Week 8: Starts of the Week 👀 + Injury Report | Fantasy Focus 🏈

Summary

Fantasy Focus Football – Week 8: Starts of the Week 👀 + Injury Report

Date: October 24, 2025
Hosts: Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay
Summary Prepared By: [ChatGPT]

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Episode Overview

This lively episode features ESPN Fantasy Football experts Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, and Mike Clay diving into a comprehensive Week 8 breakdown. They kick off with playful banter and a “loser’s punishment” segment, then offer a quick recap of Thursday Night Football (Chargers vs Vikings), discuss injury updates, waiver and lineup decisions, and present their “Starts of the Week.” The hosts also answer audience questions, providing strategy and insight for a crucial week impacted by six teams on bye.

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Key Segments, Topics & Insights

1. Opener & Loser's Punishment

[00:45 - 03:06]

• Mike Clay Punishment: Mike fails to wear the loser’s helmet due to fit issues – leading to banter on alternative punishments, like making a TikTok, which Mike resists.
  • “Just wear it on top of your head like that.” – Daniel [01:34]
  • “We need... you guys need to get me a helmet that fits.” – Mike [01:53]
• Tone: Fun, lighthearted, sets an energetic mood for the show.

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2. Thursday Night Football Recap – Chargers vs Vikings

[04:13 – 14:33]

• Quentin Johnston’s Disappearing Act:
  • Mike details how Johnston ran 22 routes but saw zero targets. Instead, Lad McConkey (24 routes, 10 targets, 88 yards, TD) and Ronde Gadsden II (23 routes, 5 catches, 77 yards, TD) emerged as top pass-catchers.
  • “I don’t have a great explanation for why Johnson has just been phased out of this offense completely.” – Mike [06:44]
• Tight End Hot Pickup:
  • Ronde Gadsden II is a “thing” now at TE, likely scooped in most leagues but still a priority for waivers. [08:05]
  • “If you don’t have a Trey McBride, Jake Ferguson, or Tyler Warren... Gadsden is the priority add.” – Field [07:49]
• RB Situation – Chargers:
  • Kamani Vidal: 23 carries for 117 yards and a TD; expected to maintain value due to teammate injuries. [09:02]
• RB Situation – Vikings:
  • Aaron Jones is the “1A” but Mason still expected to lead in carries. “Probably both—maybe Jones a fringe RB2, Mason a flex.” – Mike [10:00]
• Vikings Schedule Outlook: Grueling stretch ahead (Lions, Ravens, Bears, Packers, Seahawks); playoff outlook dim. [11:41]
• Justin Jefferson & Other Vikings WRs:
  • Jefferson remains the only trustworthy start; Addison garners garbage-time debate over his score. [12:08, 14:10]

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3. Week 8 Preview – Deep Dives & Start/Sit Decisions

[15:17 – 39:02]

a. Running Back Trends & Worries

• James Cook Downturn:
  • Cook has just 1 target and no catches in his last two, after strong involvement early in season. Ty Johnson is now the primary third down back.
  • “Can the Bills control this game?... I’d love to see James Cook toting the rock 18 times for 112 yards and a TD.” – Field [17:01]
• Measuring Stick Games:
  • Both the Bills and Eagles face must-win, self-assessment games. “If the Eagles lose... it’s a 4-team race.” – Mike [18:49]

b. Waiver Wire/Bye-Week Wideout Pivots

• Romeo Doubs (GB):
  • “Three straight top-30 fantasy weeks... big usage spike with 8+ targets in last three.” – Mike [21:03]
• Rashid Shaheed (NO):
  • Risk/reward GPP-type play, “A sneaky bet for a huge game.” – Mike [22:17]
• Jauan Jennings (SF):
  • Trending positively as key 49ers WR, especially with Pearsall out, but tough matchup (Texans) this week. [24:38]

c. QB and WR Situations

• Brock Purdy Outlook:
  • Likely out; Mac Jones expected to start for SF, neither is a confident fantasy start due to Texans’ fierce defense. [25:59]
• Texans WRs:
  • Uncertainty with Nico Collins potentially out. Jalen Noel is the preferred dart throw. [49:57, 50:51]
• Diggs as Trade Target:
  • Stefon Diggs’ upside isn’t fully unlocked due to limited snap share (<55%), but stats and QB play suggest big second half if usage rises. [28:32]
  • “There’s still quite a bit more to unlock in Stefon Diggs’ game.” – Daniel [30:36]

d. Running Backs: Matchup Cautions

• Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) & Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss):
  • Both RBs face tough run defenses, are uninvolved in their passing offenses, and shouldn’t be counted on for more than RB2/flex floors. [34:10, 34:24]

e. Ravens’ Injury Situation

• Lamar Jackson: Limited in practice; hosts lean toward Lamar sitting due to short week, but emphasize to “hold” backup QB for now.
  • “My lean is he is out.” – Field [37:54]
• Zay Flowers: Top-10 WR if Lamar plays; still a startable floor if not. [39:06]

f. Streaming QBs with Missing Starters

• Marcus Mariota (Washington): Vs. KC, decent recent history but low volume and tough defensive matchup.
• Tyrod Taylor: Streaming option if healthy, especially for Giants’ skill players against CIN. [43:17]
• Andy Dalton (Carolina): Potential boost for pass-catchers; notably, he enabled Deontay Johnson’s surge last year, perhaps Tetaroa McMillan this time. [44:14]

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4. Week 8 Injury Report

[47:10 – 54:49]

• Bucs: Bucky Irving OUT, Rashad White healthy and top 6 RB; Chris Godwin OUT, makes Emeka Egbuka (limited) and Tez Johnson more relevant. [48:22]
• Eagles: A.J. Brown questionable; if out, Devonta Smith jumps to top-12 WR. [48:42]
• Texans: Nico Collins doubtful; possible WRs to target: Noel, Higgins, Hutchinson – but “don’t want to start any of them.” Dalton Schultz best pass-catching bet. [49:57, 51:21]
• Jets: Garrett Wilson & Mason Taylor DNPs, Breece Hall the only quasi-reliable start. [52:00]
• Bears: D.J. Moore (likely in), Cole Kmet DNP, Colston Loveland possible add at TE. [52:24, 53:31]
• Titans: Calvin Ridley out, Ricky Pearsall unlikely; avoid Titans pass-catchers. [54:20]

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5. Starts of the Week

[55:14 – 58:15]

Mike Clay

• QB: Aaron Rodgers (Revenge Game vs Packers)
• RB: Isaiah Pacheco (vs Washington)
• WR: Darnell Mooney
• TE: Cade Otton

Field Yates

• QB: Aaron Rodgers
• RB: Isaiah Pacheco
• WR: I’M’ Ole Miss (Aio Manor)
• TE: Cade Otton

Daniel Dopp

• QB: Jackson Dart (vs Eagles; loves his rushing upside)
• RB: Chase Brown (vs Jets)
• WR: Troy Franklin (vs Dallas)
• TE: Dalton Kincaid (vs Panthers)

"This week, there's so much overlap at the start/sit options—it comes down to a battle of doo doo players!" – Daniel [58:29]

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6. Listener Q&A Highlights

[60:12 – 62:59]

• Diggs vs. Wandale Robinson: Hosts are split, but Daniel favors Diggs due to talent and QB. [60:25]
• Worthy vs. Waddle: Slight lean to Waddle due to consistency, but both are close. [61:01]
• Otten, Mason Taylor, or Kincaid: Otten provides safest floor, Kincaid for upside. [61:40]
• Judkins vs. Chase Brown: Slight preference for Judkins despite matchup. [62:36]

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Memorable Quotes & Banter

• “Is your brain too big to put a helmet on?” – Daniel, to Mike Clay [01:35]
• “Even robots make mistakes, is what you’re saying, Michael?” – Daniel [06:21]
• “If he doesn’t get targeted and he gets… 14 carries for 48 yards and doesn’t score, you might be lucky to get 8 points.” – Mike on Judkins [34:55]
• “My lean is he [Lamar] is out…so if you have that backup QB, hold off on cutting him.” – Field [37:54]
• “[The Ravens] play next Thursday night—there’s a chance we get Lamar next week, but my current lean is he is out.” – Field [38:01]
• “If you have A.J. Brown, just make sure you have a secondary option in case he doesn’t go.” – Daniel [49:34]

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Notable, Funny, or Memorable Moments

• Helmet punishment segment: The banter about Mike’s “big brain,” helmet size, and alternatives sets a playful tone.
• Fantasy “garbage time” debate about Jordan Addison’s touchdown [13:49].
• Hosts referencing their idiosyncratic knowledge—Field with player colleges, Daniel with trading card stats, and a viral “zip code guy.” [41:08]
• Cross-talk about the “lineup blocks” tier concept for rankings—starts of the week often boil down to who is a must-start, likely, or fringe.
• Running joke about Daniel’s contrarian and “doo doo” picks at wideout, embraced with humor.

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Timestamps: Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Loser’s Helmet Punishment | 00:45 – 03:06 | | Chargers vs Vikings Recap | 04:13 – 14:33 | | James Cook/Bill & Eagles “Measuring Stick”| 15:17 – 18:49 | | WR Deep Cuts (Doubs, Shaheed, Jennings) | 21:02 – 25:00 | | Purdy/Texans offense discussion | 25:59 – 28:32 | | Stefon Diggs Potential | 28:32 – 32:00 | | Stevenson & Judkins Concerns | 34:24 – 35:15 | | Lamar/Zay Flowers Updates | 36:35 – 40:34 | | QBs with New Starters (Mariota, Tyrod, Dalton) | 41:38 – 45:17 | | Week 8 Injury Round-up | 47:10 – 54:49 | | Starts of the Week | 55:14 – 58:15 | | Listener Q&A | 60:12 – 62:59 |

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Tone & Takeaways

• Tone: Playful, energetic, informative, engaging. Hosts exhibit strong chemistry and aren’t afraid to poke fun at each other.
• Actionable Advice: Aggressive waiver/streamer moves are imperative in a heavy bye, injury-riddled week. Pay close attention to injury reports (especially Lamar, A.J. Brown, Nico Collins). Buy low on Stefon Diggs if possible and stay vigilant on shifting RB and TE depth charts.
• Core Message: Week 8 is 'Buymageddon'—so get creative, stay flexible, and target upside wherever you can.

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Summary:
This episode covers everything a fantasy football manager needs for Week 8—from last-minute injury news and start/sit pivots to deep waiver-wire suggestions and critical matchup breakdowns. The hosts blend advanced analysis with levity and relatable dilemmas, providing a must-listen resource for fantasy fans navigating a tough week.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

You'Re in the whole 6010 Focus Fantasy Fantasy Focus.

[A]

Hi.

[B]

Hello and welcome into Fantasy Focus Football presented by Little Caesars alongside Phil Jates and Mike Clay. My name is Daniel Dopp. Here with a very big Friday show in front of us. We got a Thursday night football recap. We got a week eight preview, part two. We're going to give you our starts of the week. But first and foremost, I want to start with a little looters loser punishment. If you guys don't mind. I don't want to get too far in without giving the people what they want today. They're here to be able to watch Mike get made fun of. Mike, I believe you have a helmet that you're supposed to be wearing for the majority of the show today.

[C]

And by the way, I'm all suited up. I got the green sneakers.

[A]

Yeah, you are.

[C]

I got the Eagle shirt. I'm ready. I got the Eagles helmet here.

[B]

All right, let's put it on. Let's see what it's like. You can do it, baby. All right. Mike's trying to put the helmet on. You're almost there. Is that as far as it goes?

[C]

Guys, we have a problem.

[B]

Does it not fit?

[C]

Nope.

[A]

Just wear it on top of your head like that.

[B]

Is your brain too big to put a helmet on?

[C]

I can't even tell you how much this hurts right now.

[A]

Just wear it like that for the.

[B]

Rest of the show.

[A]

That's fine.

[B]

That hurts. I can't.

[A]

Why not?

[C]

I'm gonna have a migraine if I.

[A]

No pain, no gain. Wow.

[B]

So are you saying that you're tapping out on wearing the helmet as a punishment?

[A]

Weakness leaving the body?

[C]

No, I'm not at all.

[A]

We need.

[C]

You guys need to get me a helmet that fits. Okay.

[B]

You know, we need the smallest helmet.

[C]

The size of my br. Okay.

[B]

We need just a straight guardian cap. He doesn't need to wear the helmet. Just put the guardian cap right on your head. That's what we need.

[C]

Then I'm safe from concussions too, so double.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I actually win. Dang it.

[B]

All right, we're gonna have to figure out then what? We gotta do it. I'll. So we tried to make this helmet thing work and it just didn't work. Yeah. How about this tiny little helmet? We put one of those on there.

[C]

Bounce out of my head the whole show.

[B]

We're gonna have to. I'll tell you what. In YouTube chat today, our buddy Eric Moody hanging out in there. Go hang out with our bud Eric Moody. Follow him everywhere on social media. Eric and Moody, if you have any suggestions on what we need to do to be able to rectify Mike's punishment for please let us know in the.

[C]

Job and bring it home at the.

[A]

I actually have a good one. I have a good suggestion. All right.

[B]

Bring it.

[A]

I believe that Mike needs to make his second ever TikTok.

[B]

I like it.

[A]

Yeah, you got to make TikTok.

[C]

I have the world record for most.

[B]

Engagement questions per post.

[C]

Check it out.

[A]

Yeah. Give the crown back to Charlie d' Amelio and make your second TikTok.

[C]

I won't do it. Nope. All right, well, it's a deal breaker. That's like you shaving your beard. I won't do it like a deal.

[B]

It's a deal.

[C]

Break.

[A]

I said I would do it at a 50 yard.

[C]

No.

[B]

2035 yard touchdown.

[C]

35 yard touchdown run.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I will literally, literally melt at that.

[C]

If Jared Goff is a 99 yard touchdown run. Oh, make a tick tock.

[B]

Okay. All right.

[A]

Well, Jared Goff is going to prove you.

[B]

So we're going to have to get some wheels out there for Jared Goff. Hey, quick thing. Head on over to Trophy Smack. Our Buddies over@trotro smack.com use the promo code FOCUS10 for 10% off your first order. Order of a bunch of good stuff that we got over there. We got a lot of good things to dive into today, my friends. First and foremost, I do want to ask this really quickly, Mike. When I pulled into the parking lot today, there was a Bentley and a Maserati sitting next to where we usually park. Did you go out and get one of those or did you get both because you weren't sure which one you would want?

[A]

I got.

[B]

Okay. That's what it was. Did we end up getting a car last night or not? We did not.

[C]

We're getting there. I'm still shopping. I'm, you know, I need to do my research on, you know, more. More on the value and non value of or value and waste of time of research in a moment when we get into Thursday night football. But wow, stop at a dealer. I'm working through it. I called you last night to talk about your car. You did I'm working through. I'm doing the plan last week was.

[B]

Mike's gonna buy a new couch this week. Mike's gonna buy a new car next week. I wanna know what Mike's gonna buy next because it feels like every week we got a new big purchase.

[C]

Well, the car wasn't. Wasn't planned. A plane.

[B]

Yeah, plane. That would be it.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I wish the car was planned. That's an offseason activity, but right now I don't really have a choice.

[B]

All right, well, let's dive into a little Thursday Night Football. We had a big game between the Chargers and the Vikings. Sort of a big game.

[C]

Wasn't much of a game.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, I do. And I feel like I need to really quickly before we get started. I just. I like to be. Today on the show, I'm gonna go through an injury report give out. Like who may or. I want to say I'm really sorry, guys, because I missed this one. Not realizing that Quinton Johnston was going to miss this game. He was out.

[A]

It was lightly reported.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And then I found out that I looked at the snapshare and he actually did in fact play in spite of having zero targets for zero catches this game.

[A]

Take this one, Mike.

[C]

Yeah, I'll start with this one. Let's talk through this. Because lad McConkey, he led the team a 24 routes run, right? He had a big game, 10 targets, 88 yards and a touchdown. Ronde Gadz. And he ran 23 routes, so just one behind. He had a good game. 77 yards on five catches, five targets. Most of that at the beginning of the game. Quentin Johnson right behind, 22 routes. So 24, 23, 22. He was right there. So he probably has good stats. Let's see. I have a. There's an error on my sheet. It's all zeros, including target. That must be a mistake.

[B]

Something was.

[C]

Keenan Allen only ran 14 routes. Guys, he had 44 yards and four catches, so at least got eight points. Yeah, that was rough. That was a rough showing. And my. This is what I was referring to with research. So I did a little like digging on this because I have this issue in FF now where I have all three Chargers receivers. And this week, the way things were set up, I was in position to start two of them. So I was trying to figure out which two. And obviously Keenan Allen coming off a big game. Lad's been better lately. Johnson's been a little slower lately. So I was. Minnesota is one of the few teams you can look at and say, okay, they're. They're heavy in zone all the time. Okay. So I went back and looked at receiver corner. I looked at early this season. I even looked at last year to look at Ladd and Quentin's splits. And it leaned pretty heavily towards zone for Quentin Johnson. A lot of his damage last year was when they faced Zone, when he was up against his own defense, his own whatever. So. And the same thing was Keenan Allen lean towards zone and Lad was kind of 50, 50. So I'm like, all right, I have to start Johnson based on what I'm seeing. Like, he's just dominating zone. And then I ended up going Keenan over McConkey. Oh my gosh. Of how, how good he's been. I felt like he had a higher ceiling based on we saw last year and even Ladd when he's been better lately. The floor isn't quite as high as the other two, so.

[B]

So you're telling me even robots make mistakes is what you're saying, Michael, my.

[C]

Point is I did as much legwork as I could on this to make this decision.

[A]

I'm going to blame Clay I.

[C]

And I. Clay I really.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So it's, you know, usually that stuff, you do that much work, it's going to, you know, generally you're going to. It's going to pay off. This one did not. And I don't have a great explanation for why Johnson has just been phased out of this offense completely. He's out there running routes, but he's not being targeted.

[A]

I was going to say. I thought you were going to say, I don't have a good explanation for why they threw the ball to Lad. Whatever. Like, they've got a supply in demand issue. Right. I mean, they've got a lot of really good.

[C]

Harris got a touchdown. I don't want to hear that.

[A]

Yes. Ray Harris, by the way, like, it felt like the steadiest in terms of like pass catchers being on the field. It felt like the best bet was actually a Ronda Gads in the second, who I think is now the new story of the game. Five catches, 77 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half, as Mike noted. But he was playing a ton in the second half as well. As you mentioned, the 23 routes run, that was what, like 96% of Justin Herbert's drop backs last night? It was a huge, huge, huge number for Aronde. Yes. In the second. He's a thing at this very, very desperate position of tight end. He has emerged. He was excellent once Again last night he was probably scooped in a lot of the leagues that people who listen to this show play in, but if not, he's definitely a priority AD going into next week. The Chargers don't have their buy until week 12, so you might have for the next four weeks utility out of Harande guests in the second. And if you've been riding the carousel and you've been not having, you don't have a Trey McBride or you don't have. Who else besides Trey McBride, Jake Ferguson or Tyler Warren. Right.

[C]

Hours after the buy. Yeah, he was the most added player on waivers this week, over 50% of ESPN leagues. He was scooped up as of Wednesday. So yeah, he's, he's picked up on a lot of leagues. Hopefully he's starting him. I had him in a few on a few teams last night in my lineup, so I was pretty pleased with that. He looked good.

[B]

Ronda Gadsden now rostered in 68% of leagues, so he's available in about 30%. It's at least worth going out and.

[A]

Looking to see that number flip to him at least 86 by next week.

[C]

My guess it should is.

[B]

It should is.

[A]

It'll be close. It definitely should be. There are some 18 other things from this game. Oh, sorry. Go ahead.

[B]

Do you feel like you guys left that game feeling like you have? I think I know the answer to this, but like we have no idea what the like order for this receiving core is like.

[A]

Including last night would tell you that it should be now should be Lad 1 Keenan 2 and and Quinton Johnson 3 Keenan did not play that much last night. He kind of became more of like a third down situational specialist and he.

[C]

Was so much common. I mean that that is the trend. It's just they've been more competitive or trailing. So he's been running more in the second half.

[A]

There's an implicit trust for sure that Justin Herbert has with him. I think I'm going to hold off on like declaring as we should specifically after just one game last night. But arrow up right now for lad McConkey and arrow remains up for Kamani Vidal, who was awesome last night. 23 rushing attempts for 117 yards plus a touchdown. The Chargers, as we talked about, had a lot of success throwing the football, but there was still room for him to feast. Amarian Hampton was spotted last night still in a walking boot. So worth noting that despite the fact that Hampton is eligible to return as soon as week 10, there's a chance that Fadal has value for at least two more weeks going forward. I remember when Hampton got hurt. Several of the national insiders noted this is probably more than a four week injury lean on their sources and their information. And the fact that the day after he got hurt they put him on injured reserve to the Chargers. They knew it was going to be at least four weeks. So Vidal hanging on to value for right now.

[B]

I do think it's Kamani. Right. They said last night on the broadcast, I believe that everyone called him. Yeah, they call him something different. I don't know.

[A]

I don't have any names right now that are up for grabs. Bijan. Bijan Alvin Kamara. Kamara Vidal. Vidal Vitality. No one really knows.

[B]

No one knows what's going on. How about on the other side? Do we know what's going on with the Minnesota Vikings running game right now? We got Aaron Jones back.

[A]

I mean it's definitely a wasteland. Last night was definitely a wasteland say right. But Jones on the what first play of the game was targeted on a pass he did start for the Vikings last night. He got a little bit of involvement in the passing game, but they just didn't run the football effectively at all last night.

[C]

Yeah, it's a game script deal as well. They were trailing by a lot. Siren Jones out snap Mason by a lot. He didn't get many carries. If this was more a competitive game, you would have seen more Jordan Mason going forward. It's going to depend a little bit. The value of these guys will depend a little bit on game script. But Aaron Jones is back to being the one A Mason the one B he'll be should I would still bet Mason leads the team in carries going forward. Jones easily in targets but probably both. Maybe Jones a fringe RB to Mason a flex is probably how I here's.

[A]

A big thing for the Lions I think needs to be discussed is that wow sorry for the Vikings. They play the Lions next next week. Is that last year? So many guys in this offense. Right. Obviously Justin Jefferson was himself and Aaron Jones was great last year. But the big thing is that this offense just isn't as good this year. Maybe JJ McCarthy can get back on track or can get the offense back on track but this is swing in.

[B]

General will be if he plays next week would be McCarthy's third game I think. Right.

[A]

Third game this season.

[C]

Yeah, he'll and I would expect to start especially after what we saw last night. I mean Wentz was a mess and injury really banged up and they still would not turn to Max Brosmer. So that tells me tough right now.

[A]

By the way, look at the Vikings schedule going forward. Lions, Ravens, which I think by then we definitely expect to see Lamar Jackson. We'll talk about that more in just a little bit. But yeah, Lions, Ravens, Bears, Packers, Seahawks.

[C]

Brutal. They're probably a playoff long shot now. I think that's safe to say.

[A]

I would agree.

[C]

Yep.

[B]

Doesn't feel great. How about the pass catchers there? Justin Jefferson. Mike, you and I had a board bet. Let's just pay this off, really.

[A]

He was on the Arande Gadson plan in the first half. Jefferson had six catches for 77 yards. 72 yards in the first half. What a joy it is to watch Justin Jefferson as an aside. And the second half, he had one catch.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

So in the entire offense.

[C]

Garbage time.

[A]

Yes. And then they kind of called off the dogs late in the game. Max Brosmer stepped in for Carson wentz, but still 14.4 from Justin Jefferson. Not. Not a week. Yes.

[C]

Yeah, I mean, but the Chargers just.

[A]

Controlled the game so much. There was a point where it was like 20. It was kind of. It was not Chiefs, Raiders esque, but it was getting at least into that territory. So big night last night for the Chargers offense. Equ. A small time of possession for the Vikings offense and just not much production.

[B]

Mike moves to four and one on his board bets as I technically lose. And I say technically, I mean because I legally and factually lost. And Justin Jefferson 14.4 fantasy points. Jordan Addison 11.6. Although it's quite. I mean, they have been really close. Part of the point that I was trying to make was over the last four games, they have been much closer to each other than I had anticipated.

[C]

11 points put you at like 30th and 14 put you at like 23rd or so. I mean, so that's a few points lower for Jefferson. I mean, it was a disaster last night, but Moon or Addison needed a garbage time touchdown just to get to about where we expected anyway was at.

[A]

That point it was still a game like that made it 24 to 10 when they. In the third quarter.

[C]

I mean, okay, I would call it garbage.

[A]

You don't think 24:10 is a. Is a game in the third?

[C]

I think if you were watching that game, I think you have to agree it was an extreme long shot. It was a long shot.

[A]

But I wouldn't say. I think like, I think 24 to like, if it's 24 to three with four minutes to go, that to me is garbage. Put it on the poll. Let me Ask the poll right now.

[C]

I felt garbage timey coming out of.

[B]

A 19 only game. Watch the Broncos came back from the Giants last week.

[A]

I'll let Chat decide. Yeah, chat. You weigh in. Was just Jordan Addison's touchdown in the third quarter to make the game 24 to 10 in the third quarter. Garbage time or no. See what they say.

[B]

I'm interested.

[C]

And felt garbage timey. They were just clearly like, we just have to throw the ball. We're catching up. It's not. Not just a normal, normal circumstances sort of situation.

[A]

We're 36 to go. There's 19 minutes and 36 seconds left. You know what Chat will decide.

[B]

Do you guys have any other Vikings takeaways or at this point does it just like we need to see who's going to be under center and it feels like the guys that we know we're going to start are the guys we know we're going to start.

[A]

A lot of pressure here on. On JJ McCarthy for now. The only other thing I would say is, man, I miss the T.J. hawkinson. He had two catches for 26 yards last night. You, me, both, as we presently stand. If I had to guess, Mike's lineup blocks in the playbook for week nine will only include Justin Jefferson.

[C]

I would say that with a strong amount of optimism or agreement. Strong amount of agreement with that. I don't know. Who else are you buying?

[B]

Secondary should mostly be back to normal with the exception of DJ Reed next week. So we would expect to have the entirety of that secondary against that Vikings passing core. All right, let's move ahead. Talk about our week eight preview part two. Field Minister Yates, I'm going to start with you. We each brought three, at least three topics to the table. What is your first?

[A]

Yesterday, Daniel, you discussed a running back and of course it's blanking. I am blanking on the name right now. Who had like, decreased expectations. Who was it?

[B]

Yes, I did talk about a running back that had decreased expectations, normally an RB one. And thank you for bringing that up. And it is Jalen Warren.

[A]

Okay, thank you.

[B]

Going against the Green Bay packers, it took me a minute to remember who that was. Who are you?

[C]

Yeah, yeah, we talked about it.

[A]

Yeah, we talked about it.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So my same deal here to a degree, is not whether you're starting James Cook, but are we going to get back to where we were early in the season with James Cook as opposed to where we have been over the past couple of weeks? Because over the last two weeks, James Cook has exactly one target. He has Zero catches in those games.

[B]

Crazy.

[A]

He had three or more targets and three or more catches in three of his first four games. So we were seeing a decent amount of involvement for James Cook. I've sort of tried to figure out like what has changed over the past couple of weeks. Is it just a small sample size and randomness? The best working theory that I can come up with is as follows. The Bills are trailing or playing in a competitive game. They were trailing against Atlanta for much of that game. When we saw them last on Monday Night Football they played against the Patriots. It was a back and forth game, but they definitely were trailing for part of it is that a lot of times when you're trailing, the running backs get involved in the passing game because the quarterback becomes under duress and they dump it off. The defense knows you're throwing the football. They rush passers accordingly. You have to dump it off. The Bills offensive line is so good and Ty Johnson is their third down back that James Cook doesn't really benefit from those sorts of opportunities. So the question I think we have this week is can the Bills control this game? I think the Bills are going to come out really disappointed by what's taken place over their past two games. The Panthers are a team that has a solid interior of their defensive line, but I have optimism that Cook can look more like what we saw early in the season. He did have 87 rushing yards against the Falcons despite the zero passing game utilization. So back in. But we'd love to see James Cook toe in the rock 18 times for 112 yards and a touchdown.

[C]

Absolutely. He is a. I mean he's one of the premier touchdown scorers of the last year and a half. So keep giving us those scores. I mean he's one of the guys that you can kind of count on for it.

[B]

We didn't talk about coming into the season or you mentioned the touchdowns. Like we did expect a little bit of touchdown regression which is part of why we were hoping maybe to get a little bit more passing game involvement or just more usage. He didn't have a ton of volume last year. He was just very efficient and found the end zone a lot. So hopefully we can get a little more.

[C]

He's one of them guys. Yes, he'll score fewer touchdowns, but you're also the lead back in and they'll very efficient offense going to score touchdowns.

[A]

I think the Bills and the Eagles are playing two measuring stick games where the stick they're measuring against is themselves this week. What I mean by that is Philadelphia, of course we talked about it. We went to the game. They played the Giants the last time. The Eagles are a better team than the Giants. They got smoked. The last time these two teams played, it was just two weeks ago. If the Eagles lose on Sunday, it's not that I now think the Giants are the favorites to win the NFC East. It's more so I call into question whether Philadelphia is a team that is going to have a real chance to repeat as a Super bowl champion this year. For the Bills, if they lose to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, we might be talking for now, I think the idea of the Patriots winning the division is plausible, but not, I would say, likely. If the Bills lose on Sunday and the Patriots hold serve against the Browns playing in New England at home, you're saying to yourself like the Bills better get cooking in a hurry here because they may now be the number two in some people's eyes in the AFC East.

[C]

Yeah, agree with that. And also I'll just circle back to the Eagles. If the Eagles lose this game, that division is a four team race.

[A]

Yeah, it will.

[C]

I mean litter. I mean the Giants, if they sweep the Eagles, then obviously you have the Cowboys and then the Commanders, which we're going to not have Jaden Daniels this week. It's going to be a tough assignment. But once they have him back for the second, I mean any of those four teams can win that division. That is the trend in the NFC East. It's like a new winner every year. So it's going to be wide open.

[B]

If Eagles out here Great mornings sound a little different.

[A]

It's a season when your pets and.

[B]

Animals all need a little more and.

[A]

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[C]

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[B]

Have an answer to our poll question as to whether or not Jordan Addison's touchdown was in fact garbage time. YouTube chat says no, not by 55 to 45%.

[C]

Toss up. I. I would lean, yes, but toss up. Fair. Fair points.

[A]

Toss up.

[B]

Toss your head up right now.

[C]

It's your answer. Yes.

[B]

Why don't you go with your first topic garbage?

[C]

My first topic is a bunch of guys that at times in their career have been kind of garbage and fantasy, but lately better and maybe starting options, especially with six teams on a buy this week. And we're going to start with old friend, one of Daniel's favorites, Romeo Dobbs.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

So three straight top, top 30 fantasy weeks for Romeo Dobbs, and the difference for him has actually been a target boost. Check this out. Oh.

[B]

Oh. You did it.

[C]

I did it by accident.

[B]

Where's the football?

[C]

All right, you did it. Good job. That was. That was accidental. We're not prepared for it this time. After seeing eight plus targets in nine of his first 49 NFL games, he's hit eight in three consecutive games, which is. So this is new for him to see this much consistent usage. Had a big game in week four, kind of solid the last two weeks. I think that he'll come back to earth. We're going to get Christian Watson back this week, but there's no Don Tavian Wicks and there's still no Jaden Reed. So down the road, I think he'll come back to earth, but for now, he's in a pretty good spot in this offense. Also, the Steelers this week, the most catches and yards allowed wide receivers this season. Wow. So Dobbs, I think, is. I have him 29 on my board. Actually probably a little higher after I have him 20. Actually, I have him 23.

[A]

Cornotrio, not so dominant so far for Pittsburgh this year.

[C]

Yeah, no doubt. Yeah, we'll see as they continue to get healthier there with Joey Porter. Missed the early part of the season, but you're right. Yeah. You've been able to throw on the ceiling.

[B]

He went from 29 to 23. Because you had five wide receivers on Thursday.

[C]

Yeah, I was like, that seems wrong. But then I was like, yeah, there's three Chargers and two Vikings.

[B]

Yeah, that's a big jump.

[C]

Okay, so that stops. Next one is Rashid Shahid. Now this one's kind of fascinating. This fee. You know what this feels like? This feels like a guy to plug into like a GPP lineup. Exactly. And I'll tell you why. He saw either five or six targets in five straight games. But last week he matched a season high, which came in Week 1 with nine targets. But he's been held under 55 yards for the sixth time in seven games. He's been under 55 yards in six of his last seven. He does have at least four catches in all seven games this year, but has hit 15 twice. They were both games that he found the end zone. So he's a risky play, obviously, but I think he's a sneaky bet for a huge game. And that's what you're always kind of looking for as one of those kind of long shot play. Yes. Field first.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

He had his hand raised first.

[A]

Okay. So this is like the perfect. Like where. I think. So my assessment on Dobbs and Shahid is as follows. Dobbs, maybe he's getting close to like taking this label off of himself, but for me, he's always been one of those guys where it's like you're either you're in or you out. You ride the wave of Romeo Dobbs and you experience the highs while also suffering through the lows of low target shares for Shahid. Buymageddon week. If you're one of those people that is totally compromised this week because of buys, but your opponent somehow is skating by with close to his or her regular lineup, maybe save one normal starter. Shaheed's the kind of guy that at least going into the weekend you're like, listen, I know, I know that I have very few of my normal starters. I have no Brock Bowers and Ashton Gente this week and I've got no whoever else.

[B]

Vonte Adams is on by.

[A]

There we go. Kyron Williams and Garrett Wilson is one of my wide receivers. But I'm still going to find a way. You know why? Because Rasheed Shahid might go 4 for 122 and a touchdown, nine targets last week.

[C]

It's hard to ignore with the guy with that skill set.

[B]

I think both of these guys are exactly what you're describing them as. When I think of Romeo Dobbs and Rashid Shahid, they're guys that I would throw a dart at during bye weeks when I need some sort of production at the wide receiver spot. Otherwise, they're more than likely reserved for my bench. Maybe we could reserve a little bit more after this week, though. Hopefully we can get a little bit more volume out of them.

[C]

Let me give you one more. Juan Jennings is the other one.

[B]

Oh, Mike.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Last week you just said bad things about Joann Jennings earlier this week, didn't you?

[C]

Did I?

[B]

Didn't you say he was. Or maybe it was last week I thought we were saying that Joann Jennings was droppable.

[C]

Stefania, she.

[B]

Yeah, that was Stefania.

[C]

Okay. He says negative stuff about 49ers.

[A]

We know she actually did say though that was literally her who said that to cut him. She was. She. We had him on players you could drop. She did.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I know you were making a drop.

[B]

However, that's my bad.

[C]

He's coming off a game as he gets a little healthier. He's. He's beat up. He's talked about this, but he played 85% of the snaps last week and at a season high 29% target share. Now the output hasn't been great. 31 yards on four catches last week, under 32 yards and six and a half fantasy points in four or five games. But we saw his upside in week two with that big game. He hasn't been as good with Mac Jones, but we could have Brock Purdy back this week.

[B]

We'll see.

[C]

We'll see what practice looks like today. He has been limited. On the other hand, this week specifically tough matchup against Houston, tough on receivers. Only two have reached 14. And tell me if these guys are good. Puka, Nukua and JSN, they were the only two to get there this year. So maybe I have him 38. So I'm not as confident. But trending the right direction for Jennings because this is a guy that, that last year was an every week start. He was very good and with Ricky Pearsall still out, you know he should be able to re establish himself as their number one.

[A]

Can I take this to my next point because it ties into that exact same offense.

[B]

Why not?

[A]

Agree. I agree he's trending in the right direction. I have no idea what's going on with Ricky Piersall, but he is still not even practicing. As Mike just said, like just a dnp. Not even like limited DNP continuing for Ricky Piersol. We'll see when he returns. Brock Purdy might return. Although I do lean out. I lean out for Brock Purdy. I think Mac Jones will get one more start here for the Texans under center. But if Brock Purdy does return, is there any chance you're starting him?

[C]

I don't think I would start him this week. I have him at 18 against. Yeah, here's the numbers.

[A]

Here's the. That's exactly right. So if you have been patient on Brock Purdy and the quarterback that you have been turning to in Brock Purdy's absence is not available this week or he's banged up, whatever the circumstances might be, consider the matchup. The Texans have been downright nasty against opposing quarterbacks. Here is the quarterback output week by week against the Texans in six games this season. Okay, 13.3. Not a great day.

[B]

Not good.

[A]

19.9. You're like, all right, we're back on track. That Baker Mayfield. Baker's obviously a surgeon as a thrower.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

How about the next four games? 7.8.

[B]

That's bad.

[A]

4.5.

[C]

Oh my gosh.

[A]

1.16.

[C]

That's.

[B]

You're making this up.

[A]

And then even last week, Sam Darnold, who had a touchdown on the opening drive of Monday Night football, finishes with 9.6 fantasy points.

[B]

Holy smokes.

[A]

Texans are they are for as terrible as they are offensively, they're equally good defensively right now, especially against opposing quarterbacks. So if Brock Purdy does return, which I think is unlikely, but if you're considering Mac Jones in his absence, I think you can find a better option pass on both.

[B]

Yes, Chance the Texans defense is just so good they could also just play offensive line.

[A]

I mean, is there a chance that Texans need to not practice against their offense because maybe the defense just kills their confidence every week.

[C]

Yeah, they've been a disappointment, but the defense has been and what we thought. It's not a surprise that their defense is great, but the offense has just.

[A]

Underwhelmed a lot of interesting discourse on the Texans offense, a lot of it centered around Nico Collins, of course, because Nico is their best offensive player and it's not close and probably out this week. Daniel will probably cover that here in a moment.

[B]

I listened to Jeff Darlington talk yesterday. I think it was on NFL Live where he was saying that he felt Kyle Shanahan has been continually trying to take it slow with Brock Purdy and there was at least a shot like you had said, that he doesn't go this week. It kind of felt like it was leaning that direction. So I am planning on Mac Jones to be under center.

[A]

Unfortunately, yes, just to round out the Nico Collins thought as our own DJ Biennami, who covers the Texans and on top of being a reporter, really dives into the X's and O's on the football stuff. And he loves fantasy as well. Shout out to you dj. But he was talking about. He had highlighted how Nico has been rarely used in motion this year, especially when you juxtapose it with other top flight wide receivers. And he noted like I'm not, you know, I'm on Ross St. Brown's a slot receiver. Of course you're going to be in motion all the time. But even some of the big dogs that you would say are at least in the same zip code as Nico Collins. We'll see whether the Texans take that and use it as perhaps motivation to be a little bit more creative with Nico Collins. But sounds like he won't play anyways. All right, you're up next.

[B]

My first topic, is there more to unlock with Stefan Diggs potentially and should he be a trade target for you second half of the season? Are you.

[C]

Is this an only dance segment? Are you talking to your friend Dan who just. Dan Graziano traded me Tetaro and McMillan for Stefan Diggs and Rico.

[A]

Doubt a little. Did you guys make this? No, no, no.

[B]

This was not a. No, no, no. This was not a joint trade.

[C]

This was. I will hear you out.

[A]

Why do you like.

[C]

I hope you're Wrong.

[B]

Average top 20 wide receiver. I was just trying to look at this. Average top 20 wide receiver so far this year is playing 82% of the snaps in their offense. Hey, Stefon Diggs plays an average of 54.8% of the snaps in his offense. That's literally almost 30% less than the average top 20 wide receiver. Still working his way back. He's never topped 63% of the snaps. And then you look at what he's done. Week four, 16.1 fantasy points, six catches for 101 yards. Week five, 10 catches for 146 yards, 24.6 fantasy points. He had a dud in week six. Don't worry about it. Week seven, seven catches for 69 points, 1369 yards, 13.9 fantasy points. So he's doing all of this.

[A]

Go ahead if you want to make week six feel better. He had a 50 yard catch taken off the board for a completely ridiculous offensive pass.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you. So that 3 for 28, add in another catch for 50 yards. Now all of a sudden we're looking at 4 for 80. Yes. And so you'd be. You'd feel a lot better. Over the last month, he's wide receiver 8 in receptions per game and wide receiver 12 in receiving yards per game, 18th in total fantasy points per game. And that's with him playing under 60% of the snaps and he has zero touchdowns over that span. If he can find a to just get into the end zone with where he has been finishing, he is scoreless so far this year. He would be a low end wide receiver one here in Buymageddon for week six. I don't think he's going to be a low end wide receiver one every week because this is the reason why it would be this week. Six teams on a buy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

However, I do feel like there's still quite a bit more to unlock in Stefan Diggs game. And I believe that if you wanted to target someone for the second half of the season, maybe a buy low option may not even a buy low but just a buy option. I think Stefan Diggs is one of those guys if he gets more opportunities.

[C]

Out there on the field now say bad stuff and then good stuff about Ted Aroa in order to do the other side.

[A]

I do. I have questions about whether Diggs will ever become like an 80 plus percent of the snaps guy in this offense.

[C]

Feels Keenan Allen like might not change a little bit.

[A]

Yeah. So in part because you know he is still coming off of a major knee injury. Also, the Patriots are one of those teams that like they'll run a decent number of sets where it's like two receivers with Mack Hollins being one of them and like yeah. So I. But I do think it'll trend up, but I don't know that it gets to 80%. But I mean he's just flat out balling and his quarterback is in fuego. Do you guys know that Drake May is completing 74.5% of his passes? Which that's happened to the NFL before or like at least close to it. I think Drew Brees famously led the NFL.

[B]

This isn't Jared Goff.

[C]

This isn't like Alex.

[A]

It's like nine plus yards per attempt. He's like, bombs away. This would be like, I don't even know what. It's ridiculous right now what Drake May is doing. They've taken advantage of some good matchups of late, but still like I don't care what the matchups are. 74.5% with 9.5 yards per attempt is silly, silly stuff.

[B]

When people say stuff like that. It's like, you know what you're supposed to do against bad matchups? Take advantage of them. That's exactly like we shouldn't downgrade people because of that. So Drake May leading the NFL 75.2%. Oh, I said Jared Goff 74.9%.

[A]

I was, I Was shortchanging Drake.

[B]

Drake even better than what you mentioned.

[A]

That's, I mean, just ridiculous.

[B]

By the way, if Jared Goff could run like Drake May could. I mean, this is the thing. If you. If Drake May can throw the ball as well as what we have seen him do, and he's running the football, it's been unbelievable. All right, that was my first one. Stefan digs.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Why don't you go and then we'll come back this way.

[A]

The yards per attempt. Okay.

[C]

Okay, you do that. Joanne, do you want me to wait?

[A]

Drake May is at 8.6 yards per attempt. Only Lamar and Sam Darnold are ahead of him. Both of those guys are playing unbelievable.

[C]

Very hard to sustain a number in the eight. So that you would expect that to come back to earth a bit. But it just shows how well it's playing.

[A]

But so far, through seven games, he's been money. Mike, what's next?

[C]

Yeah, speaking of the Patriots, as Tyler just said in my ear, we're going to talk about that game, the running backs. And we did talk about this, I believe, on Wednesday, so I won't drag it out too long. You can always watch that show. But are we downgrading both of these running backs? My answer is yes and perhaps substantially here. Ramon Dre Stevenson, I talked about this the other day. The snaps have been terrific. He scored. He's coming off a good game last week. But his two biggest games, actually only two good games this season have come in his two easiest matchups, Miami in week two and Tennessee in week seven. Otherwise averaging 6.2 fantasy points per game. Not seeing anything in the passing game the last month. And now they're playing the Browns, who've allowed the fewest yards and fantasy points to running backs. The only back to reach 13.1 fantasy points against him or clear. That was Jameer Gibbs went 17 in week four. So Stevenson, you might have to start him because a six teams on a buy and not to mention injuries, but there's a good chance that he busts this week. On the other side of this one, guys, Quinchon Judkins, who after last week three touchdowns, you're thinking, here we go, he's good to go. Lock and load, fringe, RB1. But we ranked him as such last week. He upgraded him because of that terrific matchup. This week it is the opposite. The Patriots, 3.2 yards per carry. That's second lowest in the NFL. Three touchdowns allowed to the position, the six fewest fantasy points and the only. It's the same number the Only running back to clear 13.1 against them was Devon Hn. That was way back in week two. Of course, only one has done it against both teams, Cleveland and New England, and it was Achan and Jameer Gibbs, two of the best running backs in fantasy. We're not there yet on Judkins and Stevenson, and part of the reason for that is unlike those two, they're uninvolved in the passing game, which Jon Judkins has zero targets in two straight games and zero or one in four of his last five.

[A]

Wow.

[C]

Yeah, that's a big problem. And I keep talking about it and I know that he's delivering on the ground, but that only takes you so far, especially in a bad offense. So I'm really nervous about you.

[A]

This is. But this sort of gets in that same conversation we had earlier on Jalen Warren and James Cook, that like, even though these guys are ranked inside the top 20, if on Sunday afternoon at 4:45 and you've been out mowing the lawn, not watching football, you check your matchup and you're like, wait, Quinton Jenkins got me 8.4 fantasy points today. What happens? That's the kind of thing.

[C]

If he doesn't get targeted and he gets. That'd be 84 yards they're losing, which we expect. And he has 14 carries for 48 yards and doesn't score. I mean, you might be lucky to get eight points in that game.

[A]

I didn't want to have like, spoiled milk in the Cheerios.

[B]

Yeah, Geez.

[C]

Well, that's. If you.

[A]

If you open your phone at 4:45 and he got you 3.7 fantasy points. Blame Mike.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Mike Clay, NFL warning you that it's a.

[C]

It's a possibility.

[A]

You guys ready for just an absolutely devious decision I have on RB2 in the war room league because of 16 team league.

[B]

War room league. What's your RB2 decision?

[A]

Travion Henderson. Okay. Or the answer is probably whoever I say, right?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Burchard Smith. Oh, wow.

[C]

It's probably Henderson. I mean, every week you keep seeing. I know, but you keep seeing. First of all, he. I think he'll play more. I think he kind of has to at some point.

[A]

He can't play.

[B]

Haven't we been saying that for every week since Antonio Gibson lost the job?

[C]

And I think just the circumstances haven't allowed it the last couple of weeks, but I think when there's more offensive volume, he'll play more. But Rashard Smith, we keep saying they have to play him more. They have to play him more they have to play more. They're not I mean it's Isaiah Pacheco played they're playing three quarters of the.

[A]

Snaps last week like playing him more than Trayvon Henderson at least I think Rashard Smith has back to back to back games with three or more catches.

[C]

Bingo.

[A]

There's actually like part of my thought process is if the Chiefs are demolishing the commanders again maybe Prashard smith gets like 11 carries in the fourth quarter. He goes like 11 carries and three catches or something.

[B]

You know Monday Night Football too. That's right.

[C]

I do have Henderson ahead but it's close again tough matchup against the Browns so maybe that helps them get involved in the passing game. He's not going to be able to run.

[A]

Not good. When your first and second round picks are either on a buy or out.

[B]

I believe field that your next talking point I want to you just talking about the passing game do we have any updates on Lamar Jackson for the.

[A]

Lamar has been practicing on Wednesday and Thursday both Daisy was officially limited if Lamar plays breaking news. You're going to start Lamar Jackson.

[C]

Yeah right.

[A]

If he doesn't we're obviously going to downgrade the pass catchers accordingly. There's really only one that we consider close to a lineup block when Lamar is healthy that being safe flowers I lean out I lean out really out for Lamar Jackson.

[C]

I don't think it's not I mean maybe if they had one loss you're more likely to say like the Niners like we can afford to give Brett party and we can't really afford it with Baltimore they won win I mean I'm not saying you play a her player but I think you it's easier to break the tie based on your team's situation. I I I I'm still alive. I'm in the projections. I'll be curious that's fine.

[A]

Yeah yeah to saying I don't I was going to say the Birdies but the Ravens the Raven Birdies. Yes Are suggesting to me that we could have one more week of that's.

[C]

Going to be tough backup quarterback which.

[A]

Is there any way that you can play Cooper Rush again no. It's got to be snoopuntley if it's not Lamar Jackson would be it just seems logical. Right okay just saying keep in mind the Dolphins and Ravens play next Thursday night so I think there's a chance that we get Lamar next week but my current lean it is right now 10:36am Eastern Time on Friday my lean.

[B]

Is he is out is that part is. I'm assuming part of the lean is the idea that it's a short week the following week and they want him to be ready for that week, knowing.

[A]

That if you, when he's ready, he'll go. And yes, I mean the extra four days. I know it may seem like not that much when it's been a month long recovery, but for him it might be like the difference between being good the rest of the season and not being good the rest of the season. So we're just one Adam Schefter tweet away from saying Lamar Jackson expected to play. For me to feel like I'm a big dummy, I lean, lean out right now. So I wanted to give you both sides of the coin. If Lamar is out, I just would not feel great starting anybody.

[C]

I think the messaging here is if you have that backup quarterback sitting on your bench right now and you're thinking, can I cut him? I would, I would hold off. Hold, hold.

[A]

Even if Lamar is out. We talked about this a couple days ago. So Derek Henry still in a good spot given this Bears run defense. And he's not the only quarterback who plays in the 405. Right. Isn't that.

[B]

I'm going to wait, are you going to switch to him first? Because I'm going to follow you. You go, I'm going to follow you and then I'm going to go to Mike. I don't know why I pointed. I have a guy that is attached to that offense in Zay Flowers. Are we expecting to see a big Zay Flowers week this week against the Chicago Bears coming off a buy. As you had already said, if Lamar Jackson plays, I feel a heck of a lot better about Zay Flowers.

[C]

By the way, it's a one o' clock game.

[B]

Okay, good to know. Thank you very much for that. More Chicago's 1:12 or more fantasy points.

[A]

I was saying it's 405, the area code that they call D.C. and Baltimore.

[C]

We're asking if it was a 405 game.

[A]

I believe it's the 405, but let me check.

[B]

I think the 405 is that major highway that runs up Los Angeles. Yes. Yeah, yeah. Right along the Pacific coast highway area. Yeah. Anyways, anyway, Daniel, 12 or more fantasy points in four of his six games so far, including one game without Lamar. He did one game without Lamar week five against the Texans in which he had 12 fantasy points. He has a 29% target share. Only one game below a 25% target share which is great. Zay Flowers with a 29% target share. The next closest person on their team is Mark Andrews with 17%. And then it's Justice Hill with under 15%. So it really is just Zay Flowers. Chicago giving up the ninth most fantasy points per games to wide receivers. And check. Check out this stat. Ah, I changed it. I didn't want to steal it. Bears have allowed at least 13.6 fantasy points to a wide receiver in every single game this season. If there was one wide receiver that I would think in Baltimore that I would count on to be able to follow that trend, it would be Zay Flowers. My question to you guys is right now, all of the rankings and everything we're talking about, he's a top 10 option right now with six teams on a bottle. Assuming Lamar Jackson plays. If Cooper Rush comes in, is he still a top star? Or Snoop Huntley, is he still a top 20 to 25 guy so that you would start him regardless?

[C]

I'll move him down, but that's around where I'd be.

[A]

Just to confirm, the 405 area code is Central Oklahoma.

[C]

Okay. Could not have missed that further.

[A]

It was the four one zero was what I was looking for. Four one zero.

[C]

So you're away.

[A]

Central Oklahoma, basically Baltimore and D.C. shout out to the D.M.V.A.

[B]

Samsonite.

[C]

I was way off field. Is not that. Have you seen that guy? I think he's a. I want to say he's a comedian who knows all the zip codes.

[B]

No, that's not possible.

[C]

People can just say the zip code and, you know, he can identify 62938.

[B]

And it's like.

[C]

And he knows it. He walks around. He was like on the show yesterday. Around, going around the studio. I wish I had his name. I apologize.

[A]

Oh, really?

[C]

He just. It's just one of his skill. He. It was just a thing he did as a kid when I was memorizing sports stats, he was memorizing zip codes for some reason.

[A]

And me with colleges of where players. Where players went to college. That's my thing.

[C]

Thing I did.

[B]

I did the back of sports cards. I would just, like memorize the back of trading cards of, like, what players like heights and weights and all that stuff.

[C]

Was everyone watching like I was lifting weights and hanging out with girls, you nerds.

[B]

We were not. I can tell you that.

[C]

Not us.

[B]

All right, Mike Clay, you got a couple of quarterbacks that you want to discuss as well? Correct.

[A]

Central to the four one zero. The DV area. There's another quarterback who is officially out on Monday. That is of course Jaden Daniels.

[C]

Yes, he sure is. Okay, is that.

[A]

Is that a segue into.

[C]

Into mine? Because I'm going to talk the teams that are missing their quarterbacks.

[B]

Hey, segue then.

[C]

One of them is in fact Washington. They're in Kansas City. It's going to be a tough challenge for Marcus Mariota. The Chiefs seem to be back on. I mean their defense really never left. Their defense is terrific other than in the super bowl last year. The offense is rolling. However, this is interesting. Marcus Mariota, four games playing significant snaps since he's joined the Commanders. 19.6 fantasy points, 26 fantasy points, 20.3 and 16.2.

[B]

Hey, that's pretty good.

[C]

Three and a half fantasy points per game for Mariota. Two passing touchdowns in three of those four games. The only exception was week three earlier this year when they crushed the Raiders. So he didn't have to throw it a lot.

[B]

That include? No. This last week Jaden Daniels played without any of the wide receivers. I was just going to ask if that included Mariota without.

[C]

But Daniels was last only the one where he played most of the snaps. On the other hand, he's only averaging in those four games. 22 pass attempts a game. It's kind of unreal. 182 passing yards per game. I mentioned all this because also again, the Chiefs have been really good. The Chiefs are actually bottom seven in fantasy points allowed to all four positions.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

I mean, they're just really good across the board against all the positions. So that makes it tricky for me. First of all, I know Mario has been good as I just laid out in fantasy, but it's a tough matchup. So I don't know if I want to start him this week. And then the skill guys, there's a lot of options here. JCM flex option. We expect Deebo and Terry to play.

[A]

Both practice in full yesterday.

[C]

Yeah. So both are startable. Zach Ertz probably less likely to start him. But this is a tough assignment here against the Chiefs, so makes it. Makes it tricky. Other ones guys, Tyrod Taylor, if he goes, we'll see this. But if he goes against Cincinnati, 197 yards and two touchdowns ran a lot in that Week 3 game. It is four full games with the Giants in 2023 average 274 passing yards per game added some value with his leg. So he's like a deep league streaming option. But the 274 is a notable number because again, we're thinking about the skill guys. Can we feel confident he does Tend to put up passing yards. At least that's been the trend lately. So that's good against a Bengals defense that is the worst defensive epa. They have really struggled most fantasy points to running backs and tight ends. So that seems bad. So if Tyrod plays, it could be good for some of these skill guys. Not that we're using a lot, but Misa Taylor Breeze call Mason Taylor for.

[B]

What it's worth, did not practice yesterday so we're gonna keep an eye on that.

[C]

And then the last one of course is no Bryce Young means Andy Dalton steps in for Carolina against the Bills. Six full games for him since joining Carolina. 225 passing yards per game. That's solid. Nine passing touchdowns, multiple pass TDs in four of six games. Hey, that's not something we generally get out of Carolina over the last couple of years. So perhaps good news for aforementioned tea and this is the one we foreshadowed yesterday. Weeks three through seven last year Andy Dalton was the starter. Deontay Johnson averaged 9.2 targets per game and 15.2 fantasy points per game. 11th in fantasy points. It all went downhill after that, but it was good for a while. So hopefully we have that same connection between Tetaroa and Andy Dalton. So beautiful.

[B]

Yeah, that's what we want. That's why I brought it up.

[C]

That's.

[B]

I just want this veteran to find the guy that we have been waiting to get heavy volume this season.

[A]

That's the only problem with that is that if Ted hot with Andy Dalton, he'll probably be out of the league by next year based off of Deontay Johnson's career.

[B]

Oh, with the way Tet. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Playing that role.

[A]

Don't like that 30 for 30 on just Deontay Johnson's 18 months come out.

[C]

Yeah. By the way, the other bad thing is Dalton came in and loves Xavier. Look at last week. He stepped in and threw like five.

[B]

Passes to him and shut your mouth, Mike. No one wants to see.

[C]

Hopefully that goes away and we have.

[A]

1093 and a touchdown last week.

[B]

No thank you.

[C]

Yeah, random big game from leg. We can't buy into him yet.

[A]

That's the beauty of not there yet.

[C]

I want to. I want to love Legend. He's a good sleeper, but it just hasn't happened yet.

[B]

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] Talk about stepping up.

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[C]

Level up.

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For more on the ESPN app or at stream.espn.com sign up now. Eight years ago I blew my football career.

[A]

He dropped it at the one yard line.

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Chad Powers has arrived on Hulu. If I can't play as Russ, I'll play as someone else. My name's Chad and last name from.

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Executive producers Eli and Peyton Manning. Remember when wearing a prosthetic mask. This is acting and starring Glen Powell.

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Not rubber. I'm a man made of flesh.

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The Hulu Original series Chad Powers is.

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Now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on.

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Disney plus for bundled subscribers terms apply.

[C]

New episodes Tuesdays.

[B]

All right, guys, I'm gonna give you the Week 8 injury report. I'm gonna rip through a bunch of these. Some of them I'm gonna sound.

[A]

I'm gonna make sure there's no additional thank you.

[C]

We need to make this into a segment with like sounds.

[B]

That's right. Week 8 injury report presented by Mike Clay is gonna buy a car later this week. Is insert your brand here to sponsor this segment.

[A]

Love it.

[C]

I'll talk about your brand all the time if you give me a car. That's a good seems like a good deal for all involved.

[B]

Let's start in Tampa Bay because they got a bunch of things. Bucky Irving, just as a reminder, still out, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. He's got a week nine buy, so there's a chance. Hopefully we're going to see a Week 10 return. Rashad White going to be back. He's running back six this week for us against the Saints. Chris Godwin officially out already. Did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. Ameka Abu Khalifa did not practice Wednesday and was limited on Thursday. Given the fact that he's the only wide receiver left standing, I would expect them to take it easy on him and practice just to make sure he's good to go. Tez Johnson is the guy that field and I have inside the top 35 to 40. Mike, you're a little bit lower, but we all said yesterday. Yeah, if we were going to have one wide receiver outside of Emeka Abuka, it would be Tez Johnson. Kate Otten is not normally a starter, but this week, given the fact that you have the two wide receivers out, he is a top 12 option for us against the Saints.

[A]

A.J.

[B]

Brown is questionable for this game. Did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Right now, if Brown goes, you guys, we have him as wide. Receiver. 6. Devonte Smith is somewhere in the top 15 to 20 range against the Giants. If there is no A.J. brown, we're already starting Devontae Smith. But how high do you move him up in your rankings?

[A]

Probably like top 12ish wide receiver, but this comes down to like the inconsequential nature of the actual rank. Are you starting him or are you not?

[B]

Correct.

[C]

That's and he is. You're exactly we're starting him and then I'm probably not starting like John Dotson. They'll probably no Dallas got it.

[A]

He'll be one day in a future year. Fantasy Focus what we will do is we'll hit you with the ranks each week. As such, we'll go to the quarterbacks and we'll say must starts, likely starters, fringe starters, would rather not start, don't start them.

[C]

Yeah, this is kind of like the top tier is basically line of blocks. I would say. Yeah, that's kind of the point of lineup blocks. It's like if you have this guy, you're starting them. I mean there's extreme scenarios. Obviously you might just might have Drake May and Josh Allen. Like, I mean what are you going to do? Like, I still would put May as a lineup block right now, but that's essentially the point of that.

[B]

Absolutely.

[C]

Bowers in a run to get if you have A.J.

[B]

Brown, just make sure you have a secondary option just in case he doesn't go.

[A]

I think we'll have the answer by today. Like I knowing this team, there is definitely a possibility that A.J. brown returns to the practice field today. He's questionable and he plays on Sunday.

[B]

This week in week eight, Dallas Goddard already a top five option with six teams on a buy. So even if A.J. brown plays, he's still someone that you're starting this week. Nico Collins questionable, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday with a cushion.

[A]

It was more like doubtful.

[B]

It does not feel great with him. We also have no Christian Kirk. He has already been ruled out in this one. Which means if you're going to start a Texans wide receiver, it's either Xavier Hutchinson, Jaden Higgins or Jalen Noel.

[C]

Noel is the one I like the most right now. I'm hoping we get the Higgins. Yeah. Hutchinson. The thing is like he may be the favorite to lead in targets but he's output put is terrible in his career. Like he just, I know he had the two touchdown game but he had like no yardage in that game and he, he just does not turn targets into yardage. So Noel did last. He had what, 77 yards last week. Jaden Higgins is a second round rookie. Maybe it's his breakout game. Those guys give me more like at least there's hope for upside. I don't want six points. I want a chance to have 15 points or you know, somebody corrected me.

[A]

And I know this because I said to the guy during the draft but because we could be talking about him a little more. With Nico Collins likely out. Noel Jalen Noel Jay.

[C]

No, Jalen Noel Noel.

[B]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that.

[C]

Until he call. Until he scores two touchdowns Sunday and calls him safe.

[A]

Jolyn Noel is my name.

[B]

He would be the one actually if I had to start, that's who I would choose as well. In part because the quarterback that has the lowest time to sack in The NFL is C.J. stroud. He gets sacked quicker than any other quarterback in the NFL. I think he's quarterback 35 right now. So give me the guy that's not a. Let the route develop downfield. Jalen Noel should be that slot guy with no Christian.

[C]

You need to get more creative with using his athleticism a little bit correct.

[B]

And I don't want to start any of them. Honestly. Dalton Schultz would be the guy if you needed to start a pass catch up. He's a probably top 12 option at the tight end spot.

[C]

He's other guy. He's like. He's had all these targets, not turning them into anything until like right now. He just started. Just started doing it.

[A]

So he's him and Kate Otten are the Spider man emojis.

[C]

Yes, they are. There's a lot of guys like that right now. Yes. Even you could say Zach Ertz. Same thing. I mean there's a lot of guys in that conversation.

[B]

Garrett Wilson did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Feeling like he might not go this week. Mason Taylor also did not practice with a quad injury on Thursday. We've already talked about the quarterback position. Honestly at this point, Breece hall was limited with both of his practices. Who do you feel confident in starting for the New York jets right now? Outside of Breece Hall. And confidence is a strong word with Breece.

[A]

Did you say Confident?

[B]

Yes. Who do you. Let's not say confident. Who will you start then for the.

[C]

AFC east only league. I mean Josh Reynolds looking sharp this week.

[A]

Nine targets for Josh Reynolds last week. So if you are pressed into Buymageddon duties with the Jets. Yeah.

[C]

Don't forget Arian Smith scoring a touchdown.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

That's right. Yes.

[A]

I love all the jets optimism.

[B]

Couple of the guys. DJ Moore did not practice Wednesday. Limited on Thursday. Seems like he's going to go.

[A]

It's going to be DJ more management.

[C]

He's going to back to it. Please get traded.

[B]

Cole Comet did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. It does feel like Colston Loveland is going to be an option. I have him inside my top 15 at the tight end spot fields. You got him inside the top 20. Mike, I don't know if you've ranked.

[C]

I did not pull Comet out yet, so I haven't. But he's, he's borderline line. But Loveland, I was like, okay, yeah, I'm going to go out and add him in a couple leaps. But there's so many tight ends right now. There's so many fringe tight end, mid.

[B]

Tier tight end to keep. Yeah.

[C]

47. I can't have Arande Gadson, Trey McBride, Evan Ingram, like all I, I can't, I can't roster all these guys. I, I have a league. I have several leagues where I, I'm carrying three tight ends in Lovelands on waivers. I'm like, I can't add him too.

[B]

Can't do that as well.

[C]

I need. Bro. You need, you know, spots for other.

[A]

Those are leagues where you have positional limits.

[C]

No, it's not that. It's just like what I, I need, I need to carry by week players or maybe a second quarterback in some situations. A running back job.

[B]

Ends on your bench.

[C]

I want to carry. Yeah.

[B]

No running back.

[C]

But that's the seat. That's the state of tight end that from like tight end like 7 to 23 is just very similar. They're all very similar if you get a chance.

[B]

I do believe that Colston Loveland is worth adding before he goes off in this game because then you're going to fight with everyone coming into the waivers next week. So if you have an open spot and you need a tight end, I think he's worth throwing in a spot because he should get full time tight end duties here.

[C]

Yeah, there's a lot of guys I cut loose for him. However, it's like, you know, do you. Here's a. Here's a hypothetical Evan Ingram, who's back in the tight end. One conversation, big game, and could be a starter going forward. Or do you take a lottery ticket on Loveland, who in his circumstances, I'm not sure. Right. I'm not sure that Loveland is going to be a tight end. One he, you know, is his ceiling is probably what we're getting out of Ingram. Now.

[A]

We're like a couple years away from the Bears fully formed offense, I think, which could be a true trio of Roma Dunes A Colston, Loveland and Luther Verdon.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Which could be sick.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

But we're still a couple years away from that.

[B]

Let's hope not.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For your purposes as a Lions fan, I'm going to hope not. However, for fantasy football, that would be dope. I would love that. All right, two more really quickly. Calvin Ridley did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Seems like he's going to be out this week. I would not want to start any of the Titans pass catchers, but we've talked about him a bunch. You know who they are. And Ricky Pearsall we already mentioned, seems like he's not going to go this week. Still not practicing. I would make other plans there as well. That is your Week 8 injury report brought to you by your sponsored segment here. Feel free to come out and let us know specifically whichever car company wants to help Mike Clay out this week.

[A]

I love that. So in our first draft show, at the very top of a rundown, our producer in that show, Joe G. Loves the show as well. Joe G's an actor. Love Joey G. We love Joey G. Is the man in the notes he puts first draft presented by parentheses. Harbaugh voice.

[C]

Nobody. Nobody.

[A]

We're still working on sponsorships left and right over here.

[B]

Love that. Nothing wrong with that. All right, let's work on starts of the week, left and right while we're at it.

[A]

I'm starting to feel a little good about my start to the week after some of the comments that were made during the show. I'm not gonna lie.

[B]

Oh, all right. Who wants to go first here? Who came in last place last year? All right, so why don't we let you go getting off easy.

[C]

I will pay it off. We'll find something. Bring a hat, a helmet, whatever you want.

[A]

A hat?

[C]

Yeah, whatever you want.

[B]

Mike's got to wear a hat. What a punishment.

[C]

Oh, that's what it says on that hat. You can get me canceled very easily if you don't like.

[B]

You know what?

[C]

That's a good point.

[B]

That's a good point. All right. Keep going.

[C]

Whatever you want.

[A]

All right.

[C]

My start of the week. I'm going to start. Start with. Come on. You know, I, I thought about going with a safer play here, but I'm going with the revenge game narrative with Aaron Rodgers going. Aaron Rodgers already two games with four touchdowns this season, guys. So he's had some big games. That one was last week against Cincinnati. Week. The other one.

[A]

Yep.

[C]

Week one. Yeah. This other revenge game against the York jets and by the way, the Packers. What's up?

[A]

That was all the way back in week one.

[C]

That was week one. However, the packers have really dropped off in defensively lately. 18 + fantasy points to the opposing quarterback in three straight games now ball in it. Brissette, Flacco and Dax. So one of those is a fantasy. The other two are not. So Roger, I think Dax a fantasy.

[B]

I think Dak is a fantasy star too. How dare you say that.

[C]

Flaco and Dak.

[A]

All right.

[C]

Jacoby, Brissette, maybe Border.

[A]

We're on the same page.

[C]

I actually you. You two are so on point with that that I thought I said something like. Did I say Dax? Not. Yeah. Next one is a running back a little bit on the rise. I talked about him before. Isaiah Pacheco.

[A]

Yep. Wow.

[C]

Season I 16 touches last week. Snaps are the last couple of weeks. And Washington struggling against running backs lately. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney and six teams on a buy. So it was kind of slim pickings at wide receiver this week. 68 yards and five targets last week. And I talked about this earlier in the week. They're playing Miami. They have not allowed a lot to receivers. High efficiency below lower volume. So hopefully a big play for Darnell Mooney to pay this one one off. And tight end again, pick your poison from all of these options. Kate otten for me, nine targets last week. Went 7 for 65 guys. He has 50 plus yards and 10 plus fantasy points in three straight games.

[B]

I can't wait to hear what field Yates starts of the week are after.

[C]

Crossover. We have some crossover.

[A]

Mine now or.

[B]

No, let's do yours next.

[A]

My quarterback for this week in a revenge spot.

[C]

No way.

[A]

Aaron Rodgers.

[B]

Aaron Rodgers, baby.

[C]

Sorry, I stole all the announcements.

[A]

Quarterback 19. Yeah, so whatever Mike said.

[B]

All right.

[A]

My running back playing on Monday Night Football.

[B]

Monday Night Football.

[A]

Bright lights of Arrowhead Stadium. Isaiah Pacheco.

[B]

No, Isaiah Pacheco.

[A]

And my wide receiver who I was feeling good about until about three minutes ago when Daniel said we don't care about any Titans receivers. It's My guy. Alec.

[C]

IO Manor.

[B]

Shoot. So sorry.

[A]

It's a good matchup.

[C]

It's okay.

[A]

Don't worry.

[B]

It is a good matchup.

[A]

The Colts have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. IO Manor should see somewhere between five and seven targets and my title. Who has now scored 10 plus fantasy points in three straight games. Oh, no. Kate Otten.

[C]

All right, so it's. It's IO Manor against Darnell Mooney.

[B]

Darnell Mooney. Okay.

[C]

This doesn't really happen that much. This amount of cross. So I think it's a product of six teams on a buy it really.

[B]

I agree.

[C]

Our sample of like viable options for this game are. Are small.

[A]

Also any crossover at all.

[B]

It is a product of you guys just picking doo doo players because I didn't have any of those.

[A]

That's great. So it's us versus you.

[B]

This. Exactly. It's me versus both of these. I went with the quarterback spot. Guys. This one was just too easy. I went. I didn't know I went with the obvious one. Here. I'm going to do it. Jackson dart against the Eagles. Over 22 fantasy points per game in the last month. He's got good legs and one thing that I like about him is he's got good. I'm a legs guy.

[C]

Are you on his only dance page?

[B]

Yeah, I'm about to be. I was thinking about. I asked Rosie if I thought that we could bring to the table doing a segment with Graziano called darts parts where we just talked about his legs. Jackson Darts legs on a part as a part of only dance.

[C]

You know what I mean that for the show.

[B]

Yeah. That's the first segment. We'll go to other parts of Jackson Dart later on, obviously with an only dance. So we'll see how that goes. Moving on.

[A]

We got an hour now we're live. Okay.

[C]

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[B]

We are at the running back position. I'm going with my guy, Chase Brown against the jets and Joe Flacco we trust. I try to pick at least one player connected to the real deal player of the week that I have picked. And so because I went with Jackson dart, I went with Chase Brown here, getting a couple of passes from old man Joe at the wide receiver spot. This one is scary to me. But I'm going with Troy Franklin against the Dallas Cowboys. With this matchup. Cowboys have given up the most fantasy points. Excuse me, most passing yards and second most passing touchdowns to opposing teams. And then Dalton Kincaid against the Panthers. I said to temper your expectations. Earlier this week against Dalton Kincaid, I Have tempered them for what it's worth. Six catches for 55 yards and two touchdowns for 23 fantasy points. That is my tempered expectation for Dalton Kincaid this week. Okay, so I'm going to go with Jackson Dart, Chase Brown, Troy Franklin and Dalton Kincaid as my starts of the week this week.

[A]

That seems like it just feels different when there's not. It's like. I don't know. It's weird when there's no differentiation.

[C]

Well, I know a man or versus Mooney.

[B]

We're going to see how things play out here.

[A]

This drama there.

[B]

There's going to be some good drama. Let's take a couple of questions right now from our YouTube chat quickly before we get out of here. This very first one is going to come from our friend and fan.

[A]

Eric Booty.

[B]

C.J. adler. C.J. wants to know Stefan Diggs or Wandale Robinson, half PPR league. I'd go chiffon Diggs in this one. Where are you guys at?

[C]

It's so funny. I have them 18 and 19.

[A]

Yeah, I was gonna.

[C]

This is a toss up.

[A]

I'm gonna go with Wanda Robinson. So many snaps for them. Really.

[C]

And had a good game against Philly two weeks ago. Another good game last week. Right. So okay.

[B]

CJ will win. Stefan Diggs plays well because he's got a better quarterback and is the better wide receiver. Just know who your friend is. It's me, buddy Danny. All right, let's go with another one. Another question that we have here comes from Troy. Troy wants to know where worthy or Jalen waddell.

[C]

I have waddle. 18 I worthy 20. So this is. Or yeah, 20. So this is a close one as well. I talked about some worthy optimism. Waddle is a tougher matchup against Atlanta.

[A]

But it's like good matchup. Primary target share versus lesser target share and a better.

[C]

I'm going to go waddle, but it's close.

[A]

Yeah, I would go waddle but it's close as well.

[B]

I think I would go waddle too just because of Rashee Rice. But that doesn't mean I feel confidence. Don't watch that Dolphins game. Just start Jalen Waddle and don't watch any of the things that you have to see. All right, Another question that we have here from this one comes in from Ashley Fountain. Ashley wants to know would you start Kate Otten, Mason Taylor or Dalton Kincaid this week?

[A]

I think Otten's the safest. Taylor will see. So you mentioned it. Did not participate in practice.

[B]

Did not practice.

[A]

Quad injury. Correct. So if he doesn't play. This makes things a lot easier because it's only one out of two tight ends to choose from. I'm going to kick a dotten for me. Safety, target, chair plus quarterback situation plus offense he plays him.

[B]

If you are in a spot where you need the safer floor, Kate Otten is the one. If you're looking at it and your projection is like you're projected to lose by 35, then I would probably go with Dalton Kincaid just on the chance that maybe he does get that or two touchdowns, couple touchdowns.

[A]

I just said, by the way, that Kate Otten has the safest floor in part because of the quarterback situation. I was thinking of that mostly vis a vis Mason Taylor because it turns out Josh Allen's really good.

[B]

Josh Allen is good.

[C]

I've been told, too.

[B]

Yes, he's pretty good.

[A]

Sources have confirmed it.

[B]

All right, one more let's do another question here before we get out of here and then we will jump out. This one comes from Nick Nicholas Esposito wants to know Quinshon Judkins or Chase Brown?

[A]

I've got concerns on both. My concerns, excuse me, on Chase Brown are what we've seen this season. My concerns are Judkins are what we have laid out throughout the week. The Patriots have yet to allow a running back to reach 50 rushing yards, but I have Judkins with a slight lean over Chase Brown.

[C]

Yeah, I'll go Judkins. We're a lot more samaj ap Ryan the last couple of weeks. Yeah, and it wasn't even a lot of volume for Chase Brown the last time we saw him when he had the better game.

[B]

So if I could have chosen Quinchon Judkins over Chase Brown for my starts of the week, I would have. Which means I should probably choose Quinchon Judkins here as who I'm going to start this week. All right, that's going to do it for us today. Today's show was presented by little Caesars. Thank you guys so much for hanging out with us and shout out to our buddy Eric Moody for hanging out and chat. Go follow him on social media. Rickandmoodie everywhere that you want to do all your stuff. Don't forget to love each other. Be kind to yourself. You guys deserve it. And we will see you Sunday morning for Fantasy Football Now 10am Eastern on ESPN. Two skater skaters with you guys. Fantasy you in the whole 601. Oh God. Fantasy.

[C]

Fantasy.

[B]

Focus.