with his current production. Justin Jefferson has averaged just over 12 fantasy points per game with JJ McCarthy under center. Meanwhile, with Carson Wentz under center, he was averaging more than 16 fantasy points per game. This is not what you've come to expect. So I wanted to dig into the facts so that we can maybe adjust our feelings accordingly. And the truth is, JJ McCarthy has struggled tremendously under pressure and he has been wholly inaccurate. More specific, specifically, McCarthy has struggled on passes of 10 or more yards down field. In fact, over his past two weeks, he has completed just 10 of 37 throws of 10 or more yards down the field. And that and. And 38% of those attempts were targeted at Justin Jefferson. That is frustrating. It's also not a situation that's going to resolve overnight. I mean, this is a chemistry situation. This is a growth situation. And the matchup is not soft enough for this quarterback and wide receiver wide receiver duo to practice. The Green Bay packers have allowed the 12th US completions of 10 or more air yards this season. Also is not getting better next week unless there's a miracle overnight because the Vikings will face the Seahawks in week 13 and Seattle in has given up the 8th fewest completions of 10 or more air yards so far this season. Now I will say there is and I'm going deep here y', all because a player like Justin Jefferson and this level of crash out deserves going deep. So just. I'm trying to provide clarity here. The schedule will ease up. From Weeks 14 to 16, the Vikings are versus Washington at Dallas and then at the Giants. So there is room for improvement. Also, let me be very clear. I. I do not think that you are sitting Justin Jefferson because as we learned with Ted Roa McMillan, for example, a player of this caliber can find his footing. Things can start to click. You will go absolutely insane if Jefferson and McCarthy get on the same page while Jefferson is on your bench. I am mentioning this and the reason for his lack of production so that you can temper your expectations and set your lineup accordingly. Find that. We talk about it all the time. Find that upside elsewhere because if there is a deficit to make up then you know what to do. And also I've done the math for you. So if the floor for Jefferson is around 12 and a half fantasy points, then do the math and see where you need to add to the projections and adjust. So that is my take on Jefferson. I think it's going to be a bit more of a process. But again, don't sit him because miracles as we've seen in this game, both on the field and virtually happen regularly.
- [08:33]
C
So Liz, you got my wheels turning as you were talking about the matchups and the fact that the deadline is imminent. Given that his matchups are bad right now and could be good when you go into the playoffs, is he someone that you should maybe consider shooting a buy low trade offer to whoever the Justin Jefferson manager is?
- [08:50]
A
You know Hugh, I don't hate that. Like that is a decent Hail Mary, especially now that we have a knowledgeable floor about Jefferson. So I appreciate you shedding some light and asking that follow up. Sure, go do it.
- [09:03]
C
Yeah, so just send out those buy low offers, see if something fires off and maybe you'll benefit.
- [09:08]
A
Feel really good about your Week 13 lineup though.
- [09:12]
C
Feel really good about Week 13, that's for sure.
- [09:14]
A
Cause that's critical.
- [09:15]
C
Let's dig into the theme here a little bit. Who's a player that you think should have fantasy managers dancing?
- [09:22]
A
Oh well, I think Alec Pierce could make me do a little cha cha. I have loved this player since he came out of college. He has incredible speed, he's a great contested catch expert, lots of big play ability. But unfortunately he wasn't able to evolve his skill set until Daniel Jones came under center and he was given more opportunities. He his number of targets, drawn routes, run, snap share have all increased. In fact, over his last four games, Pierce has averaged 8.8 targets per game. He's also averaged nearly 92 receiving yards per game. Now again, I'm talking about a four game span. During that time it was Pierce who recorded the fifth most receiving yards per game behind only JSN Jamar, Chase, Drake London and George Pickens. You don't think of Pierce though because you think of him as the Colts deep threat. He still very much has that role. I think that'll work out nicely for fantasy managers and himself in Week 12 because the long balls are the Kansas City Chiefs defense. That's their kryptonite. The Chiefs have allowed the fifth most passing yards on deep three throws this season. And now when we have a game with an over under a 49 and a half, the second highest total for the entire week, we expect a lot of back and forth and I think that means Pierce is going to be very much in the mix as the Colts try to knock off Kansas City.
- [10:56]
C
Oh, a little bit of Alec Pierce action. So are we thinking potentially like a little shootout? Some vibes there.
- [11:02]
A
I think that this matchup has that potential, but I think Pierce is going to be the weapon that gets loose and exploits the Kansas City Chiefs. Ben but don't break defense if you we talked about players with potential upside earlier in the episode. If you're looking for a flex with upside, I like Pierce a lot. In fact, I have him ranked as a wide receiver too this week. I like him so much.
- [11:22]
C
Ooh, that's big. I'll have to keep that in mind because I am rostering Pierce in a couple leagues so we'll have to try it.
- [11:33]
A
Out here. It's football season where nothing beats backyard grilling. Gathering around the fire pit and cheering on your favorite team with friends. The yard is mowed, the lights are strung and the grill is warming up. Whether you need to fill up your propane, get a new grill or even a generator out here, it's game day and we're ready for it. Tractor Supply for Life out here.
- [12:03]
B
At.
- [12:03]
A
Designer Shoe Warehouse, we believe that shoes.
- [12:06]
B
Are an important part of, well, everything.
- [12:09]
A
From first steps to first dates. From all nighters to all time personal bests.
- [12:15]
B
From building pillow forts to building a.
- [12:17]
A
Life for all the big and small moments that make up your whole world. DSW is there and we've got just the shoes. Find a shoe for every you from brands you love at brag worthy prices at your DSW store or dsw.combrooks Running.
- [12:35]
B
Reminds us that we're all powered by something. Whether it's the me time energy of a run after a day at the office, or the electrifying energy of your first marathon, or the infectious energy of a group run with your friends. No matter what energy powers you, Brooks has gear specifically designed to unleash it. So lace up and let it out. Let's run there. Visit BrooksRunning.com today to learn more. This is a safe place. It's a place where we can feel.
- [13:08]
A
Free sharing our feelings. Now let's get comfortable on the couch and dive into some fantasy therapy. A safe space for all of your fantasy football questions. Producer Q what do we have?
- [13:22]
C
Liz? Do I have consent to Crash out.
- [13:25]
A
You do have consent. Thank you for asking.
- [13:27]
C
All right, we're gonna engage a crash out then. So.
- [13:30]
A
Oh, no.
- [13:31]
C
Monday night, I'm sweating out, hoping for a Monday night miracle. And, you know, Lamb is. Lamb is doing his CD Lamb thing, and I'm feeling good. Okay, we're in the red zone, right? I think it was like 6:48 left on the clock. CD gets a wide open target. Would have been a walk in touchdown for me to win my game. And he just muffs it, he drops it and I lose by one point. All I needed was just catch the ball. You don't have to do anything with it, just catch it. And that couldn't happen. I lost the game. My cousin texted me afterwards and he got. He gave me a little bit of smoke. So do I have a right to be to'd here?
- [14:08]
A
Liz, you have a right to crash out. You have a right to be upset. And also, this is the beauty of fantasy, because for every time CD Lamb didn't catch a pass and you lost, he has caught five more than you expected and you won. Welcome to the variants of this game. Which is why I go, absolutely. I'm gonna crash out now. I go bananas when people are like, well, make sure to put your flex player on your Monday Night Football. And like, variance is going to happen. Guys, you can shade. That's. This entire theme this week was inspired by people trying to, like, shave all the margins of error and make sure that you have everything. Hey, you know what? The unexpected part of our game is what makes it the most thrilling. That is why we come back. We are not yet robots, although we'll see what happens. But I think that that is what, you know, like, your cousin was pretty psyched. And so I love this part of the show because it makes fantasy, like, so much more relatable. And we've all had that experience for, for what it's worth, I lost by two points because Jake Ferguson didn't catch two more balls. Had he caught one more ball and run a little bit, I would have won. So I understand this. That game definitely made a bunch of people happy and a bunch of people not so happy. As it pertains to CD Lamb and George Pickens, though, Yikes. Lamb So far, just two touchdowns on the season that he's got seven more weeks to match the six touchdowns that he managed in 2024. Also, Jord Pickens, my guy paying dividends, he's averaged nearly three more fantasy points per game than Lamb. Now, I don't think that you can discount Lamb. I think they're both despite the tricky matchup in week 12 against the Eagles, going to be, you know, wide receiver one plays. Top 15 plays certainly. But I don't know if you're going to I don't know what you're going to get out of Lamb this week. I don't love the matchup for him, but you're starting him regardless. Please don't come at me telling me I told you to sit him.
- [16:09]
C
Let's talk about some of the statements that you made last week because LA CRAM 92 came into the socials and said, quote, you were wrong about Teteroa McMillan. He killed it and I used him as my flex. What do you have to say to lacram92?
- [16:24]
A
I was wrong. I always own my mistakes. I did not see Ted McMillan posting a season high 33 fantasy points versus a Falcons defense that entered week week 11 allowing the second fewest wide receiver complet on the season. Yes, I did not see that coming. I told you that he was on the wide receiver two slash wide receiver three bubble. So I am very glad Le Crem 92, who I actually do enjoy on social very much so I'm not coming after him. I do. I love that you flexed him. I love that you believed in his burgeoning alpha status. Again, this is the unknowable. We know that Tet McMillan is an alpha in the making. We just were worried about Bryce Young. I didn't see Bryce Young standing up to pressure the way he did, finding his footing in the pocket the way he did. And what a relief that this is happening. What fantastic timing and great 33 points for you. I'm glad you listened to your feelings instead of relying solely on the facts.
- [17:27]
C
Exactly. Well, sometimes you just got to keep dancing and trusting your gut and then seeing how it happens. But I think let's migrate over to the next person who might be not trusting their gut as much. Cruise skater is sitting in a question and said Lamar, oh my, do I need another qb?
- [17:46]
A
No, no you don't. You had Yes, I get it. You had a very down week. Under 5 fantasy points from Lamar in a matchup against Miles Garrett. Basically that one, that one hurt. Garrett was not going to be denied. The good news is though Lamar looked healthy. He didn't seem hampered by the knee issue that kept him out previously and his schedule eases up again. We I'm as much as I like say that this is a moment to moment game. We got to look and prepare. As we talked about before in the future a little bit. But Lamar's schedule eases up over the next few weeks. He's got three home games in a row versus the jets, versus Cincinnati, versus Pittsburgh, and then at Cincinnati in week 15. So, you know, we know that this is a player whose playing style could, some have argued, invite injury. So maybe you stash a streaming quarterback as insurance or protection just in case. I don't mind that, especially as we move towards the playoffs. Marcus Mariota, Jacoby Brissette, play some matchups, go ahead and do that as insurance for such a valuable player at the position. But I think you have to be pretty confident about Lamar given the. Given his matchups moving forward, he's going to bounce back.
- [18:59]
C
Yeah, I agree with you, Liz, there. I think you're in a situation where you keep riding Lamar. You trust him. You probably invested a lot of draft capital into him. But there's merit to, you know, stashing one of those quarterbacks you listed off and just having that extra insurance policy just in case. Now, why don't we go a little further south from Maryland down to North Carolina and hear from our listener Fred.
- [19:20]
A
Oh, okay.
- [19:21]
C
Hey, Liz, this is Fred from North Carolina.
- [19:24]
B
Love the show. I have a bit of a problem this week. Cortland Sutton is on a buy and Drake London is doubtful for next week. So pick two.
- [19:35]
C
AJ Brown, Jordan Addison or Ricky Pierson.
- [19:40]
B
Thanks.
- [19:41]
A
Thank you, Fred. That was so kind of you. I appreciate that you're looking ahead, trying to find substitutions in case you're. In case Drake London can't go. So we talked about JJ McCarthy and his accuracy woes. If it's bad for Justin Jefferson, it's worse for Jordan Addison. So let's remove him for the equation, leaving just A.J. brown and Ricky Pearsall. We also talked about Pearsall a little bit earlier. Could Pearsall make a comeback this week as he is healthier and more integrated into the 49ers offense? Sure. I am not going to sit A.J. brown. No. I understand that he was not particularly efficient in week 11, but I do think that had a lot to do with the wind. It was hard for Hertz to throw the ball downfield. It was hard for Brown to corral it. But we saw the investment in Brown again after his social media crash out after his conversation with Howie Roseman on the field. There is a priority to making Brown feel better and I am not going to sit Brown this week. Instead, I'm going to lean even further into that. So if I'm you and I need a guy is not going to be Jordan Addison is not going to be Ricky Piersol. It is going to be A.J. brown. And I might do a couple of prayers to hope that everything, you know, stays in alignment.
- [20:58]
C
All right, well, I think that's all we got from fantasy therapy. I think we should move on to the guest. What do you think?
- [21:03]
A
I would love that, but I also love hearing from our listeners every week. So please continue to give us your crash outs on the social channels and your cash outs. We also like positivity here and leaving the voicemails.
- [21:16]
C
The number Q The number is 914-348-1893. And just to refresh the people one more time, I know we said it off the top, but when do we check our voicemails again?
- [21:27]
A
Mondays. This episode is brought to you by indeed. Stop waiting around for the perfect candidate. Instead, use Indeed sponsored Jobs to find the right people with the right skills fast. It's a simple way to make sure your listing is the first candidate. C According to Indeed data, Sponsored Jobs have four times more applicants than non sponsored jobs. So go build your dream team today with Indeed. Get a $75 sponsored job credit@ Indeed.com podcast. Terms and conditions apply with new, gentler.
- [22:06]
B
Scented Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Clean finally smells as good as it feels on everything from lamps to ceiling fans. Even on your kid's toy shark. Oh, ouch. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes now available in. Ooh, Crisp lemon. Find it on Amazon. Clorox Clean feels good when cool creamy ranch meets tangy bold buffalo. The whole is greater than the sum of its sauce. Say howdy, partner. To new Buffalo Ranch sauce only at McDonald's for a limited time.
- [22:48]
C
A participating McDonald's.
- [22:53]
A
Today on Facts versus Feelings, we have a guest who brings massive fantasy knowledge and an entire nation's worth of football passion with him. He's the head of fantasy content and lead analyst for NFL Espanol, and this season he joined ESPN Mexico. Please welcome Mauricio Gutierrez to the show. MAU MAU. So good to have you here.
- [23:17]
B
So excited to be with you again. Thank you for everything. You've supported my career, like, since the beginning, and I'm really, really excited to be here with you.
- [23:28]
A
You also supported me. I feel like we came up similarly around the same time, so it's wonderful to reconnect right before the holidays especially. I love everything that you're doing. I love that you're now a part of the ESG family, now that we are like colleagues I want other people to know your story. We went through it a bit together. So can you tell me first, how did you in Mexico discover the National Football League? And then how did that turn into a career, not just a passion, but a career in fantasy football?
- [24:03]
B
Well, NFL in Mexico, it's like a big thing since probably late 70s, early 80s. They're like transmissions. Like the NFL was watched in Mexico since I was a kid and I was a fan. And then the moment that decided that I was like huge NFL fan was my parents take me on a trip to Houston with my grand grandfather as well. And we went to the Astrodome to watch the Houston Oilers against the Kansas City Chiefs. And the moment I entered the stadium, it was huge. It was amazing. The atmosphere, the vibes, the Houston Oiler number one, it was awesome. The uniform, the colors, and watching War and Moon, it was amazing. And I fell in love with that team. And when they became the Tennessee Titans, for me it was like, okay, they're keeping all the records. They are keeping them. So I, I felt like the responsibility to keep rooting for that team. So I'm a Tennessee Titans fan now.
- [25:11]
A
How has your fandom for the NFL informed your fantasy passion, acumen and, you know, job choices?
- [25:20]
B
Yeah, I mean, I joined a fantasy football league. It was a public league and I started like loving everything. But the moment that changed everything was when one of my friends invited me to a home league with his buddies, with his friends. And I became passionate about fantasy football. I started to know more about the game, the NFL. And then after I was like struggling with my professional career choice as a lawyer, I was like, I need something more that I'm more passionate about. And I started writing about NFL. And then I knew that there wasn't no one creating content, fantasy football content in Spanish, in espanol. So I was like, here is what I want to do. I want to generate content about fantasy football in Spanish. And that was my niche. And I became the lead analyst for NFL Fantasy and Espanol. Then espn this, this year offering. Yeah. And within with espn, it's not only fantasy football. I'm in NFL Live in Mexico. I'm the commentator for the second window of Red Zone. So it was like two moments that changed my life. I didn't knew that time that it was going to change my life and put me on this content generator career and broadcasting career. It's been amazing and I'm grateful with my parents, with my friend Raul that took me in his home league. Yeah, it's.
- [26:58]
A
It is those Those sliding doors moments can really make a big impact, and not just for us, but I think everyone who plays fantasy, that's why it's so popular. That's why it's only growing. That's why this show exists. That's why I'm grateful for our listeners and our viewers because the content is so, so much of it is so relatable too. But I, I do, while we're talking about the relatability of fantasy football, like, obviously our game is borderless, but we know, if we're being honest. Right. That the NFL doesn't have the exact same footing in Latin America that it does in the States. So have you, given your unique position between the two, discovered any differences in, in the way fantasy is discussed in Mexico versus or even, you know, the entirety of Latin America versus in America?
- [27:44]
B
I think between Mexico and Latin America, there's no difference. I mean, we all speak Spanish and each country has their slang, their expressions, their culture. But one thing that the Latino culture brings is it's passionate, it's curious, and it's eager to know more for things that don't relate that much for him or for them. Right. So for Mexico, it was. We are really, really near to the States and we consume NFL, but now it's Argentina and now it's Panama and it's Costa Rica and it's Peru and it's all those countries that are consuming NFL. And the numbers are there. The NFL is growing globally. Yeah. But in Latin America is growing hugely. And now fantasy football, now fantasy football, like probably eight, five years ago, it was. The first thing is, was, okay, I'm an NFL fan, then I am going to play fantasy football with my colleagues, with my friends, with my Internet friends. No, the Internet, it was blown away. But with fantasy football, and now it's the other way around. I have so many people and so many friends that play fantasy football to know about NFL. So the first, the first thing they know about this NFL thing as a whole is fantasy football. And not, not precisely the game. And for me, that's mind blowing.
- [29:17]
A
So. Right. I mean, that's kind of what we were just talking about, right? Like that fantasy football can be a conduit of knowledge for the NFL. And I think a lot of NFL executives, for example, like to believe that their game is the first game and fantasy is an offshoot of that. But as Roger Goodell keeps adding these international games to the schedule every year, it's interesting that the, that fantasy, at least in your experience in Latin America, is being used to Grow the popularity of the league versus people starting to play fantasy because they're already NFL fans. So I would like Roger Goodell to take note, please, that fantasy should come first and is coming first in the ways of expansion that he is trying to make happen. So that's, I love that. And it makes complete sense.
- [30:05]
B
And NFL Mexico has this idea, Liz, and that's why they brought me that fantasy football can open, open some more channels for them. Marketing channels like to convert youth fans to avid fans, casual fans to avid fans. And the avid fans are going to consume more about NFL. They want the red zone and they want the merchandise and they want to go to games and everything. It's, it's there for NFL to explode and it's exploding right now.
- [30:38]
A
Since Raul first invited you, how many leagues do you now play in?
- [30:42]
B
Oh, oh, it was last year probably it was like 1815. This year I trimmed to 12.
- [30:51]
A
Yeah, yeah. That's my number two.
- [30:52]
B
Yeah.
- [30:53]
A
All right, so let's talk about. Because in addition to, in addition to your broadcasting, you are a fantasy analyst. You're incredibly good at it.
- [31:02]
B
Thanks.
- [31:03]
A
And so I wanted to ask you some questions about Week 12 in particular. But you know, before I do that, ESPN Fantasy's official trade deadline is set for Wednesday, November 26th. Of course every league has the ability to tweak that as they like. So make sure that you're aware of your own league's trade deadline. But going by the guideline of Wednesday, November 26, is there Mauricio, a move that you're interested in making before time officially runs out?
- [31:34]
B
Yeah, the one, the player that I want the most to go for him, it's Stefan Diggs from the Patriots. 14.8 fantasy points per game since for Week 4 I during the off season I really got tired about talking about Stefan Diggs and Drake May and that connection. And at the beginning it was not looking good. But now since that week four, he's wide receiver seven in fantasy points over that span. 28% of target. Sure. And his route runs has increased in the last four weeks. 65%, 73%, 78% and last week highest rate of the season, 89% of RAH runs of drawbacks. He's a top target for a MVP caliber QB. That's the one you want.
- [32:33]
A
Certainly you that's a bit of a hot take. I don't mind it one bit coming. I mean the matchup is obviously great at Cincinnati this weekend too.
- [32:40]
B
Yeah, yeah. I think there's against Cincinnati against the Bengals. The door is Going to shut down to trade a fair trade for Stefan Diggs.
- [32:52]
A
Awesome. All right, so Stefan Diggs is your favorite trade target. Who is your most confident sit for week 12?
- [33:02]
B
Ah, that's a tough one. And I'm sorry, Liz, I know you're a Bears fan. It seems like the Bears, I don't know if Dawson know what they have on Colston Loveland or they don't want to know what they have on Ghost on Loveland. They don't want to know.
- [33:20]
A
Well, I mean, we all celebrated the game against the Bengals, right? Like. No, everybody knows.
- [33:25]
B
Yeah.
- [33:25]
A
Yes.
- [33:26]
B
But what the Bears did after that game, they rewarded. They rewarded them. Him. Sorry. Rewarded him with less participation. And we've seen less participation from Kostal Loveland after that game. It doesn't make sense to me.
- [33:47]
A
I mean, I think it's interesting because that game, both Cole Comet, I think he was dealing with a back issue and Luther Burden was not on the field. So the mouths to feed argument that was working against both Loveland and to a larger extent, Roma Dunze, because he was a more prominently drafted player heading into the season, are. Are now in play there. I mean, I mean, Cole Comet, I think we have to remember that while Loveland is an incredible pass catcher, Cole Comet is a fantastic blocker. He's a homegrown talent. And I don't think that Ben Johnson feels comfortable having entirely new rookies. I mean, if you add Burden and Loveland and Roma Dun isn't a rookie, but, you know, he's theoretically the team's alpha in his second year. You have a young quarterback, so I think he's, you know, there are some glue guys that need to be active. And while it is frustrating for fantasy and while you would have imagined that game against the Bengals was Loveland's breakout, the truth is that that's not what's happening. Right. Let's switch to the positive and tell me your start, your favorite start for week 12.
- [34:49]
B
My favorite start probably two weeks in a row is Goody Marks, and last week it didn't pan. I mean, the matchup was favorable, but it didn't pan. But Marks has become a version of a workhorse. Not in terms like we thought of a workhorse with B John Robinson and Jonathan Taylor or McCaffrey. But Marks is quite obviously talent wise is not there, but in volume wise, I think he could be there. If we can compare fantasy football assets to toys, Marks would be a goody horse that you can play with him and you can use once again every week. And he's going to be there. The volume is there, and the matchup is really, really good. So my goody horse marks is my best bet this this week.
- [35:48]
A
Well, you're right. The matchup is there against Buffalo. The Bills have been gashed on the ground time and time again. Really struggling there. And even with Davis Mills under center, I think that'll actually boost Woody's volume. I have him ranked as my, like, RB, probably in that RB 1920 range. So, like, a solid RB2 for fantasy purposes in week 12.
- [36:12]
B
Nice. I have him. Let me check. Probably in that same range. I have him RB17, just behind astron Genti. Yeah.
- [36:22]
A
All right. Oh, you're low on Genti.
- [36:24]
B
This is. Yeah, I'm low.
- [36:25]
A
We do not have time. This is not fantasy therapy. That would be my portion of the show to get on the couch and discuss all of my frustrations about Genti. So we're not going to do that to you or the listeners. I will not be that selfish. But, Mao, do you want to play a game?
- [36:39]
B
Yeah. Vamos. Claro.
- [36:42]
A
Claro. Oh, perfecto. Okay, so this game was inspired by your love of Star Wars Guerra de.
- [36:49]
B
Las Galaxias in Espanol. Let's go. Vamos.
- [36:53]
A
Perfecto. Okay, so today you and I are going to enter the Facts versus Feelings Cantina, where Star wars and the NFL intersect. And in this game, I'm gonna throw out something from a galaxy far, far away, and you will give the fantasy player that matches that energy. Entiendes?
- [37:14]
B
Yeah. Vamos. Si. Entiendo. Perfect. Let's go.
- [37:18]
A
All right. Let the Force and the Feelings be with you. We will start with Admiral Ackbar. This gentleman often said says it's a trap. What fantasy starter has a trap matchup in Week 12?
- [37:32]
B
I don't know of the matchup, but it's the QB and it's Justin Jefferson with JJ McCarthy. It's been a trap since JJ McCarthy has been the starter.
- [37:41]
A
Yeah, well, we talked about him earlier in the show, so I am not going to belabor the point and put salt in anyone else's wounds any longer. All right, let's go to the best plot twist of all times. I Am youm Father. Who will most embody Darth Vader's daddy dominance in week 12?
- [38:05]
B
George Pickens for CD Lamb. George Pickens being CD Lamb's father since CD Lamb returned.
- [38:15]
A
Oh, that is a tag and fuego.
- [38:20]
B
He's been producing more fantasy points per game since CD Lam came back from injury. So they're being similar. But George Pickens has been the better one.
- [38:33]
A
Which player though has disappointed you so much that like Han Solo, they need to be frozen in carbonite.
- [38:40]
B
Wow, that's a good one. We can frozen carbonite. Alvin Kamara and I don't know if it's going to be forever, but at least for this year.
- [38:51]
A
Yeah, yeah, it's been rough. How are you managing him though? How would you. Are you advising managers like you do? Are you sitting him or are you degrade? Are you moving him to only flex or low end RB2? How are you dealing with that situation?
- [39:07]
B
Yeah, it's high RB3 for me and it depends. Depends on which other running backs you have available. So you decide if you can bench it or not. But for me, it's not even an RB2 net right now.
- [39:21]
A
Han Solo's partner in crime, Chewbacca is maybe one of the most loyal and beloved sidekicks in cinematic history. So who is the player that has been the most dependable, the most Chewbacca, like in terms of loyalty in your lineups this season?
- [39:41]
B
That's a tough one because everyone has been ups and downs and for me, if, if we want like a sidekick like for Han Solo, if it's not Han Solo and Chewbacca only for name. Han Solo and Egbuca sounds perfect.
- [39:58]
A
Okay.
- [39:59]
B
But the most reliable player is Jackson Smith Jigba. He would be the perfect pair for.
- [40:05]
A
Han Solo, that is. You are right. JSN has embodied dependability week in and week out and not just like some mid level because you could be like prior to this ankle issue. Oh, Jalen Warren's a high floor player. JSN has been a high ceiling producer week after week. Could he be fantasy's league winner?
- [40:24]
B
Probably, yeah.
- [40:25]
A
This season, yeah, he will.
- [40:27]
B
They're probably going to be like some roster some teams with Jonathan Taylor, with Christian McCaffrey and Jackson Jigba as well.
- [40:36]
A
So yeah, those lucky bastards. That is perfecto. Gracias, muchisimo gracias. Thank you. Thank you so much for coming on, having fun with us, sharing your story and your fantasy acumen. Please tell our listeners and our viewers where they can follow you.
- [40:58]
B
Yeah, they can follow me. GutierrezNFL in all social media and gracias to you Liz and all your staff. Thank you. Last call.
- [41:12]
A
Today we learned that Producer Q's new nickname is Precious, that Doodle is a way better last name than Dowdle and that wall structure can guide you. Sometimes you just just need to make up your own steps and follow your own rhythms. Big thanks to Mauricio Gutierrez. For calling in and playing along. And, as always, to producer Quentin for not roasting me on the comms or something like that. Be sure to check out my Week 12 edition of the Facts vs. Feelings column, which is currently live on the dot com. And remember, you can leave us a voicemail. That number is 914-348-1893. Until next time, may your facts be solid, your feelings be right, and your bus be someone else's problem. Hop to the left. Hop. Nope, that's left you good 3 fan that. 3 okay 3 save it, save it, save it. Swallow it. Save it and spit it back out.
- [42:13]
C
Swallow it. Okay. 3 okay. Woosa Unique New York. Unique New York. Okay.