Fantasy Football Today Podcast: Detailed Summary of Week 12 Episode (Released November 24, 2024)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Football Today
• Host/Author: CBS Sports, Fantasy Football, FFT, NFL, Fantasy Sports, Rookies, Rankings, Waiver Wire
• Description: A comprehensive guide to dominating your fantasy football league with insights from host Adam Aizer and analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and others. The podcast covers strategies like Start or Sit decisions, Waiver Wire pickups, Trade Grading, and answers listener questions through mailbag episodes and social media interactions.

1. Introduction and Overview

The episode kicks off with host Jamie Eisenberg welcoming listeners to the Sunday morning Week 12 edition of Fantasy Football Today Express. Joined by analyst Heath Cummings, the duo promises to deliver the latest injury updates, strategic advice, and answer listener questions to help fantasy managers make informed decisions for the upcoming games.

Jamie Eisenberg: "It's Sunday morning of week 12 and we got you covered here with Fantasy Football Today Express."

Heath Cummings: "Fantastic."

2. Quarterback Updates and Implications

Brock Purdy Injury and Brandon Allen's Opportunity

A significant topic is the injury to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who is ruled out with a shoulder injury. ESPN reports suggest a possible return in Week 13, but for Week 12, Brandon Allen steps in as the starter.

Jamie Eisenberg: "Is out with the shoulder injury. There was the report from ESPN that he could return in week 13. But Brandon Allen is going to start for the 49ers."

Heath Cummings: "I think with six teams on a bye, you have to have a little bit of interest in Brandon Allen. But he's a very low end QB2. I wouldn't be starting him over anybody that you actually wanted to start in the first place."

Heath advises caution in relying on Allen, suggesting that while he can be a starter in desperate situations, managers should prefer their primary quarterbacks if available.

Jamie Eisenberg: "Do we have any interest in Brandon Allen and super flex and two quarterback leagues taking on the Packers?"

Heath Cummings: "If you're in that desperate of a situation, yes, go get Brandon Allen."

3. Running Back News and Start/Sit Recommendations

DeAndre Swift vs. Amir Abdullah

DeAndre Swift is confirmed to play against the Vikings, albeit as a low-end number two running back. Heath expresses reservations about Swift's reliability due to injury risks and potential limited opportunities.

Jamie Eisenberg: "Deandre Swift is going to play. I think we'll all consider him a low end number two running back or do you have any, you know, higher expectations?"

Heath Cummings: "I would like to rank him as a flex but yeah, I think he's a low end number two running back."

Amir Abdullah and Dylan Lobby are spotlighted as alternatives given the doubts surrounding Alexander Madison and Zemir White. While Abdullah hasn't been consistently productive recently, Heath suggests he may offer value in PPR (Points Per Reception) formats due to potential target opportunities.

Heath Cummings: "I don't like Abdullah as much as I like DeAndre Swift, and I don't really like DeAndre Swift. So he's a good flex, especially in PPR this week."

Jonathan Brooks and Chuba Hubbard Considerations

With Jonathan Brooks facing the Chiefs and the absence of Miles Sanders, Heath recommends starting Chuba Hubbard as a low-end number two RB, preferring him over Brooks in most cases.

Jamie Eisenberg: "What do we think about Chuba Hubbard and Jonathan Brooks today?"

Heath Cummings: "I'm expecting that... I still am starting Chuba Hubbard as a low end, number two running back. I'd rather start him than Swift or Abdullah."

4. Wide Receiver Updates and Strategies

Devontae Smith’s Injury Impact on A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert

Devontae Smith's absence against the Rams is unlikely to significantly affect A.J. Brown’s play, ensuring he remains a must-start in most lineups. The discussion then shifts to Dallas Goedert, whose rankings have improved due to increased target volume.

Jamie Eisenberg: "Devontae Smith is out against the Rams. I don't think that changes anything for A.J. brown. You're starting him no matter what. But did you change your rankings significantly for Dallas Goddard?"

Heath Cummings: "I did move Goddard from... to tight end nine. He's somebody that I would now start over Mark Andrews, over Sam LaPorta, over T.J. Hawkinson."

Kareem Hunt as a Top-Tier Running Back

Kareem Hunt's favorable matchup against the Panthers, who are top in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, positions him as a solid option, especially with Isaiah Pacheco out.

Jamie Eisenberg: "We like Kareem Hunt as a top 15 running back should take advantage of this great matchup against the Panthers."

Heath Cummings: "Starting Malik Neighbors, He's a top 12 wide receiver."

Mike Evans and Keenan Allen’s Playability

Mike Evans is confirmed to play and remains a valuable start. Conversely, Keenan Allen, despite leading the Bears in targets, is approached with caution. Heath opts for Evans over Allen, citing concerns about reliance without better alternatives.

Jamie Eisenberg: "Mike Evans is going to play. We're starting him no matter what. But Keenan Allen is going to play. I don't think we want to start him."

Heath Cummings: "I am starting Keenan Allen. I'm going to force 14 team dynasty league because I don't have a better option."

5. Offensive Line Injuries and Their Fantasy Impact

San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons Updates

Trent Williams is expected to play, maintaining stability for the 49ers' offensive line despite Purdy’s injury. However, Tristan Wurfs is out, creating concerns for the Giants and Cowboys’ offensive efficiency.

Jamie Eisenberg: "Tristan Wurfs is not going to play so keep an eye on Baker Mayfield just with that pass rush."

Dallas Cowboys’ Guard Situations

With Zach Martin doubtful and Smith questionable, the Cowboys’ offensive line may suffer, potentially affecting their offensive production and, by extension, their fantasy performers.

Heath Cummings: Comments on the potential negative impact on the Cowboys' offense due to guard injuries.

6. Listener Q&A Session

Jamie and Heath address several listener-submitted questions, providing tailored advice for various fantasy scenarios.

Quarterback Preferences

• Dobbins vs. Eckler in Full PPR:

  Heath: "I'm going to J.K. Dobbins."

• Anthony Richardson vs. Justin Herbert with 4 points for passing touchdowns:

  Heath: "Definitely Anthony Richardson and four point for passing touchdown."

  Jamie: Prefers Herbert for his dual-threat capabilities.

• Brandon Allen vs. Bryce Young:

  Heath: "I think it's probably Brandon Allen."

Wide Receiver and Flex Spot Decisions

• Bucky Irving vs. Marvin Harrison Jr. in PPR Flex:

  Heath: "I'm going with Bucky Irving."

• Juwan Jennings vs. Jacoby Myers:

  Heath: "I'm going to go be Myers."

• Mike Evans vs. Kareem Hunt in PPR:

  After a moment of reconsideration, Heath opts for Evans.

• Brock Bowers vs. Josh Downs:

  Heath: "Brock Bowers."

Additional Q&A Highlights

• Jaden Reed, Tyreek Hill vs. Others:

  Heath: Favors Tyreek Hill.

• Juwan Jennings vs. Tank Dell in Half PPR:

  Heath: "Jennings."

• Mark Andrews vs. Will Dissley in Full PPR:

  Heath: "Dissley."

• Tank Dell vs. Michael Pittman in Full PPR:

  Heath: "Dell."

• Dylan Lobby vs. Jalen Wright in Full PPR:

  Heath: "Lobby."

• Javonte Williams vs. Amir Abdullah:

  Heath: Uncertain, but expresses hope for Javonte's continued role.

7. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Jamie wraps up the episode by reminding listeners to stay updated with inactives releases at 11:30 am Eastern and encourages engagement through various platforms like YouTube and CBS Sports HQ.

Jamie Eisenberg: "Hopefully your week 12 is successful. Free comings. I'm Jamie Eisenberg. This has been Fantasy Football Today Express, Paramount Podcasts."

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• [03:08] Heath Cummings: "He's a very low end QB2. I wouldn't be starting him over anybody that you actually wanted to start in the first place."

• [04:27] Heath Cummings: "I would like to rank him as a flex but yeah, I think he's a low end number two running back."

• [05:02] Heath Cummings: "Does PPR help Marvin Harrison Jr. more than Bucky Irving? I'm going with Bucky Irving."

• [11:14] Heath Cummings: "Definitely Anthony Richardson and four point for passing touchdown."

• [12:22] Heath Cummings: "I'm going to go Evans."

Conclusion

This Week 12 episode of Fantasy Football Today provided crucial updates on player injuries, strategic start/sit recommendations, and engaged in-depth with listener questions to address a variety of fantasy football dilemmas. Analysts Jamie Eisenberg and Heath Cummings offered actionable insights, helping fantasy managers navigate the complexities of their lineups amidst evolving NFL dynamics.

For more detailed advice and future updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into subsequent episodes and engage with the Fantasy Football Today community across their platforms.