Waiver Wire! Jerome Ford, Kendre Miller, Brenton Strange and More! (12/17 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today: Waiver Wire Dominance with Jerome Ford, Kendre Miller, Brenton Strange, and More!

Episode Release Date: December 17, 2024

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Introduction

In the latest episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings, the crew dives deep into the critical waiver wire decisions crucial for securing a championship run in Week 16. As the fantasy playoffs approach, the hosts dissect top waiver targets, evaluate quarterback options, and provide invaluable insights to help listeners navigate the late-season landscape.

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Waiver Wire Priorities: Top Picks

Timestamp: [03:07] - [08:38]

The core of the episode centers around identifying the best players available on the waiver wire. The hosts unanimously agree that Jerome Ford emerges as the top priority, offering significant upside for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters.

Jerome Ford (RB, Cincinnati Bengals)

• Dave Richard asserts, “Jerome Ford is an easy number one. He had seven carries, 84 yards, and a touchdown against the Chiefs” ([04:19]).
• Adam Aizer emphasizes the Bengals' run defense woes, stating, “The Cincinnati Bengals have allowed 90 rushing yards or a rushing touchdown to a running back in every single game this season” ([08:31]).
• Jamey Eisenberg highlights Ford's increasing role: “He's 48% rostered. He had seven carries, 84 yards, and a touchdown against the Chiefs. Best run defense in football” ([08:31]).

Brenton Strange (TE, Tennessee Titans)

• Positioned as the second priority, Brenton Strange benefits from the Titans' favorable matchup against Las Vegas.
• Dave Richard notes, “Strange put Strange second and Ferguson third” ([04:52]).
• Jamey Eisenberg adds, “I expect a lot of decent volume and low ADOT. Short area targets” ([33:18]).

Kendre Miller (RB, New Orleans Saints)

• Rounding out the top three, Kendre Miller offers a solid replacement for Alvin Kamara, especially with the Saints' offensive line stepping up.
• Dave Richard mentions, “Kendra Miller is available in about half of our leagues” ([04:19]).
• Jamey Eisenberg praises Miller's collegiate performance translating to the NFL: “He has good balance, good vision, and good speed” ([12:52]).

Additional Considerations

• Jalen McMillan (RB, Cleveland Browns) and Amir Abdullah (RB, Las Vegas Raiders) are also discussed as viable options depending on league formats and team needs.
• Dave Richard advises, “McMillan has a better chance to help people than Kendrick Miller, if he starts” ([06:37]).
• Jamey Eisenberg suggests, “If Camara misses, I would trust Miller as number two running back” ([08:33]).

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Quarterback Analysis: Top Waiver Targets

Timestamp: [24:52] - [63:18]

As quarterbacks are pivotal in fantasy success, the hosts explore the best available options on the waiver wire.

Aaron Rodgers (QB, Los Angeles Rams) vs. Matthew Stafford (QB, Los Angeles Rams)

• Dave Richard considers Rodgers a reliable pick, especially in favorable matchups: “He’s been living in that 18 point per game range” ([03:07]).
• Adam Aizer weighs the impact of the Rams' defense: “The Rams defense here is going to make him a little bit nervous” ([59:03]).

Matthew Stafford

• Positioned as a strong alternative, Matthew Stafford faces a tough Jacksonville Ravens defense but has shown potential upside.
• Dave Richard highlights Stafford’s recent performance: “He scored like 28 points or something” ([63:37]).
• Adam Aizer counters, “The Rams defense is playing really well” ([59:17]).

Caleb Williams (QB, Buffalo Bills) & Jameis Winston (QB, New Orleans Saints)

• Dave Richard ranks Caleb Williams as a top quarterback due to his favorable matchup against the Lions: “Caleb Williams is easily number one” ([26:04]).
• Jamey Eisenberg expresses caution about Jameis Winston, citing inconsiderate plays and lack of consistent production: “He can go out there and throw a pick in the first quarter” ([26:04]).

Mason Rudolph (QB, Indianapolis Colts) & Carson Wentz (QB, Las Vegas Raiders)

• Both Mason Rudolph and Carson Wentz are considered viable, especially in super flex leagues, with Rudolph being slightly safer: “I'll take Rudolph over all these guys” ([60:52]).
• Dave Richard notes, “Carson Wentz was the number one quarterback per game in fantasy last year when he played” ([63:18]).

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Wide Receiver Analysis: Top Waiver Targets

Timestamp: [31:11] - [67:55]

The discussion shifts to wide receivers, with Jalen McMillan taking the spotlight.

Jalen McMillan (WR, Cleveland Browns)

• Jamey Eisenberg names McMillan as the top wide receiver waiver pick: “McMillan's an easy number one” ([31:11]).
• Dave Richard adds, “Bateman’s just been a touchdown magnet for Lamar Jackson” ([31:11]).
• Adam Aizer concurs, emphasizing McMillan’s favorable matchup: “He's available. All right, I think I'm gonna root for Ryan” ([48:21]).

Romeo Dobbs (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) & Christian Watson (WR, Green Bay Packers)

• Jamey Eisenberg places Romeo Dobbs as the second choice: “He has become a reliable option for Jordan Love” ([31:40]).
• Dave Richard considers Christian Watson a strong contender: “You can make a case even for Christian Watson being three” ([31:11]).

Additional Targets

• Marquise Brown, Elijah Moore, and Rashad Bateman are discussed as supplementary options depending on matchups and team needs.
• Dave Richard advises caution with Elijah Moore if Cedric Tillman is active: “Elijah Moore just makes me nervous if Tillman's back” ([32:09]).
• Jamey Eisenberg mentions, “I would start McMillan over Josh Downs” ([50:15]).

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Tight End Analysis: Top Waiver Targets

Timestamp: [32:16] - [69:47]

Brenton Strange (TE, Tennessee Titans)

• Consistently ranked as the top tight end waiver pick.
• Jamey Eisenberg states, “Strange puts easy catches and has decent volume” ([32:36]).
• Dave Richard emphasizes his matchup: “Strange is number one at Las Vegas” ([32:16]).

Stone Smart (TE, Indianapolis Colts) & Jake Ferguson (TE, New Orleans Saints)

• Dave Richard ranks Stone Smart second and Jake Ferguson third: “Strange put Smart second and Ferguson third” ([32:36]).
• Adam Aizer questions Ferguson’s consistency: “I might not trust it as much, but he's still one of those guys” ([69:14]).

Additional Considerations

• Dalton Kincaid and Hunter Henry are mentioned as options, though with varying degrees of reliability.
• Dave Richard cautions, “I think he's available in more than half of CBS leagues” ([53:49]).

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Defense/Special Teams Analysis: Top DST Waiver Targets

Timestamp: [31:11] - [53:49]

Texans DST

• Dave Richard identifies the Texans DST as the top defense waiver target due to their recent performances: “Texans have scored at least 20 fantasy points in three of their past four games” ([37:37]).
• Jamey Eisenberg endorses their defensive peak: “Their defense is starting to peak” ([38:39]).

Falcons DST & Cardinals DST

• Adam Aizer and Dave Richard also endorse the Falcons DST and Cardinals DST as strong options, depending on matchups.
• Jamey Eisenberg adds, “The Falcons are two, the Giants are bad” ([37:37]).

Additional Options

• Packers DST is discussed but noted as less commonly available: “Packers DST is playing pretty well” ([53:49]).

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Kicker Analysis: Top Waiver Targets

Timestamp: [40:14] - [74:57]

Will Riker (K, Seattle Seahawks) & Josh Carty (K, New York Jets)

• Dave Richard lists Will Riker and Josh Carty among the top kicker options based on their matchups and recent performances.
• Adam Aizer underscores the importance of reliable kickers in late-season games: “Kickers like Riker and Carty can provide necessary points” ([40:45]).

Other Kickers

• Jake Moody (K, Miami Dolphins), Brandon McManus (K, New Orleans Saints), and Cam Little (K, Las Vegas Raiders) are mentioned as supplementary options.
• Jamey Eisenberg advises, “Choose kickers based on matchups and team performance” ([40:55]).

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Running Back News and Updates

Timestamp: [06:37] - [40:55]

The hosts provide critical updates on running back injuries and statuses that impact waiver wire decisions.

• David Montgomery (RB, Chicago Bears) is out for the season: “David Montgomery out for the season” ([17:11]).
• Alvin Kamara (RB, New Orleans Saints) faces uncertainty due to a groin injury: “Alvin Kamara may not play” ([06:37]).
• Nick Chubb (RB, Cleveland Browns) is dealing with a broken foot: “Nick Chubb broken foot” ([17:11]).
• Ken Walker (RB, Seattle Seahawks) could play this week despite dealing with an injury: “Ken Walker could play this week” ([07:42]).
• Sincere McCormick (RB, New Orleans Saints) has an ankle injury but may see action: “Sincere McCormick Ankle injury” ([06:37]).
• Bryan Edwards (RB, Buffalo Bills) saw a high usage week: “He got 29 carries in his last two games” ([67:28]).

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Recent Game Highlights and Mailbag

Timestamp: [41:51] - [74:52]

Listeners shared their experiences and heartbreaks from last week’s games, with notable mentions of last-minute turnovers and clutch performances.

Heath vs. Dave League Showdown

• Heath Cummings recounts a dramatic loss to Dave Richard, where a late-game interception by Jesse Bates sealed the victory for Dave: “It was a huge comeback… Bates intercepted and beat me by six” ([41:51]).
• Dave Richard celebrates his win, noting the importance of strategic starts and pivotal plays: “Heath texts me to alert me of it… he lost Ingram in the league” ([45:35]).

Key Takeaways

• The unpredictability of fantasy outcomes underscores the importance of waiver wire management.
• Strategic player starts and understanding matchups can make or break a fantasy season.
• Emotional investments in leagues add to the competitive spirit, making every decision critical.

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Conclusion

As Week 16 looms large, Fantasy Football Today equips listeners with the tools and insights needed to make informed waiver wire decisions. From securing Jerome Ford as a top running back to navigating the quarterback landscape with Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, the hosts provide a comprehensive guide to fantasy dominance. Whether you're in a tight race for the playoffs or looking to climb the ranks, this episode ensures you're well-prepared to seize every opportunity and outmaneuver your competition.

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Notable Quotes

• Dave Richard: “Jerome Ford is an easy number one. He had seven carries, 84 yards, and a touchdown against the Chiefs” ([04:19]).
• Jamey Eisenberg: “McMillan's an easy number one” ([31:11]).
• Adam Aizer: “The Cincinnati Bengals have allowed 90 rushing yards or a rushing touchdown to a running back in every single game this season” ([08:31]).
• Heath Cummings: “It sucks to lose, you know, but it's always good to see your friends have a positive moment as well” ([44:59]).

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Final Thoughts

For fantasy managers striving to secure their playoff spots and vie for that coveted championship, late-season waiver wire pickups are paramount. This episode of Fantasy Football Today meticulously breaks down the best available options, backed by in-depth analysis and real-time updates. Tune in to gain the competitive edge you need to dominate your league and claim those bragging rights!

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Stay tuned for more expert analysis and fantasy football strategies by subscribing to Fantasy Football Today on CBS Sports!

Transcript

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[Fantasy Football Host 1]

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[Fantasy Football Host 2]

What a play. Can you believe this?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No, I can't. It's time to dominate your fantasy league. Off to the races.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

He stays at his feet. This is going to go the distance.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Now here's some combination of Adam, Dave, Jamie and Heath.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right, we're almost There. We made it to Week 16. Welcome, everybody, to Fantasy Football Today, presented by BetMGM, the sportsbook born in Vegas. We are on to the fantasy semifinals. Is Jerome Ford going to drive you to a championship? Is. Is Jalen McMillan going to make you McMillions? Is Rogers going to be airing it out for your team? Should I give you a tight end pun, or do you think I'm strange or smart? Welcome to the show. We're doing waiver wire here.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

You saved yourself with the tight end one.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right. You know, I had a heading. Did I. Did I save my. So Jamie doesn't think I saved myself. Anyway, how you doing there, Jamie?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I'm okay. How are you?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Oh, man, I'm good now that I follow you on Twitter all this time. Apparently, I never follow JB on Twitter. It was something I learned last week. It's so weird, you know, that happened.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

To me once, like, years and years ago, where suddenly I, like, I wasn't following Jamie anymore. Maybe you just misclicked along the way.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I don't know.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

But I will unfollow you guys if I want to say something about you that I want you to know. Like when we, like Dave's birthday, like, I'll usually unfollow him and I'll say, hey, wish David happy birthday.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

And then, well, but then I see a million replies.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

But you all know it's from me.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No, I know it's from you because I go back and I read your tweets. Unfollowing me doesn't mean that I can't see other tweets that you've made.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Well, Jamie had the bad beat to end all bad beats. We'll tell you about it in a little bit here, but let's get right into it. To our top three waiver wire priorities.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I'd like to call it that. Heath had a great win of all wins.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, it was really. I mean, it's hard. Hard to imagine. But who are the top three priorities this week? Jamie?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Jerome Ford, I think is the easy number one. I put Brenton Strange as number two, and then Kendra Miller is number three. But you can make a case maybe for Amir Abdullah or Alexander Madison, depending on the format that you play in, because they're getting an opportunity to take on the jaguars as Sincere McCormick injured his ankle, but it's probably going to be a shared situation. So I'll put Miller at number three. Put a Miller number three if you want. You know, there's. There's not a lot of options here. Obviously, once we get to this point in the season where there's so many players available to you, but I think the top two are locked in. And then the third choice is kind of. I think, depending on what you need.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

You think the top two are locked in at Jerome Ford? I mean, I definitely. The top one is locked in Brenton Strange. You know, I feel like there'll be some. Some more. He's a little bit more of a question mark than Ford. I would. I. I would think anyway, for people. He's only 5% roster. That's the great news. Gosh, the Raiders are just awful against tight ends. Last night notwithstanding, they allowed 58 or more yards to six tight ends in their last seven games. Plus some touchdowns in there. That's Brenton Strange Matchup. Dave, what's your top three for Jamie? It's Ford Strange. And then you heard of Kendrick Miller, maybe Jaylen McMillan, maybe Raiders running back. How about you?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I'll put Ford number one. It's pretty obvious I like McMillan at number two. Just the fact that he's had a 23% target per route run rate in the last two weeks, nine catches in the last two weeks, a bunch of touchdowns, and honestly, credit to Jamie, who's been talking about McMillan since Chris Godwin went down. And now here he is the last two weeks. I think you can buy into him as a viable part of this Bucks offense and somebody you could use as a third wide receiver. Maybe you're stringing along wide receivers. Maybe you've had enough of the Amare Coopers of the world that you can go and start him instead. So he would be my number two, and maybe I'm just not learning my lesson, guys, but I'll put Kendre Miller at three this time last week, Patrick Taylor was my number one, thinking that G wasn't going to play and. And G did play, and Patrick Taylor was totally useless. So I don't want to go crazy with Kendrick Miller because there's always the chance that Alvin Camara comes back this week. But it's also late in the year. Saints barely hang on to playoff hopes. I don't know if Camaro is going to play and if he doesn't, Kendra Miller should be the lead back for the Saints. I got a lot to say about him. He would be number three.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

So the only thing I think with just, you know, looking at the big picture of this, and While Strange and McMillan have an opportunity to help people, we just got decimated by injuries at running back, you know, so David Montgomery out for the Season. Nick Chubb, for people who are starting him out for the season. Alvin Kamara may not play. You still have Ken Walker dealing with his injury. McCormick, who's been a pickup for a lot of people, may not play this week. Like, it's a rough week at that position. Jaleel McLaughlin, for example, if you've been, you know, deeper leagues playing him and potentially as a flex option. Braylon Allen, who, you know, may have been the second guy in with, with Breeze hall last week, as we saw, he didn't play every snap. You know, Isaiah Davis got that opportunity because Allen was injured or maybe this Davis better. But in any event, you don't have Braylon Allen. So that position just got completely beat up this week. Whereas every other position for the most part is a little bit healthier, aside from maybe tight end, you know. So if you've been, you know, sort of chasing than the Joker replacement last week or the Ingram replacement, you know, that's why you look at maybe that more Southern wide receiver. But if you are talking about just a flex option, Yes, I think McMillan has a better chance to help people than Kendrick Miller, for example, if he starts, or the Raiders back, though.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right. And you know, I also want to bring up Ken Walker might play this week, and you might not be confident starting either Seahawks running back. I mean, we'll see how the week unfolds. But if you've been banging, you want.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

You want him out again.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, exactly. I mean, seriously, if you've been sitting there starting Zach Charbonnet, well, you. You better be thinking about picking up Jerome Ford if he's available. He's available in about half of our leagues just to talk about these guys and specifically Jerome Ford. Right. We should spend the most time on him. He's 48% rostered. He had seven carries, 84 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs. Best run defense in football. And he had a long run. They. They don't really seem. They haven't really seemed willing to give this guy a big workload. He doesn't get a ton of carries usually. It doesn't mean he won't. But earlier this year, you know, he had five games earlier in the season before Nick chubb played and.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Six.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Six. Okay. Yeah, yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Chubb came back week seven.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

So he had 12. So he made. I don't know if he got hurt in one game, but he actually got.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Hurt in week six. Yes.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay. Right. Okay. So the first five games he had 12, 7, 10. 10 and nine carries. They use Deontay Foreman a little bit they don't run the ball that much to begin with. So there's that he scored 18.9, 7.4, 10, 15.5 and 7.9 PPR fantasy points. So that's, you know, that's good for somebody you're picking up off the waiver wire. And there's obviously room for, for more than the 10. If he can score a touchdown or get 15 carries or something. He's got the Bengals, they're horrible. That's great.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Part of it. That's part of the reason you have.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

You have the, the positive is the Bengals and you know, not, not that anybody getting injured is positive, but obviously for Ford's situation, it's positive. The other thing is like, it just depends, I think, how you're viewing him, because there's, there's a chance here for at least just a flex play. And if you look at really since the Logan Wilson injury, but for the most part, the last stretch of games for the Bengals, there have been since week 10, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 running backs. And that's with a no buy. Oh yeah. Buy in there. Week 12. So that's 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, five games. There have been seven running backs in those five games to get at least 10.4 PPR points. Now, I think he can do that. So it's not exactly a huge ask, but it's also, you know, still something that he has to accomplish. If you're getting that for somebody off the waiver wire to replace one of these guys, obviously it's not David Montgomery, it's not Alvin Kamara, but it can still get you by if you're stuck better than, you know, as Dave can tell you, you know, looking to play the roulette game and ending up on somebody like Kimani Vidal, and then you get stuck with crap, you know, so, you know he's going to be helpful. It's just a matter of to what extent and to what heights. The negative is we don't know the quarterback here, and if it's Jameis, at least there's an opportunity to feel comfortable about them moving the ball. It may go the other direction, but he's going to move the ball. Dorian Thompson. Robinson could be awful for many reasons because he may steal some rushing opportunities. Now here's a fun stat. The Bengals are number one in most rushing yards per game allows the quarterbacks. They allow 30.1 yards per game to the position. So Dorian Thompson. Robinson could have an opportunity here to help in that regard. But you hope that it's Jerome Ford. You obviously hope that Dorian Thompson Robinson stays in the pocket and still gets opportunities or, excuse me, throws the ball enough to get opportunities for the receivers here. But I think if you're looking at it just from Jerome Ford standpoint, yes, there's going to be somebody else, most likely deontay form. Yes, there's going to be a chance for him to maybe get 15 total touches. I would say that's probably the most optimistic thing. Hopefully he gets three or four catches. But again, both those quarterbacks don't necessarily throw to the running backs a lot. You just got to hope that he breaks a run, that he takes advantage of his defense and can get you to at least 10 point per game. 10 PPR point per game. Number maybe chance to score. Remember last time they played the Bengals, it was Chubbs first game back. That was week seven. He did find the end zone, you know, so this run defense has been brutal since Logan Wilson's gone down.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

They have allowed 90 rushing yards or a rushing touchdown to a running back in every single game this season. 90 rushing yards or a rushing touchdown to a running back in every single game this season. The Cincinnati Bengals. That's the matchup for Jerome Ford. Dave, you said you had a lot to say about Kendrick Miller. Let me just. I want to, I want to hear about that. Let me give you a stat about Jalen McMillan. Now, there are some stats that I give that I think are just interesting. This is probably one of those. Like last week I said no quarterback could score more than 25 points against the Giants. You know, that was my spooky stat of the game. Obviously, I didn't say sit Lamar Jackson, he scored like 45 points or whatever. But the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys have allowed multiple wide receivers to score 14 PPR points in the same game once. The Panthers have allowed multiple wide receivers to score 14 or more PPR points in the same game once. These two teams are not good against wide receivers. It's almost always one wide receiver who kills them and no one else really does that much. Although if you, if you look at the Cowboys, if you lower that to 12 points, that's happened five times. Multiple wide receivers scoring 12 points. But I just thought that was kind of interesting that these are two teams that are. That get beat up by number ones, Mike Evans, but not so much by the number twos. All right, what do you want to say about Kendrick Miller?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

The. The film from the last two weeks matches what I saw in college, and I was kind of A fan of Kendra Miller when he came out of tcu. He's, he, he definitely follows his blocks. He's got good balance, he's got really good vision, he's got good speed. We, we haven't really seen in the NFL him do much as a pass catching running back, but I, I think this is a pretty good replacement for Alvin Camara for the Saints and somebody who's going to have fresh legs this time of year. With an offensive line that isn't in the worst shape right now, especially compared to like at least half of the leagues or half of the offensive lines in the league, he could end up being a pretty decent pickup. So obviously if you've got Kamara, you're going to unload all your fab to get him. And I think I'd rather, would I rather have Miller over Ford if I have Chimera?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

No way.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I don't think so. But, but, but I still think that he could end up being a capable running back. He's certainly talented and if Camara's out, I think you can trust him as maybe a low end number two running back.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Why don't you worry about the offense in general and the work in the passing game because we have not seen that from him.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No, he did it in college. He didn't do it that much in the program.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Will they allow him to do that? And look, this also could be. While you want to see what you have in Kendrick Miller, this also could be a little bit of a swan song for not only Jamal Williams last, you know, couple of games for the Saints. Who are they playing?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Packers? Yeah, my name is former team, you.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Know, so this could also be a Jamal Williams. Hey, we're going to give you some additional work because obviously there's an opening now. So it makes me a little nervous to trust Kendrick Miller. For me, at best he's a flex. Like I'm going to trust Jerome Ford as number two running back and I would not, I would not be surprised by the end of the week depending on what happens with the Raiders running backs. If Amir Abdullah and PPR is higher for me than Kendrick Miller, we'll say.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Though one thing that Kendra Miller has going for him is his Week 17 matchup. If Camara misses an extended time, it is the Raiders. Whereas the Browns Jerome Ford gets the Dolphins who have been very good to running back against running backs. Not good too. They've been bad to running backs. They've been good against running backs lately. So Miller probably has a better matchup in week 17 if you do get that far. All right. We have a lot more players to talk about, including Aaron Rodgers. You know, we're going to start him over. Guys like Brock Purdy or maybe even Matthew Stafford who he's facing. We're going to start him over Lamar Jackson against the Ravens. Now we're not against the Steelers.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Against the Steelers.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

We're not going to do that, right?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

No, no. I mean it's funny because the Rams past defense numbers are hysterical if you look at them because they've given up. They gave up the huge game to Josh Allen and everything else has been bad.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, but, but I know they're not that good against the past, but. Yeah, it's true.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

But you say that though. But it's still statistically.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

You know, and, and it's still Rogers who needed, needed that strong second half against the Jaguars and needed Devonte Adams to be Superman against the Jaguars. Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right, well, listen, the holiday season's here. Let's go ahead and crown your fantasy football champion or get ready to do it. Go to the fantasy football today new fan shop powered by Shop Sense. It has everything you need from trophies to T shirts. We've got the gear to make your fantasy football league unforgettable. You go to shop.cbsports.com fantasy you can buy some very cool fantasy football stuff. Draft boards, trophies, things like that, T shirts. Or you can just buy some some cool stuff to decorate your fan cave or give to a friend tis the season. Right. So go to shop cbsports.com fantasy you can scan that QR code and look for a link in the episode description. All right, let's do some news and notes real quick here. Geno Smith might play this week. They seem optimistic about Geno Smith playing against the Vikings. So that's good news. Patrick Mahomes week to week with a high ankle sprain but has not been ruled out against Houston on Saturday. Derek Carr plays on Monday. He has not been ruled out at Green Bay, but could be Spencer Rattler at quarterback. Probably won't be Jake Hayner. Mason Rudolph, I don't know. We haven't heard who's going to be the quarterback. They haven't said yet. For the Titans, right?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No, they haven't. But it I think they're going to end up going to Rudolph. So two QB leagues, you can't prioritize them. You can't make them the number one priority. But I would imagine that they'll give him another shot.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

And look, I made this joke a lot last year and it came true. Okay? He played on December 23 last year, and I said, this is his time of year, okay? He's Mason Rudolph, for goodness sake. He scored 24 fantasy points against the Bengals in Week 16 last year. Mason Rudolph. So he gets the Colts if he starts this week on the road. We don't know who the Brown starter is going to be, and we don't know who the Giants starter is going to be. It could be DeVito, it could be Locke, it could be Boyle, and they're at Atlanta. It's kind of. I think actually one of the most interesting decisions on the waiver wire this week is if you're in a super flex league and you are. If. And you need someone, you know, you've got these options. I don't know who you go with in the, in the deep league realm here.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah, there are a lot that's, you know, the whole, the whole quarterback section of my column is just all two QB and super flex leagues. There's nobody that's available aside from Rogers that you would say, okay, I'm going to trust this quarterback. And Rogers, I think, is still dicey. You know, like Cooper Rush, sure, good matchup.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

He's next best.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Are you, Are you trusting Cooper Rush? I mean, obviously, in super flex and two quarterbacks, for sure, but in, you know, one quarterback leagues, there's. There's not a lot that we could say, oh, yeah, this guy's available. That's why you were asking, you know, on Sunday about, like, replacing Kyler Murray. Like, you know, unless you have somebody, you're kind of just, you know, I'm not starting Aaron Rodgers over Kyler Murray. So you have, you have all these options and there's so much uncertainty as you just laid it out, you know, like even during Thompson Robinson, like, okay, yeah, maybe he'll run a little bit against Bengals, but Williamson may start. Mason Rudolph has been great. Masonry's been a better fantasy quarterback than Will Levis, you know, and sure, no guarantee that he's starting. Spencer Rattler looked okay in that second half against Washington. No guarantees starting Tim Boyle, no guarantee he's starting Wentz. Wentz, no guarantee starting. Like, it's just, there's a lot of, a lot of craziness.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I'll tell you, though, if not in a 2QB league, obviously, but in a 1 QB league, if Jameis Winston starts against the Bengals, oh, my gosh, there's gonna be a little bit of appeal there. 30 point range of outcomes. All right, running back news. David Montgomery out for the season. Alvin Camara Groin Nick Chubb broken foot Ken Walker could play this week. Sincere McCormick Ankle injury Jalil McLaughlin Quad injury Joe Mixon is apparently fine. That is good news. Tony Pollard has been dealing with this ankle injury. I'm sure he'll miss every practice and then play. And Wide Receiver News haven't heard anything on A.J. brown. I assume he's okay, but he did hurt get hurt late late in the game. Xavier League it's going to miss some time with a groin injury. George Pickens could play this week. The Steelers could be getting much healthier. This week would be a big help for them. Cedric Tillman could play this week at Cincinnati. Marquise Brown could play this week against Houston for the Kansas City Chiefs Tight end News David Najoku could play this week even if Dorian Thompson Robinson's the starter. Man, the Bengals are so bad against tight ends. We'd really love to get Nijoku back, although it would be kind of nervous with DTR at quarterback. Zach Ertz concussion Will Disley was listed as a dnp did not practice for their game Thursday against Denver and the big defensive news I would say would be the Steelers. So they have safety desean Elliott, defensive tackle Larry Ogan, Joby Edge, TJ Watt, he's their headliner obviously and cornerback Dante Jackson. All of them are questionable, but I feel like a little optimistic mostly for this group of four defensive players for their game at Baltimore this week. Huge game. We'll see if those guys get back. Patrick Sir Tan looking good. He was listed as a full participant. They play Thursday at the Chargers. Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard is out for the season. I think he's out for the season, right? Probably out for the season at least.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

That was a rough catch.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, he caught a touchdown and hurt his knee and yeah, I'll leave it at that. Except the Lions. I mentioned this yesterday. The Lions absolutely battered by injuries. They're at Chicago this week. They lost three defensive players, key ones to season ending injuries in week 15. They're just so beat up. It's interesting for for the Bears. All right, if you haven't signed up yet for Bet mgm, use the bonus code Fantasy and you're going to get a fifteen hundred dollar first bet offer on your first wager with BetMGM. It's not too late. All right, here's how it works. Just download the Bet MGM app and sign up and use the bonus code Fantasy and to get deposit at least $10. Place your first wager on any game and you're going to receive up to fifteen hundred dollars in bonus bets. If your bet loses, just make sure you use the bonus code Fantasy when you sign up for BetMGM. We're going to take a break. Top three players at each position when we come back on Fantasy Football today.

[Fantasy Football Host 4]

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[Fantasy Football Host 1]

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[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Aaron Rodgers is number one. Yeah, then it's Cooper Rush would be two and then three. I have Carson Wentz ahead of Mason Rudolph. Now I would start Rudolph over Wentz this week if you tell me both are starting. But obviously there's some uncertainty and it does seem like if Mahomes is going to miss, he may miss two games. So the hope would be, the hope would be is that, you know, he steps into Andy Reid system and maybe gives us what he gave us in week 18 last year. If you recall, he started the final game for the rams and had 30 fantasy points because he ran quite a bit. But he did get you three total touchdowns in the game against the 49ers in Week 18. Meaningless obviously, but he wasn't playing with anybody either. So I think he's got an opportunity here to maybe have a little bit higher ceiling to Mason Rudolph. But Rudolph could be a little bit safer just based on his matchup against the Colts.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

So if I throw two more names in there, Caleb Williams against Detroit and Jameis Winston, you know, maybe thinking, hey look, I'll take a, I'll claim Jameis Winston because who's going to pick up Carson Wentz or Mason Rudolph or something like that? And if Jameis isn't the starter then I can pivot. How do you feel about those two guys, Caleb against Detroit and Jameis at Cincinnati?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

So you're most likely talking 10 team leagues. I would go Williams first of all. These guys, I mean we've seen this Lions defense now just with all the injuries. He already had success against them once. He's going back home after a three game road trip. I actually don't mind Caleb Williams this week. You know, he kind of has been prior to last night a 18 plus per game scorer and I think he can get there. Like at this point if I'm, if I'm searching for quarterbacks off the waiver wire, I'm just hoping for a floor and if the ceiling comes into play then I'm going to be thrilled about it. So like James has such a low floor, like he can go out there and throw a pick in the first quarter and they bench him. You know, like that's how piss poor things can go for him for these other guys really. And again, you know, we can discuss this but in the column it's just, it's a lot of super flex and two QB options, you know, so one QB leagues.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yes.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Caleb Williams is, is easily number one. The rest of these guys and really including Rogers are more two QB superplex guys for me.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right, Dave, let's throw it to you for the running backs.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Ford 1 Kendra Miller 2 and I've got Ty J. Spears 3. But I, if I, if I had a better feeling about which Raiders running back to trust, I'd put them ahead of Spears because I, I can't say for certain that Spears is going to be even a third of what he did in, in week number 15. So I think it's pretty easy who the first two are. And then it just comes down to how you feel about the Raiders. If you think they're going to be chasing points and trailing heavy against Jacksonville, then Amir Abdul is your guy. But if you think they're going to be competitive, then maybe Madison's your guy. And if you think Tony Pollard just isn't going to be back and in his main role and Taj Spears is going to continue to share with him or if you think the Titans are going to chase points, then he's your guy. Point is that there isn't a good third guy.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

So I, I think you can make a pretty strong case that Spears could be one this week because Pollard did not practice last week, could not finish the game this past week, may not be 100% but he did finish the game well. He was okay. He was limping in and out of the game throughout the game. So he's, he's clearly dealing with something and not right. And so if they decide, you know what, we're going to shut you down for a week, come back and get your thousand yards. I think he's like 30 some yards away from three consecutive thousand yard seasons. We're gonna, we're gonna take care of you, you know, go get healthy. Spears may be the best option to get this week, you know, so better than Kendrick Miller, better than human drone Ford, you know, just because I think his offensive environment and his matchup are still, you know, on par or you know, scenario a little bit better just because his quarterback situation may be better. So there, there's, there's an argument for him to be one. I just look at the Raider situation, Desmond Ritter was not throwing to his receivers at all.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

At all.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

You know, until the fourth quarter he did not throw a pat, did not.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Complete a pass, not a single completion to a receiver with like five minutes left in the fourth.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah, with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. Abdullah has played now three games with somebody missing and in a five, excuse me, five games with somebody missing or getting hurt. In three of those five games he's had three plus catches and scored 10 plus PPR points. So to me that is something in that format. I will, you know, Chase, I guess if you want to say more so than Madison, who I don't think is going to get those opportunities but clearly has a better chance to lead the team in carries and potentially score because it's Jacksonville. So they're both flexes. But I just think in in ppr Abdul is a little bit safer and.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Jaguars just to have it here. Pollard did play one fourth quarter snap but they were down two scores plus in the game against Cincinnati. So usually that's when Spears plays a lot more.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Anyway, Madison had a five game stretch where he had basically taken over as the starter and he scored 9.4 or more fantasy points in PPR. In four of those five games he scored 15 or more. Well, I mean, look, you're desperate.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No one's telling you to go, I get it, just 9.4 PPRs.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Well, he scored 10. He scored 15.3 or more in two of them. And the Jaguars give up the third most fantasy points to running backs. They give up. They're just awful against the run. And the second most receiving yards per game, the running backs.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

So 13 or more PPR points to a running back in 11 of 14 games this year. I mean, if you can tell me which Raiders running back has that floor, put that guy at the top of the list for this week.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I mean, I'm so annoyed that I'm gonna have to make this decision instead. I had a bad week with running backs. I had a good week. I won all my leagues. I'm on and well, the One is.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

It McCormick ends up being okay?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Oh yeah, I was. You know, he had a horrible start. Seven carries for eight yards. But he also had two catches. I mean he was a workhorse. He looked like he could have had a really eventful day. I don't know how it was going to go.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

It looked like a bad sprain though, the way it did.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Yeah, I mean I'm honestly, I'd be surprised if he played, but I'm just What if is kind of bothering me after what happened with Patrick Taylor last week. So I just had.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

And I will say this, if that's, if that's the case, then Abdul is in a much better spot than Madison.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right, let's talk about wide receivers. Jamie, who are the top wide receivers?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Top wide receivers. McMillan's an easy number one, Romeo Dobbs is number two and then number three. You can make a case even for Christian Watson being three. But I mean, look, Rashad Bateman's just been a touchdown magnet for Lamar Jackson who's having such a fantastic season. And I think they'll be throwing against the, for what now seems like a beat up Steeler secondary. So there really is no, again, seemingly the, the theme is no clear. Number three. Safe. Number three. So I have Bateman number three. But you can make case for Watson.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

You said Dobbs is two.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yep.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

So you like Dobbs better than Watson at this point?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

They're both going to get about six targets. You know, right now it looks like Dobbs has become a reliable somewhat option for, for Jordan Love. You know, Watson just, he's not, he's allergic to the end zone right now.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

How do you feel about Tillman if he plays? How do you feel about Elijah Moore?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I mean, I would not want to touch Tillman if it's Thompson, Robinson. I would love Tillman if it's James Winston. And then who's the last one?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

You said Elijah Moore.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah, I mean Elijah Moore just makes me nervous if Tillman's back.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right, Dave, top tight ends.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Brenton Strange is number one at Las Vegas this week, Tennessee next week. I like those matchups. Ferguson is still available in 38 of leagues. If you want to trust them, it's either him or Stone Smart. I think you can buy into Stone Smart a little bit more even though he had the fumble last week. But those are the top three. Strange put Smart second and Ferguson third.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, let me ask you about Strange. Right. And I guess the thing that bugs me is the, is the 46 pass attempts from Mac Jones. And I've spoken about this many times. You buy into players after games where their quarterbacks throw a ton of passes and then they let you down the next week. It's just ha, it happens kind of consistently because this is the first time he's thrown more than 32 passes in a game. And then you got like the fact that Evan Ingram was so bad basically with Mac Jones. Am I supposed to believe that Brenton Strange is some kind of must start guy? Or top 12 guy. What, you know, talk me off the Brenton Strange ledge because I'm not, I, I picked, I mean I look, I lost Ingram in the league. I picked him up, so I get it. But like, what do you expect from him?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I expect a lot of decent volume and low adot. So short area target. He is capable of winning further down the field, but he's not nearly the athlete that Ingram is. And I just, I don't see a number two target. Yeah, Brian Thomas is number one. Everybody knows that. Parker Washington I don't think is that good. I think Strange is going to be next up. 11 catches I would throw out. I don't think he can do that again. But can you get you, can he get you six catches for 50 yards and full PPR? I'd like that. And non PPR, I would not like that. But we're kind of scrambling for tight ends at this point.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

You know, what's interesting is that we're sitting here and we're praising Bren Strange for the game that he just had with Mac Jones. And we're kind of overlooking a very similar game for a guy that might have a better matchup in Chico. Conqueror who had eight catches for 50 yards on what, 10 targets as well from Mason Rudolph. And again, I think they're both risks. Clearly. Clearly. You know, when you're looking at it like the, the. Do the Titans even have a number one option at this point? Like, you know, their two best pass catchers coming off their last game were the running back and the Titan, you know, so Calvin Ridley has been a complete disappearing act really for the, the last month and Nick Westberg Akin is not even scoring touchdowns anymore, you know, so he sucks. But I mean, anyway, you know, you mentioned there's no number two guy for the Jaguars. We've seen a, in the sample size of Mac Jones. This solid game for Brenton Strange from a target and production standpoint. We had a huge game for Parker Washington three weeks ago, you know, so that's true. There, there, there could be just the situation here where it's fool's gold. I said this on Sunday, you know, like we're chasing a guy that just popp out of nowhere because Ingram wasn't doing anything with this. So it's clearly a gamble. But I think in the case of like those two guys Okonkwo and, and, and Strange and even, you know, smart, you have to be done with Kyle Pitts at this point. You have to be done with K.in this point. You have to be done with Jake Ferguson at this point. And you know, Dave's right. He's available. There's a reason I think he's available. Like people are just done. You know, he's just not producing with Cooper Rush. Now he may. It's a great matchup this week against Tampa Bay. He may. But it just feels like there's just, you know, awful, awful production here. And the one surprise that might happen is what if James does starts and the joke was out. Could be Jordan Akins. Bangles stink.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, but they get like white hard or whatever.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

No, I know, that's what I'm saying. Like, look, if, if you're in this canoe of I'm stuck at tight end, I'm going to look at opportunity and matchup. And for me, Strange is one I like. Smart still because I think he's going to get option opportunities here from what's still a beat up Broncos secondary. I know they didn't show it last week, but they did show it the game before against the Browns if Riley Moss is not there and there's an opportunity still for Chick. You know, again, if you're looking at it, they may have finally discovered something that, you know, get this guy the ball, he actually makes a play.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Imagine starting Chico conquo in a 12 team league in your fantasy semifinals. That would be something. But you know what? We've talked a lot about some offensive players. Maybe the DSTs are the. Well, actually, wait, pause on the DSTs. Would you start Brenton Strange over Tucker, Kraft over Hunter Henry, guys like that in ppr.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I would.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

It's. Yeah, I have it ranked that way now. It's close. It's. It. You know, these are the type of things that could go either way. You know, Kraft, with Dobbs back, he was good. He just wasn't great. And, and Henry obviously has, you know, fallen off a little bit the last couple of games. So you have to be maybe concerned that he just. That's kind of been the pattern of his career.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Just remember the rule of six targets when it comes to tight ends. If it's really hard for a tight end to have a good week, you have to be Mark Andrews. You have to basically score if you're going to get six targets, if you're going to get under six targets and be good for fantasy purposes, we're looking for guys who can get you at least six targets and get you some good catches and some good yardage on top of it. And I think that that's something that Strange offers at this Point.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay, so now the dsts. Jamie, it's, you know, last week we were super pumped about the Commanders and the Ravens. Who are we super pumped about this week?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

The Texans. The Texans. If it's Carson Wentz, I mean, you know, this, this has not been a great offense with Patrick Mahomes, you know, and now we're asking Carson Wentz to come in here and, you know, make things better for a team that just completely turned over to a Tonga Bailoa. You know, they're going to get after the quarterback. Tackles have been awful for the Chiefs, you know, so the Texans are the number one DST for me to go to go get. The Falcons are two. Obviously the Giants are bad. You know, Falcons defense showed up last night against a bad offense for the most part. They have blade touchdown, but they did a good job. So those are, you know, neck and neck. You know, if you want to go Falcons over, you know, Texans because of the chance that Mahomes plays. He'll be a gimpy Mahomes, but I like the Texans. If it's Carson Wentz first. Just want to make sure I have the whole list here. Let me just, if I may, Bengals. If it's Thompson, Robinson, Durant, I think, you know, Rogers showing the ability to get, you know, turnovers and obviously the Titans against Anthony Richardson because Shane Steichen will either do something stupid or Richton will make a mistake.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right, Dave, we wanted to say something about the Texans.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Texans have scored at least 20 fantasy points in three of their past four games. Twelve or more points in six of their past eight. That includes last week against the Dolphins. I think their defense is starting to peak and as they're. They're heading toward the playoffs, if their offense can get together, there'll be a dark horse team for the playoffs. But defensively they're playing really well. And I think Jamie laid it out with why you would start them against the Chiefs. Even if Mahomes plays, he's. He might not be the same guy. Very good chance. This is an ugly, low scoring game on a short week.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I will say this. If Mahomes plays, I'd rather have the Falcons. If Wentz plays, I'd rather have the Texans.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

How do you feel about the Falcons and Texans versus the Ravens who are no longer playing the Giants? They're facing the Steelers.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Oh, both better.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Agreed.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

How about the Broncos against the Chargers?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Both better, but in the same range.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Really?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I'm gonna open my rankings with both of them better. But if we, if it's clear that Certain is going to play. I'll be more interested. I think I'd be more interested in the. In the Broncos over the Texans. I don't think I can get away from the matchup against the Giants for Atlanta.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

The Falcons had 10 sacks in their first 11 games.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I know.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Then they had a buy and they have 13 sacks in their last three games.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Five against the Chargers in that game. After the buy, they completely changed their defensive identity and they started to blitz a lot more and they were obviously affecting the quarterback. And now here they are against the worst offensive line in the league right now in the Giants with who knows who will be at quarterback.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Oh, man, I really thought we had it last night, Raiders. I really thought we were going to pull that off, give the Giants the number one pick. It is tough being a Raiders fan. It is really tough, man. We keep losing these close games and not.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

It was, you know, watching the, the last drive and, you know, they kept showing the Raiders fans in the stands like I couldn't tell if they were rooting for them to win or lose.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Lose with dignity. They saved space a little bit. Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Maybe not throw a pick in the end zone.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Kickers. Oh, yeah, right. In one moment, we'll get to that. Kickers.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Kickers. Will Riker taking on Seattle. Josh Carty taking on the Jets. Jake Moody taking on the dolphins. McManus taking on the Saints. And then chase the Raiders. Cam Little against the Raiders.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay, who wants to be our best friend audience out there? Raise your hand. Do us a favor and just take 30 seconds out of your day and vote for us, please. For the sports podcast awards, go to sports podcast group.com everything. Sing it. Well, sports is plural, I guess. Sports podcast group.com. click vote now. Fantasy Betting and Gaming Podcast. Best Fantasy Betting and gaming podcast. Scroll down, find fantasy football today and vote. I'd already vote, but I'd vote again. But I can't. I've already voted once. So please. Thank you all for voting. I see some of you have already voted in the chat. I appreciate that. You're the best. We are your best friend. And for those of you who are not, who have not voted yet, we are not your best friend yet. But we will be when you go to Sports Podcast group dot com. Click vote now. Best Fantasy Gaming, Betting and gaming Podcast. Fantasy football today. All right, Jamie, what happened at the end of that game last night?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

So this was one of the leagues where I started. Rams, guys. So Matthew Stafford at quarterback, Puka Nakua receiver, and Kyron Williams at running back. And Jared versus IDP league as well. So was already, you know, down going in and this is also we've mentioned this a little bit, but Heath and I played each other in the final week of the regular season and Heath's team is really good. The when I beat him, I scored my best. The highest score of this of the league in week 15 of any team. And his team had a really good week but just lost. But he also didn't have Derek Henry and Joe Mixon. So you know what happened. Mixon struggled, Henry struggled. So I'm like, oh, maybe I have a chance. I go into Monday night with Justin Jefferson and Jacoby Myers and had a tough call going into the week of Jacoby Myers versus Khalil Shakir. And I went Myers stupidly, but Jacoby Myers and Khalil Shakir, I think he was up three. Oh no, he was up a point versus Jordan Addison, Drake London and Jesse Bates. So first off for anybody that is is didn't watch both games. Justin Jefferson dropped one of the easiest touchdowns he'll ever have that killed him. He got tackled at the one yard line also.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Is that when you started to have that feeling in your gut like oh.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I, I mean I, I had the feeling Thursday, but yes, that it wasn't going to go my way. Then Drake London scores the touchdown and, and Jacoby Myers through the first three quarters has no catches. So was not looking good then I didn't really check the score and I'm looking and you know, Myers has a few catches on the final drive and I look and on his last, I don't know if you also recall, he had the, the catch and then was immediately knocked out of his hands and there was question it could have been fumble.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

So I was like, oh, here we go. And then I look right at the end of the game and I pulled ahead of Heath percentage by percentage points. It was like 130, 157 point something to 157 point something, whatever it was. And I'm like, wow, the game ends. This is like such a huge comeback here because at one point he was up like 14 or 15 points. So this half PPR, by the way. So then they throw the Hail Mary on the first one. Two seconds left, they throw the second Hail Mary and again all Jesse Bates had to do is touch the ball. He intercepts and he ends up beating me by six. So congratulations to Heath. You know I, it's funny like obviously there are people that play in one or two leagues and this impacts them a hell of a lot more than it does somebody like me who plays in a lot of leagues. I'm still alive in 10 playoffs, you know, so it's not like my fantasy season's over. It's crushing. It sucks. I hate losing. I hate losing to coworkers, you know, because he can hang this over my head for a very long time. I won this league last year. You know, I've won this league a few times. It's. It's. It sucks to lose, you know, but it's always, you know, good to see your friends have. Have a positive moment as well. So.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No, that's B.S. you want them to lose. You want.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I'll take it for those leagues that.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

We want to win.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah, it.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

It's one of the ones We. We. We. It's prized to us because it's. It's all of us in one league with a bunch of colleagues and good friends.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Not me.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

And we. We all just. The money is almost secondary.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Give me the title. Give me the trophy.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yes. The money is definitely.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

If I lose, I. I'm playing Adam Silverstein. This coming. If I lose to him, man, I don't know if I can talk to him for a month.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, no, it's. I get it. So he said he was so upset, he turned off his TV after the Jacobe Myers. He was so upset that he. Jacoby Myers catch and then he won on a Jesse Bates interception to close out.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah, I'm hoping. I'm hoping. Like, I was watching the replay like, 17 times. Like, did he come down with it? Did he catch it? Did it fall out?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Like.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

No, he sure. He sure did. And I said, I. Heath texted me to, like, alert me of it, and I said, is this the league. One of the leagues where Jamie said he was going to lose because he started Rams or 49ers and he said 49. He said, yeah, Rams is like, well, I guess Jamie was right all along.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I did get. I did get a lot of responses. We got a few emails of, you know, people that were in a similar situation, that they got screwed by the 49ers and the Rams and they. And they still won.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

That's awesome.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

That's what I'm saying, man. Like, I want to leave Jalen Waddle in my team. You know, you can get it. You can survive a dud. All right, we got to take a break, come back, and we got a lot more names to get to on the waiver wire. We'll be right back on Fantasy Football. Today.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Whether you love true crime or comedy, celebrity interviews or news, you call the shots on what's in your podcast queue. And guess what? Now you can call them on your auto insurance too. With the Name youe Price tool from Progressive, it works just the way it sounds. You tell Progressive how much you want to pay for car insurance and they'll show you coverage options that fit your budget. Get your quote [e-mail] to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates price and coverage match limited by state law.

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[Kyle Long]

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

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right Jamie, give me some shallow league guys. We're talking about, you know Matthew Stafford. Do we like him this week? Jalen Warren or Tank Bigsby? Gosh, if Keenan Allen were available, that'd be pretty exciting. Although gotta remember it is late December. Some outdoor games in places like Chicago and Cincinnati could be nuts, but we don't know yet. But who are the shallow league guys to focus on?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Stafford and Caleb Williams will be my two favorites at quarterback if they're available. You know, I think Stafford will have some success against the jets more so clearly than he had against the 49ers. And Caleb Williams I think will actually be a decent quarterback this week against the Lions at running back. There aren't a lot of great options. Jalen Warren I think will be a little bit more involved because of how the Ravens struggle with pass catching running back. So he's a flex. And then I put Javante Williams and Tank Bigsby on the list just because they're in the range here. We don't know exactly what the Broncos will do if McLaughlin doesn't play, but clearly there's an opportunity here for Devonte Williams. Again, if you're stuck, you know, one or more of these desperation guys, worse than Jerome Ford, worse than Kendrick Miller, but you know, you might be stuck and, and he's the best option available. I would take him ahead of Audrey Estimate and then Tank Bigsby. I, I mean obviously it was a huge game from a snap share standpoint for Travis ETN. He played almost 70 of the snaps compared to 26 for, for Bigsby. But he does have 29 carries in his last two games and it is the Raiders is an opportunity for them to play with the lead. So he does have I think a chance to be a flex option here. He did score a touchdown two games ago. Wide receiver, you mentioned Keenan Allen and his potential Romo Dunes. They also had a potential touchdown. At least had a couple end zone opportunities as well. Adam Thielen I think will bounce back and play a little bit better than he did last week. And then the two Colts guys of Josh Downs and Michael Pittman, not a bad matchup clearly against the Titans tight end. There are usually a lot of guys in this range.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

How do you feel about Josh Downs? Are you ready to move on from him for Jalen McMillan or do you keep him?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Oh, I would play McMillan over Josh Downs, but I think he'll play a little bit better this week. You know, it's just a better matchup. You know they'll be at home. The Titans secondary has not played well and I think you'll see a chance here for, you know, Anthony Richardson to lean on him a little bit more. But it's tough trust. I mean, obviously it's Richardson and what he's struggled with, but. But clearly Josh Downs has been a go to option for him when he's been right. So number three receiver still. And then for the tight ends, you got Tucker Kraft, you got Pat Friarmouth, obviously Firemouth, I think is more dependent on the George Pickens situation. Hunter Henry and Dalton Kincaid, look, he's, he's clearly tough to trust, but, you know, at some point, maybe the, the touchdown will count as opposed to not counting like we saw last week, which was a bad holding call.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Concate or smart or Kincaid or strange or smart.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I would go strange and smart over Kincaid at this point, but, you know, he's, he's in that conversation.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I mean, he's pretty, usually pretty good about getting you, you know, 9ish points or something like that. I feel I'm just throwing a number out there. Kincaid. All right. He gets the Saints or the Patriots. Pardon me? Ne. Not. No. All right, that's it. Right? Those are the shallow league options. Let me give you a. Hold on one second. Let me just check a roster percentage before I make a fool of myself. How about the Cardinals DST at Carolina this week? 81 rostered. How do you feel about them versus the streamers? Cardinals DST.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I like them. They're. They're not as good as the Texans or the Falcons for me this week, but they're right there. And if you're gonna go that route, the Packers, I mean, my gosh, that could be great.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

You pat right? So the packers, would they be number one ahead of the Texans and Falcons?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yes. Just because, you know, you have to make the move today or Tuesday and we don't know the status of moms.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Or car for that matter. But the packers defense is playing pretty well and they get the Saints. Okay, Dave, none of these guys.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Packers.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

What? None of these guys are available in my league deeply, guys.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

The deepest that we can get with DSTs are the Falcons, by the way. The Bengals are a close second. Colts are third. But they're, they might be rostered in a bunch of leagues already. They're, they're available in more than half of CBS leagues. But let's move it to the quarterbacks. Mason Rudolph, Carson Wentz, they're available everywhere. Mac Jones is out there in 90 of leagues. You can go after one of those guys. I would imagine that those are your options in super flex slash two QQB leagues. Maybe you prioritize Mac Jones because you know he's going to play versus someone like Rudolph or Wentz, where you're not 100 sure if they're going to go. Kendra Miller is available in 79% of leagues. Oh, that's not deep enough. Then here's who you're looking at. Ty Johnson, who's been pretty decent actually. Just. He gets modest results. He's their third down back in Buffalo. He's available in 97% of leagues. Craig Reynolds is going to get some run with David Montgomery on the shelf. He's available everywhere. And Deontay Foreman figures to be the number two running back. Can't say for sure that it'll be him all the time. Could be some of Pierre Strong. Maybe with Deontay Foreman, he scores a touchdown. Anyway, they're in 96% of leagues. That wide receiver. Marquise Brown 80 available. That's really as good as it gets. McMillan is 73 available. He's going to be number one on all of our lists at wide receiver. I like him a lot. At tight end. Brenton Strange is 95 available. Stone Smart is 92% available. Chigo Conko is 96 available. Jordan Aikens is 99 available. Those are four tight ends that might be starting for fantasy managers in week 16.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Wow.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I'm sorry. I apologize. I probably missed it. Did you say Jalen Coker?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I did not say Jalen Coker because I don't necessarily believe in Jalen Coker catching another deep ball for a touchdown like he did.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

We do have league it out, so just wanted to know what you thought about.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I understand that he'll get more playing time. I. I don't necessarily want to trust it.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Do you want to trust any of these guys?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I want to trust McMillan.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I mean, okay, one.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Oh, man.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I would trust. I would trust Brent.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

You just said Jordan Akin's name, but you won't say Jalen Coker.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Well, co opined. So put Jalen Coker on the list. And what's his rostership? It's got to be freaking high.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Under 10%.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

This is Ross. He's 4% rostered.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Fun to make fantasy team names out of his name, but not necessarily someone fun to start.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

You believe that? I asked Jacob and Dan if they knew who Larry Love that.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Jordan Akins, but Jaylen Coke. You suck.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I'm sorry, was I gonna say oh, oh, Here's a fun fact you mentioned Craig Reynolds. How many fantasy points did Jameer GIBBS Average in two games without David Montgomery last year?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

It was like 20.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Some one.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

It was right around 28.7 or something like that.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

He's my number one running back. Rest of season.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

He's unstoppable. It's over. It is over. If you're facing Jamir Gibbs or if you have him, congratulations. You don't even have to worry about the waiver wire. It is over.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

You know, it's funny. I have a. I have a dynasty league with both of them with Gibbs and Montgomery and it was one of those, like. Oh, God. Oh, nice.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, it worked out all right. You have any quick takeaways from last night's games?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Kirk Cousins is toast. Play panics. Play panics. Ready? Man, he's awful. He's so awful. Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

And this time Raheem Morris even said he's got to play better. And Kirk Cousins said he's not wrong. So.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

You could have said that a month ago.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, but he's been pretty supportive of him. But this time he said, I mean, he had an easy first down on that last third down throw. I can't believe he didn't connect on that throw to McLeod. Wide open.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Just.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

He's.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Oh, well, that was a great play by the linebacker.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

It was. He was like a half a second late throwing the ball. He was open.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Totally agree. But still, it was a great, great call by Antonio Pierce.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

It was also that roughing the passer call was horrible. Horrible. Right before. I don't know if you saw it because we had two games going on at the same time, but they forced a punt with about two minutes left and Spillane got called for roughing the passer. It was terrible, I thought. Anyway. And so did the announcers. And then they got a new set of downs and then that's three plays later. That's when Cousins threw incomplete to McLeod. But it cost them a lot of time and cost giants the number one pick. All right, so you have faith in DeAndre Swift outside of you.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

By the way, watching Shadow Sanders and Malignairs play catch, I didn't even see it.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I just read about it. But I'm all in on. I'm just. I don't even know. But it'd be fun for it to be a Cam ward. But anyway, DeAndre Swift, surprisingly good game. Actually not good from a fantasy standpoint. He scored single digit PPR fantasy points for the fourth time in his. In fourth in a row and fifth in his last six. But he had a touchdown called back.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

On the stupidest thing.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah. On a player not reporting as eligible.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Yeah. So I don't know why the Bears are still deciding to use a backup guard as a fullback after he cost them a touchdown earlier in the year. But now here they are doing it again and he failed to report. Usually when an offensive line, when a six offensive lineman comes in, they have to go to the referee and say, I'm here. I'm reporting as an eligible receiver on the play because you're not allowed to otherwise do that. And so he didn't do it. Swift scored the touchdown penalty brought the playback. And then they didn't get a touchdown on the drive. It was. It was miserable. So Swift could have had an even bigger game against a really tough opponent. And I, look, I'm just happy that he had over 20 touches in the game.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Or he had exactly 20 touches in.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

The game against the Lions now without Aleem McNeil. And they did pretty well without McNeil briefly a few weeks ago when he was checked for a concussion. But it's, it's a better matchup than we thought. You know what? I don't want to. I want to focus on the waiver wire. So I'm sorry. So if you guys have any big takeaways about Bowers or Myers or DJ Moore or whatever from these games, hit me with it.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I would, I would lower expectations for the pass catchers on both the Falcons and the Raiders until their quarterback situations improve. For the Falcons, that's going to mean Penix playing. I don't see that happening as long as they're in playoff contention. For the Raiders, it means. And O'Connell coming back, that could happen, but I would, I would not want to trust any pass catchers. You're going to start Bowers in London, but don't have high expectations with Ritter and Kirk Cousins.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Sorry, Jamie, you wanted to say something?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

No, I agree with that. 100.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay. And just cousin stinks. But he only threw 17 passes in a game. They were leading basically the entire time.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

So what do you expect this week?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

18 passes against the Jets?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah, that's the thing.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right, back to the waiver wire here. We're not focusing so much on who to drop at this point. But Jamie talked about Matthew Stafford and Caleb Williams. You like them. You said better than Aaron Rodgers, right?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I do.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Do you like Anthony Richardson better than Aaron Rodgers?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I don't.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Dave, do you like Anthony Richardson better than Aaron Rodgers?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

All right, like, how much of a difference is there between Rogers and Stafford in that same game?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

They're close. You know, I mean, look, the thing about Rogers is he's been kind of living in that 18 point per game range. I think it's like six of his last seven games he's been 18 points per game or more. So again, like I talked about, you know, there's. There's an opportunity here for some of these guys to give you a decent floor. It's just a matter of. I don't think he's going to have such a high ceiling because this Rams defense has been pretty spectacular. In keeping points down for opposing quarterbacks. Now you could say, okay, Jalen Hurst didn't throw very much in that game, but he had 16 points. When the Rams and the Eagles faced off last week, Brock Purdy clearly was a mess. It was the rain, it was, you know, just a disaster of a game plan trying to, you know, force feed Debo Samuel. But again, the Rams kept him down. So I don't think that Rogers and the jets are solved after what they did to Jacksonville because Devonte Adams was wide open on several big chunk plays and you know, he got some touchdowns there. Like this is a defense that's going to make him uncomfortable. This is a playoff bound team that right now is in first place in the NFC west and the jets are playing out the string. So if this was in Los Angeles, I'd be terrified of Aaron Rodgers. The fact that the Rams have to go cross country for a 1:00 start and Rogers is at home, you know, this may be his last opportunity to look good in front of the home crowd if they still care. So I just think the Rams defense here is, they're another team that's in play. DST wise and Rogers makes me a little bit nervous.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay, how do we feel about Aaron Rodgers, Caleb Williams, Anthony Richardson? You know, Stafford is 70, let's see, 79 roster. But how we feel about them compared to Brock Purdy and Tua Tonga by Loa who will face off in Miami Gardens, Florida this weekend.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Two is up better. Keeps him toward the top of the list for me. Okay, everybody that you said, and that includes Purdy. The Dolphins defense, they've played well three of their past four games. I mean, we just saw Strat have two touchdowns. He didn't throw a ton, he didn't have a lot of yardage. But three of the last four quarterbacks, they faced 19 or fewer fantasy points. I know Rogers had 300 yards against them, but he didn't have a great game. So I still believe that this Dolphins defense can, can keep things tough on, on Brock Purdy and Purdy does not make my top 12 at quarterback.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah, I'll take Purdy over all these guys. I, I do think that Tuas makes me, you know, it didn't take into account the tackles being out and how bad he looked, you know, so I'm, I'm done with two against his 49ers defense if they're healthy.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

And what if the offensive line's good.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

For Miami, then it's certainly a step in the right direction. But right now they don't seem to be healthy. So with the 49ers situation, I think Purdy bounces back.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I will say honestly, I watched every snapper Tua. I looked at his pressure rate according to true media. Yeah, it was not the. It wasn't that he was under pressure a lot. He honestly wasn't. He got the ball out so quickly, but he just. I. Maybe it was a mental thing.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

That's what I was saying. I think he was fed up.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, he would maybe that. That I could see he refused to throw the ball downfield, but it was like the.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

And now you may not have waddle. I know he hasn't been a big factor, but that still is. It's easy to scheme them a little bit differently.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

All right. I thought it was a lot of predetermined throws and that was one knock that I had on him coming out of Alabama was he made too many of those and it cost him sometimes.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

We showed a couple screens, borderline start at best.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

We showed a couple screenshots of Tyree Kill open for a touchdown twice and Tua just checked down both times and he. And he was not under pressure. All right, so then you've got Cooper Rush who's second on this list. But if you're in the Desperation2QB league, Super Flex league, Jamie has it ranked currently, but I'm sure it's negotiable. Carson Wentz, Mason Rudolph, Mack Jones. Jones is honestly probably rostered like 10% roster. He's probably rostered in super flex league leagues. So if you look at like just guys who could be available off waivers. Carson Wentz, Mason Rudolph, the Browns, the Raiders situation, the Saint situation, probably maybe Sam Howell. But Gino gets good news there. The Giant situation, is there one guy that stands out really. That's like the clear best option.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

It was just one week. I'd probably go Rudolph. If it's just, you know, looking at, you know, who you can pick up and maybe start for the next couple weeks. It's. It's. It could be Wentz. You know, just with the, the Mahomes injury and again, you know, if you're looking at ceiling in terms of just, you know, small sample size. Last time we saw Wentz, he was really good. Rudolph, he was the number.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Carson Wentz was the number one quarterback per game in fantasy last year is he played.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

That's true. That's a good number one game for.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

The Rams and he scored like 28 points or something. 30. 30. Yeah. So it's. It always. Every time I Look at per game averages always screws me up because Carson Wentz, is that the top. All right, running backs. Oh, by the way, just one more name that I saw someone float around in the chat. How do you feel about Drake May at Buffalo?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Don't like it.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I don't hate it. I would, I, I would count him among one of those high floor QBs where maybe he, if you expect a minimum of like 16 fantasy points, he should be able to do that. I don't think he's got much of a shot to get you like 23 or 24. He's kind of buried in my rankings, but I think he's one of those safe floor guys that Jamie was talking about.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

A lot of running. All right, running backs, you got Warren, you got Javante, you got Bigsby. In the shallower leagues, they're not the most appealing options here. So Jerome Ford is the prize. Jamie has Kendrick Miller, too, Alexander Madison and Amir Abdullah. 3. Now, who would you guys prefer just if you had to decide right now out of the Raiders guys?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Abdullah.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Dave, you said Abdullah, right? Okay. And then we also made the case that Taj Spears could be someone that could be number one. I mean, I think Ford's going to clearly be number one, but that Spears. Pollard just keeps playing. But he did obviously go in and out of the game last week and he's playing hurt.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Right. If Pollard is healthy, this is most likely not the ideal game script for Taij Spears because they don't seem to get blown out. They don't seem that they're going to get blown out by the Colts.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

So competitive game, this usual power does his best work. How healthy is he? How much will they give more Spears? How much of it is, you know, chasing by seven points, three points, and then it's a lot more Spears. So he's a Flex again, could be a starter if Pollard, if they decide to sit him this week. But just there's a lot of range.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Of outcomes here and you've got Justice Hill, you've got Audrey Gas. Isaiah Davis is interesting because you just got to figure like, how much is it going to take for Breeze hall to get shut down. And Braylon Allen's hurt as well. So it may be not for this week, but something to keep in mind. Dave mentioned Ty Johnson, who's been involved in the passing game. Antonio Gibson's been okay lately as well. Wide receivers, Keenan Allen would probably be the prize. I would assume Jamie, if he were available.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yep.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

But he's the least likely to be available. He's 84 rostered. Adam Thielen could bounce back. I keep, I keep mentioning this. The Cowboys, he was bad. He was disappointing against them last week. They're good against slot receivers. His upcoming opponents are not. Cardinals allow the six most receiving yards to wide receivers out of the slot. Tampa Bay's 21st. Josh Downs, Michael Pittman. You know, it's tough to trust, but Downs could definitely bounce back against Tennessee. Roma Dunesay. I hope I don't have to start. Actually, I think I do have to start him in one league I. I could see, you know, he dropped a touchdown. He dropped a touchdown right before Keenan Allen caught a touchdown last night. And he had seven targets. All right. Jalen McMillan is our number one though on. On the waiver wire. He's better than Odunze.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Better than feeling.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

No, not in full ppr.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay, then you got Romeo Dobbs and Christian Watson. You just can't expect a lot of pass attempts for the second most run heavy team in football right now against the Saints. And then Rashad Bateman, Cedric Tillman. Tillman would boost up in the rankings if we hear that Jameis is starting Jalen Coker. Tim. Tim Patrick. What is this? 15 targets are there though. Yeah, 15 in his last two. And Calvin Austin is somewhat appealing if Pickens is out any interest in MVS. He's got 14 targets in his last two games.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Not against that team. No.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

What revenge.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

It is a revenge game for mbs.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

If car plays, it's different.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I would agree.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

And the tight ends in the shallow desperate.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

You have to be a wide receiver to go with almost anybody that we named Thielen McMillan. Maybe they're on a different level. Maybe Tillman if there's Winston under center. But I don't know how many of the other receivers that we've talked about you'd even consider adding.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I mean I would. Look, I'm looking at my FFT league and I'm starting Roma Dunes A because starting robot because I just am three receivers and a flex. I'm definitely going to be looking at these guys.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Sure.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

So you'll prioritize McMillan.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

He's available. All right, let's see. Let's see how much fab I have left.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Oh, I'm gonna get Robert. Robert Turban BT to him. Beat him to you.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I have $10 left. We'll see.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

He made the. I mean it's pretty incredible for this if. If this has happened to a lot of people. He got the one seed without spending a cent. I was fab wow.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Good for him. Maybe he doesn't know how to use it. Maybe he just like real thinks It's.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

A free 25, I believe on 25 units on Gus Edwards last week.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Oh, all right. I'm probably playing him all along.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

How? I. I think he knows how fab works. Let's not, you know, it's not like he just got dropped off on him, man.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

He's having a great year. And you know else having a great year is Thomas Schaefer, by the way, who won his FFT Open league. And he's crushing it in like the Scott Fishbowl, we'll tell you that in one second. But just to finish up on tight end, you got Tucker Kraft, Pat Friarmuth, Hunter Henry and Dalton Kincaid in the shallow leagues. But you could move on to Brenton Strange. You guys are starting Strange over all of those guys? Is that what I'm to understand?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

I would start Friarmouth over Strange if Pickens is out again.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Okay. And Stone Smart would be number two. He plays Thursday. Chico Conquo Number three, Jake Ferguson. Dave said Jake Ferguson. Second. Jamie's done with Jake Ferguson.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yep.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Yeah, I don't believe me for being done with Jake Ferguson, but he's still one of those guys. That should get you six plus targets.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I'll throw out Noah Gray again. If Patrick Mahomes plays, he's. He gets five targets, he catches touchdowns. It's not terrible.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

You think he's the heir apparent?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Maybe.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Maybe.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Which would make him an unbelievable dynasty league stash, wouldn't it?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, for sure. And then. All right, we'll move on Texans dst. Well, first of all, you can look for the Packers. You can look for. Who's the one team we said? Oh, it's Packers. Yeah. Cardinals are fine, but the Texans, the Falcons, the Bengals, the Rams, the Titans. The kickers are Will Riker, Josh Carty, Jake Moody, Brandon McManus and Cam Little. Let's show the Scott Fishbowl standings, folks. What do we got here? We got Thomas Schaefer in seventh place.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Let's go.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

And Dave's son Ryan Richard in ninth place. Let's go. Is that crazy or what?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Awesome.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Unreal. How many were in this?

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

3,000.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Unbelievable.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

There were hundreds of leagues of 12 teams, so like 3,4000, I want to say.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Good for you guys. Schaefer has had a great.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Both made the top 250.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

And Jamie did not win his FFT open league, unfortunately.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

No, I lost.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

And John Breach lost. One of our other CBS guys, he lost like on last night. But Schaefer's advancing, and let's see if Brinson's advancing. I know he was. Brinson's advancing, and I think that's it. Maybe Sia. Sia advance. No, see, it came in third.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

So I'm gonna be proud of Ryan if he somehow beats Schaefer and everybody else to win the fishbowl, but I. I think a part of me is going to feel a little weird if my kid beats me to the fishbowl.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

No, that's awesome, dude. It's like when he beats you in basketball for the first time. You know, he's.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Yeah, that.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

But that's never happened.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Really.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

It's happened a lot.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Oh, yeah, the fantasy.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

It used to never happen when he was, like, 9, but now the kid learned how to shoot threes, and I have no chance against him now. Plus, I'm.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I don't know. I'm rooting for. So who you rooting for? You rooting for Thomas? Are you rooting for your side?

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

I'm rooting for my son. I'm close.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Who are we rooting for?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I don't know. I think.

[Fantasy Football Host 4]

I think I'm representing our podcast. It's got to be me.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Well, so is Ryan.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I think I'm rooting for. I think I'm rooting for Thomas.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Thomas run down, like the core of your team.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Well, but before you do that, though, before you do that, if. If you guys square off as the final two teams, right? Or is just points till the end, I think it's.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

It's points until the end. I think you've got to be the best team in the last week of 50 teams in order to win it.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

So what would be amazingly ironic would be is if it's Thomas and Ryan down to the final two, and Ryan says. Says, hey, Thomas, do you want to split the winnings?

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

There are no winnings.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

There are no winnings.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

That's my move. That's my karma.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Who you got, Thomas?

[Fantasy Football Host 4]

Well, I punted on kick or on. I punted on quarterback and tight end, so that's kind of why my team's so stacked. But I have Jefferson Jacobs, Amon Ra, Chimera, Devonte Adams, Garrett Wilson, John New Smith. I picked up when I punted on tight end.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Nice.

[Fantasy Football Host 4]

And I had Rogers, Will Levis as my second quarterback. I had Car, but he's hurt. So it. My receivers and running backs are just stacked. And I have Garendo. I picked up, too. So we'll see.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

All right. Ryan's got Jaden Daniels and Josh Allen. And there's crazy points for quarterbacks in this, especially if they run. So that's the anchor he also has. I'm reading his team off. Chase Brown, Devonte Adams, Terry McLaurin, Brian Thomas Jr. Brock Bowers. It's tight end premium. Zay Flowers has been stinking form. On his bench is Jerome Ford and he works on return teams. Ford was worth 43.55 points in in Scott Fishbowl this past week.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Wow.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Thielen is on his bench. He's. He's got Kincaid to stack with Josh Allen. He's got DJ Moore, who sometimes does.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

I think I'm gonna root for Ryan.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Your quarterbacks are if you're stuck at quarterback. Thomas, I. I'm nervous about your team's chances.

[Fantasy Football Host 4]

Well, that's what's helped me because I didn't draft a quarterback or a tight end. Everybody goes quarterback, tight end in that I'm top, top 10. He's it.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Who are your quarterbacks? Run it down one more time.

[Fantasy Football Host 4]

Rogers. I mean, I'm probably gonna pick somebody up. I have Ritter. I basically have every backup quarterback that's playing now. But yeah, Rogers is the main guy and I led the. I had Fields, but obviously he got benched, so he got hurt.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

Yeah, yeah, he did get her last. Okay. All right, well, let's. We got a wrap it up. Thanks so much. We'll see on CBS Sports Network at 1:00pm Eastern for who has more and some more talk about the waiver wire. Have a great day, everybody. Talk to you tomorrow on this podcast, Fantasy Football Today. See you.

[Fantasy Football Host 2]

Paramount Podcasts.

[Fantasy Football Host 3]

Hey, CBS Sports podcast listeners.

[Fantasy Football Host 1]

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