Fantasy Football Today Podcast Episode Summary Episode: NFL DFS Week 17 Preview: Main Slate Lineups, Picks, Stacks and Ownership
Release Date: December 27, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Kyle Long teams up with analysts Meg Shoup and Mike McClure to delve into the intricacies of Week 17's NFL DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) slate. The conversation encompasses an eight-game main slate, strategies for short slates in the playoffs, player rankings, stack recommendations, and ownership trends. Additionally, the hosts touch upon audience interactions, highlighting questions from listeners and providing tailored advice to help fantasy managers dominate their leagues.

Slate Overview

The episode kicks off with an overview of the upcoming eight-game main slate, featuring high-scoring matchups and pivotal performances that could significantly impact fantasy lineups. Kyle emphasizes the importance of monitoring weather conditions as the season progresses into the colder months, noting potential shifts in game dynamics due to weather-related factors.

"We have an eight game slate. We're going to talk about that like we always do. Go game by game." ([02:36])

Key Matchups and Player Picks

1. Panthers vs. Buccaneers

   • Mike McClure highlights Bucky Irving as a pivotal player, projecting his ownership at 35-40% due to his consistent involvement in the Buccaneers' offense.

     "Core piece number one for me here is clearly going to be Bucky Irving." ([04:40])

   • Meg Shoup advocates for stacking both sides, pairing Bryce Young with Adam Thielen and Baker Mayfield with Mike Evans to capitalize on the high total projected at 48.5 points.

     "I like the stacks on both sides, and of course, I like Bucky Irving." ([05:55])

   • Kyle Long discusses alternative stacking options, contemplating fading Evans in certain scenarios while maintaining core players like Derek Henry and Xavier Worthy.

     "Maybe Baker, Bucky, and you throw in Jalen McMillan and you have a piece or two coming back." ([06:34])

2. Giants vs. Colts

   • Kyle Long expresses frustration over Jonathan Taylor's performance, hinting at a shift back to Anthony Richardson and Josh Downs as primary targets.

     "I'm going back to this stack and I think there's some interesting run backs on the Giants." ([10:58])

   • Meg Shoup remains cautious, acknowledging Richardson's ceiling but expressing skepticism about the Giants' receiving targets.

     "I don't have a ton of interest on the Giant side for me." ([11:02])

   • Mike McClure focuses on Malik Neighbors, praising his target volume despite potential weather concerns.

     "I like Malik Neighbors here... He's the clear directive from someone in the organization." ([11:41])

3. Titans vs. Jaguars

   • Meg Shoup is intrigued by Calvin Ridley's performance and the condensed target tree, recommending stacking with Brian Thomas Jr.

     "Definitely have a ton of interest on Brian Thomas, even though he's not playing with a very good quarterback." ([14:29])

   • Mike McClure supports a Mason Rudolph double stack, citing chemistry with Ridley and multiple targets.

     "I'm going to have a Mason Rudolph double... and it kind of works." ([15:26])

4. Raiders vs. Saints

   • Kyle Long advises caution, suggesting the Raiders' defense as a viable option for low-cost DFS lineups.

     "Raiders D and move on would be my interest in this game." ([19:56])

   • Meg Shoup echoes the sentiment, pointing out the game's low total and the potential for salary relief.

     "If you want to go to Madison or. Amira Doula has two games near, I believe 20 DK points." ([21:02])

5. Jets vs. Bills

   • Mike McClure prefers focusing on the Jets side, particularly Aaron Rodgers, over the heavily-priced Josh Allen.

     "I would be more interested in stacking the Jets side than anything here." ([22:34])

   • Meg Shoup agrees, suggesting limited interest in Josh Allen without stacking, instead recommending individual targets like Devonte Adams or Garrett Wilson.

     "If you do play Josh Allen, I would just honestly play him naked and maybe run it back with like a Devonte Adams or Gary Wilson." ([24:06])

6. Cowboys vs. Eagles

   • Mike McClure is optimistic about Saquon Barkley's potential but remains cautious due to uncertainty around Jalen Hurts' status.

     "Saquon Barkley is 8600. At this point, it's hard to look away from him, regardless of what his price is." ([26:52])

   • Meg Shoup emphasizes monitoring injury reports, highlighting Barkley as the main interest while expressing reservations about other Cowboys players.

     "It's just really, really watch the injury news on this one." ([28:08])

7. Dolphins vs. Browns

   • Mike McClure lauds HN (Hajime Ohashi), praising his workload and involvement in both receiving and running plays.

     "HN number one for me for sure. Just the workload is incredible." ([30:15])

   • Meg Shoup focuses on key Dolphins pieces like John (presumably Tua Tagovailoa) and Jerome Ford from the Browns, considering them valuable additions.

     "We have the two main Dolphins pieces for me, and then of course Jerome Ford on the Brown side." ([31:20])

8. Packers vs. Vikings

   • Mike McClure prioritizes Aaron Jones and Aaron Rodgers, suggesting a heavy focus on the Vikings' side due to their concentrated target share with Justin Jefferson, Addison, and TJ Hawkinson.

     "Aaron Jones is popping as the top option for me." ([33:50])

   • Meg Shoup recommends flexibility in stacking, considering both Sam Darnold and Jordan Love to maximize scoring potential.

     "You could stack up Sam Darnold with two pass catchers or whatever." ([35:05])

Cheat Sheets and Top Picks

Towards the end of the episode, Meg Shoup provides her cheat sheet, outlining her favorite stack, fades, contrarian plays, and value picks:

• Favorite Stack: Baker Mayfield to Mike Evans, with options to mix in Bucky Irving and Jalen McMillan.
  "My favorite stack is Baker to Mike Evans mix." ([41:14])

• Fade: Malik Neighbors due to over-ownership and questionable passing efficiency.
  "My fade is going to be Malik Neighbors just he's looking to be I own." ([41:14])

• Contrarian Play: Jordan Addison, offering a unique angle within the Viking stack.
  "My contrarian play is going to be Jordan Addison." ([41:14])

• Value Pick: Chigaconquo, lauded for his consistent targets and scoring opportunities.
  "My value is going to be Chigaconquo both for best ball and DFS." ([41:14])

Mike McClure's Top Three Picks:

• Quarterbacks: Anthony Richardson, Baker Mayfield, Mason Rudolph
  "I'm going to go Anthony Richardson 1... Baker Mayfield 2 and Mason Rudolph 3." ([43:17])

• Running Backs: Bucky Irving, Aaron Jones, Devon HN
  "Running backs: Bucky Irving, Aaron Jones, Devon HN." ([43:17])

• Wide Receivers: Mike Evans, Calvin Ridley, Brian Thomas
  "Wide receivers: Mike Evans, Calvin Ridley, Brian Thomas." ([43:17])

• Tight Ends: Chigaconku, TJ Hawkinson, Britain Strange
  "Tight ends: Chigaconku, TJ Hawkinson, Britain Strange." ([43:17])

Defensive Recommendations:

• Raiders Defense: High value at 2600, recommended for budget-friendly lineups.
  "Raiders D and move on would be my interest in this game." ([45:31])

• Additional Defenses: Indianapolis Colts' defense is suggested for potential weather-influenced successes.
  "The Colts defense is a fantastic spot to back with Jonathan Taylor." ([46:10])

Audience Interaction and Listener Questions

The hosts engage with their audience, addressing questions submitted via email and social media. Notably, Jeffrey Smith inquires about stacking Green Bay in scenarios where Christian Watson is unavailable. Both Meg and Mike express reservations, citing concentrated target shares and ownership concerns.

• Meg Shoup:
  "I don't know that I'll get to the Green Bay side even in that situation." ([39:35])

• Mike McClure:
  "I would only do it in small field stuff... a stack with Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs." ([39:53])

Additionally, Andrew Peterson praises Meg Shoup as the "best ball goat," reflecting the community's appreciation for her expertise.

Strategies for Short Slates and Playoff-Focused Lineups

As the playoffs approach, Kyle Long emphasizes the increasing relevance of short slates, such as three-game slates on Saturdays, allowing for more flexible and high-potential lineups.

• Meg Shoup recommends targeting high-ceiling players and leveraging tight end builds to maximize scoring within limited game opportunities.

  "If you do want to spend up, I do like John in the air." ([31:42])

• Mike McClure advises concentrating on high-volume players and leveraging stack strategies to optimize scoring potential in condensed slates.

  "I'm looking at builds where I've got Chase Brown, Jamar Chase, Trey McBride in it." ([49:11])

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a recap of key points, including top picks, strategic stack recommendations, and the importance of staying updated on player news and weather conditions. The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe, participate in contests, and engage with the podcast's community through various platforms.

"We've got a lot more to cover... it's week 17, but we've still got a long way to go because we're going through the playoffs too." ([54:23])

Notable Quotes

• "Core piece number one for me here is clearly going to be Bucky Irving." – Mike McClure ([04:40])

• "I like the stacks on both sides, and of course, I like Bucky Irving." – Meg Shoup ([05:55])

• "I'm going to have a Mason Rudolph double... and it kind of works." – Mike McClure ([15:26])

• "Saquon Barkley is 8600. At this point, it's hard to look away from him, regardless of what his price is." – Mike McClure ([26:52])

• "If you do play Josh Allen, I would just honestly play him naked and maybe run it back with like a Devonte Adams or Gary Wilson." – Meg Shoup ([24:06])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Fantasy Football Today provides comprehensive insights into Week 17's DFS slate, offering listeners strategic advice, player recommendations, and valuable tips to enhance their fantasy football performance. By focusing on key matchups, player stacks, and ownership trends, Kyle, Meg, and Mike equip fantasy managers with the tools needed to navigate the crucial playoff push and secure those coveted bragging rights.

Note: Times referenced are based on the provided transcript and indicate moments when specific topics or quotes were discussed.