Start or Sit (NFC): Start Your Eagles? Start All Lions? Bucs? Cowboys? Commanders? (10/17 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

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Fantasy Football Today (CBS Sports)

Episode: Start or Sit (NFC): Start Your Eagles? Start All Lions? Bucs? Cowboys? Commanders?
Date: October 17, 2025
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Dave Richard, Jamie Eisenberg

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Episode Overview

This episode of Fantasy Football Today dives into the week’s most pressing Start/Sit decisions focused on NFC teams ahead of Week 7. Hosts Adam, Dave, and Jamie break down key matchups, debate sit/start dilemmas for stars and waiver-wire options, and react to breaking injuries and lineup news. The panel offers actionable insights and rankings for fantasy managers navigating bye weeks and mounting injuries, delivering bold calls on Eagles, Lions, Buccaneers, Cowboys, Commanders, and other NFC squads.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Quick Recap: Thursday Night Football

(01:41 – 11:37)

• Game: Cincinnati 33, Pittsburgh 31
• Jalen Warren delivered for Jamie’s “Start of the Week,” finishing with 19.8 PPR points.
• Jamar Chase drew an historical number of targets; compared to Chris Chambers and Brandon Marshall’s high-water marks.
• Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers both looked strong, but are considered more as streaming/superflex options, with Flacco offering more streaming appeal.
  • "I would say Flacco should be in the streaming conversation. Rodgers less so." — Dave (08:38)
• T. Higgins broke out (6/96/1), but Jamie and Dave caution against over-optimism due to matchup context.
  • "If T. Higgins can be this, then we're back to being all in on him." — Jamie (06:44)
• Bengals’ run defense continues to struggle against tight ends; Mason Taylor recommended as a waiver wire pickup.

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News and Notes

(13:06 – 18:33)

• SF QB situation up in the air (Purdy vs. Mac Jones).
• Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz status uncertain; updates expected post-Friday practice.
• Chuba Hubbard likely to play; rankings to be updated accordingly.
• Notable WRs with injury concerns: Garrett Wilson (DNP), Josh Reynolds (Limited), Calvin Ridley (DNP), Puka Nacua (likely out), DJ Moore (Limited).
• Key O-line and defensive injuries discussed, with special mention of Detroit’s and Seattle’s secondary health.
• Chargers' Quentin Johnston expected to play.

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One Question for Each Game: Key Start/Sit Debates

(20:57 – 29:49)

1. Philadelphia at Minnesota:

• Are you sitting your Eagles?
  • Temper expectations but generally still starting key Eagles. Hurts downgraded to low-end QB1.
  • AJ Brown and Devonta Smith downgraded to WR2/3 territory.
  • "They are not the Eagles that we know and love, obviously." — Adam (21:58)

2. Tampa Bay at Detroit:

• Anyone you’re avoiding?
  • “Montgomery’s on the cusp…if you have another option.” — Jamie (22:19)
  • Otherwise, start your regulars, especially in the Lions offense.

3. Atlanta at San Francisco:

• 49ers WRs: How to approach with Kittle back?
  • Bourne’s value drops with Kittle’s return.
  • Only two WRs have posted 12+ PPR vs. ATL all year; fade SF WRs unless desperate.

4. New Orleans at Chicago:

• Rank the RBs and WRs (25:09)
  • Jamie: Odunze, Olave, Swift, Kamara, Burden, Shahid.
  • DJ Moore not ranked until more health clarity.

5. Green Bay at Arizona:

• Can you trust a WR?
  • Romeo Doubs in flex conversation; “targets have been there.”
  • Cardinals’ defense susceptible to WRs; opportunity for Dobbs/Golden.

6. Houston at Seattle:

• Start anyone besides JSN and Nico Collins?
  • Both DSTs in play.
  • Sam Darnold as a possible deeper streaming QB option.
  • Jamie: “This just feels like a slow, low-scoring game.”

7. Washington at Dallas:

• Impact of CeeDee Lamb & McLaurin returns
  • Lamb elevates to top WR in his game.
  • McLaurin’s presence would downgrade Samuel but Debo remains preferred WFT WR.

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Featured Game-by-Game Analysis

PHI @ MIN

(31:16 – 39:51)

• Hurts is a low-end QB1; may be behind Goff, Mayfield, Caleb Williams for the week.
• Mason, Addison, AJ Brown, Devonta Smith as key flex options—with some ranking Mason above Brown due to matchup (Jamie: “Mason’s been solid…he’s going to be the guy that's the catalyst of this offense.” — 33:31).
• Dallas Goedert is a must-start TE, benefiting from increased targets in a new offensive scheme.
  • "He's a must-start guy." — Jamie (36:58)
• Wrap: PHI DST a low-end starting option if Jalen Carter plays.

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TB @ DET

(42:02 – 49:48)

• Both QBs (Goff & Mayfield) are top 6 starts.
• Jameer Gibbs (DET) is the preferred RB; Rashad White (TB) is a strong play but faces a tough matchup.
• Mike Evans considered a strong start, with “buy low” potential as schedule lightens.
  • "There's a possibility that he's just going to be amazing going forward." — Adam (43:18)
• Jamo (Jameson Williams) and David Montgomery both viable, with Jamo offering higher upside.
• Evans top-15 WR; Godwin is just inside top 40; Tez Johnson and Sterling Shepard are upside dart throws.
• Wrap: Sit both DSTs.

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ATL @ SF

(48:55 – 55:11)

• SF passing volume vs. ATL pass defense: only two WRs all year have posted solid numbers vs. ATL.
• Bourne is the top SF WR start, but value is capped; Jennings only a desperate flex.
  • "I will trust the player who’s looked the way that he has the last two weeks in terms of Kendrick Bourne at this point." — Jamie (53:41)
• Kittle is a start; Mac Jones/Purdy is strictly 2QB/SuperFlex.

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NO @ CHI

(57:01 – 64:09)

• DeAndre Swift is a must-start; top 15 RB upside despite tough Saints run D.
• Kamara is a lower-end RB2 due to snap share declines and Taysom Hill’s presence.
  • “He’s allergic to the end zone at this point. ... He’s just a low end number two running back.” — Jamie (61:46)
• Olave: strong WR2; elite target volume, but needs redzone efficiency.
• Rashid Shaheed: boom/bust flex only.
• TEs Loveland/Commit are sits.

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GB @ ARI

(65:01 – 71:47)

• Both teams allow the most pass attempts per game; potential for volume, though results variable depending on QB health (Love > Murray).
• Dobbs in borderline top-30; Golden is an upside stash/play.
• Trey McBride: heavy target share, solid start.
• Cards’ RBs (Carter, Bam Knight): only desperation starts.

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HOU @ SEA

(71:51 – 79:09)

• Both defenses are strong; game projected low scoring.
• Ken Walker is a risky start due to reduced workload and Houston run D. Charbonnet a TD-dependent flex.
• Woody Marks is the best Houston RB play due to receiving work.
• JSN (SEA) and Nico Collins (HOU) are still must-starts. Sam Darnold is a viable stream for Dave, less so for Jamie.
• Dalton Schultz is a recommended TE streamer: “He’s got three straight games with six targets, five catches, eight or more PPR fantasy points.” — Adam (78:47)

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WAS @ DAL

(79:09 – 82:52)

• Dak Daniels and Sam Howell both strong streamers/starts due to high scoring potential.
• Javonte Murray is best RB, but both starting options.
• Start Pickens (WAS) and Lamb (DAL), both high end options, despite Lamb's return impacting Pickens’ share.
• Jake Ferguson has fallen slightly but remains a start-worthy TE.
• Luke McCaffrey is only a dart throw if McLaurin is out.
• Zach Ertz listed as a TE start in potential shootout.
  • "I like him. I think this is a shootout high scoring game." — Dave (81:28)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Jalen Warren’s fantasy performance:
  “He actually, they interviewed him after that game. He actually shouted you out. He said, you know my guy.” — Adam (02:12)
• On the start/sit frustration of SF WRs:
  "It's just not a slam dunk to me." — Jamie (22:58)
• On Jameson Williams’ upside:
  “Jamo's got way more upside.” — Dave (43:50)
• On Kamara’s fading RB1 profile:
  "He's allergic to the end zone at this point. ... He's just a low end number two running back."* — Jamie (61:46)
• On Dalton Schultz as a TE streamer:
  "He’s got three straight games with six targets, five catches, eight or more PPR fantasy points.” — Adam (78:47)

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• 01:41 — TNF Recap: Bengals/Steelers & Flacco/Rodgers streamer value
• 13:06 — Quick Hit News & Injury Updates
• 20:57 — One Question per Game: Start/Sit "Fringy" Players for Key Matchups
• 31:16 — Philadelphia at Minnesota: Ranking the Eagles/Key Flex Plays
• 42:02 — Tampa Bay at Detroit: High-Scoring Environment, WR/RB Rankings, Jamo vs. Montgomery
• 48:55 — Atlanta at San Francisco: Capped WR Upside, Kittle’s Impact
• 57:01 — New Orleans at Chicago: Kamara, Swift, Olave Role Analysis
• 65:01 — Green Bay at Arizona: Startable WRs, McBride, Trey McBride, Trey McBride (tight end streamer mention)
• 71:51 — Houston at Seattle: Defensive Battle, RB Splits, Schultz as Streamer
• 79:09 — Washington at Dallas: Heavy Start Recommendations, Ferguson, Ertz, Luke McCaffrey (as deep dart throw)

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Flow & Tone

The episode is high-energy and conversational, mixing rapid-fire start/sit questions with deep dives into player roles, injury impact, and rest-of-season outlooks. The hosts joke around, celebrate correct calls, and challenge each other’s rankings, but always circle back to actionable advice—with a bias towards practical lineup management and maximizing upside.

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Final Takeaways

• There’s significant caution on “name value” stars in tough or changing circumstances (Eagles WRs, Kamara, 49ers WRs).
• Key focus on leveraging injuries and suspensions to uncover next-man-up value among not-yet-household names (Jameson Williams, Trey McBride, Waiver WRs like Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard).
• Defensive matchups and O-line/secondary health are major factors in this week’s projections.
• Both established and replacement-level quarterbacks are heavily discussed for streamers, emphasizing volume and matchup.
• Rapid-fire start/sit answers and listener mail reinforce the episode’s practical, in-the-trenches fantasy tilt.

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Listen if: You’re facing difficult start/sit decisions in the NFC, need upside waiver wire WRs, or want a confidence boost for streaming QBs/TEs in Week 7!

Transcript

[Jamie Eisenberg]

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[Dave Richard]

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[Adam Aizer]

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[Dave Richard]

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[Adam Aizer]

No, I can't.

[Dave Richard]

It's time to dominate your fantasy league. This is gonna go the dist. Here's some combination of Adam, Dave, Jamie and Heath.

[Adam Aizer]

What a way to start week seven. 33, 31 Cincinnati over Pittsburgh. We welcome you to fantasy football today presented by BetMGM. Make it legendary. Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco made it pretty legendary last night. Adam Azer, Dave Richard and Jamie Eisenberg. It is Friday, October 17th. We got a case of the Fridays. We're feeling good. Happy Friday, everybody. Jamie's got that. My start of the week was amazing. Bounce in his step. Nice work, Jamie.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Nice work. Jaylen Warren. I did nothing.

[Adam Aizer]

You did everything, Jalen. He actually, they interviewed him after that game. He actually, he actually shouted you out. He said, you know my guy.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I appreciate that.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, My guy said, start of the week, I got to come through and he did for 19.8 PPR fantasy points. But he wasn't as good as the quarterbacks, Dave.

[Dave Richard]

No, he wasn't as good as the quarterbacks.

[Adam Aizer]

I want.

[Dave Richard]

Jamie, I want to ask you something.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I've.

[Dave Richard]

You've been doing starts of the week for. It's got to be 22. What year is it? Almost 20 years. It's got to be in that range. Maybe it's exactly 20 years. Have you ever had two starts of the week?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

There are two on the same week. I've done. I've done some. Like two guys in the same backfield, two situations like that, same team.

[Dave Richard]

You've got a chance, man, if you want to do it. No pressure from me or anybody in the chat to have another start of the week this week. Go for the double up. Double up on starts of the week.

[Adam Aizer]

Well, let's. Let's play a hypothetical, right? We've got seven games to talk about today.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Okay.

[Adam Aizer]

We've got Philadelphia, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Atlanta, San Francisco, New Orleans, Chicago, Green Bay, Arizona, Houston, Seattle. If there were one kind of fringy, should I start this guy? Kind of player that it's. Yes, you should. He's the start of the week in this slate. Who would it be?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I'll go Jamo.

[Adam Aizer]

That's exactly what I was gonna say. Dave, how about you?

[Dave Richard]

I'd have to think about it a little bit more. Jamo is a. Is an interesting call for sure. I might go. I might go with Bill.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay.

[Dave Richard]

He's already being started in a ton of leagues, so I don't know if it's right to go with him because everybody's starting him anyway. No, but it was one name that came off the top of the dome. We could. We, we should talk about some candidates as we go along going game by game today.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, let's start with a recap of Cincinnati and Pittsburgh here. And this was just a fantastic game. And both of the quarterbacks look great. Jamar Chase, unofficially, you know, stat. You can google something and then Statmuse will spit out a stat for you, and I have to hope it's correct. But unofficially, third most targets in a game in football history, and he's Chris.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Chambers and Brandon Marshall.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, then I guess it's right. Yep, that's exactly what it spit out.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Statmus is awesome how Marshalls with the jets, right?

[Adam Aizer]

Oh, I don't know.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

That one Jamers with the Dolphins. That much I remember.

[Adam Aizer]

How much are we. Are we believing what we saw last night in terms of these offenses, these passing Offenses could be this good going forward, Jamie.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I think for the Bengals, you could believe it to a certain extent. Not to these heights, but, I mean, look, this is what we hoped Joe Flacco would look like with the Browns and opening up all these weapons in Cleveland. And now you take that to another level when you have the receivers. And since now, I mean, Jamar Chase was open almost the entire night. Like, I don't know how that's humanly possible. I know the run game was going well. I know Mike Tomlin, halftime said the first thing out of his mouth was, you have to stop the run because you don't expect the Bengals to run like that. Their. Their rushing attack certainly in the second quarter was. Was as good as it's been all season. But, like, I don't know, I'm gonna stop the best receiver in football or one of the best receivers in football. And the best part about it is this is two weeks. It's two games in 10 days. Like, this is fantastic for Flacco because the chemistry is only going to get better now. Look, he's going to clearly face more pressure. That was the best part, I think, of everything, was the way the offensive line played for Cincinnati, the way that they were chipping and using guys to keep T.J. watt off of him. You know, only two quarterback pressures for wat. Whatever that was, you know, career low or something like that. It was. It was a great job of just protecting him up front, but it just felt like anytime he wanted to throw the ball to Jamar Chase, to me, the. The two most. Or, I don't know, the two most fascinating players. But the. The sequence back to back of the touchdown call back when he doesn't control it through. Okay, we're just gonna go again. Him touchdown. Then the. Which I thought was stupid. The. The play on the sideline where he clearly drags his toe and I know he bobbles a little bit, but, I mean, that's cash. I mean, it's just so stupid with the.

[Dave Richard]

The.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

The possession. Okay, we're gonna go right back to him again. Like, it was. It was just as if, like, you can't stop this. And we're gonna go to it over and over and over again. I really think, honestly, the. The bigger takeaway is, can T. Higgins be this? Because if T. Higgins can be this, then we're back to being all in on him.

[Adam Aizer]

Six catches, 96 yards, and a touchdown on 10 targets. Really? What's that?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Should have. Had to.

[Dave Richard]

Should have had two.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah.

[Dave Richard]

Really the right thing by sliding before getting into the end zone, he pulled a Westbrook shout out b West and.

[Adam Aizer]

He was started in 55% of league. So Dave, do me a favor. Let's rank for the rest of the season because Chase Brown also had a very good game. Right. Actually. And it's funny, he didn't.

[Dave Richard]

It was a very good game for him.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah. Wasn't a great fantasy game, but it was startable. He was also started in about half the leagues, 56%. So rank rest of season Jalen Warren. It was not just a great game for him because he played well, but because he absolutely dominated touches. Jalen Warren, Chase Brown T. Higgins Rest of season.

[Dave Richard]

Higgins, Warren, Brown.

[Adam Aizer]

Same ranking Jamie Warren.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Higgins Brown. I don't want to get too excited about what I saw from Tegans. Dave had a great stack going into this about what Tegans had been with Jamar Chase. Without Joe Burrow. This felt like just the Steelers defense week one, you know, when they just looked awful. The next two games are very favorable for T. Higgins because you assume Sauce Gardner is probably going to see a lot of Jamar Chase, which, you know, that's where Joe Flacco will probably still go. But I mean, there's. There's. We know the second receiver and then the Bears, so there's opportunities for Tegans to be great. But I also think what you see from Jalen Warren, like anytime you get these type of running backs that aren't scoring, like the touchdowns will start to come. So if he's going to get this type of work, I still think there's a lot to love about it. Plus what he was doing in the passing game even prior to last night.

[Adam Aizer]

Final question, Are Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco mostly just super flex guys or are they in the streaming conversation on a more weekly basis?

[Dave Richard]

I would say Flacco should be in the streaming conversation. Rogers less so. I think Rogers took advantage of an awesome matchup and a big opportunity. We knew the Bengals defense wasn't that good to begin with, and then they didn't have Trey Hendrickson. How many times was Rogers sacked yesterday? Oh, yeah. The answer is zero.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Once. Once?

[Dave Richard]

No, I don't think he got sacked once.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Oh, you didn't watch the whole game then, Dave, because after the touchdown to Pat Fryermuth, his offensive lineman tackled him.

[Dave Richard]

I sit corrected. But I. The first touchdown was a great example where Rogers just literally had what, like 10 seconds to wait for John who Smith to get open and then threw him the touchdown and that started the game. He's not going to have many matchups like this the rest of the way. Certainly not next week against Green Bay. So this feels more like a one week thing for him. And I, I, I think we've seen enough from Joe Flacco this week. Last week where he upgrades the receivers that he plays with and those receivers give it right back to him, they upgrade his numbers. And so there's huge opportunity for Joe Flacco to be a streaming quarterback moving forward. And the schedule's not that bad. The only for the next two games, it's not that bad.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I, I agree with most of what you said about Rogers. The only thing I think maybe give him a little more credit is he's also coming off a pretty solid game against the Browns. And so what he did. I'll go back to what I said going into the game, this felt very much like Sam Darnold. What we were saying about Darnold was the reality was good, the fantasy wasn't always great. He was kind of hovering in that for Darnold, that 18 to 20 point range and Roger's lower than that. So again, didn't expect the same type of ceiling. But now we saw the ceiling and he did this last night with DK Metcalf. Minimal production. I hope they trade for somebody. I mean this is one of the teams that you just keep hearing trade partner for, you know, any wide receiver that's mentioned. So let's just say Jacoby Myers goes there and now it's Metcalf and Myers just another player to help him out. Like he's doing this with the other guys. And so can he continue to just live like this? I don't know. I don't think it's going to be this good because you're right, Dave, the schedule stuff. But I do want to give him some credit for what he just did against Cleveland, which no other quarterback did besides Lamar Jackson.

[Dave Richard]

All right.

[Adam Aizer]

And the big difference to me between Flacco and Rodgers, because they don't run, you know, even though Rogers is looking much more mobile than he.

[Dave Richard]

Hold on. That run by Flacco. Yeah, on the zone read. Watch out everybody. Here he comes. Flacco with his legs.

[Adam Aizer]

The big difference is the pass attempts. I mean, Joe Flacco almost every time he plays, he throws more than 40 passes. He's throwing over 90 passes in two games now with the Bengals. So you've got, it's kind of like Dak Prescott. It's bad defense, explosive offense, a ton of pass attempts. It's actually pretty exciting. And then my last takeaway was, oh, the Bengals are so bad against tight ends. They're so bad against tight ends, they Mason Taylor beat the waiver wire. He's got a good matchup this week and he's got the Bengals next week. Okay. And that is exactly.

[Dave Richard]

And that is maybe he'll get four.

[Adam Aizer]

Targets as it for Thursday Night Football.

[Dave Richard]

No, no, no, no, no, no.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Wow.

[Adam Aizer]

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

Don't lie.

[Adam Aizer]

I don't know. I do. No, I don't. Because it's 12 to 1.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

We know it. Because you get to take a nap and then you come back.

[Adam Aizer]

I don't get to take a nap.

[Dave Richard]

That's the thing.

[Adam Aizer]

The game is on. I can't nap.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

We know you're sleeping.

[Adam Aizer]

No, I'm never, I, I, I missed that nap. All right. Anyway, news and notes. All right. I still we don't know who the quarterback's going to be for San Francisco, so. Purdy. Mac Jones, who you. Who do you have ranked right now?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Brock Jones. Mac party.

[Adam Aizer]

I think you have Mac Jones ranked, right?

[Dave Richard]

Yes.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay. But we don't know. It's a Sunday night game against Atlanta. We're ranking Carson Wentz and Kyler Murray. Are we expecting him at this point?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Tbd.

[Dave Richard]

Right. One more practice on Friday and then probably the Cardinals will tell us if he's playing or Not. I don't think they'll take it up to game time.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, running back news. Chuba Hubbard expects to play. Are you guys now expecting him to play? Are you ranking the as if he's playing Chuba Hubbard?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

We have not. This will be one of those Friday rankings. The only change in our rankings that we made yesterday was Quentin Johnson was added because he practiced in full. Okay.

[Dave Richard]

He didn't. He was limited in the second straight day, but we're still expecting him.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay.

[Dave Richard]

Quentin Johnson. Johnson was limited officially.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Oh. His injury reports at full.

[Dave Richard]

I. I went to their website this morning and the Charger said he was limited.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Okay. I guess I saw one of the B writers, the official.

[Adam Aizer]

Me too, Jamie. Yeah, that's pretty much all the running.

[Dave Richard]

Back news I would expect. Are we talking about that game? No, we are, right? No. No, we're not. I would guess that Rico still keeps a big grip on the workload. Kind of an obvious statement, but Chuba eased in. Rico still dominates.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, I have a lot of Rico. And I was like, you know, I gotta sit him. And then I said, yeah, maybe I don't have to sit him. He's still a flex. Okay.

[Dave Richard]

I wouldn't expect him to get 200 yards.

[Adam Aizer]

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson missed practice and Josh Reynolds was limited. So that's good that Reynolds is back. Calvin Ridley missed practice again. Puka not expected to play. DJ Moore, limited. Are you ranking DJ Moore?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Not yet, no.

[Adam Aizer]

Let's see. Josh Downs in the concussion protocol. We could get Marvin Harrison. So it's still Marvin Harrison and Michael Wilson look like. Well, Wilson practiced in full. Zay Jones missed practice again. Marvin Harrison was limited. We're going to talk about that game in a bit. You know, we. I picked up Michael Mayer in a league where I have Kyle Pitts. I'm going to make that switch if. If Jacoby Myers is out. Jacoby Myers has not practiced yet this week. Toe and knee issues for Jacoby Myers. So, I mean, I pulled.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I pulled Mayor from Stardom Cinemas.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, I mean, I think you can make a case of him as a start anyway. I know, Jamie, you don't like the matchup, but if Myers is out, it makes it even better for him. We think.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Well, something else that. That changes for me also, aside from just our conversation yesterday as well, is that the Titans are really good against tight ends. And he was great.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, he had the best game of it, I think, of any tight end. Against the Titans, Christian Watson has a chance to play this week. Darius Slayton missed practice again. Quentin Johnson as we mentioned, he was limited, but now we're expecting him to play CD Lamb.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Good to go. And look, every other place is reporting is practice in full.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah.

[Dave Richard]

Well, it's crazy, so why would every place do it? But the Chargers website doesn't.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

But it was their official. Chef is the one that tweeted it was their official release.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, but.

[Dave Richard]

Okay, it's probably. If their release says full, then it's probably full. But their website is limited. Listen, we're ranking them.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I just wanted to double check. So Shafter's the one that sent out their thing. And then around the NFL, which is the NFL's news reporting service from NFL.com they have it as practice in full.

[Dave Richard]

So, yeah, it's great. Why? Why would the Chargers website not have it?

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, so let's put a little bow on this. Quentin Johnston is going to play. We think we're ranking him that way. He's playing the Colts. I think they give up the third most fantasy points to wide receivers.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yep.

[Adam Aizer]

And they may be getting Kenny Moore back. And also Charvarius Ward is still in the concussion protocol, so they've had injuries. They might be better than that. But how, Jamie, how are you ranking them and where are you ranking the three wide receivers?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I have. McConkey still first dropped him a few spots in the receiver ranking. So he was right around wide receiver 13. Now he's close to 15. Johnson, not far after that. And then Keenan Allen, I dropped a few spots, so he's now 25th.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay. And so I'm going to ask you about the 49ers wide receivers soon. I think they're very tricky because Pierce all missed practice. Jennings was limited. McLaurin and Debo Samuel both missed practice. Debo, I mean, he missed practice last week and he played, so I think we expect him. But we were told that McLaurin was, you know, going to practice this week. It hasn't happened. Are you guys expecting him at this point?

[Dave Richard]

No, not at this point.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, tight ends, we're not expecting Najoku or Bowers. We are expecting Kittle. He is practicing. Jotavian Sanders could be back this week. And then offensive line, Landon Dickerson was limited for the Eagles. That's great news for them. Taylor Decker was limited for the Lions. That's great news for them. Austin Corbett practiced in full after missing the last four games for the Panthers. That's great news for them. On defense, Jalen, what's that jolt?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Also practice.

[Adam Aizer]

Oh, thank you. I forgot to put.

[Dave Richard]

But was it in full or limited.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Report says here report says Joe Alt DNP on Wednesday, limited on Thursday.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, that'd be great if the Chargers could get their left tackle back on defense. Here's the here's the big ones. I think the Lions are beat up in the secondary as we know the Seahawks. If you went and watched the Seahawks Jaguars game, their secondary was terrible. They were leaving guys wide open throughout the game. Well, they were missing three starters. All three of those guys could be back this week for Seattle against Houston. So that would be huge. I've mentioned the Colts thing and the Eagles seem to be getting healthier as Quinion Mitchell practiced in full, Jalen Carter went from full limited and Brandon McManus, Green Bay's kicker, he could play this week. All right, we're going to take a break and when we come back, it's one question for each game and then we'll get into our seven games for today's slate. We'll be right back.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

It's football season and you gotta keep up with the action.

[Adam Aizer]

Listen in to Pushing the Pile part of CBS Sports Podcast Network with Mike Renner, Kyle Long and now me JP.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Acosta for smart analysis of everything between the lines.

[Adam Aizer]

With four episodes a week, Sunday night.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Recaps, film review, power tiers and weekly.

[Adam Aizer]

Previews you will know ball Stick with us until one team lists the Lombardi download and follow Pushing the pile on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere podcasts are found. Philadelphia is at Minnesota. Dave, are you trying to sit your Eagles this Week, if you could.

[Dave Richard]

I'm definitely not sitting Saquon Barkley. I am definitely not sitting Dallas Goddard. I am not sitting Jalen hurts unless I have a really good other option. And probably the same thing for the receivers. But I've lowered expectations for both A.J. brown and Devonte Smith. They are a number two and number three receiver, respectively.

[Adam Aizer]

I mean, the way you framed it, it's almost a little deceiving because like you have Hurts ninth and yeah, I.

[Dave Richard]

Gotta have a better quarterback.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

So it's pretty low.

[Dave Richard]

For, for example, for example, the quarterbacks in the, in the Bucks Lions game, I would, I would take them. The quarterbacks in the Commanders Cowboys game, I would take them. I like Drake May better. I even like Caleb Williams better against New Orleans, but that's it. Jalen hurts, comes in at nine.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay.

[Dave Richard]

And sorry to be deceiving.

[Adam Aizer]

Well, but A.J. brown is, is what, 20 something for you guys? He's 20, 24 for Jamie, 22nd for. For Brown over Dave, 23rd for Heath.

[Dave Richard]

Brown has him first.

[Adam Aizer]

Well, there is a Brown that's first, but it's Saint Brown. But anywho, it's. They're not the Eagles that, that we know and love, obviously. Jamie, Tampa Bay at Detroit. Is there anyone that you don't want to start in this game? Anyone that's usually started that you don't want?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Montgomery's on the cusp of, you know, number two, running back flex. So if you have another option. This just doesn't feel like without a touchdown, he's going to be very good. And the Tampa Bay run defense obviously is good when they're healthy up front. So don't love him. But for the most part, everybody else. Yes.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay. Atlanta's at San Francisco, so this to me is the toughest question. Jamie, I'll throw it to you first, but how are we approaching the 49ers wide receivers this week? Because Kittle expected back. I wonder if the Kendrick Bourne thing is related to Mac Jones. Is he worse? If it's purdy. But Jamie, first word on that. How are you approaching the 49ers wide receivers against the Falcons, I dropped Kendrick.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Bourne a few spots just with the return of Kittle. So start of the week in the, you know, 23, 24ish range. Now he's like 29, 30 right there, but still the best. And Jennings is more of a wide receiver, four in the 40s just because he's so banged up, probably going to play through it. And it's a very good defense. I mean we Got to give them credit like their past defense has been solid across the board. So the quarterback concern, I don't know, it's just. It's not a slam dunk to me.

[Dave Richard]

How many. I'm sorry, Jamie. How many wide receivers have notched 12 plus PPR points against the Falcons this season?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

12.

[Adam Aizer]

3.

[Dave Richard]

Low. Number three. Jamie, do you have a. Jamie, is it higher or lower than 3?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Lower.

[Dave Richard]

You're correct, sir. It is only 2. Ameka Buka, 23.6 points in week one, and Debo Samuel had over 20 in week four is when they played. And that's it. This has been a pretty darn good defense, and they've done this with AJ Terrell missing a lot of games. So I'm not a big fan of either 49ers receiver in this matchup, but I do think it matters who the quarterback is. I think if it's Purdy, I feel like his connection with George Kittle might overshadow both wide receivers. And I know that he's got that relationship with Juwan Jennings. We've referenced all the targets that Juwan Jennings has gotten. Late last year, earlier this year. That's usually a Brock Purdy thing and not necessarily a Mac Jones thing. I have Jennings overborn. I don't love it. It's not something that I'm, like, mega confident in. The one thing I know for sure is that I don't feel Great starting either 49ers receiver.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, new Orleans is at Chicago. Rank the running backs and the wide receivers in this game. You know, I thought this was an easy matchup for Alvin Camara, but it's actually not, so we can get into that. But rank the running backs and wide receivers. Dave, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. My bad. I thought this was an easy matchup for DeAndre Swift, but it's actually not.

[Dave Richard]

You're confusing the running backs in my bet with Heath.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. All right, how do we rank them?

[Dave Richard]

I've got a Dunes a first. I've got Swift second as of now. I know. Did he pop up on the injury report?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

He did, but it was a walkthrough, so I don't think it's anything. He went from full to limited.

[Dave Richard]

Cool. If it's ppr, Olave's next, followed by Camara Shaheeds after that. I don't have DJ Moore ranked, but he'd probably settle in right about here.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, and Jamie, how do you rank the running backs and receivers?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Odunze, Olave Swift, Camara Burden, Shahid, all right. No, she.

[Dave Richard]

It is cool.

[Adam Aizer]

Should heat overburden slightly. All right. Green Bay at Arizona. Can you trust a wide receiver in this game?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I'm starting Luther Burton. Way too many leagues.

[Adam Aizer]

Trust.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I'll trust Romeo Dobbs. Targets have been there.

[Dave Richard]

I think he's in the flex conversation. I think Matthew Golden's in the flex conversation. Cardinals defense isn't that great against the pass, is it? They've had so many injuries. They've. They've allowed a lot. They've allowed five receivers to at least 16 PPR points this season.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

So I, I brought this up to Heath on CBS Sports Network yesterday. Like, he keeps talking about that quarterbacks have somehow found a way to get a lot of volume against the Cardinals. Yeah. And I kind of see it the reverse for this game if there's no Marvin Harrison and the running back situation being what it is. And it's Jacoby Brissette like they. This, this could be a very minimal pass attempt game for Jordan Love based on how the packers have operated.

[Adam Aizer]

Absolutely. Okay, back to one question for each game. Let's go to Houston at Seattle. Are you starting anyone in this game other than Jackson Smith and Jigba and Nico Collins?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Both ESTs are in play based on how they performed and the offenses that they're facing in terms of how good their defenses are, if that makes sense. The quarterbacks know, the running backs know. There's some sleeper plays here. I do like what he marks quite a bit as a flex, but no, must start.

[Adam Aizer]

You don't like.

[Dave Richard]

I like Arnold. I do like Sam Darnold as a start. I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. The way that he's been playing this year, the way that JSN has been playing this year, the way that this offense has been schemed and the lack of effectiveness from the run game, I think will be a huge factor because we, as good as the Texans are against the past, they are even better against the run. And I think Seattle's gonna have a hard time moving it, and I think you're gonna need Darnold to throw the ball a decent amount if, if you're Seattle and you're trying to win, obviously.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Okay. Yeah, this just feels like. I, I think I thought he's nailed this on, on that show as well. Like, this just feels like a very slow, low scoring game where Darnold may play well. I don't, I don't doubt that, but I don't think you're getting the fantasy production. I think we go back to what we saw from Donald Pre two weeks ago where it's kind of living in that 18 point per game range. So I would set him if you can.

[Dave Richard]

We talked a lot about that too. There were a lot of quarterbacks that we felt this week were in that range of what did I call it, like 17 to 21 fantasy points where it's high floor, low ceiling. And I think Darnold has a ceiling a little bit higher than that, but his floor is still in that 17 point range.

[Adam Aizer]

Jamie, you don't.

[Dave Richard]

That's why I've got him 10th.

[Adam Aizer]

You don't like what he Marks ahead of Ken Walker, do you?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

They're almost back to back.

[Adam Aizer]

Oh, okay. And finally Washington at Dallas. How does the return of surprise me.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

If Marks gets more touches?

[Dave Richard]

I agree.

[Adam Aizer]

How does the return of CD Lamb and potentially Terry McClure and affect your rankings? Jamie.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Lamb goes ahead of Pickens, but not by much. I still think both guys have an opportunity here, not just this week, but moving forward. I mean, obviously Vegas is telling us this is going to be a high scoring affair. I think what Dak is doing and how much he's going to continue to throw the ball is going to allow both receivers to play at a very high level. So for McLaurin, it will lower the upside of Debo Samuel, but I still would prefer Samuel, at least in the short term. I know both guys would be banged up, but in the case of Debo, I think based on what he's done so far and how they'll use him in some different ways will still allow him to be better than McLaren.

[Dave Richard]

Plus Debo's taking on the Cowboys and their defense has been brutal. So I, I think that Debo Samuel has a chance at a huge game, especially if McLaurin doesn't play. If McLaurin plays, that could change a little bit. And I, I feel the same way about Pickens. He's a number two receiver. Feel good about starting him.

[Adam Aizer]

And Ferguson is still going to be a mustard. I mean, I think the way I think we're all going to approach it is we're going to treat all the guys like their must starts on the Cowboys. Even though Lamb is coming back, if we see, if we see George Pickens have his target share be as low as it was the first two weeks of the season. 12% and 17%. We'll adjust next week. But right now he's played so well. This could be a total shootout. So just start your Cowboys. All right, Eagles are at Minnesota. Here we go. Stat of the game Jalen Hurts is averaging the same amount of fantasy points per game as Drake May in six point per passing touchdown leagues and more than May in four point for passing touchdown leagues. So I, I even said that on Twitter and I asked who do you think is having a better fantasy season? And we get the poll result results here because they're, they're even in six point and Hertz has been better in four point and 73% said Drake may is having a better season than Jayla Hertz. It's just perception. Hertz just hasn't been as bad as it seems. He scores at least 22 points pretty much every week. All right, with that said, he is not as high as he usually is. We talked about that five minutes ago in one question for each game. Dave said some of the guys he'd rank ahead of him, golf and Baker, Caleb Williams. So he's about eighth in the rankings. Jalen Hurts Barkley, you know Jamie, you actually have him, I think 13th. Dave, you have him six. So 1212. All right. I mean it's, we're splitting hairs here, but are there a few guys maybe that you'd highlight that you'd start over him?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Quinch on Judkins, Javante Williams for now. Rico Dowdle until the rankings are updated with Chuba Hubbard in it. So there is a world where you could be sitting Saquon Barkley for guys that have either a been better than him over the course of the season or recently or have the chance to be better than him this week. Like to me, Judkins against the Dolphins as opposed to Saquon against the Vikings, while the Vikings run defense, not as great as probably you would think, is still a big opportunity for him. So I, I do think you're starting BARKLEY in, in 99 of the scenarios. And even if you have some of these guys, you're like, I'm not saying Saquon Barkley, why could I do that? But I do think there's other players in some better spots just based on rankings.

[Dave Richard]

I feel like this is a Saquon week because it hasn't been a Saquon week either of the past two games for Philadelphia. I think he has 18 total carries in his last two games. And this is the same Minnesota defense that allowed Kenneth Gainwell to look like Saquon Barkley. So if it's, if it's that type of a situation, I feel like Philadelphia with their offensive line getting Landon Dickerson back, I think that will help quite a bit. I wish Jordan May a Lotta was playing a little bit better, but that's more of a pass pro thing than anything else. I. I do think that Saquon gets a lot of work, finds the end zone, maybe has 100 total yards on top of it. Obvious guy that you're starting anyway, but maybe raise the expectations even with Blake Cashman coming back from Minnesota.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, Philadelphia wide receivers, how would you rank Jordan Mason, Jordan Addison, A.J. brown and Devonte Smith? So we'll look at all the flexes. Obviously we're starting Justin Jefferson. He's a stud. But the two Eagles wide receivers, Jordan Mason and Jordan Addison. Dave, how would you rank those guys?

[Dave Richard]

I've got Brown first. This is in full ppr. I've got Addison second, Mason third, and then that would mean Devonte Smith is fourth.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, so you said Brown, Addison, Mason, Devonte Smith.

[Dave Richard]

Yes.

[Adam Aizer]

Jamie, how about you?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Mason skip a lot. Brown, Addison and then skip a lot.

[Adam Aizer]

And then Smith expand on that. Why is Mason clearly ahead of A.J. brown for you?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Oh, I mean, Mason's been solid. You know, the fact that he's got three catches each of his last two games, I think is very encouraging. But scored a touchdown against Cleveland. That's not easy to do. We saw what he's able to accomplish against the Bengals, which is the fun part about what he's been able to do. But look at the run running backs and what they've been able to accomplish against the Eagles with Jalen Carter. Without Jalen Carter really hasn't made much of a difference from the overall production. But clearly, case by case, it matters. I just think the way that he's running the ball. They've talked about this yesterday in regards to the passing game. The offensive line is getting healthy for Minnesota coming off their bye week as well, so there's not anybody to threaten him for. I think touches, you know, maybe Xavon Scott gets a couple if he's healthy. But just what Mason's been able to accomplish so far, I think he's going to be the guy that's the catalyst of this offense.

[Dave Richard]

I'd like to look up how this Eagles run defenses with and without Jalen Carter.

[Adam Aizer]

I've got it, Dave.

[Dave Richard]

Oh, so how convenient.

[Adam Aizer]

Instead of the plays where he's on the field, I looked at the four games that he has played and they allow for the Sea. I don't have the two games without him, but for the season, they allow 4.36 yards per carry to running backs. Specifically in the four games with Jalen Carter, they allow 4.1 yards per carry to running backs. So it's probably about a three, three and a half yard per carry difference, which is not nothing but four for one yards per carry. Running backs is not a defense that I shy away from necessarily in terms of the matchup. But they're better with him. They've been better with him, no doubt. All right, so do you guys. You guys have. You guys have A.J. brown, like, just inside your top 24, basically, we'll just leave it at that. We talked about that earlier. I'll throw out some other names because you did not agree on Jordan Mason. How about Kamani Vidal or A.J. brown?

[Dave Richard]

I have Brown.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Higher.

[Adam Aizer]

Jamie says Vidal. How about Bill or B.J. brown?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I would start Bill over Barkley.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay. Oh, okay. Jameson Williams or AJ Brown?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Jamo, AJ all right.

[Adam Aizer]

It's funny because you guys don't have AJ Brown ranked. That's that dissimilarly. But I guess I'm asking you about other players that you are far apart on. Devonte Smith. I think we pretty much know what he is. You know, he's only had two good games all year. Dallas Goddard, man, Dallas Goddard has seven or more targets in four games. He had seven or more targets three times last year. A.J. brown missed two of those three games. So it just basically never happens. And now it's happening a lot. And it's. It's a huge storyline because he's been one of the most efficient tight ends in the NFL in his career, and he's proving it finally with the targets. I'm just wondering why you don't have him ranked higher. Jamie, you have ninth, I think.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Got her. I shuffled a few things around so he's a little bit higher, but he's got four touchdowns or four games in a row with a touchdown, five touchdowns over that span. He's been, like you said, efficient and now used more. So the coordinator change is something that's benefited him to a very big way in a very big way. And if they're going, you know, Dave brought this up about Barkley. This. This should be a Barkley week. Well, what did we see last week started out like a Barkley week. First drive looked like it was going to be a Barkley week, and then they just forget about Saquon Barkley for whatever reason. And that's been a benefit to Dallas Goddard, I think, the most, because A.J. brown's targets have been very consistent since week one. When Goddard's getting these opportunities, he's a mustard guy.

[Dave Richard]

It's easier for Hertz to throw to Goddard than it is for him to throw to Brown and Smith because he works much closer to the line of scrimmage. Obviously not saying that Goddard is, you know, only getting passes of like three and five yards. He's getting some downfield shots too. But I almost feel like Hertz might be the most confident throwing to Goddard compared to Brown and and Smith at this point.

[Adam Aizer]

Well, I think the problem with Goddard is that he has a game with two targets. He has a game with four targets. It could always go that way with him. He has one game with more than 44 yards, but he has four targets from the five yard line or closer, which is as many as he had in the last four previous four seasons combined. It's wild. Minnesota is also 20.

[Dave Richard]

Smart decision. It's a smart. If your quarterback is is not doing well throwing the ball 10 plus yards downfield, find somebody who can do good work in closer range and that's what Goddard's done.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, let's finish up on this game. Carson Wentz is outside the top 20. We heard Jordan Mason. Good case there from Jamie. Dave's a little bit lower on Mason, but he's a number two running back. Justin Jefferson start. Dave, give me your quick thoughts on Addison. You're the high guy on Addison you have him 23rd and Hawkinson we have as a second a sit. You're actually the high guy on him. You have him 15th and he's a sit. But just finish wrap up here with those two guys.

[Dave Richard]

He's played one in three quarters games. In his first game back he had eight targets in the game. He didn't play in the first quarter. He had six targets. He scored at least 10 non PPR points in each game. He's a very good number two receiver. We know. I, I think Philadelphia is going to have Quinon Mitchell back. When the week started, I wasn't sure if he was going to play, but I still think Mitchell's going to be on Justin Jefferson. I don't think that makes a difference against Justin Jefferson, but it does mean that it's going to be those other cornerbacks that the Eagles have that'll be on Jordan, Addison and Addison can beat them. So that's a receiver that I kind of like the upside for.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Okay.

[Adam Aizer]

And Hawkinson we just can't trust. Would you guys start a DST in this game?

[Dave Richard]

I have Philly as a top 12 DST but it's, it's based on Carter playing and they probably should be lowered if that offensive line is, is looking good. They're a low end starting DST for me.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Eagles low end, Vikings slightly behind him. I just will say one thing about Addison. There's only been one number two receiver that has done well against them, and they faced a couple of good ones. You know, George Pickens, for example, being one of them. But Adams is the only good number two receiver to perform well against this team. Number one receivers have crushed them.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, it's. He just. He, like makes his week on these big plays or touchdown every week, and it's tough to count on that, but he's done it basically for his entire career.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

That's a credit to Kevin o' Connell getting open. It's credit to, you know, the quarterbacks, whoever it's been during that time to find him. You know, you go back to the first game that he played against the Steelers, he was wide open on the 81 yard reception. You know, so he's a good player. I mean, it's just a matter of, you know, can he have success against his defense? Which most number two receivers have not.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, rapid fire questions. Mason or Pittman?

[Dave Richard]

Michael Pittman. Mason and non ppr.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Mason and both.

[Adam Aizer]

Goddard or Tyler Warren?

[Dave Richard]

Tyler. Warren.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Still Tyler. But it's close.

[Adam Aizer]

Pick two. McMillan. Tetterella. McMillan. Mason. Ken Walker.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Not Ken Watson.

[Dave Richard]

Walker.

[Adam Aizer]

Coker or Addison?

[Dave Richard]

Addison.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Addison.

[Adam Aizer]

Addison or McLaurin? If McLaurin plays, I'll take McLaren.

[Dave Richard]

McLaurin's playing Dallas. I think it has to be Tara McLaurin.

[Adam Aizer]

He's probably not playing at this point, but yeah, if he plays, if he.

[Dave Richard]

Were to play in an imag ordinary world where he is available.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, we're gonna take one more break. Tampa Bay and Detroit when we come back.

[Dave Richard]

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[Adam Aizer]

It's the counselor of cash seeing Ajad.

[Dave Richard]

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[Adam Aizer]

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

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[Adam Aizer]

All right, Tampa Bay's at Detroit and who's your favorite quarterback in this game, Goff?

[Dave Richard]

I have Mayfield one spot higher.

[Adam Aizer]

We're both what, top six?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yep.

[Dave Richard]

Top six.

[Adam Aizer]

Start them both. Who's your favorite running back in this game?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Gibbs.

[Dave Richard]

Jameer Gibbs.

[Adam Aizer]

I know you know, he's RB10 per game. He's a little bit of a little disappointing this year. Rashad White has scored 17 or more fantasy points in each of the last two games, but only one running back all year has scored more than 16 PPR fantasy points against the Detroit Lions. And they're getting Ali McNeil back. So within this great environment, there is a tough matchup there. All right, start.

[Dave Richard]

You're going to ask us our favorite receiver in this game.

[Adam Aizer]

Well, you know, I was thinking about this Mike Evans. I don't know if people consider him a bilo, but he's had such a bad start to this season. Right. It's obviously you can make the case, well, he's coming back. There's no Abuka, there's no Godwin. Sure. But people might look at the way he started and go, oh, he's old. Well, he's got an A.J. terrell, Derek Stingley and Sauce Gardner in three games. It couldn't have been worse. Basically, for, for Mike Evans, there's a possibility that he's just going to be amazing going forward.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Right.

[Dave Richard]

I mean, well, hold on now he's got rocky scene and Amik Robertson and I gotta go back and look at my notes to see who the slot corner is. But he's not gonna lamp at the slide. It doesn't matter. So yes, to your point, very different type of matchup for Mike Evans. Without a Buka and Godwin on the.

[Adam Aizer]

Field, he could be better than Saint Brown. All right, but what are the Tough calls in this game. Montgomery is a tough call. JMO is a tough call. Who do you like? Who do you like better, Jamo or Montgomery?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Jamo.

[Dave Richard]

Jamo's got way more upside.

[Adam Aizer]

He does. But he also has been one of the. Before last week, one of the worst fantasy players of the year.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

You know, his track record at home, I think you buy into that. He said one good home game, one bad home game. One of the bad ones. The bad one was against the Browns. I think you just hope that what we saw last week, where he finally was getting those opportunities that we thought were going to happen. Based on all the off season talk, this is the scenario you love for him. Big total home game, struggling secondary, like he should go off. He should.

[Dave Richard]

The Buck secondary, I believe, is still pretty beat up.

[Adam Aizer]

Is it? Okay, well, that's. That's good. We. We like that. Yeah.

[Dave Richard]

So double check the injury report on that.

[Adam Aizer]

Rashad White or Saquon Barkley. Lol. Dave.

[Dave Richard]

Oh, gosh. When you say things like that and then go lol, like, I wonder if you're putting it into the universe that Rashad White ends up with a better stat line.

[Adam Aizer]

No, I, I was lolling the injury report thing. I thought this was a callback to the Chargers joke, but then I realized.

[Dave Richard]

Yeah, that's what I'm doing.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay. Yeah, I was lolling Rashad White or Barkley. What do you think?

[Dave Richard]

It's Barkley.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, it's Barkley.

[Adam Aizer]

It doesn't have to be Barkley. Sean White, the starting running back for the Bucks, is like a guaranteed stud.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, but.

[Dave Richard]

All right, well, that's why we have Rashad White ranked where we have them, like behind.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I mean, I, I have one at 12 and one of 14, so I'm not, you know, totally disagreeing with you, but.

[Dave Richard]

And I've got a. I've got a bigger gap. I've got Barkley at 6 and Rashad White at 16. White should probably be a little higher. So the cornerbacks for Tampa, they are getting healthy. Zion McCollum had a full practice according to the Bucs official website. Benjamin Morrison, the rookie corner, full practice. Jamel Dean played last week. Christian is in, played last week, so they're gonna miss Winfield at safety, but otherwise this is going to be as close to full strength as the Buck secondary has been in a while.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, how about the Bucks passing game? Where do you have Jamie? Where do you have the wide receivers ranked?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Evans is right around 1314, so high end number two receiver Shepard is right around 40th. You know, just with the hope that he gets the bump. And then the other two guys are dart throws outside the top 48, but close to 50 with Tez Johnson ahead of Cameron Johnson.

[Adam Aizer]

And Dave, how do you see it? And you can throw Kate Otten in there as well.

[Dave Richard]

I've got Mike Evans as the top receiver. He's a low end, number two receiver as of now because it's the first game back and because I think he's not going to work downfield as much. I like Tez Johnson. I love the speed that he has. I like that he had an 84 route rate last week that was about double what Cameron Johnson has.

[Adam Aizer]

And it's the game of the week.

[Dave Richard]

Yeah.

[Adam Aizer]

The Bucks at the Lions. It's a Monday night shootout, baby, and it's the game of the week.

[Dave Richard]

Hey.

[Adam Aizer]

The music wasn't loud enough. I'm sorry. I'm gonna do it again. Ready?

[Dave Richard]

Let's go. Stop.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah.

[Dave Richard]

I really like Ted Johnson. All right.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, Dave. Well, so who would you like? Who are some wide receivers that you might start a second Bucks wide receiver over? A Tez Johnson or a Sterling Shepherd? You know, maybe a guy like Wandell Robinson or Romeo Dobbs or Rashid Sheikh.

[Dave Richard]

No, not those guys.

[Adam Aizer]

No. But.

[Dave Richard]

No, but Hollywood goes to shepherd and.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And Jacobe Myers.

[Dave Richard]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Adam Aizer]

But Trey Tucker would be ahead of these guys, right?

[Dave Richard]

Yeah, Trey Tucker's ahead. It's really a bunch of, like, mediocre guys that you're not expecting, like, much from. I've got Tez Johnson, for example, ahead of Cooper.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Cup.

[Dave Richard]

Cup is coming off of a pretty good game. It's a tough matchup against Houston. I'd rather try and catch lightning with Tez.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, so your favorite number two Bucks receiver is Tez Johnson, and Jamie's is Shepard, right?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yes.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay. I just. Oh, man. I just feel like someone's gonna have a big game. Tez Johnson only needs one play to make that happen. Kate Otten's another guy. Kate Otten or Mason Taylor this week? Taylor, Taylor, Kate Otten or. Sorry, Evan England.

[Dave Richard]

Ingram over Otten.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

For me, I'll take out. No RVing.

[Adam Aizer]

Kate Otten or Hunter.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Like, the same type of guy. You know, you're hoping for a. A the target increase that we've seen from Ingram for the last three weeks, which has been 6, 6, and 7. So 6, 7, and then for. For Otten, you're hoping for a big boost, but as you've noted time and time again, most of the boost has come when it's been somebody Other than Evans missing. When Evans has been there. I'm sorry. When Evans has been missing is when not inside the bump. When Evans has been there, it hasn't been the same.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, let's. Let's read some questions here. Ready? Montgomery or Waller or Walker? Montgomery or Walker?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Montgomery.

[Dave Richard]

Agreed.

[Adam Aizer]

Montgomery or Swift?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Swift.

[Dave Richard]

Swift.

[Adam Aizer]

As of now, would you start Rashad White over Nico Collins? Courtland, Sutton or Jalen Waddle?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

No. Stick with their Sears. But they're all.

[Dave Richard]

I agree. I agree.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay. Jameson Williams or Quentin Johnston?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

PPR Q. Quentin Johnson.

[Adam Aizer]

Dak or Baker? JMO or ETN Jamo? I'll take ETN Jamo or Odunze.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Odunse.

[Adam Aizer]

Rome Johnston. Quentin Johnston or Mike Evans?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Q. Evans. If the theory of they're both coming off of injuries. I'll take the guy with the better matchup.

[Adam Aizer]

Pick two. Evans, Sutton, Olave.

[Dave Richard]

I'd sit Olave.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I would sit Olave as well. Okay.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, that's it for that game. Sit the DSTs. Next up, we've got. What do we got? I've got a scroll. Atlanta, San Francisco, another candidate for game of the week, but I can't do it. So let's put up this graphic here and take a look at these two teams. On paper, you've got arguably the best passing offense in the NFL, or at least most prolific one against the best pass defense in the NFL. The 49ers. Second most pass attempts per game in football. The Falcons, they see the second.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

They.

[Adam Aizer]

They see the fewest pass attempts per game. So quarterbacks are throwing 26 times per game against Atlanta, the Falcon or the Niners. Pardon me. They throw 40 times per game. The Falcons average 306.3 gross passing yards per game. That is number one in the NFL. Teams are averaging 156.4 passing yards per game against the Falcons. That's fewest in the NFL. So it's like you know which what wins here. Dave, how do you see this? You've got this high powered passing offense that throws a ton against the Falcons where no quarterback has thrown for more than 180 yards. Against Atlanta, I think you're going to.

[Dave Richard]

See the 49ers try to do what they've always done or this year what they've always done. And that's work hard to try and figure out a way for Christian McCaffrey to have a decent rushing average, but ultimately throw the ball all over the place.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Okay. It's worth noting that's against Baker Mayfield. Yep. Jane Daniels and Josh Allen.

[Adam Aizer]

Baker Mayfield averaged 5.9, 5.2 yards per attempt. That's awful. His lowest of the year. Josh Allen averaged 6.9 yards per attempt against the Falcons, his second lowest of the year. I think.

[Dave Richard]

I think it wasn't Jane Daniels, it was Marcus Mariota.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Oh, you're right. I'm sorry.

[Adam Aizer]

Oh, yes. I think the game against the Bills, when they got Terrell back and they're putting pressure on Allen, I said, okay, I think this defense is pretty legit. You know, you never know the 49ers can make any good the 40. Look what the 49ers did to the Rams defense. They're legit. And then that Thursday night game with Mac Jones was no problem for them. So, you know, are we. Are we optimistic about the 49ers this week?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I think in the case of Mac Jones, you had the. You saw the highs and the lows of it last week, right? He threw for 347 yards, but no touchdowns and two picks. You know, so as our colleague Pete Prisco likes to say time and time again, with these backup quarterbacks, you are who you are. And sometimes that just shows itself. And that kind of what happened to Mac Jones potentially last week, has he.

[Adam Aizer]

Not watched Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Fair? But I mean, there's a reason why a guy bounces around the league and sometimes doesn't get those chances to have the resurrection. In any event, hey, look, he struggled. So I think in the case of the. The. Because it's easy to find, you don't have to start Mac Jones. He's at best, I think for most people, a Super Flex or 2 QB option. You're starting McCaffrey. If Kittle comes back, I think you're starting him no matter what. Just because of the upside and potential. It comes down to what you think of the receiver. So you have two straight games of Kendrick Bourne being a stud, 142 yards in each of those games. To Dave's point. Is that a Mac Jones thing? Is that a Brock Purdy thing? Will he favor Juwan Jennings more so than he would Kendrick Bourne? I can't trust Joanne Jennings at this point because of the injuries. I think he's playing because of his contract and what the incentives are to get on the field. I think in most cases he'd probably be sitting five broken ribs, bad ankles, like he's just beat up. As you said, Adam, he's. He's the operation game. So it's just for me, too hard to trust. I will trust the player who's looked the way that he has the last two weeks in terms of Kendrick Bourne at this point, we don't expect Ricky Pierasol. So I think you just kind of lower expectations for Bourne based on what we saw and if the quarterback change is there. To me, Jennings is, is an outright situation.

[Adam Aizer]

Kendrick Bourne or Jameson Williams?

[Dave Richard]

Jmo.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I'll go jamo.

[Adam Aizer]

Kendrick Bourne or Romeo Dobbs?

[Dave Richard]

Dobbs.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Dobbs. But that's close.

[Adam Aizer]

Kendrick Bourne or Matthew Golden?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Born.

[Dave Richard]

Golden. I'm low on born.

[Adam Aizer]

Kendrick Bourne or Darnell Mooney?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Is Mooney playing?

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, I think he's playing.

[Dave Richard]

What is he on the injury report?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

He's been limited all week but for.

[Dave Richard]

A month and doesn't really, I mean.

[Adam Aizer]

I'm not, I cannot start Darnell Mooney who's had a crap season over a guy.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I would never start Mooney.

[Dave Richard]

I don't think you can either. Yeah, but not for nothing with Juwan Jennings. He played, he had an 80 route rate, nearly an 80 route rate last week. And I, I, he's never been a fast receiver, but he still had quickness like he was still able to move and find ways to get open. He just wasn't getting a lot of targets. I don't know if that was by design and they made him a decoy because of all the injuries. I don't know if the extra week of practice has helped him. I'm just kind of chancing it on Purdy's back. Purdy's leaned on him and he'll have some opportunities with Purdy that he might not have with Mac Jones.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, but Purdy's not necessarily back, so we got to start with that.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And if Purdy's back, he's not healthy.

[Adam Aizer]

If Purdy is back, is he a top 15 quarterback for you?

[Dave Richard]

He'd be in that range, maybe a.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Little bit below maybe in that Sam Darnold potential starter range at best.

[Dave Richard]

That's what he is almost every week anyway.

[Adam Aizer]

Penix is really interesting because he was playing pretty damn well until Jake Matthews got hurt last week. Matthews is going to play this week.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Right.

[Adam Aizer]

And think he's good to go and but you guys have him as a sit. Michael Penix, he just never runs. Start Bijan, start London. Start us at Kyle Pitts and we'll finish there.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Low end starter. I, I want to hope that what last week, what happened last week is not the norm because with Mooney without money, that's going to sway some things as well. But the two games that he had played great were with Mooney not on the field. And then last week it was just so concentrated to the two players. So right now I have London as my number one receiver for the week.

[Dave Richard]

If Mooney's out, I've got more injury report drama for you guys. Hey.

[Adam Aizer]

What?

[Dave Richard]

Jake Matthews did not practice on Wednesday. On Thursday's report, there is no designation. It's just blank. Okay, but not Arthur blank.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And then it's anytime somebody's on the injury report, they keep them on the report the entire week. Right.

[Dave Richard]

But so, but why is there no. Like, there's not even the little line that they have when a player isn't there Wednesday and then they show up on. They pop up on the injury report on Thursday like they have literally nothing there. So I might have to go and look for a beat reporter because I do think having Jake Matthews.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

They are not there.

[Dave Richard]

I think that matters considerably. Even though the 49ers pass rush hasn't been the same since Bosa went down.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, yeah. In terms of the Darnell Mooney effect, the just target per route run rate, Kyle Pitt's not really affected so far this year. Drake London has been the one who's been super affected by it. Not that we're going to sit London, but when he has struggled, it's really been when Mooney has played. And also Penix has struggled in those games, oddly enough.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And Matthews did not practice yesterday.

[Dave Richard]

Right. I just found it.

[Adam Aizer]

Big deal. That's a big deal. All right. Literally, we got to wrap this up.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And it's funny, on the Falcons report, they say Quentin Johnson practicing full too.

[Adam Aizer]

Falcons DST is 13th for Jamie, 18th for Dave and 12th for Heath. They are very good. And the foul. And the Niners have been a little turnover prone. New Orleans is at Chicago. Stat of the game. All right. Is this a good matchup for DeAndre Swift? Well, first of all, he had 7.7 yards per carry last week. But in his tenure with Chicago, which is almost a year and a half now, DeAndre Swift has averaged more than four yards per carry in back to back games only once. So he does tend to fool us. The Saints, meanwhile, I didn't realize that there's pretty good run defense. So far, they allowed 3.74 yards per carrier to running backs, their 12th best against running backs in fantasy. I look at them and I see a team that might be like the Giants where they're kind of tough at home and awful on the road. And this is only going to be their third road game, so we'll see. But if this game were at Home. I would be thinking maybe an upset here, but it's. It's in Chicago, but I don't know. Like it's Swift coming off a great game in an unexpected situation last week because the Commanders have a great run defense. Jamie starter sit DeAndre Swift must start running back.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

You know, based on what he has looked like the last three games, it's hard to get past his role in Ben Johnson's offense. What the expectations are for this game in terms of a scoring perspective for Chicago. You mentioned the Saints on the road. I think also yes, their, their yards per carry, not great. Prior to last week, every running back against them has scored. A running back in every game against them had scored at least 14.4 PPR points. That's a very good number two running back. If that number hits, I'd be very surprised if Swift healthy, gets his usual workload, doesn't come close to that number. So I think he's got top 15 upside.

[Dave Richard]

I love how the offensive line played for Chicago last week. It's the first time in like three years that they looked as good as they did and they were so smart on how they deployed Swift against Washington. I, I like him. As long as he's healthy and he's out there. I think you've got to view him as a top 15 fantasy running back. There's. There's another wrinkle that I want to bring up and this is a trend that I've tracked over the years and it hits a lot of the time. Like I don't, I don't have the exact percentage, but it's a lot. Who's the defensive coordinator for the Bears?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yep.

[Dave Richard]

No, his name is not yet. It's Dennis Allen and he is the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints. And usually when the former defense, the former defensive coordinator or head coach, whatever comes back to take on his former team, or in this case is at home taking on his former team, you usually see a big edge for the team that he's currently on. Now, there was an example earlier this year when Matt Eberflus played against Chicago and Eber flu. Just I don't know how many good players he has or if his scheme is any good, but he got absolutely drubbed. This isn't going to be that case. I think you're going to see Chicago's offense pop this week because they're taking on the Saints and Dennis Allen knows what he's dealing with there.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, we like Caleb. He's top eight. He's fourth for Heath closer to seventh for Jamie and Dave. The Saints give up the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Every quarterback has scored at least 19.6 fantasy points against the Saints and 6 point per passing touchdown leagues Jamie just said DeAndre Swift is a must start. Romo Dunes A is a must start. DJ Moore so DJ Moore has been so disappointing and I understand people aren't going to start him if he's out. Do you think Lutheran Burden will score more fantasy points than what DJ Moore usually scores which is around 9?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yes, I I think what we saw last week is similar it you hope to see more from rookie wide receivers after buys and we saw it with Matthew golden, we saw it with Burden. Now more got hurt in the middle of that game. I think it was and still played so it wasn't like he left the field and I know it was a crappy game for their passing attack because Swift was so good in the Washington defense. He did have their most receptions and was second and receiving yards. It was terrible across the board for them entirely as DeAndre Swift was their leading receiver from a yarder standpoint. So I do think that based on the matchup there's an opportunity here for Luther Burton to be in that number three receiver range. If DJ Moore is out because you expect a bump in playing time.

[Dave Richard]

The bad news is that it was a 39% route rate for Burden last week. The good news is that was his season high. So maybe they're building on this and the breakout is coming.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, let's talk about some other players in this game. Jamie, I'm going to give you Camara. Why aren't you guys a little higher on Camara? He's got five to six targets in four of his last five games. The Bears are a good matchup but you guys have him just inside the top 24.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

He's allergic to the end zone at this point. They're giving still Kendra Miller work. You now have Taysom Hill as a factor taking carries as well. I think just the body of work for Camara is not exactly great so I wouldn't call him a sit. He's not a must start. So I think he's just a low end number two running back which is probably what he'll be most of the season.

[Dave Richard]

His Dave share, his snap share has declined basically over the entire season. But really the last two weeks, Week 553 Week 664 this coincides with not one thing but two things. Taysom Hill's back and Taysom Hill got up to like 24 snapshare last week and Kendra Miller is starting to see an uptick in playing time as well. And Jamie said it the body of work for Alvin Camara. It's hard to be excited or optimistic. One game this year with 14 plus PPR points.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And he spoke at length yesterday about why he wants to stay in New Orleans. So I would say it's. It'd be a big surprise if he's traded unless there is a overwhelming offer.

[Dave Richard]

Did he, did he suggest that he'll retire if he's traded?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I did not see it that. But that might have been something about.

[Dave Richard]

Like going to get a drink if he's traded.

[Adam Aizer]

Oh, well, I don't know if that's. Retiring can do that when you're active. Okay. So anyway, Chris Olave. Please talk to me about Chris Olave. He loves Chris Olave. Does anyone love Olave this week against the Bears or allow the eighth most fantasy points to wide receivers?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Great number two receiver for this week. 21 targets in his last two games. You know, starting to make some more plays down the field. Finally scored a touchdown three games ago. You know, hopefully we can see a little bit more end zone work for him as well. So let's keep it going.

[Adam Aizer]

He has the fourth most end zone targets in the NFL. He's tied with six end zone targets, but Olave has only scored one. Rashid Shahid, you know, he's usually around 10, nine PPR fantasy points unless he makes a big play or scores a touchdown. Gets five targets a game. I don't think we're going to start any of the Saints tight ends, but if we did, maybe it's Taysom Hill and you're just hoping for a touchdown. But he does not have a single target in two games. So if, if catches count, you better hope Taysom Hill scores a touchdown. And then we're not starting Loveland or commit, are we?

[Dave Richard]

No, you can stash Loveland still, but if you have the option to move off of him and get burdened, for example, I would do that.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, some questions here. Jordan Mason or DeAndre Swift?

[Dave Richard]

Swift.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I go swift. But it's close.

[Adam Aizer]

Caleb Williams or Bo Nix?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Caleb. But it's not close.

[Adam Aizer]

Loveland or Juwan Johnson?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Tyler Hegby.

[Dave Richard]

I feel like you can do better than Tyler Higby off the waiver wire, but I'm, I'm going in the same direction you are. Find somebody off waivers, half PPR.

[Adam Aizer]

If there's no DJ Moore, start two. Luther Burden, Teterom McMillan, Jerry Judy Wandell. Robinson.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Tet and Robinson.

[Dave Richard]

I agree.

[Adam Aizer]

I think I. If there's no more, I think I take a chance on burden and have PPR over. Or no, I go, Judy.

[Dave Richard]

But Ted Rogan, you'd have some faith in Burden then.

[Adam Aizer]

Yes.

[Dave Richard]

So faith. If no more. Got it.

[Adam Aizer]

Is that well done, Videl or Swift?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Swift.

[Dave Richard]

It's Swift.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, next game.

[Dave Richard]

It's.

[Adam Aizer]

It.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

What is it?

[Dave Richard]

Oh, I've got the quote from Camara. He said if. If the GM comes downstairs and essentially tells him that he's traded. Quote. I'm going to go drink a pina colada somewhere.

[Adam Aizer]

Oh, okay.

[Dave Richard]

If that means he's going to his local Chili's and ordering up a pina colada and then moving to his new team.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I mean, it might be a favorite place in New Orleans. If he. If he's leaving, does he then go.

[Dave Richard]

And get a pina colada every week at his favorite place?

[Adam Aizer]

You could definitely get a pina colada in New Orleans, right? I mean, that's, that's.

[Dave Richard]

Well, I mean, you go there to have a hurricane first and foremost.

[Adam Aizer]

Oh, speaking of which, we got a big game coming up. We got to finish this show before the game starts tonight. Five minutes per game. Green Bay at Arizona.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

You guys aren't losing. What are you talking about?

[Adam Aizer]

It's gonna be a tough. No, it's gonna be upset.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Could be a good game.

[Adam Aizer]

Upset alert.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

For sure. You're not losing until the playoffs, if at all.

[Adam Aizer]

All right. Upset alert. Anyway. Green Bay at Arizona.

[Dave Richard]

I'm already hating when that happens.

[Adam Aizer]

Every quarterback that's faced Arizona has thrown 36 or more passes. Oh, and no, wait. Every quarterback to face Green bay has thrown 36 or more passes. Green Bay and Arizona see this. First and second most pass attempts in the NFL. How about that?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I love when you read your notes as if you're reading it for the first time and it's a big surprise. Oh, no.

[Adam Aizer]

I knew. Arizona sees. I forgot that Green Bay also pass attempts are great for fantasy. They are what we want. The past attempts rule. So you have the two teams that see the most pass attempts in the NFL per game going up head to head here. All right, who do you like better if they. If they both play Jordan Love or Kyler Murray?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Love.

[Dave Richard]

Love.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay. Do you like Jordan Love this week?

[Dave Richard]

Yes.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I like love. I don't love love, but I love love.

[Adam Aizer]

All right. He hasn't really been that great. Sam Darnold or Jordan Love?

[Dave Richard]

I have Darnold one spot ahead of Love.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah. Take the match up.

[Adam Aizer]

Above Chicago or I mean Caleb Williams or Jordan.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Williams.

[Adam Aizer]

Williams team QB Jordan Love or Justin Fields?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Love feels for me.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, start Josh Jacobs. Dobbs is the best receiver. Is he in your top 30 for Green Bay?

[Dave Richard]

He is not right in that range. Yes, close but not there.

[Adam Aizer]

And they got to get Matthew golden more involved. This guy is a, is a lightning strike. He is super explosive. They gave him a short area throw and he, he made a move turned it up field for a big gain last week.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

That has to be more. That's what.

[Dave Richard]

Yes.

[Adam Aizer]

And he scored double digit fantasy points in three straight games. But it's been Cleveland and then Dallas and Cincinnati. They've had a favorable schedule the last two weeks.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And I like, I like the, the two rush attempts too.

[Adam Aizer]

Right? Yeah. Just give this man the ball.

[Dave Richard]

Doing a lot of Jaden Reed stuff.

[Adam Aizer]

Romeo Dobbs though. He has five of Green Bay's 11 end zone targets. That's terrific. And he has 17 targets in his last two games. Is there a wide receiver that you'd start other than Marvin Harrison Jr. For Arizona?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

No. I mean when you're choosing between Zay Jones and. And Michael Wilson, you just hope that it's a lot of Trey McBride.

[Dave Richard]

I think it comes down to who the quarterback is. If, if it's Jacoby Brissette Number one, that's great for Trey McBride. We saw that last week. And number two, I almost feel like you've got a better chance of getting something out of the receivers with Brissette than you do with Kyler Murray at this point. Like he played from the pocket much better through a bunch of accurate throws. We know that Kyler A doesn't always have good accuracy downfield, B doesn't always make good decisions with the football and C will sometimes run when he's not sure who to throw to when he's looking downfield. So I, I'm starting Zay Jones potentially in, in our, in our dynasty league because I'm just absolutely massacred at wide receiver. That's a three receiver, two flex league and I don't like it. I'm hoping he plays and I'm hoping he gives me like the 12 PPR points that he had last week. And I'm hoping that bersets the quarterback that does it. In fact, if it is Kyler Murray and not Brissette, I will probably find a way to sit Zay Jones if Jones is even active.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I think it's going to be fascinating to see just bigger picture like which of these injury replacement wide receivers, one or Two of them are going to win some leagues for people. So the, the Tampa Bay guys. Shepherd, one of the two, you know, Tez Johnson or Cameron Johnson, a Zay Jones, Michael Wilson, a Josh Reynolds. You know, there's going to be somebody who steps up into one of these situations and it's like, oh, okay, the, the Rams situation. You know, two, two Atwell or Jordan Winnington. Like there's so many opportunities here to stream Luther Burton still. I mean he's available in so many leagues.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, it just came through. Breaking news. Garrett Wilson's been ruled out. Not that it's surprise, but Josh Reynolds enters this. This chat and you know what we should do, Jamie? I say on the mailbag, let's devote a few minutes to that. I need a wide receiver this week. Let's talk about the guys that could really step up. But in this game, you're not super optimistic about Michael Wilson or Zay Jones. McBride is going to get a ton of targets. I'm. I'm optimistic about Tucker Craft this week. This is a great matchup. I could go through it, but it's a be a waste of time. But Arizona, they give up the six most fantasy points to tight ends and you just got. You get guys like Juwan Johnson, Jatavian Sanders, A.J. barner having big games against, against Arizona. So we like Kraft.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, he's my favorite packers pass catcher by far.

[Adam Aizer]

Would you start Harold Fannin or Craft?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Craft.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, Dave.

[Dave Richard]

I'd go Fannin in full ppr.

[Adam Aizer]

Which Arizona running back do you prefer and do you want to start either of them?

[Dave Richard]

Don't really want to start either one of them, but it would be bam night. Oh, no. I think I actually have Carter overnight now because of projected game script. I think if, if the Cardinals are trailing, I think Carter's the better running back for them. Assuming D. Mercado's out to catch more passes. Yeah, I have Carter the highest, but he's. He's in that number three range you're hoping for 10 PPR points. Max.

[Adam Aizer]

Last question here. If Marvin Harrison Jr. Is out, would you start either Zay Jones who hasn't practiced, or Michael Wilson over Bam Knight or Michael Carter?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yes. There's so little upside with the running backs.

[Dave Richard]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess. I thought you were going to ask about the Bucks receivers versus the, the Bucks replacement receivers versus the Cardinals replacement receivers. I'd much rather go with the Bucks replacement receivers.

[Adam Aizer]

I don't know. I like if Zay Jones and Marvin Harrison Jr. Are both out, you have Dorch too. We should throw that name in there. I mean, this is a big opportunity, but I see what you're saying.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I would start shepherd over those guys, but I would start Wilson over the. Over the two Johnson guys.

[Dave Richard]

Yeah.

[Adam Aizer]

In that scenario of Harrison and Jones being out. All right, Houston's at sea.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I have a whole other show to talk about that.

[Adam Aizer]

Yes, exactly. Mailbag. Houston's at Seattle. Take a look at Houston's defense. No team has scored more than 20 points against Houston. That's the Rams, the Bucks, the Jaguars, the Titans, and the Ravens without Lamar Jackson. So it's a mixed schedule. But the Rams, Bucks, Jaguars, not scoring more than 20 points. That's impressive. No doubt they have a good defense. Did I mention the Green Bay DST in the previous game? Sorry if I missed it.

[Dave Richard]

They've been to the packers dst. They've been terrible. But you're still starting them.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah. Okay, so Texans at Seahawks. The Seattle defense, their secondary is going to be, I think, in much better shape this week.

[Dave Richard]

Agreed.

[Adam Aizer]

So starters, sit. CJ Stroud, real quick here, Dave.

[Dave Richard]

I started the week kind of liking Stroud, but as the Seattle secondary got healthy, I. I had to move him down. And before the game last night, I moved Rogers up ahead of him. I still have Trevor Lawrence now ahead of him. So I'm definitely nervous about CJ Stroud in a tough matchup, tough environment, coming out of the buy on the road, just not being able to be as good as what we saw over the prior two weeks.

[Adam Aizer]

So Stroud has changed something in the prior two weeks. He has gotten the ball out of his hands much, much quicker. He is spreading the ball around. It has not been a good thing for Nico Collins. You are not getting the targets, but they have been in uncompetitive games.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I was gonna say the thing that's changed as he played the Titans and the Ravens.

[Adam Aizer]

That's true, but it's the style I think they recognize. Yeah, their offensive line is not great. So he's not sitting in the pocket holding the ball. He's getting the ball out quickly. We'll see. We'll see what it looks like this week. You know, I hope this is a competitive game. And anyway, so that's just something to keep in mind.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Oh, it's going to be competitive. I mean, look, Vegas is telling us going to be low scoring. These two defenses are playing well. Like, you should just have minimal expectations for these quarterbacks. You should have minimal expectations for these run games. Like, these are two very good defenses.

[Adam Aizer]

Would you start how many of the running backs in this game, Would you start over Bam Knight or Michael Carter?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Three.

[Dave Richard]

There's Walker, there's Marks. I'll go two. Walker and Marks.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I start sharpening over both of them just with the touchdown potential.

[Adam Aizer]

What are you expecting from Ken Walker, Dave, you called him a buy low on the show earlier or earlier this week, but what are you expecting?

[Dave Richard]

I still believe that, but it's all baked into the Seahawks coaching staff eventually realizing that he's their better running back. And I get it. He, he tries to hit the home run too often and they like taking work off of him because they want to keep him healthy. Zach Charbonnet, much more of a North south runner. Certainly better in short yardage situations because Ken Walker tries to hit the home run too often. I and, and Charbonnet is the better pass catcher. Even though there have been times over Walker's career where he has caught a lot of footballs. It's a coaching decision. I don't like how it's been 11 touches per game for Walker in his last two, whereas he started the year averaging around 16 touches per game. They've lightened up the workload a little bit. No one, no one really likes that. They're doing it because Charbonnet is just his efficiency. It's really. He's one of the worst efficiency wise running backs in the league this year. But he's getting these high value opportunities that Walker's not getting. And this is a really good Texans run defense. They have not allowed very many explosive runs. I think the longest run they've allowed on the year is 21 yards. I buy into that. I think that travels and I think you're going to see Seattle struggle to run the football.

[Adam Aizer]

You think that's good? 21 yards. How about the longest run that Seattle has allowed this year from a running back is 13 yards. They have a suffocating run defense.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

This is where Woody Marks comes into play because I don't think this is a Nick Chubb game. I think we're going to see this low scoring game, but probably Seattle playing with a lead and that's what I think will help Marks a lot is the role in the passing game. You know, so we really didn't see it last week against or last game for them. Against the Ravens. We saw it a little bit more against the Titans, but without Dario Gumbawale playing. What we've seen since they put Marks in this role is he's going to be on the field more. Just to go back to the Seattle thing, I Read a story where they just trust Charbonnet much more in pass blocking. So Ken Walker's opportunities on. On those situations are going to be minimal.

[Dave Richard]

And Mike McDonald talked this week about how they don't foresee changes happening. He was asked straight up about that and he said, no, we like how we're using them. And he said it was fair that they. They do try to use. Yeah, you're right. They do try and use Walker to his strengths. He's a much better zone runner than gap runner. Houston very good at stopping the run and zone. Not as good in gap. This isn't a good matchup for Walker. Okay.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

No, it's really not a good matchup for anybody.

[Adam Aizer]

Right? It isn't. It's. I think jsn, I mean, he's probably going to see a lot of Stingley because he doesn't play that much in the slot anymore. But obviously you have to start him. And then Dave wants to start Sam Darnold. He has him 11th. Jamie has Darnold 14th. We talked about that during one question for each game. Would you start Darnold? It's. I mean, it's kind of obvious. Darnold or Justin Fields? Fields for Jamie. Darnold for Dave. Sam Darnold or Bo Nix?

[Dave Richard]

Darnold.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, same thing. Darnold for Dave, other guy for. For Jamie. They're not that far apart on him, though. Sit. Cooper cup doesn't seem like one of those 40, 35 pass attempt games for. For Sam Darnold. Start. JSN. We're not starting Tony. Sorry. The other receiver for the Seahawks, Horton. And yeah, thank you.

[Dave Richard]

It's not a good matchup, especially for him since he's much more of a downfield threat. I think Seattle's going to dink and dunk. Don't get it wrong. I don't think this is going to be some sort of like amazing yardage game for Sam Darnold, but he took on the Texans last year and that's what he did to absolutely route the Texans. It was dink and dunk. It was a low yards per attempt average, but he mastered them in the red zone. He had four touchdowns. All four of them came inside the 10. And I think he can replicate not four touchdowns. It could be two, maybe three. And it just won't be with a lot of yardage along the way. But I don't see Seattle being able to run the football. And I think Darnold deserves the benefit of the doubt. I said it earlier in the show. I'll Say it again. I think he's played really well. And I think just the way that Seattle's offensive line is operated, the amount of two tight end sets that they use, I think he'll be clean in the pocket. He'll be able to make some short throws. And that does kind of open the door for Cooper cup and PPR to maybe be decent, like as a bye week replacement. Maybe he can end up being okay in that regard, but not necessarily someone that, oh, I can't wait to start Cooper Cup. I just, I don't feel that way. Yeah, I feel though that Darnold can be okay.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

And when he's played well, prior to the last two weeks against Tampa Bay and Jacksonville, he was 18, 19 and 20 fantasy points.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah.

[Dave Richard]

And as the run game has gotten worse, he's gotten better and his numbers have gotten better.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I just don't see it.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, well, I'll tell you one thing. For the guy who asked should I start Juwan Johnson or Taysom Hill, take a look at dalton Schultz. He's 23% rostered. He's got three straight games with six targets, five catches, eight or more PPR fantasy points. And the Seahawks absolutely stink against tight ends. Which defense do you like better today in this game?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Seattle slightly.

[Dave Richard]

Agreed.

[Adam Aizer]

Washington's at Dallas. Here's the let's see if this sticks stat of the game. The Cowboys allow the second most running back receptions on first and second down. In fact, only the Seahawks allow more. That would be great news for Jacori Kraski Merritt because, you know, we like him a lot, but a little worried about him having one catch. But teams throw on the Cowboy. I mean, the Cowboys give up the most running back receptions or and receiving yards to begin with. Receiving yards for sure. But they give up a lot of running back receptions on first and second down. We need that. Here's the let's hope this doesn't stick stat of the game. George Pickens, 12.1%, 17.3% target share in two games with CD Lamp. All right, I'm going to make this game super easy. Favorite quarterback in this game is Dak Daniels. But they're both amazing. Start them both. Favorite running back in this game is Javante.

[Dave Richard]

Javante.

[Adam Aizer]

Okay, but they're both very good. Start them both.

[Dave Richard]

Yes.

[Adam Aizer]

Start Pickens and Lamb. No question. Start Ferguson. Is there anybody maybe that you were starting Ferguson over, that you are now not starting him over now that Lamb is back?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I don't carry two tight ends with Jake Ferguson's.

[Dave Richard]

No, I Think it's a fair question. There were some weeks where I was ranking Ferguson ahead of McBride and Warren, but now I've got Ferguson behind those guys.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I would start Ferguson over Warren this week. Just given the matchups. I would start McBride over Ferguson.

[Dave Richard]

Oh, and Kittle. Kittle hasn't played in a while. I would start Kittle over Ferguson.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, a lot of people could have Kittle and Ferguson. That's a.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

That's fair.

[Adam Aizer]

It makes sense.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I still start Ferguson this week.

[Adam Aizer]

Debo Samuel would be top 12 ish. If. If he's healthy, which we assume he will be.

[Dave Richard]

He's got to be healthy and McLaurin's got to be out.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I'm a little bit lower on him just because what we saw last week, you know, going through the entire week not healthy and then not producing very much, not being involved as much, but still starter.

[Adam Aizer]

And then if McLaurin plays starter, set.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

High end, number three receiver.

[Dave Richard]

Yeah, that's probably the safe way to go about it.

[Adam Aizer]

I mean, he's the downfield guy and I say it. Every week. The Cowboys give up the most big plays in the NFL. The most completions of 20 or more air yards. Getting a little better there, but they still stink. And then there's Earth. I think Ertz is interesting, you know, because everyone else seems like we've covered. But starter, sit Zachary. It's Dave.

[Dave Richard]

I like him. I think this is a shootout high scoring game. He's a good short area target. I will like him more if there's no McLaurin in the game. But I think you can get away with starting Earth as a low end option.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Great. Also, take a look. Based on your theory of downfield plays.

[Dave Richard]

Luke Cafe Lou, he's made like one every week.

[Adam Aizer]

Let me tell you. Anyone who has been starting Luke McCaffrey, the. The luckiest player in the world, he. He makes one catch for a touchdown every week. Basically, he never gets more than three targets. And if McLaurin's back, there's no chance.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Oh, it's totally dependent on McCorm being out. But again, hey, go start Zay Jones. Hey, take a chance on the guy playing the Cowboys with the. The point total 55.

[Adam Aizer]

I don't know. I. That's a good question. I think.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I'm not saying you start McCaffrey over those guys, but think about the players that we're talking about here. You just said word for word, Tez Johnson can make your week on one big play.

[Adam Aizer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But that's the question. I get who?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Well, I would start Tess Johnson, but that's the same theory. Like, you know. Oh, yeah, you're banking on, you know, you just. Jaden Daniels is awesome. Start him. Like, I mean, there's. There's reasons for doing this. I wouldn't start. You know, Luke McCaffrey was playing the Texans. He's playing the Cowboys.

[Adam Aizer]

I think we covered everything with this game.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Like Dave just said, he's got. He's got a situation where there are plenty of leagues where you start three receivers in a flex. Three receivers and two flexes like Luten Caffrey may be best chance.

[Adam Aizer]

All right, we're out of here, folks. Enjoy your weekend. We'll talk to you on the mailbag Sunday morning. We'll talk to you.

[Dave Richard]

We.

[Adam Aizer]

We'll talk to you. We'll be in your ear through all weekend. Have a good one for Dave, Jamie, our producer, Josh.

[Dave Richard]

I'm Adam.

[Adam Aizer]

See you later. Paramount Podcasts now streaming on Paramount Plus.

[Dave Richard]

Someone is trying to frame us until our names are cleared. More fugitives from interval like Bonnie and Clyde with better snacks. NCIS Tony and Ziva now streaming on Paramount Plus.