Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – Week 17 Waiver Wire and Start or Sit for KC-PIT and BAL-HOU!

Release Date: December 24, 2024

Hosts:

• Adam Aizer
• Dave Richard
• Jamey Eisenberg
• Heath Cummings

Introduction

In this special Week 17 episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Adam Aizer and analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings delve deep into the crucial waiver wire pickups and start-or-sit decisions for the key matchups between Kansas City and Pittsburgh (KC-PIT) and Baltimore and Houston (BAL-HOU). With playoff implications looming, the team provides listeners with expert strategies to optimize their lineups and secure those championship bragging rights.

Waiver Wire Priorities

The episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion on the top waiver wire pickups for Week 17. The analysts emphasize the importance of securing defensive special teams (DSTs) facing vulnerable offenses and highlight key running backs who could provide significant value in the final stretch.

• Top Waiver Wire Targets:

  • Dolphins DST: "The Dolphins defense played well last week, making them a prime target for your waiver wire." (Heath, [04:37])
  • Chigo Conquero (WR): "Chigo Conquero offers a modest floor with high upside in PPR formats, making him a viable start." (Heath, [07:29])
  • Jalen McMillan (WR): "McMillan is on fire, and his involvement in the Panthers' offense makes him a solid pick-up." (Adam, [07:29])

• Additional Considerations:

  • Gus Edwards (RB): Discussed as a potential backup if J.K. Dobbins remains sidelined.
  • Dan Singletary (RB): Mentioned as an exciting option if he gains more opportunities due to teammate injuries.

Notable Quote:

"We think he's okay to pick up. It's not like Ramandre is going to be completely irrelevant in all likelihood, but you should be aware of that situation." — Dave Richard ([02:17])

Start or Sit Decisions

The analysts provide tailored advice on which players to start or bench based on their current performance, matchups, and injury statuses.

• Antonio Gibson: Dave Richard notes, "You should listen to FFT Express for the latest on Antonio Gibson," indicating a more detailed discussion elsewhere. However, he reassures listeners that Gibson remains a viable option. (Dave, [02:17])

• Ramandre Stevenson: With four consecutive fumbles, there's speculation about a potential benching. The consensus is cautious optimism but recommends keeping him in the lineup for now unless trends worsen.

• Dak Prescott vs. Jalen Hurts:

  • Adam Aizer: "I think James is hurt, but if the Dolphins defense holds, Prescott could still be a strong start." (Adam, [06:02])
  • Heath Cummings: Expresses concerns about the quarterback situation and leans towards favoring Prescott over Hurts due to better matchups. (Heath, [10:27])

Notable Quote:

"Do you think it's fair? No, it doesn't feel fair." — Dave Richard ([04:07])

Player Injury Updates

Staying ahead of injuries is crucial in fantasy football, and this episode provides comprehensive updates:

• Dolphins QB Situation: Ramandre Stevenson’s fumble woes and potential benching versus expectations from Antonio Gibson. (Dave, [02:17])
• DTR (Defensive Tackle Ryan): Calf injury may impact availability; potential return being monitored. (Dave, [05:31])
• Baltimore Running Backs: Tyrone Tracy aggravates his ankle injury, increasing the spotlight on Devin Singletary as a possible RB2 flex option. (Dave, [17:57])

Notable Quote:

"Tyrone Tracy has agonized his ankle injury, so we're looking maybe at Devin Singletary." — Dave Richard ([17:57])

Tight Ends Recommendations

The panel assesses tight ends like Hunter Henry, Zach Ertz, Dalton Schultz, and Chigo Conquero for their Week 17 viability.

• Dalton Schultz vs. Hunter Henry:
  • Dalton Schultz: Seen as a dependable option with a decent floor.
  • Chigo Conquero: Recommended for PPR leagues due to his target volume and potential upside.

Notable Quote:

"I do look at Sugo Conquero as a modest floor, high upside PPR play and a starting fantasy tight end." — Heath Cummings ([50:32])

DST (Defense/Special Teams) Picks

Selecting the right DST can make a significant difference, especially in the playoffs.

• Primary Options:

  • Dolphins DST
  • Colts DST
  • Rams DST
  • Seahawks DST
  • Raiders DST

• Strategy: Prioritize DSTs facing weaker offenses or those with advantageous matchups. Additionally, consider blocking opponents from acquiring high-value DSTs.

Notable Quote:

"It's such a wild card how these DSTs are performing, especially facing the Browns and Giants." — Dave Richard ([12:55])

Kicker Streaming Advice

Streaming kickers based on matchups is a common strategy in fantasy football.

• Recommended Kickers:
  • Josh Carty (Rams)
  • Jason Myers (Chargers)
  • Will Rikert (Falcons)
  • Will Lutz (Saints)
  • Zayn Gonzalez (Jets)
  • Matt McManus (Patriots)

Notable Quote:

"Early season kicker streaming is all about targeting indoor, high-scoring games where kickers have more opportunities." — Heath Cummings ([53:17])

Game Previews

Kansas City vs. Pittsburgh (KC-PIT)

A pivotal matchup with playoff implications:

• Patrick Mahomes vs. Steelers Defense:

  • Mahomes: Although performing well this season, facing a Steelers defense that has been tough against quarterbacks.
  • Jalen Hurts: Health concerns limit his fantasy upside.

• Waiver Wire QS: Analysts debate starting Mahomes versus alternatives like Kyler Murray, ultimately advising flexibility based on matchup specifics.

Notable Quote:

"If you have him and you're winning with him, you should start him. He's an easy start over Purdy." — Heath Cummings ([56:22])

Baltimore vs. Houston (BAL-HOU)

Another critical game influencing the final league standings:

• Joe Mixon vs. Derrick Henry:

  • Joe Mixon: Faces a tough Houston offensive line but maintains decent target volume.
  • Derrick Henry: Historically dominant against Houston, though recent performances have been inconsistent.

• Fantasy Impact: Decisions hinge on Mixon's ability to secure both rushing and receiving yards against Houston’s improved defense.

Notable Quote:

"He's gonna have to make plays through the air." — Heath Cummings ([66:55])

Mailbag and Listener Questions

Listeners' queries are addressed, offering personalized advice on tight end pickups and other roster decisions:

• Tight End Dilemmas: Choices between established tight ends like Mark Andrews versus waiver wire options based on matchups and recent performance.
• Wide Receiver Strategies: Guidance on whether to prioritize high-upside receivers over consistent performers depending on matchup difficulty.

Notable Quote:

"If you're here and you still need help, you don't know how to play." — Dave Richard ([41:56])

Conclusion

As the playoff battles intensify, this episode of Fantasy Football Today equips listeners with the knowledge and strategies needed to make informed decisions. From pinpointing valuable waiver wire targets to navigating tricky start-or-sit scenarios, Adam Aizer and his team provide actionable insights to help fantasy managers secure their league championships.

Final Thoughts:

"Remember, in the final weeks, every waiver wire pickup and every start-or-sit decision can make or break your season. Stay informed, stay flexible, and may your fantasy lineups be ever in your favor." — Jamey Eisenberg

Remember to Tune In: Stay updated with the latest fantasy football advice by subscribing to Fantasy Football Today. Whether you're a seasoned manager or a newcomer, our expert analysis will guide you through the final stretch of the season to emerge victorious.