Week 5 Start/Sit: Is it time to move on from A.J. Brown🤔? Is Drake Maye a Lineup LOCK🔒!?

Summary

Fantasy Focus Football – Week 5 Start/Sit: Is it time to move on from A.J. Brown? Is Drake Maye a Lineup LOCK?

Date: October 2, 2025
Hosts: Liz Loza (main host), Producer Dave
Special Guest: Jamie Eisenberg (CBS Sports)

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Liz Loza and Producer Dave analyze actionable fantasy football decisions heading into Week 5, focusing on the critical space "between conviction and delusion." The episode features an in-depth look at key player dilemmas (e.g., Drake Maye's emergence, A.J. Brown's struggles), listener and caller therapy, and a rapid-fire "Start, Bench, Cut" segment with CBS Sports’ Jamie Eisenberg. It provides a blend of statistical analysis, match-up discussion, and real-world managerial advice, perfect for fantasy managers searching for Week 5 lineup guidance and beyond.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Drake Maye: A Fantasy "Lineup Lock"? (02:35–04:22)

• Stats & Analysis:
  • Maye is fantasy’s QB4 overall, averaging 21+ points/week, trailing only Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Mahomes.
  • Dual-threat production: Leads the league in completion percentage; over three straight games he’s either rushed for 45+ yards or scored on the ground.
  • Fun fact: Only player this season with at least 988 passing yards and 98 rushing yards.
• Week 5 Outlook:
  • Faces Buffalo as a significant underdog; likely to utilize his legs frequently against a Buffalo D allowing 6.0 YPC to opposing rushers.
  • Ranked as QB7 by Liz for Week 5.
  • Liz Loza [03:43]: “Points do not have to be pretty for them to help fantasy managers win.”

2. The A.J. Brown Dilemma: Time to Panic? (04:22–06:38)

• Recent Struggles:
  • Fewer than 3 catches & 15 yards in 4 of his last 8 games (including postseason).
  • Philly’s conservative game script while winning, plus Hurts’ dips in passing accuracy.
• Chemistry Issues:
  • In Week 4, Brown saw 9 targets—5 were “off target.”
• Week 5 Matchup:
  • Faces Denver, which has conceded only two passing TDs all season—and just one to a WR.
  • Brown is ranked “just inside the top 20” WRs for Week 5.
  • Liz Loza [05:52]: “Given this style of play, given the chemistry issues ... I have AJ Brown ranked just inside of my top 20.”

3. Zach Charbonnet: Time for Fantasy Patience? (06:38–08:40)

• Role Analysis:
  • Charbonnet is a “trusted 1B” rather than a takeover candidate unless Kenneth Walker is injured.
  • In Week 4: Walker out-carried Charbonnet 16–9, and had a slight edge in snaps (52% vs 45%).
• Week 5 Outlook:
  • Bad matchup vs. Tampa Bay, which has the 2nd lowest YPC allowed (3.3).
  • Rankings: Walker RB19, Charbonnet RB29.
  • Liz Loza [07:36]: “Unless there is an injury to Kenneth Walker, he is going to remain the team’s trusted one A option.”

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Fantasy Therapy – Listener Q&A

(09:09–14:15)

Ladd McConkey's Value (Michael, NY) [09:38–11:26]

• Analysis:
  • WR54 overall, little production after Week 1. Third in team targets, low usage even in catch-up situations.
  • “Maybe a flex” in Week 5 due to byes.
  • Ted McMillan: “My WR15 for Week 5.”
• Liz Loza [10:45]: “If the Chargers aren’t going to be throwing a bunch and Ladd remains third on the team in looks, he’s not going to get enough opportunities.”

Alvin Kamara Panic (Michael, TN) [11:34–13:13]

• Analysis:
  • RB26 overall; only one 15+ point game.
  • Still out-snapping Kendre Miller, but Miller was heavily involved last week.
  • Week 5: Giants give up 6.1 YPC; positive matchup.
  • “Be patient for one more week—Kamara can finish top 15–18.”
• Liz Loza [12:37]: “At 30 years old, the wheels might be falling off of this wagon ... But this matchup offers a little bit of relief.”

Has Genti Arrived? (@Jim, social) [13:28–14:15]

• Analysis:
  • Volume and talent finally converging; faces a beatable Colts run defense (4.5 YPC allowed).
  • Ranks Genti confidently as RB15 for Week 5.
• Liz Loza [13:31]: “Given the talent and given the volume, patience was key with Genti.”

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Guest Segment: Jamie Eisenberg Joins Facts vs. Feelings

(15:16–32:33)

Rapid-Fire “Start, Bench, Cut” (17:15–20:20)

• Key Calls:
  • Ladd McConkey: Start (hopeful for a breakout)
    • “I’m going to start Ladd with the hope this is the week he gets going.” [Jamie Eisenberg, 17:46]
  • Kyler Murray: Start (good matchup vs. Titans)
  • Trevor Lawrence: Cut (“It’s time to move on ... He’s been terrible in wins and good in losses.”) [Jamie, 18:23]
  • Nick Chubb: Cut (Woody Marks era is here)
  • TJ Hockenson: Bench or cut, depending on roster depth
  • Brock Bowers: Start (“Buy low ... better numbers are ahead if health improves.”)

Fantasy Manager Insights

• Rivalry in Leagues:
  • For Jamie, “the person I have to beat is without question our podcast host, Adam Mazer.”
• Biggest “Agita”: Brian Thomas Jr.
  • Route-running & chemistry problems after offseason hype.
  • Quote: “You’re seeing bad routes. You’re seeing afraid to go over the middle at times ... for what the talent level is.” [Jamie, 23:00s]
• Roster Cutoff Points:
  • Jalen Waddle needs to step up with Tyreek Hill out—“step up time for Jalen Waddle and hopefully he delivers.” [Jamie, 25:41]

Advice for 1–3 and 0–4 Managers (26:56–29:05)

• Trade for Depth:
  • Don’t be afraid to package a superstar for multiple startable pieces if you have roster holes.
  • Look at injured or underperforming stars as trade chips to “shake up the energy.”
• Liz Loza [29:05]: “Pull the ripcord and at least change the energy, take a pivot. ... what you’re doing isn’t working.”

Conviction vs. Delusion for Week 5 (29:29–32:12)

• Convicted Success:
  • Kyler Murray—“This is the time for him to step up and hopefully deliver.”
• Fantasy Delusion:
  • Jordan Mason—“You can’t start him against Cleveland. ... just tailor made for what the Browns want to do.”
• Liz Loza [32:12]: “Expectation management is so key in fantasy.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On A.J. Brown:
  • “Part of this issue is that Philly likes to play really conservatively when they’re winning, and right now they have yet to lose a game.” – Liz Loza [05:02]
• On Trading to Save Your Season:
  • “If you have superstar caliber players and have two or three holes on your roster, can you turn that superstar into one or two [startable] players?” – Jamie Eisenberg [27:13]
• Conviction vs. Delusion Wrap-up:
  • “Only one is built on facts. Remember, conviction is born out of the research we do, and while the work we put in never guarantees victory, it is ultimately better to lose with conviction than be led by delusion.” – Liz Loza [33:18]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Drake Maye Analysis: 02:35–04:22
• A.J. Brown Deep Dive: 04:22–06:38
• Zach Charbonnet Reality Check: 06:38–08:40
• Fantasy Therapy (Listener Q&A): 09:09–14:15
• Jamie Eisenberg Guest Segment: 15:16–32:33
• Start, Bench, Cut: 17:15–20:20
• Trade Advice for Losing Teams: 26:56–29:05
• Conviction vs. Delusion: 29:29–32:12

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Tone & Language

Liz and Dave keep the conversation lively and supportive, mixing hard stats with self-aware humor (“it's only week five. What do you mean we made it?” [00:56]) and therapy-style encouragement for struggling managers. Jamie Eisenberg brings a veteran’s steady presence, balancing optimism with candid roster advice.

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Summary Takeaways

• Drake Maye is a fantasy starter and possibly a “lineup lock” due to dual-threat upside, with a solid Week 5 projection.
• A.J. Brown’s volatility is real—he’s a WR2/3 play until chemistry and game script change.
• Zach Charbonnet remains a mere committee/backup RB unless Walker is injured.
• If your season is off to a slow start—trade aggressively to address roster holes.
• Conviction requires research; delusion is bias. Manage expectations, stay nimble, and play with facts-driven guts.

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For more in-depth write-ups, see Liz Loza’s “Facts vs. Feelings” column and check out Jamie Eisenberg’s work on CBS Sports and the Fantasy Football Today podcast. For questions or to join the therapy couch, call [phone].

Transcript

[Liz Loza]

When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together. Use polls to settle dinner plans. Send event invites and pin messages so no one forgets. Mom 60th and never miss a meme or milestone. All protected with end to end encryption. It's time for WhatsApp Message Privately with everyone. Learn [e-mail] hi, I'm Liz Loza and.

This is Facts vs Feelings. Your amuse bouche 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 feeling is that space between conviction and delusion. Hi, producer Presley.

[Producer Dave]

Hi, Liz. Week five. We made it.

[Liz Loza]

We. It's only week five. What do you mean we made it? We're. It's October 1st. As of today, we're best month of the year. By the way. October. We've got playoff baseball. It's my birthday month. We also have enough actionable fantasy data to make some really clear choices. What's not to love?

[Producer Dave]

I agree. And congratulations, Chicago Cups.

[Liz Loza]

I know, I see that you're wearing your Chicago Cubs hat. Even though it's backwards. I know that that's your Cubs hat.

[Producer Dave]

Yeah, it is. It is. We won't tell everybody what we got up through in Chicago, but it was a great time. I'm now officially a Cubs fan.

[Liz Loza]

Also, shout out to my Dodgers, who almost my other team who almost gave it away in the eighth inning but managed to beat the Reds handily. I am really, really. I just want to put this out here. I am really wanting to manifest a Cubs, Dodgers, nlcs. Let's make that happen. And then, you know, my bank account will be. Because I will be at one of those games.

[Producer Dave]

Well, you know, we are not a baseball podcast here. We're a fancy football podcast. So remember, like the video, subscribe to the NFL on ESPN YouTube channel. And yeah, should we hit a disclaimer?

[Liz Loza]

No, because we should also remind everyone that they can leave us a voicemail. Oh, who's the producer now? Hit us with your questions at 914-348-1893. Now, David, you can hit that disclaimer.

[Producer Dave]

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?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I am Beyonce Always. Not this time.

[Producer Dave]

Yes I am alright Liz, it's Week five and we are welcoming everybody into Conviction Corner, the first player on this list. The organization was definitely convicted when he decided to build the team around him and that is the New England Patriots. Drake May. Should fantasy managers be as convicted? That's the question.

[Liz Loza]

Well Dave, he is currently fantasy's QB4. Overall. He's averaging over 21 fantasy points per game behind only Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. So I think managers are feeling pretty good about this pick, particularly where they were able to draft him heading into the fall. May is getting it done through the air and on the ground round. He is if we're talking about his passing acumen leading the league in completion percentage and he has also managed at least 45 rushing yards or a rushing score in three straight games. Here's a fun fact. I love this stat. May has managed 988 passing yards and 98 rushing yards so far this season. Zero other players have done that, many of both passing and rushing. Right now. I think we're really enjoying the come up. He is following through on so many of the promises and I like this matchup for him because I think he's going to use his legs quite a bit against the Bills who are allowing a yards per carry average of 6.0 to opposing rushers now. Also, we're going to have to see May use his arm because the Patriots are seven and a half point road dogs at Orchard park, so it will be a tall order. But remember, points do not have to be pretty for them to help fantasy managers win. I have May ranked as my QB7 heading into week five.

[Producer Dave]

I am loving the sound of that because as somebody that manages Stefon Diggs and they kind of connected last week, I'm hoping for more of those numbers. But a wide receiver that has not connected with the quarterback recently is A.J. brown. And my conviction on A.J. brown rest of season, let alone next week is in the toilet. What have you got?

[Liz Loza]

Well, I don't think we were delusional because the talent with A.J. brown is certainly there. We have seen him perform and produce. However, there might have been some clues that this boom bust production was possible. If you look at his stats from technically the top of 2025 which was last season's postseason for the Eagles, Brown has recorded fewer than three catches and 15 yards in four of his last eight games. Now in fantasy we don't like to look at the regular season postseason because ours is differently paced, but it does fill out and illuminate a larger picture. Part of this issue is that Philly likes to play really conservatively when they're winning, and right now they have yet to lose a game since, so it also doesn't figure to be a philosophy that's going to shift. Additionally, Jalen hurts. His accuracy from a passing perspective has waned a little bit. He's managing a completion percentage just above 69%. Now. That's not bad. But when you look at his targets to AJ Brown in Week four, it is a bit concerning because while Brown did record and draw nine looks, five of those were thrown quote off target by Jalen Hurts. Now that could be a chemistry issue. That could just be the day that it was. But again, these two are not completely in sync, and I think it's going to be more difficult for them to be in sync in Week five given the matchup against the Broncos suffocating defense. Denver has allowed just two passing scores on the season and just one touchdown to a wide receiver. It was Keenan Allen actually back in Week three. So given this style of play, given the chemistry issues, which could change, and given the matchup, I have AJ Brown ranked just inside of my top 20 players at the position in week five.

[Producer Dave]

Well, this next player on this list, Liz, is a personal conundrum of mine because I have him rostered in a lot of leagues. I stashed him on a lot of benches and that is Zach Chauvin. After week one, I was convicted that he was going to take over this backfield and weeks two through four it has not been the case. So please help, help me out.

[Liz Loza]

Well, I don't think based on the facts you're going to like what I have to say because my feeling is that we need to hit pause on these Wally Pip narratives. I think that Zach Charbonnet is a very trusted 1B, but I do not anticipate unless there is an injury, unfortunately, to Kenneth Walker, him becoming the team's 1A. If you look at the data in Week 4, when Charbonnet returned from that foot injury, Walker managed 52% of the snaps, Charbonnet 45% of the snaps. Now, Sharps did run 12 routes to Walker's nine, but Walker out carried Charbonnet by seven totes. That's a pretty large margin, which leads me to believe that unless there is an injury to Kenneth Walker, he he is going to remain the team's trusted one A option. He offers more upside and more boom every time he touches the ball and Charbonnet is a little bit touchdown dependent in these situations. Building on that though, as we head into Week five, I do not like this matchup for either running back versus Tampa Bay. Remember, in Week 4, the Bucks held Saquon Barkley to just 43 rushing yards on 19 attempts. In fact, the Bucks have allowed the second lowest YPC, an average of just 3.3 yards per carry to opposing rushers all season. So given the matchup and given this timeshare, I have Kenneth Walker ranked as my RB19 and Zach Charbonnet ranked as my RB29. Heading into week five, well.

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[Producer Dave]

This is a safe place.

[Liz Loza]

It's a place where we can feel free sharing our feelings. Now it's time to get comfy on the couch and dive into Fantasy Therapy, the safe space for all of your fantasy football questions. Dave has some voicemails.

[Producer Dave]

I do. I do have some voicemails. First off, thank you everybody for dialing in. Make sure you keep those phone calls coming. We're here for all your fantasy therapy. This first one is a voicemail from Michael from New York.

[Caller Michael]

Good morning, Liz. Mike here from New York, longtime football fan. I have lad McConkey. Can I start him at all this year or should I just get rid of him entirely? I want to start him just like te McMillan, but I can't, can I? Little help. Thanks. Love the show.

[Liz Loza]

Well, thank you for calling in, Mike. And I want to tell you that you're obviously not alone. There are plenty of people like we talked about last week who drafted Latin are similarly frustrated. Right now. He's fantasy's wide receiver, 54 overall. He hasn't managed double digit fantasy points since week one. No, I'm not trying to rub salt into the wound. You probably know all of this, but we got to go through it because he's coming off of a game in which he converted just one of six six targets for 11 yards. Those six targets, by the way, ranked third on the team behind Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen. This is a pattern that we are seeing every single week, and that was in a game in which the Chargers were losing and needed to throw more. Now I do think Justin Herbert will bounce back this week against Washington because the Commanders can't really generate much, much pressure, but the volume is still a concern. If the Chargers aren't going to be throwing a bunch and Ladd remains third on the team in looks. He's not going to get enough opportunities to produce the way you want him to, so that makes him maybe a flex this particular week. Because we have four teams on by now. I don't want to end on a sour note, so I will say congratulations for drafting Ted McMillan. He currently ranks in opposition to lad McConkey fifth and at the position in targets with 35 on the season. And he is my wide receiver 15 heading into week five.

[Producer Dave]

Up next, Liz, you're not going to believe it. It's another guy named Michael, just not from New York. Same person, same name, different person.

[Caller Michael]

Hey, this is Michael. I'm from Nashville, Tennessee. I'm going because I'm hitting the panic button on album tomorrow and I'm just getting suggestions on what to do with them. The Saints are going down and it don't look any better.

[Liz Loza]

Yeah, the Saints are going down, but Kamara has been a part of an inefficient offense for so long, yet I think at 30 years old the wheels might be fallen off of this wagon. Camara's currently fantasy's RB26 overall. He's only cleared 15 fantasy points in one game all season. This to me is the flashing oh buzzer. It was super concerning to see Kendra Miller so involved last week at Buffalo. I mean, the good news is that Camara continues to out snap Miller by a pretty wide margin and Miller hasn't been utilized in the passing game. He has just three targets on the season compared to Kamara's 15. And obviously Kamara's util utilization in the passing game has always buoyed his Fantasy stock. Um, I know it's been tough sledding, but the matchup this week does offer a little bit of relief. A respite perhaps. The Giants have allowed some 6.1 yards per carry to opposing rushers last week. Omarion Hampton absolutely smoked Big Blue. He got him for 128 on the ground. While also, and this is key because of Camara's utilization in the passing game. Oh, Hampton was able to convert all five of his looks for another 37 receiving yards. So I would say you can be patient for one more week. I think Camara can finish Inside the top 15 to 18 fantasy running backs by the end of the week.

[Producer Dave]

Kendra Miller, though I stashed him. I stashed him. Liz, we'll start with this next one. We're going to social media for this one. Oh, thank you. We're going for social media for this one and you're gonna like it. This is from Jim and he says, has Genti arrived?

[Liz Loza]

Girl, it sure was.

[Producer Dave]

I knew you'd like it.

[Liz Loza]

To see him in that upright stance once again being the king that we know he should be. Listen, I told you. Given the talent and given the volume, patience was key. With Genti, the matchup obviously helped. He's not going to get the Bears every single week. But the Colts, who he does have this week, can be had via the ground. India's allowing a YPC of 4.5. They've also allowed three runs of 20 or more yards so far this season. And they rank. You know, I love this stat. It worked out well for me last week. 25th in run stop win rate. Genty is my confident RB15. Let's hope for even a little bit better than that in week five.

[Producer Dave]

Hey, I'm just happy for you, Liz. I'm just happy for you. We have another question, final question, and we're going to throw it back to week four on this one and it comes from Scott and he says, can we not have ties in the NFL, by the way? Go Cubs.

[Liz Loza]

Go Cubs. Yes. So I agree with you, Scott. I too would prefer not to have ties. It gives such a, like, womp, womp, unfinished feeling to the end of a game. But you know what, my fellow Chicago sports fan? The Bears did something that the packers couldn't do and that was beat the Cowboys. So, yeah, I'll take a tie.

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

Prizes and participation may vary.

[Liz Loza]

This week we're joined by one of the most trusted voices in fantasy. It's Mr. Jamie Eisenberg. As CBS Sports CC senior fantasy analyst and writer, he has been grinding the beat for almost two decades. Whether it's dissecting data or trusting instincts, Jamie definitely knows how to balance the facts and the feelings, making him the perfect guest for this show. Jamie, welcome.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Thanks for having me. That's a. That's a great intro. Makes me feel a little old, but I appreciate that. But it's always great to talk to you, Liz, and I'm excited to be here.

[Liz Loza]

It's been a minute. I don't think I've seen you in person, actually, since we were both at the super bowl and in Miami when the Chiefs bested the 49ers back in February of 2020.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

That is a, that is a great memory. Yes. I think. Were we in Vegas at one point together too, for one of the conventions at some point. But the super bowl might have been after.

[Liz Loza]

I think the super bowl was after you made that much of an impression. I'll never forget, actually. True story. I was feeling pretty good about my career at that point, but still pretty young in my career. And it was five years ago. Right. And you and Dave Richards asked me out for drinks and I'd never felt cooler in my whole life. I don't think I ended up going because I had to work, not because I didn't want to, but you asked me out for drinks and I was like, oh, my God, have I arrived? I'm going to have a cocktail with Jamie Eisenberg.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I mean, the pleasure would have been all of ours. All ours, obviously. But listen, you've done a great job.

[Liz Loza]

I'm sorry to embarrass you, make you stumble now.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

You've, you've done a great job obviously, in where you are and, you know, it's just been fun to watch the rapid ascension of your career and, you know, keep going.

[Liz Loza]

Wow, thank you, Jamie. That's so kind. Well, you are always very, very helpful and one of the most, like I said, trusted voices. I've always loved your work and respected it. So I'm very honored that you would come on my little digital and audio show and be a part of it. So to that end, would you like to start things off with a game?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Absolutely.

[Liz Loza]

Okay, so this is a game called start, bench, cut. I figured since you're such a decorated expert, you'll be able to handle it in a rapid fire fashion. I'm going to give you a player and you will tell me whether you want to start, bench or cut that player specifically in week five. Understood.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

As long as it's not a Cardinals running back, I'm good to go.

[Liz Loza]

I know we're all a little triggered right now. Trey Benson starting with Lad McConkey, he's facing the commanders.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I'm going to start Lad with the hope that this is the week he gets going.

[Liz Loza]

Interesting. DJ Moore is on a buy. So this isn't week five specific, but.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Thinking rest of season, I'm going to bench DJ Moore. Romo Dunze is clearly the number one guy there and he and Caleb Williams not on the same page right now.

[Liz Loza]

I agree with you. Rome Alpha is going to Alpha also. I know I said rapid fire, but DJ Moore might be a trade candidate. I could see him moving to another squad before the deadline, so just keep an eye on that. I wouldn't cut him, but I would bench him for that purpose. Kyler Murray, obviously without either James Connor or Trey Benson in week five, I'm.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Going to start him. Titans defense not one to fear. And this could be his best game of the season. Trevor Lawrence, I'm going to bench him. No, I'm going to cut him. It's time to move on from Trevor Lawrence. He. This is actually interesting. Not, not to be slow.

[Producer Dave]

Go for it.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

But he. He's been terrible in their wins and he was great in their loss. So if they lose, which they probably will, he might have a good game. But still it's time to move on from Trevor Lynch.

[Liz Loza]

Also Jacksonville defense really standing up, led, you know, leading the league at least for the first three weeks in takeaways has definitely improved and I think that the whole team is going to be leaning on that side of the ball instead of their quarterback who has not, I agree with you, shown he could fulfill his potential or his perceived potential. Ramon Dre Stevenson at Buffalo on Sunday night.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I'm going to bench him. Bill's defense still really good and we still have too much of a split between not just Treveon, Henderson, Stevenson, but also Antonio Gibson. So I want to roster Stevenson but not start him.

[Liz Loza]

Nick Chubb.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Such a great matchup, but I think it's time to cut Nick Chubb. The Woody Marks era is here.

[Liz Loza]

Talk about ascending players. Woody Marks is it. I agree. Also has some value in the passing game. TJ Hawkinson he got going in week three and then another dud in week four against an explosion exploitable Pittsburgh Steelers defense. What are we thinking at Cleveland still across the pond this time in the UK or this time in England, I should say because I think technically Ireland's the uk. I'm not sure.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

So if you don't need TJ Hawkinson, you cut him because their buy is next week. But you can bench him just because I still want to see what it looks like when McCarthy is a quarterback.

[Liz Loza]

Brock Bowers a different tight end performing better than Hawkinson but certainly not up to where people had hoped he would be.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, you're starting Bowers and buy low on Bowers because I hope that as his knee gets better and hopefully Geno Smith gets better, better numbers Are ahead.

[Liz Loza]

I agree. That is the game. Thank you for playing. Start, bench. And cut. Now we're gonna. What do you win? Another segment with me?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Let's go.

[Liz Loza]

All right, we're going to shift gears towards some in the trenches fantasy talk. Now. I want to hear about you as a league manager, though, because, you know, we have this job, but we also have our leagues that hopefully we're still passionate about. I want to know if there's a person on a particular team that you have to beat every single week or season.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

It is without question our podcast host, Adam Mazer. Great guy. Just an unbelievable fantasy analyst and fantasy podcast host and, you know, used to still does some TV hosting as well, but it's just so much fun to watch him squirm and get upset and get frustrated and listen, he's beaten me plenty of times. We've been doing this together for a long time, so we played a lot of leagues together, and he's had his fair share of victories. But right now, he still owes me a bet where I forget the players that it was, but I won the bet. And he's supposed to. In his background, which has been the same for about the last 10 years, he's supposed to put a picture of me behind him, and he's yet to do that, so it's on me for not sending him the picture. So I take responsibility for that. But anytime I could beat Adam Mazer, it is a thrill, a joy, and one of the best victories in life. Who's that person for you?

[Liz Loza]

Who's that person for me? I mean, I'm just so used to beating everyone that I don't really have someone that stands out. I just win so regularly. I guess I wouldn't mind beating, like, Mike Clay from time to time. That feels pretty good, if I'm being honest. But I don't think I'm that person for Mike. So, you know, it's the way that, like, the Bears have a rivalry with the Green Bay packers, but the packers have owned us for so long that it doesn't exist both ways. Makes sense, but thank you for asking. So you talked about wanting to make Adam squirm. I want to know which player has caused you personally so much agita this season.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

It's got to be Brian Thomas Jr. Just so frustrating right now. Through the first four weeks of the season, the disconnect with Trevor Lawrence. You know, I. I hate the narrative of, oh, it was Mac Jones that made Brian Thomas Jr. Successful. I mean, come on. He. He's just there. There's something.

[Liz Loza]

Do you think there's some truth to it though? Because the chemistry is not there. Like they are not a Sabrina Carpenter song.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I think there's probably 10%, 20% of that maybe at most of Mac Jones being one of those quarterbacks that has nothing to lose at that point of his career where he was last year of just I'm going to throw some YOLO balls to my best receiver and just hope he makes plays. And that was the case. It's a new offense, new personnel around him too. So when he was doing that last year, it was without Evan Ingram, without Christian Kirk. Now there's Travis Hunter and this whole what side of the ball is going to play on and you know, how much is he taking away, you know, some opportunities. It seems as if Liam Cohen and Trevor Lawrence, like Parker Washington and Brenton Strange maybe a little bit too much for, for what, you know, Brian Thomas needs. And you mentioned that the defense has been great, the run game has been great. You know, Travis ETN is off to a great start as well. So, you know, a lot of things just working at player. But the bigger thing is when you watch Brian Thomas play, you're seeing bad routes. You're seeing afraid to go over the middle of times. You're seeing, you know, drops obviously and for what the talent level is. And then, you know, just for your question, you know, of causing me and I'm sure many fantasy analysts agita great word that we hyped him up, you know, and, and then when you hype somebody up and you see the struggles, it's like I, I feel bad for, you know, him. I feel bad for the, the advice that, you know, giving, you know, that he should perform at this level and you know, hopefully turns things around.

[Liz Loza]

I agree. That's a really astute analysis, as is expected from someone as bright as you are. Do you have, did you personally draft BTJ places?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Oh yeah, of course.

[Liz Loza]

Because we take our own advice, which I think people need to be aware of. Yeah.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah. So I have three boys. They all play in fantasy leagues. We do father son leagues together. And my oldest one, so this is now he's 13, so this is now year six maybe of us doing this league together. And the idea was to turn it over to them, the boys, and let them run it themselves. This is the first year that the parents completely absolved ourselves from helping. They did have lifelines that they used. Some of the other kids used me as their lifeline, which was fun. But you know, he drafted Brian Thomas as his number One receiver, you know, early round two and you know, I get home every day and thanks, dad for, for btj, you know, so it's, it's. You never want to see those type of things happen, you know, when you give those type of suggestions.

[Liz Loza]

Yeah, you're getting it, you're getting it from everywhere, all places. Is there a player, and let's not say one that you hyped up, but one that you have rostered personally, that you feel like has to bounce back in week five, otherwise you're officially through. He's going off into the waiver wire abyss.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I would have said Braylon Allen because he was one of my favorite late round picks. Unfortunately got hurt in the game Monday night and, you know, now who knows when he'll return, but, you know, going on IR probably it's Jalen Waddle, to be honest with you, you know, because there's a huge opportunity here with Tyreek Hill out and his numbers typically have been good. Whether Tyreek has missed time, when Tyreek wasn't on the field with him in the early part of his career before he joined Dolphins the last couple of years, when Devon Achan has been banged up, that he's been a superstar and now is his chance to be a superstar and not that obviously, you know, I know the question is get rid of him. I'm not dropping or cutting Jalen Waddle, but I, I don't know about you, I, I drafted Waddle with the chance of something happening to Tyreek. We know there was some off field stuff going on with him. We know that there was some, you know, concerns with the team, the quarterback, everybody, you know, not, not happy with how last year finished. So could Tyreek be traded? Could Tyreek be, you know, suspended? You know, so Jalen Waddle was somebody that, with the potential of getting a featured opportunity. You never want to see it come as a result of injury like this. But now here we are and so it's, it's step up time for Jalen Waddle and hopefully he delivers. I'm confident that he will, but, you know, it's, it's something that I certainly want to see, especially in a great matchup against Carolina.

[Liz Loza]

So, you know, we obviously love when people continue playing even if their record isn't the best. And there's always an opportunity to turn it around. Nothing is ever lost, especially only four or five weeks into the season. So what advice would you give managers that are maybe 1 in 3 or even 04 right now?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

So trading is your best friend, you know, and I think you turn, you know, if you have superstar caliber players and have two or three holes on your roster, can you turn that superstar into one or two players? We had this conversation on our Fantasy Football Today podcast on what they said one Wednesday about trading Christian McCaffrey, for example. So Adam Azer, our host, he just lost. It's a 14 team league, so he lost Tyreek Hill and James Conner over the last couple of weeks. And he has McCaffrey. And so he said he's going to make some offers of McCaffrey for two quality starters. And so the question is, what are two quality starters? You know you're not going to get two superstars for McCaffrey, but can you get, let's say a top 12 running back, top 12 wide receiver or top 15 of one of those two positions? I think it has to be two must start players. So you know, when you look at your roster, you try to evaluate and say, okay, what can get me to either my injured players coming back, what can get me back on track so at least I have a chance to have some fun. Because obviously this is a game about fun. You know, when you're, when your season ends in week five, like you said, you know you're one and three, you know you don't want to be one in four or certainly Owen five. Try and do whatever you can. So I would look at first off, do I have a player that's hurt that may be of help to somebody that's 5 and 0403 and 1 and they could use that player down the road, you know, CD Lamb, for example, Mike Evans, Terry McLaren, any of these guys that you still have the chance to be special down, down the end of the season, Rashi Rice, who's not back until week seven and can you turn that into somebody that can help you right now? So you clearly have to try and get lucky with a Sean Tucker, Michael Carter, Amari DeMarcado, you know, these guys that may have some chances to play in week five, but if you can make some trades and turn one of your stars, especially somebody that's injured, into something that can help you be aggressive with it because again, this is about having fun and you want it to be a general manager for a reason.

[Liz Loza]

I love that advice. Shake it up, change the energy because you don't want to be married to misery for the rest of the 17 weeks. It might not work, but also what you're doing isn't working and is certainly going to fail. Pull the ripcord and at least Change the energy, take a pivot. I love that advice. I'm actually, I have a similar situation, so I appreciate the confirmation personally. Alright, so this week's episode is about the space between conviction and delusion. So I will ask you which player you are particularly convicted will perform well in week five and which player you think fantasy managers are remaining delusional about in week five?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

It's a great question. Kyler Murray stands out. You know, you asked about him earlier and this is somebody that you know, you, you, at least for me, I, I, I thought this would be a good year for him because he says he wanted to run more and he's been, you know, over 30 yards rushing in, in every game so far this season. So that's been there two games ago. I forget who they played, but the Rams maybe where he had the drops, Marvin Harrison had the drops, you know, and, and struggled with that part of his game. That would have been a better performance for him. We know there's been some disconnect with Marvin Harrison. Like this is the perfect opportunity for him to step up in a great matchup without his running game there to support him. Not that that's been great at all so far, but this is one of those games where I know with four teams on a buy, no Lamar Jackson, you know, quarterbacks are certainly been struggling so far. Thankfully we're getting Jane Daniels back. But you know, the opportunity for people that have Kyler Murray and in some cases are ready to drop Kyler Murray, you know, I know you asked that question, which is relev, um, this is the time for him to, to step up and hopefully deliver.

[Liz Loza]

So the second player is someone that you don't think will perform well in week five. But fantasy managers remain delusional about.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Probably. I don't know if Jordan Mason qualifies for this.

[Liz Loza]

I'll take it. That's an interesting game.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I just look at, you know, last week was very frustrating because the Steelers defense had been so poor and now you're taking on a Browns team that has just been absolutely dominant against the run. And so I think sometimes we get stuck on this. Like again, just to reference our show we were talking about, you know, would you trade Jordan Mason in part of a package, obviously, but like, would you trade Jordan Mason for Brian Thomas? Would you trade Jordan Mason for A.J. brown for those type of things? You know, you're not going to get those type of things straight up. But you know, look, he's got the starting job for at least two more games. He's maybe going to be the best running back for the Vikings rest of season. I drafted him with the chance of this happening. I'm sure you probably, you know, did as well and told people to but great game in Week 1 against Cincinnati. Everybody expected that difficult game against Pittsburgh. Nobody expected that. You can't start him against Cleveland. Like he's just tailor made for what the Browns want to do is just a guy that's not going to catch passes and just run into the middle of that defense behind a beat up offensive line right now. So I, I, I'm stuck in a couple situations where there's nobody better to start and the hope that he falls into the end zone is still there. But this could be a really bad day for, for Jordan Mason and and that entire, you know, Vikings offense based on just how the Browns defense has performed.

[Liz Loza]

Well, expectation management is so key in fantasy. You of course have exceeded all of our expectations every time you step up to the mic, whether it's on your podcast or you're doing TV or coming on a show like mine. So thank you so much, Jamie for joining me. Can you tell everyone where they can find your work and follow everything that it is that you do?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Well, Liz, first off, it's great to talk to you. Thank you for having me. This has been a lot of fun. You can find us find me on our Fantasy Football Today podcast, which is available wherever podcasts are found. We're on YouTube as well, so if you want to just see our beautiful faces, you can check us out there. And then all of my written stuff is on CBSSports.com as you alluded to for for decades now. So I appreciate everybody that follows us and certainly listens to all of us in the industry and you know, continues to follow you as well because you're doing a wonderful job.

[Liz Loza]

Thank you. Jamie. I appreciate you for coming on and for being such a bright light in this industry. You're an inspiration and you know, I hope you get your Tyreek Hill and Brian Thomas Jr. Situations figured out.

[Caller Michael]

Last call.

[Liz Loza]

Today we learned that October is the best month of the year, that Brian Thomas Jr. Is wreaking havoc everywhere, including the Eisenberg household, and that while both conviction and delusion are feelings, only one is built on facts. Remember, conviction is born out of the research we do, and while the work we put in never guarantees victory, it is ultimately better to lose with conviction than be led by delusion. Big thanks to Jamie Eisenberg for joining the show and playing along. And as always, to producer Dave for doing producer Dave like things. Be sure to check out my Week 5 edition of Facts vs. Feelings, the column which is currently live on the dot com. And remember, you can leave us a voicemail. Do that at 914-348-1893. Until next time, may your facts be solid, your feelings be right, and your bus be someone else's problem.

[Producer Dave]

Hi, I'm Liz Loza and this is Facts versus Feelings.

[Liz Loza]

We should say start it like that. One week. I don't really understand. Like that. That was horrible. I have little hands. What do you want from me? I'm not a big person.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

He got Willa. He got my daughter.

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

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[Liz Loza]

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

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