Fantasy Football Today: Week 13 Start or Sit (12/01 Fantasy Football Podcast) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 1, 2024

In the Week 13 episode of "Fantasy Football Today", hosted by Adam Aizer alongside analyst Heath Cummings, the team dives deep into strategic decisions crucial for fantasy managers aiming to dominate their leagues. The discussion centers around player injuries, start or sit dilemmas, waiver wire pickups, and matchup analyses to optimize lineups for the upcoming games. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the episode's key points, enriched with notable quotes and organized for clarity.

1. Injury Updates and Waiver Wire Recommendations

Adam Aizer begins the episode by addressing current injury concerns affecting Week 13 lineups:

• J.K. Dobbins (IR): "J.K. Dobbins is on IR. He's out at least four weeks." (02:32)

• Austin Ekeler (Concussion): "He's on IR. He's out at least four games." (02:32)

These injuries have significant implications, especially with Dobbins facing off against the Falcons and Ekeler against the Titans.

Heath Cummings recommends monitoring and possibly adding key players to navigate these absences:

• Kamani Vidal: "I want to make sure Kamani Vidal is rostered." (03:05)

• Jeremy McNichols: "Jeremy McNichols is rostered because Brian Robinson is dealing with an ankle injury." (03:05)

Adam Aizer concurs with Heath's suggestions: "I pick up Kamani Vidal, if you can." (03:38)

2. Start or Sit Decisions

The duo transitions into evaluating players for potential starts or sits based on current performance and matchups.

• Brian Robinson vs. Austin Ekeler:

  Adam Aizer questions the viability of starting Brian Robinson without Ekeler: "Do you like Robinson more with Ekeler out?" (04:05)

  Heath Cummings advises against it: "He's a low end RB2. I'd rather not start him. Terrible matchup." (04:05)

• Cedric Tillman Injury Impact:

  Adam Aizer discusses Cedric Tillman's absence: "Cedric Tillman is out for Monday night...makes Jerry Judy a little bit better." (04:12)

• Trevor Lawrence and Evan Ingram:

  Adam Aizer weighs in on Trevor Lawrence's participation despite a left shoulder concern: "I'm going to be bold and I'm going to just trust Trevor Lawrence to stay in the game and deliver for Brian Thomas Jr." (04:24)

3. Technical Difficulties and Solo Analysis

Mid-episode, technical issues arise as Heath Cummings experiences audio problems:

Adam Aizer addresses the glitch: "I don't hear it, but everyone else does... Hop off." (04:12)

With Heath temporarily off-air, Adam continues solo, offering continued insights and lineup adjustments.

4. Matchup Considerations and Weather Impact

Adam Aizer emphasizes the importance of matchups and external factors such as weather:

• San Francisco vs. Buffalo Snowstorm:

  Potential heavy snowfall could drastically affect player performances: "There could be a ton of snow for this game." (05:27)

  This uncertainty leads Adam to sit key players like Brock Purdy: "I'm not going to trust Brock Purdy that much... You are not starting Brock Purdy." (05:27)

• Bengals' Defensive Line Changes:

  Heath Cummings highlights defensive adjustments: "With Sheldon Rankins off the field...Logan Wilson is likely out so that makes their run defense a lot worse." (05:27)

5. Final Lineup Recommendations

Adam and Heath provide their final recommendations for crucial Week 13 starts and sits:

• Bills Players:

  Adam Aizer: "James Cook for sure. Josh Allen for sure. I would say Khalil Shakir." (05:27)

• 49ers Considerations:

  Adam Aizer opts to sit Brock Purdy and discusses alternatives: "He's a low end RB2. I'd rather not start him." (05:27)

• Wide Receivers:

  Adam Aizer evaluates Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Darnell Mooney: "Marvin Harrison Jr. has one catch this year for zero to two air yards... I don't trust them to throw to him anymore." (09:29)

• Running Backs:

  Nick Chubb vs. Khalil Shakir:

  "I'm going to go with Khalil Shakir. Nick Chubb... never catches the ball and he's got a really tough run defense." (09:29)

• Quarterbacks:

  Anthony Richardson vs. Russell Wilson:

  "I'm going to take a chance here on Anthony Richardson." (09:29)

• Other Key Decisions:

  Jonathan Taylor vs. James Connor in PPR:

  "I'm going with Taylor... hope that he scores." (09:29)

  Joe Burrow vs. Jaden Daniels:

  Chooses Joe Burrow due to Titans' defensive struggles: "They are one of the worst defenses over the last five weeks." (09:29)

6. Conclusion and Upcoming Live Stream

As the episode nears its end, Adam Aizer apologizes for the technical interruptions and announces an upcoming live stream:

"We'll have better advice for you at 11:30am Eastern when Dave and Heath join me and we will talk to you then on Fantasy Football Today." (13:54)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kamani Vidal Recommendation: "I pick up Kamani Vidal, if you can." (03:38)

• Brian Robinson's Viability: "He's a low end RB2. I'd rather not start him. Terrible matchup." (04:05)

• Brock Purdy Sit Decision: "You are not starting Brock Purdy." (05:27)

• Marvin Harrison Jr. Analysis: "Marvin Harrison Jr. has one catch this year for zero to two air yards." (09:29)

• Anthony Richardson Over Russell Wilson: "I'm going to take a chance here on Anthony Richardson." (09:29)

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Fantasy Football Today" equips fantasy managers with essential insights for Week 13. From navigating injury setbacks to making informed start or sit decisions based on matchups and player performances, Adam Aizer and Heath Cummings provide valuable guidance to enhance lineup effectiveness and elevate league standings. Managers are encouraged to stay tuned for the live stream at 11:30am Eastern for further discussions and real-time advice.

For those seeking to outmaneuver their competitors and secure fantasy football bragging rights, this episode serves as an indispensable resource. Stay prepared, make informed decisions, and good luck in Week 13!