Start or Sit (NFC): Falcons/Packers/Lions WRs, Replacement RBs and Much More (12/20 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today: Episode Summary Release Date: December 20, 2024

Hosts:

• Adam Aizer
• Dave Richard
• Jamie Eisenberg
• Heath Cummings

---

1. Introduction and Week 16 Preview

Adam Aizer kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to Week 16 of the NFL season. The hosts emphasize the importance of preparing for the remaining games to secure fantasy football victories.

Adam [03:15]: "It is Friday. We are getting you ready for the rest of the Week 16 slate. And if Thursday night is any indication, it could be a week of surprises."

They highlight key performances from the previous week, mentioning standout fantasy points from players like Bo Nicklaus and Justin Herbert, despite some unexpected outcomes.

2. Replacement Running Backs: Start or Sit Decisions

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the evaluation of replacement running backs, a critical consideration for many fantasy managers facing injuries or unexpected performances.

a. Faith Meter Segment

The hosts introduce the "Faith Meter," a segment designed to rate the trustworthiness of replacement running backs on a scale based on their potential to deliver fantasy points.

• Alexander Madison vs. Jacksonville

  Dave [09:46]: "6."

• Amir Abdullah vs. Jacksonville

  Dave [10:31]: "A little bit of faith."

• Patrick Taylor at Miami

  Jamie [10:18]: "A little bit of faith."

• Taj Spears (assuming Tony Pollard's absence)

  Jamie [11:58]: "Lots of faith."

• Kendry Miller at Green Bay

  Jamie [12:12]: "Faith."

• Jerome Ford at Cincinnati

  Jamie [12:37]: "I think he can get you to 13."

The consensus suggests Jerome Ford and Taj Spears as reliable options, while Kendry Miller, Alexander Madison, and Amir Abdullah offer moderate potential. Patrick Taylor receives a cautious rating due to uncertainty around his usage.

b. Detailed Analysis

Dave Richard delves deeper into the matchups:

Dave [06:27]: "Gus Edwards always has a chance to fall into the end zone when they're down there because he's still going to be their goal-line guy."

He compares the offensive line performances and the likelihood of each back receiving ample touches, emphasizing Jerome Ford's consistent performance and favorable matchup against the Patriots.

Jamie Eisenberg adds insights on quarterback performances influencing RB usage:

Jamie [06:47]: "The Bengals for Bo Nixon next week. You get the Patriots for Justin Herbert."

3. Fantasy Matchups and Team Preparations

The hosts discuss upcoming NFL matchups that could significantly impact fantasy outcomes, focusing on teams like the Bengals, Patriots, Eagles, and Commanders.

a. Bengals and Broncos Playoff Scenarios

Jamie highlights the Bengals' path to the playoffs, contemplating the impact of potential matchups against teams like Denver and Pittsburgh.

Jamie [07:32]: "We are now going to get the Harbaugh brothers in a rematch in the first round of the playoffs where the Chargers will play at Baltimore."

Dave expresses enthusiasm for the Bengals' offense:

Dave [08:38]: "I like watching Joe Burrow on this offense. The defense thinks, but they will make any game a game."

b. Eagles vs. Commanders Fantasy Strategies

A detailed analysis of the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Washington Commanders matchup underscores strategic decisions for fantasy players.

Dave [25:03]: "Is this like the first time these two teams are meeting this season? Only one team has had consistent passing success against the other."

Jamie advises on leveraging stars like Terry McLaurin while cautioning against relying too heavily on inconsistent performers.

Jamie [40:19]: "He [McLaurin] has averaged around 15 PPR points in two games with Drew Lock. That's not so terrible."

4. Mailbag and Listener Questions

The episode incorporates a segment where the hosts address listener inquiries, providing personalized advice on start or sit decisions for various players.

a. Player-Specific Questions

Examples include:

• Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Rashad White

  Dave [39:31]: "Robinson agreed."

• Terry McLaurin vs. Cup Sit One McLaurin

  Jamie [40:19]: "I'll take Cup."

• Kyler Murray vs. Jordan Love

  Jamie [85:12]: "I'll take Love."

These interactions offer nuanced perspectives tailored to diverse fantasy scenarios, reflecting the dynamic nature of the game.

5. Strategic Insights and Recommendations

The hosts share strategic insights on leveraging player performances, matchups, and team dynamics to optimize fantasy lineups.

a. Quarterback Choices

Discussions around quarterback selections highlight the importance of matchup analysis:

Jamie [74:37]: "I think I'm starting Russian, one of my leagues this week because I'm decimated at quarterback."

b. Wide Receiver Rankings

Evaluations of wide receivers like DK Metcalf and Thielen emphasize the necessity of balancing target volume with consistent performance.

Jamie [59:00]: "I think the one I feel safest about in full PPR is Thielen."

6. Closing Thoughts and Final Recommendations

As the episode winds down, the hosts reiterate key takeaways and encourage listeners to participate in upcoming live Q&A sessions.

Adam [86:44]: "We'll be right back with Arizona at Carolina after this."

They conclude with a recap of essential decisions and a reminder to tune in for further guidance in future episodes.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Dave [09:46]: "6."
• Jamie [10:18]: "A little bit of faith."
• Jamie [12:37]: "I think he can get you to 13."
• Jamie [40:19]: "I'll take Cup."
• Dave [25:03]: "Is this like the first time these two teams are meeting this season?"
• Jamie [59:00]: "I think the one I feel safest about in full PPR is Thielen."

---

Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Football Today provides comprehensive analysis and actionable insights for fantasy managers navigating the complexities of Week 16. From evaluating replacement running backs to strategizing quarterback and wide receiver selections, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and dominate their leagues.

For more expert advice and live interactions, join Adam, Dave, Jamie, and Heath on their next episode and participate in upcoming mailbag and Q&A segments.

Transcript

[Adam]

Attention all of you hungry people. I've got a new favorite snack. It's a hassle free snack, perfect for any occasion. I'm talking about wonderful pistachios, specifically wonderful pistachios no shells. Wait until I tell you the flavors they have. They're incredible. And I love pistachios, but I don't love peeling the shells. With wonderful Pistachios no shells, you open the bag, you reach in, grab a handful of pistachios and eat them. So let's talk about the flavors. My my favorite is sweet cinnamon followed by sea salt and vinegar. Love those two. I also love the honey roasted and the smoky barbecue is really unique. They also have chili roasted, sea salt and pepper and jalapeno lime. So believe me, you're gonna find several flavors that you love. So if you're just walking around the kitchen looking for something to eat or maybe you're tailgating at the game, wherever you are, reach for some wonderful pistachios, no shells. Visit wonderful pistachios.com to learn more. Hey everyone. I want to share a little about our experience hosting on Airbnb. We decided to give it a try as a way to earn some extra income and it's honestly been a great decision. The process was super easy to get started and the flexibility is amazing. We can choose when we want to host, which works around our schedules. One of the best parts about hosting is getting to share our favorite local spots with the guests. Whether it's top restaurants, beautiful beaches, or the best golf courses in town, it's so rewarding when guests enjoy the same places as we do. Hosting has not only helped us earn extra income, but it's allowed us to make the most of our space. If you've got extra space or travel often, hosting might be a great fit for you. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail] host well, I just downloaded a new game on my phone and it is awesome. It's called Marvel Snap. Marvel Snap is an award winning collectible card game that combines deep strategy, a unique snapping mechanic, your favorite Marvel characters, and thousands of unique card art variants created by renowned artists to collect and use. And first of all, it's just visually appealing. It looks awesome, but the gameplay is what matters. So let's talk about why you're going to love Marvel Snap. The games are fast paced. Each game takes only three minutes. Your objective is to win two out of three locations by having higher total power than your opponent. And as you win you earn cosmic cubes. I think my favorite part is the Snap mechanic. If you're feeling confident in your hand or maybe you want to bluff Snap to double the cosmic cubes or if you're not feeling confident, you can retreat anytime to minimize cube losses. So this is where the strategy component really comes in. I love that There are more than 270 cards in Marvel snap with over 2000 unique art variants to collect from from beloved artists. And new cards are released every week. They keep it fresh. Download Marvel Snap now on iOS, Android and Steam to start playing the award winning collectible card game. This is fantasy football today from CBS Sports.

[Dave]

What a play.

[Adam]

Can you believe this?

[Dave]

No, I can't.

[Adam]

It's time to dominate your fantasy league. This is gonna go the distance.

[Dave]

Now here's some combination of Adam, Dave.

[Adam]

Jamie and Welcome, everybody. It is Friday. We are getting you ready for the rest of the Week 16 slate. And if Thursday night is any indication, it could be a week of surprises. 25 fantasy points for Bo Nick, started in 38 of leagues. 26.2 fantasy points for Justin Herbert. Started in 31 of leagues. Gus Edwards with two touchdowns. Audrick estimate scoring. It was kind of a weird night, but we welcome you to fantasy football today presented by bet, mgm the sportsbook. Born in Vegas. It is backup running back week. It is also blue sweatshirt day. Hello, Dave. Richard in your blue sweatshirt, like me.

[Jamie]

No, no, no. It's more of a windbreaker than a. Than a sweatshirt. But it's smurf week, I guess.

[Adam]

Smurf week. There you go.

[Jamie]

Yes. Our studs could come up small like a smurf. Cortland Sutton came up small and Quentin Johnson isn't a stud. Stone smart. You might have started in. He was teeny and tiny like Papa Smurf himself.

[Dave]

Yes.

[Adam]

And we'll talk later about backup running back Smurf and which ones we like this week. What's up, Jamie?

[Dave]

Good morning.

[Adam]

Oh, man. I miss. I miss bad mood Jamie from last Friday. I really. That was.

[Jamie]

Weren't you playing against Gus Edwards in some of your leagues, Jamie?

[Dave]

I was not playing against Gus Edwards. I was playing against Cortland Sutton and 1. So. So that was. That was okay. I won't say who that was against. Me.

[Adam]

Me.

[Dave]

Yeah, I was hoping to get angry at a mazer today. Trying to think. I did have to start in one dynasty league. Quentin Johnston. So that was unfortunate. But I didn't expect much from him. So.

[Adam]

So any take? You know, again, I'm not going to talk too much about the games because we're not really looking forward to the future that much. We're just going to talk about the present. But, you know, you do get the Bengals for Bo Nixon next week. You get the Patriots for Justin Herbert. We'll see how the weather is in that game. But you love the matchups, right? I mean, so, but I actually, I think the running backs of the story here, you know, as we look at it like a waiver wire show, Jamie, Gus Edwards or Audric estimate or something, are these going to be appealing players for you next week?

[Dave]

I mean, certainly the Broncos guys are going to be appealing depending on what the Bengals run defense looks like once again. So we'll see if Delilah McLaughlin comes back. If not, you see what the roles kind of are. You know, that estimate is most likely the short yardage guy. And Javante Williams, I mean, he had a good day in PPR. You know, he got you over 12 PPR points. So he, he definitely is going to benefit from, you know, the short area passing from Bo Nix and he dropped the touchdown. You know, that could have definitely made a huge day for him. Gus Edwards, look, that was, you know, he always has a chance to fall into the end zone when they're down there because he's still going to be their goal line guy. The fact that he had his longest run in five years, it's kind of telling, you know, you don't want to chase those points for him. So he. Yes, it'll be a good matchup against the Patriots. Yes, we're talking about situations like David and I were just talking before the show. You know, he's got a lot of running backs to replace in one of his leagues. You know, so when you're trying to, you know, plug and play guys and Gus Edwards may be on the waiver wire, then, sure, you know, non ppr, half ppr. He may be more appealing than some of these other guys comparatively to like a Justice Hill or a Ty Johnson or, you know, Amir Abdullah are guys that might be out there for better PPR purposes than, you know, somebody like him.

[Jamie]

Just remember, there's a chance that J.K. dobbins comes back. He's eligible to come back next week for the Chargers, and that would be a great matchup for him to come back to against the Patriots. And the, the playoff implications from this game, they're not like far reaching, but it makes for an interesting game between the Bengals and the Broncos.

[Dave]

Far reaching, huh? It's definitely far. I mean, that's scenario you just said.

[Jamie]

That's going to obviously be impactful and that'll be fun to see next Saturday. There's also, is there any doubt that we are now going to get the Harbaugh brothers in a rematch in the first round of the playoffs where the Chargers will play at Baltimore. Baltimore will win this week against Pittsburgh. They'll win the AFC North. Chargers will have a high, the right, the wild card to go and take them on. I feel like that everything is kind of setting up. The script is falling into place in the National Football League and the door's been kicked down for Cincinnati. They win this week, they win next week, they've got a real good shot of making the playoffs. I know you would enjoy that, Jamie.

[Dave]

Yeah, I'm rooting to see the Bengals get in. Not to see any of these other teams necessarily fall out of it, but it's more just I like watching the Bengals. I like watching Joe Burrow on this offense. I know the defense thinks, but they will make any game a game, you know, and so that's the fun part of watching their team. By the way, you know, based on the fantasy cops that we had the other day about the manager running two teams, we should probably check the, the Harbaugh parents, you know, if they're going to have the situation of running two teams, you know, if their playoffs sons meet, you know, who do they want to see advance?

[Adam]

So here's the situation for the Bengals. They need to win out this week against Cleveland, next week against Denver, and then they get Pittsburgh on the road in week six. In week 18, they need to win out and they need the Broncos to lose out, which Broncos lost yesterday. They face the Bengals next week. So they'll take care of that. So if the Bengals win this week and win next week, then it's beat Denver or beat Pittsburgh in Week 18, while Denver would have to lose to Kansas City, which could be tough because Kansas City, it's possible that Kansas City will have nothing to play for in that situation.

[Dave]

But, oh, I mean, the Bengals fans are rooting for the Texans.

[Adam]

Oh, yeah.

[Dave]

Hardcore.

[Adam]

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. They're not happy about Patrick Mahomes playing this week. All right, so the story this week is the replacement running backs. So I am going to give you seven.

[Dave]

Funny, though, that we started the week with the replacement quarterbacks and now we're.

[Adam]

Back the replacement quarterbacks. I don't think people want to start, right, like the replacement running backs. I don't think people want to start, but I know they're going to have to start. So let's do the faith o meter. How much faith do you have in these guys on a scale of 1 to 10 or 0 to 10? And just tell me briefly your expectations because we have broken down these guys or we will on today's show. But this is, I think, the most important storyline going into week seven. What week are we in? Week 16.

[Dave]

It feels like 17.

[Adam]

Yeah, I don't. I am so confused.

[Jamie]

It was like 27.

[Adam]

All right, so I got the Raiders situation. I got San Francisco. I put Taj Spears on here just in case. I got Kendry Miller and I got Jerome Ford. Am I missing anybody?

[Jamie]

No. Love for Craig Reynolds?

[Adam]

No. All right, so faith o meters. 0 to 10 for Alexander Madison against Jacksonville.

[Dave]

6.

[Jamie]

I'll. I'll be a little lower. 5.

[Adam]

You know what, I'm gonna. I'm just faith o meter to get me 10 PPR fantasy points. That's it. Just 10. So Alexander Madison. No, that's too low. 13. A good game. I want a solid game. 13.

[Jamie]

What are the rules of this dumb thing that we're doing?

[Adam]

How much faith do you have to get me 13 PPR fantasy points on a scale?

[Dave]

Number to match A number?

[Adam]

Yeah, that's.

[Dave]

Isn't that confusing at all.

[Jamie]

Why don't we say like a lot of faith, A little bit of faith.

[Adam]

Okay.

[Jamie]

No faith whatsoever.

[Adam]

Okay. Okay. Alexander Madison to get me 13 PPR fantasy points.

[Dave]

The smallest of faiths, just somewhere in between. A little bit of faith and faith.

[Adam]

Okay, then I have to listen to some George Michael after the show. By the way, Amir Abdullah, get me 13 against Jacksonville.

[Dave]

A little bit of faith.

[Jamie]

Yeah.

[Adam]

Patrick Taylor at Miami.

[Dave]

A little bit of faith.

[Jamie]

Yes. A little bit.

[Adam]

No, no, not really feeling that.

[Dave]

It's just that, you know, I mean, you've been talking about how good the Dolphins run defense has been for the better part of the last month and now we're talking about a fifth string running back behind an offensive line that has not done, as, you know, successfully since they lost their best player. And so you're, you know, this 49ers offense is just not the same, you know, so McCaffrey would easily be a must start guy. Jordan Mason would be a pretty good starter. Garrendo would be a pretty good starter. You know, now we're talking about Patrick Taylor here. To me, he's below Madison and in the same range as Abdullah.

[Jamie]

We have no idea if he's going to get every touch, some of the touches, third downs only. There, there. We do not have any indication on who's Going to be the main guy. They still have Keyshawn Vaughn. They still have Izzy Abenacanda and they could. They could end up using all three and using Kyle Jus check as their third down running back because he's a pass protector. Who knows what he's doing back there to keep Brock Purdy upright. It makes me like Brock Purdy even more knowing that they're just the running backs that are left in San Francisco or Phil.

[Adam]

Okay, next up, assuming Tony Pollard's out, how much faith you have in Taj Spears to get me 13?

[Jamie]

Lots of faith. He can get you 13?

[Dave]

Yep. Oh, that's one of the guys we talked about. Yes.

[Adam]

Yeah. Taj Spears. That'd be great. Kendry Miller at Green Bay, same as Madison for me.

[Dave]

A little between a little bit of faith and faith.

[Jamie]

Yeah, I think he's a. I've got faith that he can get you 10 ppr. It's. He's not a good pass catcher. He hasn't shown us that yet. So I'll put it at faith, straight up. Faith.

[Adam]

Okay. And Jerome Ford at Cincinnati. Did I save the best for last?

[Dave]

Spears would be the best if Pollard is out. Ford is the best if Pollard isn't. But Ford is in the same scenario as what we said about Spears.

[Jamie]

I think he can get you to 13.

[Adam]

Okay, so I'm going to. Spears is in another category. He's the easy one to start if Pollard's out. Pollard has not practiced yet. Big surprise. You know, he'll probably not practice and then he'll play. You know, that's just how it's been. But. But he did re aggravate his ankle, so it's worth talking. Talking about. But rank the rest of them. So it's. Ford would be 1, right.

[Dave]

Ford is 1, Madison is 2, Miller is 3, Abdullah's 4 and PPR Taylor's 5.

[Jamie]

I'd put Miller over Madison because I'm just. I am flummoxed on what the game script will be between the Raiders and the Jaguars. And so let's just put. If you want to put them as a tie, whatever Miller, then Madison is how I would have it. And then I probably put Abdul over Taylor just because of the uncertainty with Taylor. Don't know what to expect.

[Adam]

All right. I'm a little surprised. I guess I thought with Patch, I thought you'd be a little bit more in on Patrick Taylor. Here's the thing about the Niners and we talked about this game yesterday, so I don't want to skip it. They have a History of, you know, just this year, if you look at Jordan Mason of performing better against a run defense than what that run defense usually gives up to running backs. They're just a good run team. Offensive line concerns, I, maybe that's it. We have no faith in a fifth round, in a fifth string running back, but we had basically total faith in a fourth string running back and a third string running back. You know, I get it just sounds like you're not convinced about the workload. That's, that seems to be the biggest issue.

[Dave]

There's a lot of uncertainty, you know, and, and again, I think it's when we're talking about what you need, you know, so you, you lose a Montgomery, a Camara Garendo, you know, maybe Pollard, you know, so you're in desperation mode and you have to think first, okay, who's going to get work then who's going to get work in good matchups, then who's going to get passing down work or goal line work, you know, so you got to sort of peel the layers of the onion here and see what makes sense. And so with Madison and with Ford, you've seen it. You saw Ford in the first five and a half games of the season. And almost all of last year you saw Madison in the majority of the season to open the year, you know, before he started to get hurt. So there's, there's a sample size here of what those guys can do. And then you look at the teams that they're playing for. Well, the offensive line for the Raiders has actually held up fairly well their quarterbacks. So, you know, like when I'm, when I'm looking at him and Miller, like the, the ecosystem for Kendra Miller right now is awful. You know, receiving core is decimated. Backup quarterback or third string quarterback, depending on how you want to view Rattler on the road against a really good Green Bay team like this just feels awful. Yeah, for, for everything. That's why the packers are my number one dst. You know, I think they're going to hammer this team. So I don't want to trust Kendra Miller. Meanwhile, Madison is playing the Jaguars at home, like, you know, again with his quarterback back, you know, at least one of his quarterbacks back. So that feels safer to me than Kendra Miller's situation. And Madison, you know, you talked about this earlier, Adam, he may still have the pass catching role, especially on early downs. So we don't know how they're going to use him in tandem with Abdul.

[Adam]

He's not going to have the third down Role, what I was saying.

[Dave]

But he'll make catch passes on first thing. Yeah. And so there's a path to success for him. There's a path to success for Jerome Ford. There's a little bit of a path to success for Miller and, and maybe even Taylor. So it's, it's, it's all a guessing game, you know, I mean that's why we're, we're at the spot that we are. So again, you know, for me, I, you know, sort of look at it. Okay. Who checks off these benchmarks? And Ford feels like the best. You know, if his quarterback situation was better, I'd love him, but it's not. And so that's the scary part. But otherwise, you know, matchup's great. He's been productive, you know, time and time again. So can he be super productive? Can he be 13 plus points? That's the question.

[Jamie]

Are we talking about that game today?

[Adam]

Which one? Packers.

[Jamie]

No, the Jerome Fors game?

[Adam]

No, yesterday.

[Jamie]

Okay. I think that, I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that DTR is the quarterback because he'll run a little bit and that could help Ford's efficiency and DTR is a terrible downfield thrower and so if he's willing to check down, this is going to be one of his check down guys. So that's part of the reason why I thought Ford for 13 PPR points could definitely happen. Could catch three passes, four passes. Now we're only asking him to total 90 yards. On top of that, he should get a lot of work. And I think Kedre Miller. Listen, I, I heard what Nick Underhill and Mike Triplet had to say about Kendra Miller. They expect him, those are like the best beat reporters for the Saints that are out there. They expect him to handle the majority of the work for the Saints. And they, they, they, they, they called it a Kendra showcase. And Green Bay's run defense has gotten better. There's no doubt about it. I like the offensive line for New Orleans better than Las Vegas and I think Henry Miller has a chance to get maybe a few more touches than Alexander Madison. I, I think the argument for Madison is if the Raiders have control of the game and obviously the matchup is better, I can't fight that. Then Madison should be better. I think it's gonna be close between those two.

[Adam]

Kendrick Miller dominated snaps in the fourth quarter when Camara played only 100 of.

[Jamie]

The running back touches as well.

[Adam]

Yeah, but he didn't, he only had one target. So we just don't know if they'll throw to him. But, but he was in, he was running the routes. Okay. By the way, Jerome Ford had 11 catches in three games with Dorian Thompson Robinson last season. All right, that would be your faith o meter. And it's not a Limp Bizkit song, so it's George Michael. Don't, don't call it Limp Bizkit. For, for the replacement running backs. Sunday is a big day, of course. And you can hang out with us in the morning at 11am 11:30am 11:30am YouTube.com fantasy football today we'll see you there. We'll be answering your questions. YouTube.com fantasy football today for our live Q and A and also 10am Eastern the coverage starts on CBS Sports HQ. Jamie will be hanging out with those guys for three hours and and chatting about fantasy football not the entire time, but CBS Sports HQ on the CBS Sports app beginning at 10. Please vote for [e-mail] click vote now. Best Fantasy betting in gaming category. Vote for Fantasy Football today. Again it's sportspodcastgroup.com it would really appreciate be a nice little holiday gift for us. If you wouldn't mind just voting for us. It does not take long. News and notes Looks like looking good for Geno Smith. It is going to be Spencer Rattler if Derek Carr can't start. They haven't ruled out Carr or Camara but it seems very unlikely that either one will start.

[Dave]

Wasn't there report earlier this week that car may not return this season?

[Adam]

Yeah. Yes, but they, but they haven't confirmed.

[Jamie]

That he hasn't actually been placed on IR but I would be shocked if he takes another snap.

[Adam]

Drew Lock starting I think I mentioned that one yesterday for the Giants. Aiden O'Connell practiced in full and Patrick Mahomes is going to start running back news. All right. Zach Charbonnet was limited in practice with the oblique injury. Ken Walker practiced in full. Would you start any of the replacement running backs over Ken Walker?

[Dave]

No.

[Jamie]

I currently have Ford ahead of Walker and Kendra Miller too. But I don't think it's going to stick. I think I'll end up moving Kenneth Walker up before Saturday.

[Dave]

The fact that the it it could just flip, you know Charbonnet could be out and Walker right back in and then you have, you know, maybe a superstar here in in Ken Walker. Again tough matchup obviously. But you know, still, still that would be the the best case scenario for any Ken Walker manager.

[Jamie]

Could be it should end up being a top 20 running back this week. Walker.

[Adam]

Yeah he's been. He's been bad, though, but. And then Charbonnet was limited, so I think right now you have to assume he'll play. Garendo, likely out. I don't think officially out, but likely out this week. Same with Camara Breeze hall, again, not on the injury report. David Montgomery could return in the postseason. Tony Pollard missed practice again, and Tyrone Tracy was limited again with an ankle injury. We'll talk about him later. T. Hit. Oh, T. Higgins. Come on.

[Dave]

He's playing Sunday. There was a report he's playing something.

[Jamie]

Yeah.

[Adam]

Really?

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Adam]

Oh. I looked and I looked. I didn't see anything. All right, all right. He didn't practice yesterday.

[Dave]

I'll get it for you.

[Adam]

He didn't.

[Jamie]

This was something that spurred an idea for a segment on our show. Adam, I think you should tell everybody about it.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Adam]

I said to Dave, I said, oh, guess who called me today and said, screw you, and hung up. And he said, what? Someone did that? I'm like, yeah, T. Higgins. You knew? I had him on three of my five teams. And then, Dave, what was the idea for your segment?

[Jamie]

The. The segment is called Ding Dong. Screw you.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Jamie]

Where a player comes to your front door, rings the bell, you open the door, he yells, screw you, and he runs away. And that's a guy that gives you nothing in fantasy.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Jamie]

You were worried about T. Hans giving you a Ding Dong. Screw you.

[Dave]

This is from Ben Baby, who covers the Bengals for espn. Even though T. Higgins wasn't at practice during the Ocean open portion of practice for the media, he did side work today. Expected to practice tomorrow, meaning today, and should be on track for Sunday versus Browns.

[Adam]

Okay. George Pickens is out. A.J. brown was limited. Jalen Waddle missed practice again. Rashad Bateman questionable with a foot injury, and Nelson Aguilar is in the concussion protocol. Dave. Richard, does that make you more excited about Zay Flowers?

[Jamie]

It does. It should mean that targets are going to be a little bit more concentrated toward him, but it also could mean more targets for Mark Andrews. It's still a tough matchup overall for. For the Ravens against the Steelers. TJ Watt is going to play, so.

[Dave]

And.

[Jamie]

And we know that these tend to be low scoring games, so you gotta kind of downgrade expectations overall. But, yeah, if those guys aren't out there for the Ravens, I. I certainly. And Dante Johnson's not playing. You know, what are we expecting a lot of targets for Tylen Wallace? You know, who could end up being a factor? Is Isaiah likely. All right, maybe he's somebody we should have on our on our radar for a desperation tight end play.

[Adam]

Chris Olave could return. Unlikely this week, probably maybe next week where they would play Las Vegas. But Chris Olave is 63 rostered and still don't know if Cedric Tillman's going to play this week.

[Dave]

David that's probably why Carr's not going on hours. He wants to play against the Raiders.

[Adam]

Oh yeah, maybe David Najoku missed practice again. Zach Ertz was limited though, and Kate Otten has a knee injury. I think he's going to play, but he's got a little bit of a knee issue on the offensive line. I think we're going to look to see if Tristan Worf's plays this week. He's missed two practices to start the week. That's Tampa Bay's left tackle and I'm going to skip the rest. Just get to the games in a minute here. Although TJ Watt is going to play Baltimore, getting some good news, some bad news. T.J. watt's going to play. Dante Jackson and Ogun Joby I think are questionable, but Watt is the most important piece for them and he'll play at Baltimore. All right, if you haven't signed up for BetMGM yet, use the bonus code Fantasy. You're gonna get up to a fifteen hundred dollar first bet offer on your first wager with BetMGM. Here's how it works. Download the BetMGM app and sign up using the bonus code Fantasy. Deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game and you'll receive up to 1500 dollars in bonus bets if your bet loses. Just make sure that you use the bonus code Fantasy when you sign up and make sure you stick around. One question for each game coming up when we come back.

[Dave]

Hey FFT listeners, did you know discover.

[Adam]

Is accepted at 99 of places that take credit cards nationwide? That's right, 99.

[Dave]

And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back.

[Adam]

That could mean earning rewards when you buy those last minute tickets, those overpriced.

[Dave]

Concessions, and that takeout you ate at.

[Adam]

Home after you bailed on meeting your buddies at the bar.

[Dave]

Why?

[Adam]

Well, wherever you spend game day, remember it pays to Discover. Based on the February 2024 Nielsen report. Learn more at discover.com credit card if you have health insurance, you might be.

[Dave]

Able to see a personal dietitian for.

[Adam]

$0 out of pocket. Nourish connects you with a dietitian that.

[Dave]

Fits your needs covered by your insurance.

[Adam]

Nourish accepts hundreds of insurance plans and 94% of patients pay $0 out of pocket Pocket.

[Dave]

Meet with your dietitian online and message.

[Adam]

Them anytime through the Nourish app.

[Jamie]

With hundreds of five star reviews from.

[Adam]

Real patients, you know you're in good hands. Find your [e-mail] that's usenourish.com this episode.

[Dave]

Is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Whether you love true crime or comedy.

[Adam]

Celebrity interviews or news, you call the.

[Dave]

Shots on what's in your podcast queue. And guess what?

[Adam]

Now you can call them on your auto insurance too.

[Dave]

With the name your price tool from Progressive. It works just the way it sounds. You tell Progressive how much you want.

[Adam]

To pay for car insurance and they'll.

[Dave]

Show you coverage options that fit your budget. Get your quote [e-mail] to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates.

[Adam]

Price and coverage match limited by state law one question for each game. Philadelphia is at Washington. It was a bad game for the Commanders last time they met. Are you guys starting your Washington commanders?

[Jamie]

Dave Richard Yes, I am starting Jaden Daniels. I am starting Terry McLaurin if he's cleared from the concussion protocol. I am starting Zach Ertz. That's probably about it. Maybe start Brian Robinson if I'm really stuck at running back. Jerome Ford's an easy start for me. Ahead of Brian Robinson, for example. And that's really it. The Commander's dst. You might have put them in your lineup last week. You were probably disappointed with the end results. You definitely should put them right back.

[Adam]

On the L. Another game of the week. Yeah, the Commanders and the Eagles. It's going to be a good one. I've decided now cuz it's the game of the week.

[Jamie]

Hey, wasn't yesterday you're game of the week?

[Adam]

No, I had. What did I have for the game?

[Jamie]

29Ers is the one.

[Adam]

I couldn't do that. I just couldn't do that. And you know what?

[Jamie]

Originally taking back Dolphins, Niners and we're now giving it to Commanders Eagles.

[Adam]

Yeah, but I'm not. We might get another one before the show's over. I really hate this slate. I don't think there's a good game on it.

[Dave]

This is a great game.

[Jamie]

This could be a really great game.

[Adam]

It wasn't last time. The Eagles were yeah, the Eagles are so much better than the Commanders. But I just.

[Dave]

They are so much better Commanders. But that was also he was still Jane Daniel still dealing with a rib injury.

[Jamie]

Then it was on a short week.

[Adam]

It's a big game. I'm, I'm excited for the Commanders. Like imagine how the commanders fans are feeling about this game. Anyway, Detroit is at Chicago. Jamie, how much faith you oh, we have a lot of stats to break down when we get to this one. How much faith do you have in the Detroit passing game?

[Dave]

Not as much as I normally do. I mean golf, outdoors, not great. Jameson Williams, outdoors, not great. Sam Laporta, as Heath has brought up time and time again this week, has never scored a touchdown outdoors in, in six whopping games. So yeah, it's, it's, it's a little bit tough. It has nothing to do with the matchup. It just has to do with the, the, the ecosystem.

[Adam]

I love it. Ecosystem is great. Arizona at Carolina starter sit. I would call him a struggling Chuba Hubbard. Dave.

[Jamie]

I'm still starting him. I would still expect a lot of work for him and, and cross country trip for the Cardinals could be a problem. Not ready to say that they've got to shut down run defense by any stretch and I who's taking Chuba off the field? Raheem Blackshear on some third downs would probably be the case.

[Adam]

Okay, Minnesota's at Seattle. How do you feel about TJ Hawkinson? We talked so much about Brenton Strange and Dalton Kincaid and like where's TJ Hawkinson, Jamie?

[Dave]

He's a low end starter. I mean, you know, the targets have been sort of hit or miss, which is the issue. Hasn't scored a touchdown since coming back yet. So you know, that's also a concern. It's a good matchup. I mean Seattle has, you know, been, you know, one of the better teams in terms of facing having your tight end face against their defense for the majority of the season. They're top 15 in fantasy points allowed to the position. So it's just a matter of Darnold and what they want to do. As we've seen, frustratingly, there's been other tight ends that have scored touchdowns since Hawkinson has come back. But low end starter, you know, so I like him better than K Dot and like him better than Kyle Pets like him better than Okakwa who we talked about as a free agent. I would have started him over stone smart after Hayne Hurst was activated yesterday. So, you know, lower number one guy.

[Adam]

All right. And Hawkinson or over Ferguson Hawkins nor Ferguson. He does not have a green zone target since returning and only two end zone targets. So that, that has been the issue. No touchdowns. As Jamie said, we're also getting to the year.

[Dave]

We're also getting to the year mark of his recovery, so hopefully things start to get better from that point. His injuries.

[Adam]

Happy anniversary. Tampa Bay is at Dallas. So I know Jamie loves Bucky Irving. Jamie or Dave Rather. Rashad White. Actually, both of you. Rashad White or Rico Dowdle.

[Jamie]

Dowdle. We'll get more touches. We've seen Rashad White's catches go down over the past few weeks and he's no longer the lot to play at the goal line. What the hell happened?

[Dave]

You missed the button.

[Adam]

I was gonna do like a fake game of the week. I was just gonna play the music very briefly, but I. Once again, for the second time this week, I hit the buzzer instead of the game of the week. I. I'm sorry. I've had a rough one. Rough week. All right.

[Jamie]

Killing the bit is what I am.

[Adam]

I'm killing. I'm killing everything. I got two sick kids.

[Dave]

You have your. Is your mixer labeled?

[Adam]

No. Yes. But I can't see the labels. They're too far away.

[Dave]

You can't see the label.

[Adam]

They're not on the buttons.

[Jamie]

So each time you press sound effect, you're not sure?

[Adam]

No, I'm trying to remember what you're.

[Jamie]

Pressing, but they're not. You don't know.

[Dave]

You've been using that same thing for years, right?

[Adam]

Yeah. All right, sorry. Which Rashad White or Rico Dowdle? Jamie.

[Dave]

That'll.

[Adam]

All right. New Orleans is at Green Bay. Anybody want to start a Packers wide receiver?

[Dave]

Not if I don't have to.

[Adam]

Just kidding. Who's your favorite one still?

[Dave]

Jane Reed.

[Jamie]

I'll take Dobbs.

[Adam]

Giants are at the Falcons. Which wide receivers do you trust this week in this Falcons Giants game?

[Dave]

Neighbors in London.

[Jamie]

There's neighbors. There's London. And I don't mind Mooney.

[Dave]

Same as.

[Jamie]

As a high end wide receiver. 3. Just because I know what Michael Penix is or what I think he'll be anyway. Just like a downfield thrower. Like when he hits the panic button because of pressure he's throwing downfield. I just don't know how much he's gonna have to throw. But I would. I would be surprised If Mooney had one or two catches of 15 plus yards in this game and hopefully one of them goes a long distance for a touchdown. Maybe gets involved in the red zone. But he's. He's definitely in the flex range. I would much rather start London and Neighbors. Neighbors has averaged around 15 PPR points in two games with Drew Locke. That's not so terrible.

[Dave]

Yeah, I'M starting Neighbors over London and ppr. I'd start London over Neighbors in the other format just because the touchdowns are hard to come out. It's such a great matchup. I mean, you know, the Falcons secondary has been awful and so neighbors, you know, he's going to get targets. I like that he's off the injury report, which is, you know, positive. He hasn't had that. Hopefully he stays off Friday because we've had some of these Friday, you know, groin injuries or hamstring problems that have popped up for him. So I, I still think he's the best receiver in this game. But I would not be surprised if exactly what Dave said about Mooney and maybe Kyle Pitts. We're going to get surprised by something from Pennix, you know, so there's going to be a wrinkle that we probably have not expected and like watch Pitts get like seven, eight targets and have a big game. Wouldn't surprise me.

[Jamie]

Could you name some tight ends? Like, for example, like I'm ready to take the chance on Kyle Pitts over K. Dotten.

[Dave]

Yeah, Ferguson. Like I'm not there yet with Hawkinson just because I like to match up Rockets.

[Jamie]

Yeah, right. And I like Ferguson better than you. What Ferrari Mouth?

[Dave]

I'm thinking no, with Pickens out, I like Frymouth better.

[Jamie]

Yeah, I do too.

[Dave]

But this is, this is what, like I'm, I'm playing in one league against pits. I picked up Brenton Strange as you know, to, to block my opponent from picking up Strange and I'm like, this is going to be one of those weeks where Pitts just goes nuts.

[Adam]

So the thing is, you know, you got to be careful with starting players and it's so weird. You got to be careful starting players against the Giants. But there's been like two tight ends of more than five targets against the Giants. There's been one wide receiver all year with more than eight. Eight targets against the Giants. Just nobody throws on them. 28.4 pass attempts per game against. That's. That's what the Giants. That's what opponents average against the Giants. That's the lowest in football, tied with the Commanders.

[Dave]

That's the, that's the other part of this is that, you know, while they want to get Penix going, clearly if he's going to be their guy, especially if they're, you know, comfortable and confident that they're going to make a playoff run, which they should be, you know, they're in the mix that do they allow him to throw the ball 30 plus times or is this go manage the game. We got to get the win. That's the most important thing. And just let Bijan and Tyler Algier carry us home. And I would not be surprised. That's case. Also, you know, if it's like an 18 pass attempt game for, for, for Pennix and then we're screwed all the way around.

[Adam]

Yeah, it feels like a, like a 26 or something. 18 a can never.

[Dave]

Anybody that's asked me, I say expect 25, 30 past 10.

[Adam]

All right. Phil, how many people have asked you that?

[Dave]

You'd be surprised.

[Adam]

I've gotten texts from people I haven't spoken to in a long time. This week.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Adam]

Yeah. Coming out of the woodwork. Philadelphia. Oh, and that reminds me, before we get into Philadelphia, Washington, I want to apologize to everyone. I have currently in my inbox 115 emails. Probably 75 of them are starter sit questions. I usually do a better job. It has been a tough week. Like I think I mentioned briefly, I have two sick kids. One of them has a stomach bug. So it has been a crazy week here and I just haven't been able to answer nearly as many questions as I'd like to. Good news is we have a mailbag coming up at 11:30am Eastern today. 11:15. 11:15. Getting everything wrong. So we'll read some of them on there. I will try my best over the weekend, but I've, you know, it's just I've been behind anyway, I apologize. I want to do a better job helping you out in, in your time of need. Philadelphia is at Washington. Okay. Stat of the game. Jaden Daniels, my, his tough matchups on paper. Two games against the Giants, one game against Chicago, one game against Pittsburgh. He hasn't really been that good. 13.4 fantasy points against the Giants, but that was Week 2. 24.4 points against the Bears. With the Hail Mary at the end though.

[Dave]

Struggled there the first game with the rib injury though, right?

[Adam]

Yeah. I mean we always assign his, his, his woes to the rib injury, but maybe he just wasn't playing well. 24 points at the Giants. That was good. And then 8.6 points against Pittsburgh. You think he'll hit 24 points this week against the Eagles?

[Dave]

22 to 24.

[Adam]

Why did I not include.

[Jamie]

I'll say he gets a 24. I like how he's been rushing a lot more in the last three games and I think that's part of what helps him get into the flow of a game. It's just getting on the ground using his legs. He's got at least seven carries in four straight games, but he's got at least. It's like six or more fantasy points based on his rushing alone in those past three games. And Philadelphia will be ready for it and all that stuff, but it's still a wrinkle that is tough to defend, especially with somebody as fast as he is and as good of a thrower as he is. And the fact that he's already seen this Eagles team once before and he wasn't healthy for then, like, I, I think that there's a lot to be made about Jaden Daniels being legitimately one of the better throwers in this league already.

[Adam]

Okay.

[Jamie]

Not one of the best, but one of the better ones. And I don't. I don't see him laying an egg against Philadelphia. I really don't.

[Adam]

All right. And I forgot the other tough matchup was, of course, Philadelphia. He scored 15.4 fantasy points in six point per passing, touchdown leagues, seven carries, 18 yards.

[Jamie]

Again, he just, he was not himself because part of. Part of his game is running, and that seemed to be taken away from him in part because of the rib injury.

[Adam]

Okay. The Eagles are, just to give them credit, I think, like nine games in a row, no team scored more than 23 points. That includes the Ravens, the commander, like some really good teams that they've shut down. They've been great. Great. All right, so you guys like Jaden Daniels? Somebody asked Jaden Daniels or Kyler Murray?

[Jamie]

Daniels.

[Dave]

Daniels.

[Adam]

Jane Daniels or Baker Mayfield?

[Jamie]

Baker.

[Dave]

I'd go Baker.

[Adam]

All right, we've got Brian Robinson Jr. Jamie. He was the start of the week. Was it last week?

[Dave]

Yep.

[Adam]

How are we feeling about him this week?

[Dave]

Definitely not as encouraged. I do like the fact that he got to work, you know, so that was good, you know, so it wasn't a McNichols or a Rodriguez coming in there to, you know, take him off the field. And we know Eckler's still out for at least two more games. I believe. No, one more game. So you have the opportunity here for him to still be involved in the past game. And for that, for him, it's like three catches, you know, so I don't think you should expect the six or seven catch game from him. He's still going to have an opportunity to score, and he did score a touchdown against them. His history against this team is not great, but I think you throw that out just because you look at the, the change in quarterback and obviously the change in system. So I Don't necessarily want to look at what he's done prior to this. So I'm, I'm assuming he's going to get 18 plus touches. I'm assuming it's going to be three catches. I'm assuming he has a chance to score now. All those things did not happen last or I'm sorry, the score did not happen last week. So if he had touchdown, he would have had a 17 plus point game. He's a lower number two running back. You know, I, I don't think I agree with Dave. Jerome Ford's in a better spot this week, but I'm not starting any of the other replacement options, say for Taize Spears unless Tony Palmer's out. So starting over Kendra Miller, starting over Alexander Madison, starting him over Patrick Taylor, like not getting cute with those, those guys. I just, you know, lower expectations for Brian Robinson. He's just one of those guys that will get enough work that should get to that 12, 11, 12 PPR point range, you know, so going number two guy.

[Jamie]

And just to speak to how tough this matchup is, 3.7 yards per carry to running backs. In their past five games, Philadelphia is allowed five running backs all year have had 14 or more PPR points. Against Philadelphia, it should be noted that Brian Robinson and Austin Eckler were two of those five running backs. But that was in week 11. It was a short week that definitely favors running backs. Look at what happened on Thursday for an example of that. And Jaden Daniels wasn't Jaden Daniels. And so they leaned on those running backs just a little bit more.

[Dave]

It was eight catches for Eckler in that game.

[Adam]

All right, let me read some questions here. Brian Robinson Jr. Or Rashad White? Half PPR.

[Dave]

Robinson agreed.

[Adam]

Okay.

[Jamie]

And I don't think, I don't think it's too far off to consider White just because of how he's been lately. He gets a double digit PPR points.

[Adam]

I mean, he keeps catching touchdowns. That's not the easiest thing to replicate, but it keeps happening for Rashad White. All right, Terry McLaurin is a top 14 wide receiver in non PPR. I think, Dave, you have him 19th, although I think I wrote those rankings on Tuesday, so things may have changed.

[Jamie]

He's 13.

[Adam]

13. Okay, so Terry McLaurin again, his worst game of the year by far was that Philadelphia. Two points. Two points on two targets. But you guys are starting him. Someone asked in the chat. McLaurin or cup?

[Dave]

Cup.

[Jamie]

I've got McLaren two spots at a.

[Adam]

Cup sit one McLaurin Bucky Irving or Drake? London. Who are you sitting?

[Jamie]

London.

[Dave]

London.

[Adam]

Okay. And start. Zach Ertz.

[Dave]

If he plays, he's a borderline starter.

[Jamie]

Yeah, he would fit into that group of. He'd probably in ppr. I think he'd be ahead of Kincaid, Kraft, Friarmouth, Ferguson, Hawkinson, Henry. He'd be ahead of those guys. Top 10 tight end. If he's.

[Dave]

Remember, revenge game for him. He had a touchdown against them. One of the crazy catches of the season. His touchdown catch. So I would, I would. Lowen star.

[Adam]

We had a. One more commander's question here from the chat. Daniels or Darnold?

[Dave]

Daniels for me.

[Jamie]

I believe I have Darnold one spot below Daniels.

[Adam]

Okay, start. Hurts. Start. Barkley start. Brown Jamie starter. Sit. Devonte Smith start.

[Dave]

I mean, you know, targets have been there the last two weeks coming off a huge game, scored a touchdown and back to back games. So again we have the situation that we like. One of the big three in the passing game is missing and so no Dallas Goddard, he steps up. So you just wonder if, if the, the same game plan is in place, you know, to go out there and throw the ball all over the place like we saw last week. I can't imagine that they go skewed too far the other direction. It's all Saquon Barkley game. So you get a mix. And I think, you know, just looking at what Devonte Smith has done, he's not a top 20 wide receiver for me, but he's in that group of, you know, wide receiver 20 through wide receiver 27, 28. I think he's a very safe number two receiver.

[Jamie]

If you're expecting a high scoring game, Devonte Smith should be a top 20 wide receiver. But when's the last time we had great games from everybody in Philadelphia where Hertz goes off, Barkley goes off, Brown goes off, Smith goes off. I mean we came close to it last week.

[Dave]

I think though, the, the question is relevant. The question is not relevant to starting these guys because you just have to start.

[Jamie]

You're hoping that you, you hit it with Smith, but you've got it right. He's a low end, number two wide receiver.

[Adam]

It's very relevant for Smith. I mean it's not relevant for the other guys.

[Dave]

But look, but when he's rolling though, I mean you're starting. Most people start him regardless.

[Adam]

He's not really rolling. Last week you said the targets were there two straight weeks. He had 12 last week. He had six the week before. It's just a matter of Jalen.

[Dave]

That's a good target share for what the situation.

[Adam]

It's a good target share, but when they're throwing 21 times a game, he's not going to get that many targets. He and A.J. brown can be disappointing. If they throw 31, which I think they did last week, then, oh my gosh. Yeah, of course I'd start Devonte Smith. I just don't know what they're going to do. They basically gave a they ding dong screw you to the media last week. This is, the media was questioning if they can pass the ball. They said, hey guess what, we can pass the ball. If they go back to running the ball and, and being the most run heavy team and the least pass heavy team in football, then I think Smith might let you down. But I think you have to take the chance.

[Dave]

Right.

[Adam]

And that's the thing you have to take. But that's. You guys have, you don't have him ranked in the top 15 or anything.

[Dave]

No, that's what I'm saying. He's in, he's in that, you know, questionable range.

[Adam]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Dave]

So you know, with the Bears guys, the top two Bears guys of DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, with Khalil Shakir, with Zay Flowers, you know, there's, there's a handful of guys that are really good that we can't unfortunately rank all of them in the top 24. And he's just one of those guys. I, I think he's, like I said to me, he's a number two receiver.

[Jamie]

Two of the top two games out of ten this year where all of Barkley Brown and Devontae Smith have had at least 14 PPR points each and they were in weeks one and two. So I, I feel like someone's gonna get left holding the bag here.

[Dave]

Well, they also haven't played many games together though, the three of them.

[Jamie]

Well, they've played 10. And this is one of those games where Goddard's out. There hasn't been that many games where Goddard's out in those three have played. I think it's like 4, 5, 5.

[Adam]

All right.

[Jamie]

Have all three gone off? So I, I think you just have to theorize that you're hoping that Devonte Smith has a couple of big catches.

[Adam]

Oh, some chat questions. Khalil Shakira, Devonte Smith, ppr.

[Dave]

It's so tough for me on this one. I'd lean Shakir, but they're. But they're close.

[Jamie]

Right. But I think the upside for Devonte is better than the upside for Shakir.

[Dave]

Yeah. The last two weeks has been pretty good.

[Adam]

For sure.

[Jamie]

It's been good. I don't know. How much throwing are they going to do in this game?

[Adam]

JSN or Smith?

[Dave]

Jason, I've got.

[Adam]

I've got JSN higher and any interesting grand calcatera. Real quick.

[Dave]

Desperation at best.

[Adam]

And you like the Eagles dst Low end starter.

[Dave]

I would start the Bengals over them. I would start the Packers.

[Adam]

Falcons over them.

[Dave]

I start the Falcons.

[Adam]

All right. Detroit's at Chicago. Let's do this game. Yeah, I'm excited for this one because I have no idea what it's going to be like. Just no idea. I have four reasons to start Jared Goff and I have four reasons to sit Jared Goff. Here we go. Reasons to start Jared Goff. He has scored 28 or more points in three of his last five games. He has eight touchdowns. Yeah, that's good. He has eight touchdown passes in his last two games.

[Jamie]

That's good.

[Adam]

The froggart is also cursed.

[Jamie]

That's bad.

[Adam]

David Montgomery is out. I don't know if that's good, but.

[Jamie]

I don't know if that's necessarily good.

[Adam]

Chicago has allowed or had allowed 20 to 26 fantasy points to a quarterback in four straight games before last week when Sam Darnold struggled.

[Jamie]

And they should have allowed 20 to Sam Darnold. Remember Justin Jefferson dropped a pass right in front of the end zone.

[Dave]

I remember.

[Adam]

All right.

[Jamie]

Reasons changed a lot for both of us, my man.

[Adam]

Reasons to sit Jared Goff. In three games in 2023 without David Montgomery, Detroit had a 51.6%, 80.6% and 46.9% pass rate. So very low in two of three games. Very high in a 38. 6 loss at Baltimore. That's number one. Number two, no quarterback has had a huge game against the Bears this year. Number three, Jared Goff. Outdoors in December with Detroit. One great game at Carolina. I don't even know if it was cold. And four terrible games.

[Jamie]

It was. It was under 50 degrees.

[Adam]

All right. It wasn't like it was. It probably wasn't in the 20s. And reason number four, to sit Jared Goff. Jared Goff. When Detroit gives up 20 or fewer points. Nine games, two huge games at Dallas and Jacksonville and 21.5 points or fewer in the other seven games, including four of nine games when. When the Lions haven't given up more than 20 points with 14 or fewer fantasy points for golf. So what wins? The reasons to start them or the reasons to sit them?

[Jamie]

I want to give you one more reason to sit them yes.

[Adam]

Hit me.

[Jamie]

Golf is notched north of 21 fantasy points once in seven meetings against Chicago since he's gone to Detroit and it was at Ford Field. And he's also played 18 career games outdoors when it's been 50 degrees or colder. He's been north of 20 fantasy points three times and that includes one of eight with Detroit, with that one game being the Carolina game that you mentioned earlier. This is. This is not ideal for Jared Goff. It's tough timing for fantasy managers. All that being said, I know what his upside is. I know what he's capable of doing. This Bears defense is awful. And I think that you could see Jared Goff still come through with between 18 to 22 fantasy points. He is a low end top 12 fantasy quarterback for me who I'm currently starting ahead of Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers, Brock Purdy, Tua Tungavailoa and Jordan Love and Patrick Mahomes.

[Adam]

Jamie, your thoughts on golf.

[Dave]

I agree with a lot of it actually. Starting Caleb Williams over golf this week. I think it's a better setup for him.

[Adam]

Oh my goodness. Wow.

[Dave]

Really beat up defense right now for Detroit.

[Jamie]

It is. But this is not a great quarterback for Chicago.

[Dave]

Well, he's not a bad fantasy quarterback though. He's coming off his worst game since Thomas Brown took over play calling and we saw what happened the last time these two teams met and Detroit's gotten worse, you know, so there may not be a pass rush on him. The secondary is not the same.

[Adam]

It's a. Yeah, it's just I don't even know if Caleb Williams can play in. In cold weather.

[Dave]

It's a very fair question. But I know his life.

[Jamie]

He grew up in D.C. i'm sure he's played in cold weather before.

[Dave]

His legs will work and I think he'll run a lot in this game too.

[Adam]

Yeah. I was actually pretty stunned by your Caleb Williams ranking. I think you have him ninth. Something like that. You have. And what do you have? Golf. Oh, wow. You move him down. Okay.

[Jamie]

Does it bother you that Caleb Williams in 14 games this year has four first half touchdowns?

[Dave]

Yeah, of course.

[Adam]

But that's all the point, right? I mean that's what kind of helps him is he's throwing so much in the second half. He's bortlesing to it to a degree. Yeah.

[Jamie]

I guess that's what you're so badly.

[Adam]

The last two weeks. Hasn't he though he's been 13 second.

[Jamie]

Half touchdowns and that's been. The thing is that he hasn't been coming through in the second half in the last couple of weeks. I believe he's getting his left tackle back. That's helped him out a little bit. And listen, there's no doubting that this is a troubling spot for, for the Lions defensively, but I think we'd be saying that against almost anybody. Maybe not the Giants. Sorry, Adam. But that this is just. This is a defense. It's not going to be. It doesn't. It's going to play with the same type of effort, but I don't know if the achievement will be the same. The other thing I'll mention is that last week when the Bears found themselves in a competitive game, DeAndre Swift had 20 touches and he actually wasn't bad. And I wonder if that could be repeatable. I think this matchup's good for him too because Aline McNeil is out on that D line. Alex Anzalone is not coming back at linebacker. This is a good matchup for Swift too. I've got Swift as a number two running back this week, I think.

[Adam]

Oh, sorry. Remember Roshan Johnson practice in full. Probably coming back this week. So Mike Debt the goal line work. But what's interesting.

[Jamie]

Sweat and it'll hurt Caleb.

[Adam]

I think we all agree that we would love, love this game if it were in Detroit. We're worried about the conditions. Not the conditions. Not it's gonna be snow or anything. We're worried about the outdoor elements.

[Dave]

30 degrees with 10 mile an hour winds according to Roto grinders, right?

[Adam]

Yeah, it's not so bad. It also is the second highest total on the board this week. The only game that has a higher total right now is Dallas Tampa Bay, I think. So that's pretty eye opening. So that, that's encouraging. So you know, we can talk about golf and Caleb and all that, but what about the other pieces? Obviously, Gibbs is an easy 1st Brown's an easy one. But the Bears are always tricky with Keenan Allen and DJ Moore and you guys mentioned Swift as a number two running back. Then you got laporta a lot of tricky calls in this game. Jamie, who do you like?

[Dave]

I mean, it's a very tricky situation, you know, because what we've seen from the Bears receivers has been them doing well from a target perspective. From a production standpoint, Certainly Keenan Allen three of his last four over 20 PPR points. DJ Moore had over 20 PPR points against Lions. They've played three games in very good environments. You know, with their schedule. They're three. Three straight games on the road so they're coming back home. So we haven't seen this outdoors in bad weather, you know, so today's point, you know, or your point, Adam, can he play in, in bad weather too? We, we have to see how that goes. You know, how they'll handle the cold.

[Adam]

Cold weather, not bad weather. Right.

[Dave]

Just cold, not bad. So it'll, it'll be somewhat impactful. You know, I mean, my concern for Keenan Allen coming in the season was these type of games because he's a California guy that's never left the state, you know, college and pro.

[Jamie]

He's a North Carolina guy who went to California for college.

[Dave]

Yeah, but I'm saying like his, his entire playing career, college and pro, was in the state of California, so. And in an indoor stadium in California. So we'll see how, at least a lot of it. So we'll see how things go for him. I'm not worried. I'm starting, I'm starting. D.J. moore, number two receivers, you know, they've, they've been so productive and getting so many opportunities. I think Laporta is, is a, is a safe number one tight end at this point. You know, again, the track record of not scoring outdoors is, is troubling to a degree, but it's a six game sample size, so it's not exactly like he can't do it. And he played in San Francisco in the NFC Championship game, had a big game, you know, so outdoors in, in December, this is a different environment, clearly. But, you know, he, I think, has done it in college and should be able to do it, you know, handily as well. So Jameson is the one that makes me the most concerned because this is a guy that has not played well on the road. He's fed five road games this season. He's been under nine PPR points in three of them. Last time he was at Chicago, different player clearly, but he had two targets, no catches, one carry for four yards. So he's the one. The one thing the Bears have done a fairly decent job of, and you could say, okay, Jefferson dropped touchdown, is they don't give up a lot of big plays down the field. So I think that's one thing where Jameson is going to have to keep up the targets. And you saw like what he did last week, you know, where targets were there for him, but a lot of stuff underneath. If they tackle him, he'll be fine. If he score, if he, if he breaks one, you know, on a, on a bus to play, I think he's going to have a big game. Big day. But for me, he's, he's a borderline number three receiver at best.

[Jamie]

There's one other thing, like, we're all starting Jameer Gibbs and we've got him ranked as like a top three running back. He told K Adams this week that he hates playing in the cold. Didn't want to get drafted to a cold weather team. And I, I don't think it's going to be so bitterly cold that it'll affect him, but I just, I. How many games has he played outdoors in the cold in his career? Probably not that many. So I'm kind of curious how he'll do, but I think he'll get fed and that's obviously why fantasy managers are going to start him.

[Adam]

Yeah, I, I. All right, so Keenan Allen and DJ Moore.

[Jamie]

And honestly, I like Alan better.

[Adam]

You like Alan better? Okay.

[Jamie]

20 plus in three of his past four games, he leads Chicago in total targets since Shane Waldron's been fired. He had two touchdowns against Detroit on Thanksgiving, for whatever that's worth. Maybe he scores only once this time, but I like him a little bit better. His adot is actually better than DJ Moore's since the Waldron firing.

[Adam]

Oh, yeah. I mean, DJ Moore is kind of a joke, right? What they're doing with him, it drives me crazy.

[Jamie]

Me too.

[Adam]

And he's basically like, his yards are awful except for a couple of big games that he's had.

[Dave]

But they're giving him so many touches, though.

[Adam]

Yeah, I know. He's got to stay floor. All right, you know what it sounds like as we talk?

[Jamie]

Short catch for a big play. That's basically how he can have a real good fantasy day. And against a team that's beat up defensively, that that's possible.

[Adam]

All right, it sounds like we like this game. We like this game. We like the pieces in this game. Would you start DeAndre Swift or Brian Robinson Jr. Would you start DeAndre Swift or Keenan Allen? D.J. moore?

[Jamie]

Alan Moore. Swift and PPR.

[Dave]

Both receivers well ahead of Swift.

[Adam]

What about in half?

[Jamie]

You might be able to talk me into Swift over DJ Moore.

[Adam]

Okay. And then the Caleb Williams debate. Obviously, Jamie, much higher. If we have any questions in the chat, we can read them, but this seems like a game where we want people in our lineups. All right, we're going to take a break.

[Dave]

Not cold commit.

[Adam]

Not cool. Comet. We're going to take a break. What did he do? Oh, he had 5.6 points at Detroit three weeks ago. And when we come back, Arizona at Carolina.

[Jamie]

He had 5.6 points against Detroit and he's had 2.4 in the two games since.

[Adam]

Actually, here's Here's a question. Swift or Hubbard?

[Dave]

Hubbard.

[Jamie]

Chuba.

[Adam]

Swift or Pollard?

[Jamie]

Pollard.

[Dave]

Excuse me.

[Adam]

Golfer. Darnold. Caleb or Richardson?

[Jamie]

Caleb.

[Dave]

That's close.

[Adam]

Golf.

[Jamie]

I have no faith in Anthony Richardson.

[Adam]

Golfer. Richardson.

[Dave]

Golf. Richardson. Definitely a four point golf slightly header Rich in six.

[Adam]

Okay, we'll be right back with Arizona at Carolina after this.

[Jamie]

What is going on guys? It is Kyle Long from Pushing the Pile Podcast and I just wanted to give a quick shout out to our partner, Travis Matthew. Clothing designed for comfort and confidence no matter where the day takes you. And I gotta say, I'm a guy who likes to play golf and the new thing in golf is style and comfort. It used to be discomfort in golf. Now Travis Matthew is here to save the day with the OTC Tec Chino, the ultimate grab and go pant casual versatility at its finest. Slightly tapered at the leg while keeping the feel you love around the waist. And when I get home from work, I love throwing on that cloud waffle hoodie and sitting on the couch. And you know who loves it more than me? My daughters. They love to cuddle with me when I've got my Travis Matthew on because they know it is the softest and most comfortable fabric that I own. So make sure that you visit www.travismathieu.com to get your own product.

[Dave]

Holiday magic is in the air and.

[Adam]

DSW's got all the shoes to make your season extra merry.

[Dave]

Believe you've got parties to attend and.

[Adam]

Lists to check twice. So DSW is taking care of the details, like gifts to make their eyes all aglow styles that bring joy to your world. Brands everyone wants like Ugg, Nike, Birkenstock and more and deals to make your budget bright. Find the perfect shoes for you and yours at a DSW store near you or dsw.com Instacart's deal week is coming up from December 17th to December 23rd. That means you can get up to.

[Jamie]

25% off holiday gifts for the whole.

[Adam]

Family from stores like Best Buy, Bath and Body Work, Petsmart and more. And you can get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Just think of it as Instacart's little gift to you. And while we're on the subject, why.

[Jamie]

Not get a little something for yourself too? Shop deal week from December 17th to.

[Adam]

23Rd and save up to 25% on gifts. Discounts vary, minimum spend maximum discount and exclusions apply. Jamie, tell me why I Should be confident in Kyler Murray. After his 10 point dud against New England last week, everybody's got him ranked as a top 10 quarterback.

[Dave]

You shouldn't be confident. I mean, this is being honest. There's no reason to be confident. It's just, it's a good matchup. Look, he's had, he had a bad game two games ago. Still got you over 20 fantasy points. He's got to start running again to help us. You know, I don't know if that's what they want in the offense, but he's got to help out. If he's going to help us, he's going to be with his legs. You've seen this Panthers defense now, you know, struggle time and time again. And Cooper Rush, for example, just threw three touchdowns against them. So there's an opportunity here for Kyler Murray to still make plays, throwing the ball. So confident, no matchup, yes. Potential, Absolutely. So depending on who you have, like, I'm not going out to get Caleb Williams to start him over Kyler Murray. I don't, I don't care what rankings say for anybody. Like, I'm not going to bench him for, for somebody that's similar situation. I'm not going to mention for Anthony Richardson, even though he may have a better game based on a great matchup against the Titans. I'm not going to bench him for Cooper rush or Aiden O'Connell, any of these guys. Like, you know, we talked about this on Sunday, you know, you said, can you replace him? You want to make case for Aaron Rodgers. I don't love it, so you can go that route. But to me, Kyler Murray has an opportunity here to play well.

[Adam]

Dave, who's the best wide receiver in this game?

[Jamie]

I think the one I feel safest about in full PPR is Thielen. And that's, that's it. Like, Marvin Harrison's been a letdown and Trey McBride's basically been acting as the number one receiver for Kyler Murray. And now Kyler is promising that he's going to get Trey McBride into the end zone. So I don't see, I don't see why we should have any confidence in Marvin Harrison. I'm starting Brenton Strange over Marvin Harrison in my other dynasty league this week in a flex spot.

[Adam]

I can give you a reason to start Marvin Harrison. First of all, he's had a number of good games, right? It's not like he's never good.

[Jamie]

He's usually when he scores, his fantasy production is wonderful. In fact, I think every time and every time he hasn't scored. His fantasy production's been dreadful.

[Adam]

He has six end zone targets in his last three games. He was terrible last week. He was shadowed by Christian Gonzalez. He was bad the week before that. Seattle's not bad against wide receivers. This is a great matchup. I mean, number one receivers really destroy Carolina. And then on the other end we talk about Adam Thielen. Arizona's bad against slot receivers. So these two guys, I think both have a chance to bounce back nicely. I probably, I guess I would have more faith in, in feeling just because it feels like easier for him to bounce back. You know, all he has to do is catch somewhat.

[Dave]

Guaranteed, you know, seven, seven plus targets in three straight games. You have Jalen Coker now in the injury report. You know that that might help. It was Coker coming back, did that impact dealings, you know, poor performance last week for whatever reason that he didn't get eight to nine targets, you know, so one or two maybe going a different direction. So that's something I think just to keep an eye on. But yeah, it, it's not like either these guys you wouldn't say are mustard guys. So like the group that we talked about earlier, like, I like both Bears guys better. I like devonte Smith better, Khalil Secure better. You know, all these Zay Flowers, they're. They're all feel like they're in better spots, but they're at the tail end of this group. You know, Harrison and, and Thielen and so it's, you know, to your question, give you a reason to feel confident about Kyler Murray. I don't think you can feel confident about Kyler Murray. Not expect Marvin Harrison to do something, you know, maybe not have a huge game for him personally, but to do something to impact Kyler Murray because he needs it.

[Adam]

Yeah. Jamie, there's no question Trey McBride's catching a touchdown this week. Like it's happening.

[Dave]

They tried with the shovel pass last game. Like they're, they're intense. It should be, you know, and I always go back to the, the play that you pointed out where the game where McBride had the rushing touchdown. Kyler spins left and doesn't see McBride as wide open as you'll ever see a player in the end zone. If he spins right, it's the easiest throw he'll ever have.

[Adam]

We love James Conner in this game. Chuba Hubbard or Joe Mixon mixing.

[Jamie]

I need to double check because they are both in that high end RB2 range. I do have mix in one spot ahead of Chuba.

[Adam]

Okay, it's in pencil. Hubbard or to A. Hubbard or Keenan Allen. Ppr.

[Dave]

Keenan.

[Jamie]

I have Chuba. A little bit higher.

[Adam]

Chuba. Hubbard or Adam Thielen? Ppr Hover.

[Jamie]

Chuba.

[Adam]

All right, what else we got in this game? Start McBride star, Connor Kyler. We talked about. Marvin, we talked about feeling not going to start. Jalen Coker, right?

[Dave]

No, but good guy to roster gets Tampa Bay next week. So another strong game for him. Then you'll probably consider him potential. Must start guy next week.

[Jamie]

A rare playoff wide receiver stash candidate.

[Adam]

Cardinals, DST or. I know you like the packers better. How about the. You like the Falcons better, right?

[Jamie]

Yes.

[Adam]

Vikings, DST or Cardinals?

[Dave]

Vikings.

[Adam]

All right. Cardinals are fine, but there are other options as well.

[Jamie]

They're 10th. They're a top 10, but they're 10.

[Adam]

We got. Let me see any Kyler Murray questions. If you have any Kyler Murray questions, fire away. But for the meantime, just look. Oh, feeling or down? Sorry, I'm looking for chat questions for this game. Feeling or down?

[Jamie]

Adam Thielen.

[Adam]

And vote FFT for best fantasy podcast. Yes, thank you, Chip. Please do that.

[Jamie]

All right.

[Adam]

All right. And funny name, by the way.

[Jamie]

Great question.

[Adam]

Yeah, not Chip. His full name, if you couldn't see it. Minnesota at Seattle. Stat of the game number one, only four running backs have scored more than 12.3 PPR fantasy points against the Vikings. Jameer Gibbs, Kyron Williams, Jordan Mason, Bijan Robinson, all of them scored 17 or more. But they're the only ones who have scored more than 12.3 PPR fantasy points against the Vikings. Will Ken Walker or Zach Charbonnet get there this week?

[Dave]

I think definitely, if there's one of them, which right now it would be Walker based on practice reports. If there's both splitting time. Like you go back to what was the. The majority of the touches earlier in the season and it was Ken Walker dominating the majority of the touches, you know, so we started to see before Walker got hurt that there was goal line opportunities for Charbonnet. He's clearly been working in. In obvious passing down situations. So those things may benefit him if there's a chance of Minnesota running away with this game. But I still think if it's Walker back, I would prefer Walker over Charbonnet. And Walker would be a low end number two running back comparatively to where he was ranked earlier in the season, where he was a top 10 guy most weeks.

[Jamie]

I don't, I don't think there's a scenario where a Seattle running back gets 17 PPR points. That's how good I think this Vikings run defense is. That's how much I think game script will favor the Vikings and force Geno Smith to throw a little bit more. I don't love the matchup for Geno very much at all. I think he'll be under plenty of pressure and I, I think the only guy in this game for Seattle who you can feel really confident about is jsn. And so he's the number two wide receiver in full ppr. Jackson, Smith and Jigba. But I, I, I, I'm not feeling it with DK Metcalf. I, I'm nervous about how many opportunities will be there for the running backs. Kind of wish that Charbonnet was, were healthy and that we had another week off of Kenneth Walker. Maybe in that case we'd get close to 17 PPR points. But I think that that's a number just too high. And I, I think that this is a game where Minnesota kind of stomps.

[Dave]

I, I don't disagree with a lot of that. The one thing that we did get this week is the squeaky wheel situation for Metcalf. Ryan Grubb said that he's got to do a better job of finding a way to get the ball into Metcalf's hands. And so based on the matchup, Metcalf is in that same range for me as the Bears guys, as Flowers, as Smith, as Shakir behind them, but in that same range. So I think this is going to be a bounce back game for DK Metcalf. I, I can't sit here and say start him with confidence because of what we've seen in the last month, but based on the fact that he seems a little bit healthier, the fact that Gino's going to play and the fact that they are aware that he has not gotten his touches, we're going to see him get fed a little bit for better or worse. So I don't think that's at the detriment of jsn. I do think this could be a back and forth game. And one thing to keep in mind with Ken Walker, Adam, you know we've talked about this at times. Remember when he came back in week four, Lions against the Lions, we thought, oh man, this is gonna be bad. Lions running fence is great.

[Jamie]

No, he crushed him.

[Adam]

He's great in tough matchups, actually. Yeah.

[Dave]

So hopefully that's the case too.

[Adam]

You know what's kind of interesting? What's I think hurting Walker is he hasn't been running well, and the line stinks. But also they aren't throwing that much anymore. They used to be. They used to throw so much and they used to throw a lot to him, but they're just not throwing that much. It's hurting. Yeah, it. Yeah, it really might. It's hurting everybody. Except for jsn. Minnesota gives up the most fantasy points to wide receivers, so that could also feed into DK Metcalf having a bounce back game.

[Dave]

Part of it also was they got rid of. Was Connor Williams right there center. He retired. Okay. He left. I know their center got hurt last week, but that was kind of the. It almost coincided with when Walker went down and Charbonnet took over and the running game looked a lot better.

[Adam]

Okay, so. All right, so. So Minnesota's easy, you guys. You know, in case anyone's asking, the rankings for Dave and Jamie have Jaden Daniels, then Sam Darnold, then Kyler Murray. It's. I think those back to back to back for Jamie. There's a couple other guys in that mix for Dave. But just relevant quarterbacks we've talked about today. Daniels, then Darnold, then Kyler and then golf behind them.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Jamie]

Yes.

[Adam]

Okay.

[Jamie]

Not behind Kyler for me.

[Adam]

Not behind color. Okay. We've got Jefferson is an easy start. Aaron Jones is an easy start, right?

[Jamie]

Yep, yep.

[Adam]

And Jordan. Jordan, Addison and JSN. I mean, we have three top 20 receivers in this game with Jefferson and those two guys. All right, excellent. So Hawkinson. Someone asked Hawkinson or Kincaid. Who would you go with there?

[Dave]

Kincaid.

[Adam]

Same questions from the chat.

[Dave]

Feeling or Metcalf Feeling safer. Metcalf has a higher ceiling.

[Jamie]

I believe I have feeling higher. They're back to back. Both low end, number three wide receivers.

[Adam]

This could be a fun game. This could be a fun fantasy game.

[Dave]

Hoping hopefully the weather's okay.

[Adam]

Yeah. And hoping Geno Smith is, you know, acceptable.

[Dave]

He says he could have gone back in the game.

[Adam]

Okay, I think that's it. Minnesota's DST is top four for Dave and Jamie and I believe eighth for Heath.

[Dave]

They were one for me.

[Adam]

I'm sorry. Yeah, go ahead, go ahead.

[Dave]

No, they were one for me. With the thought of Howell starting, I.

[Adam]

Think I got to talk more about Ken Walker. All right, so let's say Walker and Charbonnet both play Jerome Ford or Ken Walker.

[Dave]

They'd be very close for me. I would. I want to see what happens with Charbonnet's practice report today. So if he practices in full, I may lean forward. If he. If he's still limited Again. And we have some questions about going to the week where he's not 100. Then I'll go walker. But that's like, you know, RB 17, 18 range.

[Jamie]

I think I would lean on Ford. More touches, better matchup. Not. Not a great situation, obviously.

[Dave]

We hope that. We hope. More touches, right?

[Jamie]

Yeah. I mean, he could lose pictures at the goal line. That's true.

[Adam]

Ken Walker, Tyrone, Tracy. If Charbonnet plays Walker, I'll take Tracy.

[Dave]

I have no faith in Tracy this week.

[Adam]

Just a quick comment here.

[Jamie]

Quick.

[Adam]

Aside from. From Aaron, normally I would start Darnold, but my opponent has atoms strategically. It may be a good idea for me to start Rogers. Because of this, I'm afraid Adams will go nuclear like last week. Do you guys subscribe to this theory of starting the quarterback that you know, the quarterback of your opponent's receiver to cancel them out?

[Jamie]

I usually don't. If you wanted to use that as a tiebreaker, like, for example, I've got feeling in Metcalf back to back. If your opponent had Geno Smith, maybe it's a super flex league and you wanted to negate Geno Smith, his impact on your team by going with DK Metcalf, and that's fine, but it should only be used in, like, real, you know, tight situations as far as.

[Adam]

Yeah.

[Jamie]

You know, you're looking at.

[Adam]

Yeah. People. I think people focus too much on that. Just set your best lineup. You just never know how it's going to play out. And to answer two more chat questions real quick, we like Darnold better than Stroud, but we like Baker better than Darnold. And we like to party. We like. We like to party. Tampa Bay at Dallas. Sorry, I was trying to find my next game. Tampa Bay at Dallas. Stat of the game. I don't have one, so I'm going to tell you that today is Jonah Hill's birthday. What is your favorite Jonah Hill movie?

[Dave]

Super Bad.

[Jamie]

Yes, that's the right answer.

[Adam]

Unless you consider forgetting Sarah Marshall a Jonah Hill movie.

[Dave]

He's in it. It's that. Those. Those are probably the best two.

[Adam]

All right. Baker Mayfield's top five. I don't know if you guys want to elaborate.

[Dave]

Moneyball's pretty good.

[Adam]

Oh, Moneyball. Oh, that's a good call. I. You. Look, I can't really sit here and argue against Baker Mayfield, especially when they're every quarterback.

[Dave]

Oh, somebody just said Wolf of Wall Street. That's a good call, too.

[Adam]

Oh, I never saw that one.

[Jamie]

That's a movie worth your time.

[Adam]

Wolf of Wall Street Worth my time. I don't have six hours. That movie.

[Jamie]

Watch a billion TV shows.

[Adam]

Baker Mayfield's still not throwing a lot. Nobody's bothered by this. Should I just not waste time? Just start Baker Mayfield? He's fifth for you guys. Or fourth.

[Dave]

Yeah. The last two weeks have been fantastic, and I think it's. They found a second guy. You know, Jaylen McMillan has sort of, you know, unlocked what was missing with Chris Godwin not being there. And so it's come at the detriment of Kate Otten, but who cares? McMillan has got so much upside. I'm really excited to see what this team looks like next year, depending on what they do with. With Godwin. You know, if he walks, they don't sign him. McMillan's going to be fun.

[Adam]

All right. Why is Rashad White not even in the top 24? He's been pretty damn good.

[Dave]

So I, like, I struggle with him versus Swift versus ETN this week versus, like, Madison's in that. In that range. Kendrick Miller's in that range. You know, it's just a matter of he's been so consistent in that 11.7 ppr point range or more. But, like, last week made me a little concerned. I know he got 15 carries, but he caught a touchdown like you don't want to. The work in the passing game has disappeared.

[Adam]

Yeah, well, that's. They don't throw.

[Dave]

That's the frustrating part for him. They don't throw because their run game has been fantastic.

[Adam]

I know. This is why I'm. I'm not really worried about Baker, but like, a guy who's throwing 29 passes per game with seven touchdowns the last two weeks, that just screams touchdown regression.

[Dave]

But I think Dallas gonna score on them, though.

[Adam]

I hope so. Yeah, they're on a roll here, and they're not giving up a lot of points, so I hope Dallas can keep up. And this is big for Rico Dowdle because Rico Dowdle hasn't had a good game when Dallas is. Has been, like, trailing, you know, but hopefully they can. Hopefully they can keep up like they did against the Bengals.

[Dave]

He did earlier this season. I mean, he was more involved in the passing game with Dak.

[Adam]

No, not really. I don't think he's had any good games with. With them. Like, you know, his carries. Okay, in. In his losses. Do I have his carries in their losses? Rico Dowdle. It's really low.

[Dave]

No, his carries haven't. It's such a weird season for him because earlier in the year, they weren't using him to the way that they are now. He's got five straight games with 19 or four straight games with 19 or more carries, you know, so. But they've been in these games or.

[Adam]

Winning these games in this. Question from Ryan. Rico Dowdle or Bucky Irving?

[Dave]

Bucky.

[Jamie]

Bucky.

[Dave]

That's close.

[Adam]

But Dowd all over Rashad White. So it goes. Bucky Dowdle, Rashad White. Question from this game here, from the chat or for this game. Tyree killer, Jalen McMillan.

[Jamie]

Tyreek Tyreek. But I'm a little reluctant. I've loved what I've seen from Jalen McMillan over the last couple of weeks.

[Adam]

Question from the Chad Rashad White or Kendry Miller or Patrick Taylor?

[Dave]

White. Miller. Taylor.

[Jamie]

I might end up with White over Kendra Miller myself. And by the way, I'm glad you're answering questions from the chat because incentivizes people to join us live on YouTube and when you subscribe, you get to ask chat questions and now you're getting them answered live.

[Adam]

Well, I think they hire too. I think they help put these players, you know, in a range. Right. And like this one. Ken Walker, Rico Dowdle.

[Dave]

Rico. As of now, if Charbonnet is out, it's Walker.

[Jamie]

I'd agree with that.

[Adam]

All right, start Lamb. Cooper rush is top 20. He's usable. Cooper Rush or Michael Penix Rush.

[Jamie]

I think I'm starting Russian, one of my leagues this week because I'm decimated at quarterback and I. And I personally don't trust Anthony Richardson. So obviously if you've got Richardson, like Jamie will start Richardson over Rush. He'll tell me to do it. He'll try and talk me into it and he might. But over Russell Wilson, to me, that's easy to start Cooper Rush over Russ.

[Dave]

I start rush over C.J. stroud. The Pennix one is me too. Is. Is an interesting. They're very close. For me, I'd probably still lean Rush just because I don't think Tampa Bay secondary is good at all.

[Jamie]

And look, Rush is doing his best to impersonation. He's throwing short, he's getting the ball out quick, but it's working. And this Tampa Bay defense, I don't think it's very good.

[Adam]

Here's a comment that's just for a.

[Dave]

Good downfield throw to Tolbert.

[Jamie]

Hey, did.

[Adam]

Here's a comment that's just for fun. Has nothing to do with starts and sits. Just because I know the histories and the matchups and all that. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Cooper Rush outscored Lamar Jackson this week. Just throw that out there.

[Dave]

Wow.

[Adam]

Like, I'd be 40. Surprised maybe. You know, I was just saying, like, I think Cooper Rush is going to be around 20 points and Lamar Jackson has never scored that against Pittsburgh.

[Dave]

Okay.

[Adam]

But obviously I wouldn't even. Wouldn't even consider it for one second.

[Dave]

Can't wait to see that one clipped off on Instagram.

[Adam]

Yeah, I know. Start Evans. You like Rashad White or Jalen McMillan?

[Jamie]

McMillan.

[Dave]

I would go with Rashad White.

[Adam]

Okay. And do we, like, see McMillan or Brian Robinson in PPR?

[Dave]

McMillan.

[Jamie]

Same.

[Dave]

It's funny though. Like, McMillan's got 13 targets in his last two games. Not like he's getting a ton of work.

[Adam]

I know. And. And for what it's worth, I mentioned on the waiver wire show the Cowboys pretty much never give up fantasy points to a number two resistance receiver. They always get crushed by one. And their defense has really not been that bad since Parsons came back. And you've got a left tackle who hasn't been practicing in Tristan Worfs for Tampa Bay. Just some things to consider here. Like they. They had the Bengals at 20 points in the fourth quarter until they screwed up that punt block. And I think they lost 27. 20 or something like that. So little shout out to the Cowboys. They've been hanging in there. Starter Cicad. Sitka and Sitka.

[Jamie]

I would.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Adam]

All right. I think that's it for that game. I think we have two more. This one's the easiest of the of them all. New Orleans at Green Bay. Stat of the game. Tony Shalhoub grew up in Green Bay and I love him. I just love Tony Shalhoub. He has nine siblings, according to Wikipedia. So sit Spencer Rattler, Kendrick Miller. We talked a lot about him at the top of the show. You can just rewind. Where is he in your rankings.

[Dave]

Between 27 and 30 in the range, he's.

[Jamie]

A little bit higher for me. But not a top 24 running back.

[Adam]

Okay. And no interest in MVS, I assume.

[Dave]

No. This is very close to a starter Mall cinema.

[Adam]

Yeah, I think the only tough.

[Jamie]

Well, actually, you can't start all the Packers.

[Dave]

Yeah. Yeah. This is very close to it. Maybe start them all and fit them all.

[Jamie]

This is very close to a start them all if all is Josh Jacobs and the Packers DST Cinemall. If that all is everybody else in this game.

[Adam]

Isn't that funny that we expect so much from the Packers? Right. But like, they only have one other than their dsd. They only have one layup and it's Jacobs. Yeah. Like, so where's Jordan Love for you guys?

[Dave]

Right around 15th. If they wanted him to throw, he would tear up this defense.

[Jamie]

Yeah, yeah, I think so.

[Dave]

Like, this could easily be a 202, 202 game.

[Adam]

So Anthony Richardson or Jordan Love?

[Dave]

I like Richardson's upside there.

[Jamie]

I'll take Love.

[Adam]

Tony Shalhoub or Jordan Love?

[Jamie]

I'll take Shalube over Richardson.

[Adam]

Okay.

[Dave]

I think Monk over Love.

[Adam]

Oh, Monk.

[Dave]

But Love over Wings.

[Jamie]

Where does the cab driver in Quick change rank there?

[Adam]

Never heard of that. Would you start Jordan Love?

[Dave]

Him? This. You have to see all of his movies. You can't.

[Adam]

No, just the TV shows. Would you rather start Jordan Love or Patrick Mahomes?

[Jamie]

I want that to be the last word I say on today's show. I gotta go. Blufftone. No one knows. If you know what that means, say so in the chat and I'll. And I'll recognize you in the chat. All right. Good luck this week, guys.

[Adam]

Oh, he really is leaving.

[Dave]

I'd like that to be the last word that I say.

[Adam]

Jamie Mahomes or Love?

[Dave]

I would go with Moms.

[Adam]

I know you're not a huge DK Metcalf guy, even though you've talked yourself into being somewhat optimistic about him. How many packers receivers would you start over? Metcalf?

[Dave]

None.

[Adam]

Really?

[Dave]

Yeah, it's just tough to trust. I mean, you know, Jaden Reed is so touchdown dependent at this point. Christian Watson is allergic to the end zone. Romeo Dobbs is touchdown dependent. Like, they're, they're not getting enough targets. And like I said, if, if this was, you know, the, the narrative that we had with the Eagles last week, oh, my God, I'd be so excited. They're going to come out, they're going to put on a show, and Jordan Love's going to throw for 300 plus yards and they're all going to be involved. This is what the, the nightmare situation that we heard going into the year was. We don't have a number one guy. It's played out. Oh, we don't have a guy that's consistent. It's played out.

[Adam]

Tucker Kraft is tough. What do you think about him this week?

[Dave]

Touchdown or bust. And again, if the. The volume's not there, you know, you saw the first game back with Romeo Dobbs. It was scary. And the Saints, for what it's worth, they've allowed one touchdown to a tight end all season. So for a guy that needs touchdowns to be successful, I'm nervous.

[Adam]

Aaron Johnson says Davis, Seth Rogen, Jamie is James Franco. Adam is J. I don't know how to bear a shell. Yeah, I get that a lot. People always say I look like him. Heath is Jason Siegel and Dan is Jonah Hill. We'll bring that up with Dan on the mailbag. Tucker Craft behind Breton Strange. Tucker Craft or what? If Najoku plays, we start crafting a joker.

[Dave]

I'd start in a joker.

[Adam]

All right. And start the Packers. DSC Giants are at the Falcons. Stat of the game number one. Over the last three weeks, the Giants have allowed the second most sacks in the NFL and the Falcons have the second most sacks in the NFL. This pasta should be pretty overwhelming based on what we've seen in recent weeks. We Love the Falcons DST. Stat of the game number two, Malik Neighbors is averaging 5.9 yards per target in his last eight games. That is the third worst among 49 wide receivers with 40 or more targets in that stretch. The two guys who are worse than him, Wandale Robinson and Xavier Worthy. And I guess you probably don't care about that stat. You're going to start him. But how about stat of the game number three? Do you care about this? The Giants have not allowed a second wide receiver to score more than 12.2 PPR fantasy points this year. You think Mooney gets there?

[Dave]

I it. Mooney is very risky. He is very risky. You know, there's upside here because of a quarterback that will probably be a little more successful throwing downfield or at least take some more chance at throwing downfield for him to break one or multiple big plays. There's also the chance that he has four targets and gets 40 yards receiving. You know, so he is, he has now become a boom bust number three wide receiver.

[Adam]

For me, when I've watched some Darnell Mooney tape, I've noticed that Cousins is just, he has missed him for big plays too many times this year. Yep. And I think panics can, can certainly be better for Mooney. I don't know if anybody can be better for London necessarily, because Cousins is pretty damn good for London. As bad as he's been, he's been pretty good for London. Right. So. Yeah. All right, so you, you basically, you like neighbors in London. How about, how about we go back to that Minnesota, Seattle game? Jsn Jordan, Addison, neighbors London. How do you rank those groups of that group of four wide receivers that should be started?

[Dave]

Neighbors 1 JSN 2. No. Neighbors 1 London 2 JSN 3 Addison 4.

[Adam]

Okay, and it's funny like you and, and Dave kind of talked sounded like differently about Tyrone Tracy Jr. But you both have them ranked fairly similarly, around 19th or 20th or so.

[Dave]

He's a little bit lower for me, but yeah, still top 24 running back. I don't like that he's hurt. I don't like the fact that this Falcons run defense doesn't give up a lot of fantasy points to running backs. I don't like the fact that Devin Singletary's role has grown over the last couple weeks. And so I'm just concerned, like he should have an opportunity passing in here. But last week was bad.

[Adam]

Last week was very bad. We knew it was going to be bad. It was Baltimore.

[Dave]

Right. But Baltimore has been forgiving for past catching running backs and that wasn't something that he did. Now, granted, you could say DeVito to boil and who knows how much that changed things. I think he's, he, he for, for me, he's behind Jerome Ford and he's in that group of guys that I have a lot of questions about Brian Robinson, have questions about Rashad White, have questions about Travis etn, questions about upside and downside for all these guys. You know, so there's, there's potential here for Tracy to still get, you know, hopefully 14 to 16 total touches. I don't think he's going to be a 20 touch guy because I don't think they're going to be playing with the lead. And then does he get going opportunities because Singletary's taking those away. So I probably have him ranked maybe a couple spots too high to be honest with you.

[Adam]

I don't really think this game is going to be a blowout, though. I don't know how people are feeling about it, but it's an eight and a half point spread. That's, that's big. I don't know that the Falcons are good enough for that. I mean, they, they kind of struggled with the Raiders last week and, and their backup quarterback, but I think that's.

[Dave]

That'S the reason why they changed quarterbacks is because they did not get the production offensively that they were hoping for. And yeah, oh yeah, this is, this is one of those games where Bijan could go crazy. We could see a defensive score, some shots down the field like this game could get out of hand quickly, but it could also be low scoring too. I mean, look, the Giants, they played the Saints with Derek Carr very close.

[Adam]

Yeah, yeah, they did. All right, so that's pretty much, I mean. All right, you know what? Chat, take it away. Give me some Drake London questions and Darnell Mooney questions. Here we go. Darnell Mooney or McMillan?

[Dave]

McMillan.

[Adam]

Keep it coming, people. I'll just ask this. Darnell Mooney or Kendry? Miller? Mooney and PBR and Cardinals or Texans?

[Dave]

Cardinals with Mahomes playing. Yeah.

[Adam]

Bichon should have a big game.

[Dave]

I don't mind Tyler Algier as a desperation flex.

[Adam]

Yeah, I should. Brought him up. Yeah. London or Bucky Irving?

[Dave]

Bucky.

[Adam]

Michael Penix or Jordan? Love.

[Dave]

Love.

[Adam]

Neighbors or Garrett Wilson?

[Dave]

Neighbors.

[Adam]

Mooney or Jalen? Jalen Waddle is probably not going to Play. Mooney or McLaurin? McLaren McLaurin or London?

[Dave]

London.

[Adam]

Neighbors or A.J. brown?

[Dave]

Brown.

[Adam]

All right. Neighbors is interesting. I mean, he should get 10 targets. That's. You can bank on that. But again, I just want to point out his touchdown last week was in garbage time against a cornerback. That it was almost like a preseason touchdown. Cornerback that's never in the game, you know.

[Dave]

Can you open his game log real quick?

[Adam]

Sure. Lake Neighbors.

[Dave]

Yep.

[Adam]

What would you like to know?

[Dave]

Has he played indoors this season.

[Adam]

At. No. Dallas. At Dallas.

[Dave]

What week?

[Adam]

Week 13. Thanksgiving. Eight catches, 69 yards on 13 targets. And that was a. That was a game where CD Lamb. I think that was a Sun game. Or now maybe not. No. CD Lamb got hurt in that game. He had 15.3 PPR fantasy.

[Dave]

And that was with Drew Lock.

[Adam]

It was with Drew Lock.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Adam]

Lock is gonna look. Yeah, look. He's gonna get the target. He's better in ppr. I just don't know if you can count on him scoring.

[Dave]

That's all right.

[Adam]

All right, folks. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. We've got you covered on Sunday as well, and we'll talk to you tomorrow with the mailman on fantasy football. Today.

[Dave]

Paramount podcasts.

[Adam]

Get ready, soccer fans.

[Dave]

Paramount plus brings you an exclusive all access window into the life of America's biggest soccer star. Like never seen before, the new Paramount.

[Adam]

Original docu series Pulisic takes you behind the scenes as America's captain rides the challenges and triumphs of his ongoing soccer.

[Dave]

Season in real time, both as a star on the iconic Italian club AC Milan and as the leader of the.

[Adam]

US Men's national team. Go inside Christian's journey and get to know who he really is.

[Dave]

While he balances fame and the game in a season that demands everything that he's got, Watch him navigate life on.

[Adam]

And off the pitch and prepare for the ultimate goal of leading the United.

[Dave]

States into the 2026 World cup on home soil. This captivating docu series features Christian's closest friends and family as well as soccer stars Clint Dempsey, Weston McKinney, Zlatan, Olivier.

[Adam]

Giroux, Jurgen Klopp and more.

[Dave]

Catch the all new All Access docuseries.

[Adam]

Pulisic Presented by Michelob Ultra. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount.

[Dave]

Plus head to paramountplus.com and sign up today.