Fantasy Football Today Podcast Summary Episode: FFT Express - Beat the Waiver Wire! Best Players to STASH ahead of Week 13!
Release Date: November 30, 2024

Hosts:

• Jamie Eisenberg
• Dave Richard

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today Express, hosts Jamie Eisenberg and Dave Richard delve into strategic waiver wire pickups to help fantasy managers prepare for Week 13 and the approaching fantasy playoffs. With six teams on a buy, the hosts emphasize the importance of securing key players to strengthen lineups during this critical stretch.

Quarterback Options

Key Discussion Points:

• Unavailable QBs: Lamar Jackson (Baltimore), Bo Nix (Denver), C.J. Stroud (Houston), Richardson (Indianapolis), Jane Daniels (New England), and Drake May (Washington) are out for Week 14.

• Waiver Wire Targets:

  • Trevor Lawrence (Tennessee):
    Dave: "Entering Week 13, Tennessee has scored at least 21 fantasy points against four of the past six quarterbacks they face. Lawrence is available in 56% of CBS Sports leagues, making him a prime target."
    (Timestamp: 03:20)

  • Will Levis (Jacksonville):
    Facing a formidable Jacksonville defense, Levis is 76% available and a strong candidate for a bye week replacement.
    (Timestamp: 03:20)

  • Derek Carr (Giants):
    Carr presents a desirable option against the Giants, although less widely available than Lawrence or Levis.
    (Timestamp: 03:20)

  • Aaron Rodgers (Dolphins) & Jameis Winston (Pittsburgh):
    Both quarterbacks have potential upside, with Winston benefiting from favorable weather conditions.
    (Timestamp: 03:20)

  • Additional Candidates:

    • Tommy DeVito
    • Cooper Rush
    • Aiden O'Connell
      Dave: "I'm starting Cooper Rush as my bye week replacement over Lamar Jackson. Adding Aiden O'Connell is also a smart move."
      (Timestamp: 04:46)

Running Back Recommendations

Unavailable RBs: Derrick Henry (Baltimore), Broncos' RBs, Joe Mixon (Houston), Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis), Randre Stevenson, Brian Robinson, and Austin Eckler.

Waiver Wire Targets:

• Kamani Vidal:
  Dave: "Kamani Vidal is younger with fresh legs and could be a valuable stash for Week 14 and beyond, potentially scoring around 8 PPR points."
  (Timestamp: 05:28)

• Gus Edwards:
  Valued for his veteran presence, though competition exists with Kimani Vidal.

• Jerome Ford & Braylon Allen:
  Ford could see increased workload if the Browns are chasing points, offering a stable RB2 option.
  (Timestamp: 05:28)

• Handcuffs:

  • Ray Davis & Ty Johnson (Buffalo)
  • Blake Corum (Rams)
  • Trey Benson (with James Connor on IR)
    Jamie: "If James Connor struggles or faces injury, Trey Benson becomes a valuable asset."
    (Timestamp: 07:28)

Wide Receiver Targets

Unavailable WRs: Deonta Johnson and others from the six teams on a bye.

Waiver Wire Targets:

• Keon Coleman:
  Dave: "Keon Coleman faces the Rams in Week 14 and is available in about 40% of leagues. He's a solid bench option if he becomes the number one receiver for Buffalo."
  (Timestamp: 08:57)

• Nick Westbrook-Akeria:
  Facing Jacksonville offers a favorable matchup.

• Marquez Valdez-Scantling:
  Playing the Giants could yield strong performances.

• Elijah Moore:
  Potential for 10-12 PPR points against Pittsburgh, especially if the Browns are aggressive in their offense.
  (Timestamp: 08:57)

• Additional Options:

  • Devon Allen, Alec Pierce, Demario Douglas

  • Brandon Cooks:
    Jamie: "With CD Lamb dealing with a shoulder injury, Brandon Cooks becomes a viable pickup."
    (Timestamp: 10:20)

  • Trey Tucker & Parker Washington:
    Jamie: "Trey Tucker has a promising matchup against Tampa Bay, and Parker Washington could benefit from the Jaguars' weakened receiving corps."
    (Timestamp: 10:20)

Tight End Stashes

Waiver Wire Targets:

• Will Dissley:
  Dave: "Will Dissley is 50% available and faces Atlanta and Kansas City, which are favorable matchups for tight ends."
  (Timestamp: 11:14)

• Pat Friar-Muth & Austin Hooper:
  Less exciting options but available for deeper leagues.

• Noah Gray:
  Dave: "Noah Gray has four touchdowns in his last two games and could be a top 15 fantasy tight end if he continues his streak."
  (Timestamp: 12:35)

• Additional Options:

  • Dawson Knox: Possible stash in case Dalton Kincaid is unavailable.
  • Tyler Higby:
    Jamie: "Tyler Higby is practicing, so it's worth adding him to an IR spot to see his progress."
    (Timestamp: 12:31)

Defensive/Special Teams (D/ST) Targets

Top Recommendations:

• Saints, Seahawks, Browns, Bengals:
  Dave: "These are the four DSCs you should consider adding."
  (Timestamp: 13:00)

• Additional Insights:

  • Saints: Considered the top prize.
  • Giants' D/ST: Uncertain due to quarterback instability, with Tommy DeVito likely starting.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Jamie Eisenberg and Dave Richard wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of preparing for Week 14 by securing high-potential waiver wire players. They emphasize staying ahead of the competition, especially with the playoffs nearing.

Jamie: "It never hurts to prepare and get ahead, and Dave's done a great job in getting you set for that."
(Timestamp: 13:05)

The hosts encourage listeners to review the full list of waiver wire options as Week 14 approaches, ensuring fantasy managers are well-equipped to dominate their leagues.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Richard: "Kamani Vidal is the best running back that you could pick up and not only just stash for week 14 but potentially have as an option for the rest of the regular season."
  (Timestamp: 05:28)

• Jamie Eisenberg: "If James Connor struggles or faces injury, Trey Benson becomes a valuable asset."
  (Timestamp: 07:28)

• Dave Richard: "Noah Gray has four touchdowns in his last two games and could be a top 15 fantasy tight end if he continues his streak."
  (Timestamp: 12:35)

Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Football Today Express is a comprehensive guide for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters ahead of Week 13. From quarterbacks to tight ends, Jamie and Dave provide actionable insights and strategic advice to help listeners make informed waiver wire decisions and stay competitive as the fantasy playoffs approach.