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Fantasy Football Today
Start or Sit (NFC): Tony Pollard, Cade Otton, Garrett Wilson and More! (11/29 Fantasy Football Podcast)
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- [00:00]
Jamie Eisenberg
You know, we love talking stats here at fantasy football today. Here's one that's super simple to remember. Discover automatically doubles the cash back you've earned on your credit card at the end of your first year. With cash back match, that means with Discover, you could turn $150 cash back to $300. That's right. You could put it towards some memorabilia you've had your eye on. Or treat yourself to a premium sports network you earn and Discover doubles. See terms@discover.com creditcard I've been eating at Chipotle for at least 15 years, and for me, chicken burrito, white rice, guac salsa, that's my order. But I tried something new the other day. It's Chipotle's smoked brisket. And I'll be trying it again and again and again. It's so good. Seasoned with Mexican spices and finished with a smoky sauce with Chipotle peppers. It's got so much flavor and it's got spice, but it's not too spicy. Now you trust me for fantasy advice, I give even better food advice. Go get Chipotle's smoked brisket. But Chipotle smoked brisket is only here for a limited time, so you need to go try it. It's available in all Chipotle restaurants, the Chipotle app or chipotle.com I'm a changed man. I am a brisket believer. Go get the Chipotle Smoked Brisket right now. If you're a regular listener to the show, you know that I get sick a decent amount of times, right? I've got young kids, they go back to school, they bring home a cold, and eventually I catch it. And I know I'm not alone. I know a lot of you deal with the same issue here, but now I use Zicam. As soon as I start feeling sick, if I sneeze, if my throat is sore, if I'm sniffling, I go get the Zicam. I always have Zicam in the house because it shortens the cold. You don't want to deal with a cold for a week. You want this to be over as quickly as possible. So that's why I use Zicam. And they've got rapid melts, medicated fruit drops, and a bunch of delicious flavors. That's my choice. Nasal swabs and a nasal spray. So you can choose from a variety of options. Feel a cold coming on at the first sign? Reach for cold shortening products from Zycam, the number one cold shortening brand. For best results, use at the first sign of a cold and continue to use until symptoms completely subside. Pick up Zicam in the cold and flu aisle or visit zicam.com to see where to buy online.
- [02:20]
Dave Richard
This is fantasy football today from CBS Sports.
- [02:23]
Heath Cummings
What a play.
- [02:24]
Jamie Eisenberg
Can you believe this?
- [02:26]
Heath Cummings
No, I can't.
- [02:28]
Dave Richard
It's time to dominate your fantasy league.
- [02:30]
Heath Cummings
Off to the races. And he stays on his feet.
- [02:33]
Adam Azer
This is going to go the distance.
- [02:35]
Dave Richard
Now here's some combination of Adam, Dave, Jamie and Heath.
- [02:39]
Heath Cummings
Welcome to fantasy football today. I'm Jamie Eisenberg. That's Dave Rich with. That's Heath Cummings. Hope you guys all had a happy Thanksgiving. As you can see here, once again, our compadre Adam Azer is not with us. He's traveling back home after spending a few days with us in South Florida. It was fun to see him. Dave, I'm sure you had a good time hanging out with him in the studio.
- [02:58]
Adam Azer
Sure.
- [02:59]
Heath Cummings
And this, this show is brought to you by Fed MGM the Sportsbook. Born in Vegas. How was your Thanksgiving, guys?
- [03:07]
Adam Azer
Oh, awesome. And as I was sitting at the Thanksgiving table with my parents, my in laws, my wife, my kids, I was thinking to myself, which one of these side dishes is worse than rolls? And the answer is none. So the fact is that we had a great time. Karen hit it out of the park with a homemade Thanksgiving. That's how I like it. And it was, it was a really great time. And the best part, my wife, does she know football or what? As soon as there was kickoff in the Giants Cowboys game, the turkey was on the table.
- [03:44]
Dave Richard
Fantastic day as well. Very thankful. The only, only negative is that I think I woke up full, which is not a great feeling like you'd like to wake up. Kind of like the food's all gone, digested. It's, it's my, my belly's still full. I ate way too much.
- [04:00]
Heath Cummings
Oh, you woke up today full.
- [04:01]
Dave Richard
Good.
- [04:01]
Heath Cummings
I hope you didn't wake up.
- [04:02]
Dave Richard
Yes.
- [04:02]
Heath Cummings
Yeah, I had a nice Thanksgiving as well. Hope everybody that's watching and listening to us did also and hopefully enjoyed the games. We have a lot to get to today as we finish up the Week 13 slate, but we have three games to cover. We'll give you the latest update on the Chiefs and the Raiders which kick off later today at 3:00 Eastern. And a lot of news to get to as well. So let's start with the games from yesterday. We'll start with the. From the Bears perspective at least, the disaster in Detroit Lions beat the Bears 23 to 20 it was a very interesting back and forth game. First half very much in favor of the Lions. The second half very much in favor of Chicago. I'm gonna get. I'm gonna ask you guys just so we can get through this a little quickly. So one of you will each take one side of the leisure here. So Dave, I'll give you the Chicago side. What did you, first of all, what do you think about the ending? And Keith, if you want to, you know, give your two cents on that one also, what do you think about the ending with what Maddie did? And then just Dave, your take on the. On the Bears, how they performed against Detroit.
- [04:59]
Adam Azer
So I'm a Chicago White Sox fan and I watched this baseball season as the White Sox found creative and exciting ways to blow leads and lose games. And they went on to have the worst record in Major League baseball history. This game and kind of the last month for the Bears has kind of been the exact same thing. They find creative ways to lose. This was the latest, as I told my family as we were watching the game, including my father, who's still a Bears fan. The conspiracy theorists in me thinks that Eber Fluce blew this on purpose because he knew that the Bears weren't going anywhere and it's just going to help them get a higher draft pick, so why win the game? But the players would obviously be against that and it's really not what happened. What really happened is either some sort of terrible miscommunication between the coach and the G and the quarterback and. And it led to them having to throw into the end zone. But yes, total botched job. And honestly, I feel like the Bears were completely dead in the water going into the game until the Lions started to incur injuries on defense. And once they lost, they lost like three defensive linemen and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. And when they all left the game, that's when Chicago really started to get going. Caleb played well. Just imagine how good Caleb Williams will be, Jamie, when he's got good coaching. And now we've seen the last couple of games, we've seen him with good coordinating. I would feel good about him if I were a Bears fan and as a fantasy manager, I would have to start considering him as a borderline number one fantasy quarterback and someone who's probably a little bit better than Andy Dalton. Rest of season I thought it was.
- [06:33]
Dave Richard
A completely like this was the Caleb Williams experience like awful, awful, awful, bad. In the first half, couldn't hardly throw a ball within 3 foot of feet of a wide receiver. Showed us all of the upside for a majority of the second half. And like it's eber fluss fault he's got. He's got to go. 100 agree. But a starting quarterback in the NFL, even if you were a rookie, has to handle those last 32 seconds better. Like Caleb takes really bad sacks and really didn't handle that well. And I'm still really uncertain whether like he's going to be a good fantasy quarterback one day. I don't know if he's ever going to be like a playoff quarterback.
- [07:14]
Heath Cummings
I do wonder what they'll do from a coaching perspective because you will now be giving him. If they fire everybody, which would make sense. Three offense coordinators in a year, you know, so if they fire Thomas Brown also. So you wonder if they maybe try and find somebody who would keep Thomas Brown if they bring a defensive head coach. You know, that's certainly something that we've seen in the past. He has played better with Thomas Brown. Two games in his last three with Brown calling plays, 30.9 fantasy points. So yes, he has struggled, as Heath pointed out, taken some bad sacks, took one at the end of the game there. But from a production standpoint, we love what we've seen from him. They do get San Francisco next week, then Minnesota again and Detroit again. Two teams that he's faced and each of the last two games where he's had some success just quickly on. On the receivers. I don't think we're going to have a lot of confidence in DeAndre Swift moving forward because he scored nine and a half PPR points or less than three of his last four games.
- [08:04]
Adam Azer
And not with that schedule, not with.
- [08:06]
Heath Cummings
That schedule is DJ Moore and I guess more importantly, Keenan Allen now must start fantasy receivers. Allen Two games in a row with 23.6 PPR points gave us a little scare with his, you know, injury came back in and was fine and more two games in a row with 13.7. Sorry, three games row with 13.7 PPR points. Back to back games with 23.7 PPR points. Just yes or no. Must start receivers rest away.
- [08:31]
Dave Richard
Yes. Yes. Week 14.
- [08:35]
Heath Cummings
Yes, week 14. So if they come out of that game with another good performance and we have six teams on a buy next week, you might feel very confident about the Bears moving into the fancy playoffs. And Romo Dunes they probably somebody that could get dropped in some Leagues did have six targets. Does have 26 targets in three games with Thomas Brown. But 8.9 PPR points or less than two games in a row. Cole Comet another disappointing game as well. 7.2 PPR points or less than two of his last three games. Let's go to Detroit now where I think we're kind of I guess just status quo on on most of the stars. But Jamir Gibbs, this was his worst game of the season. Unfortunate fumble there was headed into the end zone. Derek Goff's now scored 20.4 20.9 fantasy points in four game four home games in a row and he gets two home games coming up against Green Bay and Buffalo in the next two weeks. So that's encouraging. Amara St. Brown does have his worst two game stretch of the season in his last two outings but I don't think anybody's worried about him. Just take me through Heath, Jameson Williams and Sam Laporta because Williamson, Williams, excuse me, Jameson Williams seven targets, five catches, executive games with no touchdowns and Laporta one of the crazier stat lines that we'll see. Three catches, six yards and two scores.
- [09:39]
Dave Richard
So yeah I think like this is what Laporta unfortunately is right now is kind of a touchdown dependent borderline starter and this game he scored two touchdowns and so hooray if you started him. I I think Jameis is a Boom bust wide receiver three and he busted this week but he got seven targets. He's got a 21 target share over the last month. If you're telling me a guy with his upside on every given play is seeing a 20 target share I'm just going to keep starting him as a number three. One thing I will say about Gibbs and this wasn't just a this game. I wonder if the carry disparity was because it was the revenge game for David Montgomery. But over the last month Montgomery and Gibbs are tied with a 9% target share. Like the the past catching for role for David Montgomery has increased recently and decreased for Gibbs which isn't great for him.
- [10:28]
Adam Azer
Gibbs only had two carries in the second half and it he fumbled to end the first half. It's almost like the game kind of switched after that fumble. Like that gave the Bears the hope they needed to stay competitive and they got into it so I wonder if that was part of it. They also between Montgomery Gibbs 10 carries in the second half. That's mind boggling to me why they couldn't run those guys more.
- [10:50]
Heath Cummings
Montgomery does have three catches in three games in a row to your point Heath so he is getting more involved in the passing game which has led to him scoring 15.4 PPR points in three games in a row and it was his third game this season without a touchdown. I do. Just yes or no. Laporte has got five touchdowns now in his last seven games. Scored 10 last year. Does he get back to 10 given what he's done lately?
- [11:10]
Dave Richard
Nope.
- [11:12]
Adam Azer
I'll say yes.
- [11:13]
Heath Cummings
You'll say yes. The one yes, one no. It's. It's nice to see him scoring. That's going to clearly boost his fantasy production. So.
- [11:17]
Adam Azer
Right. But I think that's all you can.
- [11:19]
Heath Cummings
Count on him for at this point. You know we did have some conversation on our pre game show yesterday that that's the next evolution of this offense is to get him going again. And if that's the case. Red zone. Not red zone. Just giving him opportunities. He did have a, you know, a, a questionable drop on a sideline route that was quickly overturned by replay. How do you count that? His numbers look a little bit better. All right. Cowboys 27, Giants 20. I don't think anybody was surprised by the outcome. Maybe surprised by how it unfolded. So we'll start with the Giants. Tommy DeVito did not start out with the forearm injury. Is potentially going to return to the starting role in week 14 as they get New Orleans. Drew Locke, Tyrone Tracy both score rushing touchdowns. Malik Neighbors got his numbers back up. He loves playing the Cowboys. Dave, I'll give you the Giants any major takeaway there from what we saw in this game against Dallas.
- [12:08]
Adam Azer
Appreciate you giving me all the big time teams. Thank you for that. I was happy to see Tyrone Tracy lead the way in the backfield. We know how the last Giants game ended with for him and the game before that actually. So the fact that he was able to A still see some high value touches, B dominate playing time and C, have a good stat line. It's an okay stat line. The rushing average wasn't great but he scored that. That's good. And so now maybe he's in that mix as a number two fantasy running back. Neighbors high target volume again. Not 15 PPR points again. Like he got close to it. As close as you can get. He's fine to start as a number two receiver in full ppr. I'm very worried if he's even gonna score another touchdown this year. So I think you got to knock down expectations even more in non ppr. And those are really the only two guys I think I'd feel good about starting.
- [13:00]
Heath Cummings
I do think you take a look at Theo Johnson in deeper leagues. He had five for 54 on five targets. This is now four games in a row. At least five targets and at least 10.4 PPR points in two of his last four games. So again, looking at all the teams on a buy next week they'd get New Orleans, then they get Baltimore and then Atlanta. So Baltimore, Atlanta have, you know, struggled against tight ends. If this continues, Robinson's probably droppable at this point. 9.7 PPR points or less than 5 his last 6 games. Just just for fun, for reference, for next season, this is what Neighbors has done in two games against Dallas. 20 catches, 184 yards, no touchdowns, but 28 targets in those two games. So they like to feed him against the Cowboys. It was a little nerve wracking with Tracy when Dylan Singletary started the game, but obviously Tracy getting the the touchdown there. And look, Drew Lock should have had two rushing touchdowns. He lost one that led to Tracy's touchdown there. And just one note on on defense for the Giants. Dexter Lawrence said he dislocated his elbow. That's obviously big. So it would be good news for both Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara next week if Lawrence is not there and Derek Carr if Lawrence can't play in Week 14 as they take on New Orleans, Heath, Dallas, I mean, Rico Dowels. Huge game. CD Lamb may have a shoulder injury. Nothing's been reported officially, but they did say during the broadcast that he was dealing with the shoulder injury again, which is why he was standing on the sidelines. So.
- [14:18]
Dave Richard
Well, he fell on the shoulder, grabbed it, walked over on the sideline and was messing with it for the rest of the game. I don't know what the confusion was. I mean, they didn't report it for some reason. They didn't say that was the problem. I'm going to assume for now that because they didn't report it because, like he didn't go to the locker room, it's just something he's going to have to deal with because the Cowboys won and they're technically still alive in the playoff race that we're going to get CD Lamb next week and he's going to do what it takes to play and I'm probably going to start CD Lamb next week. Rico Dowdle was awesome. The Giants run defense is abysmal and there's six teams on a buy next week, so you're probably starting Rico Dowdle again. Great start to the game for Luke Schoonmaker. And then the Giants remembered that they knew how to cover tight ends, but he probably won't matter next week because Jake Ferguson should be back.
- [15:12]
Heath Cummings
Schedule is fantastic for Dallas in the next three weeks they get Cincinnati in week 14, Carolina in week 15, Tampa Bay in week 16. So don't rule out Cooper Rush maybe as a streaming option. I know it wasn't a pretty game, but he didn't have to do very much. For those of you that picked up and started the Cowboys dst, they came through six sacks, two turnovers, a pick six, which was one of the more incredible plays that you could see. I'm not going to try and pronounce his name because I forget. Dave, what was the linebacker. Yes, over shown, blew up Devin Singletary on the blitz pickup, tipped the past to himself and ran it in for a touchdown. Just absolutely incredible. My bad. The one thing just to keep an eye on if CD Lamb is out, Brandon Cooks returned. First game since week four with a knee injury. Great touchdown catch. Great catch to seal the game on the fourth down play. Three catches, 16 yards. But they get seven targets. So he could be somebody of interest. Jalen Tolbert obviously didn't have a big game. Could be something of interest. And to your point, Heath Schoolmaker, 5 for 33 on six targets, all in the first two drives. And then nothing. Absolutely nothing. Rest away. So we'll see what happens with the Cowboys. And for Rico Dowdle, first 100 yard game of his career. First 100 yard game for a Cowboy since week three of last season when Tony Pollard did it. So they've been struggling and looking for this type of performance lately. So again, good stretch of games coming up for Rico Doll. Not the best run defense to face with the Bengals next week, but then Carolina and Tampa Bay. So that could be good for him. All right, last game of the day we had the Packers 30 and the Dolphins 17. Dave, I'll give you the, the winning team this time. Oh, oh, yeah.
- [16:45]
Dave Richard
No, I just thought that we should have that graphic up while we talked about this game because it was the story of the game for the Dolphins.
- [16:50]
Heath Cummings
Yeah, a lot of garbage time production there for those guys. But we'll start with the, the Packer side, Dave. So I'll give you, I'll give you Green Bay. I'm sorry. Well, I'll give Dave Green Bay a heap. You can start with the Dolphins. The, the, the quote unquote worst team. Packers 30, Dolphins 17. Your biggest takeaway from the Dolphins, the.
- [17:06]
Dave Richard
Johnny Smith experience continues like he was the. He and HN were the two guys who were good while this was a legitimate real football game. The Dolphins had two touchdown drives. Both of them when they were down by three touchdowns. I, maybe they got comfortable with the cold later in the game and that's why they were okay. Tyreek man, not just garbage time, but catches a ball deflected off of his tight end in garbage time. But if you started him, congratulations. That's fantastic. I think you're going to feel really good about Jon O. Smith as a top five tight end. I don't know what to make of tua.
- [17:44]
Heath Cummings
I think you're just starting to. I mean look, jets we know have not been very good lately in terms of stopping anything. We'll see what Geno Smith and the Seahawks do against them, but this is now three games in a row with at least 29 fantasy points for Tua. Again, garbage time, but 365 and 2 so if you started him you feel great about it. HN's running has not been good lately, but his receiving has been fantastic. So 17 carries, 46 yards in his last two games, 11 catches, 80 yards and three touchdowns on 13 targets in his last two games. Nobody's benching him. Do we go back to Raheem Mostert as the handcuff or is it just a mystery because Jalen Wright didn't play and Mostert got his most work since week nine?
- [18:21]
Dave Richard
I mean he should probably be rostered.
- [18:23]
Heath Cummings
Mostert yeah, yeah.
- [18:25]
Adam Azer
Roster.
- [18:25]
Heath Cummings
Mostert Roster rostered. Mostert Jalen Waddle's third game this season with 11.3 PPR points or more, but did have only four catches, 53 yards and a two point conversion to get him over 10 fantasy points. And what Heath said. I mean this is John New Smith's numbers his last three games. 21.3 PPR points or more and 30 targets in his last three games. He's just been fantastic so must start that end. All right, Dave, take us through the Packers. No Romeo Dobbs in this game. He missed the game with a concussion.
- [18:50]
Adam Azer
And that really helped Jaden Reed get open near the end zone for a couple of touchdowns, three catches, two scores. That's right up there with Laporta. He just had a little bit more in the yardage department and he also had a 23 yard carry. I still don't know why the packers don't use Jaden Reed more, but hey, it's good if you started him. I, I thought that most of us felt like he was a number three wide receiver. Maybe one or two of us had him as a low end number two, but this was a good opportunity for him to step up with Dobbs out and he was great. I thought Jacobs would run like crazy. He did not 2.3 yards per carry. Kind of saved a little bit by the touchdown and a 49 yard catch in the second half. He still looks good. I'm still going to view him as a top five type of fantasy running back rest of season. And then Tucker Kraft. Did Kraft do. What did Kraft do last week?
- [19:40]
Heath Cummings
He was.
- [19:44]
Adam Azer
Okay. But like, recently, he had a donut game, didn't he?
- [19:48]
Heath Cummings
Yes. Two games prior to this game, he had no, no fantasy points, though. This, this was his best game this season without scoring a touchdown.
- [19:55]
Adam Azer
Yes. Yeah. And I think that that's related to Dobbs too, Jamie. I think that. Crap.
- [19:59]
Heath Cummings
I also think it's related to the Dolphins. So anytime we, I mean, you saw Trey McBride have a huge game against them. You saw Brock Bowers have a huge game against that. Like, they just think against tight ends lately, you know. So I think if you're just talking about, you know, finding matchups, they get. The Dolphins have the jets next week. So I don't think anybody's starting Tyler Conklin.
- [20:16]
Adam Azer
No.
- [20:16]
Heath Cummings
After that it's maybe Dalton Schultz. And then they, they get George kittle in week 16. So probably nobody benefits.
- [20:22]
Adam Azer
Kill will be awesome. And then. So that means next week against the Lions. Do you feel good about. Who do you feel good about in this packers offense in that matchup? I think that's one where it could be a high scoring game. I think you're going to want pieces from both players.
- [20:34]
Heath Cummings
I think you feel really good about the receivers if they're still all banged up in their secondary and their pass rush has not been the same since Aiden Hutchinson's been out. In terms of. Tight ends are terrible against Detroit. So you don't want to trust Tucker Kraft. But I mean, at this point, like, it's read or bust, right? In terms of trust, because at least he's giving you production. I would say he's on a buy. Like, Christian Watson's been a disaster. He's, he's got no touchdowns since week.
- [21:01]
Adam Azer
Six and he had those deep patches against Chicago, but really, I don't even know if he's done anything in the second half of the season.
- [21:09]
Heath Cummings
He's got three games in a row with four targets or less, you know, so he's just not getting. I mean, I guess the, the, the thing that you hope for is that Detroit is playing with the lead and they're playing catch up.
- [21:19]
Adam Azer
Which you should never put on a hot dog.
- [21:22]
Heath Cummings
So we'll see what happens there with, with the Packers. But I, I'm curious to see how fantasy managers will treat Christian Watson going.
- [21:29]
Adam Azer
Into no, like a bye week receiver with ups.
- [21:32]
Heath Cummings
But that's the thing. I mean, you know, if we don't have bye weeks, you're not starting him next week. We do have bye weeks. You might have to start them, you know, so sure, one of those situations where he's just not been trustworthy and.
- [21:40]
Adam Azer
This is probably going to be one of those receivers where when we do the drop a meter, he'll be a 10, but it might be one more week before we actually put him at 10. All right, it's probably like seven already.
- [21:50]
Heath Cummings
We're gonna take a quick break right here on Fantasy Football today when we come back and again to the injuries news and notes and the slate of games for the rest of rest of the games for week number 1213.
- [22:00]
Jamie Eisenberg
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- [23:14]
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- [24:18]
Heath Cummings
Time to your injuries News and notes for Week 13 first off, we have the game coming up later today between the Raiders and the Chiefs. Isaiah Pacheco is officially off ir. So Heath, your thoughts on the backfield one more time as they take on the Raiders today.
- [24:31]
Dave Richard
They're both flexes. I'd prefer to start Hunt. I'd like it if I didn't have to start either one since we don't have anybody on a buy.
- [24:37]
Heath Cummings
All right, and then Spencer Schrader, the kicker for the Chiefs is out. So Matthew Wright is going to kick. Very good matchup. I know Heath loves this stat, but the Raiders allow the most fantasy points to oppose the kickers, so right may be a good streaming option if you are stuck trying to find a replacement for the Raiders. Amir White has been ruled out. Alexander Madison are waiting to find out on status. Dave, the backfield update for the Raiders.
- [24:57]
Adam Azer
Is I would not want to start any of them. If you're desperate and Madison is active, I'd go back in that direction but I wouldn't feel good about him nor Amir Abdullah. You could potentially. I should see who they play after this this game they've got at they're at Tampa next week. Okay, so maybe we can't say to just out and out drop Abdullah. You'll probably carry them through the game. Just hold on to them on your bench if you've got Madison and or Abdullah, but they might be droppable very soon.
- [25:27]
Heath Cummings
Good matchup though against Tampa Bay and Madison.
- [25:29]
Adam Azer
Right? That's why you might want to hold on, especially Madison.
- [25:31]
Heath Cummings
He's been startable at times this season. All right, quarterback news Brock Purdy was limited again on Thursday. Trevor Lawrence limited again on Thursday. Heath, at this point are we expecting either one of these guys to start?
- [25:42]
Dave Richard
We are currently ranking Lawrence, not Purdy. Right. But Lawrence didn't even make my top 24 so I wouldn't count on either.
- [25:50]
Heath Cummings
One is a good matchup against Houston but tough to trust because who knows how healthy he will be. It is his non throwing shoulder that he's dealing with. Purdy is dealing with his throwing shoulder. Running Back News Breeze hall was upgraded from not practicing on Wednesday to limited on Thursday. We'll talk about that game as they take on Seattle on Sunday. Brian Robinson Jr. And Austin Eckler both still dealing with injuries. Robinson limited once again with his ankle injury. Eckler missed practice still in the concussion protocol. We'll talk about the Washington backfield coming up as well as the other side which tyjay Spears was practicing in full. So we are going to rank Ty J. Spears and we'll see how that impacts Tony Pollard Wide Receiver News we have DK Metcalf did not practice for the second day in a row. Tyler Lockett did not practice for the second day in a row. We'll talk about that game as well as they take on the Jets. Devonte Smith returned to practice but was limited so trending in the right direction. So Dave, if Smith does play as they take on the Ravens, how do you view him and then how do you view maybe Dallas Goddard could be impacted by Smith coming back?
- [26:47]
Adam Azer
I would greatly lower the upside for Dallas Goddard. He would be a low end fantasy tight end. The matchup's fine but that's it. So we'd be close to 12 for me and Devonte Smith would be like a low end number three wide receiver. You're hoping that he can catch a couple of deep balls against that leaky Baltimore secondary.
- [27:07]
Heath Cummings
Colts are dealing with injuries at their receiving core as well. Josh Downs not expected to play but still not practicing. Shane Steichen said it's a long shot for him to play this week against New England. Alec Pierce also did not practice on Thursday so something to keep an eye on there could just mean more targets for Michael Pittman and maybe an upgrade for Adnai Mitchell. Cedric Tillman it was their first practice on Thursday still in the concussion protocol, so we'll see what happens as the Browns play the Broncos on Monday. Keon Coleman limited for the second day in a row so trending in the right direction. Heath if Coleman plays this week against San Francisco, how do you feel about the Bill's receiving corp?
- [27:41]
Dave Richard
I will downgrade Khalil Shakir from a low end wide receiver 2 to a mid wide receiver 3. Key on Coleman will be in that boom bust touchdown dependent flex range probably around wide receiver 40. I'm not ranking Amari Cooper with or without Keon Coleman.
- [27:58]
Heath Cummings
All right, so we'll see how that impacts that team taking on a banged up San Francisco defense which did not have Nick Bosa practicing on Thursday. Again still dealing with that hip injury. Darn on. Mooney practiced in full as they take on the Chargers. Dave, is Mooney just a must start receiver at this point?
- [28:13]
Adam Azer
I think so. We've also seen him get some good downfield opportunities when Kirk Cousins is pressured. He's just trying to get the ball out as fast as he can and he attacks downfield. That would be where I would expect Mooney to win this week against the Chargers. I would expect the Chargers to blitz him like crazy and to get try and you know, knock him down. That's what they've been doing and that should lead to some decent opportunities for Darnell Mooney. So definitely a floor of a number three wide receiver, but he might be able to finish as a top 20 type guy.
- [28:44]
Heath Cummings
All right, tight end news Dalton Kincaid did not practice on Thursday so doesn't look good for him. Second day in a row that he's missed practice for the Bills coming off their buy. So it could be Dawson Knox if you are desperate for a tight end. Did have 4 for 40 last time we saw them in week 11. Will Disley was upgraded from not practicing on Wednesday to limited on Thursday, so trending in the right direction as they take on Atlanta Low end starting tight end option. We know he's had some good moments lately. At least eight or more PPR points in five of his last six games. And then Jatavian Sanders, dealing with a neck injury, did not practice on Thursday. At this point don't expect him to play, but he's only an option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. Let me tell you about Bet MGM before we go into the one question for each game. If you haven't signed up yet for BET mgm, use the bonus code Fantasy and you will get up to a 1500 first bet offer on your first wager with Bed MGM. Here's how it works. Download the BetMGM app and sign up using Bonus code Fantasy. That's F A N E A S Y. Deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. You'll receive up to 1500 in bonus bets. If your bet loses. Just make sure you use bonus code Fantasy when you sign up. All right, now time for one question for each game. Don't want to disappoint Adam. Keep the same format that he likes to do. So we got Seattle at the Jets. Dave, if everybody is healthy, meaning DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, everybody for the jets, who is the best wide receiver in this game?
- [30:06]
Adam Azer
So I have Garrett Wilson ranked the highest, but the heart wants to say Jackson, Smith and Jigba just the way that he's been rolling. The fact that I. I still put a big question mark on whether or not the Seahawks will be able to run the ball. I think there's a correlation there between Kenneth Walker's struggles and Jackson Smith and Jigba's rise. And I. I do expect Garrett Wilson to get back involved in a big way in the jets offense. So G dubs, is first. JSN's right behind him.
- [30:34]
Heath Cummings
Heath, same order.
- [30:35]
Dave Richard
I've got it. JSN Metcalf, and then Wilson.
- [30:40]
Heath Cummings
I have JSN, Wilson, Metcalf. It's interesting though, that we all have Devonte Adams fourth, and again, we'll get into more of the receiving core there.
- [30:48]
Adam Azer
How do you know that? I've got Adams ahead of Lockett.
- [30:51]
Heath Cummings
You have Adams out of Locket? Yes. So he would be.
- [30:54]
Adam Azer
No, I do. Yes.
- [30:56]
Heath Cummings
We just got to make sure that DK Metcalf's out there, so it's something to keep an eye on. Rams at New Orleans. So Heath in a four point for passing touchdown leagues. Who is the best super flex? Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, or Taysom Hill?
- [31:11]
Dave Richard
I will still go with Matthew Stafford. He and Derek Carr project for around 15 fantasy points. Taysom Hill projects for around 11. But I definitely want to start Taysom Hill because he's a tight end and I don't want to start the other two guys.
- [31:25]
Adam Azer
Can. Can I just remind everybody that in Taysom Hill's last game. Yes, 41 PPR points. Amazing. Ridiculous. The game before that, seven. So there's like a low floor here on Taysom Hill.
- [31:38]
Heath Cummings
Go back to game before that because that's the one I think that we should hopefully in week nine.
- [31:41]
Adam Azer
Yeah, that was 16 PPR points. And that's. That's not bad either.
- [31:45]
Dave Richard
Like seven moving forward. Seven's not a low floor at tight end.
- [31:53]
Heath Cummings
All right, we'll get into taste of Mill in a second. All right, we got Tampa Bay at Carolina. Dave, who is the best running back in this game?
- [32:01]
Adam Azer
Ooh, I'm. I've got Chuba ranked the highest. Just because I know he's going to get every carry. I don't fear the matchup against Tampa. He's still going to continue to dominate those touches, even with Jonathan Brooks. And now in his second game, he's going to be first. Bucky Irving is second behind him. Both top 20 fantasy running backs.
- [32:20]
Dave Richard
Yep. Chuba, then Bucky. Both top 15 fantasy running backs.
- [32:26]
Heath Cummings
I like Bucky better than Chuba, but to your point, Chuba is safer in terms of, you know he's going to get the touches. So if you want to just go safest, I think it's Chuba. If you want to go, I think who has the highest upside. For me it's Bucky Irving. Arizona at Minnesota. Heath, Marvin Harrison Jr. Or Jordan Addison this week, who do you like better?
- [32:43]
Dave Richard
I have Jordan Addison higher. They are both number three wide receivers. But I just. And this could be a great game for Marvin Harrison because the Vikings see a lot of wide receiver targets. It's just that Marvin Harrison Jr. Hasn't had a lot of targets since week three.
- [33:00]
Adam Azer
It's a problem. And Addison's had at least 15 PPR points in each of his last two three of his last four. I, I do worry a little bit about just how much passing the Vikings are going to do are going to have to do in this game. I think this is one where they might be able to give a big dose of the run and that'll be enough for them to beat Arizona. So a little nervous about that. But I still think you have to view Addison as a like in the range of a number three wide receiver. Even with nobody on by this week I do have Harrison ranked higher.
- [33:32]
Heath Cummings
I would take Addison over Harrison, but I agree with Heath that they're both number three receivers. Not the best matchup for Addison. Much better matchup for Harrison. But we'll see how that goes again. We'll break down the receivers for each team in a second and then last game we have here for today's slate is Tennessee at Washington. Dave, who is the better flex in this game, Tony Pollard or Terry McClure?
- [33:52]
Adam Azer
McLaurin, because I, I don't believe in this Titans defense being as good as they were earlier in the year against the pass. I think Jane Daniels started to click as a thrower in the second half last week. Really? Really more like the fourth quarter of last week. And I expect it to continue. I'd rather start McLaurin and then over than Pollard.
- [34:10]
Dave Richard
So it was definitely Pollard when Ty J. Spears wasn't playing, at least for me.
- [34:15]
Adam Azer
Yeah.
- [34:16]
Dave Richard
Now it's, it's basically a coin flip and like McLaren could go have an 80 yard touchdown but there's that risk that he hasn't had more than six targets in a game since October and they've played four games in November.
- [34:35]
Adam Azer
There's also Rick with Pollard though now that with Spears back if Washington builds a lead. We've seen games in the second half where Pollard barely plays and it's a whole lot of Taije Spears.
- [34:47]
Heath Cummings
It's risky now. I mean it's certainly risky with it's.
- [34:50]
Adam Azer
Not like last week at all.
- [34:51]
Heath Cummings
We will talk about that game coming up a sec. We're going to take a quick break and then we'll dive into the games next year on fft.
- [34:58]
Jamie Eisenberg
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- [36:36]
Heath Cummings
Seattle at Detroit the over under is 42 points. Seahawks coming off back to back wins. Jets are obviously struggling a little bit. Let's start with Seahawks. Geno Smith Two games in a row with fewer than 16 fantasy points against the 49ers and the Cardinals, but five of the past six opposing quarterbacks against the jets have been awesome. At least 19.9ft PR fantasy points or more. This is one of the more fun stats. I didn't do the stat of the game, so I apologize for that. But I'll start with this one.
- [37:02]
Adam Azer
Maybe you just gave it Quarterback has.
- [37:04]
Heath Cummings
Run for 59 yards or scored a rushing touchdown in six games in a row against the Jets. Smith has two rushing touchdowns in three games with at least 30 yards rushing this year. Is Dino Smith a starting fantasy quarterback in this week's game?
- [37:16]
Adam Azer
Dave I've gone back and forth. I like a lot of quarterbacks this week he ultimately ended up outside of my top 12. I think if you're stuck and he's on your bench, you could use him. I would start him over Will Levis. I would start him over Trevor Lawrence. I would start him over the other quarterback in this game. But I think that there's a little bit more upside for Stroud given his matchup. Richardson given his talent. Darnold Stafford, like I think that there's more upside with those two than there is with Gino.
- [37:46]
Dave Richard
Doesn't 42 feel really low? And Seattle's only a one point favorite like the way the jets defense has been playing over the last month. I'm not starting. Geno's a high end QB2 for me but it makes me a little bit nervous with like JSN and DK are both must starts and Ken Walker's must start and we kind of like Geno Smith and they've got an implied point total of 21 and a half.
- [38:12]
Heath Cummings
It's weird. I guess maybe the thinking is that they're on the road, you know and jets coming off a buy, you know, we'll see how that, you know, changes some things for the jets. Hopefully in some way shape or form. Mostly offensively. I like them to still be bad defensively. So you mentioned Kenneth Walker, Heath. It hasn't been great for him lately. One touchdown in his last three games to keep Adams YPC for life. 3.9 yards per carry or less than four games in a row. One 13.9 PPR points or less than three games in a row. But five of the last six running backs against the jets have scored at least 16.2 PPR points. So is this a big game for Ken Walker or are we just going to get another okay, he'll grind his way to quality production.
- [38:54]
Dave Richard
I think it's probably more of the latter. Like I'm, I'm starting him. He's a borderline top 12 guy. I've got him projected for more than 13.9 fantasy points. So I. But I. I don't think he's gonna win you your week. Probably just a good, good start.
- [39:10]
Adam Azer
Yeah, I mean, I think that's where he comes in. In full ppr, I think he'll be lower than that in non ppr. If CJ Mosley's playing for the Jets, I. I feel a little bit better about the jets chances to slow him down. And we just, we haven't seen great numbers. You mentioned it for. From Kenneth Walker. He hasn't had a big game since week seven, so I'm. I can't put my finger on why it is. It could be the line, it could be him. But I just. I'm a little disappointed in what we've seen lately from Walker. To me, he's an RB2. Okay.
- [39:39]
Heath Cummings
So hopefully he does what most running backs have done against the Jets. But like you guys have said, I agree. You're starting him as at least a number two running back for this week. All right. So the receivers. Receivers for the Seahawks, you got DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett both not practicing for two days in a row. We'll see what happens on Friday. If Metcalf starts, you're starting him. If Lockett starts, you're avoiding him. But let's talk about Metcalf for a second. So 23.9 PPR points in his past two games. Not great. 11 catches, 129 yards, no touchdowns on 14 targets over that span. Technically, the jets are number one and fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. But we know that hasn't necessarily held up over the course of the season when they do face elite receivers. And I think Metcalf is still elite. Three wide receivers have scored at least 16.4 PPR points in their past three games against the Jets. But is he the number one guy? JSN has been awesome. 19.7 PPR points in three games in a row and at least seven targets in four games in a row. So who's the best receiver here and do we like both? I guess taking on this defense back.
- [40:39]
Dave Richard
To back, both must starts. I've got JS JSN one spot higher. But I do think, like you look at DK's biggest games and he had 19.9 against the Falcons. They're pretty awful against wide receivers. He had 17 against the Lions. They're pretty awful against wide receivers. At least he had like 30 against the Patriots. We just saw how awful they are against wide receivers. He generally is the best guy against bad defenses. And again this comes back to the over under. Like it doesn't set up as a game that this is a bad defense. But the jets have been a bad defense for at least a month.
- [41:17]
Adam Azer
Are we sure that DK is all right? Because since the buy. Yeah Jamie, you said it like 23.9 combined PPR points.
- [41:24]
Heath Cummings
Well he did, he did miss two games with a knee.
- [41:26]
Adam Azer
Yeah, it's not just the buy, it's the two injury. The injury that he had. He missed two games before the but I remember he got carded off in that game in week seven, I think it was. And then still on the injury report. I haven't had a chance to really dig into his film lately, but I wonder if he's not running with the same explosive that we're used to. And that could be a good explanation for why he's not the top target getter over the last two weeks, why he hasn't had a bunch of splash plates over the last two weeks. It makes me a little nervous and he's not in my top 24among receivers. But JS that is and we've seen this is another correlation. Maybe this is the correlation that we should be focusing on is that Smith and Jigba since the buy, since the injuries to DK Metcalf, he's the one that's come on.
- [42:12]
Heath Cummings
It's not a bad theory. I, I do think I I tend to lean more towards Heath where both guys are worth starting this week. Just given how the jets have mostly struggled against good wide receivers. I do think JSN has become a must start fantasy option at this point. And I still think Metcalf is a must start fantasy wide receiver when it's not a horrible matchup where he's going to face somebody consistently that's going to shadow him. And I don't think that'll be the case with Sauce Gardner. And as we've seen, Gardner hasn't been the same type of cornerback that we're accustomed to seeing. So I still trust Metcalf as long as he's healthy. Just something to keep an eye on there. Tyler Lockett, you just can't trust him. He's got four targets or less than four games in a row, three catches or less than four games in a Row and three of his last four games he's been 20 yards or less. So even if Metcalf misses the game, you can't trust Tyler Lockett here at all. If anybody wants to trust Noah Fanny did Practice in full, but I don't think anybody's starting him at this point. Let's go to the jets. So Aaron Rodgers 20.1 fantasy points in three of his last four games, at least 20.1 fantasy points three of his last four games. Has not thrown an interception since week seven. So he's done a good job and not turn the ball over. But here's what Seattle's done lately and I wonder if their defense has turned the corner. So Kyler Murray and Brock Purdy combined for 444 passing yards, one touchdown, two interceptions in their past two games and Seattle has given up six passing touchdowns with six interceptions in their past five games to Kirk Cousins, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, Brock Purdy, Kyler Murray. It's pretty good group of quarterbacks. So is Aaron Rodgers worth trusting given that he's been successful lately? Just hasn't been great and this matchup I don't think is fantastic. And he's taking into account the total points as well.
- [43:44]
Dave Richard
Yeah, he's a QB2. I was not excited about Tua. I have Rogers and Tua in a couple of leagues. I started Tua so that kind of tells you how I feel about Aaron Rodgers. I think he has the ability like it might be that he gets a garbage time touchdown and finishes with more than 20 fantasy points but is not somebody that I want to trust. I'll still trust to Adams and Wilson and probably whoever's playing running back, but not Rogers.
- [44:07]
Adam Azer
I've got three, three quarterbacks rather that I think has have more upside than Rogers and it's Levis, Lawrence and Derek Carr just because of cars. Matchup against the Rams could be a high scoring game. You might have to throw a lot. I'd rather start those guys than Rogers because it just feels like he doesn't have a lot of upside. And Seattle's defense I think has started to really turn the corner. Pat, you saw them really harass Kyler Murray last week made all the difference in the world. Their corners are starting to play better, their pass rush is starting to get to the quarterback, their run defense is getting stronger. I, I think there's a chance that they can travel to New Jersey and put a hurt on Aaron Rodgers and they've also they've been one of the most inconsistent. This is a compliment, Jamie. One of the most inconsistent defenses in terms of man versus zone. They can play both and if, if there's one, if Roger starts to beat them playing one way they can shift to the other and then maybe he's stymied after that. I kind of buy into the Seattle defense. I think it'll be trouble troubling for Rogers. And I think if you're banking on the wide receivers in this game, you're hoping for a lot of volume.
- [45:13]
Heath Cummings
So you said you like Garrett Wilson the best of all the receivers in this game. He has not been good in his last two games against Arizona and Indianapolis, 9 for 59 on 14 targets. He did score at least 13.1 PPR points in each of his five games prior to that. Seattle's allowed six wide receivers score at least 18 PPR points in their past five games. So while they have done better against quarterbacks, receivers have put up numbers against them. And for Devonte Adams, it's been a struggle since he's joined the Jets. As we know, one touchdown in his five games with the Jets, 13.2 PPR points in only two games in those five games. But he does have at least seven targets in every game with the jets and 31 targets in his past three games. So if we're a little worried about Aaron Rodgers, should we be trusting these two guys given what they've not done really in the last several weeks? Mostly Adams, more so than Wilson, but Wilson with the two back games coming into this one.
- [46:02]
Adam Azer
Yeah, I'm thinking that Garrett Wilson starts to see targets shift his way. And you know Devonte Adams has been there for five games and I know that he's BFFs with Aaron Rodgers, but he's just not. He's just not getting it done. It's. It's really been tough to watch. He's been playing in the slot a ton. Maybe he gets to around that 13 ppr point range. I think he's like at best a flex and full ppr. I think you can sit him in non ppr. And I think Garrett Wilson just has a good opportunity to see a lot of targets and fall into good production. I think he's the best shot to score for the jets too.
- [46:36]
Dave Richard
I think Keenan Allen's reminded us the last two weeks that volume over everything targets leave to fantasy points. I'm going to trust the targets with Devonte Adams and he does have like 13.2, 9.1, 22.1 in his last three games. That's pretty great. He's a number two wide receiver for me. I'm starting both Wilson and I'm starting all four wide receivers in this game.
- [46:59]
Adam Azer
Where do you have Wilson in relation?
- [47:02]
Dave Richard
Like a spot or two higher.
- [47:03]
Adam Azer
Okay, so both in that low end. Low end number Two Wide receiver range or mid?
- [47:08]
Dave Richard
Mid.
- [47:11]
Heath Cummings
All right, we'll see how it goes. Again, this defense has played better. If they can protect Rogers, he should have a chance to connect with his wide receivers. But also I think a big part of this is what's going to happen with the backfield and that's clearly the biggest story, I think, with the Jets. So I buried the lead a little bit because Breeze hall did not practice on Wednesday. Coming off of a buy was upgraded to limited, so is trending in the right direction. So if Breeze hall plays, this has not been a good matchup lately. The last three running backs against the Seahawks, Christian McCaffrey, Kyron Williams, James Connor, no touchdowns to those three guys. And only three running backs in the past five games have scored at least 14.6 PPR points. And those are three pretty good ones. So we have resolved. Coming off of his best game of the season in Week 11 against the Colts, 31.1 PPR points. I'm assuming everybody's starting Bris all if he's healthy. I don't think that's a question. If he's out, though, do we trust Braylon Allen in a tough matchup? His numbers this season haven't been great in, you know, backup situations. He has two games this season with double digits and carries. Both of those were against New England. He scored 9.2 and 9.8 PPR points, is receiving totals on the season, 10 catches, 81 yards and a touchdown. That's on 16 targets. And again, Mr. Razor YPC for life. He's averaging 3.7 yards per carry on the season. So is Braylon Allen a starter if Breeze hall does not go?
- [48:27]
Dave Richard
Ryan Robinson's kind of the cutoff for me of RB2s at the. He's at the end of the RB2s right now and I think I'd probably put Braylon Allen one spot behind him.
- [48:36]
Adam Azer
How do you rank him versus somebody like Kareem Hunt?
- [48:39]
Dave Richard
Definitely I would start Braylon Allen. Well, you can't make that like you have to start.
- [48:43]
Adam Azer
Right. Like we'd have to know before the, you know, 90 minutes.
- [48:47]
Heath Cummings
We find out again, let's. Let's just say Brisaw, we find out before kickoff was downgraded to.
- [48:52]
Adam Azer
Right. He doesn't practice on Friday and then.
- [48:55]
Heath Cummings
Oh yeah. But did not practice today.
- [48:57]
Adam Azer
Right. I mean, he could potentially be ruled out before kickoff of the game and that makes it easier. But if, look, I, I'd probably put him right behind Kareem Hunt and he'd be in that same Range as the Raiders running backs. Rashad White, Nick Chubb. Like I'll start Braylon Allen without Breeze hall over all those guys.
- [49:16]
Heath Cummings
Just make sure he's rostered right now because you don't want to get caught not having a chance to start him. If he does start as at least the Flex. He's 59 rostered on cbsports.com league so he's still out there in about 40 of leagues that you can just stash him. And if resolve can't make it through this game, then you never know what happens moving forward. So something just to keep an eye on there. Keith, before we move on, any questions you see in the chat that apply to this game? I should have told you to do that beforehand.
- [49:40]
Dave Richard
Well, we've got Braylon Allen or Kamani Vidal. I think we'd all rather have Allen if Presol is out and yes, probably if he's not.
- [49:48]
Heath Cummings
So pick up Braylon Allen now and if we find out Brisall's fine, you drop him and pick up Kamani Vidal and then see how the Chargers use Vidal in the first game without J.K. dobbins.
- [49:59]
Dave Richard
We do not have other questions about this game.
- [50:01]
Heath Cummings
Okay, next game is Rams New Orleans. So if any questions come up for that game, you can shoot them over in in the chat and Heath will put them up for us as we go. We'll start with the Rams here. So the implied point total is 49 and a half. So a little bit more of a high scoring affair expected here. Matthew Stafford, Karen Williams, Puka, Nakua, Cooper Cup. They're all the four main options for the Rams. I don't think anybody's looking at the tight ends at this point or demarcus Robinson who is expected to play despite his then yeah, dui. Right. Traffic fraction this week. Something happened.
- [50:31]
Dave Richard
Dui.
- [50:32]
Heath Cummings
Dui. Alleged DUI earlier this week. So is expected to still play. All right, so Stafford is probably the only question mark here. So the Saints are number nine and fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Stafford does have at least 21.9 fantasy points in four of his last five games. And two of the past four quarterbacks against New Orleans have scored at least 28.1 fantasy points. So Dave, is Matthew Stafford a starting fantasy quarterback this week?
- [50:55]
Adam Azer
I think he is. I think he's worth putting in there as a, as a starter would put him in ahead of Richardson, Stroud, Geno. We talked about Gino. I would use him over Darnold too and maybe even Bo Necks against Cleveland. Just thinking that there's a chance at a huge eruption here for him to have three touchdowns. We've seen him throw a ton. It's a little bit of garbage time luck last week to help Cooper cup out in the last minute or so of the game. But I, I think that this is definitely a spot where we're going to see Stafford throw the ball a lot against the Saints.
- [51:27]
Dave Richard
I, I think it's really going to depend on this Saints offense and if they show up then Stafford can be good. But like he's been good in four of his last five games and one of those he needed overtime to be good and one of those Dave mentioned he needed garbage time chasing the score to be good. So if I think they can run the ball, I think Kyron can have a lot of success against the Saints defense and so if the Saints don't keep up, I think this could be one of those games where Stafford plays really well but just doesn't have to do enough to be great. I agree with Dave that I would start him over Stroud, I would start him over Gino, I would actually start him over Kyler, I'd start him over Rogers, I would have started him over Tua but I'd like to take that back.
- [52:08]
Heath Cummings
I would start him over too as well. I, I do think Stafford has in that 22, 23 point range again, which is kind of where he's been living outside of the the Patriots game. Some of those opponents have been a little difficult as well. So to get the garbage time touchdown against the Eagles, that's something that's to me was somewhat encouraging. Just that if you started him you got, you got a good number at the end of it. So you mentioned Kyron Williams having a big game running. We have not seen that from him lately. He scored 11.2 PPR points or less than four games in a row. Did score a touchdown last week but he's got no catches or targets in each of his last two games. But four running backs in their past five games against New Orleans have scored 16.8 PPR points or more. So it has been a good matchup. So Heath, you are expecting this to be I guess breakout game for, for Karen Williams or slump?
- [52:50]
Dave Richard
I think he's right there with Ken Walker and Breeze hall as a must start number one running back and you don't. I'm not even thinking about him.
- [52:58]
Heath Cummings
You agree Dave?
- [52:59]
Adam Azer
I think he's better than that. I, I agree he's a must start but I think he's better than Kenneth Walker and Breeze Hall.
- [53:04]
Heath Cummings
All right, so you're counting on a big game for him also, so let's hope that that's the case. Again. Everybody's starting Karen Williams at this point unless your team is loaded. But it's just been frustrating to watch him not involved in the passing game, not scoring touchdowns. Had the fumble last week, which kind of limited, you know, his production a little bit. So hopefully he takes advantage of the Saints defense like most running backs have in the last five weeks. Nothing really to say about Pukinaku and Cooper Cup. I mean, they've just been awesome. You're starting them?
- [53:28]
Adam Azer
Yep.
- [53:29]
Heath Cummings
No questions. All right, let's go to the Saints now. So Dave mentioned Derek Carr as a potential option over Aaron Rodgers at least, but he's been playing well of late. 22.7 fantasy points in his past two games. That's against Atlanta and Cleveland. And three of the past five quarterbacks against the Rams have scored 21.9 fantasy points or more. So, Dave, is he just really an option in super flex in two quarterback leagues or would you consider starting him in one quarterback?
- [53:48]
Adam Azer
No, I really wouldn't start him in one quarterback leagues because you know what the downside is? There's. There's always the chance that he doesn't hit those deep throws to Marquez, Valdez scantling or a catch and run to Taysom Hill or whatever kind of nonsense that he's been putting up in his last two games. That brings him back down to 15 or 16 fantasy points, which is what he scored in each of his two prior games before he had this little mini outburst that he's had with MVs. So I don't hate the matchup as far as the secondary goes. I don't think the Rams pass defense is particularly good, but the Rams pass rush is pretty good. Jared Verse has been awesome. That's going to be problematic for Derek Carr. I still don't know just how good that offensive line is at this point. Coming off the buy. It should be good and that would help. But I almost feel like if Derek Carr. I think Derek Carr can have an okay game. Jamie. I think he can be like right around 18 fantasy points. I don't see getting much higher than like 23, 24 fantasy. So another one of those quarterbacks that doesn't have the sky high ceiling. Stafford has sky high. Derek Carr I don't think has it.
- [54:54]
Heath Cummings
You mentioned mvs Heath and he's been great. You know, fantasy wise. Obviously it's a little tough to trust because he only has seven targets in the last two games and five catches. But in those seven targets and five catches, he's gone for 196 yards and three touchdowns. So not sustainable. But can you use him if needed as a boom bus number three receiver? Do you like him in that? Do you, do you like him to have a potentially good game here against the Rams?
- [55:19]
Dave Richard
I, I really, I don't think Anybody can predict MVS. He's a top 60 wide receiver. For me. I maybe just barely cracked my top 48. No, he didn't. If I was going to search for one of those boom bust wide receivers, I, I'd prefer a Rashad Bateman. So I listen, I'm starting Chimera, I'm starting Taysom hill, cars are QB2. I don't really want to start anybody else.
- [55:50]
Heath Cummings
Makes sense. You know, I guess if you're behind in, in some way, shape or form because you faced a couple of players from this week, nobody really had a huge, you know, tremendous game. So let's say you're facing Laporta and.
- [56:00]
Adam Azer
Reed and what if you were facing a Dolphin stack?
- [56:05]
Heath Cummings
Yeah, I guess let's say you, let's say you're facing HN LaPorta and Reed. Could be realistic. You want to, you know, you're chasing points then, then maybe MVs. But I think Heath is, is onto something there with Rashad Bateman or Nick Westbrook. Nick Westbrook, Akinay, you know, these are all the same type of guys. So if you don't want to trust the lack of volume for MVs, just the touchdowns, then it's, it's easier to say those guys are a little bit better. Camara's been a must start running back. Should have another opportunity for a big game here. Seven running backs with at least 15.3 PPR points on the season against the Rams. Now he has not scored a touchdown in five games in a row, so hopefully he does get in the end zone. But as we just saw, the Rams gave up a monstrous game to saquon barkley with 46.2 ppr points. So hopefully Alvin Camara takes advantage. It's all right, let's talk about Taysom Hill a little bit more here. So Dave, 41.5 PPR points. As you noted in last week's last game for them against Cleveland. They want to buy in week 12. That was with seven carries, 138 yards and three touchdowns, eight catches, 50 yards on 10 targets. But I go back to that week nine game. Let's bring it up again because I think this is the type of touches that you're expecting here. So five carries, 19 yards. You want to see a little bit better rushing number there. Four catches, 41 yards on five targets. So I'm figuring about 10 to 12 total touches for Taysom if things go right. This was, you know, 15 total touches in the last game for him. That seems high. I don't think you can expect that, But I think 10, 9 to 12 seems somewhat realistic. If he scores, you'll be thrilled Again scored against Carolina. So are we just banking on scoring a touchdown here? I know Heath, as you said, seven PPR points is not bad for a tight end, which is. Right. But we're. We're not expecting that based on where we have them ranked. So, Dave, you start. If you follow just your expectations touches, you know, what are we going to see from Taste Mill?
- [57:42]
Adam Azer
You're definitely starting him ahead of over any streaming tight end. You're definitely starting them over any tight end that does have some downside. Just to name a few guys that have that Ertz, Ingram, Disley, like a good game for those guys at this point might be 11 or 12 PPR points. What you laid out the type of touches that we could get from Taysom Hill on top of the fact that not only might he score, he's their preferred option at the goal line. That's been what's hurting Alvin Camara more than anything else lately. Yes, you're starting that. That's. That's like a premier fantasy tight end. It's easier for me to name the tight ends that I would start ahead of Taysom Hill for this week. Kelsey, Bowers, Kittle, and I would have started John who too, and Trey McBride in full PPR. Every other tight end I'd sit for.
- [58:30]
Dave Richard
Taysom, Hill, Bowers, McBride, Kelsey Kittle. Those are the only guys I'm starting over him. And if he has another game where he has a target share of even 20, it was 34 in his last game. If he's over 20 target share and over 20 rush share, then he's the number one tight end the rest of season.
- [58:45]
Heath Cummings
Number one's. Wow. All right, so let's see if Taysom keeps it up. And also probably could depend on, you know, Chris Alave if he's able to return from his concussion, not expecting to play this week, that could kind of.
- [58:55]
Adam Azer
What'S opened the door for him is that the New Orleans ran out of good targets to throw to and now he's emerged as their best target.
- [59:02]
Heath Cummings
Yep. And if you're desperate, Joanne Johnson did score a touchdown in his last game, but hasn't done very much with it. So not somebody I think you want to rely on. All right, Tampa Bay, Carolina expected points. All here is 46 and a half for the Bucks. It feels like we kind of know what we're doing with them. Baker Mayfield's my start of the week. The running backs we'll talk about in a second. Mike Evans obviously is a must start guy. Let's go to Kate Oden. So is Kate Otten going to bounce back after last week's disappointment? He got the Giants. As Heath said in the second half they remembered how to defend tight ends. They defended Otten very well last week. One catch for 30 yards on three targets. But that was the first game with Evans so I understand why people might be a little bit concerned. So are we going right back to Kdotten as a must start tight end?
- [59:39]
Dave Richard
All season long we've talked about how the Chiefs have given up the most fantasy points to tight ends. It's no longer the Chiefs giving up the most fantasy points to tight ends. It's the Panthers. I'm going to give K.in one more week as a starter. Not a must start. I think I've got a ninth but a top 12 tight end this week. If it's another 10 target share game then we're probably looking for a streamer. But yeah start KD I I do.
- [60:03]
Adam Azer
Wrestle with how many targets he could have if the Bucks running backs mainly Bucky is going to continue to take a lot of work away from everybody else in the passing game. I think that's one of the things that like obviously having Mike Evans come back last week, that's that hurt K dot and but if the running backs are going to continue to get these short area targets, those are short area targets that are not going to Odin. But I'm in the same boat as Heath here. I think that he's deserving of another week at least eight and a half half PPR points to a tight end. Carolina's allowed in five of their past six. Noah Gray had two touchdowns last week. They can scheme up K dot and to get open in the end zone. So he's in that touchdown or bust range of tight end Taysom Hill and easy start over him.
- [60:46]
Heath Cummings
Carolina's allowed seven touchdowns to tight ends in the last five games and five tight ends have scored at least 12.2 PBR points against Carolina over that span. Just real quick, Mike Evans last five games against Carolina, 35 catches, 576 yards and six touchdowns, at least 18.6 PPR points in four of those games. So hopefully he gets going after a disappointing stat line last week. Let's talk about the running backs here. So all three scored a touchdown last week. I don't think you have to worry about Sean Tucker because he only played 8% of the snaps but may fall into the end zone to ruin one of the other two guys. It's really about Bucky Irving and Rashad White. So Keith, give me the breakdown of Bucky and Rashad White. Both were great, were good last week. Bucky Irving was obviously amazing.
- [61:24]
Dave Richard
Bucky is a good number two running back and if he continues to see 75% of the running back targets like he did last week in the first game off the by then I think we view Bucky as a number one running back rest of season, but right now I'm still viewing him as a good number two. And again, we've talked about this before, like when things change positively for rookies after the buy, a lot of times those things stick. So if if he's getting 3, 4 for the running back targets, he's an absolute league winner. I've dropped Rashad White outside of my top 24 running backs. I'd still start him in full PPR over Gus and Javante and Jalen Warren and Nick Chubb. I'd start him over Cream Hunt and Tank Bigsby, but he's not a top 24 running back. I would rather start Naji Harris and Ramon Dre and I don't really even like those guys.
- [62:11]
Adam Azer
I'd have to go back and see. I think Rashad White only had more carries than Bucky in the fourth quarter. Like I almost feel like he's kind of had some garbage time last week and that's what helped him out of carries.
- [62:23]
Heath Cummings
They both had 12 carries last week, right.
- [62:24]
Adam Azer
But I think most of them came in the fourth quarter. In the first three quarters it was the Bucky Show. So that makes me a little I've got White as a number three running back as well. Most of the running backs that Heath named, I agree I'd start White over them, but I don't feel particularly confident in Rashad White, certainly not where I was a week ago. By comparison, Bucky's the guy in that backfield.
- [62:46]
Heath Cummings
Not only is Carolina number one in most fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, they're number one and most fantasy points allowed to opposing running back. So it could be good for both of them. But I think yes, Rashad White better off as A flex. All right. The Panthers. There's not really a must start player aside from Chuba Hubbard and what we saw from him last week. 89 of the snaps in the first game with Jonathan Brooks. So I don't think you have to worry about Brooks. Tampa Bay number seven and most fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs is Hubbard. Just the. The slam dunk number two, maybe number one running back this week.
- [63:17]
Dave Richard
Borderline top 12 for me. I would. I'm starting Chuba Hubbard everywhere.
- [63:21]
Adam Azer
At least 15 PPR points each of his last three games. Two of those games over 20. I don't see how you get away from them.
- [63:28]
Heath Cummings
Pick your favorite Panthers receiver. Dave, you got Xavier Legat, you got Adam Thielen, you got David Moore. Those are your three choices.
- [63:35]
Adam Azer
We're back to the fun questions. Thanks Jamie. It's. It's legit but it's not by much and I'm not starting any of these guys with any semblance of confidence. I, I guess I would cons. I, I can't even look at them as like scouting options for by week action. They play Philadelphia next week so I, I don't see, I don't, I don't see a good reason for carrying any of these guys on a redraft roster.
- [64:01]
Dave Richard
I'm a little bit more optimistic about. I mean I'm hopeful. You don't have to start him but we've got 12 and 14 team leagues where you start three wide receivers in a flex or three wide receivers and two flexes and league. It's had at least six targets in three of his last four games. I thought Bryce Young looked pretty good playing against a Chiefs defense that's much better than this Tampa Bay pass defense. So I like. I'd rather start league it than those boomer bust dart throws we were talking about MVS and Bateman and those guys. He's. I think he's at wide receiver 40ish for me.
- [64:33]
Adam Azer
To me he's the touchdown or bust fantasy tight end that doesn't get a lot of deep throws. Those other wide receivers are touchdown or bus tight ends or tight end. I don't know why I'm saying tenants wide receivers. Maybe it's because league gets kind of like a titan league. It is. Or those other receivers are boom bus wide receivers who have a chance at scoring. Westbrook Akina as an example gets about the same type of target volume as legit if I'm not mistaken.
- [64:55]
Heath Cummings
Yes he does targets in two or three games with 11.
- [64:58]
Adam Azer
Right. I'd rather start him I'd probably just spin the wheel on MVS over league.
- [65:03]
Heath Cummings
It as well if you think he's going to score. He did score in two of his a touchdown in three of his past four games prior to his last two and that's with Thielen coming back last week. It is a good matchup though because Tampa Bay is number seven and most fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. So if you're banking on matchups, maybe it helps to get more so than some of those other guys. But it is not necessarily a good week to trust them. And for Adam Thielen, we got a few questions in the chat that I see here. He did not have a great game last week. Three catches, 57 yards on four targets. That was his first game back since week four, so. Or since week three. Excuse me. And not a good history against Tampa Bay. Who was better defensively against receivers last year than they are this year's. Not by much, but he had five catches for 37 yards combined in two games against Tampa Bay last season. That's on nine targets. So not a good history there if you're talking about that. I guess the one thing to keep an eye on is in deeper leagues. If David Moore has another good game, he had 6 for 81 on a touchdown on 10 targets. So whenever you see a spike in targets like that, something just to keep an eye on again, I don't think many people are going to start him. But with all the teams on a buy next week To Heath's point, 12 team deep, 12 team leagues, 14 team leagues, 16 team leagues, he might be of interest to you. He's available in over 90 of leagues.
- [66:13]
Adam Azer
Before we go next rate's been high for several weeks now, so let's take.
- [66:17]
Heath Cummings
Our last break here. I'm sorry, we're going to go over an hour slightly and then we'll wrap up the last two games here on Fantasy football today.
- [66:23]
Jamie Eisenberg
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- [68:25]
Heath Cummings
Arizona, Minnesota the expected point total here is 45 points. We'll start with the Cardinals here. So Dave, you mentioned you don't like Kyler Murray. Heath, I think he said the same thing. It's tough to trust coming off a game with 10.3 fantasy points last week against Seattle, it's the second time in three games he scored 10.3 points or less. 16.2 fantasy points or less than three of five road games this season. So again, going on the road hasn't been good for him. Vikings number three and fewest fantasy points allowed to posing quarterbacks. Only four quarterbacks this season over 20 fantasy points. So Dave, make the case for Kyler Murray because it doesn't sound like this is a good setup for him.
- [68:58]
Adam Azer
I've got to make the case for Kyler Murray.
- [69:00]
Heath Cummings
Yes.
- [69:01]
Adam Azer
Okay, so let's see if I can do this here. All right.
- [69:04]
Heath Cummings
It's the game of the week. Yeah.
- [69:05]
Adam Azer
No, I hope it's not. Maybe Adam thinks so. Maybe maybe you think so. But I'm game.
- [69:12]
Heath Cummings
Got two playoff contenders.
- [69:13]
Adam Azer
Sure, it could be a Good game. But I'm worried about the direction of the Cardinals offense. I really did not like what they showed us last week against Seattle. And this Vikings defense is going to be all over Kyler Murray. His offensive line was terrible last week, so they need to get better there first and foremost. But you know what the Vikings do? They're going to blitz, they're going to play a lot of zone behind. It's going to really temper any type of big plays that Kyler can have. This is a team that doesn't want to throw the ball a ton anyway. They might have to in this game. And Kyler Murray just makes me nervous. I know the whole story about how the Vikings allow a ton of fantasy points to wide receivers. It's literally the only thing that makes Marvin Harrison a palatable starter. I think Kyler is going to struggle again, and I think he's going to get hit a lot. And I think the Vikings are going to dominate time of possession and have another big win against the Cardinals, who are on the road second week in a row. This is Kyler Murray. This is a tough spot to trust Kyler Murray.
- [70:09]
Dave Richard
I. I can make the case for Kyler Murray because that. Dave, that was a really bad job of making the case.
- [70:13]
Adam Azer
Well, I can't do it.
- [70:14]
Dave Richard
All you did was say bad things about Kyler Murray.
- [70:16]
Heath Cummings
Right.
- [70:16]
Dave Richard
Because that's the case for Kyler Murray is that the direction of the Cardinals offense has not been predictive at all this season. Every time he's really good, he goes really bad, and every time he's really bad, he goes really good. He throws for 300 yards and two touchdowns against the Dolphins, and then he's absolutely awful. 160 total yards against the Bears, and then he has three touchdowns against the jets, and then he's absolutely awful against the Seahawks. Kyler Murray is like. He has huge upside any given week, and he might score you six to 10 points. I don't like him. But the case is that nothing he's done this season has been predictive of what's coming.
- [70:54]
Heath Cummings
The one thing that I really hate about this, because you're right, Heath, it's been a roller coaster where we just don't know when the good games are going to show up. For the most part, this team, Minnesota, number one and fewest rushing yards allowed to opposing quarterbacks. So the thing that saves him, like the San Francisco game, for example, he had the big rushing touchdown there to save him. It's probably not going to happen. And one rushing touchdown allowed the quarterbacks this year. So if they contain his rushing totals to expect him to do it from a passing perspective which has not necessarily been what's helped his best performances aside from maybe that Dolphins game, we just have not seen that consistently. So it's I think it's easy to sit him in one quarterback leagues. Now. James Connor has not been playing great as well lately. Certainly last week 9.9 PPR points against the Seahawks which was a seat with a season low 8 rushing yards. Now he does have back to back games with five targets for and five catches so that's been helpful. I'm sorry he hasn't been running well like he's been playing well but his his passing and production has been good. Minnesota's number three and fewest fantasy points allowed to pose running backs in the last three games it's been Jonathan Taylor, Travis Etn, DeAndre Swift, nine and a half PPR points or less. So is Connor a safe start? Keith, do we like him this week?
- [72:01]
Dave Richard
I wouldn't call him a safe start. I think I've had him like when I like him he's usually a top 12 guy. He's still a top 24 guy. And we have seen some running backs have success against the Vikings through the air. I think they're like eighth in terms of total targets seen to running backs at six and a half per game. Given up four and a half catches to the position. So in full ppr I think Connor's still a start as a number two running back, borderline and none.
- [72:32]
Adam Azer
Yeah, I feel the same way. I'm worried about the offensive line holding up. I think the matchup is going to be really really hard for him. I, I would not expect 15 PPR points from James Connor.
- [72:46]
Heath Cummings
Gotta score a touchdown for that to happen. Especially if he's still getting the work in the passing game. But you know, just the running totals have not been there for him at least certainly last week with only 8 yards rushing. Trey McBride's a must start tight end. Still no receiving touchdowns on the season which is incredible. But you're going to start him no matter what. He's just been awesome. 10.1 PPR points in seven games in a row. 3 games over 17.6 PPR points over that span. Let's talk about Marvin Harrison. So the matchup's great. Their Vikings are number two and most fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. You mentioned it though, Heath, the target's not been there for him. Six targets or less in each of his last three games. 7.7 PPR points less than two of those past three games. But seven wide receivers score at least 12 PPR points against Minnesota in just the last five games alone. So just a number three receiver or any faith in maybe this is kind of a breakout game.
- [73:35]
Dave Richard
I like he's. I shouldn't say this, but it's true. He's a rich man's mvs. Wow. Like and much, much better. I said a rich man's. But there's, there's not, there's no guarantee of volume at all. He has two, five and three catches in his last three games. If you wanted to look at something that's like, well this is positive is that it has been like Kyler in every other week thing. He had five fantasy points and then he had 23. He had five fantasy points and Then he had 16. He had seven fantasy points. I guess he's due for a 20 point game based on the Arizona Cardinals roller coaster, but it's. You're just hoping he catches a long touchdown.
- [74:16]
Heath Cummings
I think could happen. But yeah, it's tough. Tough to say. Must start. So starter in three receiver leagues, a guy you can avoid in two receiver leagues. Let's go to the Viking side of things here. So Sam Darnold, 22.2 fantasy points in four of his last five games. But it has not been good for this team for teams facing the Cardinals. So Justin Herbert, Tua Tonga by Loa Caleb Williams, Aaron Rodgers, Dino Smith, 16.7 fantasy points or less than five games in a row against Arizona. So their defense has been playing great and only three quarterbacks this season have gone over 20 fantasy points against them. That was Josh Allen, Jaden Daniels and Jordan Love. And that has been. That was earlier in the season for the most part. So is Sam Donald a good start this week based on what we saw. And you know Dave, you and I argued about this against Chicago, who had been very good against quarterbacks and he came through with a strong performance. So are you gonna make the case for Sam Donald in this one or are we opposed to Sam Darnold this week?
- [75:07]
Adam Azer
He's sitting on the fence at 12 for me in my quarterback rankings. I've seen this Cardinals pass rush come alive over their last couple of games. I'm curious if they're going to actually play their rookie first round pass rusher Robinson. Is this going to be the week? And anytime Darnold's pressured, I think it leads to some trouble and I also don't know how much throwing he's going to have to do in this game. So I think the past attempts will be down. I think the yardage might be down a little bit, but I can't rule out two touchdowns. And he's got the receivers and we've seen, we talked earlier on this show about Jordan Addison and how good he's been in three of his past four games. He can help make Sam Darnold's stats passable, which I think we could say was the case last week and could certainly happen again this week. And then there's that other wide receiver they have. Jalen Naylor. Yeah, him and no, a tight end. Hawkinson. Is there anybody else they've got who's any good that might be able to.
- [75:59]
Heath Cummings
Not lately.
- [76:00]
Adam Azer
Yeah, he had a 40 yard touchdown call back last week. Justin Jefferson did. So if he scores that, no one's really freaking out about him. He's not a number one overall. He's not like a 101 wide receiver anymore. But he's certainly going to be a must start guy. And the point is that with all these targets, Sam Darnold, even without huge passing volume, should be able to have a good game. Let's emphasize the word good. 20 to 22 fantasy points in that range. I would bet on that for Darnold this week.
- [76:28]
Dave Richard
You said three quarterbacks who have been good against the Cardinals, it was Josh Allen, it was Jaden Daniels, it was Jordan love. There are three quarterbacks with more than 20 fantasy points against the Bears. It's Jaden Daniels, it's Jordan Love and it's Sam Darnold. Last week I. He's a borderline QB one.
- [76:43]
Heath Cummings
Yeah. Fair to say. You know, I mean it's just, it's, it's, it's not been good for quarterbacks for the most part against this team. But yes, he's been fantastic and hopefully Justin Jefferson does get going. 9.8 PPR points or less than two of his last three games coming off the season low. 4.7 PBR points against Chicago. You wonder if there's a squeaky wheel game coming. But he has not scored a touchdown since week seven. So we need to see a little bit more from Justin Jefferson. Nobody's hitting him but we just want more production. Jordan Addison we talked about again, high end, number three receiver. Just based on the matchup, three receivers have scored at least 13.2 PPR points against Arizona in their last five games. So they have been good against opposing wide receivers but feels like there's a, there's a little bit of momentum building for Addison who's been good the last two weeks. Are we starting T.J. hawkinson? Because he's coming off a good game, but he's been similar to Kyler Murray up and down. Two good games, two bad games. In the four games that he's come back, no touchdowns yet, but did have seven for 114 on nine targets against the Bears last week. So Heath, is he a starting tight end?
- [77:39]
Dave Richard
He is a top 12 tight end for me. I would still start. I mean, obviously Taysom. I would still start Kate Otten over him. I'd still start Hunter Henry over him, but I would start Hawkinson over Goddard. I'd start him over Ertz. I'd start him over Andrews. So he's kind of like Sam Darnold, like right at that borderline of the top 12. If I've got on my team, I'm probably not going and looking for someone else.
- [78:03]
Adam Azer
And I probably have him ranked a little too high. I've got him ninth among tight ends. I. I don't think he'll have the same type of volume as he had last week. Probably by the time you get to my rankings, he'll be closer to 12.
- [78:15]
Heath Cummings
Aaron Jones coming off one of his best games of the season. Best game since Week 7, first touchdown since Week 7. 22 for 106 and a score, three catches, 23 yards on four targets. Arizona's not very. They are actually good in terms of you can throw against them. So number 11 and most receptions allowed to running backs. Five running backs in the last four games against Arizona scored at least 12.3 PPR points. So I'll just use the James Connor baseline. Better than James Connor.
- [78:41]
Dave Richard
I've got him just behind Connor.
- [78:43]
Heath Cummings
Behind Connor.
- [78:47]
Dave Richard
Just. I mean, I think they're kind of the same guy. They're Both mid. Mid RB2s.
- [78:52]
Heath Cummings
Dave?
- [78:53]
Adam Azer
Yeah. If we're talking about Aaron Jones.
- [78:55]
Heath Cummings
Aaron Jones versus James Connor.
- [78:57]
Adam Azer
Jones by a mile.
- [78:58]
Heath Cummings
Jones by a mile for you. Okay.
- [78:59]
Adam Azer
Yeah. He's the number one running back for me this week.
- [79:02]
Heath Cummings
Okay. I like Jones better than Connor. He's not a number one running back for me, but I do think that this is an opportunity for him. And you've. You've kind of laid out the narrative, Dave. You think it's going to be a lot of running for the. For the Vikings, so could be a good game for. For Aaron Jones. All right. Last game that we're looking at here is Tennessee at Washington. 44 and a half is the over under here. So will Levis Dave mentioned it's coming off of you know a couple of strong performances. 20.1 fantasy points in two of his last three games. Washington number 11 and most fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks and three of the last four quarterbacks against Washington, 21.7 fantasy points. And that's the stellar trio of Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson and Cooper Rush. So there is an opportunity here for Will Levis. I don't think anybody's starting in one quarterback leagues, but the schedule coming up is very favorable for the Titans and so if you want to get ahead of it, stash him on your bench. If he has another good game, get Jacksonville next week. You probably want to start him in that matchup. So not a bad streaming option moving forward if Will Levis can sort of avoid the mistakes. But again, Super Flex 2 quarterback leagues. I don't mind him for this week. Let's go back to just the the Titans running back situation here. So Tony Pollard good last week but that was without Ty's a Spears bad the two weeks prior with Spears playing. Spears cleared the concussion protocol or I'm sorry at least practicing in full expected to clear the concussion protocol. Is Tony Pollard still a safe start and compare him to I, I guess I'll. I'll stick with you Heath. Compare him to Aaron Jones and James Connor with Spears playing.
- [80:19]
Dave Richard
I will move him behind Jones and Connor when we get done with this show because we're going to add Spears to the rankings. I will leave him ahead of Brian Robinson. They're both going to be low end number two running backs. So any of those guys like Naji or Ramondre or Kareem Hunt that we don't really want to start, I think you start Pollard over anybody you've got that you feel like is an RB2. You start them over both the running backs in this game.
- [80:42]
Heath Cummings
Dave, how do we feel about Calvin Ridley because he's only got two games with a touchdown. He did have a two touchdown game, but two games with a touchdown. 12.3 PPR points in four of his last five games. At least six targets in seven games in a row. Now Washington could get Marshawn Lattimore playing for the first time this season. He's been limited in practice dealing with the hamstring injury.
- [81:01]
Adam Azer
Yep.
- [81:01]
Heath Cummings
And only three wide receivers have scored at least 14.9 PPR points against Washington in the last four games. So is this a safe matchup for Ridley?
- [81:08]
Adam Azer
I'm starting him as a number two wide receiver. Just the the boom bust nature of his game combined with the high volume that he's been getting is what keeps me going with Calvin Ridley and why I still want to trust him.
- [81:21]
Heath Cummings
And for Nick Westbrook, Akin a scored a touchdown in six of his past seven games. He does have 11 targets in the last two games with Will Levis with four catches for 165 yards and those two touchdowns. And he scored at least 12.8 PPR points in three of his last four games. But as we've kind of noted it's like MVS. It's like Rashad Bateman. It's big play or bust which has kind of been saving Westbrook Keene. So take that into account against a matchup that's not exactly the easiest. But again if you are desperate could be a boom bust. Number three wide receiver for Washington, Jane Daniels. He ended his two game slump last week against Dallas with 34.4 fantasy points. He ran for 74 yards in a touchdown. The previous two games against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia combined for only 23 rushing yards. It was his first rushing touchdown since week four. But Tennessee has allowed a rushing touchdown to a quarterback in two of their last three games. I think everybody's starting him. Is there anybody that is any any concern about Daniels? That last week was the just the hectic comeback against Dallas that sort of saved him. He got the 86 yard touchdown from Terry McLaren with 21 seconds to go but did run better. Is. Is he back to being Jane Daniels again?
- [82:29]
Dave Richard
I'd start Baker over him. I'd start Mahomes over him. I've got just a touch of concern but he has way too much upside to sit.
- [82:36]
Adam Azer
Agreed.
- [82:36]
Heath Cummings
Okay, touch up.
- [82:37]
Adam Azer
It's as simple as that. And I just. I. You've got to be encouraged by the rushing and just the aggressive passing that we saw last week.
- [82:45]
Heath Cummings
Terry McLaren's a must start wide receiver again. Just been mostly consistent in terms of his fantasy points. You did get lucky a little bit last week with the the 86 yard touchdown with 21 seconds to go. But is that that is now 13.4 PBR points in nine of his last 10 games. So just delivering weekend week out some way somehow does have six targets or less than four games row and has actually been out targeted 27 to 17 by Noah Brown in the last four games. But nobody's benching Terry McLaren. Zach Ertz is he a safe start at this point? 14 PPR points in four of his last six games. Two in a row hitting that number seven targets in three consecutive outings. Does he become a slam dunk tight end at this point?
- [83:25]
Dave Richard
I wouldn't go to the point of slam dunk. Tight end. I think I've got him right behind Hawkinson, so I would definitely call him a borderline tight end. 1. The Titans have been very good against tight ends. They did give up a touchdown to Cade Stover last week, but they've given up touchdowns to the Lions. Tight ends Sam Laporta and Brock Wright both scored one in week eight and Cade Stover scored one last week. And no other tight end to scored a touchdown against them this year.
- [83:54]
Adam Azer
How many good tight ends have they taken on? Not saying that Zach Ertz is like.
- [83:59]
Dave Richard
Like of the Zach Ertz level. I mean, they stopped just now. Yeah.
- [84:06]
Heath Cummings
So here's the thing. They've allowed four tight ends to score at least eight PPR points in their last five games. Three touchdowns over that span. The one thing that I think you look at if you take away the name. So just, we're not talking about Zachary. Talking about a Titan that's gotten seven targets and three at least seven targets and seven at least seven targets in three games in a row. 14 PPR points. Four of his last six games. Like, the numbers are impressive.
- [84:25]
Adam Azer
That's good. You're starting that guy. That's it.
- [84:31]
Heath Cummings
Okay, so low end starter. Let's just call it that. Let's talk about the backfill. Wrap up the show with this. So Brian Robinson limited the past two days with the ankle injury. Austin Eckler still in the concussion protocol, not expected play. It's not an easy matchup. What we've seen from Tennessee the last three games. J.K. dobbins healthy at that point. Clearly Aaron Jones, Joe Mixon. Mixon was coming off an amazing stretch of games. All three held to nine and a half PPR points or less. So Tennessee's faced three really good running backs, shut them all down. Robinson's been very good for the majority of the season. 13.1 PPR points in six of eight games. The one game that Eckler did miss this season, which was week four against Arizona. It was the best game for Brian Robinson. 20.3 PPR points, three catches for 12 yards. That's the last time he had more than one catch in a game. But he had 21 carries, 101 yards in the touchdown. So as Brian Robbins Jr. Heath, you've been saying number two running back for me, he's a flex. I don't want to trust him this week. Even with Eckler most likely out, because I don't think he's 100. And you're facing a really good Defense, but you seem a little bit more optimistic.
- [85:29]
Dave Richard
I, I mean he is the cutoff for me of a number two in a flex. He's right around RB24. I don't feel particularly good about him. It's. Does he score a touchdown? Is basically the way that he turns into a number two running back. He's done that more often than not this season. And so I think you probably get three catches, which definitely helps him more than a week when eckler is playing. RB24 is the perfect spot for him.
- [85:58]
Adam Azer
Yep, it's right around where I have them. Low end, number two running back.
- [86:02]
Heath Cummings
Okay. Just outside that for me. But hopefully he gets a little bit more work in the past. I just hope he's healthy, you know, that's the, the concern and if he does, for whatever, miss the game. Jeremy McNichols 60 roster right now. Does McNichols get any work in the passing game? That's not his profile. He only has two catches on three targets this season. But someone may have to step up without Eckler there if it's not just Brian Robinson taking all that work. So how do we feel about McNichols, Dave, with Robinson and without Robinson?
- [86:28]
Adam Azer
Well, I think it's pretty obvious without Robinson. He's somebody who's going to be able to maybe fill in as an emergency RB replacement. If I weighed him versus Braylon Allen, minus Breeze Hall, I'd rather have Allen than McNichols, but he'd be close behind. So kind of in that range. He'd be a number three type of fantasy running back and you'd hope that he'd find the end zone against Tennessee. Obviously if there is Robinson then I almost think you're wishing for garbage time, production.
- [86:56]
Dave Richard
Eckler missed. He scored 20.4 fantasy points, scored two touchdowns, 68 rushing yards, only caught one pass. I, I do want to say like there was a time where he was the pass catching back for The Titans had 38 targets in 14 games for them in 2021. So he has been the, the third down pass catching back before. He just didn't serve in that role when Eckler missed time earlier this year.
- [87:22]
Adam Azer
Yeah, it's a different coaching staff and I don't know how they view him compared to Ron Rivera's staff back in that time. Hopefully Robinson's fine and that was the type we don't see a whole lot of them of McNichols.
- [87:35]
Heath Cummings
It was the Titans, not the Panthers.
- [87:38]
Dave Richard
Todd Downing, because the offensive coordinator of that team.
- [87:43]
Heath Cummings
That'll do it for us again. An hour and 20 minutes. Adam Major is going to kill me. Thank you everybody for watching. Hopefully everybody a good Thanksgiving day. We'll have you updated on everything and we'll answer more your questions. We don't have a mailbag this week so as Adam's traveling but we will be back Sunday at 11:30am Eastern here on YouTube. You check us out CBS Sports HQ as well at 10am Eastern. Check out everything we have going on the site CBSSports.com where you get a lot more start sit all the columns that we have to offer all the player updates as well. For Heathcomings for Dave Richard, I'm Jamie Eisenberg, our musician player as well. Thanks for watching. Thanks for listening.
- [88:24]
Jamie Eisenberg
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- [88:29]
Heath Cummings
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- [88:31]
Jamie Eisenberg
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