Fantasy Football Today – Week 16 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Advice! Actives/Inactives Updates & Q&A! (Released December 22, 2024)

In the latest episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosts Jamie Eisenberg and Dave Richard delve into the crucial final stretches of the Fantasy Football season. This comprehensive discussion provides listeners with essential start 'em, sit 'em recommendations, player updates, and answers to pressing questions from the fantasy community. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, insightful analyses, and strategic advice shared during the episode.

1. Week 16 Lineup Finalization

Cleveland Browns: Quarterback and Running Back Situations

The episode kicks off with an in-depth look at the Cleveland Browns’ lineup decisions:

• Quarterback Dorian Thompson Robinson (DTR): Currently starting at QB, DTR's performance is under scrutiny. Dave Richard highlights, “when he throws 10 or more yards downfield, there's like a third of a chance that basket's completed” (03:07).

• Backup Quarterback David Najoku: If Najoku is active, Dave assesses him as “a top like 8ish fantasy tight end maybe a little bit higher” (03:07). However, his involvement could limit targets for other receivers like Jerome Ford and Cedric Tillman.

• Running Back Jerome Ford: Despite starting, Ford is projected to yield modest returns, with Dave estimating “about 12 PPR points” (04:11).

Tennessee Titans: Tony Pollard’s Role Against the Colts

Tony Pollard remains a focal point for Tennessee Titans' matchups:

• Dave predicts Pollard will “play a lot” in a competitive game scenario, potentially aggregating “in the neighborhood of 70 total yards” (04:27).

• Jonathan Taylor’s Impact: Taylor is expected to have a significant role, possibly “the best game of all” (04:27).

• Alternative Backups: If Titans shift to a passing-heavy approach, Taije Spears might emerge as a viable flex option, though with limited upside.

New Orleans Saints vs. Green Bay Packers: Kendra Miller’s Prospects

With Alvin Kamara doubtful, Kendra Miller steps into the spotlight:

• Dave evaluates Miller’s matchup against the Packers’ robust run defense, stating, “I think your best bet with Kendra Miller is that he somehow finds the end zone and gets about 60 yards on top of it” (06:14).

• Rookie Performance: Miller's rookie season showed promise with “11 targets, 10 catches, 117 yards” (07:01), though he’s yet to record a catch in the current season.

2. Miami Dolphins vs. 49ers: Injury Impacts and Player Choices

49ers Backfield Concerns

Key injuries impact the 49ers’ running game:

• Isaac Garendo Out: Patrick Taylor is expected to lead the backfield but comes with uncertainties.

• Dave's Take on Patrick Taylor: “There's a ton of uncertainty there... it's not the best matchup” (07:30). Taylor may share the workload, making him a risky start in PPR leagues.

Dolphins’ Receiving Corps Adjustments

• Jaylen Waddle’s Injury: With Waddle out, Tyreek Hill and John Smith are poised to receive more targets.

• Malik Washington as a Value Pick: Dave praises Washington as a “cheap wide receiver” option with potential for increased targets (08:55), making him ideal for DFS lineups.

3. Key Player Evaluations and Fantasy Recommendations

Jerome Ford (Browns) vs. Kendra Miller (Saints)

• Distance vs. Utilization: While Ford is reliable for consistent points, Miller presents a higher ceiling albeit with greater risk.

Jonathan Taylor (Titans)

• Despite previous setbacks, Taylor is considered a top-tier option with high upside, especially against opponents with weaker defenses.

Zach Ertz (Commanders)

• Returning through concussion protocols, Ertz is projected to be a valuable tight end option against the Eagles, potentially securing “10 plus PPR points” (11:30).

4. Listener Q&A: Strategic Decisions for Critical Matchups

Flex Position Dilemmas

• Tyrone Tracy vs. Other Running Backs: Dave advises starting Tracy against the Falcons due to favorable conditions, even suggesting he’s preferable to Patrick Taylor or Kendrick Miller (09:58).

• Breece Hall’s Reliability: Trust in Hall’s availability and potential increased snap count makes him a strong start over other options like Pollard (10:22).

Wide Receiver Choices

• Garrett Wilson vs. Kendra Miller: For flexible PPR formats, Wilson edges out due to consistent target volume.

• Devonte Adams vs. Brian Thomas Jr.: While Adams is a staple, Thomas Jr. offers substantial upside against the Raiders’ defense, being a “top five” option (12:46).

Quarterback Decisions

• Jordan Love vs. Matthew Stafford: Stafford is favored for his consistent performance and favorable matchup over Love, who might not be needed to perform at his peak (15:12).

Tight End Selections

• Thurman Thomas vs. Brenton Strange: Laporta is recommended over Strange in both PPR and half-PPR formats for his target potential and recent performance spikes (12:19).

5. Rapid Fire: Final Player Preferences

In a swift segment addressing quick-fire questions, Jamie and Dave provide their preferences on various player matchups:

• Anthony Richardson vs. Caleb Williams: Richardson is preferred for his higher upside.

• DK Metcalf vs. Adam Thielen: Thielen is chosen for full PPR formats, though Metcalf remains a strong option.

• Dalton Kincaid vs. Brenton Strange: Strange is favored for his consistent target distribution.

• Brock Purdy vs. Jaden Daniels: Daniels is selected for his favorable matchup potential.

• Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Ken Walker: Walker is the preferred choice in PPR leagues.

• Romeo Dobbs vs. Jalen McMillan: McMillan earns the nod for his recent performance and target volume.

• Jordan Love vs. Matthew Stafford: Stafford is the clear favorite for reliability and matchup advantage.

6. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Previews

As the episode concludes, Jamie Eisenberg and Dave Richard emphasize the importance of strategic lineup decisions in Week 16 to secure playoff spots and overall season rankings. They also highlight upcoming content, including a preview show from CBS Sports HQ addressing gambling, fantasy perspectives, and NFL insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Richard on DTR’s passing: “when he throws 10 or more yards downfield, there's like a third of a chance that basket's completed” (03:07).

• On Tony Pollard’s potential: “he could have, you know, in the neighborhood of 70 total yards. Always a good shot to score” (04:27).

• Discussing Kendra Miller: “I think your best bet with Kendra Miller is that he somehow finds the end zone and gets about 60 yards on top of it” (06:14).

• About Malik Washington: “Washington certainly qualifies as a cheap wide receiver that you can throw into lineups” (08:55).

This episode of Fantasy Football Today serves as an indispensable resource for fantasy managers aiming to polish their Week 16 strategies. With expert analyses, up-to-the-minute player updates, and actionable advice, Jamie and Dave equip listeners with the tools needed to navigate the final push of the fantasy season successfully.