Fantasy Football 2017 - Championship Week, Pump the Brakes, Mike Tilt Check

Summary

Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary
Episode: Fantasy Football 2017 - Championship Week, Pump the Brakes, Mike Tilt Check
Release Date: December 20, 2017
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

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1. Championship Week Excitement

00:42 – 03:07

As the episode kicks off, the hosts express their enthusiasm for the fantasy football championship week. Andy Holloway welcomes listeners to the studio, highlighting the high stakes and intense decision-making that comes with the final stretch of the season.

Andy Holloway (00:42):
"This championship weekend is going to be a blast this week. I'm glad you're here with us."

The trio discusses their personal championship matchups, with Jason Moore teasing Mike Wright about a potential ring bet, adding a playful competitive edge to the conversation. They emphasize the thrill of scouring the waiver wire, making crucial lineup decisions, and the anticipation surrounding the final games.

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2. Pump the Brakes: Key Players to Monitor

06:23 – 16:22

Mike Wright's Tilt Check (06:23 – 07:35):

Mike introduces his "Pump the Brakes" segment, focusing on Samaj Painbot. He explains his hesitation to start Samaj due to upcoming matchups and potential alternatives like Jamal Williams. Mike advises listeners to consider their waiver wire options and strategy as the championship approaches.

Mike Wright (06:32):
"The reason I'm pumping the brakes on him is not because he's unplayable… but you may have been stashing waiver wire running backs who you would prefer to play."
(06:32)

Andy Holloway's Pump (07:37 – 10:19):

Andy chooses to pump the brakes on Tyrod Taylor, citing inconsistent performance against the New England Patriots. He breaks down Taylor's historical performance, concluding that despite a strong start, Taylor's average stats against New England might not suffice in the high-stakes championship week.

Andy Holloway (08:26):
"Tyrod Taylor averages a quarter of a touchdown a game and 27 rushing yards. So it's just not enough to get it done in championship week."
(08:26)

Jason Moore's Pump (10:19 – 13:00):

Jason focuses on Brock Osweiler, expressing doubt about his reliability in the championship matchup. He debates the merits of starting Osweiler versus other quarterback options, emphasizing the importance of securing a solid QB for the final game.

Jason Moore (10:45):
"I think there are better streaming candidates out there like Blake Bortles, Nick Foles."
(10:45)

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3. News and Updates from Around the League

13:06 – 15:05

The hosts delve into recent NFL news impacting fantasy football. Key highlights include:

• Aaron Rodgers' Injury:
  Jason Moore (13:11):
  "Aaron Rodgers was put on injured reserve, and his season is over after one game back."
  Rodgers' absence significantly affects the Packers and their fantasy owners, leading to strategic considerations for quarterbacks like Nick Foles.

• Steelers' Roster Moves:
  Mike Wright (14:44):
  "The Steelers signed Stephen Ridley as a depth move because James Conner is out."
  The addition of ridley is seen as a depth enhancement, but with skepticism about his immediate fantasy impact.

• Buccaneers' WR Situation:
  Jason Moore (15:01):
  "If O.J. Howard and DeSean Jackson are out, you need to funnel those targets to Mike Evans."
  The potential absence of key receivers forces fantasy owners to adjust their lineups accordingly.

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4. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Panel Responses

19:17 – 43:31

Question 1: Stud Running Back Bench Decision
Listener: Mike from the North Pole
"Which stud running back will be riding the pine?"
(20:16 – 23:15)

• Discussion:
  The hosts debate whether to bench Mark Ingram, Ezekiel Elliott, or Kareem Hunt based on recent performances and matchups. Mike opts to bench Ingram, while Andy argues for benching Hunt due to inconsistent usage.

• Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (22:05):
  "I would choose to bench Kareem Hunt just because I think I know what I'm getting out of the other two guys more."
  (22:05)

Question 2: Jamal Williams' Viability
Listener: Joe Courtney
"With Jamal back at quarterback and Hunley, is Jamal a good play again?"
(23:15 – 24:19)

• Discussion:
  The hosts disagree on Jamal Williams' safety and matchup. Andy leans towards benching him due to Minnesota's strong rushing defense, while Mike defends his reliability based on snap counts and target opportunities.

• Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (24:29):
  "I lean on Andy's side on this one. I don't feel like Jamal Williams is safe. I think it's a bad matchup."
  (24:29)

Question 3: Quarterback Streaming Strategy
Listener: Caleb Peterson
"Should I take into account the Monday game when picking quarterbacks?"
(25:07 – 28:05)

• Discussion:
  The hosts evaluate the safety and upside of quarterbacks like Nick Foles, Jared Goff, and Case Keenum for the championship week. Jason and Mike generally prefer Keesum or Goff over Foles due to matchup concerns.

• Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (26:25):
  "Keenum's numbers are higher than Goff's every single week."
  (26:25)

Question 4: Tight End Position in Leagues
Listener: Brian Hunt
"Should a mandatory dedicated tight end only spot be eliminated from fantasy football?"
(29:27 – 31:26)

• Discussion:
  The hosts debate the merits of keeping a dedicated tight end spot versus converting it to a flex position. While some advocate for flexibility, others argue that it maintains strategic depth.

• Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (29:49):
  "I like the tight end spot."
  (29:49)

Question 5: Starting Tom Brady vs. Other QBs
Listener: Not Specified
"Should I sit Brady?"
(31:34 – 34:48)

• Discussion:
  The trio discusses whether to start Tom Brady given his matchup against the Buffalo Bills. They acknowledge Brady's historical reliability but weigh it against current performance and defensive matchups.

• Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (34:12):
  "I'm starting Brady. I'd go Brady there."
  (34:12)

Question 6: Brees vs. Rivers
Listener: Matt in Pinole, California
"Who has more upside, Brees or Rivers?"
(35:01 – 35:27)

• Discussion:
  The hosts briefly address the matchup, favoring Drew Brees due to his home game advantage against Atlanta.

Question 7: Dak Prescott vs. Blake Bortles
Listener: William and Chapman
"Would you start Dak with Zeke coming back, or would you be starting the man of Fire?"
(35:26 – 36:35)

• Discussion:
  Mike opts for Dak as a floor play and Bortles as a ceiling play, emphasizing the variability in their performances.

• Notable Quote:
  Mike Wright (36:25):
  "I think I'll go with Dak as the floor play in Bortles as the ceiling play."
  (36:25)

Question 8: Starting Josh Gordon vs. Devin Funches
Listener: Not Specified
"Am I crazy to start Josh Gordon over Devin Funches?"
(36:47 – 38:48)

• Discussion:
  The hosts debate the merits of starting Josh Gordon versus Devin Funches, considering factors like quarterback performance and matchup conditions. Andy supports Funches despite lower overall performance, citing favorable quarterback situations.

• Notable Quote:
  Andy Holloway (38:16):
  "I don't trust going in the cold weather game to Chicago… I would play Scrumptious again this week."
  (38:16)

Question 9: League Format - Head-to-Head vs. Points
Listener: Caleb Peterson
"Should I switch my league to a head-to-head format with win/loss and score relative to average?"
(39:41 – 43:31)

• Discussion:
  The hosts explore the pros and cons of Mike's proposed league format, which awards points for winning head-to-head matchups and for being among the top weekly scorers. They agree that while head-to-head maintains competitive integrity and social interaction, adding bonus points can balance out extremes in scoring.

• Notable Quote:
  Jason Moore (43:11):
  "You have to play to your matchup. You have to play to your opponent."
  (43:11)

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5. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

43:31 – 44:25

The hosts wrap up the episode by highlighting upcoming content, including week 16 rankings and off-season discussions. They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast community through their website and social media channels. Jason Moore also mentions the Footy award nominations, set to open on January 2nd, and promotes their involvement with DFS on draft.comballers.

Andy Holloway (44:25):
"Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter @theFFballers."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway (00:42):
  "This championship weekend is going to be a blast this week. I'm glad you're here with us."
  (00:42)

• Mike Wright (08:26):
  "Tyrod Taylor averages a quarter of a touchdown a game and 27 rushing yards. So it's just not enough to get it done in championship week."
  (08:26)

• Andy Holloway (22:05):
  "I would choose to bench Kareem Hunt just because I think I know what I'm getting out of the other two guys more."
  (22:05)

• Jason Moore (29:49):
  "I like the tight end spot."
  (29:49)

• Mike Wright (36:25):
  "I think I'll go with Dak as the floor play in Bortles as the ceiling play."
  (36:25)

• Andy Holloway (38:16):
  "I don't trust going in the cold weather game to Chicago… I would play Scrumptious again this week."
  (38:16)

• Jason Moore (43:11):
  "You have to play to your matchup. You have to play to your opponent."
  (43:11)

---

Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides an in-depth analysis of the fantasy football championship week, offering strategic insights on player selections, matchup considerations, and league format discussions. The hosts engage with listener questions, delivering expert opinions and fostering a community-driven dialogue aimed at optimizing fantasy football success.

Transcript

[Mike Wright]

Hey, Foot clan. It's fantasy championship season, and the only way to celebrate that properly is to head over to fantasychamps.com youm get your trophies. These rings. These rings that they have on. Fantasy champs are unbelievable. And he's chiming in.

[Jason Moore]

Are you gonna buy me one, Mike, when I beat you this week?

[Mike Wright]

Are we doing a ring bet?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, baby. Let's do it.

[Mike Wright]

The ring bet is on because we're in a championship. I know that you're in the championship as well. Go on to fantasychamps.com youm can check out everything they have, including customizable fantasy jerseys to rep your team. You can use the promo code ballers to save a little bit of cash when you check out.

[Andy Holloway]

Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, coming to you from the Play Draft Studios with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright.

[Jason Moore]

What's up, everybody? Just another wonderful Wednesday. Wonderful Wednesday, wonderful Wednesday, December 20th. Christmas is nearly here.

[Andy Holloway]

Championship week.

[Jason Moore]

What'd you find in your stockings there, Jay?

[Andy Holloway]

Potatoes. I found potatoes in my stockings.

[Jason Moore]

We went over to Jason's house about.

[Mike Wright]

That's a true story.

[Jason Moore]

It's not a fake story. We were at Jason's house for. They decided to be very wonderful hosts. Had a little gathering, gathering together, ate a meal.

[Andy Holloway]

So it was like weeks ago.

[Jason Moore]

I don't know why. You had a lot of potatoes just sitting out.

[Andy Holloway]

Did we? Oh, those were. You didn't bring the potatoes?

[Jason Moore]

No, I didn't bring them.

[Andy Holloway]

All right.

[Jason Moore]

And I put the potatoes. I put one potato in every one of your stockings.

[Mike Wright]

Hold on, babe. I forgot the potatoes.

[Jason Moore]

Just in case. My wife made me feel bad. She said they could smell and your Christmas morning could have a smelly potato. So I warned you. And you found them.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I did.

[Jason Moore]

Thanks.

[Andy Holloway]

They were delicious.

[Jason Moore]

They had not sprouted.

[Andy Holloway]

No, they had not sprouted. But if you have not had stocking potatoes, you're missing out.

[Mike Wright]

If you want in on Mike. Tilt check 2017. We've approached 15 revolutions.

[Jason Moore]

Okay. Oh. For the fantasy championship.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

So who are you starting against?

[Andy Holloway]

Me?

[Jason Moore]

Don't make the wrong move.

[Mike Wright]

I already know who I'm starting.

[Jason Moore]

Who is it?

[Mike Wright]

Just go look.

[Andy Holloway]

He benched his roster.

[Mike Wright]

No, I haven't done that move. But Jason has gone full strategy mode in the Listener League championship.

[Andy Holloway]

That's right. I am starting one player. One player only. Only guy need Charles Clay because he's necessary.

[Jason Moore]

So you're starting Jameis.

[Mike Wright]

As of now, I'm starting Jameis.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, man. Oh, that's going to be fun.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

For one of us.

[Andy Holloway]

This week for us in here, for the listeners at home, is going to be a really, really fun week, as ever. I mean, this is where everything's on the line and the. All the decisions, they go back and forth. You scour the waiver wire, you second guess everything. And in the end, and this is Christmas weekend coming up here, this championship weekend. This is going to be a blast this week. I'm glad you're here with us.

[Jason Moore]

I have no idea how I'm going to beat you. Yeah, I mean, your lineup is amazing and yet the projections have us within a point. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, Brooks, I'm sorry. Heard that before. All right.

[Mike Wright]

The interesting thing about this weekend is, I mean, we'll give, you know, our advice, our opinions on this show, but then come Sunday, like, man, I hope I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong that Nick Foles is a great play, because he is, but I have to play against him.

[Jason Moore]

Speaking of Nick Foles, I wanted to bring this up because this is, this is something that you need to know about. And we're very lucky as a fantasy owner, as fantasy owners, to have this situation play out the way it could play out if the packers beat the Vikings, which I know sounds very difficult with Brett Hundley, but it's at home and the weather's bad.

[Mike Wright]

I give them as much chance as I give you to beat me.

[Jason Moore]

There you go. So I know, I know that that's very little. However, if it happens, Philly has locked down the number one seed. It's done. And Doug Peterson has been very vocal about a willingness to start or to sit his starters, including Nick Foles, for potentially the last two games. And so if they're clinched, I want to make this clear. Nick Foles is a Monday game, which means you don't get. Unless you have. That's crazy talk unless you have somebody else on your roster. Now, here's the benefit that we have and why I say we're lucky Minnesota plays Green Bay Saturday night. So you're okay if Minnesota takes care of what we think they will, they takes care of business. They will proceed as planned with Nick Foles. If they don't, I'm telling you, it could get scary. You might not find that out until Monday and literally have no quarterback for your championship.

[Mike Wright]

Here's what I will say to that. I give that such a small percentage. Well, Green Bay winning, of course, is going to be really rough, but you cannot go into the championships with your second string quarterback. Having him had one start, that would be stupid.

[Jason Moore]

It would be stupid, however, like, oh.

[Mike Wright]

I don't want him to get hurt. He needs reps. I'm just playing this week at least.

[Jason Moore]

I'm just reporting what Doug Peterson has said and equivocated on. He made no guarantees that he would would play them if the if the playoff situation was locked up. So be aware. I have Nick Foles starting. I think Minnesota will take care of it on Saturday night. If they don't, I'm going to play Alex Smith the next day just to be safe. There's no chance I want Mike to have beaten me without a quarterback. That just will be very embarrassing.

[Mike Wright]

I would accept it.

[Jason Moore]

All right. Find us on twitter@the ff ballers. The website's the fantasy footballers.com the community of listeners, fellow fantasy football players, Foot Clan leagues, all that stuff is jointhefoot.com and a reminder, you can go to shopballers.com if you want some swag, some gear. Our Foot Clan title shirt is coming out this week. Maybe by the end of day today it will be up there. So if you win a title and you want to get this year's Foot Clan title shirt, it will be there. And you can use the coupon code rudolph before Christmas to grab that shirt. All right, we're going to get into Pump the brakes, Mike. Who are you pumping the brakes on?

[Mike Wright]

It's a sad thing for me to do this weekend, especially in a championship weekend with my man Samaj Painbot.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, really?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Samajp Ryan. The matchup against the Denver Broncos, I'm not having it. There's the reason I'm pumping the brakes on him is not because he's unplayable. He's still an absolute low level running back, too. But at this point, you may have been stashing waiver wire running backs who you would prefer to play. Such as the exact same weekend. Maybe you got them both. Maybe you got Jamal Williams and Samaj P. Ryan. I had considered, you know, Jamal Williams, he's got to take on the Minnesota Vikings, right? That's a rough matchup. But then you go back and you're reminded about all the targets that Jamal Williams got with Brett Hundley under center. Which makes me feel a little bit safer going with Jamal Williams over Samaj P. Ryan this particular weekend. So this, once again, this is not a you must sit Samajp Ryan. This is a at this time in your championship, you may have found a better option because that's what I would be looking for.

[Jason Moore]

All right, Jason, who are you pumping the brakes on?

[Andy Holloway]

My pump this week is Tyrod Taylor.

[Jason Moore]

Just your voice. Are you pumping the brakes on your voice?

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, my goodness, guys, I think this is. This is the new normal on the voice. I'm never going to heal up. I will never not be sick again. This is how I feel the rest of my life.

[Jason Moore]

You got the vapors or emphysema?

[Andy Holloway]

I need, like, what are the vapors? What? What are the vapors? Is that a thing?

[Jason Moore]

I just was trying to think of some old. I need, like, some old western sickness where someone would be coughing into a handkerchief.

[Mike Wright]

I got.

[Jason Moore]

I don't think the vapors is the right hand.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't think. Tuberculosis.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Maybe that was. That's the one. There you go.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, I think I was actually thinking of consumption.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Or something.

[Andy Holloway]

I might need Vic's vapor rub all over. But anyways, getting back to football, despite my love, I'm gonna vet this for Charles Clay.

[Jason Moore]

It was a very popular 1978 band called the Vapors.

[Andy Holloway]

Yep. Nailed it.

[Jason Moore]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. Hold on a second. No vapors. The disease is a reference to a certain treatment of medical or physical states.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I'm not counting that.

[Jason Moore]

So there you go.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, moving along. I'm pumping the brakes on Tyrod Taylor. Tyrod Taylor had a really good game last week. People look at the overall year ranks against his matchup in New England, and they think this could be a really good streaming option. I've heard people recommending, hey, this is a good streamer candidate, and I'm pumping the break saying, I don't. I don't think so. I. Here's what happens when a guy comes out and has that first game. We know it, like, at the beginning of a season when week one and week two are awesome. You think the guy's going to be great forever regardless of how he performs rest of the year. This is what happened the first time that Tyrod Taylor played New England a couple years ago. He had that monstrous game where he comes out, throws 242 yards, rushes for 43, throws three touchdowns. It's like, whoa, awesome. He's played four games against New England since then. Here's his averages. He averages in those four games. 181 yards. He's had one total passing yards, though, passing yards. He's had one total touchdown in those four games. So he's averaging a quarter of a touchdown a game and 27 rushing yards. So it's just not enough to get it done in championship week. And I also believe that New England, their defense has Got it together. If they can heal up. They were a little injured this last week. And so, I mean, you always. Yeah, you bring up. Okay, how much. How about rushing. Rushing touchdowns? Rushing yardage. Tyrod, definitely. Because of the broken fantasiness that is rushing quarterbacks getting absurd points for picking up.

[Mike Wright]

It's funny because this year I've. I've never been so frustrated with that rule as I have been this week. I mean, every. Every time we're sitting in the office watching the games, like, oh, he just threw for a 125 yard pass.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

Because he broke off a long run. So I'm pumping the brakes on Tyrod Taylor. I think there are better streaming candidates out there like Blake Bortles, Nick Foles.

[Jason Moore]

So you would say that you would like people to not get the vapors about Tyrod Taylor because.

[Andy Holloway]

No idea if that.

[Jason Moore]

The vapors. Now I understand. I looked it up. I confirmed it. It was a polite 19th century term to explain being emotionally overcome.

[Mike Wright]

Oh.

[Jason Moore]

Or in your case, the second definition. Yeah, it's that.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, Mr. Beauregard.

[Jason Moore]

The second definition, however, is also having gas.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, well, I've got the vapors. There's no doubt about that.

[Jason Moore]

In case you had the vapors on.

[Mike Wright]

I want to check Jason's streaming.

[Jason Moore]

Temperature.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

There we go. Joe Flacco against the Colts.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, that's a great.

[Mike Wright]

Or Tyrod Taylor against the Patriots.

[Andy Holloway]

So I would go Joe Flacco over Tyrod Taylor. The matchup is unbelievable.

[Mike Wright]

I know. Look, Andy's face says it all. That I'm with you. When you say the name Joe Flacco in fantasy football, you instantly vomit.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. How'd Brock Osweiler do against the Colts last week?

[Mike Wright]

I'm with Jason. That I think I would.

[Jason Moore]

That's my pump. I'm pumping the brakes on Brock Osweiler.

[Andy Holloway]

Are you really?

[Jason Moore]

No.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, good. I was like, no one needs that.

[Jason Moore]

No one got the vapors from Brock Osweiler.

[Andy Holloway]

I do declare.

[Mike Wright]

Why are you from the South?

[Jason Moore]

I think there are a number of quarterback. Pump the brakes. I mean, obviously Osweiler's in there. Marcus Mariota is in there. He'd be a consideration. I'm going to go with Elijah McGuire because he was the best performing jets running back by far last week. However, he had six total touches. It was an incredible efficiency. Bilal Powell and Matt Forte I like more than Elijah McGuire this week. So I'm going to pump the brakes on Elijah McGuire and his 15 plus fantasy points from last week. And so there you go. Elijah McGuire, Tyrod Taylor, and Mr. P. Ryan. Mr. Payne Bot himself Samaj.

[Mike Wright]

I'm sorry.

[Andy Holloway]

For the record, I would play Samaj over Jamal Williams.

[Mike Wright]

Really?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Because when you have those Jamal Williams numbers. Oh, we putting that on the board, I guess. Water beds. There we go. Those target numbers from Brett Hundley were without Aaron Jones.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, Aaron Jones. Still not getting. Still not getting work.

[Jason Moore]

Interesting. So you'd play Jamal Williams?

[Mike Wright]

I would.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[Mike Wright]

Safer 4.

[Jason Moore]

I look forward to seeing what happens.

[Andy Holloway]

News and notes from around the league.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, I guess that we've been talking about it as common knowledge, but if you didn't know Aaron Rodgers was put on injured reserve and so his season is over after one game back, you were right. They were eliminated. And so Brett Hundley will be the quarterback for week 16 and 17. So there you go. Maybe that does mean good things for Jamal Williams. Maybe not. We'll see what the snap count looks like for Aaron Jones and Jamal Williams and whether those targets will be back. I tend to lean on Jason's side.

[Andy Holloway]

It's a terrific matchup.

[Jason Moore]

I had anticipated the Aaron Jones snap share, you know, to move up, but I thought it would happen a week or two earlier. Happened last week. I don't think it's just because of Aaron Rodgers. I think it's health. So we'll see Hunter Henry on injured reserve as well. His season is over.

[Mike Wright]

You got that lacerated kidney?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, apparently that only.

[Andy Holloway]

The only. That only happens if you are a charger.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. What's with the. They don't do kidney protection over there?

[Andy Holloway]

No.

[Mike Wright]

Got to look into that.

[Jason Moore]

It's sad, though, because he's obviously a valuable weapon to Philip Rivers. A lot more athletic than Antonio Gates is anymore. Antonio Gates is just large. And this is a team still trying to find a way to climb into the playoffs. Mike Tomlin said Antonio Brown's officially out. We kind of knew that, but he's not going to play. And the Steelers signed Stephen Ridley. Former small relevant Patriot running back Steven Ridley, Jets.

[Andy Holloway]

He.

[Mike Wright]

This is a depth move for the Steelers because James Conner is out.

[Jason Moore]

Ridley has been on a lot of rosters and done nothing for a long time.

[Mike Wright]

Certainly.

[Andy Holloway]

Do you still believe that it would be clearly. Fitzgerald, Tucson clear. Okay.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, absolutely.

[Jason Moore]

The Bucks are expected to have to place O.J. howard on IR.

[Mike Wright]

Who.

[Jason Moore]

So for fantasy owners, this means Cameron Brake. Cameron Brake.

[Mike Wright]

Cameron Brake gets a bump up. We talked about if Howard and desean Jackson are out, you got to funnel those targets to Mike Evans. Hopefully that's fingers crossed over here.

[Jason Moore]

We didn't talk about this we did yesterday. You talked about it.

[Mike Wright]

Okay, well, I talked about it and I talk about the truth. Jameis Winston likes to target Mike Evans when his other options are subpar.

[Jason Moore]

The problem this year has been liking to target somebody and getting to and doing it properly.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, he did it properly last week.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Okay.

[Mike Wright]

That's all I need. That's all I need.

[Jason Moore]

We're trying to actually give some, you know, perspective long term here, though, for the season. Mike Evans hasn't been somebody that you can rely on. He caught a bomb last week, I'll give you that. But five receptions, despite the injuries in the game, does not tell me he's getting 17 targets and 10 to 15, you know, receptions like days gone by.

[Andy Holloway]

Eileen, heavily on Mike's side on this. I think if O.J. howard is out and DeSean Jackson is out, it'll be a great game for Mike Evans.

[Jason Moore]

Just because we don't know about Desean Jackson. And O.J. howard gets all of a target a game for this year. I mean, so I don't. I don't see him having a major implication there. So I'm happy to water bet you guys on some reception threshold.

[Mike Wright]

We'll figure that out.

[Jason Moore]

Okay. We'll do that in the matchup.

[Andy Holloway]

Hold for the D Jacks news.

[Jason Moore]

Do it in the matchup shows. And we talked about the Eagle situation. Thomas Davis's suspension was reduced to one game. We kind of expected that to happen. Any other news? Any other things going on you guys want to talk about?

[Mike Wright]

No.

[Jason Moore]

Well, we should thank Pristine Auction.

[Andy Holloway]

Let's do it.

[Jason Moore]

For supporting the podcast.

[Andy Holloway]

Awesome.

[Jason Moore]

I'm going to read this list really, really fast. And this is all things autographed authentic memorabilia. These are all items under 100 bucks. Okay. And these are either jerseys.

[Andy Holloway]

These sold.

[Jason Moore]

These are almost all jerseys. Some of them are mini helmets and some are color Rush jerseys. But they're all sold items on the auction yesterday under 100 bucks. A Kareem Hunt sign jersey. Lev Bell, David Johnson, Adam Thielen, Heinz Ward, Jerry Rice, Devonte Adams, Stefan Diggs and Randall Cobb. The Heinz word for you Steelers fans went for $54 on pristineauction.com they have hundred. And this was just some that these are just a few that I had Brooks pull out this morning. These are all authentic JSA certified. That means there's somebody that witnessed the actual autograph. This is all legit. Hundreds of daily auctions every single day from Pristine Auction, the absolute leader in sports memorabilia auctions on the web. You can always find something great. Get yourself Something special to commemorate the [e-mail] let them know the fantasy footballer sent you.

[Andy Holloway]

Yep. And also, we. We want to thank SeatGeek. SeatGeek has been a longtime supporter of this show and is the clear and only place to get your tickets if you want to go to a live sporting event. I mean, a lot of times people might go, oh, I don't want to miss games. But look, the playoffs are coming up. You got to go to these games. You got to support your teams. And SeatGeek is the best place to do it because they pool in over 100 different ticketing sites. So you know you're getting a great value when you grab your tickets off of there. And it's so easy. You just download the SeatGeek app. You can pull it out at any time. Make sure you download it now. Like, even if you're going, I don't know exactly what event I want to go to. Download the SeatGeek app, because you might be at dinner tomorrow night talking with a buddy about an event, a concert, whatever. You could just pull out your phone, tap, tap, Ooh, two taps. Two taps. And you've got an amazing deal on tickets to your event. Best of all, our listeners get 20 bucks off their first SeatGeek purchase. So just download the SeatGeek app, enter the promo code footballers. That's promo code footballers for $20 off your first SeatGeek purchase.

[Jason Moore]

All right, today is all about you. The foot clan, the listener, the championship, soon to be champion, but the championship game player. And don't forget, our rankings are up on the website later today for week 16. You don't want to miss that. The fancy footballers dot com. Without further ado, we are here to answer your questions. And that's what we're doing for the rest of the show.

[Andy Holloway]

Mailbag.

[Mike Wright]

Bagel bag.

[Andy Holloway]

Championship edition.

[Jason Moore]

Wow, that was great. At least Mike and I will be answering Jason. His voice could go out at any moment.

[Andy Holloway]

And I'll start an answer. You finish all my thoughts.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, we'll try to guess what name you're starting. Jake Grizz is on deck. He's ready. Oh, can he?

[Andy Holloway]

I'm starting to sound more and more like J. Grizz. I'll start my sentence with English and then it just ends up. There you go.

[Jason Moore]

All right, if you have a question for the show, you can't submit those. We're a year round podcast. We're answering questions all year. And you can go to the website, the fantasy footballers.com. click the submit a question button. You can also dial the voicemail hotline. 302-464-TFFB. We're actually going to kick off today's mailbag segment with a voicemail question. And let's go ahead and jump right in here. Loading it up. I promise I'm gonna play it. I promise.

[Andy Holloway]

The anticipation.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Hey, ballers, it's Mike from the North Pole.

[Andy Holloway]

I have a little poem.

[Jason Moore]

Twas the fantasy championship and what I find on my team, but a glut of RBs Ingram, Zeke and Kareem. A Foot clan title is all I want next. But sadly for me, my league offers no flex. So, ballers, help me, I beg ere I wind up this rhyme. Which stud running back will be riding the pine? Wow. First of all, merry Christmas and well done.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

That was excellent. Front to back.

[Mike Wright]

Was that Bill?

[Andy Holloway]

That was Mike from.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, I thought it was Billy Shakespeare. Ah, that was magic.

[Jason Moore]

Wasn't sure which they called him.

[Andy Holloway]

I thought you might be going with Mr. Brasky up north.

[Jason Moore]

Shatner. All right, so who would you bench?

[Mike Wright]

I'm gonna need those.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, so it was marking room.

[Mike Wright]

Okay.

[Andy Holloway]

Ezekiel Elliott or Kareem Hunt? Oh, I mean, you. You have.

[Jason Moore]

It's just like Ingram is at home against Atlanta. Zeke is on his way back at home against Seattle, and then you have Kareem Hunt against Miami at home. So all three running backs at home. I think it's all three matchups are great. Now would you go with the. Hey, I just don't want to mess with Zeke coming back after six game break and just go with Ingram and Hunt.

[Mike Wright]

No, I would go with.

[Andy Holloway]

I know my answer.

[Mike Wright]

I'm going to meld their names into one name to make it easier.

[Andy Holloway]

As far as the two years.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay.

[Mike Wright]

Yes. Almost like they are a celebrity couple.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[Mike Wright]

Zareem.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, really?

[Jason Moore]

You're going Zareem?

[Mike Wright]

I'm going with team Zarem.

[Jason Moore]

So you're benching Mark Ingram?

[Mike Wright]

I'm going to bench Mark Ingram.

[Jason Moore]

So take the guy that's got more of a split in the backfield. Yeah, take him out is what I'm saying.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. So I. I could make an argument for any of these guys, but the argument I will make is to bench Kareem Hunt. Because Kareem Hunt, we've had several weeks recently where for no reason, he doesn't get the ball now. Great. The last.

[Mike Wright]

Recently.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, the last two weeks. I mean, would you say three weeks ago was recently? Because I would.

[Jason Moore]

I would, too.

[Andy Holloway]

Would you say four weeks ago was. I mean, four weeks?

[Mike Wright]

Definitely not.

[Andy Holloway]

But my point is, in the last month, half of his games, he hasn't gotten the volume that you would expect. And seemingly for no reason. Andy Reid has a history of doing this, and so I would.

[Mike Wright]

Andy Reid's not calling the plays anymore. I'll just counterpoint. He's not calling the plays anymore. The Chiefs were on a losing streak, a massive losing streak. They focused on feeding Kareem Ball or Kareem Hunt the ball. They're winning again.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. And that's a neat narrative other than the fact that when the coach took over, that stunk. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, that's like.

[Mike Wright]

And they still lost.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. Look, I like all three, but I would choose to bench Hunt just because I think I know what I'm getting out of the other two guys more.

[Jason Moore]

You are not going to be helped by this show right now because I would binge Zeke because he's. It's his first game back. So now you have.

[Andy Holloway]

Sounds like a Bermuda Triangle. Right.

[Jason Moore]

You have three different options. So whoever you like more, go with that. This question comes in from Joe Courtney. With Hunley back at quarterback, is Jamal a good play again? Mike, you kind of addressed earlier. You think he is. I do not think he is. I think that is not against Minnesota, not with Aaron Jones in the backfield. I think that's a terrible. I think he's a bad play. I'm going to go so far as to say he's a bad play.

[Mike Wright]

I completely disagree. The snap counts while Aaron Jones is getting on the field. Jamal Williams is still sitting over 60% of the snaps. And you can go back to the game against Cleveland and this is just a snap percentage thing. This is not a matchup because obviously the Vikings are better. But he was 65% of snaps against Cleveland. Aaron Jones was still taking some snaps. Seven targets, seven receptions. That's. I think that Jamal Williams is safe because he will get dump offs.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I lean on Andy's side on this one. I don't feel like Jamal Williams is safe. I think it's a bad matchup and you're splitting. You're splitting that time. I mean, I think Mike's in the.

[Jason Moore]

Eggnog early this year. That's what. I've never disagreed with you more than your takes on this.

[Andy Holloway]

I think it's because you guys are head to head in the Dynasty championship.

[Mike Wright]

Probably.

[Andy Holloway]

I disagree with you as a person.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, you're ugly, too.

[Andy Holloway]

But I will say that. I mean, you know, if you. If you wanted to play one of those backs, it would clearly be Jamal Williams. I just. In general, in general, if Aaron Jones wasn't there, I would say this is a pretty bad matchup. Yeah, Cleveland was good, but, you know, against Carolina last week, he was 10 for 30 on the ground and that's not really exciting. Minnesota is a great rushing D. I would lean that. He's not a great play.

[Jason Moore]

All right, we'll go back to the voicemail here.

[D]

Hey, Andy, Mike and Jason, how you guys doing? Thank you guys for all that you do. I've made it to the playoffs again. I'm going up against my boss in a championship matchup and I'm just wondering what do you guys. Do you take into account like the Monday because I might be picking up Nick Foles off the waiver wire, but I also have Jared Goff and Case Keenum and I'm kind of just, I'm an Eagles fan so I'm trying not to let that sway me. But what do you, what do you guys. What other like variables do I have to worry about other than just match up here when you guys pick your quarterback for the week, when you're doing these streaming options. Thank you very much and yeah, all right.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, appreciate the question. We touched on the Foles small variable earlier. I do want to comment on this and give you guys the opportunity to do the same. I don't think that. I don't think Foles is safe.

[Andy Holloway]

I agree.

[Jason Moore]

So when you talk about variables, I think Foles is not safe. I think Goff and Keenum are both much safer options this week if that's. If you're talking about possible outcomes.

[Andy Holloway]

Look, I'm Mr. Case Keenum and I don't like Case Keenum this week at all. I think it's going to be a very cold weather game without Aaron Rodgers. I think Minnesota dominates this game. They're not going to need Case Keenum to do much. He'll probably throw a touchdown. Maybe safe is the right word because he is a good quarterback. But I agree with you that Foles isn't. But your decision specifically here is lights out easy. Jared Goff is an incredible play this week. He has a great matchup. He is a good quarterback on what is at least a top five offense. I mean, I can't imagine Jared Goff, we haven't finished our rankings, but I can't imagine Jared Goff being outside my top five.

[Mike Wright]

Really?

[Andy Holloway]

I thought Goff's going to be great this week.

[Jason Moore]

So last week Jared Goff in a 40 to nothing matchup put up 15 fantasy points that's the problem.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, yeah, I mean, obviously Todd Gurley could go ham and eggs and potatoes, but Goff. We've also seen Goff have incredibly great games this season. And Tennessee.

[Mike Wright]

So the last six weeks are. They're 16th against the quarterback.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Goff hasn't really been in that upper echelon. No more than two touchdowns in each of the last five weeks.

[Mike Wright]

I think he's fallen. I think the quarterback once.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. I would. I would rate these foals for upside and then keenum and then golf.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Really?

[Jason Moore]

Absolutely. Yeah. Keenum. Keenum's numbers are higher than golf's every single week. Let's say the last five weeks.

[Andy Holloway]

Let's take a golf keenum water bet then, because I feel very confident on that.

[Mike Wright]

You got the golf cough over there, am I right?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, the vapors. You got the vapors for golf.

[Andy Holloway]

We.

[Mike Wright]

We finally agree, Andy. I would. I think folds is the upside play, and I would rather play Case Keenum.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I'd rather play him over Jared. Go.

[Andy Holloway]

Wow.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. My brain is exploded.

[Jason Moore]

It's all right. You'll put it back together again. That's the essence of this show.

[Andy Holloway]

But I don't. I don't get a water bet on that.

[Mike Wright]

No. All right.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I don't think so. I mean, it's.

[Andy Holloway]

It's smart of you guys. I don't blame you.

[Jason Moore]

We'll bring it up, though, if we win.

[Mike Wright]

Your childish antics do not faze me.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, they phase Andy. Water bat. Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Loud and proud. Sorry, everybody. Still had the volume up for chicken.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, because Andy's got that Marty McFly built into it.

[Andy Holloway]

Yep.

[Jason Moore]

It's fine. I might lose. Whatever. Brian Hunt has a question. He's also got a better twitter handle @Biohat. Biolizard. Got a great end of season discussion topic for you guys. Should a mandatory dedicated tight end only spot be eliminated from fantasy football? Many leagues I play in have changed the tight end spot to a flex spot or a wide receiver tight end spot on rosters. What say you? In my opinion, tight end only spots no longer have a place in fantasy football.

[Andy Holloway]

An argument can definitely be made for that because if you look this year, you got a couple of good guys at the position and then just hot garbage. So. You know, I love more flex positions. If you want to get rid of tight end and roll another flex out there, I support that. But I would disagree with the notion that it should be done away with. I still like it.

[Jason Moore]

I like the tight end spot.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I would hold on to it. I think I like the, the added strategy of the extra position of the tight end. And it's fine at the top of tight end. Yes, there's fantastic plays, but this is. Every position has that tight end. Just might seem a little more exaggerated. But look at the running back. The top three running backs are always miles ahead of the running backs at running back. Twelve wide receivers, the exact same thing.

[Jason Moore]

So take this to the nth degree because we have time to muse on this. Let's say every position was a flex position, all quarterbacks. Okay. I just mean let's say you had seven, eight flex positions. That's what you started. Any, you started the best seven players. You want to, you want to play at any position.

[Mike Wright]

That would be a very interesting league.

[Andy Holloway]

That would.

[Jason Moore]

Now you. But, but see what happens when you do that is you lose some of the nuance to fantasy football.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

You lose the nuance of having like, I don't know, a position that you have to go find and trade. And look, you don't get the opportunity to draft an Evan Ingram late and find a diamond in the rough. You don't get the opportunity to slide somebody in there because you're just going to play the next. Nobody's going to draft them. Nobody's going to play him. I just think you lose the nuance if you take everything and, you know, flex it all out. So that would be my.

[Andy Holloway]

I think that's a. I think that's a really strong argument because there is, I mean, you know, my guy Zach Ertz this year was a great late round pick. That really helped.

[Jason Moore]

It still hurts.

[Andy Holloway]

It still hurts you that he's. That he's one of my guys.

[Jason Moore]

Hurts his ears.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

And I say unlike kickers which are have such a high variance and randomness to them tight ends, you can still find trends, you can still play matchups.

[Jason Moore]

What would this show be without baby hands? Jack Doyle. That's where Brooks would be tearing up over there at the thought.

[Mike Wright]

Regular sized hands, living under a bridge.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. All right, how about this one? Because Mike, I think you brought it up earlier. Herbs says, should I sit? Brady?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Brady's a really interesting guy this weekend.

[Andy Holloway]

He's handsome. Interesting fellow.

[Mike Wright]

He has a strange diet that you can get in if you want to pay $100 per meal. Check it out. I don't think that Brady is a locked and loaded top three quarterback option for me this week.

[Jason Moore]

Are you the one who brought it up, Jay, to me earlier?

[Andy Holloway]

No, Mike. Mike was the one that brought it up, but I did agree and support that. You know, he 12 and a half.

[Jason Moore]

Point favorites at home in a 47 point over under tells me I'm starting Tom Brady.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. What would you say he in a six point per passing touchdown over the last three weeks, Andy, what would you guess? He's averaged a low amount, 12.4 fantasy points.

[Jason Moore]

And so he missed Gronk for one of those games, played Pittsburgh for the other one on the road. I'm not going to let those games dictate what I know about Tom Brady.

[Andy Holloway]

Sure.

[Jason Moore]

Over the last, I don't know, 15 years.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. But he. This is not the first time that Tom Brady has let people down in the fantasy championship weeks. This is. Bill Belichick is a great coach because Bill Belichick plays matchups and when he knows that Tom Brady can is the absolute key to his matchup victory, he goes with Tom Brady. But the Buffalo Bills have a pretty decent secondary. They have a pretty solid passing defense. Meanwhile, their rush defense is terrible.

[Jason Moore]

You're not wrong about what Bill Belichick does, but he's. Tom Brady's won people many championships as well.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

So I'm not going to let those, you know, anomalies and these matchups you're talking about those Bill Belichick circumstances in previous games dictate my, I mean what am I going to start over Tom Brady?

[Andy Holloway]

I was going to say if I have Tom Brady, I'm starting him. I'm not going to start Nick Foles over Tom Brady. I'm not going to start Joe Flacco.

[Jason Moore]

Not starting Keenum over.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm not starting Keenum. I'm not starting. You know, even, even goff that I think.

[Jason Moore]

Mike, are you starting Blake Bortles over Tom Brady?

[Mike Wright]

No, I'm not going there. But this is a legit question because this could have happened in your draft. What you're starting bike Bortles out of Tom Brady.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm not saying I would, but I might. I would have a serious conundrum there, but go on.

[Jason Moore]

I'm not saying I would, but I would. Big Ben.

[Mike Wright]

Big Ben against the Houston Texans or Tom Brady. It's a very.

[Andy Holloway]

This is a very plausible Big Ben.

[Jason Moore]

I would go Brady. I'd go Brady there. No Antonio Brown. I'm not going to. I'll go Brady.

[Mike Wright]

Okay. And then Stafford. Stafford against the Bengals who have given up on everything this season. Or Tom Brady.

[Jason Moore]

That game's in Cincinnati.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Four point gap there.

[Andy Holloway]

Probably go Brady.

[Jason Moore]

I'll go Brady.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, but that's what I'm saying. There are real questions. This is not a week where you go, I have Tom Brady no matter what. Tom Brady's in my lineup. Not for me.

[Andy Holloway]

A lot of people. Yeah. Other than a lot of people who have Tom Brady on their roster, they don't have another quarterback. I mean, they could go, I'll play Cam Newton.

[Jason Moore]

I'll play Cam Newton over Tom Brady.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. And it's possible that you have both based off draft stock.

[Jason Moore]

Interesting. All right, who to start? Question from Matt in Pinole, California. Who has more upside, Breeze or Rivers?

[Mike Wright]

So Breeze gets. Breeze is at home against Atlanta. Rivers is on the road against the Jets. And because of the geographic situation for Philip Rivers, Eileen would. Drew Brees.

[Andy Holloway]

I would agree.

[Jason Moore]

I will third that. All right, Dak versus Bortles. William and Chapman wants to know, would you start Dak with Zeke coming back, or would you be starting the man of Fire?

[Mike Wright]

I think this is a fantastic question and very difficult. If you look at the splits for Dak Prescott, they're much better when Zeke is in the lineup. If you look at the. The game splits for DEZ Bryant over the past two years, they are five points better in a PPR when Ezekiel Elliott is on the field.

[Jason Moore]

It's a really tough one.

[Mike Wright]

And Seattle is rough.

[Jason Moore]

Is.

[Mike Wright]

It's not a rough matchup, I should say. And Blake Bortles is. I mean, he is the Phoenix right now. You literally, if you laid a finger on him, you'd lose your arm because he's so hot.

[Jason Moore]

So understand the Flames philosophy and the matchup not being intimidating now. Dallas is at home. Jacksonville's on the roads. San Francisco's 13 straight.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, my goodness.

[Jason Moore]

What are you going to do, Mike? I want to know your answer. He wants to know your answer right now.

[Mike Wright]

I think I'll go with Dak as the floor play in Bortles as the ceiling play.

[Jason Moore]

Okay, way to hedge. But the right answer.

[Mike Wright]

David and Rally giving sound advice. Am I. Jason's over here going, I don't know.

[Andy Holloway]

No, I know I would play Portals.

[Mike Wright]

All right, that's David.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't trust what I've seen from deck.

[Jason Moore]

Am I crazy to start Josh Gordon over? Devin Scrumptious for the ship?

[Mike Wright]

No, not at all. The thing about Devin Funch is it. It could absolutely come back. But you have the Carolina Target pie and Cam Newton when Greg Olson's there.

[Jason Moore]

Greg Olson loves pie.

[Mike Wright]

He's a hearty man. It's like the cartoon. You know, it's chicken pot when they. When they cut the piece of cake. But Then they lift the outside of it up.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

And they trick you. That's what Greg Olson does. And if it's this comes down to McCaffrey, for me, this is a McCaffrey or Devin Funches. Who do you think will get the larger target share or will Funches really be involved in the passing game? Because if he is, that's really bad news for Devin Funches.

[Jason Moore]

I play Josh Gordon and I would.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, resident Josh Gordon hater.

[Andy Holloway]

Resident Josh Gordon hater. I'll accept the moniker. This would.

[Mike Wright]

Is Devin Funches a better wide receiver than Josh Gordon?

[Jason Moore]

Who are you going with?

[Andy Holloway]

But it's without a doubt to me it's Devin S. Funches. Oh, no, he's not the better wide receiver, but he's. He's got the much better quarterback and the better matchup. I don't trust going in the cold weather game to Chicago, low over under for Vegas. Tampa Bay is one of the worst against wide receivers.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

And somewhat decent against tight ends. So that says. Okay, I get that Greg Olson did.

[Mike Wright]

Gregory on matchup advice, I agree.

[Andy Holloway]

And he rained on Funches parade. But I'm not going to take one game and say, well, you can't start. Devon S. Scrumptious. I would play Scrumptious again this week.

[Jason Moore]

It's a tough question.

[Andy Holloway]

It is. It is legit.

[Jason Moore]

Devin S. Scrumptious has about three games to his name. So when you talk about sample size, that's a. You don't get a lot on either end to know what the word. And you've got none with Olson other than, you know, you got one game with Olsen. So it's a tough one. It's a close one.

[Mike Wright]

It's a small sample for Josh Gordon, but he's not. He hasn't had a poopy pants.

[Jason Moore]

Guaranteed. First target in Cleveland is Gordon Fontes. Could be three.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

And also he played two games with Greg Olson out there. One of the games, Greg Olson was goosed and we go, oh, then he wasn't back yet. But he was there. He played the game and funches. He had three for 59 and a touchdown. So.

[Jason Moore]

All right. Caleb Peterson says he's looking for ways to improve his league and they are talking of switching to a new platform. One in particular where each week you get a head to head win loss and win loss for your score relative to average for all teams. Is that a good or bad idea? Some saying it's crazy because you can still get a win if you played the top scorer. Others say it's Fun to have the chaos and randomness of only having head to head. What do you think, Mike?

[Andy Holloway]

Describe your league that does points. Because it sounds, I mean, everybody I know that plays in a league like that loves it.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I love that. My money league scoring format is you get the joy in the randomness of the head to head matchup. That's a win and a loss. That's a point. But then the top six scoring teams of the week also get a point. And we've been in the scoring format now for three, three or four years. I think it's great. I think it really helps hedge against these teams where you get the horror stories of I've been the top scorer overall in my league, but I missed the playoffs. Like that shouldn't happen. And it really helps. Out of these people who are getting those freebie wins, you're the second lowest points, but you got matched up against the lowest points.

[Andy Holloway]

They still get a point because they won the matchup. That's great.

[Mike Wright]

Exactly.

[Andy Holloway]

But they don't get to double dip on the points. If you and you were, you know, the top score in the week, you're going to double dip.

[Mike Wright]

I've never felt slighted by this scoring form.

[Jason Moore]

Do they give you a second win? Is that how he does it or is it all.

[Mike Wright]

There's two possible. Oh, now we have to keep track of this offline.

[Jason Moore]

Okay, so.

[Mike Wright]

But you get there's two possible points a week. And I've never. I'm every other league though, you know, with head to head matchups. I've been looking at things going, man, this stinks because I've gotten a couple raw losses. But my points, my points for are great. My points against are ridiculous.

[Jason Moore]

And it's certainly interesting. It's one of those things that is always debated because people feel bad when they lose a matchup. They think they should win.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Jason Moore]

They never feel bad when they win a match if they should lose. We never complain about the wins, we complain about the losses. And that's the nature of the head to head situation. If you take away head to head in general and you do one of those all play leagues where you're playing everybody every week because that basically accomplishes a perfect system like that, right? Like you just want perfect fairness. You do all play. And if my team would have beaten eight of the 12, then I went eight and four this week. And if you would have beaten six, you're six and six.

[Mike Wright]

Jason's got the vaccination.

[Jason Moore]

Jason doesn't like that.

[Andy Holloway]

Can't stand Those, I mean, those wide open rotisserie's like, go play dfs. Like, there's no. There's a social component that I love to. Fantasy football. That's me versus you. Smack talk. You know, look at what's going on with your championship game.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I hate Andy.

[Jason Moore]

I hate mine.

[Andy Holloway]

Right?

[Jason Moore]

And that's good.

[Andy Holloway]

But, you know, that's where it's like, if you're just doing points and everybody's playing everybody every week, then, you know, that's where I'm like, okay, that great. Play for money. Play dfs.

[Jason Moore]

If you're in a head to head, you have to accept the reality that you're going to get a bad beat here and there and you're going to get a bad break. And I'll tell you this, to all of you out there that have the highest points in your league in a certain record, having the highest points on the year does not mean that you were the best team. I'm going to tell you that right now. It may feel that way, but that is also the result of you could have had two monster weeks and every other week been average and end up with the highest points in your league. So it's. None of that is an absolute. You got a raw deal. Yeah, I like it. You have to play to your matchup. You have to play to your opponent. You got to swallow your pride and take the loss right on the chin. And if you want to do something like Mike does, you want to get more creative, add a bonus point. Like you said, you get a point for winning and a point for having a good score. That's a good way to balance it if you're pulling your hair out. But I like head to head.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I love head to head. That's. As do I. Yeah. I mean, that's the gold standard. But I want to try a league with Mike's format because I do think it makes sense. You know, you win and you win monstrously. You get two points. Yep. You lose, but you have a monster week. You get it. You get something. It's like hedging both sides. So I like it.

[Jason Moore]

So week 16 is here. We've got matchups tomorrow and Friday, all the injury news rankings out today, and a lot of great stuff planned for all off season. NFL playoffs. The footies are coming up, all of our great off season episodes where we get to get into the weeds about reminding you about what really happened over the year as opposed to maybe the perception of what happened. So, you know, you're gonna have the. The truth is a good way to put it, I think.

[Mike Wright]

You have not emphasized how amazing that the footies are where we give away the prestigious Footy award coveted Nickname of the Year award.

[Jason Moore]

The nominations are coming on January 2nd, in case you're curious, so it'll be out there. And don't forget to check out draft.comballers to play some DFS with us every week. Goodbye.

[Andy Holloway]

Goodbye. Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers.