Fantasy Focus Football – “Week 12 Moves to Get You Into the Playoffs!” – Episode Summary

Podcast: Fantasy Focus Football
Date: November 20, 2025
Hosts: Liz Loza (A), Producer Q (C)
Special Guest: Mauricio Gutierrez (B)

Overview

This episode gears up fantasy managers for the crucial playoff push in Week 12. Liz Loza and Producer Q dissect actionable insights, spotlight pivotal players like Brock Purdy and Justin Jefferson, share listener dilemmas, and welcome Mauricio Gutierrez to discuss the NFL’s rise in Latin America and best strategic moves before the trade deadline. The tone is energetic, relatable, and advice-centric—mixing stats with the “gut feeling” decisions that define fantasy football in late season chaos.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Brock Purdy – The Perfect Timed Return

• Purdy’s Value: Backed by a healthy supporting cast—Pearsall, Jennings, Kittle, CMC—all together for the first time since Week 1.
  • Liz: “Purdy promptly completed over 70% of his passes for 200 yards and 1, 2, 3 scores in week 11. …He is my QB6 in Week 12.” (03:10)
• Panthers Matchup: Carolina appears tough on QBs (9th fewest points), but “the quarterbacks they faced are far from a murderer’s row.” Quality QBs have posted 22+ points; Purdy is primed for a big week.

Justin Jefferson – Managing Expectations and Trade Strategy

• Production Dip: Averaging ~12 fantasy ppg with JJ McCarthy vs. 16+ with Carson Wentz. Chemistry woes and tough air yard defenses ahead.
  • Liz: “JJ McCarthy has struggled tremendously under pressure and he has been wholly inaccurate…just 10 of 37 throws of 10+ yards in past two weeks.” (05:28)
• Outlook: Don’t bench Jefferson, but temper expectations and “find that upside elsewhere.”
• Trade Tactic: Producer Q suggests a buy-low trade given the easier playoff schedule (Weeks 14–16).
  • Liz: “That is a decent Hail Mary, especially now that we have a knowledgeable floor about Jefferson.” (08:49)

Alec Pierce – Sneaky Upside Flex

• Emergence: Since Daniel Jones under center, “targets, routes, and snap share have all increased… 8.8 targets and 92 yards per game over last four.” (09:22)
• Chiefs Matchup: KC vulnerable deep; game’s high over/under signals shootout upside.
  • Liz: “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.” (11:01)

Fantasy Therapy – Listener Crash Outs, Decisions & Gutsy Calls

• CD Lamb’s Crucial Drop:
  • Producer Q: “All I needed was—just catch the ball. …And that couldn’t happen. I lost the game.” (13:31)
  • Liz: “You have a right to crash out. …This is the beauty of fantasy…the unexpected part of our game is what makes it most thrilling.” (14:08)
• Owning Mistakes—Teteroa McMillan Call:
  • Listener LaCram92: “You were wrong about Teteroa McMillan. He killed it and I used him as my flex.” (16:09)
  • Liz: “I was wrong. …I love that you flexed him. …Glad you listened to your feelings instead of relying solely on the facts.” (16:24)
• QB Panic—Lamar Jackson Down Week:
  • Listener: “Do I need another qb?”
  • Liz: “No, no you don’t…Lamar looked healthy, and his schedule eases up over the next few weeks…stash a streaming quarterback as insurance if you like.” (17:46)
• Start/Sit Dilemma:
  • Listener Fred: Sutton on bye, London doubtful. Pick two: AJ Brown, Jordan Addison, Ricky Pearsall.
  • Liz: “Not Jordan Addison. …It is going to be AJ Brown. …do a couple prayers everything stays in alignment.” (19:40)

Mauricio Gutierrez Interview – Fantasy’s Global Growth & Week 12 Moves

NFL & Fantasy in Latin America

• Journey: Discovered NFL as a child in Mexico, fell hard at an Oilers game: “The moment I entered the stadium, it was huge…watching War and Moon…it was amazing.” (24:03)
• Fantasy as a Cultural Bridge: In Latin America, “fantasy football…is the first thing they know about the NFL…not precisely the game. For me, that’s mind blowing.” (28:32)
• Growth Insights:
  • Fantasy now a larger force for converting youth/casual fans into engaged avid fans.

Trade Deadline Targets & Sit/Start Advice

• Top Trade Target Before Deadline:
  • Mauricio: “The player I want the most…Stefon Diggs. He’s wide receiver seven in fantasy points since Week 4. …Top target for an MVP-caliber QB.” (31:33)
• Confident Sit Week 12:
  • Mauricio: “It seems like the Bears…don’t want to know what they have in Colston Loveland. And we’ve seen less participation from him after the Bengals game.” (33:01)
• Favorite Week 12 Start:
  • Goody Marks as RB2: “Marks has become a version of a workhorse. Not talent-wise, but in volume…The volume is there, and the matchup is really good.” (34:49)
  • Liz: “Bills have been gashed on the ground. I have Marks as a solid RB2 for fantasy purposes.” (35:48)

Fun Segment: Fantasy Football x Star Wars ("Facts vs Feelings Cantina") (36:38)

• Admiral Ackbar – Trap Starters: “It’s the QB and it’s Justin Jefferson with JJ McCarthy. It’s been a trap.” (37:31)
• Darth Vader Dominance: “George Pickens for CD Lamb. George Pickens being CD Lamb’s father since CD Lamb returned.” (38:05)
• Frozen in Carbonite (Disappointment): “Alvin Kamara…for at least this year.” (38:40)
• Most Dependable Sidekick, Chewbacca-Style: “Jackson Smith-Njigba. He would be the perfect pair for Han Solo…JSN has embodied dependability week in and week out.” (39:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fantasy Variance:

  • “Variance is going to happen, guys…The unexpected part of our game is what makes it the most thrilling. That is why we come back.” – Liz (14:08)

• On Trusting Your Gut:

  • “Glad you listened to your feelings instead of relying solely on the facts.” – Liz, applauding a listener’s gutsy call (16:24)

• Fantasy as an Entry Point:

  • “Fantasy football is the first thing they know about the NFL. …For me, that’s mind blowing.” – Mauricio (28:32)

• Star Wars Energy:

  • “George Pickens being CD Lamb’s father since CD Lamb returned.” – Mauricio, on “Darth Vader Dominance” (38:05)
  • “If we want a sidekick for Han Solo…Jackson Smith-Njigba.” (39:58)

Important Timestamps

• [03:10] – Brock Purdy fantasy outlook
• [05:28] – Justin Jefferson’s struggles and projections
• [09:22] – Alec Pierce as a Week 12 upside play
• [13:31] – Producer Q’s CD Lamb heartbreak story
• [16:24] – Owning mistakes on breakout receivers (McMillan talk)
• [17:46] – Lamar Jackson advice after a down week
• [19:40] – Listener start/sit dilemma: AJ Brown, Addison, Pearsall
• [24:03] – Mauricio Gutierrez shares NFL fandom origin story
• [31:33] – Mauricio’s Week 12 trade deadline advice: Stefon Diggs
• [33:01] – Week 12 sit: Colston Loveland
• [34:49] – Week 12 start: Goody Marks (volume RB)
• [36:38] – Star Wars “Facts vs Feelings” game segment

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully balances actionable analytics with “vibes” – reminding managers that structure is vital, but fortune favors the bold in fantasy playoff races. The international lens highlights fantasy’s power to unite and engage. Week 12 advice: trust your gut, make the big moves, and never count on a sure thing in fantasy football!