← Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry
Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry
Cowboys at Lions + Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert injury updates
00:51:54
December 5: Jay (@croucherJD) and Connor (@ConnorJRogers) reflect on the performances of Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Jameson Williams, and Ryan Flournoy on Thursday Night. The duo then highlight injury updates for Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson, Drake London, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Denny Carter also drops by to analyze Kyle Monangai, Devaughn Vele, and Jayden Higgins in “Flexual Frustrations” before Jay and Connor pitch Denny on a side in Commanders-Vikings and Bengals RB prop bet Sunday.
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- [00:02]
Narrator/Announcer
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- [01:03]
Host 1
Nobody tells us who we are. Nobody, man. We write our own story. We've said it all along. That's a way to show up, man. Way to show up. We do what we want to do and how we're gonna do it. You guys showed up. Was it perfect?
- [01:18]
Jay Croucher
No.
- [01:18]
Host 1
Do we have a lot to clean up?
- [01:20]
Justin Jefferson
Yeah.
- [01:20]
Host 1
That's a good win, man. That was a hot team.
- [01:23]
Narrator/Announcer
Remember, whatever feeling you had on Monday this week to get us here, come back, have a nice little time off, recharge rate for this last little quarter of the season. Fellas, we can do anything we put our minds to.
- [01:32]
Justin Jefferson
I promise you.
- [01:32]
Connor Rodgers
I promise you. We're not there.
- [01:34]
Jay Croucher
What are they? Wait.
- [01:39]
Host 1
Fantasy Football Happy hour with Matthew Berry.
- [01:43]
Connor Rodgers
Happy Friday. Welcome to the Fantasy Football Happy Hour. Connor Rodgers. Jay Croucher. Don't worry, it's Friday. We'll be joined by Denny Carter. No Matthew today. Matthew is in cheer dad mode. So good luck to the girls down in their cheer competition. But we got everything covered. We're going to answer your questions in what's on tap. Jay and I will have pickup lines for Denny. Let's see if that can turn our luck. Yeah. Dr. Carter has to make the selection.
- [02:06]
Jay Croucher
Indeed. By the way, Matthew's made this point previously, but Jared Goff has got to stop following Dan Campbell with the speeches. It's just not good. It's not good.
- [02:14]
Connor Rodgers
It's a different kind of.
- [02:15]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, it's not good. It's like, you know, you're trying to follow in Mariano Rivera out of the bullpen. You don't want to do that.
- [02:23]
Connor Rodgers
You can't play under Sandman again.
- [02:24]
Jay Croucher
No, it's just the cadence of the voice, the, the depth to it. Dan Campbell is just a magnificent orator. Jared Goff has got a lot of things in life. Not, not so much there compared to great man Campbell.
- [02:36]
Connor Rodgers
Well, let's get into the game with. Oh, the chat is already rolling in. You know, I like to see. Because I could actually see the questions immediately. K. Gemma Man Campbell, way to effing show up. Alexa gave that same speech to Barry J. And Connor.
- [02:49]
Jay Croucher
Same intonation. Yeah, no, Alexa gets us fired up to go every day.
- [02:52]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah, she's above the Jared Goff threshold for sure.
- [02:55]
Jay Croucher
She's a low bar to clear, but alas.
- [02:57]
Connor Rodgers
Alright, let's get into the rotter world Player news and recap the game last night that had tons of fantasy output, tons of scoring here, Jay. And a little bit as we look at the fantasy leaderboard, Jameer Gibbs does what he does and just dominates the week. Ryan Flournoy didn't see that one coming. Over 26 points and then kind of spread around. When you look at the rest of the fantasy production. Good to see Jameson Williams heavily involved. David Montgomery goes over 14 points which if you were starting them in your flex, you probably feel good about that. A little bit of news or noise, Jay, with David Montgomery scoring for the second straight game amid Jameer Gibbs having another big night.
- [03:33]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I would downgrade David Montgomery after this game. Just the usage I think, you know, you pointed out a couple of weeks ago it felt like that that Giants game where Gibbs went off for almost 300 yards as the touchdown overtime felt like that was kind of signaled a changing of the guard where they were finally going to give the keys of the offense completely to Jameer Gibbs. This feels like Jimmy Gibbs's team right now. And David Montgomery, look at that. See the snap rate down to 30%. There are only really two drives where he was the guy and he look, he breaks the long touch round, breaks the long touchdown and gets the six for 60. But you know, Dave Montgomery, in a game that they're pretty much leading the whole way, gets six carries and more often than not that's going to lead to 25, 30 yards, not 60 yards and a touchdown looked good. Whenever he's out there, Montgomery made the most of his touches. But Jameer Gibbs just completely monstrous. I think it speaks to how good and how dynamic and versatile Gibbs is that I think in the fourth quarter at one point Gibbs had like 19 rushing outs on the day and still Just the complete base in the receiving game.
- [04:35]
Connor Rodgers
That's the thing. He's just so effective in the pass game as well. Jameer Gibbs drinks for free, by the way. He drinks for free today. It feels like Jameer Gibbs drinks all the time here for free at the happy hour bar. He's just been carrying teams all year. But you nailed this, Jay. It feels like the Lions are leaning into just how ridiculously explosive and efficient they are with Gibbs. And it's not to take away from the player that Montgomery is. It's just, it was desperation time. The Lions, they basically almost had to win this game and they're just leaning into what is their best offensive threat.
- [05:06]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. And also in the fourth quarter it was just Gibbs, Gibbs, Gibbs. Like in. It felt like in previous years or earlier in the season it might be Dave Montgomery comes in as the close of there, but it's like no, we're just going to go to Jameer Gibbs over and over again. So Montgomery, I think he's going to be a matchup dependent flex. Like I wouldn't want to really have to start Dave Montgomery next week against the Rams, for instance. He may not have a better option, but this is Gibbs's backfield. Now it's Gibbs's offense.
- [05:33]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah, good call out with Gibbs. He had seven carries in the fourth quarter. David Montgomery had just one. And like you said, the script would actually indicate that you think that's the time to get Montgomery going downhill. And they don't believe that.
- [05:44]
Jay Croucher
The other issue too is that Gibbs, as amazing of a game as he had, it was because of touchdowns and receiving work.
- [05:51]
Connor Rodgers
Right.
- [05:51]
Jay Croucher
Like this Detroit offensive line, like Gibbs didn't have a chance on a lot of these carries. At one point he's like nine carries for 19 yards on the ground and he salvages it with the longer touchdown at the end. But this Detroit offensive line, Connor, just doesn't. It hasn't clicked all season. The interior seems very shaky.
- [06:09]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah, I'm with you. And Dallas's run defense has gotten better since the trade deadline. And just as a unit as a whole, the other bit of news for the Lions in this game, Jameson Williams. It felt like we dealt with plenty of goose eggs or just non viable performances this year. Jay. I've noticed that with Dan Campbell calling the plays, not only is Jameson Williams just more involved, it feels like he's the primary read now on more plays where before that with John Morton there was games where he just was running cardio out there.
- [06:37]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, absolutely. And I think it's a. It's a confluence of factors. One the change in play caller to Dan Campbell two Taylor Porter going down for the year and then three even though didn't look like it a Monroe St. Brown is has been dealing with this ankle injury which inflated James Williams production last week but yeah it just they look a lot more like the Lions the past few weeks. Right. So these like in breaking routes and yards after the catch that's been schemed up. So Jameson Williams very up and down season. He hasn't had the year that I think people drafted him to have but I think he can have that year going forward and I think he's a you know a fringy wide receiver. Two types the lamon Ross St. Brown is the guy this the passing game will go through and then maybe Gibbs. But Jameson Williams you can feel much more confident in him than you could have a month ago.
- [07:21]
Connor Rodgers
The bad FF regular always good to see in the chat. What will JMO's ADP be next year? It might be one of those things where it's so reactionary to how he is in the fantasy playoffs. Yeah I'll say this here's like the positive trending upward. Last night he had he played on 36 of the receiving snaps. In comparison that led the team. Amon Ross St. Brown played on 35. And then you get to you know down the list guys are well below that. Like Tesla had 30 but he had nine targets. He caught seven of them. It feels like he's just more involved in the offense. He gets some carries, they like to do the jet sweeps with him. So this feels like it's trending the right way. But he's just, he's such a best ball guy compared to a redraft guy.
- [08:00]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I think the encouraging thing for Williams is that games like last night he was able to have, you know a very solid fantasy day without catching the bomb touchdown and he, he got wide open. Well he got open for one and Goff just didn't pull the trigger.
- [08:13]
Connor Rodgers
Right.
- [08:14]
Jay Croucher
Which is going to happen sometimes. But the fact that he's been able to do this through volume and not through individual big plays I think is very encouraging as to what his ADP is going to be next year. I think it's going to be kind of what it was this year since we've come full circle to get there after really rough start and what should be a hot close.
- [08:30]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah, his biggest weakness is really just that Amanra Saint Brown and Jameer Gibbs eat so much volume in an offense that's really Good. And it's just going to limit him where if he doesn't hit the explosives, you're going to be sitting there and going like, this is tricky.
- [08:43]
Jay Croucher
All right.
- [08:44]
Connor Rodgers
On the Cowboys side of things, Ryan Flournoy. Yeah, a big performance. Now a little tricky with this one. Jay Ceedee Lamb gets the concussion, which had somewhat of an impact on this as well. George Pickens with it feels like the worst night we've seen from him in forever. He, Flournoy did have this kind of performance against the jets, what feels like months ago. At this point, I can't find that this is going to be a guy you could start in your lineup when you're going to need him most.
- [09:12]
Jay Croucher
I don't think so. One CD Lamb leads to the concussion. You wouldn't expect that to be a long term thing. Maybe he misses a week. But beyond that, you would expect Ceedee to be okay. And then George Pickens, he finally had like the bad George Pickens game that you're expecting like a day's goal, kind of. Yeah. The offensive pass interference, he has one awful route towards the end of the game where he just doesn't seem to run it and then comes back on the curl. So I think that Flournoy, I think this is largely just about what the, what the defense was showing Dallas and the fact that it seemed like with Pickens that Detroit just over index, particularly when CD Came out of the game, you over index like we're just going to have a safety guide you over the top and you're not getting anything deep. And so Flournoy was the guy who's open also. They were in comeback mode like pretty much the whole game. So they were throwing a ton. You know, going forward, their schedule isn't actually that difficult. The Cowboys like, they play the, they've got the Vikings, the commanders, the Giants. So these are games that you would expect. They have the game against the charges as well, which is the most difficult one on the schedule. But you know, the Cowboys are going to be favored in every game the rest of the way. So I don't think they're going to have to play these crazy catch up scripts like they did last night in a game that ended up with 74 points.
- [10:24]
Connor Rodgers
I'm with you. Even if CD misses some time here, I mean in a deeper league he's, he could be flex viable in very, very specific situations. But overall, I'm with you, Jay. That last night, it's the perfect recipe. I mean it was an absolute shootout, but a shootout that when they're down by two scores, you know it's going to be a drop back script. How about the, the IR regular? How many beers to play Flournoy next week? This is something you guys do on fantasy football pre game?
- [10:51]
Jay Croucher
Yes. Look, it depends entirely on CD Lamb. If CD is able to go, then it's five beers. If CDs not able to go, then it's more like, you know, two beers. Because he's going to be a wide receiver to an explosive passing offense where they, you know, not expected to throw a ton against the Vikings. But the Vikings do give up deep explosive passes. So yeah, I think that it really depends on City. And look, wasn't, wasn't good. Didn't look good. Like you got ruled out very quickly and it looked like a pretty rough collision. So can't speculate. They do have a bit of extra time having played the Thursday game. It'll be 10 days, but yeah, Flournoy's value just entirely tied to the availability of CD Lam.
- [11:31]
Connor Rodgers
Ugly injury for CD Lam hoping for the best for him down the stretch of this season, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him miss at least one week even with the extra time here going forward.
- [11:41]
Jay Croucher
I think also CD before he got hurt, I mean before he got hurt, he was eight targets, six for 121 and the touchdown. I think he just probably reasserted Connor that when everyone is healthy, he's still the number one guy over Pickens.
- [11:54]
Connor Rodgers
Right. Every time you think the needle is going to move, they can go back to CD and he's just. I know they move Pickens around, but CD is really the guy that you, you prioritize and move around in that offense. Whether you want to play him in the slot, you want to use them in motion, use him on the outside. And he's just so lethal with the ball in his hands after the catch.
- [12:10]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I think we kind of forget that the past few years it's been Tyreek Hill's fallen off, but it's been Tyreek, Justin, Jefferson, Chase and CD Lance. Like those have been the guys. He's been one of those, the big four. And I think just with his versatility and the route tree diversification is probably he should have a higher floor than Pickens, who is a bit more prone to these type of games where Pickens ends up 5 for 37, rough pass interference in the end zone, which could have made his day. But Pickens is a bit more volatile than City Lamb.
- [12:43]
Connor Rodgers
All right, let's get into the week 14 injuries we're going to be tracking going into the weekend. Of course, the guys will have all your updates on these on fantasy football pregame Sunday morning from Kansas City, correct?
- [12:54]
Matthew Berry
No.
- [12:54]
Jay Croucher
All right, never mind Stanford.
- [12:56]
Connor Rodgers
I'm glad I'm out of all these plans anyways. More importantly, Jayden Daniels working his way back, although not officially cleared right now. We'll get into more Jaden Daniels in just a second because he did practice full on Thursday. Lamar Jackson, it's been a roller coaster with him on and off injury report all season. Justin Herbert trying to make it back to play Monday Night Football with that hand fracture. Marion Hampton trying to get elevated off of IR for that game. Alvin Camara dealing with both knee and ankle injury. Maybe another Devin Neal game. Trey Benson, Marvin Harrison Jr. Drake London, Roma Dunze and Michael Mayer. Let's get back to Jaden Daniels here. Jay, with that elbow injury, he did practice in full on Thursday. I think the real question is because if you're at this point of the season, I don't know if you're going to throw Daniels right back into the action. Maybe you will, but which commander actually benefits the most from their quarterback returning?
- [13:46]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I think it's just across the board. Everyone just gets a slight bump up. Like, the thing is, is that Mariota is, he's, he's not as good as Jane Daniels, but he's a facsimile of Jane Daniels, the way that he plays, his ability to run the ball. And he was able to, you know, provide fantasy value for Terry McLaren for David Samuel. Yeah, exactly. And so he is probably, you know, he is one of the best backups in the league. Ironically, if he was playing for the other team this week, the Vikings, their season will probably look a lot different. But Jane Daniels, I suspect he's going to play. All the reporting seems to be trending in that direction. If he's getting full practices in and all indications are that, you know, they want to bring him back. And so I suspect that he's just going to be started largely as normal and he slightly elevates Debo and Terry McLaren.
- [14:34]
Connor Rodgers
All right, another bit of news. J.J. mcCarthy has officially cleared the NFL's concussion protocol right now. And we got to hear from Justin Jefferson on this just being one of his hardest seasons ever.
- [14:47]
Justin Jefferson
Obviously, it's a difficult season. You know, it's probably one of the most difficult seasons just off of the circumstances, having a young quarterback, having a different team, having young players on the team. So it's just, you know, one of those years, you know, not every year is going to be, you know, a top tier year for me. You know, it's really a part of the game. So it's just all on me to, you know, expect a lot from these guys and to improve on anything that we need to improve on. And as an offense, we need to improve on getting better and you know, of course, helping our defense out and helping our team out because we felt like, you know, different times throughout the season, our defense, you know, stepped up in a lot of ways and, you know, we let them down.
- [15:36]
Connor Rodgers
Justin Jefferson going to bat for the young quarterback a little bit there.
- [15:40]
Jay Croucher
What do you think the biggest problem is with JJ at the moment? Or is it just everything?
- [15:43]
Connor Rodgers
It's a chain link. He's late on throws, but he also doesn't really have a lot of touch in his bag. So when you watch him play and he's late on a throw and then he throws this line drive, whether it could be tipped or guys can break on the ball. He also, he hangs on to his reads long, like all young quarterbacks do. But the problem is when you kind of throw the same pitch all the time and you hang on to a reading, it just feels like DBs have broken on him and, you know, he's been banged up so much that the rushing threat isn't as scary as maybe you'd hope it would be for young quarterbacks. Like when a young quarterback's going through it with progressions and turnovers and everything. The past game, it's like, okay, let me lean on my athleticism. JJ's done that during his best moments, but he's also been hurt during so many other moments.
- [16:25]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, it feels like he's a reliever who has lost control of his fastball and doesn't have breaking stuff and there's just nothing really to rely on. I think that you still have to start Justin Jefferson because it's the commanders. Yeah, they do have to throw the ball and he will complete some passes. So you get a question from Troy Jefferson or Pickens rest season. It's Pickens easily.
- [16:49]
Connor Rodgers
I don't you probably on any rankings you read, it'll probably be a wild gap between them. Don't let last night cause an over. Pickens had a bad game, Jefferson's had a bad season.
- [16:59]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I mean, George Pickens is being set on the prop market every week in the low to mid-80s. Justin Jefferson is being set in the mid to high 50s, which is insane.
- [17:10]
Connor Rodgers
Going under the prop.
- [17:11]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, exactly. He's done nothing the past couple of weeks. I don't think it's his fault but yeah, I don't feel good about any other Vikings player really. Depending on the health of the running backs. SEC901JJ didn't realize management was going to go zero wide receiver strategy. That's rough. Yeah, that's rough. Have you changed your opinion about any of the skill position players on Minnesota? No.
- [17:34]
Connor Rodgers
I mean the run game isn't really great. I thought Hawkinson would be good this year and he's. He's had a horrible year. Once again these are all out of their hands. They've dealt with offensive line injuries. I know. Seems like Minnesota fans are even frustrated with the coaching staff. I just, I get it. You have to start Justin Jefferson because he's still Justin Jefferson against the Commanders. Even makes you feel worse since Dan Quinn's been taking over the play calling and more competent. Right. They've been competitive and even without a lot of talent out there at least they're bet they're not going to let make life easy and say okay JJ McCarthy, just throw to Justin Jefferson and we'll see if we can win. Like they're going to try to take that binky away a little bit. So there's just not a lot to feel good about that very much so. Another thing not to feel great about has been Lamar Jackson's questionability to play this year. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monkin did He said he expects Lamar Jackson to play in Week 14 against the Steelers. I think more importantly Jay and it's no luck that he's he's going to start like this. It's been lower body injuries for him. What is the confidence you have in him against the Steelers? As we see Jameson Hensley does a great job covering the team for a long time now. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned to practice on Friday. He missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury. It looks like he will be set to start someday against the Steelers. Alright, so at least we got one problem done. The question is how effective do you think he'll be against C.J. watt and company?
- [18:53]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, not particularly the Steelers. For all their sins on defense, the one thing they have been able to do is generate pressure with that defensive lines and that's not good for Lamar who has not been particularly mobile. I don't really understand what is happening with Lamar Jackson. The hamstring injury was a long time ago. At this point it seems like he's dealing with other maladies. The offense just seems completely off kilter. I'd expect the Baltimore are going to lean into the run in this game after what Buffalo and James Cook were able to do on the ground against the Steelers. But it's a very strange situation. And I understand that, you know, the Bengals game was an outlier because you're not typically going to have five turnovers, including one right on the one inch line. But do you have any theory as to what is going on with Lamar?
- [19:37]
Connor Rodgers
Well, for weeks he didn't look like the explosive. Like, if we let him run, he's going to run by everybody. Lamar, it was first off, he looked hesitant at times to just giddy up and go. Then when his legs started to get back under him a little bit, it was still 70% kind of guy. Like, I'll beat the first guy, but then a linebacker catches me. You just, you watch Lamar Jackson and it's the closest thing like we ever saw to Michael Vick where it's, he's just the best athlete on the field in everything he does. And he's clearly hurt because it doesn't feel that way this year. But like you said, Jay, when a guy's like that, maybe you expect him to lean on the pass game and become. And there's, you know, him and Zay Flowers. Zay is good, but after Zay, like, who scares you through the air? Isaiah likely hasn't done a lot this year. Mark Andrews is, I know they just extended him, but he's not the Mark Andrews of old. It's just he needs his legs, in my opinion, to open up all that space and be an amazing passer that he is. And right now, neither is really clicking.
- [20:32]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. The issue too is that it's not just post the injury against Kansas City, like the week before that, he got sacked seven times by the Lions.
- [20:40]
Connor Rodgers
Yep.
- [20:40]
Jay Croucher
Like, why is Lamar Jackson getting sacked seven times by Detroit? Like, he just hasn't looked like himself really since that Week 1 game against Buffalo where he did look incredible. But outside of that, it's just, it's been a very strange, very rough season for Lamar. And look, the market expects Lamar to go in this game. Even with the injury news, the line didn't move. But also it's a problem that, you know, against the Steelers team that just got battered by Buffalo at home, the Ravens are only a five and a half point favorite in this game. That would have been unfathomable when you consider the state of the Steelers if you were getting anything close to MVP level Lamar Jackson. But until we see it, I'm just going to expect that we're just going to get this shadow of Lamar who really seems like he's at 50% at the moment. What he could be right.
- [21:23]
Connor Rodgers
And the game total, no surprise for Raven Steelers it's 42 and a half.
- [21:27]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [21:27]
Connor Rodgers
So you're not even expecting, you know, by the book a ton of points. How about this from Leslie Phillips. I'm playing Brissette over Lamar this weekend.
- [21:35]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. Which is terrifying and depressing. But Jacoby Brissette over a sustained period fantasy wise has been more productive than Lamar Jackson.
- [21:44]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah. It just feels like a floor play. All right. The Chargers have been dealing with injury after injury all season. Justin Herbert the latest we know he's been dealing with that hand fracture in his non throwing hand. Their offensive coordinator Greg Roman said the team is really optimistic that he's going to play against the Eagles. Amarian Hampton has also been back at practice the last two weeks. He was limited on Thursday with his ankle injury. Jay, what are the expectations if both of these guys play? Because tough matchup and throw aside that the Eagles got ran over by the Bears that was shocking to see. But you obviously are going to have a somewhat limited Herbert a returning Amari and Hampton although they've been playing it slow with him that I don't think they'll be, you know have reservation about playing him. But can you trust either of them?
- [22:26]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I think that Hampton will be startable. Just when you consider the state of the Eagles run defense which has been a bottom 10 unit across the season in terms of success rate allowed and no Jalen Carter for this game as well which is going to be a problem. So the charges not a great, not a super efficient rushing offense with all the injuries on their offensive line. But I think that Hampton you can feel good that they feel good about his health enough for him to play. Herbert is a strange one because even though it seems very much like he is going to be out there the market moved off of Eagles minus three down to Eagles minus two and a half with Herbert getting back to practice. As to what he is going to look like, I wouldn't feel super confident starting Justin Herbert. One because he's going to have had surgery seven days prior. Secondly, the Eagles much better pass defense than rush defense even with the injury to Jalen Carter. And also kind of like even though it's not his throwing hand arm, it's still going to compromise him in the game.
- [23:25]
Connor Rodgers
Right. Think about the hits he takes all the time every time you get hit and ball security and is he going to be a guy that's like Well, I don't know if I'm going to run here because it's going to increase the like. I think Herbert's one of those guys that, because we've seen it over the years with how they've failed to protect him. He. He goes all out no matter what. But you hit once or twice and you're like, ah, this. You know, I got to be a little bit more careful here. This one from Brian Murphy. Ppr Michael Wilson or Marion Hampton.
- [23:51]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I mean, depends on the availability of Marvin Harrison Jr. Who didn't practice. There's training in the wrong direction there. So I would probably lean Amari and Hampton because of the touchdown equity, because of the matchup with the Eagles and because of the fact that you think that Justin Herbert with a broken hand is not going to be dropping back 45 times.
- [24:09]
Connor Rodgers
We have an update here. Marvin Harrison is going to be out Sunday. That is from Adam Schefter.
- [24:15]
Jay Croucher
All right, so no Marvin Harrison. So Michael Wilson. It's not a great matchup against the Rams past defense, but it is a Jacoby Brissette script where you do expect him to drop back a ton. I'm just not sure how successful he's going to be. I think this is pretty close. If so, with Marv being out, I might lean Michael Wilson now just because of the target volume ppr.
- [24:35]
Connor Rodgers
I definitely will.
- [24:36]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, but Hampton, I expect that the charges are going to be able to run on the Eagles, but I mean, Michael Wilson's production without Marvin Harrison has been undeniable.
- [24:45]
Connor Rodgers
I guess what you're hoping for, considering they're eight and a half point dogs, is that you get classic Jacoby Brissett complete 30 passes and Michael Wilson is the beneficiary of that besides Trey McBride. So Arrow points significantly up for Michael Wilson now in this group just because we've seen it not one week, but multiple weeks, even when they're big underdogs as well. We have another update here from the Cardinals as well. I'm being told. I know that. Oh, and Kyler Murray will not play the rest of the season with that foot injury. So it'll be the Jacoby Brissette show from here on out. Jonathan Gannon on if Kyler Murray will be the Cardinals quarterback next season via card chatter. I'm worried about the Rams.
- [25:22]
Jay Croucher
Okay, so that's a no.
- [25:25]
Where's Kyle Murray? Is he gonna be your quarterback?
- [25:27]
Connor Rodgers
Connor, If I had to bet, I'd say the Raiders.
- [25:30]
Jay Croucher
It's a very Raiders move. Right? This is the logical progression.
- [25:33]
Connor Rodgers
I Guess if they. If they really. And they should just move on from everyone. But if they keep Pete Carroll, he's just always doubling down on veteran moves. Kyler Murray is not guaranteed to start anywhere next year.
- [25:45]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. Which is stunning.
- [25:46]
Connor Rodgers
It is stunning. He'll compete to start. Brissette's under contract next year for the Cardinals, by the way. So there's a world where, wow, Kirby.
- [25:53]
Jay Croucher
Brissette, they would probably try and draft a quarterback.
- [25:56]
Connor Rodgers
I know the thing that we're facing is like there's just not the supply for all of these teams. We don't know if Ty Simpson and Dante Moore will declare. Let's say they both do.
- [26:05]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [26:05]
Connor Rodgers
So those two in Mendoza, all the teams like you could talk about Arizona, the Jets, the Browns, the Raiders, and it's more than that. I mean, what if the Rams with the Falcons pick are like, let's get the guy to sit behind Stafford for a year or two.
- [26:19]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [26:20]
Connor Rodgers
There's just not the supply.
- [26:21]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. Where is Mendoza going to go in the draft, do you think?
- [26:25]
Connor Rodgers
Ask me after how he plays against Ohio State.
- [26:27]
Jay Croucher
Right. Yeah. Yeah, Yeah.
- [26:28]
Connor Rodgers
I think he has a chance to go number one, but I think he is not the traits base number one overall pick. We're accustomed to seeing higher floor from heavy meat sauce. Kyler is going to Minnesota to compete with jj. I mean, I wouldn't rule out anything. The Vikings are another team that has to get a bridge guy to at least let J.J. compete with.
- [26:47]
Jay Croucher
I think it's concerning how competent Kobe Brissette has looked in the offense relative to Kyler Murray. So, yeah, why are they going to want to pay Kyler the amount that they do when they can get this production offer? You know, a regulation backup. It was a good backup, certainly, Jacoby said. But certainly the cost value would skew to. You'd want more out of Kyler Murray.
- [27:08]
Connor Rodgers
I mean, we're trending to the point where the Niners might get a third round pick for Mack Jones, maybe more.
- [27:13]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [27:13]
Connor Rodgers
That's just how dire things are in the quarterback market. Aloha bricks. Always good to see Aloha bricks. Pick one. Hampton Ladd. Michael Wilson, full ppr. I would be going with Michael Wilson if I needed floor.
- [27:27]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I would just choose Michael Wilson Full stop. Lad McConkey. Marion Hampton I think is close and close to a toss up. The charges pass game is so weird and complicated. But lad McConkey is definitely the guy that you want out of the four pass catches there. But Michael Wilson's the answer here.
- [27:44]
Connor Rodgers
All right, let's get back to the injury news. Drake London was not even seen during the media portion of practice on Thursday. We got to see this show before Jay. It was a lot of Kyle kits.
- [27:54]
Jay Croucher
Did you like the show?
- [27:55]
Connor Rodgers
As a Jet fan, it was okay. I mean, not really aesthetically pleasing. If you are rooting for the Falcons or rostering any Falcons pass catchers besides Kyle Pitts.
- [28:03]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. Has Cousins looked better than you'd expected?
- [28:06]
Connor Rodgers
He's okay. He just can't move, which has been kind of the case for a while.
- [28:10]
Jay Croucher
Problem.
- [28:10]
Connor Rodgers
I mean, at least there was examples of. Number one, you have Bijan Robinson, like, everything can be a little bit easier, but he got the ball to Pitts on intermediate throws.
- [28:18]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [28:19]
Connor Rodgers
It's just they're not going to be without London. You looked at them outside the numbers, and it's just not an inspiring offense.
- [28:24]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. What do you think of Darnell Mooney without Drake London around and his ability to just absorb volume?
- [28:30]
Connor Rodgers
I mean, the problem is with Mooney, like, when he's been healthy this year, he hasn't been very good.
- [28:33]
Matthew Berry
Yeah.
- [28:34]
Connor Rodgers
That's what's jarring with Mooney. He used to be like, okay, what role is he gonna be? Is he gonna be the number three or number two pass catcher this year? It's always, is he gonna play? And then if he plays, what is the upside to it?
- [28:44]
Jay Croucher
The issue, too, is that Cousins, who has been. Okay. He has. He's done it against not particularly imposing defenses.
- [28:52]
Connor Rodgers
Right.
- [28:52]
Jay Croucher
And now he gets Seattle, which is about as bad for matchups, especially if you can't move.
- [28:56]
Connor Rodgers
They create more chaos in their front seven.
- [28:59]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [28:59]
Connor Rodgers
Not even just the front four than almost any team in the league.
- [29:02]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. It feels like they played downhill more than any defense in the league. They just put you in the blender. Max Brosma was just a tough, tough initiation from that.
- [29:10]
Connor Rodgers
Look what they did to Trevor Lawrence.
- [29:11]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [29:11]
Connor Rodgers
When they played the Jags, they had pressured Trevor Lawrence on 50% of his drop backs. Yeah. It's just. It's.
- [29:17]
Jay Croucher
It's chaos.
- [29:18]
Connor Rodgers
That's going to be a tough situation for Atlanta for sure. This one from Francis. How would you rank Mike Evans, Rasheed Rice, Jamar Chase, Alec Pierce and Drake London rest of the season? Well, with Burrow back, Chase is my undisputed one.
- [29:31]
Jay Croucher
Chase is one. No, Mike Evans this week, he's been ruled out, which plays into this. So Rasheed Rice has to be 2.
- [29:38]
Connor Rodgers
I agree.
- [29:39]
Jay Croucher
I think just with the injury uncertainty around Drake London and the knowledge that Alec Pierce has a game in hand over Mike Evans. I'D probably have Pearce over Evans and then Evans and then London last just because, I mean, there's a chance. We just don't see Drake London again. This team has nothing to play for.
- [29:55]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah, I'm with you. And also Drake London wasn't great with Kirk Cousins last time we saw them. He's been better with Penix for all the flaws of that offense. So it's not even like you're overleaks. He'll be fine. But you're right with the injury factor.
- [30:08]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I agree.
- [30:08]
Connor Rodgers
I think Chase and Rice is like written in ink as one and two though.
- [30:12]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. Yep. Absolutely.
- [30:13]
Connor Rodgers
Okay, let's keep it rolling with our last bit of injuries here. We already mentioned Marvin Harrison Jr. Has been ruled out with that heel injury. We talked a little bit about Michael Wilson, but the question is, Jay, do you think we get elite Michael Wilson or because of the matchup with how good the Rams secondary has been, temper expectations just a little bit.
- [30:29]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. So the, the Michael Wilson experience was kind of feasting a little bit against suspect defenses and the Rams statistically have just about the best defense in football this year and so wouldn't expect it to be just the layup line for Jacoby Brissette like it was against the Niners and just being able to complete 47 passes. I think there'll be more three and outs in this one for Jacoby, but at the same time, like Michael Wilson, I think he is a, you know, fringe wide receiver one, high end wide receiver two. When you just think about the volume and the fact that the passing game is really Trey McBride and Michael Wilson, there's no one you really fear out of the backfield for taking volume out of them in the past game and the fact that, you know, the Rams are eight and a half point favorites in this one with a total of 47 and a half. So you expect that Jacoby is going to need to throw.
- [31:18]
Connor Rodgers
Powerhouse said two efficient shows this week. You guys can't fool us. Who's the new hire?
- [31:24]
Jay Croucher
Unbelievable.
- [31:25]
Connor Rodgers
Yep.
- [31:25]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. Looking forward to. Yeah, Matthew's return, his triumphant return on Monday. But it is good to have a show where you know that, you know, we're going to get through everything. There's going to be no pens flying at the cameras. There's no. Yeah. No Diet Coke destroying the electronics. It's a much. It's a safer show without Matthew.
- [31:45]
Connor Rodgers
All right, this next question is from Tyt. Guys, slow down a bit. This show is running too smoothly right now. Quick J, spill something? No, we'll bring Denny on. Yeah, Denny will help us a little bit. Swerve off. Yeah, we'll drive it off the tracks. Tom Garrett, 73. Crystal ball time. My wide receiver room is Drake Ladd, Evans McLaurin, who starts for me in the semifinals next week. So I'm assuming his semifinals are week 15.
- [32:11]
Jay Croucher
Okay, so who are the names again?
- [32:13]
Connor Rodgers
Drake, London, which. And Mike Evans, who we don't know if they'll be available.
- [32:17]
Jay Croucher
Evans will probably be back next week.
- [32:19]
Connor Rodgers
But we don't know Terry McLaurin, who we think will be with Jaden Daniels. So that's a big factor then. I'll tell you the one that scares me and I always love is floor. But lad McConkey, like if Herbert's playing with the. If Trey Lance plays, lad McConkey is undisputedly the last.
- [32:34]
Jay Croucher
Yes.
- [32:35]
Connor Rodgers
Because they. I just don't think they'll throw enough that it matters.
- [32:37]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I think it's Terry McLaren, which is strange, but Terry looked like Terry against the Broncos and the fact he was able to have that type of game with Marcus Mario Tarr against an elite defense bodes pretty well. And I suspect, yeah, he's gonna have Jayden Daniels throwing to him. So he's got I think the best quarterback situation and the best health situation as well overall. So yeah. Terry McLaren.
- [33:01]
Connor Rodgers
How about this from El Segundo. Should I drop Mike Evans for Jaden Higgins this week and rest of the season? Sounds how desperate you are if you're locked into a playoff spot. I'm not dropping Mike Evans for a one week play.
- [33:13]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, no, I agree. And Higgins against the Chiefs. It's a reasonable matchup. The Chiefs past defense has struggled in recent weeks. It's just the issue with the Texans is that it's just not a high volume offense. Like it's just it grinds and grinds and I felt the issue is, is that I felt Stroud played really well against the colts and like 276 yards and no touchdowns. Right. Like it just doesn't translate well to fantasy production because they love to run the ball, they love to lean on their defense. So I would still count on the touchdown equity of Mike Evans.
- [33:44]
Connor Rodgers
If you're dealing with some injuries as we mentioned and you need some help, here's Our top Week 14 waiver AD C.J. stroud against those Chiefs top 15 play. Tyrod Taylor against the Dolphins, he's a top 20 play, probably more a two quarterback or super flex star. Bam Knight. As we mentioned, no Trey Benson yet still against the Rams, although they are 8.5-point underdogs. So bam. Knight comes in as a top 25 play, but definitely some risk there. Chris Rodriguez has taken over the commander's backfield in recent weeks. He's got Minnesota. He's a top 30 play. Tyler Algier, who scored yet another touchdown last week and actually played into the pass game a little bit. He's got Seattle RB32 Adonai Mitchell against the Dolphins. He's the jets number one wide receiver right now. Garrett Wilson is still not back so he's a top 30 play. As is Jaden Higgins right at wide receiver. 30 against those Chiefs. If he needs someone for a week, Devon Valle, we'll talk about him a little bit later in the show. Show Dalton Schultz you get a nice floor considering the targets he gets from C.J. stroud and the Texans offense and then Harold Fannin Jr. Against the Titans. Jay, he's a top 10 play, but what was the total for Browns? Titans 33 and a half. I wonder if it's moved at all. It feels like everybody's like they'll pass.
- [34:52]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. Nope. Still 33 and a half.
- [34:54]
Connor Rodgers
Unbelievable.
- [34:54]
Jay Croucher
Kind of like the Titans. Now it's gotten to plus four and a half. I like the Browns when it was three, but plus four and a half. No respect for the Cam Ward, the superior quarterback in the matchup for the first time this year.
- [35:04]
Connor Rodgers
Perhaps unbelievable Sunday night playoff hopes are on the line as two teams on the bubble clash at Arrowhead. C.J. stroud and the Texans will face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs Sunday, 7 Eastern on NBC. And Peacock, we're taking our first break. When we're back, we're answering some of your best questions. What's on tap is after the break.
- [35:29]
Matthew Berry
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- [35:59]
Royal Caribbean Announcer
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- [36:30]
Matthew Berry
Holidays are here and everyone has their favorite holiday movie. Mine is Die Hard and I Will Die on that Hill that it's a holiday movie by the way. Go look at Hulu. It's listed in their holiday movies section. But to take these holiday favorites, it took a team of talented people from actors to writers to editors and more. And when it comes to building such a team, whether it's for entertainment or a wide range of other industries, you need to hire the right people. The best way to do that ziprecruiter and right now you can try it for free@ziprecruiter.com FFHH ZipRecruiter's matching technology works fast to find top talent, so you don't waste time or money. You can find out right away how many job seekers in your area are qualified for your role. And with ZipRecruiter's advanced resume database, you can instantly unlock top candidates contact info make your hiring a little merrier. With ZipRecruiter, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Remember, just go to this exclusive web address right now to try ZipRecruiter for free. It's ZipRecruiter.com Once again, that's ZipRecruiter.com FFH ZipRecruiter the smartest way to hire.
- [37:38]
Jay Croucher
One of our top podcast listeners Post your end of the year wrapped using the hashtag ffhrrapt. Our top listeners could be making some noise in this week's regular rankings. Whatever platform you're listening on, please tweet the hashtag and we will show you some love.
- [37:56]
Matthew Berry
Or yeah, and tag me on Instagram as well. If you're sharing your Spotify or any other raft on Instagram, tag me matthewberrytmr on the gram and I'll give you some love there as well.
- [38:09]
Jay Croucher
Yes, Matthew Berry, a big fan and proponent of Said Graham.
- [38:15]
Connor Rodgers
And here's one of them. Daniel Dae Kim Unbelievable. A regular.
- [38:19]
Jay Croucher
So happy about this.
- [38:20]
Connor Rodgers
This, this made my morning. Yeah, I'm not going to lie whenever I check our group text. You know, on a scale of excitement, 1 out of 10, it's usually like a 3 out of 10 by the text we get. This was the nice 10 out of 10.
- [38:30]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, the three quick things 1. Why is Matthew Barry looking out the window? It was very strange.
- [38:37]
Connor Rodgers
It was like a. It was a very odd soliloquy going on.
- [38:42]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. And then secondly, Daniel Kim, one of my favorites. One of our favorites, obviously Legend of Lost, big fan. My daughter's developing because of his role in K pop Demon Hunters, which is huge. I also enjoyed Daniel Dae Kim's work on season three and four of angel where he had a bit role and was unfortunately killed off by the Beast. Sorry to explain the ending of the character Gavin park on season four of angel, but Daniel Dae Kim chimes in with told you I was a low key regular. While I'm here, can you rank the four following QBs for the fantasy playoffs? Purdy Dart, Mayfield half point PPR plus two points bonus for passing touchdowns so Purdy Dart and Mayfield.
- [39:26]
The issue with Jackson Dart, who I think otherwise would be the choice.
- [39:29]
Connor Rodgers
Right.
- [39:29]
Jay Croucher
Is that you can leave any game. Well, he'd leave any game. And then secondly, just the conservatism with Kafka in that Patriots game and Dwayne McFarlane put it really well, as we talked about earlier in the week, it really feels like the Giants are running out the clock on the season. The fact that they were so committed to running the ball despite being down massive the whole game, that creates some concern for Dodd. I would say. Overall, if you need upside, Daniel Dae Kim I still think Dart has the highest upside because of the rushing touchdowns. And so if you're an underdog in the matchup and you want to shoot for the stars more, I would have Dart first. If it's more, you know, you're in a pretty good position. Overall I'd probably lean more to Purdy because the schedule is pretty friendly. Like Brock Purdy is going to play the Titans after the buys in a dome against the Colts. He probably won't have Source Gardener for that game. And then Baker Mayfield. Baker Mayfield just hasn't been good for two months at this point he hasn't.
- [40:22]
Connor Rodgers
But why Baker would be number one for me is he's just different when Mike Evans is back. Sure, that's the difference that you have to hold on to and a Mecca Buka was so much better when Mike Evans was there.
- [40:33]
Jay Croucher
So I'm just worried about the health with Baker.
- [40:35]
Connor Rodgers
He has not. He's barely been startable for a while now. But they the first round of the playoffs they'd be Thursday Night Football hosting the Falcons, who were not great against Tyrod Taylor, by the way. No It's a tricky one. I would go with Baker, but I see your point there. Jay, as we show our regular power rankings for week 14. Great to welcome Daniel Dae Kim to the rankings at number four. Raise the the flags. Moves up to the number one spot which was previously held by Jonathan Medici. Valiant Vincent on there at 3. Medici still at 2. Aloha bricks at 5.
- [41:08]
Jay Croucher
I love that Daniel Dae Kim is in between Valiant Vincent and Aloha Bricks.
- [41:13]
Connor Rodgers
On his list of lifetime accomplishments. I wonder where that one stands.
- [41:16]
Jay Croucher
One of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine and in between Valiant Vincent Aloha Bricks.
- [41:22]
Connor Rodgers
Oh man. What's on tap is brought to you by Bud Light, the official beer sponsor of the NFL. Sundays are easy to enjoy when they are full of football and the fridge is filled with beer. We're going to make it even easier for you by taking some of your questions. That first one is from the real commish who you saw in the rankings. Massive week for points championship in home league the RRFFL year 17 of it. PPR pick two. ETN Manungai, Woody Marks and Swift. Also top 167 percenter. Yeah, nice on the Spotify wrapped. What do you think of this one Jay? Kind of quite the mosh of running backs here. Not a ton of distinguishment between them.
- [41:59]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. So by Matthew's rankings the answer is Travis Etienne and DeAndre Swift. I agree that you still want Swift over Manungai despite Manunga's massive game against the Eagles. Can be a much tougher matchup in terms of rush defense against the Packers. ETN gets a fairly favorable matchup against the Colts without DeForest Buckner. Their run defense is not particularly imposing. And then Woody Marks don't really want a piece of Woody Marks. Just the lack of touchdowns, the lack of explosiveness doesn't have and just dealing with that offensive line doesn't have hugely explosive runs and then Nick Chubb gets a lot of the goal line work. So I think the answer here is ETN and Swift.
- [42:39]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah, I'd agree with you. I'd agree with Matthew's rankings as well. Although Manangai man, it's like he can steal a touchdown at any moment. The Bears have been able to get both guys the ball consistently. All right, our next question is from Ball Glove Fun non PPR league pick two Christian Watson, Jacoby Myers or Jalen Waddle?
- [43:01]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, I think that Jaylen Waddle is the easiest choice here.
- [43:06]
Connor Rodgers
Did you know Tua in under 46 degree weather is now 07 and I think it's going to be about. I think it's going to be 35 degrees at MetLife. It's not saying it sinks Waddle.
- [43:19]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [43:19]
Connor Rodgers
But like Tua against the cold. Scary, scary hours.
- [43:23]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. Unfortunately the cold is not going to be coupled with a particularly imposing defense. The jets have been better than I thought they would be considering they traded.
- [43:31]
Connor Rodgers
Their two best players.
- [43:32]
Jay Croucher
I feel like the bottom is going to come out, fall out for the jets defense at some point, but it certainly hasn't so far. But I still think even given that, even given the cold, I it feels like a lot of those cold games are being like against Buffalo and Kansas City as well. This shouldn't be as difficult to match up. So I'm still going to put Jalen Waddle first and then between Christian Watson and Jacoby Myers. Do love Christian Watson, do love Jordan Love and my adopted team, the packers. But going to go Jacoby Myers here. I think that is a more favorable matchup in a way because I think the Jays are going to need to throw the Bears rush defense has been a problem all year and I think that the packers will lean into the run. There'll be explosives there, but I think you're counting on a deep ball connecting with Watson, whereas Jacoby Myers just play to play, I think is a bit steadier. So I would go with Jacoby here.
- [44:21]
Matthew Berry
Right.
- [44:21]
Connor Rodgers
Probably what you know, once again what you need, if you need a lot more upside, you need a big play kind of threat. It's a non PPR league, so that only kind of supports this a little bit. Christian Watson is definitely playable. Even with the Bears getting healthy on defense, Jordan Love looks his way. He gets a couple shots down the field, he gets red zone targets. So once again it's kind of dependent on what you ultimately need. Our next question is from Bull Moose Rose. That is Sean Sea Rose. It's just his alias. Bull Moose Rose McCrazy for starting McLaurin, Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren over Justin Jefferson this week with the puke emoji Jay, I wouldn't call this crazy.
- [44:59]
Jay Croucher
I don't think it's crazy. And I think that, you know, if we look at Matthew's rankings and he still has Justin Jefferson as wide receiver 11 ahead of these guys. McLaren comes in at 16. I would still start Justin Jefferson. I think Tyler Warren quietly has not done a great deal the past two weeks. Now understand he's dealing with the illness and also dealing with the Texans defense on the weekend. Should be more favorable matchup against the Jags still, it's still Justin Jefferson going up against the commander's defense. So I would be starting Jefferson here.
- [45:31]
Connor Rodgers
You just don't want to be that pissed at yourself when Justin Jefferson miraculously turns the corner with JJ McCarthy.
- [45:37]
Jay Croucher
We think JJ is an upgrade of Max Brosma.
- [45:39]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah.
- [45:40]
Jay Croucher
Yeah.
- [45:42]
Connor Rodgers
Now, to be fair, Max Brosmer got.
- [45:43]
Jay Croucher
Fed to the wolves.
- [45:45]
Connor Rodgers
Fed to the wolves. Right. But for all of JJ's sins, I mean, that was.
- [45:50]
Jay Croucher
That was pretty bad.
- [45:51]
Connor Rodgers
That was a guy that was understandably, not surprisingly, not ready to be out there.
- [45:56]
Jay Croucher
Yeah. So. No, I'm with you.
- [45:57]
Connor Rodgers
Alright, that'll do it for what's on tap. Presented by Bud Light. Easy to drink, easy to enjoy. And as we do on every single Friday, we welcome in not only our good friend, but a certified physician, Dr. Denny Carter.
- [46:10]
Matthew Berry
This is from a guy named pete. Pete says, Dr. Carter. Dr. Carter, I've been having real performance issues lately. It's been really tough for me to perform. And I was talking with a buddy about these performance issues and my buddy said, have you tried coke? And I said, wow, I never have. Do you think that would help my performance issues? And my buddy said, yes, yes. I think coke would get you up, would get you to where you need to be. So the question to you, Dr. Carter, is should Pete try Coke? Should he try Jalen Coker this week in his flex?
- [46:44]
Dr. Denny Carter
Pete sounds like a Pepsi guy. And there are studies that say that Pepsi has a negative effect on your performance. Performance. So you should switch. You should switch to cook. I figured that's what you're talking about here.
- [46:58]
Connor Rodgers
Flexual frustrations with our good friend Denny Carter. Hello, Denny. Always appreciative of the festive background.
- [47:05]
Dr. Denny Carter
Yeah, no, we're all, we're all Christmased out here in the, in the Carter office. I actually have a cool record back here that you can't see, unfortunately. I was telling the folks about it. Christmas disco. Okay, check it out. Don't knock it till you've tried it. Okay, Jay. Don't give me a hard time, Jay.
- [47:19]
Connor Rodgers
Well, Danny, don't knock it till you try it. Ben Johnson. Trying. Just trying. Kyle Manungai here. I'd actually go beyond just trying. Kyle Menungai with the work, he's getting even with a healthy DeAndre Swift. Can you start Kyle Manungai in your flex. In a tough matchup against Green Bay and also being the RB2 in his.
- [47:39]
Dr. Denny Carter
Offense fantasy, folks might look at Kyle Menungai as sloppy seconds behind DeAndre Swift. And I'm here to tell you that sometimes sloppy seconds Are okay, okay. We shouldn't judge. This is what I say every week on the show. We should not judge people for their, for their options and for their choices. Manung guy is going to see, I don't know, 12 or 15 touches here because the Bears are one of the run heaviest teams in the NFL. Kind of quietly, it kind of snuck up on us. But Ben Johnson has really established it here, especially over the past four weeks. The packers meanwhile, are a run funnel defense, which is means that opponents of Green Bay lean hard on the run. I like this game to be somewhat of a shootout. I know it has somewhat of a low total, but Manung guy has a lot of touchdown upside here. I like him a lot as a flex.
- [48:22]
Jay Croucher
Okay. Dr. Carter, I have a friend, his name's Art Vandelay. He's a latex salesman. You may have used some of his products in your personal life. And anyway, he's also an importer exporter. Anyway, Art Vandelay, he has a brother named Devon Vale. It was a very strange situation I found myself in where Art Vandelay was asking me whether he should start his brother Devon Vale against the Bucks this week.
- [48:48]
Dr. Denny Carter
It is interesting how that works and how it coincides with one of your favorite shows from the 90s, Jay. But you know, that's. That's how it goes on this segment sometimes.
- [48:55]
Connor Rodgers
Yeah, look.
- [48:55]
Dr. Denny Carter
Devon Vale, 8 of 8 targets last week caught 8 of 8 targets, 92 yards and a touchdown. This was after I went on the ROTOR World Football show and said you can't play this guy.
- [49:05]
Jay Croucher
Stop.
- [49:05]
Dr. Denny Carter
Stop with the valet stuff. And then he called me out by name after the game.
- [49:08]
Connor Rodgers
I'm kidding.
- [49:08]
Dr. Denny Carter
But seriously, he could have. He's playing a Bucks defense that ranks as the second most extreme pass funnel. Okay, so teams are really dropping back and throwing it against the the Bucs. The last time the Saints played the bucks in week eight, they were 17 above their expected pass rate. It's just nerdy way of saying they went super mega giga ultra pass heavy. They're going to do it again. Bay Lake could benefit.
- [49:31]
Jay Croucher
Okay. I like it. Good call, Dr. Carter. I don't have any 4 out of 10 lead in for this one. Jaden Higgins goes up against the Chiefs. I want to believe in this Texans offense. There's always signs. It just doesn't ever really feel like it clicks. But can you start Jayden Higgins in your flex against the Chiefs?
- [49:49]
Dr. Denny Carter
I mean, we're back to sloppy seconds, right? I mean, you want to start Nico Collins in a really good matchup. And really good at game environment against Kansas City, but you can't because you don't have them. But you did pick up Jaden Higgins on the waiver wire a couple of weeks ago and he's done quite well. 13 catches, 158 yards and a touchdown over the past two games. 28% target I'm sorry, 28% air yard share for Higgins. We love our air yards on this segment. I love my air yards. Kansas City stops the run and the Houston offense has no run game to speak of. So I could see a lot of drop backs for CJ Stroud here. It could really be good for Higgins. I love his upside here against Kansas City.
- [50:29]
Connor Rodgers
As always, Danny, we appreciate your medical and flexural frustrations advice. Danny's not going anywhere by the way. He's going to stick around because coming up next, Jay and I have our best pickup lines to impress. Not Matthew, who's on cheer dad duty today, but Denny pick up lines right after the break.
- [50:49]
Matthew Berry
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- [53:02]
Connor Rodgers
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- [53:18]
Jay Croucher
Crown is yours.
- [53:19]
Connor Rodgers
There it is. Nicely done, Denny.
- [53:21]
Dr. Denny Carter
Thank you.
- [53:21]
Connor Rodgers
All right, time for last call. Jay and I have our pickup lines for Denny. As you see, we are looking to get right. I don't know what happened. Pick up lines. Effectiveness. Effectiveness should be in quotes, Jay, not pick up lines. What do you got this week?
- [53:35]
Jay Croucher
Okay, well there's some news while we've been recording which is that Jayden Daniels fully cleared and will start on Sunday against the Vikings. And that is my bet. Danny, before the show the Commanders were underdogs plus one and a half. They are now it's games effectively picked but the Commander's money line has moved to minus 122, minus 1 1/2 now minus 105. My bet is on the Commanders to win this game because it's being priced as a coin flip. I don't know if you know this Danny, but the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings is J.J. mcCarthy. The quarterback for the Washington Commanders is Jayden Daniels, who hasn't had his best year but is still pretty bloody good at quarterback. And here's the thing too. The Vikings, they have an aura around their defense. Brian Flores defense on the season numbers pretty good, hovering around the top 10 in terms of EPA. A lot of that is because the Vikings defensive ranking is a Jake Browning merchant. If you go since week four, the Vikings have the 22nd ranked defense in EPA. Okay, so we don't have a particularly great defense, which I think is spoken to by the fact that Brian Flores is blitzing like a madman. Even more than usual because he knows that he doesn't have the goods in terms of personnel. And then we have J.J. mcCarthy, who may be the worst quarterback in the NFL this week, going up against Jaden Daniels and a commander's defense that has looked pretty competent the past two games since Dan Quinn took over the play calling. And it's being priced as a coin flip. I don't think so. Commanders win this game.
- [55:02]
Connor Rodgers
I'm with you, Jay. I like that call a lot, especially with Jaden Daniels back. But even with Mariota, it was surprising the lack of respect for the commanders in that spot. All right, Danny, it pains me to do this. I'm not proud of this selection at all. And I don't think fantasy managers anywhere are. But Samaji P. Ryan, you know what? His rushing prop is set at 24.5 rushing yards. And you might sit around and look and go, okay, yeah, Samaji P. Ryan, RB2 on the Bengals. That makes sense. You know how many carries Samaji Pirain had in his return from injury last week?
- [55:29]
Dr. Denny Carter
Something like 17.
- [55:30]
Connor Rodgers
14 carries he had. Yes, and almost 17 touches. He had 16 total touches, 14 carries. He took the long road to get over this number. He had 39 rushing yards, so he's only averaging around three yards per carry. But the Buffalo run defense is not very good. And no matter what, the Bengals are not getting away from Samaji Pirine, who has had plenty of work all season long, 24 and a half. I think he can chug along over this number.
- [55:56]
Dr. Denny Carter
Denny, man, this is tough because, look, Jay's argument that Jaden Daniels is better than JJ McCarthy, that checks out to me.
- [56:02]
Connor Rodgers
That's a good argument.
- [56:03]
Dr. Denny Carter
I'm going with P. Ryan. I'm a P. Ryan truther for some reason. I talk about it every podcast. And yeah, he's going over 24 and a half. There's nothing we can do about it.
- [56:11]
Jay Croucher
I like P R. Yeah, listen, I was in the building in so far for the super bowl, and I watched Zach Taylor give the ball to Samaj P. Ryan with the super bowl on the line. So we know. We know that he trusts him.
- [56:20]
Connor Rodgers
He'll never quit him. Never quit him. All right, we do have some more Bengals news here. T. Higgins says he has cleared concussion protocol and is full go against the Bills. Danny, what do you think of Higgins return? Joe Burrow now with Chase and Higgins in a season on the line game against the Bills.
- [56:38]
Dr. Denny Carter
I mean, it makes Burrow even a better play, you know, like a top three play. And then you got to get Higgins in there because because of the offensive environment there should be lots of points, which is nice.
- [56:47]
Connor Rodgers
What do you think? Jay?
- [56:48]
Jay Croucher
Yeah, absolutely. I think it just clarifies the Bengals offense. Fire up your Bengals. As per usual, Joe Burrow back to being an elite option in a game that has a sky high total in the low 50s.
- [57:00]
Connor Rodgers
All right, that's it for us. The guys will be back here Sunday morning for fantasy football pre game. But for now, for Denny for Jay, I'm Connor. Have a great weekend everyone.
- [57:15]
Host 1
The who's down in who Newville were making their list but some didn't know Walmart has the best brands for their gifts.
- [57:21]
Connor Rodgers
What about toys?
- [57:22]
Dr. Denny Carter
Do they have brands kids have been wanting all year?
- [57:25]
Udemy Announcer
Yep.
- [57:25]
Connor Rodgers
Barbie, Tony's and Lego.
- [57:27]
Udemy Announcer
Gifts that will make them all cheer.
- [57:29]
Connor Rodgers
Do you mean they have all the brands I adore?
- [57:31]
Udemy Announcer
They have Nintendo, Nespresso, Apple and more.
- [57:35]
Host 1
What about so the who answered questions from friends till they were blue? Each one listened and shouted from Walmart? Who knew? Shopkifts from top brands for everyone on your list in the Walmart app.
- [57:45]
Udemy Announcer
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- [58:02]
Connor Rodgers
We've got.
- [58:03]
Udemy Announcer
We can help you prep. You'll learn from real world experts who love what they do so that you can love what you do. Go to udemy.com for the skills to get you started and get set for your dream job.