Fantasy Football Today: FFT Express - Week 17 Starts & Sits Part 2!

Release Date: December 28, 2024
Host: Adam Aizer
Analyst: Dave Richard
Episode Focus: Top Starts, Sits, and Must-Avoids for NFC Home Games

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today Express, host Adam Aizer and analyst Dave Richard dive deep into Week 17 strategies, focusing on optimal player starts and sits, particularly targeting NFC home games. The discussion is tailored for both standard and keeper leagues, offering valuable insights to help fantasy managers make informed decisions as the season winds down.

Keeper League Stashes

[02:25] Adam: Kicks off the episode by highlighting the importance of managing keeper leagues during the final week. Dave emphasizes the need to evaluate potential keepers based on their current performance and future prospects.

Quarterbacks:

• Trevor Lawrence & Dak Prescott: "Make sure Trevor Lawrence and Dak Prescott are on somebody's team. If they're not, put them on your team." [03:07]
• JJ McCarthy: "He has a chance to be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings." [03:07]

Running Backs:

• Jalen Wright (Dolphins) & Marshawn Lloyd (Packers): Recognized as top keeper prospects with strong performances this season. Dave notes, "Wright especially could be the 1B running back with Davon HN." [03:07]

Wide Receivers:

• Jaylen McMillan & Jermaine Burton: Potential breakout candidates with promising opportunities. "Jermaine Burton could be the number two wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals next year." [03:07]

Tight Ends:

• Eric All Jr. & Luke Schoonmaker: Among the few viable tight end prospects worth considering. [03:07]

Dave also mentions deeper options like A.J. Dillon and Tyler Bidet, suitable for dynasty leagues or as speculative keepers.

Start/Sit Recommendations

The heart of the episode revolves around strategic player starts and sits for Week 17, with a keen eye on NFC home games and potential weather disruptions.

Wide Receivers:

• Debo McMillan vs. Abdullah or Spears at Flex: Adam introduces the first start/sit dilemma. Dave responds, "It would easily be Spears if Tony Pollard didn't play." [07:25]

Quarterbacks:

• Aaron Rodgers vs. Justin Herbert vs. Bryce Young: In a four-point passing touchdown league format, Dave advises, "Rodgers is probably going to be the pick. If the weather forecast is really, really terrible for Buffalo, then maybe you pivot to Justin Herbert." [07:43]

Wide Receiver Selections:

• Bucky Irving, Chase Brown, AJ Brown: For PPR formats, Dave leans towards Bucky Irving, citing matchup and quarterback considerations. [08:07]

Half PPR Options:

• London, Juwan Jennings, Devonte Adams, Brian Thomas Jr.: Dave favors London over Williams but notes the uncertainty around Adams' participation. [08:34]

Additional Start/Sit Scenarios:

• Neighbors, Bucky Irving, Brian Robinson Jr., Jalen McMillan, Rashad White: Dave advises caution with Rashad White and Neighbors due to limited practice participation and potential game-time decisions. [09:02]
• Wide Receiver and Flex Choices: Options include Downs, Thielen, McMillan, Marvin Harrison Jr., Amir Abdullah, and Tajie Spears. Dave recommends focusing on Abdullah unless Joe Flacco is the quarterback, in which case Downs might be preferable. [10:06]

Weather Considerations

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how impending weather conditions could impact player performances, particularly in outdoor NFC home games.

• Rain Forecast Impact: Dave warns, "If you've got a kicker in those games, if you've got a boom bus receiver in those games, if you've got a sus quarterback in those games, I would stay away from those players, provided that the forecasts stay as ugly as they look." [09:38]

• Specific Game Weather: With heavy rain predicted for Buffalo, Cleveland, Miami, and Washington, Dave advises fantasy managers to avoid players from these teams, especially kickers and quarterbacks susceptible to performance drops in adverse conditions. [10:37]

Final Player Picks

Concluding the start/sit segment, Dave provides his final recommendations:

• Burrow vs. Daniels: Depending on weather conditions, Dave suggests leaning towards Daniels if Washington's weather is anticipated to be severe. [11:16]

• Spears vs. Garendo: "Spears. If Pollard is out. Garendo otherwise." [11:47]

• Najoku vs. Okonkwo: "Najoku, if he plays. Okonkwo, otherwise." [11:58]

Conclusion

Adam wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of staying informed and adaptable as Week 17 approaches. He encourages listeners to utilize the insights provided to optimize their lineups and secure victory in their respective leagues. The duo signs off with a reminder to enjoy the offseason and continue engaging with Fantasy Football Today for ongoing support.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you've got a kicker in those games, if you've got a boom bus receiver in those games, if you've got a sus quarterback in those games, I would stay away from those players." — Dave Richard [09:38]

• "Jermaine Burton could be the number two wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals next year." — Dave Richard [03:07]

• "Rodgers is probably going to be the pick. If the weather forecast is really, really terrible for Buffalo, then maybe you pivot to Justin Herbert." — Dave Richard [07:43]

By meticulously analyzing player performances, potential weather disruptions, and matchup specifics, Adam and Dave provide a comprehensive strategy guide for fantasy managers aiming to navigate Week 17 successfully. Whether you're in a standard, PPR, or keeper league, the insights shared in this episode are invaluable for making those critical start and sit decisions.