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

Episode Release Date: December 17, 2024

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.

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]).

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]).

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]).

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]).

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]).

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]).

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]).

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.

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.

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]).

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!

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