Fantasy Football Today: FFT Express - Beat the Waiver Wire! Best Players to STASH ahead of Week 14!

Release Date: December 7, 2024

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Adam Aizer and analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings delve into advanced strategies to help fantasy managers dominate their leagues by effectively utilizing the waiver wire. Titled "FFT Express - Beat the Waiver Wire! Best Players to STASH ahead of Week 14!", the episode provides comprehensive insights into player stashing across various positions, emphasizing upcoming matchups and player availability.

Quarterback Stashing Strategies

The discussion kicks off with an analysis of potential quarterbacks to stash for Week 14 and beyond. Adam emphasizes the importance of considering matchups when selecting quarterbacks from the waiver wire.

• Will Levis: Adam highlights Levis for his favorable schedule ahead, stating, "Will Levis has a great schedule coming up" (02:37). Despite tough upcoming opponents like the Colts and Jacksonville, his immediate matchup against Cincinnati is promising.

• Jameis Winston: Another viable option, Winston faces Kansas City next week. Adam notes, "Jameis Winston, his matchups don't seem to matter" (02:37), making him a consistent performer regardless of the opposition.

• Cooper Rush and Aiden O'Connell: Both players are lauded for their steady performances and favorable matchups. Adam prefers Levis over these options but acknowledges their potential value.

• Anthony Richardson: With only 65% rostered, Richardson is recommended if already holding a first-round buy. Adam advises, "If you have a first round buy locked up, Anthony Richardson is the guy I would go to" (02:37).

Heath concurs, adding, "I agree" (03:42), reinforcing the quarterback recommendations.

Running Back Recommendations

Transitioning to running backs, Heath underscores the importance of having stash options due to potential injuries or limited playtime of starters.

• Zach Charbonnet: Available in 29% of leagues, Charbonnet is suggested as a contingency if Kenneth Walker III doesn’t practice or play.

• Sean Tucker and Sincere McCormick: While Tucker is a potential backup if Bucky Irving plays, McCormick remains a solid option with 78% availability. Heath remarks, "I think he could be the lead running back for the Raiders" (04:01).

• Jerome Ford and Braylon Allen: Both are listed as reliable backups, with Ford being a consistent performer.

• Jalil McLaughlin and Others: For future stashes, players like McLaughlin, Kamani Vidal, Jeremy McNichols, and Blake Corum are recommended to prepare for upcoming weeks.

Adam adds his preference for McLaughlin, noting his recent performances: "14 carries for 84 yards and the week before that he had seven carries for 44 yards" (05:30).

Wide Receiver Stashing Tips

Heath advises targeting wide receivers from the Browns who are still available, emphasizing their potential impact:

• Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman: With 60% and 41% availability respectively, both players are highlighted as undervalued assets.

• Keon Coleman and Romo Dunes: Their return could boost their usage, making them worthy of stashing.

• Adam Thielen and Parker Washington: Both have favorable availability rates above 50%, making them practical choices.

• Marquise Brown: Although uncertain about his return date, Brown is available in 85% of leagues, making him a low-risk stash option.

Heath suggests, “You don’t have to worry about that. And he [Ferguson] has been cleared from the concussion protocol” (07:12), referring to Jake Ferguson as a tight end stash.

Tight End Stashes

While less glamorous, stashing tight ends can provide critical depth:

• Jake Ferguson: With 50% availability, Ferguson is a prime candidate due to his upcoming matchups against Cincinnati and Carolina. Heath recommends, "You could lit pick him up off the waiver wire and start him this week" (07:25).

• Hunter Henry and Additional TE Options: Henry is noted for his involvement in the Patriots' offense, despite facing tough matchups. Other TEs like Dalton Schultz and Dalton Schultz are also discussed for their upcoming favorable schedules.

Adam questions, “And I think stashing tight ends is not that fun, too. What do you think?” (07:12), to which Heath responds with strategic TE options, emphasizing the necessity despite the lack of excitement.

Defense/Special Teams (D/ST) Suggestions

In the final segment, Dave and Heath explore optimal D/ST strategies to maximize points from defensive plays.

• Targeted Matchups: Heath lists defenses facing Giants, Jets, Falcons, Jaguars, Patriots, Titans, and Raiders as optimal stashing targets, mentioning, "Giants, Jets, Falcons, Jaguars, Patriots, Titans, and the Raiders" (10:26).

• Ravens DST: Highly recommended due to their week 15 matchup against the Giants, where Heath notes, "Ravens DST should be great" (10:26).

• Cardinals DST and Colts DST: Heath favors a combination of Cardinals DST through week 16 and Colts DST in week 17, balancing strong performances and favorable matchups.

• Saints DST vs. Chargers DST: When addressing listener questions, Heath opts for the Saints DST, citing their advantageous matchups (14:18).

Adam humorously interjects about the challenges of finalizing DST strategies, ensuring a light-hearted conclusion to the segment.

Listener Questions and Final Thoughts

Towards the end, Adam and Heath entertain listener questions, maintaining an engaging and humorous tone. Heath provides nuanced answers, reinforcing earlier recommendations and offering additional insights into player performances and potential future trends.

Adam wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of staying proactive on the waiver wire: “Have a great weekend. And hopefully you heard some names to pick up before you go. Go.” (15:05), encouraging listeners to implement the discussed strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Aizer: "If you have a first round buy locked up, Anthony Richardson is the guy I would go to." (02:37)

• Heath Cummings: "I agree." (03:42)

• Heath Cummings: "I think he [McLaughlin] could be the lead running back for the Raiders." (04:01)

• Heath Cummings: "You could lit pick him up off the waiver wire and start him this week." (07:25)

This episode of Fantasy Football Today serves as an invaluable resource for fantasy managers seeking to bolster their teams through strategic waiver wire acquisitions. By focusing on player matchups, availability, and potential upside, Adam and his expert panel provide actionable advice to navigate the critical weeks leading up to the fantasy playoffs.