Fantasy Football Today: Episode Summary

Episode: Best/Worst Playoff Schedules, Trade Targets, WAS-PHI and Fantasy Cops!
Release Date: November 13, 2024
Hosts/Analysts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and Jamie

1. Introduction and Trade Grading

The episode kicks off with Adam Aizer expressing astonishment over a Fantasy Football Trade (FFT) Open division participant who allocated their entire FAB budget to Audric Estimate, highlighting its audacity and rarity. The team then delves into analyzing and grading listener-submitted trades from Twitter.

• Notable Quote:
  • Adam (02:10): "This is gonna go the distance."

Highlighted Trades:

• Nate Lane's Trade: Trading Dowdle and DJ Moore for Deebo Samuel received an A+ grade from Dave Richard.
• Pete Farmer's Offer: Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chase Brown for Aaron Jones also earned an A+ from Dave, emphasizing the high value of Harrison and Brown over Jones in the current context.
• Jordan Love and Jonathan Taylor for Kirk Cousins, Tony Pollard, and Calvin Ridley: Rated as fair, with Calvin Ridley's upcoming schedule being a key consideration.
• Tyreek Hill and Zach Ertz for Jalen Waddle, J.K. Dobbins, and Brian Thomas Jr.: Graded as a D, primarily due to the trade valuing Tyreek Hill beyond his current performance potential.

2. Buy Low and Sell High Strategies

The analysts discuss potential buy low and sell high opportunities to optimize fantasy rosters.

Buy Low Recommendations:

• DeAndre Swift: Jamie suggests purchasing Swift amid coordinator changes, believing Thomas Brown will favor his usage despite tough upcoming matchups against Minnesota and Detroit.
  • Jamie (26:54): "He has everything you need for the whole game day crew."
• Mike Evans and CD Lamb: Heath emphasizes buying low on Mike Evans and Bree Hall, considering their performances and future potential despite recent downturns.
• Josh Jacobs and Nick Chubb: Dave recommends acquiring Jacobs and Chubb due to their favorable schedules and consistent performance, viewing them as undervalued assets.

Sell High Recommendations:

• Najee Harris: Adam and Dave agree that Harris faces the worst schedule, making him a prime candidate to sell high before his performance potentially declines further.
  • Heath (35:13): "I don't think he's going to be a starting running back in fantasy."
• Kyler Murray and Drake London: Murray is considered a sell high due to his inconsistency, while London faces a challenging playoff schedule.

3. Strength of Schedule Analysis

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to evaluating player schedules for the fantasy playoffs, focusing on running backs and wide receivers.

Running Backs:

• J.K. Dobbins vs. Marvin Harrison Jr.: Decision-making hinges on their respective playoff schedules, with Dobbins deemed preferable in PPR formats.
  • Dave (09:50): "I would rather have Dobbins."
• Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt: The uncertainty around Pacheco's return makes Hunt a more reliable option, despite a tough playoff schedule.
  • Adam (20:03): "I don't think he's going to be a starting running back in fantasy."

Wide Receivers:

• Terry McLaurin: Despite facing the Eagles, considered one of the best defenses, McLaurin remains a high-end start due to his consistent performance.
  • Dave (50:03): "I can't see myself peeling away from him."
• DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley: Hopkins faces one of the toughest playoff schedules, making Ridley a more attractive option.
  • Adam (64:05): "Calvin Ridley's schedule is among the best in football."

4. Quarterback and Tight End Updates

The team discusses the current QB landscape and tight end options, advising on optimal starts based on matchups and player performance.

• Quarterback Insights:

  • Trevor Lawrence vs. Caleb Williams: Debating the dynasty value, with some expressing concerns over Williams' long-term viability compared to Lawrence.
  • Jared Goff: Faces a challenging playoff schedule and is not considered a reliable fantasy starter.
  • Kyler Murray: Despite inconsistency, his upside keeps him relevant, though some recommend trading him before potential downturns.

• Tight End Considerations:

  • Hunter Henry vs. Dallas Goddard vs. Zach Ertz: Preference leans towards Goddard, balancing performance and matchup advantages.
    • Jamie (54:38): "Goddard slightly."
  • Brock Bowers and Jimmy Garoppolo: Bowers is recognized as a top-tier tight end but facing potential overflow from the waiver wire.

5. Fantasy Cops: Listener Disputes and Advice

In the Fantasy Cops segment, the hosts address listener-submitted disputes, emphasizing fairness and commissioner responsibilities.

• Listener Case from Canada:
  • Issue: Victor from Calgary questions whether a commissioner should manually adjust his lineup by replacing an inactive running back (Jonathan Brooks) with another (Jalen Warren).
  • Consensus: If the commissioner enforces changes uniformly, then Victor's lineup adjustment was justified.
    • Jamie (58:23): "If he's done it for everybody else, then yes, he's got to do it for you."

6. Thursday Night Football Preview

The hosts preview the upcoming Thursday Night Football game between the Eagles and Washington, analyzing key matchup points and player performances.

• Eagles vs. Washington:

  • Eagles' Defense: Highlighted as the strongest, particularly against running backs, limiting opportunities and forcing defenses to adapt.
    • Adam (46:10): "The Eagles are just limiting running back opportunities right now."
  • Key Player Decisions: Debate over starting vs. benching Dallas Goddard and Devonte Smith based on their roles and Washington's defensive weaknesses.
    • Heath (52:50): "He's a low end number three for me."

• Notable Player Performances:

  • Terry McLaurin: Continues to be a high-value receiver despite tough defenses.
    • Adam (50:12): "He has an unbelievable automatic start since week three."
  • Chase and McLaurin Matchups: Considerations on how Garoppolo's defense might impact Chase’s performance.

7. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Content

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter among the hosts, promoting upcoming Fantasy Cops episodes and encouraging listener engagement through social media and email submissions.

• Notable Quote:
  • Adam (33:35): "This is so funny."

Key Takeaways:

• Trade Wisely: Evaluate trades based on player value and upcoming schedules, prioritizing consistency and favorable matchups.
• Buy Low, Sell High: Identify players with temporary setbacks or tough schedules as potential buy low or sell high opportunities to enhance your fantasy roster.
• Schedule Strength: Strong playoff schedules can significantly impact player performance; prioritize players facing weaker defenses.
• Commissioner Conduct: Commissioners should apply rules uniformly to maintain fairness within leagues.
• Stay Informed: Continuously monitor player performance, injuries, and team dynamics to make informed fantasy decisions.

**Stay tuned for more insights and strategies to dominate your fantasy league every week on Fantasy Football Today!