Fantasy Football Today: Waiver Wire! Some Good Tight Ends, Browns Passing Game and More (11/19)

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction

In the November 19th episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by Adam Aizer with co-host Jamie Eisenberg, the CBS Sports Fantasy Football crew dives deep into waiver wire strategies, evaluates key tight end options, analyzes the Cleveland Browns' passing offense, and discusses valuable quarterback and running back picks. The episode, titled "Waiver Wire! Some Good Tight Ends, Browns Passing Game and More," provides insightful analysis to help fantasy managers optimize their teams as they navigate the mid-season landscape.

Waiver Wire Priorities

Jamie Eisenberg and Adam Aizer kick off the discussion by addressing the current waiver wire landscape. With no pressing needs at running back, their focus shifts to potential must-add receivers and tight ends.

Top Tight Ends: Will Disley, Johnny Smith, and Christian Watson

Adam identifies two standout tight ends: Will Disley and Johnny Smith, with Christian Watson also emerging as a valuable addition.

• Will Disley: Disley is highlighted as a reliable option given his increasing performance. Adam Aizer notes, “He is talented and maybe Jameis is the one to unlock it” ([04:25]).

• Johnny Smith: Smith receives praise for his consistent targets and opportunities within his team, making him a solid choice for the remainder of the season.

• Christian Watson: While Watson shows potential, his performance remains somewhat of a coin flip due to varying target numbers. Adam reflects, “Jaden Reed has played better than him this year...no standout number three guy for me” ([07:01]).

Cleveland Browns' Passing Game

The episode delves into the Browns' offense, emphasizing quarterback Jameis Winston's prolific passing attempts. With high target counts, navigating his receiver corps becomes crucial.

• Jameis Winston's Impact: Winston's aggressive passing strategy has been a boon for fantasy managers, with Adam stating, “Jameis may have a crappy game because these matchups are bad, but in PPR, you still may get 12 to 14 from all three of them” ([10:23]).

• Top Receivers: Tillman and Judy are identified as primary contributors, while Elijah Moore serves as a solid alternative.

Quarterbacks on Waiver Wire

The discussion shifts to quarterbacks, evaluating both established names and emerging talents.

• Top Options:

  • Anthony Richardson: Rated as the top quarterback to consider.
  • Drew Lock (Gardner Minshew): Praised for his recent performance, including a 21.9 fantasy point game against Miami ([19:31]).
  • Drake May: Noted for his consistent scoring, with two 22-point games.

• Other Notable QBs: Geno Smith, Matthew Stafford, and Russell Wilson are discussed as viable options depending on league depth and specific team needs.

Running Backs on Waiver Wire

With limited availability, the focus is on high-upside running backs who can bolster a team’s depth.

• Top Picks:

  • Amir Abdullah: Considered the top priority if needed urgently due to his potential touchdown opportunities.
  • Roshan Johnson and Trey Benson: Highlighted as valuable flex options with recent workloads ([25:40]).

• Injury Concerns: The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Madison and Zemir White impacts their waiver wire desirability.

Wide Receivers on Waiver Wire

Several wide receivers are identified as potential waiver wire gems, particularly in shallower leagues.

• Primary Targets:

  • Jerry Judy: Rated highly above Christian Watson due to recent performance spikes, such as a 20-point game against the Dolphins.
  • Elijah Moore and Romo Dorsey: Serve as solid backups with favorable matchups.

• Deep League Options: Names like Devon Valley and Parker Washington are discussed for deeper leagues, offering upside albeit with varying degrees of risk.

Tight Ends Discussion

Beyond the top tight ends, additional options are evaluated for depth and potential impact.

• Will Disley is favored over other available tight ends like Hunter Henry, Dallas Goddard, and Zach Ertz, primarily due to his favorable matchups against teams struggling defensively against tight ends.

• Johnny Smith is preferred over peers, with his matchup against the Patriots being deemed favorable despite the Patriots' middling defense against tight ends.

Defense/Special Teams (DST) and Kickers

Strategic decisions around DSTs and kickers can provide a competitive edge in tight matchups.

• Top DSTs:

  • Washington Commanders: Positioned as a top pick due to their upcoming favorable matchups.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears: Also recommended based on their schedules and defensive strengths.

• Top Kickers:

  • Jason Myers (Chargers vs. Cardinals)
  • Chase McLaughlin (Giants vs. Bears)
  • Will Lutz (Raiders vs. Chiefs)

News and Updates

The episode provides crucial updates on player injuries and performance trends, influencing waiver wire strategy.

• Key Injuries:

  • Tommy DeVito’s back-to-back games sit out affects Malik Neighbors’ target share.
  • Bryce Young and Jonathan Brooks’ injury statuses are monitored for potential impacts.

• Player Performances:

  • CD Lamb's inconsistent performance despite high target volumes.
  • Derek Carr's encouraging numbers despite tough upcoming matchups.

Listener Questions and Opinions

A listener question regarding waiver wire moves for eliminated playoff teams sparks a discussion on maintaining competitive balance. The consensus leans towards permitting waiver wire acquisitions while advising against trades that could diminish competitive integrity ([60:06]).

Quotes and Notable Moments

Throughout the episode, memorable quotes underscore key points:

• Jamie Eisenberg: “Delivers. Switch to ShipStation today.” ([02:35]) (Note: This appears to be an ad segment and can be skipped in the context of content summary.)

• Adam Aizer: “If you need a receiver this week, then he'd be your one priority.” ([33:44])

• Jamie Eisenberg: “Jerry Judy is one of the prizes at receiver if they're available.” ([34:07])

Conclusion

The November 19th episode of Fantasy Football Today offers comprehensive insights into waiver wire pickups, emphasizing the importance of strategically adding tight ends like Will Disley and Johnny Smith, evaluating the Browns' potent passing offense, and identifying valuable quarterback and running back options. The discussion on DSTs and kickers further equips fantasy managers with the knowledge to make informed decisions. By staying updated on player performances and injury reports, managers can navigate the challenging mid-season terrain to maintain a competitive edge in their leagues.

For more in-depth analysis and weekly updates, tune in to Fantasy Football Today on CBS Sports Network every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 PM Eastern.