Fantasy Football Today – Episode Summary Episode: Start or Sit (AFC): JK Dobbins, Xavier Worthy, Tony Pollard and More (November 21, 2024)

Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, CBS Sports' Adam Aizer, along with analysts Heath Cummings and Jamie Eisenberg, delves into the critical start or sit decisions for Week 12 AFC matchups. The team provides in-depth analysis of player performances, matchups, injury updates, and strategic insights to help fantasy managers make informed decisions and dominate their leagues.

Week 12 AFC Matchups Overview

The hosts kick off the discussion by outlining the six key AFC home games for Week 12:

1. Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
2. New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
3. Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers
4. Kansas City Chiefs at Carolina Panthers
5. Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
6. Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders

Adam Aizer sets the stage by highlighting the significance of these matchups, noting particularly challenging defenses and potential breakout performances.

Player Recommendations: Start or Sit

Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts

• Jamie Eisenberg recommends starting Brian Robinson Jr. citing the Cowboys' defense struggles against running backs. He states, “I think Robinson's going to have another opportunity for a big game” (06:09).

• Heath Cummings throws light on Jerry Judy, emphasizing his consistent target rate: “Jerry Judy's wide receiver. Elijah Moore's wide receiver, 28 per game” (07:22).

• Adam Aizer advises against Tony Pollard due to his matchup against a formidable Houston run defense: “I just don't love the setup for him” (08:56).

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

• Jamie Eisenberg advocates for starting Hunter Henry, noting his recent performance: “He's been top 10 tight end” (44:38).

• Heath Cummings expresses skepticism about DeAndre Swift’s effectiveness against the Dolphins' strong run defense: “I do not like him in YPC for life leagues” (42:28).

Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers

• The discussion centers around J.K. Dobbins, Zay Flowers, and Lad McConkey. Both Jamie and Heath prioritize Zay Flowers as a reliable start due to Baltimore's weak run defense: “They are treating Kyron Williams like a must start running back” (22:46).

Kansas City Chiefs at Carolina Panthers

• The hosts analyze the potential of Patrick Mahomes versus Justin Herbert, ultimately recommending Mahomes for his favorable matchup and consistent performance: “I like the setup for a guy that's as hot as he is right now” (61:24).

• Jamie Eisenberg underscores the importance of Kareem Hunt over Chuba Hubbard, citing Hunt's superior offensive role: “He's one of those two backs with a rush share over 60%” (62:26).

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

• Heath Cummings highlights Kyron Williams as the workhorse due to his high usage rate: “He is a guy who's just going to be on the field all the time” (27:11).

• Jamie Eisenberg recommends Joe Mixon despite Tennessee's strong run defense, anticipating Mixon's ability to exploit matchup advantages: “He scored between 10 and 12 fantasy points if he doesn't score a touchdown” (67:01).

Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders

• The focus is on Javante Williams, with Heath Cummings projecting a solid performance: “I have him projected for probably 12” (71:32).

• Jamie Eisenberg contemplates the reliability of Rashad White, positioning him as a flex option due to the Raiders' poor run defense: “He would be right there with them” (73:37).

Waiver Wire and Injury Updates

The team provides critical updates on player injuries and waiver wire pickups:

• DeAndre Swift is dealing with a groin injury, affecting his snap count and overall performance (12:38).

• Amir Abdullah and Justin Fields are noted for their versatility and potential impact depending on game situations (12:38).

• Sam LaPorta, a tight end for the Patriots, is affirmed to be playing unless unforeseen circumstances arise, making him a valuable addition to fantasy rosters (15:13).

Special Segments

Workhorse to Watch

Heath Cummings introduces Kyron Williams as the "Workhorse to Watch," emphasizing his dominant role in both rushing and receiving: “He has run 239 routes, that's the third most amongst running backs this season” (27:11).

Mailbag and Listener Questions

Listeners engage with the show through emails and Twitter #AskFFT tweets. Notable questions include:

• Should Jameson Williams be started this week?

  • Heath Cummings and Jamie Eisenberg weigh in, ultimately advising caution due to inconsistent performances and favorable matchups (31:03, 32:49).

• Bo Nicks or Patrick Mahomes?

  • The debate centers around Nicks' potential upside versus Mahomes' proven track record, with differing opinions on optimal starts (72:16).

• Dropping Mark Andrews for Will Disley?

  • Jamie Eisenberg supports the move if desperate for a win, highlighting Disley's recent performance as a tight end option (56:27).

Strategic Insights and Analysis

• Impact of Weather: The hosts discuss how weather conditions, such as cold temperatures and wind, can influence player performances, particularly quarterbacks and wide receivers (04:30).

• Quarterback Performance: A detailed analysis of Justin Herbert versus Joe Burrow, focusing on Herbert's lack of short-yardage touchdowns compared to Burrow's explosive plays: “Burrow is getting a whole bunch of big plays” (51:19, 52:43).

• Tight End Usage: The shift in Patriots' offensive strategy affecting tight end targets, with Johnny Smith gaining prominence over Jalen Waddle: “It's a trade-off for fantasy managers that need that” (48:33).

Upcoming Shows and Events

• Mailbag Recording: Scheduled for Thursday night immediately after the Browns-Steelers game, allowing listeners to participate live via YouTube (10:54).

• CBS Sports HQ Feature: Jamie Eisenberg will appear at 10:00 AM Eastern on CBS Sports HQ, providing an additional platform for football coverage and fantasy insights (11:14).

• Small Business Saturday: A reminder to support local businesses on November 30th, sponsored by American Express (40:05).

Conclusion

The episode of Fantasy Football Today delivers comprehensive insights and strategic advice for Week 12's AFC matchups. By examining player performances, matchups, and injury reports, Adam Aizer and his team equip fantasy managers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and ascend their leagues. Engaging segments like "Workhorse to Watch" and interactive mailbags further enhance the listener experience, ensuring this podcast remains a valuable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes

• Jamie Eisenberg on Brian Robinson Jr.: “I think Robinson's going to have another opportunity for a big game.” (06:09)

• Heath Cummings on Jerry Judy: “Jerry Judy's wide receiver. Elijah Moore's wide receiver, 28 per game.” (07:22)

• Adam Aizer on Tony Pollard: “I just don't love the setup for him.” (08:56)

• Jamie Eisenberg on Hunter Henry: “He's been top 10 tight end.” (44:38)

• Heath Cummings on Kyron Williams: “He is a guy who's just going to be on the field all the time.” (27:11)

• Jamie Eisenberg on Patrick Mahomes: “I like the setup for a guy that's as hot as he is right now.” (61:24)

• Heath Cummings on DeAndre Swift: “I do not like him in YPC for life leagues.” (42:28)

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the November 21, 2024, episode of Fantasy Football Today, offering valuable guidance for fantasy managers navigating Week 12 AFC matchups.