Week 3 Must Starts! What we know now about Daniel Jones, Jameson Williams, and Bhayshul Tuten.

Summary

Fantasy Focus Football - Week 3 Must Starts: Daniel Jones, Jameson Williams & Bhayshul Tutten

Date: September 18, 2025
Hosts: Liz Loza (guest hosting), Producer Alex, Daniel Dopp
Featured Segment: Facts vs. Feelings / Fantasy Therapy

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into Week 3 fantasy football strategy with a strong focus on embracing uncertainty. The crew — led by Liz Loza with guest Daniel Dopp and Producer Alex — explores what we know (and don't know) about hot names like Daniel Jones, Jameson Williams, and Bhayshul Tutten. Listeners call in for advice on volatile rosters and lineup dilemmas, while Liz and Daniel debate must-starts, sits, and gut calls for the week. The tone is light, candid, and full of playful banter, making for an engaging and informative experience for fantasy managers navigating a chaotic young season.

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Main Theme

Embracing Uncertainty: It's Okay Not to Know Everything At Once

Liz sets the episode’s theme: “It is okay not to know everything all at once.” (02:55) The show revolves around how, in fantasy football and life, managers should be comfortable with unknowns, adapt quickly, and trust their process amid unpredictable developments and injuries.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Daniel Jones' Surprising Start (03:10)

• Daniel Jones is the overall QB2 through two weeks. While Week 1 was “a gimme,” Week 2 validated his play — nearly 23 FPTS vs. a strong Broncos defense.
• Dual threat emergence: Four rushes inside the five (2nd most among QBs).
• Liz’s take: “I have him ranked as my QB8 heading into week three… start him in the QB10 to QB8 range.”
  "He’s getting it done through the air and on the ground. Let’s hope this momentum keeps churning."
  — Liz Loza (04:02)

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Jameson Williams - The Ultimate Roller Coaster Flex (04:41)

• “We have known for a long time that Jameson Williams is a high ceiling player… 94th percentile speed. He can fly.”
• 2025 usage: ADOT down, volume up, but retains boom/bust volatility.
• Week 1: 4/5 catches, 23 yds, 0 TD
  Week 2: 2/4, 108 yds, 1 TD
• Liz: "We know that we have a rollercoaster and we’re not getting off of it anytime soon... if you need a high ceiling player, then you’re going to deploy Jameson Williams."
• Strong play this week: Lions play Ravens (O/U 52.5), high expected scoring.

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Bhayshul Tutten - Jaguars Backfield Watch (06:26)

• Notable shift: Tutten snap share jumps from 6% (Week 1) to 26% (Week 2) after Tank Bigsby is traded.
• Efficiency: 4.8 yards/carry, 3.2 after contact, plus a receiving TD.
• Liz’s ranking: RB45; not a start yet, but must roster.
  “This is a situation that we want to monitor for week three.”

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Fantasy Therapy: Listener Questions & Dilemmas (10:03)

Omarion Hampton: Still Startable? (10:06)

• Concerns: Time split with Najee Harris, costly fumble, shift to a pass-happy Chargers offense.
• Liz: “I'm still starting Hampton… but I've moved him down. He's on the RB2/flex bubble for me.”
  Starts above: Javonte Williams, Jalen Warren, Travis Etienne, Tony Pollard.

Brian Thomas Jr. vs. DK Metcalf vs. Courtland Sutton (12:01)

• BTJ disappointing, also pops up on injury report (wrist).
• Liz: “Still, we love that volume… I'd still roll him out as a WR2 in week three, but if you feel better about Metcalf, play him.”

Daniel Jones vs. Bo Nix (13:38)

• "You are not crazy... I have Daniel Jones ranked ahead of Bo Nix. We cannot sit Indiana Jones right now." — Liz

Burrow Injury: Double-QB Stash or Streaming? (14:02)

• Liz: “Do not waste your roster spots on two quarterbacks. Stream weekly.”
• Waiver tip: Michael Penix Jr. vs. Carolina this week.

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Expert Analysis: Who to Cut, Start, or Sell High for Week 3 (17:21)

Hardest Cut - Evan Engram (17:39)

• Daniel Dopp: “Not only do I think he’s not startable, but… he is cuttable right now.”
• Needed starter-level performance hasn’t materialized from “the joker role" in Denver.

Sell High - Quentin Johnston (19:36)

• “He’s averaging over five fantasy points per catch right now. That’s not sustainable.”
• "I don’t believe that this start... is going to be real in the long term." — Daniel
• Compared to Jameson Williams: similar risk, both in dynamic pass-first offenses with multiple mouths to feed.

Gut Call - Javonte Williams, Top 10 RB This Week (21:56)

• Daniel’s big divergence from consensus: “He scored over 25 fantasy points in each of his first two games… This Dallas Cowboys offense has not been great, but it has been productive… He’s been a good pass catcher.”
• Liz notes: “Bears have allowed huge games to RBs; I have him rostered plenty.”

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Week 3 Must Start/Sit - "Gut Calls" (24:01)

• Start: Keon Coleman (BUF WR)
  "Any single Buffalo Bills wide receiver, but specifically Keon Coleman, because they're taking on the Miami Dolphins and I want to play absolutely everybody against the Miami Dolphins." (24:01)

• Sit: Isaiah Pacheco
  "He should not be anywhere near your lineup... Pacheco is absolutely not startable." (25:38)
  Committee with Kareem Hunt + low snap share kills value.

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Memorable Quotes & Banter

• On Daniel Jones: “Part of me is like, is Daniel Jones who we wanted Caleb Williams to be after these two weeks of play?” — Liz Loza (03:49)
• “The jokes been on us. It’s not great.” — Daniel Dopp, on Evan Engram dud (18:23)
• On cutting ties with draft capital duds: “This is one of the hardest parts… I still in my mind have the draft capital that I slotted in for these people as part of me making any waiver decisions.” — Daniel Dopp (17:39)
• “Dolphins do not live in Minnesota, and that it is okay not to know everything all at once.” — Liz Loza, closing call (35:43)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Daniel Jones Analysis: 03:10–04:32
• Jameson Williams Outlook: 04:41–06:16
• Bhayshul Tutten Watch: 06:26–07:57
• Fantasy Therapy: Hampton, Thomas Jr., Jones/Nix, Streaming QBs: 10:03–14:42
• Expert Debate (with Daniel): Who to Cut/Start/Sell High, Gut Calls: 17:21–25:09
• Favorite Week 3 Start/Sit: 24:01–26:24
• Fact or Feeling Game: 27:43–35:01

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Lightning Round: Fact or Feeling Game (27:43+)

A playful, rapid-fire sequence where Daniel Dopp calls "facts" or "feelings" on current fantasy takes:

• Jake Browning — okay backup for Burrow owners? “That’s a fact.” (28:05)
• Chase Brown unreliable after Burrow injury? “I think that’s fact and that really hurts me to say.” (29:02)
• Jamar Chase over Justin Jefferson rest-of-season? “That’s a feeling.” (31:11)
• Travion Henderson will take over RB1? Daniel goes "feeling," but is confident the rookie will eventually emerge. (31:51)
• Cooper Kupp can be trusted again? “No, fact. We cannot.” (34:11)

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Final Words of Advice & Vibe

Liz Loza:
“Some situations are too nuanced or complicated to inspire an immediate or clear-cut choice. Sometimes we just gotta dwell in the dwelling… Ultimately it is better to be resolved than rash.” (35:43)

Daniel Dopp:
On stashing and waiting on rookies: “We want him to start immediately. We don’t leave space for evolution…” (32:11)

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Notable Players Featured

• Daniel Jones, Jameson Williams, Bhayshul Tutten, Omarion Hampton, Brian Thomas Jr., DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, Michael Penix Jr., Evan Engram, Quinton Johnston, Javonte Williams, Isaiah Pacheco, Keon Coleman, Cooper Kupp, Travion Henderson, Ramondre Stevenson

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Takeaways

• Be decisive, but patient: Don’t be overly rash after just two weeks; some players deserve short leashes, others more time.
• Adapt to new information: Trending role/snap shares (Tutin, Williams), hot hands (Javonte), and injuries strongly affect start/sit.
• Waivers and Flex spots: Target upside and respond weekly; don’t waste bench space on unnecessary depth.
• Community support: Use “fantasy therapy” and expert panels to inform your gut, not strictly dictate your move.

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For more in-depth player breakdowns and the latest rankings, visit Liz’s column and catch Fantasy Focus daily on ESPN platforms!

Transcript

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[Liz Loza]

Hey, I'm Liz Loza, and this is Facts vs. Feelings. Your amuse bouche to your fantasy. Focus Main course. We are bringing more facts, more feelings, more fantasy, and of course, more fun. And now that I have your attention, today's fact is that it is okay not to know everything all at once. Oh, hello, Producer Alex. I assume you are subbing in for producer Presley, since he's on a buy this week.

[Producer Alex]

Liz, it's good to be here. And that's why you draft more than one player at a position, because you got to pull people off the bench from time to time.

[Liz Loza]

Are you calling yourself a backup?

[Producer Alex]

I am ready to fill in depth and do whatever it takes for the team to win.

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All right.

[Liz Loza]

I love it. Clear your throat. Let's go. What is something. Thank you. Oh, you're already taking direction better than Presley. I love this. All right, producer Alex, what is something that you can admit that you know nothing about and still feel totally comfortable with yourself?

[Producer Alex]

Yeah, I have no idea what my dog is thinking from moment to moment, but, you know, I'm happy she's around, and so.

[Liz Loza]

Oh, my gosh. You cannot read your dog's mind. There's got to be something else that you're like, you can admit ignorance about.

[Producer Alex]

Geez, I mean, I'll go pop culture. That's not really my area of expertise. And I still make it from sun up to sundown every day.

[Liz Loza]

You are not as easy to embarrass or make blush as producer Presley. But now I have a challenge.

[Producer Alex]

Yeah, but I'm a New Yorker. You're not going to get me more vulnerable than I am right now.

[Liz Loza]

Okay, But I think he'll hear that. And so I have done a good enough job triggering at least someone. Speaking of being triggered, we don't like to trigger our audiences. We like them to feel, you know, full of facts and feelings, obviously, after an episode, and so much so that they would like and subscribe to this video, so. So go ahead and smash the button. You know you want to. And if you don't, I'm just gonna ask you to do it anyway. Also, things that you might wanna do in your spare time. Leave us a voicemail because we do have a voicemail line. That number is Alex this is where sometimes I need producers help. 914-348-1893 that's oh yeah, you're right. Go ahead and hit the disclaimer.

[Podcast Disclaimer Voice]

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, mal 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.

[Daniel Dopp]

I have no idea what I'm doing, but I know I'm doing it really, really well.

[Producer Alex]

All right, Liz, you just said that the theme of today's episode is being comfortable not knowing everything all at once. And we certainly didn't know that Daniel Jones could ball like he has through the first two weeks of the season. What do you got?

[Liz Loza]

Well, what a pleasant surprise. I'm like, if I'm not going to know something, I'm okay not knowing this. Especially when you're noting the number of injuries to the quarterback position. Daniel Jones has been the QB2 in fantasy overall coming out of two weeks of action week one. All right, that was a gimme against the Miami Dolphins defense, but Week two really showed me something. Against the Broncos defense, Jones put up nearly 23 fantasy points against a defense that held starting quarterbacks last season to under 15 fantasy points per game. So I am starting to believe. I mean, part of me is like, is Daniel Jones who we wanted Caleb Williams to be after these two weeks of play? It is no surprise that his percentage rostered has skyrocketed to over 60%. Though obviously still available in nearly 40% of ESPN leagues. The Colts are favored by three and a half versus the Titans. And we also have seen Daniel Jones put up points through his legs. Interestingly, he has recorded four rushes inside the five, which was the second most among quarterbacks. Josh Allen has five, Jalen Hurts has three, so we know he's getting it done through the air and on the ground. I have him ranked as my QB8 heading into week three. I think you can start him in the QB10 to QB8 range and let's hope this momentum keeps churning throughout the season.

[Producer Alex]

Well, it certainly sounds like you know that Daniel Jones is one of the guys you're going to be able to rely on in Week three. Liz, what about Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams?

[Liz Loza]

Well, we have known for a long time that Jameson Williams is a high ceiling player, right? 94th percentile speed. He can fly, but that skill set has made him a bit of a boom or bust play. Now we were hoping in 2024 when his ADOT went down but his usage and volume went up the that he would, you know, be more of a consistent producer, that he'd be deployed from the intermediate level of the field and not just this field stretcher, this deep threat consistently and that some of that production would even out. And yet over two weeks of play that has not been the case. In week one he converted four of five for 23 yards and zero touchdowns. In week two though, just two of four for 108 and a touchdown. So so it looks like we know that we have a roller coaster and we're not getting off of it anytime soon. And here's the thing, I don't mind that now that we know that he's still a wide receiver 30 he's still a flex. So if when you are building your roster and looking at your competition, are you chasing points? What is the projection? Do you need a high ceiling player? Then you're going to deploy Jameson Williams, JMO as we love to call him. Also this week I'm going to be high on him because the Lions are facing the Ravens on prime time and the current over under is 52 and a half. That suggests a high scoring game and if a game is high scoring, I'm going to bet that Jameson Williams is part of the game plan. So I am enthusiastically flexing him this week. But knowing that there might be some bus potential, I know I'm going to.

[Producer Alex]

Be going back and forth between Jameson Williams and Ricky Piercel all year on one of my leagues at the flex position. But what do I need to know about Bashel Tutin over in Jacksonville?

[Liz Loza]

Well, we know that we don't know the entire equation. Now I don't mean this as a flex, but it is kind of awesome to be on a first name basis with Adam Schefter because he knows a lot more than the rest of us and when he feels like sharing a nug, everybody listens on the set of fantasy football. Now last Sunday he said to expect Baja Tutin to be a larger part of Jacksonville's backfield, especially now that Tank Bigsby is in Philadelphia. Now we weren't sure what that meant or how quickly he would be folded into the offense because obviously Travis ETN was the team's RB1 and was coming off of this 143 yard performance. Indeed, Tutin did see a giant increase in snaps. In week one, Tutin snapshare was 6% and in week two it went up to 26%. Now again, I'm not sure if this is where it's going to stay for the moment or if there could be a potential changing of the guard. We do know that too, was incredibly efficient. He managed 4.8 yards per carry and even more impressively, 3.2 yards after contact. Beyond that, he scored an incredible receiving touchdown. So the kid is showing out. Travis Etienne in the final year of his deal. Tutin obviously a rookie. So this is a situation that we want to monitor for week three. I have Tutin as, I don't know, like let's call it RB45. Probably not someone you're starting, but certainly someone you want to roster and a backfield you want to keep an eye on.

[Producer Alex]

Dope. That's three players that Liz is letting us know what there is to know about.

[Liz Loza]

Up next, we put you, the listener, on the couch. It's fantasy therapy At New Balance, we believe if you run, you're a runner, however you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing things the right way, you're free to discover your way. And that's what running is all about. Run your [e-mail] running does it ever.

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[Liz Loza]

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[Daniel Dopp]

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[Daniel Dopp]

This is a safe place. It's a place where we can feel free sharing our feelings.

[Liz Loza]

Now let's dive into fantasy therapy, the safe space for all of your fantasy questions. All right Alex, who do we have first?

[Producer Alex]

Colin left us a voicemail about Omarion Hampton.

[Voicemail Callers]

Hi Liz, my name is Colin and the question that I have is Omarion Hampton had a pretty rough Monday night, but it seems like that's normal for a rookie running back. I don't want him to lose snaps to Najee but could also see where the Chargers are really good and want to split more reps. What do you think? Is Hampton still a starting running back?

[Liz Loza]

This is a great question. As someone who has a decent number of shares of Omarion Hampton, I too am worried. I am nervous. Full disclosure, I don't admit I don't have problem admitting it. Here's part of the issue though, right because we invested in Hampton because we believed this Chargers offense initially to be a run focused approach and now we're seeing this high flying scheme. We I don't mind it especially for Justin Herbert and the pass catchers. I just don't love the fact that yes he is sharing time with Najee Harris and he did have a costly fumble that didn't affect like the score of the game on Monday night but did happen at the end of the game. And we know that Harbaugh is an old school coach. So all of that being said, I am still starting Hampton. I'm not ready to pull the plug yet. I have though moved him down in my rankings. He is currently on the RB2/Flex bubble for me. If you need somebody as a flex, I think you can throw out Hampton again. The Chargers are two and a half point favorites versus Denver. Now Denver's defense normally pretty good but they did give up over 200 total yards to Jonathan Taylor last week. So I am going to go ahead and flex Hampton names I'm starting ahead of him. For context though, Javante Williams, Jalen Warren, Travis ETN and Tony Pollard. I hope that answered your question, Colin. Thank you for calling in Alex. Let's move to another one.

[Producer Alex]

Mikey left us a voicemail about Brian.

[Voicemail Callers]

Thomas Jr. What's up Liz? My name is Mikey. I was calling with a question about Brian Thomas Jr. Has really been disappointing me lately and I got BTJ, DK Metcalfe and Cortland Sutton trying to decide who I should start this week since BTJ has kind of been disappointing and Cortland Sutton got a whole 1.6 1.9 points last week. New England hasn't been that great so I'm kind of leaning towards DK right now. What do you think?

[Liz Loza]

Thanks for calling in Mikey. Again, a really astute question. So let me first say that I too have been frustrated by Brian Thomas Jr. And I actually have BTJ and DK Metcalf back to back in my rankings. Here's an interesting wrinkle that we just learned. On Wednesday morning, ahead of recording, BTJ popped up on the injury report with a wrist issue. So it might have been possible that part of his efficiency issues wasn't just Trevor Lawrence, but that wrist issue if he was dealing with it in week two. Now I'm sure you're well aware, but in case someone else wasn't, he only converted 4 of 12 looks. Still, we love that volume. And I'm not quite ready after two weeks to fully give up on Liam Liam Cohen. So I think there will be some cohesion. Cohesion. If you feel more comfortable with DK Metcalf, though, already acknowledging like I did, that I have Metcalf and Thomas Jr. Back to back in my rankings, then you should start him because you should always do the thing that you want to do for your fantasy team. That being said, I do think that BTJ is a suitable wide receiver too. Obvious apprehension, but I'd still roll him out as a wide receiver too in week three.

[Producer Alex]

Let's turn to social media. D Moose Keys wants to know am I crazy to start Danny Dimes over Bo Nicks this weekend? He also wants to tell you you're the best loza.

[Liz Loza]

Well D Mooski is obviously awesome since he said that. And no, you're not crazy. I will validate your insanity. I have Daniel Jones ranked ahead of Bo Nix. We cannot sit Indiana Jones right now. How about another one?

[Producer Alex]

Eric Johnson's got a strategy question. He lost Joe Burrow in a 12 team lead. Should he pick up two quarterbacks and rotate or stream quarterbacks weekly?

[Liz Loza]

Do not waste your roster spots on two quarterbacks and doing that. Go ahead and stream weekly. We know that fantasy is a week to week, moment to moment sometimes situation. Someone will pop up, someone will get injured. I would just stream quarterbacks weekly if you're looking for a little nugget. Michael Penix Jr. Is interesting in week three alone. He's currently available still after waivers had cleared in over 70% of ESPN fantasy leagues and he is facing the Carolina Panthers who are not good, some might say booty cheeks.

[Producer Alex]

In fact, that's what we got.

[Liz Loza]

Liz all right, I hope you all enjoyed fantasy therapy. Don't forget to call the voicemail line and Feel free to hit us up so that we can continue to provide a safe space for your questions, your facts and all your feelings.

[Daniel Dopp]

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[Liz Loza]

Our next guest lives in fantasyland and I mean that the best way possible. From ESPN's Fantasy Focus, he is breaking down who to start, who to sit, which sleeper you shouldn't sleep on. Straight out of the 06010 it is my dear friend and colleague, the one and only Daniel Dawn.

[Daniel Dopp]

Hello, Liz Loza. How are you?

[Liz Loza]

It's so good to see you.

[Daniel Dopp]

It's great to see you.

[Liz Loza]

I love being in the same room with you, working with you. We did not get to do Focus Together this week because I took your channel.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah. You took over. You hosted.

[Liz Loza]

Yeah, I did.

[Daniel Dopp]

You did a great job, for what it's worth. So for me to be able just to like do a show with you in general, it's always great because normally you're on the other side of the country. So just doing something with you is always fantastic.

[Liz Loza]

We've got a lot of days together this week, week and in August.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes.

[Liz Loza]

But I love all my days with you.

[Daniel Dopp]

I agree. I agree.

[Liz Loza]

It's a love fest.

[Daniel Dopp]

I. I was wondering if you were going to love your days after the 52 points that were scored against your.

[Liz Loza]

Team on Sunday talking about the Bears and the Lions.

[Daniel Dopp]

But I wasn't sure if it was time to bring it up. Maybe I just saved that for a hibachi conversation.

[Liz Loza]

Seems to. I mean, I owe you dinner.

[Daniel Dopp]

I know. I feel so bad about it after you win so big. You're like, can we just cancel the bet? The win was good enough for me.

[Liz Loza]

Also, I didn't think to be clear and I want everyone to know this, I didn't think the Bears were going to win straight up, but I did think they would cover the six and a half point spread.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Liz Loza]

All right. So we're heading into week three.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Liz Loza]

Nothing has gone According to plan.

[Daniel Dopp]

Nope, nope.

[Liz Loza]

Just. Just like we thought it would. So we're going to retool. We're going to take a breath and maybe get back on track hopefully.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes. It's not a rebuild, it's a retool. I like the way that you said that. Yes.

[Liz Loza]

We're not rebuilding, we're retooling.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's right.

[Liz Loza]

So I'm going to ask you because there have been a couple of brand name players that have yet after two to pop, who is the toughest big name player to cut from your lineup right now? And you're allowed to say it's too early to cut anyone.

[Daniel Dopp]

So I thought about this a lot. Yeah. Because it's only week two.

[Liz Loza]

Correct.

[Daniel Dopp]

This is one of the hardest parts about being this early in the season. Right. Is I still in my mind have the draft capital that I slotted in for these people as a part of me making any waiver decisions. So can I decide I'm going to cut bait on some of these guys already? There's one person in particular that has been the hardest because I don't think he's startable anymore.

[Liz Loza]

Okay.

[Daniel Dopp]

And it's at a position that is actually quite thin in fantasy football. We said that coming into the season. But for me it's Evan Ingram. It is so bad, girl. Like I gotta tell you, I hung so many teams chances on waiting at the tight end spot and I was grabbing one of two guys. It was either TJ Hawkinson, which that has not worked out either, or Evan.

[Liz Loza]

Ingram or maybe David and Joku.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah. And that also hasn't.

[Liz Loza]

That was the trio.

[Daniel Dopp]

Harold Fannin has been like, where did he come from? So anyways, in Denver I thought for sure that Evan Ingram was going to be the number two pass catcher. He's not even the number two tight end. It's like Adam. Adam Troutman is crushing everything right now. Like that's. Troy Franklin has been the number two pass catcher behind Cortland Sutton. Evan Ingram has basically been non existent six targets for four catches and 33 yards. We thought that he was going to play that joker role, but the joke's been on us. Jokes. It's not great. I think he is the number one guy that has been the hardest for me because I drafted him to be a starter for my squad. And through two weeks, not only do I think he's not startable, but I feel like if you needed to make a move to go out and get someone else, he is cuttable right now. Going into week three.

[Liz Loza]

I Also think that, you know, the problem with Evan Ingram is that there was an injury in week one, so there is the potential that he could be working his way back from that. But again, at that position when you can stream and given the volatility involved, it's just not worth it to hang on to him.

[Daniel Dopp]

Agreed. Unfortunately, it's tough.

[Liz Loza]

Who's the player that you don't trust in spite of a hot start and that you might want to sell high on even though again, it's early days.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah. I think there's one name for me that stood out above all the rest and it's on a team that has been surprisingly pass happy and that is the Los Angeles Chargers with Quinton Johnston.

[Liz Loza]

Okay.

[Daniel Dopp]

Quinton Johnson.

[Liz Loza]

Don't trust it.

[Daniel Dopp]

I don't know. I really don't. 14 targets, eight catches, 150 yards and three touchdowns. He's averaging over five fantasy points per catch right now. Liz Loza. That's not sustainable. Like we thought this was going to be a lad McConkey led receiving core. Instead it seems like it's Quinton Johnston and then Keelan Allen even though he's 30. Whatever his cousin did I say Keelan? That's how frustrated I am right now. I have so many shares of lad McConkey and I'm just watching them not be like materialized the way that I expected. These other guys are getting in the end zone. I don't believe that this start by Quinton Johnston is going to be real in the long term.

[Liz Loza]

Let me. I don't disagree with you because all of the evidence that has come before this point has led us to believe that it wouldn't be. However, what is the difference really? And we can add draft pedigree into the equation between Quentin Johnston and Jamison Williams.

[Daniel Dopp]

There's not a big difference.

[Liz Loza]

I mean they're both attached to quarterbacks that we like.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes.

[Liz Loza]

Right. They're both now in high flying offenses with in theory, balanced run games.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's right. Yep.

[Liz Loza]

In theory.

[Daniel Dopp]

In theory. And they are a part of a like a decent passing attack where there are multiple mouths to feed. And I say that almost in a positive way where it's not like teams can just say like, all right, we got to shut down Quinton Johnston. Instead it's like we've got a bunch of things that we've got to factor in for here. And so you know, former first round pick, he's got a big body. Obviously Justin Herbert has been able to find him deep on a number of plays. He's Found his way into the end zone three different times.

[Liz Loza]

Boy, like late bloomers is late bloomers.

[Daniel Dopp]

Could this be sticky? As my buddy feel Jate says on the show, like, this could stick around more than I want to give it credit for. But if that happens, it's coming at the expense of someone else. And right now it's coming at the expense of lad McConkey. So I just think as much as I have loved seeing it for him because the start of his career started real poor, I just don't think Quinton Johnston is going to be this guy for the majority of the season.

[Liz Loza]

All right, One gut call that you're making in week three that goes against the consensus Mike Clay would shrivel and balk at this call.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah. So I don't know. I was trying to think about this. I tried to pick the one that was. I was farthest apart from Mike or field or you on like. Right. Our other consensus rankers. No, we're usually fairly close. But I think this is a player that I have been in on and we. I talked about him on Focus as potentially being a top 10 running back.

[Liz Loza]

I know who it is and it's.

[Daniel Dopp]

Going to be Javante Williams.

[Liz Loza]

It's not who I thought it was going to be.

[Daniel Dopp]

Taking on the Chicago Bears. He's right. Now I've got him as running back. 10. He scored over 25 fantasy points in each of his first two games. He's found the end zone in each of his first two games. This Dallas Cowboys offense has not been great, but it has been productive from a. We need to go out there and like, we need to put up yards because our defense is just atrocious. Right. He's been a good pass catcher. And this week against your Chicago Bears, unfortunately, Liz, the last two games that they had against running backs gave up over 24 fantasy points to the Vikings. Running backs gave up over 32 fantasy points to the Lions running backs. I think that this is a spot where Javante Williams is going to be able to eat again here in week three.

[Liz Loza]

So the best part about this call, other than I agree with it, the fact that it is against the Bears, makes me okay because I did hype Javante.

[Daniel Dopp]

You did? Yes.

[Liz Loza]

And so I do have him rostered plenty. So I. I feel like, well, listen, if my Bears are going to fall over to someone, at least let me personally benefit.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah. You get something out of this. 100. I like. I. We were all out on Javante Williams where it's like, there's no way I'm more in on this passing game than I'm in on this running game. And that was me all off season. Right. I was talking about that. But to start the season, Miles Sanders basically doesn't exist. Jaden Blue basically doesn't exist. Nope. So it really is the Javante Williams show. And with the way that they need to play offense, he's going to be out there a ton. Like, I, I think he is closer to a top 15 running back than I ever would have given him credit for coming into this.

[Liz Loza]

His rushing efficiency also back. All right, favorite start for week three.

[Daniel Dopp]

Favorite start for week three. So this. I'm going to go low. I'm going to go low end here on the list. Okay. Because I have. I wrote down a couple of things here as to like. Yeah, well, I got a little note.

[Liz Loza]

She does. Yeah.

[Daniel Dopp]

So I'm gonna go with my favorite start, but it's lower on down the list. This will be a flex play for you, but I'm leaning into the narrative or any of you out there. Yes, but I'm leaning into the narrative that I think is going to continue for the entirety of the season. Any single Buffalo Bills wide receiver, but specifically Keon Coleman, because they're taking on the Minnesota Dolphins and I want to play absolutely everybody against the Minnesota Dolphins. Minnesota, the Miami Dolphins this week.

[Liz Loza]

I mean, if there were Dolphins in Minnesota, it was.

[Daniel Dopp]

Honestly, it really would be. No, but like the Dolphins have just been so bad, unfortunately, on defense. That secondary specifically has been atrocious. They have been eaten alive through the first two weeks. I don't feel like it's going to get any better. And for this situation right now in Buffalo, after what was a huge week one for Keon Coleman, he got the sauce gardener shadow taken on the jets. And so that one didn't. The game kind of played out as we expected. Mike Clay talked about that in his playbook when he was looking at the wide receiver cornerback matchup. That's just not going to be the case here. So I think if you need to utilize Keon Coleman or Khalil Shakir, both of them I think are flex worthy options because they're taking on the Dolphins.

[Liz Loza]

I like the Keon Coleman call because we love when we get validation. And if we remember over the summer there was a drumbeat about his potential breakout. It was whether or not you were going to buy it, whether this was, you know, Josh Allen trying to hype up his buddy, hoping it would work out or if it was happening. And then in week one, we obviously saw Them connect and the trust and the rapport build in real ways.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah.

[Liz Loza]

Favorite sit for week three.

[Daniel Dopp]

So favorite sit is a weird way to say it. Right? Because it's like the guy that brings.

[Liz Loza]

The most bad sit.

[Daniel Dopp]

Okay, well then that's easy for me. And I hate to say this because I was in on this guy through the entirety of the off season. I said, why not wait and grab him? Because he was hurt once he returned last year and he didn't fully look at himself. And Isaiah Pacheco should not be anywhere near your lineup.

[Liz Loza]

Daddy, I loved him.

[Daniel Dopp]

It is so.

[Liz Loza]

Daddy is like winning here. I'm taking Ls on my love life left and right.

[Daniel Dopp]

It is brutal right now. Right now, Kareem Hunt looks better than Isaiah Pacheco and I still think Kareem Hunt is cooked. Like, I don't think he's an efficient, great running back in the NFL. He looks better this year than he did last year. But Pacheco is absolutely not startable. He's not even close. The only reason why I would say don't drop him is just because starting running backs are so difficult to come by that what happens if things do.

[Liz Loza]

Get underway or cream Hunt gets hurt?

[Daniel Dopp]

Yep.

[Liz Loza]

Or I mean, but also if you're looking at the snapshare, that to me is the volume piece of it. It's not that we thought Pacheco was going to be a wildly efficient running back, but you don't mind a back that's attached to Patrick Mahomes or the Chiefs offense. But he was only on the field for nine more snaps then Kareem Hunt in week two.

[Daniel Dopp]

That's not going to do it.

[Liz Loza]

I don't know what Kareem Hunt has on. Andy Rebuy something.

[Producer Alex]

It's.

[Daniel Dopp]

Dude. And we specifically said this team didn't add anything of note during the off season, which gave me so much more validation of like, hey, they're showing us Isaiah Pacheco is going to be their guy. There's no way it's going to be Kareem Hunt. Right. And then through the first two weeks, it's just a straight up committee right now. But the real winner of that committee is Patrick freaking Mahomes because he's the best runner out of all three of them right now. It's infuriating.

[Liz Loza]

It is infuriating. But you know, also I was going to say but not for Chiefs fans, but they are 02. You know, the Bears and the Chiefs have the same record.

[Daniel Dopp]

Oh, that's bad.

[Liz Loza]

That's actually kind Of a balm for me.

[Daniel Dopp]

I heard that this is the Chiefs first three game losing streak with Patrick Mahomes like under center, period since he came into the NFL because they lost super bowl and then lost the first two games to start the season.

[Liz Loza]

We have talked about, we have talked on this show about how nothing is permanent so everything has an expiration date for better or for worse. Would you like to play a game?

[Daniel Dopp]

I'd love to.

[Liz Loza]

Okay, we're gonna play. We're gonna play a game called fact or feeling. I will give you a statement and you will tell me whether that is a fact or a feeling.

[Daniel Dopp]

Love it.

[Liz Loza]

And feel free to elaborate.

[Daniel Dopp]

I will.

[Liz Loza]

Okay. Number one, Jake Browning is not the worst fill in for Joe Burrow owners. Fact or feeling?

[Daniel Dopp]

That's a fact. That's a fact. It doesn't feel good.

[Liz Loza]

It could be Bryce Young, I was.

[Daniel Dopp]

Gonna say because when I look at who else it could be, I could have a different quarterback that I don't feel like is gonna bring as much to the table. That doesn't mean that I think that Jake Browning is a super athletic or a very mobile quarterback or it does any of these things. But I think there is enough wherewithal in his brain to say I've got enough pieces around me that I've just got to get the ball out to them and I'll let them do the dirty work.

[Liz Loza]

We're going to build on that. You mentioned pieces around Jake Browning. I served this one up just for you.

[Daniel Dopp]

Oh.

[Liz Loza]

With Joe Burrow out, Chase Brown is not a reliable option at running back. Fact or feeling.

[Daniel Dopp]

When you say reliable, do you mean he's not an RB2? Do you mean you can't start him in fantasy? Do you mean what, what's the line there for reliability?

[Liz Loza]

He is no Longer A top 15 start at the position.

[Daniel Dopp]

I think that's fact and that really hurts me to say, but I think that losing Joe Burrow actually hurts Chase Brown just as much if not more than the wide receivers. I think Jake Browning can get the ball to his pass catchers. I think for Chase Brown the problem is going to be, well, we'll stop this guy and let this backup quarterback beat us. And Chase Brown already wasn't uber efficient from a running game perspective to begin with.

[Liz Loza]

Past catching shots.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yep. So I think that's where I'm at there.

[Liz Loza]

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen are a better couple than Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey, I'm going to use a better word than better. Are a more likable couple oh, my God factor. Why is this taking you so long to answer?

[Daniel Dopp]

Well, because. Well, there's a couple of reasons why, Liz. Okay, first off, you asked me the question. I'm thinking about it. All right? So I think they are a more likable couple. Yes. The reason why is not because Travis and Taylor aren't likable themselves, but because we, the media, have made them so unlikable.

[Liz Loza]

We. We had done nothing.

[Daniel Dopp]

I have not done anything. I have not done anything. Now, mind you, I have hated on Travis Kelce from a fantasy perspective for a number of years in a row. Like, that's a part of it. Golden Retriever, though, I feel like Josh Allen and Haley are just this. Like, we don't talk about them as much, and so they're boring. Maybe that's why. Maybe that's why they're more likable because no one wants to hear about all of these other things. I. Listen, I'm as. As big of a Tay Tay and Travis fan as you can get. I'm all in on this in part because. And I don't want to soapbox here, but, like, I love the fact that Taylor Swift is dating what was now engaged to one of the best tight ends in the game ever. And the number of female fans that have now decided to come into this football ecosystem because of her is unbelievable. And especially with the demographic of people that are her fans, it's usually younger women, too, which I think is amazing.

[Liz Loza]

Justin Jefferson over Jamar Chase. Ros. Fact or feeling?

[Daniel Dopp]

That's a feeling. I would go with Jamar Chase over.

[Liz Loza]

Justin Jefferson when we're noting that both of their quarterbacks are banged up. Both J.J. mcCarthy and Joe Burrow.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, that's. And I. I think the difference is, like, could Carson Wentz maybe show us something that JJ McCarthy wasn't showing us?

[Liz Loza]

What has JJ McCarthy, outside of one half of football in which the defense collapsed, shown us?

[Daniel Dopp]

Really booty cheeks. That's what he's shown us. Yeah. So I think that's where we're at.

[Liz Loza]

All right. Travion Henderson didn't want to be triggered by something. You're going to be triggered by this question. Travion Henderson will not be your answer at running back this season. Fact or feeling? Notice I said this season, not this week feeling.

[Daniel Dopp]

I. That is a feeling because he will become the RB1 of this squad.

[Liz Loza]

You are. You sound pretty passionate about that.

[Daniel Dopp]

Very confident about that because I've watched Ramon Ray Stevenson play football. So, like, I'm not worried about that. Like, I Get it? This is the classic. The veteran is going to start the season. We the problem with Treveon Henderson is us, Liz.

[Liz Loza]

Like we want him to start immediately. We don't leave space for evolution.

[Daniel Dopp]

We did not allow the idea that it's going to take a while for this rookie to be able to get into full form. Instead, we saw 100 yard kick return in the preseason and these big explosive plays and our explosion expectations got out of control. He is the 1 player in draft season that I think the hype train got moving too fast for. And right now, even though we think Ramon Ray Stevenson is more washed than he is a good running back, the Patriots are going to continue to utilize him until they decide that his expiration date has come. But I very much believe there is an expiration date on Ramond Ray Stevenson as the RB1 in this offense. And by the time that you get into the playoff push for fantasy football, Travion Henderson will now be offering you the value that you drafted him to give you.

[Liz Loza]

But you've had him on your roster that long. He was drafted inside the top 50 overall players. Ramandre Stevenson outside of the top 100.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, I think. Do you feel like we, we did that, like, was that I have 0.

[Liz Loza]

Shares full disclosure, because I was like, that's just a rookie that I don't feel like investing in. Also plenty of Ashwin Genti, plenty of mine, Hampton. So it's not like I'm immune to drafting rookie running backs. I, I just, I, I feel like when we look at Rabel and we look at the culture of that team, you know, Anderson pulled a handful of penalties in week two. There's a doghouse situation. There's a, you know, initiation fraternity thing going on. So I think they'll probably be a changing of the guard.

[Daniel Dopp]

But all it takes is one more Ramon Ray fumble. I mean like he puts the ball on the ground again and like this is a problem.

[Liz Loza]

A renewed chance.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, exactly. And I think we're getting right back to Henderson. And once he gets, I feel like once he gets this lead back role, he's not going to give it back to Ramandre.

[Liz Loza]

Okay. All right. You can't put the genie back in the bottle. I hear that's something.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yeah, that's. That's a thing.

[Liz Loza]

Can we trust Cooper cup again? Fact or feeling?

[Daniel Dopp]

Feeling. No, fact.

[Liz Loza]

Wait, we cannot.

[Daniel Dopp]

We cannot. Yes. We cannot trust Cooper cup again.

[Liz Loza]

Not at this age. Not in this offense.

[Daniel Dopp]

I don't think so. Jackson, Smith and Jigba right now is the only guy in that Seahawks offense that I feel like I can start with. Confidence in fantasy football. I don't want anything to do with that running back by committee. I'd like to unsubscribe, please. And I do not believe that Cooper cup has enough left in the tank. This is a JSN led offense, period. End of sentence.

[Liz Loza]

Liz Loza is your favorite cast member on fantasy football now and Fantasy Focus Fact.

[Daniel Dopp]

That is a fact. Okay, I didn't need to think about that one. That one was easy.

[Liz Loza]

You came right out. All right, Daniel, that is going to do it for our time on the show. Yes, I know we're grabbing Hibachi later at some point.

[Daniel Dopp]

We are. Yes.

[Liz Loza]

Yes. I gotta bring like the gold.

[Daniel Dopp]

I can't wait for that Land and sea. It's gonna be so good.

[Liz Loza]

All right. Thank you so much. Tell everybody where they can find you and your brilliant work and your gorgeous face on a daily basis.

[Daniel Dopp]

Yes, you can find me on social media at Daniel Dopp on Twitter and at Daniel Bluesky. All the extra blue sky stuff that you need to add on there. And then you can follow me doing Fantasy Focus every single day, Monday through Friday, 10am to 11am on our NFL on ESPN YouTube page. You can also catch us three days a week on ESPN2 for Fantasy Focus. And then you'll see me on fantasy football now with this lovely woman as well from 10am to 1pm on ESPN2 every single Sunday.

[Liz Loza]

Love you, buddy.

[Daniel Dopp]

Love you too. Last call.

[Liz Loza]

Today we learned that booty cheeks are subjective, that Dolphins do not live in Minnesota, and that it is okay not to know everything all at once. Remember that some situations are too nuanced or complicated to inspire an immediate or clear cut choice. Sometimes we just gotta dwell in the dwelling as much as that stinks. But ultimately it is better to be resolved than rash. Big thanks to Daniel dot for joining the show and playing along, and to producer Alex for bringing some Big Apple energy to the episode. Be sure to check out my Week 3 edition of Facts vs. Feelings, the column which is currently live on the dot com. Oh, and don't forget, you can leave us a voice. So hit us up at 914-348-1893 until next time. May your facts be solid, your feelings be right and your bus let them be someone else's problem. You've had enough of my claps.

[Podcast Disclaimer Voice]

I'm deaf from how loud they were.

[Liz Loza]

Because they're so strong. I'm a big girl. Be sure to check out my week three. Oh, okay. So We've got a whoop. This is fact versus facts. Focus. Main. Nah, blah, blah, blah, blah. They're not intentionally Mini Q. Do you need another baby clap, or was that one okay? Cute. Your safe space. A safe space. The safe space.