LAST-MINUTE Week 12 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Advice! Actives/Inactives Updates & Q&A! (11/24 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

Transcript

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

It's Sunday morning of week 12 and we got you covered here with Fantasy Football Today Express. I'm Jamie Eisenberg, that's Heath Comics. Got the injuries that you need to know and we'll answer some of your questions as well. Good morning Heath. How are you today?

[Heath Cummings]

Fantastic.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Let's get going. All right, we got the quarterback injuries. Really big one is Brock Purdy. 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. Do we have any interest in Brandon Allen and super flex and two quarterback leagues taking on the Packers. And what does this mean for Brandon? Brandon for Debo Samuel, Juan Jennings and George K?

[Heath Cummings]

I think with six teams on a buy 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. But I did pick him up and then starting him in a league where I was going to start Luke Skunmaker in my super flex position. So if you're in that desperate of a situation, yes, go get Brandon Allen. I don't really think like it did. I did downgrade Juwan Jennings and Debo Samuel. They went from mid wide receiver twos to like right on the border of wide receiver 24 versus wide receiver 25. That wide receiver two wide receiver three range. It's Christian McCaffrey still a must start. George Kittle is still a must start. We've seen this Kyle Shanahan system with some very mediocre quarterbacks still produced at like an NFL average level. If anything, maybe the past volume is down a little bit. But they're gonna have to stop the packers for that to be able to work.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And Trent Williams is hoping to play clearly a big piece of the San Francisco offense. Their star left tackle but no Brock Purdy. So we'll see what this means for the rest of the 49ers offense taking on the packers defense. Let's go to some running back news. 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? Taking on the Vikings which is number two in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs.

[Heath Cummings]

I would like to rank him as a flex but yeah, I think he's a low end. Number two running back. There's some risk that of re injury and then there's obviously the risk that he gets the ball down to the four yard line and Roshan Johnson runs it in. So this type of week you're probably still starting DeAndre Swift, but I don't love him.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Alexander Madison and Zemir White are both unlikely to play. Both considered doubtful. For this game against Denver it's going to be Amir Abdullah and Dylan Lobby. I think we're all going to say Abdullah is the one we want to target. Are we starting Abdullah flex? How do we like in ppr? Non ppr. What's your opinion on him taking on this Broncos defense?

[Heath Cummings]

I think target's the key word. You hope that he catches five passes. It was 2017 the last time that Amir Abdullah had more than nine rush attempts in an NFL game. Dylan Lobby has one and he fumbled. They may. I. I don't know, they may throw the ball 45 times in this game. I don't like Abdullah as much as I like DeAndre Swift, and I don't really like DeAndre Swift. So he's. He's a good flexibility, especially in PPR this week. And I want to make sure that Dylan Loudby is rostered in my leagues because there's a chance that, you know, he gets a little bit of run. They give him one series and all of a sudden, oh, there's the guy they drafted that we thought would be better than guys like Alexander Madison and Zemir White and Amir Abdullah.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

It's a great point, and I've said this a few times. There have been eight running backs this season that have gotten at least 6.8 PPR points on just their receiving totals alone against the Broncos. So they have given up some production to opposing running backs in the passing game. If you're starting, let's say six PPR points with whatever he does on top of that, in terms of the running totals, he could get you eight or nine, maybe 10. You know, it's not a bad flex play for this week. Again, six teams on a buy. Jonathan Brooks is going to play against the Chiefs. He's not expected to be on a pitch count, and they did place Miles Sanders on injured reserve. So what do we think about Chuba Hubbard and Jonathan Brooks today?

[Heath Cummings]

I am expecting that. Like, I know he's not going to be on a pitch count, but I don't think they're. They're not going to sit Chuba Hubbard. So I still am starting Chuba Hubbard as a low end, number two running back. I'd rather start him than Swift or Abdullah. I'm Jonathan Brooks. I still want to roster. I know he's been dropped in a couple of leagues. He's not someone I really want to start as a flex this week, but I want to make. I want to see my roster. And if he breaks one big run, then maybe we see more of a timeshare moving forward.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And in that same game, Isaiah Pacheco is not going to play. We like Kareem Hunt as a top 15 running back should take advantage of this great matchup against the Panthers. They are number one in most fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. We're going to take a quick break on Fantasy Football Teg Express. We come back to wide receiver injuries and your questions. That's next.

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

All right, we have 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? And is there anybody that you're looking at of Jahan Donson or Johnny Wilson to step up and fill the void of Devonte Smith?

[Heath Cummings]

I am not interested in another Eagles wide receiver even as a desperation play. I think you can do better. There are guys that are barely rostered that I'd rather start over them. I expect a lot of A.J. brown, a lot of Dallas Goddard, a lot of Saquon Barkley, a couple of tush pushes. I did move Goddard from I think he was tight end 14 in my rankings up to tight end nine. He's somebody that I would now I had him behind Luke Skin maker. I would start him over Luke Skin Maker. I'd still rather start John New Smith. I'd still rather start Will Disley, but I would start Goddard Over Mark Andrews, over Sam LaPorta, over T.J. hawkinson.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

All right. He went from tight end 12 for me to tight end six. Like he's just been, you know, you look at the two games he played earlier in the season without A.J. brown, 27 PPR points, 13 PPR points. I mean he's got that type of, I don't think 27, but you know, he's got that 13 point threshold that he can get to because of additional targets and he's been pretty consistent. Ten and a half PPR points or more in his four healthy games. There's been a big break in there because of the hamstring injury, but just bigger opportunity and we know that Jalen hurts and this offense has been good for him too with Kellen Moore. Malik Neighbors is going to play. Any concern with Tommy DeVito or just start Malik Neighbors? Don't worry about it.

[Heath Cummings]

Starting Malik Neighbors, He's a top 12 wide receiver.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Mike Evans is going to play. We're starting him. Keenan Allen is going to play. I don't think we want to start him. Right. You made the comment that he's going to do the most with the least with the most amount of targets this season, right?

[Heath Cummings]

Yeah, he is leading the Bears in targets over the last month. Led the Bears in targets last week. I am starting. I'm going to force 14 team dynasty league because I don't have a better option. But yeah, I don't. I don't really want to. I. I do. Roma Dunes is my favorite Bears wide receiver this week.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

All right, so I still like DJ more better than Roma Dunze, but yes, those are the two guys you want to lean on. Hopefully feeling can do something with these targets. It's a great matchup but just tough to trust at this point. Adam Thielen is going to play. Do we. Who's our who's the who's your favorite Panthers wide receiver.

[Heath Cummings]

I have Xavier League ranked the highest. None of them are in my top 40 wide receivers.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

All right. And then we have no offense trying to play. Nobody's gonna have any interest in him. Some of the offensive line injuries that we're talking about we already looked at Trent Williams. He's expected to play. Tristan Wurfs is not going to play so keep an eye on Baker Mayfield just with that pass rush. The Giants are getting healthier with KV on Thibault Thibodeau coming back. Toronto Armstead's a game time decision, but he was a game time decision last week. Jonah Williams going to play for the Cardinals and the Cowboys could be without both of their starting guards. Zach Martin is doubtful. Smith is questionable. But that could be really bad for that offense. As we know the commander's DST could be very good this week with Dan quinn, the former DF's coordinator, facing his former team. All right, there's the injuries. Keep an eye on cbs sports.com 11:30am Eastern is when the inactives will come out. Obviously, we'll have you covered with our chat here on Fantasy football today on YouTube. Let's answer some of your questions now. So Thomas, hit us with a few that the chat is looking at. All right, Dobbins or eckler in full PPR? Heath, where you going?

[Heath Cummings]

I'm going to J.K. dobbins.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Same next Anthony Richardson or Justin Herbert? And four points for passing touchdowns.

[Heath Cummings]

Definitely Anthony Richardson and four point for passing touchdown. I have Richardson one spot higher. And six.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I would go with Herbert in both. He's got 32 yards rushing or more and he's in two of his last three games. So the running totals could be similar. And I think the passing total is going to be much better for Herbert, so I'll take him. Next two QB start. Brandon Allen or Bryce Young.

[Heath Cummings]

Wow. I do need to actually look at my rankings for that one. I think it's probably Brandon Allen. It is Brandon Allen.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah. More upside with Brandon Allen. A couple more. Next one. Bucky Irving or Marvin Harrison Jr. In a flex spot in PPR.

[Heath Cummings]

Does PPR help Marvin Harrison Jr. More than Bucky Irving? I'm going with Bucky Irving.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I would go Bucky Irving, too. It's a great matchup against the Giants. Next question. League neighbors or JSN?

[Heath Cummings]

Both guys are top 12, I think right now for me, but I'll go neighbors.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I would go neighbors as well. I think this Cardinals defense is going to really continue to surprise people. Next question. Juwan Jennings with a backup quarterback or Jacoby Myers with a backup quarterback?

[Heath Cummings]

And Jacoby Myers going up against the Broncos. I don't like that matchup, but I do like his quarterback more and I like his target share more. I'm going to go be Myers.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

All right, well, target chair might be better for Jennings, though. I mean, he was 11 targets. It's the last two weeks. So I'm gonna go Jennings, Mike Evans or Kareem Hunt? PPR.

[Heath Cummings]

Full PPR. I've got Evans at 14 fantasy points. I've got Kareem Hunt at 16. I'll go hunt.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I think Hunt is probably safer, but Evans, man, you said it. 95 yards a game he needs and he destroys the Giants. So there's a great history there. But Kareem Hunt taking on the Panthers.

[Heath Cummings]

I was reading the wrong name. I'm going. Evans.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

You going Evans.

[Heath Cummings]

Evans.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Let's go, Evans. Have some fun. Brock Bowers, George Killer. Josh Downs.

[Heath Cummings]

Brock Bowers.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Need to. Need two of those. Bowers, Downs or Kittle. Yeah. Go Titans. Jaden Reed, Tyree Kill or Josh Downs. Need one.

[Heath Cummings]

Hill.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah. Tyreek. Next. Let's do five more. Juwan Jennings or Tank Dell and half ppr.

[Heath Cummings]

Jennings.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Jennings. Mark Andrews. Will Disley in full ppr.

[Heath Cummings]

Disley.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I agree. Disley. Next. Tank Dell or Michael Pittman?

[Heath Cummings]

Dell.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah. Next. Dylan Lobby or Jalen Wright in full ppr.

[Heath Cummings]

I have full ppr. I have Lobby.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Higher. I think Lobby's got more upside. Jalen Wright, you know, he's going to get probably five touches for sure. Will Lobby. I think you got to go lobby. Next question. So this will be the last one. Javonte Williams or Amir Abdullah Javante. Yeah, I think hopefully Javante still gets the work for the Broncos, but we don't know. We really don't know. So we'll see. It could be an Audrey Guest to make it. All right, great job, everybody. We'll answer more of your questions at 11:30am here. You can also check us out CBS Sports HQ at 10:00am Eastern. And hopefully your week 12 is successful. Free comings. I'm Jamie Eisenberg. This has been Fantasy Football Today Express, Paramount Podcasts.