Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – Episode: Start or Sit (AFC): Start Guerendo Tonight!? Bo Nix, Jaylen Waddle, Jonathan Taylor and More

Release Date: December 12, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by CBS Sports' Adam Aizer along with analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, the team delves deep into the crucial "Start or Sit" decisions for the AFC playoff slate. With the fantasy playoffs heating up, the panel provides expert insights on key players, evaluates matchups, discusses injury updates, and addresses listener questions to help you gain the upper hand in your fantasy leagues.

Start/Sit Decisions

Focus on Isaac Orendo, Bo Nix, Jaylen Waddle, Jonathan Taylor, and others.

• Isaac Orendo vs. Jonathan Taylor

  Heath Cummings expresses excitement about starting Isaac Orendo, emphasizing his potential despite injury concerns:

  "[03:58] Heath: I'm very excited. I think we are getting Isaac Garndo tonight. [...] I view Garendo better than I viewed Patrick Taylor."

  Jamey Eisenberg weighs in on the uncertainty surrounding Orendo's performance:

  "[04:24] Jamie: It's always a little dicey when you get one of these situations right where a guy is hurt [...] he'll probably be around 20."

• Bo Nix and Jaylen Waddle

  The analysts discuss the prospects of starting Bo Nix in upcoming matchups. Adam Aizer debates whether to start Garendo over players like Ramondre Stevenson:

  "[05:34] Adam: So, so a few Garendo questions here from the chat. Garendo or Malik? [...] Garendo or Zay Flowers?"

  The conversation highlights the volatility and high ceiling associated with players like Garendo:

  "[07:09] Jamie: That's the concern. [...] there's."

Player Rankings and Updates

Evaluations of Wide Receivers, Running Backs, and Quarterbacks.

• Wide Receivers: Brian Robinson Jr. & DeVonta Smith

  Jamey Eisenberg praises Brian Robinson Jr.'s setup against the Saints’ weak run defense:

  "[08:49] Jamie: Brian Robinson Jr. [...] I think it's going to be a huge game for Brian Robinson. He is my number 10 running back for this week."

  Heath Cummings adds his perspective on DeVonta Smith's must-start status:

  "[46:27] Heath: Judy's a must start wide receiver no matter who plays."

• Running Backs: Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley, and More

  The panel debates the viability of Jonathan Taylor as an RB2 amidst his fluctuating performance:

  "[30:02] Jamie: Yes, you. You can certainly sit him, but I still think he's number two running back."

  Saquon Barkley is highlighted as a consistent starter against the Steelers:

  "[30:20] Jamie: I don't think many people are sitting. Jalen hurts. [...] I'm not going to sit a guy who has been an elite fantasy quarterback."

Injury Reports and Updates

Key injuries impacting player decisions.

• Isaac Orendo's Health Status

  Heath discusses the precautionary approach to Orendo’s injury, referencing Adam Schefter's reports:

  "[06:26] Adam: He did practice yesterday though right? He was limited yesterday.

  "[06:29] Heath: I thought even though it was a walkthrough [...] he's just going to believe."

• Others Affected by Injuries

  Updates on players like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and others are covered, detailing how injuries might influence their availability and performance:

  "[14:13] Heath: I think statistically the big problem is [...] more sacks, fewer passes, not good."

Wide Receiver Analysis

Deep dives into WR performances and matchups.

• Devonte Adams vs. Garrett Wilson

  Discussions focus on the reliability and matchup advantages of WRs like Devonte Adams and Garrett Wilson:

  "[09:44] Jamie: [...] Coach Jameis gave them some gifts [...]."

• Impact of Defenses on WR Performance

  The panel examines how defensive matchups, particularly against strong secondary teams, can affect WR outputs:

  "[35:54] Adam: [...] you're trying to start a guy who has been a ..."

Running Backs Analysis

Insights into RB performances and their fantasy implications.

• Chuba Hubbard and Rashad White

  Heath emphasizes Hubbard's durability and importance as a flex option:

  "[33:57] Heath: It's gotta be Chuba Hubbard [...] Chuba Hubbard is once Again a top 12 must start fantasy running back."

  Rashad White is discussed as a reliable starter in specific matchups:

  "[74:25] Heath: [...] start Rico Dowdle."

Quarterback Analysis

Evaluations of starting versus sitting QBs like Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes.

• Jalen Hurts vs. Jared Goff

  The team debates the fantasy value of Jalen Hurts against publishing strategies of Jared Goff:

  "[68:55] Adam: [...] start Jalen Hurts over Goff, but [...]"

  Heath supports Hurts' consistent performance despite tough matchups:

  "[71:31] Heath: [...] Jalen Hurts has a career high completion percentage [...]"

• Joe Burrow's Battle Against the Chargers

  Joe Burrow's struggles against the Chargers' defense are scrutinized:

  "[42:19] Heath: [...] Joe Burrow [...] he's going to have a tough matchup."

Defense and Special Teams

Assessing team defenses as fantasy options.

• Chiefs Defense Analysis

  The Chiefs' DST is evaluated for its playcalling and defensive resilience:

  "[48:00] Heath: [...] Firstly, the Chiefs DST is top 10."

Mailbag/Listener Questions

Responding to audience inquiries about lineup decisions.

• Garendo vs. Other Options

  Listeners ask about starting Isaac Garendo over other players, with Heath reinforcing his choice:

  "[06:43] Jamie: Neighbors, Neighbors."

  "[06:55] Adam: Okay. Garendo or Zay Flowers? [...]"

Conclusion

As the fantasy playoffs approach, the Fantasy Football Today team provides a comprehensive analysis of key players, matchup considerations, and strategic lineup decisions. By dissecting performances, injury impacts, and defensive matchups, they equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed choices and dominate their fantasy leagues.

Notable Quotes

• Adam Aizer on Starting Garendo:

  "[05:56] Adam: [...] I view Garendo better than I viewed Patrick Taylor."

• Heath Cummings on Jalen Hurts:

  "[71:34] Heath: [...] Jalen Hurts has a career high completion percentage, a career high passer rating, a career high yards per attempt at 8.0, which is elite."

• Jamey Eisenberg on Brian Robinson Jr.:

  "[08:49] Jamie: [...] I think it's going to be a huge game for Brian Robinson. He is my number 10 running back for this week."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts gearing up for the playoffs. By methodically addressing player performances, strategic starts and sits, and addressing listener queries, the Fantasy Football Today team ensures you are well-prepared to make winning decisions in your fantasy matchups.