Fantasy Football 2017 - Holiday Awards, Week 16 Matchups, Starts of the Week

Summary

Fantasy Football 2017 - Holiday Awards, Week 16 Matchups, Starts of the Week

Podcast Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
Release Date: December 21, 2017

---

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with the hosts enthusiastically welcoming listeners to Week 16 of the NFL season. Andy Holloway opens with a brief mention of the podcast’s sponsor, FantasyChamps.com, promoting their premium fantasy football trophies and custom jerseys. He humorously advises listeners to use the promo code "ballers" to save some money ([00:00]).

Andy Holloway:
"Happy holidays. May they be cheery and bright and filled with championships." ([01:07])

2. Holiday Awards

The hosts engage in a fun segment introducing creative holiday-themed awards for fantasy players, inspired by an article from their editor, Kyle Borgogan.

a. Department Store Fake Santa

Andy describes the award for a player who seemed promising but failed to deliver consistently.

Andy Holloway:
"This first one is the department store fake Santa. Oh, this guy smells just like beef and cheese. As a kid, you thought he was the real deal." ([03:24])

After some guessing and humor, Mike Wright and Jason Moore suggest Mike Gillislee as possible winners. Ultimately, Doug Martin is announced as the winner, with honorable mentions to Mike Gillislee, Isaiah Crowell, and Amir Abdullah.

Andy Holloway:
"The winner was Doug Martin. Doug Martin is the department store fake Santa." ([04:31])

b. Joseph and Mary Memorial Award

This award recognizes a player who finds immense value in a challenging situation, akin to finding gold in a manger.

Andy Holloway:
"Finding a bundle of riches and gold in the midst of a stinky, crowded manger." ([05:17])

Mike Wright and Jason Moore both incorrectly guessed Alex Collins, but the actual winner is Alvin Kamara, praised for thriving in a crowded Saints backfield.

Jason Moore:
"I would have rather seen Mark Ingram there." ([06:04])

c. Grinch Coach's Choice Award

Awarded to a coach who negatively impacts the Christmas spirit of fantasy play by making questionable decisions.

Andy Holloway:
"Arch enemy of Christmas. A fun sucker of one and all." ([07:19])

After humorous banter and guesses including John Fox and Ben McAdoo, John Fox is named the winner for punting every time, thereby killing the Christmas spirit among fantasy managers.

Andy Holloway:
"The winner is John Fox, because choosing to punt every time kills the Christmas spirit." ([08:48])

Honorable Mentions:
Andy Reid and Jeff Fisher are humorously mentioned for their coaching woes.

3. News & Updates

The hosts dive into the latest NFL news, focusing on injuries and player statuses crucial for Week 16 fantasy decisions.

Key Highlights:

• Leonard Fournette is confirmed to play for the Jaguars on Sunday ([10:58]).

• Keenan Allen remains healthy despite not being on the injury report and is praised for his explosive performance ([11:25]).

• Devonte Adams is out due to an ankle injury, impacting the Steelers' lineup ([14:16]).

• Joe Mixon is returning from injury for the Bengals, providing a boost for fantasy owners ([40:36]).

Notable Player News:

• Greg Zulrine becomes the third most owned player in fantasy leagues on ESPN platforms, trailing only behind Todd Gurley and Alvin Kamara ([12:35]).

• Mike Gillislee is discussed extensively, with speculation about his role and potential touchdowns ([31:32]).

4. Week 16 Matchups

The hosts break down the key Week 16 matchups, analyzing each game's fantasy implications and offering strategic advice on player starts and sits.

a. Colts (3-11) vs. Ravens (8-6)

• Analysis: The Ravens are favored by two touchdowns with a 41-point over/under. The Colts’ struggling defense makes it challenging to rely on their players.

Mike Wright:
"Frank Gore is an absolute machine and the Ravens have been giving up points to running backs." ([16:42])

Jason Moore:
"Frank Gore has about 150 yards away from moving one spot higher on the all-time rushing list." ([17:30])

Recommendation: Start Frank Gore for consistent performance.

b. Vikings vs. Packers

• Analysis: The Vikings are heavy favorites in a divisional rivalry with a 9-point spread. Case Keenum vs. Blake Bortles is a key quarterback decision.

Andy Holloway:
"I don't see how the Packers score without Devonte Adams and can't see them stopping the Vikings." ([26:07])

Jason Moore:
"Blake Bortles has a safe floor and is a legitimately good quarterback." ([23:39])

Recommendation: Favor Blake Bortles over Case Keenum due to higher upside.

c. Buccaneers vs. Panthers

• Analysis: The Panthers, fighting for playoff spots, are 10-point favorites with a 46.5-point over/under. Cam Newton stands out as a top quarterback pick.

Jason Moore:
"Jonathan Stewart is a fantastic play with touchdown upside against Tampa Bay’s weak defense." ([30:43])

Andy Holloway:
"Cam Newton is all three of our number one quarterbacks this week." ([33:00])

Recommendation: Start Cam Newton for high potential points.

d. Chiefs vs. Dolphins

• Analysis: The Dolphins face a tough Chiefs defense. Alex Smith is a potential quarterback start despite uncertainties.

Andy Holloway:
"I’m going to put my vote of confidence behind Philip Rivers in this game." ([49:18])

Jason Moore:
"Alex Smith is a safer option over Nick Foles." ([43:54])

Recommendation: Start Alex Smith for reliability.

e. Bills vs. Patriots

• Analysis: The Patriots are 12.5-point favorites with a 47-point over/under. Dion Lewis is highlighted as a top running back choice.

Andy Holloway:
"Dion Lewis is crucial to keep him healthy and handle his touches against a weak Bills defense." ([46:39])

Jason Moore:
"Dion Lewis is the number one most elusive running back and an RB1 this week." ([55:27])

Recommendation: Start Dion Lewis for high upside against the Bills’ vulnerable defense.

f. Lions vs. Bengals

• Analysis: The Bengals, struggling at 5-9, are 5-point home underdogs with a 43-point over/under. Joe Mixon is a key running back pick.

Andy Holloway:
"Joe Mixon is my start of the week; the matchup is perfect for him." ([54:30])

Jason Moore:
"Dion Lewis is my RB1 due to the perfect matchup." ([55:27])

Recommendation: Start Joe Mixon or consider alternatives based on player health.

g. Additional Matchups

• Dolphins vs. Chiefs
• Bills vs. Patriots
• Lions vs. Bengals
• More matchups discussed briefly with strategic insights

5. Starts of the Week

The hosts share their priority picks for Week 16 across various positions, emphasizing high-upside players and favorable matchups.

Quarterbacks

• Philip Rivers:
  "Assured that Keenan Allen is healthy, fighting for playoff lives." ([49:40])

• Blake Bortles:
  "Playing the best football of his career with Leonard Fournette back." ([51:09])

Running Backs

• Frank Gore:
  "Consistent performance with Ravens facing a weak defense." ([16:42])

• Dion Lewis:
  "Elusive and high upside against the Bills’ weak defense." ([55:27])

• Latavius Murray:
  "Strong game script and touchdown upside." ([55:33])

Wide Receivers

• Michael Crabtree:
  "Delivered on promise with 17 targets and strong performance." ([56:25])

• Juju Smith Schuster:
  "Beneficiary of Antonio Brown’s absence, showing solid performance." ([57:31])

• Mike Wallace:
  "Excellent matchup against Indianapolis, reliable targets." ([60:02])

Tight Ends

• Ben Watson:
  "Crucial in Colts' struggling secondary, solid week potential." ([60:30])

• Eric Ebron:
  "High involvement and targets, a strong option for tight end position." ([62:14])

Kickers

• Jake Elliott (Eagles):
  "Reliable performance and good matchup in Week 16." ([63:02])

6. Notable Quotes

• Andy Holloway:
  "Jeff Fisher coming back will certainly make him the losingest coach of all time." ([09:16])

• Jason Moore:
  "Dion Lewis is the number one most elusive running back in the league. He'll be an RB1 this week." ([55:27])

• Mike Wright:
  "You can't stop Todd Gurley. He's going to be fine." ([53:31])

7. Conclusion

As Week 16 approaches, the Fantasy Footballers provide comprehensive analysis, witty banter, and strategic recommendations to help listeners make informed decisions. They emphasize the importance of understanding matchups, player health, and leveraging high-upside options to secure victory in fantasy leagues.

Andy Holloway:
"We're going to get into my start of the week, which is mixing or Bernard. You want to see what you have in Joe Mixon? I expect him to be back. He is running hard when he's been out there." ([40:36])

Jason Moore:
"Dion Lewis is an RB1 this week. His matchup is perfect against the Bills." ([55:27])

Mike Wright:
"Eric Ebron is a solid option on tight end, especially with fit against the Bengals." ([62:14])

Listeners are encouraged to join their fantasy football community at JoinTheFoot.com and follow them on Twitter @TheFFBallers for ongoing updates and support.

---

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and strategic advice from the Fantasy Footballers’ Week 16 episode, providing valuable information for fantasy managers looking to optimize their lineups for the season finale.

Transcript

[Andy Holloway]

Foot Clan Week 16 is here and I want to tell you about FantasyChamps.com, the sponsor of today's show. You can go on to fantasychamps.com yeah, you can get those brand new custom jerseys and they're going to be adding some new colors soon. But I want to tell you about the championship trophies. Look, this is the time of year to upgrade your league. They have a gold fantasy football trophy. It is a glorious monument to your fantasy greatness. And what's cool is they only laser engrave into premium metal placards rather than those plastic products. They come with free custom laser engraving. You get the league name, you get the team names. You can get additional winner plates on the side of the trophy. This is how you upgrade your league. Check out fantasychamps.com and use the promo code ballers to save a little quiche.

[Jason Moore]

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

[Andy Holloway]

Happy holidays. May they be cheery and bright and filled with championships. Look, I realized this morning, Mike, that's my name. I mean, it just wraps up on Monday night on Christmas.

[Mike Wright]

I know how.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, the memories for you and I are going to be very different this Christmas.

[Mike Wright]

They certainly are. Because it comes down to I will have Michael Crabtree playing Monday night.

[Andy Holloway]

You will have Alshon.

[Mike Wright]

Alshon playing Monday night. And more than likely, the way that our teams are stacked up, that's going to be for everything is going to be Crabtree versus Alshon.

[Andy Holloway]

Not if I put a call into Todd Gurley and I said upgrade you.

[Mike Wright]

Let's go.

[Andy Holloway]

Five TDs this week. I don't want four. I want five. I want to put that game away. I don't want to be Reliant. I like Crabtree this week.

[Mike Wright]

That's the problem.

[Andy Holloway]

You said it on the show yesterday. You've got your picks. And then after you make your picks, because they're, you know, knowledgeable, intelligent, unbiased based on the facts, based on the hard evidence. At that point, you begin to root against them if they're, if they're facing you.

[Mike Wright]

It's quite the conundrum.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, we've got a great show for you today. We have the fantasy forecast, the Week 16 matchups, starts of the week, Jason's boom boom kicker, and we've got you ready, Jay. Holiday awards.

[Jason Moore]

Super ready.

[Andy Holloway]

Are you even able to speak today?

[Jason Moore]

Barely. But I'm here. I'll chime in every now and then.

[Andy Holloway]

Some hot tea, some lozenges Both are.

[Jason Moore]

At the ready and in the belly.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't. I don't know what's going on with you.

[Mike Wright]

At the ready is not related to in the belly, as in they're going to come back from the belly.

[Jason Moore]

No.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, all right. Quick question of the day. We have this new Christmas Day awards article up on the website by our editor, Kyle.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, the Borgogan.

[Andy Holloway]

I tried. I tried, Kyle. Sorry, Tom. And he gives away a bunch of really creative, fun holiday awards to fantasy players. I'm gonna give you guys three awards. Their description, and I want to see if you can guess who the winner is. Okay?

[Mike Wright]

Oh.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, so some holiday awards today. This first one is the department store fake Santa. Oh, this guy smells just like beef and cheese. As a kid, you thought he was the real deal. Turned out to be a sad sack with no real pull in getting gifts.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, man. All right, all right.

[Andy Holloway]

Take your shot at the department store fake Santa.

[Jason Moore]

Look, I know a guy who came on. You thought he was real. He was fake. But this championship week, Santa's coming to town. And I'm going, Mike Gillisley here as the fake Santa. And I need you, please provide one real gift.

[Mike Wright]

Jason is rolling with the heart of stone, the innards of steel this weekend with Mike Gillislee. And I thought we were supposed to give our own winners to these awards.

[Andy Holloway]

That's also known as guessing. That works fine, too.

[Mike Wright]

I've got mine. And mine was, in fact, Mike Gillesley as well.

[Andy Holloway]

Was it really?

[Mike Wright]

Because I had many, many shares of Gillisley. And there were many high kicks and cartwheels and celebrations through week two. I thought I had a tough.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't even remember who Mike Gillisley is.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, you're gonna.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

The winner was Doug Martin. Doug Martin is the department store fake Santa. With some honorable mentions. I think Gillisley qualifies. Isaiah Crowell, Amir Abdullah.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, but I know Abdullah is just not big enough.

[Andy Holloway]

I was gonna say the padding isn't there. Gillisley's got padding. Crowell's got padding. Martin's got padding.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Going to Doug Martin is. That brings me some holiday cheers.

[Andy Holloway]

You know, I think would look good in that outfit, too. C.J. anderson. I think C.J. would look nice.

[Mike Wright]

C.J. anderson, running back to.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. This week. This week, Right.

[Mike Wright]

Mike on the season.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, my gosh. If you had him as your RB2 all season, you ain't talking about this week.

[Jason Moore]

Fair.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. This one's the Joseph and Mary Memorial Award.

[Mike Wright]

All right.

[Andy Holloway]

Finding a bundle of riches and gold in the midst of a stinky, crowded manger. Okay. What do you. This must relate to a gym on a bad team.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Or the way I took it when I read that award description was kind of the. The committee back. That is still usable and great. And to me it was easy and obvious.

[Mike Wright]

That's funny if we have the same answer. But I took it the way that Andy described it.

[Andy Holloway]

So who are your winners? I'll hint that it's.

[Mike Wright]

It's more towards Jay, what Jason was saying.

[Jason Moore]

All right, well, I don't need your hints.

[Mike Wright]

This award is confusing.

[Jason Moore]

I was already there. I'm going with Alex Collins.

[Mike Wright]

I have the same answer.

[Jason Moore]

Did we just become best?

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Guys are ridiculous. The winner is Alvin Camara.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

I would have rather seen Mark Ingram there. Yeah. I would not.

[Mike Wright]

I would not call the Saints backfield situation a stinky, crowded major.

[Andy Holloway]

Sure started that way. It started crowded. Peterson and Mark Ingram, they were a little bit stinky in the beginning.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Brooks, you had something, something to contribute. I was going to point out Adrian Peterson when we honorable mentions. Case Keenum, Robbie Anderson. All right, quick detour. But Bill Barnwell of ESPN came out with a great article today about all of the possible quarterbacks changing teams this year. He brings up the Bridgewater Bradford Keenum situation in Minnesota.

[Mike Wright]

That's gonna be tough.

[Andy Holloway]

Brings up the Bortles situation. The fifth year option, $19 million. Whether Bortles leaves town, whether Alex Smith could get traded. Yeah. Kirk Cousins was the only one in the franchise QB category. He also talks about like Breeze and Garoppolo. Those are the not leaving but great category. Brings up the Eli Carson, Ryan Tannehill. Kind of the aged vet, the young upside of AJ McCarron and Jacoby Brissette. And then the Tyrod Taylor situation. And then you've still got Josh McCowell.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, gonna play till he's 50.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, one last award. The Grinch Coach's choice award. The arch enemy of Christmas. A fun sucker of one and all. One with a heart, two sizes.

[Mike Wright]

I missed the part. Coaches choice.

[Jason Moore]

I miss supposed to be a coach.

[Mike Wright]

I can switch my answer real quick.

[Andy Holloway]

See Brooks. Brooks can clue us in on what this is. Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Well, it's in coach then. I'm going Marvin.

[Andy Holloway]

Fun sucker. Oh, yeah, that's interesting. Let me.

[Jason Moore]

You know, John Ross wasn't able to get involved. It took an injury to Jeremy Hill before. You know, Mixon was allowed to play with the big boys.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, it's an interesting, interesting choice there. My Choice goes to the Giants. My God. No. My choice goes to the man who will be positive. Yards will be on the opponent's side of the field on the 44th and 1 and he will punt the ball every time.

[Andy Holloway]

John Fox.

[Mike Wright]

That is John Fox.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't know the answer yet. So I'm going to take my shot at Ben McAdoo for crumpling some of the value there.

[Mike Wright]

John McAdoo representing mobsters from the from the 70s.

[Jason Moore]

I want to shout out if it was a player I was prepared for. Marcus Mariota. Oh, they're all excited for this. Corey Davis or Eric Decker.

[Mike Wright]

Mine was Amari Cooper.

[Andy Holloway]

So the winner is John Fox.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

And the reason is because choosing to punt every time kills. Kills the Christmas spirit and Jay Grizz's soul. Because Jay Grizz, he don't like to punt.

[Jason Moore]

He's nothing if not a Bears fan.

[Andy Holloway]

Absolutely.

[Mike Wright]

Did you know that Grizzly Bears play to win every time?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, they fight to win.

[Andy Holloway]

Also, honorable mention Andy Reid when he refuses to feed Kareem and Jeff Fisher just because.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, come on.

[Jason Moore]

It's really the just the Jeff Fisher award.

[Andy Holloway]

You hear Jeff Fisher wants to get back into coaching.

[Mike Wright]

I'm sure he does.

[Andy Holloway]

I want to be an astronaut.

[Mike Wright]

Just.

[Andy Holloway]

In case you're curious.

[Jason Moore]

You can do anything, Andy.

[Mike Wright]

Here's the thing. The only upside of Jeff Fisher coming back is he will certainly become the losing his coach of all time.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, that's true. You need him to come back for a few games.

[Mike Wright]

Right now he's probably just one.

[Jason Moore]

I'm guessing it'll happen in his first outing.

[Andy Holloway]

There should be a hard knocks version for the like following the fans of a Jeff Fisher team and how you can turn on your own team and become depressed.

[Jason Moore]

I genuinely do want him to come back because it's just such.

[Andy Holloway]

It's good for the show.

[Jason Moore]

Such fun.

[Andy Holloway]

Our ratings go way up with Jeff Fisher involved 500 level broadcasts.

[Mike Wright]

Jeff Fisher.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, Twitter, you can find us at the FF Ballers. The website's the fantasy footballers.com follow and support this podcast. Get lots of perks, extra stuff and stay with us all off season. As a year round fantasy football podcast, your support helps keep this show going all year round. @jointhefoot.com we're on Facebook, we're on Instagram, we're on YouTube, fancy sports network everywhere, iheartradio, Spotify, you can always listen and we're always listening to you and your feedback on how we can make this show better. Last reminder here, FootClangiveaway.com we're giving away three custom fantasy football jerseys to listeners of the show. So if you go to footclangiveway.com you can enter. It's completely free to enter. And let's get into the news.

[Jason Moore]

News and notes from around the league.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. I'm going to try to fly through these. We have a lot of matchups to get into. I want to illuminate some of these games this weekend so you know who to start and who to sit. But let's start here. The Jags confirmed Leonard Fournette is going to play on Sunday. So that's good news.

[Mike Wright]

Yep.

[Andy Holloway]

If you're still around after what happened last week. Julius Thomas is on IR. O.J. howard's on IR so can't start them at the tight end position. Keenan Allen, he's not even on the injury report.

[Mike Wright]

This is very interesting, Keenan Allen, because Kenan Allen this week against the jets, fantastic matchup. He's been, I mean, just absolutely nuclear hot. The question for people will be, where's your trust level in Kenan Allen, the fact that he's not even on the injury report? I got to say this, it's full trust from this guy over here. I would fire him up with no hesitation. Does anyone disagree with me?

[Jason Moore]

Nope.

[Mike Wright]

All right.

[Andy Holloway]

Alan Hearns returned to practice. He said this morning he's not even close to 100%. I would guess that he plays in this game, though, because Marquis Lea's out and that will redistribute some of the, you know, Keelan Cole, Dee Dee, Westbrook. It'll be those two and Hearns, Mickens. And his outlier game is probably the one that takes the hit here.

[Mike Wright]

Mickens hitting the Brickens.

[Andy Holloway]

That's what you say. And you're right. Tevin Coleman, limited in practice on Wednesday remains in the concussion protocol, but it's progressing towards playing in week 16. Joe Mixon practicing in full. Still in the protocol, but I think he's back this week.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, if he's practicing in full, he's on track.

[Andy Holloway]

Jason, you sent this out yesterday when it when it broke.

[Mike Wright]

Greg Zurline, this is big news.

[Jason Moore]

He is the third most owned as far as on ESPN platforms. Player in fantasy championship week right now. So if you have made it there. The only two players on more rosters ahead of Greg Zurloin are Zirloin.

[Andy Holloway]

I was gonna say I heard it and let it go are Todd Zurloin.

[Jason Moore]

Do you guys have any guesses as to the two most owned Gurley? Gurley is one of them.

[Andy Holloway]

Kareem Hunt.

[Jason Moore]

Alvin Camara is the other. So Greg Zirloin. That's your new name for sure. However, we might have to discuss a replacement for him in the boom boom. Kicker of the week.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, no, that makes sense. Devonte Adams was rolled out.

[Mike Wright]

They signed Sam Ficken.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay, moving them. We'll figure that out.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, you just can't trust in championship.

[Mike Wright]

I'm just saying you have to give the news. The kicker for the Rams, they're a very high powered offense.

[Jason Moore]

If you're out, you could have a great game.

[Andy Holloway]

His name is Ficken.

[Mike Wright]

His name is Sam Ficken.

[Andy Holloway]

Is he good at kicking?

[Jason Moore]

Oh, oh, hold on. Gotta rewrite my boom boom. Be right back.

[Mike Wright]

My heart can't handle that.

[Andy Holloway]

As you say, Christmas is Christmas. Kim fully here for Mike.

[Mike Wright]

There is a jingle just. It'll ride itself. Damn. Picking good at kicking. Finger licking good.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. Hey, I want to bring this up. Devonte Parker didn't practice, has been dealing with an ankle injury. There are a number of players that didn't practice on Wednesday. Desean Jackson, Marquis Goodwin.

[Mike Wright]

Devonte Adams is out.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, I said that.

[Mike Wright]

Actually, I apologize. I was thinking.

[Andy Holloway]

Did I not. Did I not say it? Brooks. I don't remember that.

[Jason Moore]

I do not remember you saying.

[Andy Holloway]

Better to say it twice than not at all. Devonte Adams is out. And we'll have in and out tomorrow. The segment on the show giving you our latest breakdown on injuries and who's going to start this week. And as always, we'll have the game day alerts an hour before [e-mail]. without further ado, I think we need to. We need to get into these matchups.

[Jason Moore]

Fantasy forecast.

[Andy Holloway]

At this point, with your voice, Jason, you need one of those like Doc Holliday handkerchiefs you got in your, you know, in your pocket so you can. You coughing up blood. Is that the.

[Jason Moore]

It's coming soon.

[Andy Holloway]

Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is the number one disease among fantasy football players. You didn't know that?

[Jason Moore]

No, I did. And if it's proven anything, it's proven that I'm your huckleberry.

[Andy Holloway]

It's one of the top. Was that Oregon Trail diseases as well?

[Mike Wright]

Oh, dysentery.

[Andy Holloway]

Dysentery, yeah. All right, let's get into week 16. Just to break down the schedule for you. No Thursday games, two Saturday games, the Colts, the Chargers, the Vikings take on the Rams on. I'm sorry, the Vikings. I have misspoken severely there.

[Mike Wright]

Correct yourself.

[Andy Holloway]

There are several Saturday games. We have the Colts taking on the Ravens and then we have the Vikings taking on the Packers. I am now accurate. Is this right?

[Mike Wright]

You did it.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay, just to clear it up for you so you know really clearly who's playing. And then we have two Monday night games this week, which is the, we talked about the Raiders and the Eagles. We also have Pittsburgh and Houston.

[Jason Moore]

Correct.

[Andy Holloway]

And those are the Christmas Day games. So as a reminder, as always, get those players out of your flex position if you are playing a Saturday player. For instance, I have Jerick McKinnon moved him from the flex to the running back position so that I have flexibility. Let's start with this Colts Ravens matchup. The Colts are 3 and 11, the Ravens 8 and 6, fighting for their playoff lives. And they are just about two touchdown favorites in this game. And the game only has a 41 point over under 41 and a half point. It's a Saturday game. You know, Vegas has what I think we all have. This game's in Baltimore and we think that the Colts are going to get smacked. So who can you really start from? The Colts with any level of confidence at all.

[Mike Wright]

It's, it's tough because Ty Hilton, I mean he's going to be out for my lineups. I'm, I'm not looking to play him. Baby hands. Jack Doyle continues to be nice. I mean he's, he's been a Christmas surprise. Just the volume for Jack Doyle is reliable. Frank Gore is the interesting name here because while the Ravens defense is very stout, I'm very much looking forward to playing their DST this weekend on the, on the season. 22nd against running backs and 24th in the past six weeks. Giving up points, fantasy points to the running back position, which is a really interesting thing when it comes to Frank Gore, who is just an absolute machine.

[Jason Moore]

He is also I think it's worth noting because when you're, when you're a team like the Colts and you don't have much to play for, it's worth noting that as Frank Gore has been getting a lot of volume lately, he is about 150 yards away from moving one spot higher on the all time rushing.

[Mike Wright]

He's got two games to get it.

[Jason Moore]

Right, two games to get it. So, you know, I thought you were.

[Andy Holloway]

Going to say he's 150 years old.

[Jason Moore]

That's next year, his birthday.

[Andy Holloway]

Like a redwood.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. So, you know, I think he will get volume. And if you need to play Frank Gore, there are certainly worse options out there.

[Andy Holloway]

You got to count the rings, you know, figure out how old he is.

[Jason Moore]

Like if you had to Start.

[Mike Wright]

That implies that you have cut Frank Gore in half.

[Andy Holloway]

Do what you got to do.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. So, you know, I think if you're starting, say, Mike Gillisle.

[Andy Holloway]

Isn't there another narrative, though with, you know, season over, see what you got in Marlene Mac.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, that's certainly there. Except Chuck Pagano is still the head coach.

[Andy Holloway]

Ah, Own special award. Yeah, it's like the Wounded Duck award. Yeah, it's limping along until you're relieved of duty.

[Mike Wright]

But I'm with Jason that this, it seems like you would just chase the record for Frank Gore at this point. What else do you have?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, he's going to be 35 next year. He's. This is. This has to be done.

[Mike Wright]

This has to be at Frank Gore.

[Jason Moore]

He's in a contract year, so he'd have to sign a new contract next year. I think he's done all right.

[Andy Holloway]

The Ravens, though, haven't delivered on fantasy expectations at all this year. Have not been a team you can count on. And here we are in week 16, championship week. And I think there might be some secret value in Baltimore this week.

[Jason Moore]

I absolutely love the Ravens. I mean, I. Mike Wallace has been exceptionally safe.

[Mike Wright]

We can talk about Mike Wallace.

[Jason Moore]

Jeremy Macklin is gone. The matchup is perfect. But I also think whenever I look at when I'm making starts of the week, one of the easy, low hanging pieces of fruit that you want is you look for home. You know, large favorite teams according to Vegas at home. Look at their starting running back and that's Alex Collins, who I know had a down week last week. But I am one. Forget about it. I am 100% fine forgetting about last week and playing Alex Collins. Elk is going to be a strong option.

[Mike Wright]

I agree. And like I said, I hinted at, we're going to talk about Mike Wallace.

[Andy Holloway]

325 receiving yards since week 12, which is 10th best in the league.

[Mike Wright]

I guess we're talking about him right now.

[Andy Holloway]

I just throwing a little stat ski out there.

[Mike Wright]

A little appetizer.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, yeah, that's fine. Otherwise, you know, Joe Flacco, if you're in a desperate pinch, I don't hate it. It's not as bad as you think it is.

[Mike Wright]

It feels real bad to play Joe.

[Andy Holloway]

Flacco, but please don't. But if you, if you need to, you might get lucky.

[Jason Moore]

He's certainly the highest on my rankings.

[Andy Holloway]

I like Ben Watson a lot. We're going to talk about him later.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, my goodness.

[Jason Moore]

There are legitimate starting options.

[Mike Wright]

Hey, before we move to the next match, I Want to thank today's sponsor, Upside. If you travel for work, listen up. That business trip you're about to book, do it [e-mail] take care of you. Going to give you two of the best gifts anyone will give you this holiday season. The first is a free pair of Bose Soundlink wireless headphones so you can have some peace and quiet on that business trip. Second, going to hook you up with a gift of a better business travel experience. And that's what you'll get when you book your next business trip [e-mail] only. Upside has customer service specialists who look out for you every step of the way on your business trip. They handle any problem that might pop up. Their team is hard at work 247 to make sure your flight, hotel, rental car all go off without a hitch. They're available on demand by chat, phone and email whenever you need them. We all know that when you're traveling, it can be the worst, but they handle it. They make it as smooth as possible. Right now, to get that free pair of Bose Soundlink wireless headphones, use our code Footballers when you book your first business trip at upside.com that's code footballersupside.com to claim that free gift. Bose Soundlink wireless headphones. It's tremendous. You deserve a better business trip. Headphones available while supplies last. Must be first. Upside Purchase $600 minimum Purchase required C site for complete details and we also.

[Jason Moore]

Want to thank Harry's Look. Harry's razors. They've been sponsoring us for a long time. We have used them for a long time. But lately, you know, I've seen so many tweets from people hopping on Harry's saying, yeah, this is really good. Their handles are really weighty and their five blade razors are exceptionally good and quality. Yeah, it's just quality stuff at really good prices. In fact, the owners, Jeff and Andy, the owners of Harry's, they bought the factory in Germany. So it was the only way they could 100% guarantee high quality and affordable prices. It's really good. And they're so confident that right now they're giving the Foot Clan a deal where you can try their trial shave set for free. When you sign [e-mail] Footballers, all you do is pay shipping. So to claim that that's over a $13 value for free when you sign up. If you cover shipping, your free trial set includes a weighted ergonomic razor handle, five precision engineered blades, rich lathering shave gel, a travel blade cover. It's really good. Just go to harry's.comfootballers moving on to the next matchup.

[Mike Wright]

We have the Vikings traveling to, as my son calls it, Cheese Bay to take on the Packers. I like that he calls them the Cheese Bay Packers. It's a night game on Saturday night, which Saturday night's all right for fighting. That's what Elton John has told me.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, no, that's a. That's a fact.

[Jason Moore]

I don't. I don't know if we have mentioned it before, but it. Devonte Adams is going to be out.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, okay.

[Jason Moore]

So just better to say it.

[Andy Holloway]

Brooks, have we said that already?

[Mike Wright]

Who's out?

[Jason Moore]

Devonte Adams is out. Brooks, get him out of your lineup. The.

[Mike Wright]

It's a. We got a 41 point over under. And the Vikings are heavy favorites, as you would expect because the Vikings are hashtag, very good. Now, on the. On the Viking side of the ball, Jay, Case Keenum. You playing him?

[Jason Moore]

I'm playing him, but I think there are a lot of better options. I would play Blake Bortles over him. The reason is this. I think he's got a safe floor because he's very good. I've. I am championing him as a legitimately good quarterback. I think Case Keenum is a. Is an actual solid NFL quarterback. But I don't see how the packers score without Devonte Adams. Without Aaron Rodgers, I don't see them scoring more than 10 points. In which case, I also don't see the packers stopping the Vikings. And what could happen is what happened last week. Now, Case Keenum, he had a really.

[Andy Holloway]

Good fantasy week last week.

[Jason Moore]

He was okay at fantasy. Yes, he was good.

[Andy Holloway]

He's 24, 25, 26 fantasy points.

[Jason Moore]

He. No.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. Yes, he did. This is why you keep saying this all week long. But I, I've. I've.

[Jason Moore]

Abs.

[Andy Holloway]

Is 25.5 in our league of record. He was 236 and 2. And yes, they blew him out. But nothing could have gone worse for that narrative than what happened last week where they were up 40 to nothing and he still got it done. So I don't.

[Mike Wright]

And same with Blake Bowler.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, if a team can be up 40 to nothing, if it's a hypothetical, you can be up 40 to nothing. I want the quarterback.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

I don't have a problem when things are too good for a team. I'm still willing to play Case Keenum with confidence. The question is, what would that weather be like? Will it get to the. Will the temperature dip so low that it hits that point where things become far more Conducive and for the running back position, that would be my only concern here.

[Andy Holloway]

But other than that, right now it's 10 degrees.

[Jason Moore]

Is the projection, the combination of both of those things. Also, I realize that our scoring format, he. He was. He was all right, but he was the 20th quarterback last week, so that's not going to help you. Right. I mean, he's got a solid floor, but, you know, in championship week, usually it's two good teams going up against each other. I'm not saying you can't start him, you know, but. But there are, I think, higher upside options.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, that's a good way to put it. And, you know, he kind of just did what he's done. I mean, if he. If you weren't happy with last week, you weren't happy with the previous, you know, four of the previous six weeks.

[Mike Wright]

Diggs and Thielen. Thielen is absolutely in. Do you. Do you play Diggs with confidence?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. I mean, it's always going to be relative to the other options you have, but both guys are, you know, great wide receivers on a good offense. It's going to be hard. You know, what you said is going.

[Andy Holloway]

To temper these guys as much as.

[Jason Moore]

Based on what I said, it's going to be like last week, Diggs had a great game because he got a touchdown.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. I mean, you're talking 30 yards, 64, 32, 66, 32. Those are his last five games. So it's.

[Jason Moore]

If you don't get the touchdown ceiling.

[Mike Wright]

Has not been there for.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm not going to go as far as to say this is an almost upset of the week, but I think that the packers will cover the spread. This is a nine point spread.

[Jason Moore]

Wow.

[Andy Holloway]

They're at home with the weather, with the divisional matchup. I absolutely think that they're going to come out and they're going to play hard. They have some disadvantages, obviously, with Hunley at quarterback and not having Devonte Adams, but I wouldn't be surprised if this game actually ended up being, you know, 24 to 14 or I guess they wouldn't cover the spread. If that was 24 to 17, then.

[Mike Wright]

Where on the Green Bay side do you see the scoring coming from? Because Devonte Adams is out.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I think it's. Both of the running backs will have some production in this game. Not necessarily something where you'd want them outside of a flex option. Jamal Williams first, Aaron Jones second, Randall Cobb again. This is just something where I think the scoring is going to be low. Brett Hundley has shown the ability to get enough done, you know, with his legs and with one or two touchdown passes that I'm just. It's just my take on a game on the road for Minnesota where I think it'll be close. I think Minnesota wins it.

[Mike Wright]

It'll be interesting to see where Brett Hundley goes because Devonte Adams was his. Was his number one target.

[Jason Moore]

Randall Cobb could you think it'll be Cobb a sneaky play, but it's just hard because we haven't seen Cobb with Hunley without championship week to throw that coin.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I mean we could be rolling too much narrative into this matchup. We could also just be going. You might be best off just going with what you know about Minnesota and their offense and what you know about Green Bay and their defense, which giving up 13 touchdowns since week 12, which is the most in the league.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, we'll just do a quick reminder.

[Mike Wright]

This is the one to watch for.

[Jason Moore]

If somehow the upset were to happen.

[Andy Holloway]

The Eagles could be affected for Monday night. So that is correct. If the packers win, then the Eagles are locked in at number one and you're talking about worrying about who they're going to start. You know, if somebody's banged up, they're definitely not going to play on Monday night. Anything else from this game?

[Mike Wright]

Nope.

[Andy Holloway]

Jerick McKinnon, 45 receiving yards per game since Week 12, fourth in the league.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I love both Vikings running backs in this game.

[Andy Holloway]

I hope McKinnon does some damage against.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I really think that he's going to.

[Andy Holloway]

The Buccaneers at 4 and 10 take on the 10 and 4 Panthers. Panthers are fighting to stay in the playoffs, stay in the playoff race. 10 point favorites at home, 46 and a half point over under. Do you see. Do you see anything in this game that is. You're expecting to surprise you, right? You're starting Cam Newton. He's my number one quarterback on the week. Outside of Cam Newton and the auto start Christian McCaffrey, you're auto starting him. Do you see this game going different than Vegas has it?

[Jason Moore]

I think it might be a little bit closer. Just like last week against the Falcons. The Buccaneers are playing that spoiler role. They didn't but he looked. He being Jameis Winston looked pretty solid. So I could see a good game here, especially since the middle of the field with Thomas Davis is suspended this week. So the Carolina Panthers the middle of the field.

[Andy Holloway]

There is no middle of the field whatsoever. But that's just dirt.

[Jason Moore]

That's the Cameron Brait area. And I think that, you know, that that could help open things up for Tampa Bay a little bit. But you can't really trust a running back here. You don't know who it's going to be. Last week it was nice because on Tampa Bay side. Yeah, on Tampa Bay's Doug Martin was inactive, but he's expected to be active and we don't know who's going to be the starter. So you can't really trust a running back. I think you're going to start Mike Evans. I think you should.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

And I like Cameron Brake quite a bit and I, you know, Andy, you mentioned. Is there anybody sneaky here? I don't know if when Christian McCaffrey had a lack of use it was because of injury to Christian McCaffrey and maybe that's just done. But this is a really solid matchup for Jonathan Stewart if he does get the work. And we saw a couple weeks ago and really most of the last month Jonathan Stewart's been pretty solid. So he might be a guy you could plug in and get a touchdown and a big run or two against this Tampa Bay defense that's pretty weak.

[Andy Holloway]

You know that Jonathan Stewart will get 11 carries. I mean, you know that that's going to happen. He has had 11 carries in all but one game this entire year, including the past eight in a row, including last week. He just, you know, wasn't good with them. So you're right. 5.5 yards per carry given up by Tampa. Maybe Stewart does something with one of those 11.

[Jason Moore]

Would you rather start Jonathan Stewart or Mike Gillisle?

[Mike Wright]

Jonathan Stewart.

[Andy Holloway]

Stewart, by far. I Look, I. The Gillislee thing, asking for a friend. We're going to get into it, we're going to talk about that. But I really don't want to draw too much attention to Gillislee. I really don't this week. That's. That would be my fantasy approach because while he is a shot in the dark, there are a lot of those from a week to week basis and been inactive for six weeks. It just scares me.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, that's.

[Andy Holloway]

There's a chance he's used.

[Mike Wright]

That's why he's called the heart of stone for two.

[Andy Holloway]

He could be two handoffs, you know, he could be three touchdowns.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, that's what it could be. Two handoffs, two goal line handoffs. So. But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, we are on the.

[Mike Wright]

Is there anything else we need to cover?

[Andy Holloway]

Mike Evans, you feel good about him this week after last week's kind of more traditional Mike Evans performance.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I feel very confident in Mike Evans. You have the Panthers defense who started the year very successfully on defense. However, the past six weeks, 31st against the quarterback, 32nd against the wide receiver position, there were some, you know, big, big performances that kind of have inflated those numbers. But I still think that Mike Evans is solid. Jameis Winston, I'm forced to play him. I wish I had a better option because I have him ranked as a kind of like a high level QB.

[Andy Holloway]

2 Carolina has picked off opposing quarterbacks at home the last two weeks. Three times they picked off Aaron Rodgers last week.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

Two times they picked off Case Keenum the week before.

[Mike Wright]

But those guys still had great games right on top of that.

[Jason Moore]

That's like James Winston's go to move is throw interceptions and have a great fantasy game.

[Mike Wright]

And the earlier in the season when Jameis played the Carolina Panthers, it was ugly. He was 21 of 38 for 210, no touchdowns, two picks.

[Jason Moore]

The last thing I would mention because we don't talk about Cam Newton too often, but he is all three of our number one quarterback this week. He is a great play in this matchup. Usually we gloss over the best guys, but this is championship week. You're going to need the best guys. If you're going like, oh, we've talked so much about X player or why you know these other quarterbacks. No, if you got Cam play.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, yeah, you play Cam in one note, I want to say about those Winston numbers against Carolina. That was during the stretch when he was struggling with the shoulder injury.

[Andy Holloway]

Is there any risk with that injury anymore?

[Mike Wright]

I don't believe so.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, do you have that fear in the back of your mind at all?

[Mike Wright]

No, I would. I do not believe it is a risk.

[Andy Holloway]

Would you play Jameis Winston? Let me give you some scenarios because people are staring down that big number from last week.

[Mike Wright]

It's not just the last week though. I mean, Jameis has been great since he returning over 250 yards in at least two scores in all three matchups.

[Andy Holloway]

So Jameis this week or Flacco against Indianapolis?

[Mike Wright]

Jameis.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Jamis.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay. Jameis or Kirk Cousins.

[Jason Moore]

That's that good one.

[Mike Wright]

That's the exact decision I'm looking at.

[Andy Holloway]

Denver, right?

[Mike Wright]

James right now it's Jameis for me.

[Andy Holloway]

Cousins is at home. I like that about him. I think I'm a little bit up on Cousins versus Jameis.

[Mike Wright]

I don't blame you.

[Andy Holloway]

Jared Goff against Tennessee in Tennessee or James Winston.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, Jared Goff. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

I think I'd Go talk about him.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, you're putting your.

[Jason Moore]

It feels risky, but I do actually believe in Jared Goff this week.

[Andy Holloway]

Nothing is more risky than being the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. And they are on 14. They're taking on the 4 and 10 bears. You know, this is a barn burner. It's a coach off here, 38 and a half point over under. The Bears are six and a half point favorites. And I guess that means, based on Jason's Vegas logic at home, almost a touchdown favorite Jordan Howard. Oh, certainly is locked and loaded.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Now on the Bear side of the ball, it's been Danto Inman. A couple weeks ago was the guy that you said, hey, I'll take a shot in the dark. A wide receiver that is transitioned now to Kendall. Right. So if you need somebody that is going to get heavily targeted. Wright has been targeted a ton over the last two weeks.

[Mike Wright]

In fact, 24 times.

[Andy Holloway]

That is a lot in the past two weeks.

[Mike Wright]

Two weeks ago against the Bengals, 10 receptions, 107 yards. Last week against Detroit, 7 for 81. So I'm with you, Andy, that I think Kendall Wright is in that wide receiver 3 range where you would. You would actually have some confidence playing him.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I've had to look at him as to whether or not I could pick him up and start him because we're in a 14 team, you know, the listener league for the championship. And my only worry here is that what we've seen is we've seen Trubisky throwing the ball a lot, which is, you know, a little bit more rare for him. And I don't expect that this game, those last two games were on the road, one in a dome. Both good weather. This, there could be snow in this game. I don't expect this to be one of those, hey, let's put it in the hands of Trubisky and air it out type of game that allows Kendall. Right. To have the volume that has allowed him to be successful the last couple weeks.

[Andy Holloway]

On the Brown side, Deshaun Kaiser has 19 interceptions and six fumbles lost. This Kaiser.

[Mike Wright]

So you failed me.

[Andy Holloway]

You could play the Bears D and you could play. Love the Bears, you know, flurries, snow flurries, plus the weather, plus at home, plus the Deshaun Kaiser.

[Mike Wright]

The Bears are a fantastic play. I mean, the Browns, this is why I like the Ravens so much. Last week they're giving up, you know, over two sacks a game. They're average. Kaiser's averaging almost two picks a game. I mean, it's ridiculous.

[Andy Holloway]

Hey, Judge I resent the fact that you have listed the wide receivers here on our show, Doc. As Corey Coleman, then Josh Gordon.

[Jason Moore]

Good job, Judge.

[Andy Holloway]

It's. There's no disrespect towards I better be alphabetical.

[Mike Wright]

You need me to show you his ass, I'll do it.

[Andy Holloway]

No, I've.

[Mike Wright]

You've done that before.

[Jason Moore]

Many times.

[Andy Holloway]

That's it.

[Mike Wright]

Brooks, check your DMs.

[Andy Holloway]

Check your. Check your DMs. Yeah. And text him. Text him some abs.

[Mike Wright]

That's in my memory. I'm good.

[Andy Holloway]

You're good?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. Clearly not with the order that you have down here. It's egregious. You'll play Josh Gordon. Take the shot on him.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, I will.

[Andy Holloway]

Wide receiver, too.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I got him in that range. The Bears last six weeks of our 26th against the wide receiver. And Josh Gordon last week wasn't a fantastic outing, but 5 for 47, I don't think that's a he's let you down type of situation. So that's three games where Josh Gordon has been fully playable since returning. So I would. Yes, I would play.

[Andy Holloway]

Josh Gordon has fundamentally watered Jason each and every week. I mean, that is the one objective he has accomplished without fail.

[Jason Moore]

We must not have water bet in week 14 then.

[Mike Wright]

Do keep an eye on the weather though, okay?

[Andy Holloway]

I will, Mike.

[Mike Wright]

Thank you.

[Andy Holloway]

The eight and six lions take on the five and nine. The Bengals are five point home underdogs.

[Mike Wright]

I can't believe they have five wins.

[Andy Holloway]

43. 43. Sorry. 43 point over under this game. Weather shouldn't be a factor. We've talked about our confidence levels with Matthew Stafford, with Marvin Jones. Where are we with Golden Tate and then the Detroit backfield in this one. The Bengals are giving up the absolute most points to fantasy running back. So you want to start somebody, but that's not been something that you can do with any confidence in Detroit for quite some time.

[Jason Moore]

No, you. I love him, but it's really tough to trust someone here. If I had to start one, it would absolutely be Theo Riddick. Theo Riddick is the only guy that I know is going to be involved.

[Andy Holloway]

I thought about making him my start of the week. I was real close. I just didn't want.

[Jason Moore]

I don't blame you.

[Andy Holloway]

I just didn't do it because he.

[Jason Moore]

Could be a great play. The problem is, what if they end up giving a lot of the work to Teon Green?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Or working Abdullah back in or.

[Jason Moore]

Exactly.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, what if a lot of the work means, you know, about 13 total carries among three running backs. And they don't need to use Riddick through the air because the game script is not that way. So I hesitated. But I do like him, obviously.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Mike Wright]

His snaps went from two weeks ago when he was tearing it up. When Abdul was out in the game against Tampa, he was at 70% snaps right back down to 52%.

[Andy Holloway]

And the Lions running backs have shared 63 rushing yards per game, which is dead last in the league over the last three weeks. So you're talking about how do I distribute 63 yards? That's not. This is why you just start somebody else.

[Jason Moore]

This is why you start Matthew Stafford.

[Andy Holloway]

Because run through the air.

[Jason Moore]

It's a game that they're expected to win. They're playing the hapless Bengals right now, who are falling apart.

[Andy Holloway]

So hapless and beyond hapless.

[Jason Moore]

You can't run.

[Mike Wright]

I've never seen less hap in my life.

[Andy Holloway]

No hap available.

[Jason Moore]

It's a very anti hap team right now.

[Mike Wright]

Not happening. Oh, nice.

[Jason Moore]

You win.

[Andy Holloway]

Not happen. Okay.

[Mike Wright]

Speaking of the not happening Bengals.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, man. The. You know.

[Jason Moore]

You know who else?

[Andy Holloway]

Joe Mixon. Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Is the Lions.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. We'll get into my start of the week, which is mixing or Bernard. I mean, that. That. That's where I'm going here. You want to see what you have in Joe Mixon? I expect him to be back. To be back. And the Lions cannot defend the running back throughout the season.

[Mike Wright]

You expect. Once Joe Mixon is back, you expect the volume to completely return.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I think so. I think so. I mean, he's had a couple weeks off. Similarly to Devonta Freeman, when Freeman was out for a couple of weeks and came back and got all the volume back. So Mixon and AJ Green and no one else. I mean, that is. That's kind of my equation, certainly.

[Jason Moore]

All right.

[Andy Holloway]

The Dolphins take on the Chiefs in Arrowhead. Six and eight, Dolphins. Eight and six, Chiefs. Jay Cutler, by the way, said today he hasn't thought about 2018 at all.

[Mike Wright]

Jay Cutler hasn't.

[Andy Holloway]

And I'm taking lunch. I think that as I haven't even thought about the year happening at all. Like, it's. It might come, it might not. Today is the day Jay Cutler wakes up. What am I doing today?

[Jason Moore]

Lights that cigarette.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm a quarterback, Jason, you're hoping for big things from Kenyon Drake and the running back. You know, the defense for the Chiefs against the running back position has been pretty vulnerable lately, giving up 22 and a half fantasy points over the last six weeks. So Kenyan Drake, he's a must start this week. Devonte Parker talked about him being banged up. You're willing to start Jarvis Landry?

[Jason Moore]

Absolutely. He's just been too involved. You can't bench Jarvis.

[Andy Holloway]

Outside of Jarvis and Drake, though, are you touching anybody else?

[Jason Moore]

No.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike?

[Mike Wright]

Nope.

[Andy Holloway]

If Parker's out is still in that wide receiver three category.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

If Barker is out, then Stills gets an upgrade for sure.

[Andy Holloway]

My. So last week I benched Alex Smith at home against the Chargers in favor of.

[Mike Wright]

No, the process to bench Alex Smith was there.

[Andy Holloway]

He had a good game. Also known as he threw the ball to Tyree Kill down the field and Kareem.

[Jason Moore]

Kareem.

[Andy Holloway]

So what I'm saying is last week my. My gut told me Alex Smith set him down in favor of Nick Foles. Now, he had a very good game. Foles beat him out. I felt good about that call this week.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, tell me something good this week.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm almost positive I'm starting Alex Smith. Oh, yes, the Dolphins. The Dolphins defense is 28th against the fantasy quarterback. Now, they've been good against wide receivers, but that's not, you know, it takes one play with Tyree Kill and Alex Smith, he makes his hay with Travis Kelsey. A lot of the time, the Dolphins can't guard the tight end. This game's at home. It's do or die for the Chiefs, and I think this place is going to be rocking. Now, I know it's going to be a little cold, but it's not going to be anything that they're not used to doing and not used to playing in. And if anything, that hurts the Floridians. Right. It hurts the Dolphins playing on the road in the cold. My gut tells me Alex Smith is a solid start this week.

[Mike Wright]

I agree.

[Andy Holloway]

The numbers say that as well. And I think I'm going to. I'm going to hedge a little bit. I'm not going to go into Monday night with Foles and Jeffrey to beat you, Mike. I'm going to play Alex Smith this week and.

[Jason Moore]

All right, we're rooting.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm going to put it on his back. Look, he's carried me along the way this year, and I think he's going to finish for fantasy owners in the right way.

[Mike Wright]

I do not blame you at all for going with Smith. I think that he is the safer option over Nick Foles. Who?

[Jason Moore]

Nick Foles.

[Mike Wright]

Apparently, if you're a Philadelphia Eagle quarterback, your touchdown percentage in the red zone is just astronomical. That transferred over to Foles. I don't know if it'll continue. Not that I hate foles this week, but I think Smith is the play that I would go with if I was running the team. Cream Hunt.

[Andy Holloway]

Everybody else is easy on this team, right? You start Hunt, you start Hill, you start Kelsey.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Andy Holloway]

By the way, Kenyan Drake, Jason. 6.5 targets per game, second highest in the league since week 12. Nice baseline.

[Jason Moore]

That is the reason I'm worried about Damian Williams, because, yes, the baseline could.

[Andy Holloway]

Be evaporated by Damian Williams.

[Jason Moore]

Exactly.

[Mike Wright]

I'm doing baselines for you.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, there it was. Yeah. If Damian Williams comes back. He was at practice.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, Williams.

[Jason Moore]

It doesn't quite have the same. No, we got a K. Drake. I don't know. But look, I love Kenyan Drake. He's been so solid lately. But if Damian Williams comes back, I think you're going to see a few of those targets and obviously it's going to siphon some touches away which will hurt him.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. The Bills 8 and 6 take on the Patriots 11 and 3 after that miracle win by New England last week. Patriots are 12 and a half point favorites, 47 point over under. They're at home and you could see some light rain in this game. But everything says a Patriots running back is going to do work in this game for sure. And I think it's Dion Lewis. I think it's so much that I tried to put him in as my start of the week and someone stole him before I had a chance.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. Because I completely agree. This is, this is why. And I guess now's the time to bring up Mike Gillislee's name. This is why you, you look at, you know, over the last few weeks, I forget the stat, but I heard it from good friend of the show, J.J. zacharison. Oh, that over the several weeks Rex Burkhead has been in the top five as far as rushing.

[Mike Wright]

Goal line carries.

[Jason Moore]

Goal line carries. Dion Lewis over that time has only had one. So Rex Burkhead was the goal line back.

[Andy Holloway]

And actually, I mean, I think there's a strong case to be made that, you know, New England giving some sort of gargantuan workload to Dion Lewis doesn't make Sense. They're an 113 team heading into the playoffs. Dion Lewis is crucial, especially with Burkhead's absence, to keep him healthy. It might not make sense to just throw everything Lewis and White's way. It's going to make sense to work Mike Gillisley in and if the game, you know, you talked about Vegas, the 12 and a half point favorite, the Bills offense Probably, you know, they've not been very good. They've scored 14 points a game since week 12, this fourth worst in the league. That's. That 14 points is not going to get it done against New England. They're going to have a big lead. I guess that's the argument for the Gillisleet shot in the dark.

[Jason Moore]

Exactly. But it is a shot in the dark if Gillis Lee is not active. If you come out and he's just not active, I won't be shocked.

[Mike Wright]

I actually will. I will be very shocked if Mike Gillesley is inactive again. Dion Lewis, like you're saying, Andy, I don't. Maybe he gets a carry or two more. But they know who Dion Lewis is, which is a spectacular running back who. You have to manage his touches.

[Andy Holloway]

Did they not put Leguerra Blunt inactive several times in years past and then bring him back to grind it out at the end of the year?

[Mike Wright]

It sounds very familiar.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, they've done this with.

[Mike Wright]

They have rules.

[Jason Moore]

Billicheck does.

[Mike Wright]

They have roles. And now that the goal line back is. The role is open because Burkhead's gone. I think Gillislee slides right in.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. I mean, it's next man up. Okay. We got an injury. You're in.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. It's a strong point. I mean, it's. It's a. You got a shot. You're going to play him against me, Mike?

[Mike Wright]

No, because I have Carlos Hyde.

[Jason Moore]

Right. If you've got a good option.

[Andy Holloway]

But that's the message.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. If you're like me, where you got in on the back of Alfred Morris.

[Andy Holloway]

Brandon Cooks is the only wide receiver you can play in New England right now.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

They're only targeting the wide receiver position. 13 times a game is third lowest in the league. Gronkowski is who led them down the field. You got to love Gronkowski in this game against the Bills defense at home. He's probably got to make his hay early. I mean, that's. That's what the equation in this game is possibly. Now, on the other. The other side of the coin is divisional matchup. The Bills have been. They're in the playoffs right now.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

So we look at it and Vegas says, look, it doesn't matter that they're in the playoffs. We're going to give the Patriots 13 points, 12 and a half points. You know, and for fantasy owners, it probably doesn't matter that much either. I mean, Lashawn McCoy, you're starting him.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

You're starting Charles Clay if you need him. You have to otherwise, Kelvin Benjamin's been worthless. You can't start a wide receiver and you can't start tyrant Taylor. In my opinion, I think Charles Clay.

[Mike Wright]

Is a better play than if you have to.

[Andy Holloway]

What about better than Jack Doyle?

[Mike Wright]

Not better than Doyle.

[Andy Holloway]

Okay. But taking the temperature.

[Mike Wright]

But Charles Clay is a low win. Tight end one nine targets last week. Five receptions for 68 yards, five targets the week before. He's.

[Jason Moore]

He's Mr.

[Mike Wright]

Necessary. He gets a large, large part of the target share from Tyrod Taylor and I.

[Jason Moore]

Game flow.

[Mike Wright]

I expect that they are going to have to throw the ball more than they want to.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, it's a compelling argument. You could get some great value out of Clay and put up a fight against your opponent with some advantage at the position.

[Jason Moore]

Starts of the week.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. Starts of the week. Week 16. Playoff time. I say roll them out. Rolling back out there. Philip Rivers is my start of the week at the quarterback position. Taking on a Jets team that while they have put up a fight in several games, they aren't. They're an always break defense. At some point in the game, don't bend.

[Jason Moore]

Break.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. At some point in the game, it happens.

[Mike Wright]

That's how I do yoga.

[Andy Holloway]

That's smart. But Philip Rivers with the assurity that, you know, Keenan Allen is healthy, that he's going to be back in the fold. They're fighting for their playoff lives. Yes, they're on the road across the country. But I think that, you know, I want to put my vote of confidence behind Philip Rivers in this game. He's going to have Antonio Gates in there a little bit more than he's used to this year. But from a PPR perspective, I think Gates could be interesting. Philip Rivers, start him up. Start of the week. Mike, who do you got?

[Mike Wright]

You know where I'm going. Ladies and gentlemen, something that has never been done on this show before. This man has received three accolades this week. He was my rising star, he was my stream of the week, and now he's my start of the week. Blake Bordle.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, my gosh.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, sorry. I just. That's. That's a lot.

[Andy Holloway]

Now, Mike, I noticed you snuck a little cream hunt on the wall this morning.

[Mike Wright]

You weren't supposed to see that.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, so you put him up there. Now we have a little bet where you've got to throw it. I got an Alshon Jeffrey jersey I want on that wall. If I beat you this week.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

If Blake Bortles ends up in the top three this week, you got to buy. Buy a Blake Bortles jersey for this.

[Mike Wright]

Offseason if he's in the top three. Absolutely.

[Jason Moore]

For sure.

[Mike Wright]

But here's the thing.

[Jason Moore]

Now it says we're on the subject. We might need to get an Alex Smith jersey immediately because if Alex Smith comes through, then we're both champs.

[Andy Holloway]

Me and you, Jason.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, and we need him up.

[Mike Wright]

Stop derailing my Blake Bortles love fest over here. This has to happen. The. The matchup is great against San Francisco. There's no worries there. On top of that, here's Blake Bortles average over the last three games, 22 for 302 and two touchdowns. Blake Bortles is playing the best football of his career right now. The fact that Leonard Fournette is back to me is a positive thing.

[Andy Holloway]

No doubt.

[Mike Wright]

This is not a. Oh, the running back is back. He's going to take all the touches and the touchdowns away.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't think Jason would like his start of the week if Todd Gurley was out.

[Jason Moore]

Right.

[Andy Holloway]

So I like Blake Bortles.

[Mike Wright]

I like Blake Bortles is my favorite, my favorite streamer and my favorite starter.

[Andy Holloway]

My favorite Bortle. Bortles. Bortling is working out for people.

[Mike Wright]

It certainly is.

[Jason Moore]

All right, I'm gonna need that. That King Godfrey horn announcing. Announcing this week's start of the week. King Godfrey. Jared Goff. Dilly, Dilly, dilly, dilly, dilly. Jared Goff has been a very solid quarterback this year for a. An exceptionally high powered offense. But make no mistake, this offense has been run by through and under and over and on the back of Todd Gurley.

[Andy Holloway]

One more week, please.

[Jason Moore]

He's the one that's been getting it done. But Jared Goff has an exceptionally safe floor to me and has the high ceiling. That's why I think if you've got him and you're in any one of those questionable situations, I would start Jared Goff. He has thrown at least since his bye week back in Week 8. He has thrown two touchdowns every single game except for once against Minnesota that, I mean, he's throwing touchdowns, they're scoring points. And Robert woods got Robert woods back. And Tennessee surprisingly has been very good against running backs. I know you don't want to hear that and look, Todd Gurley is going to be fine.

[Andy Holloway]

You can't stop Todd.

[Jason Moore]

You can't stop Todd Gurley. He's going to be fine. But if you can make it to where it's easier to pass than to run on Tennessee, who's over the last six weeks, they're number one against the running back position on the season. They're number two as far as fancy points given up.

[Andy Holloway]

It just makes me sad.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. I think that this game opens up for golf. I think he's got two touchdowns locked and loaded. And if any, you know, it's one of those situations if he throws four touchdowns.

[Andy Holloway]

I want to water bet you.

[Jason Moore]

What is the water bet?

[Andy Holloway]

Keenum versus golf.

[Jason Moore]

Keenum versus.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, let's do it. Did you guys just do that yesterday on. Did we do Keenum gov on the show yesterday?

[Jason Moore]

Oh, that would be.

[Mike Wright]

You guys have the memory of a.

[Andy Holloway]

Goldfish now, Brooks, you have the capability of knowing that information rather quick.

[Mike Wright]

I wrote it down yesterday, so I think yesterday was.

[Andy Holloway]

No, what we said. Didn't we say that we wait. Wanted to wait and see if.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

Some players were healthy?

[Mike Wright]

I think it was discussed.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, it's official.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Waterbed. Write it down again.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. I just feel like while I don't disagree with your arguments, I feel like they are all there, plus some for Case Keenum. Both players on the road. Therefore, I want to bet you Keenum versus Goff.

[Jason Moore]

Sure.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. My running back start of the week mentioned it earlier. Detroit's 28th against the run. So it's Joe Mixon or Gio Bernard if Mixon is still out, whoever it is in the backfield for Cincinnati. I know they're not playing for much, but Joe mixing sure is. He is running hard when he's been out there. He's given it everything. I think this is a great matchup for him. Joe Mixon is my start of the week.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I'll get through mine pretty quick because we talked about him. Dion Lewis is my start of the week. I think he is just an absolutely excellent play. He will get a few more touches with Rex Burkitt out. Maybe another reception or two, another carry or two. But he's not going to just all of a sudden be the workhorse. But the matchup is absolutely perfect. He is the number one most elusive running back in the league. You can't tackle this guy at first. And he's going to get enough opportunities to get some bad defense. Dion Lewis, he'll be an RB one this week.

[Mike Wright]

My start of the week is Latavius Murray. Latavius.

[Andy Holloway]

Why not Jerick McKinnon?

[Mike Wright]

I like the game script more for Latavius Murray. Like I said, I do like Jerick McKinnon a lot this week because Green Bay gives up receptions to the running back and Jerick McKinnon. That's what he does. However, Latavius Murray with the weather, with the game script, I think that he is an easy start here. Since week five when Latavius Murray finally hit the double digits after the unfortunate injury to Dalvin Cook, his pace since that time, a full season would put him at 258 carries. Latavius Murray is getting work. Whether or not you like him. He's on a great offense, great touchdown upside this week. I think he's a really, really solid play.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, you could go from not liking him to loving him very quickly this week if you start him in that matchup.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't think this has ever been done. I'm going for the.

[Jason Moore]

I don't know who it is.

[Andy Holloway]

You know, I'm going for the trilogy. This is what we're calling this, the trilogy. I'm going with Michael Crabtree for the third consecutive week. I cannot start of the year. I cannot resist 17 targets. He delivered on the promise last week as a top 10 wide receiver. Now, I don't like it specifically because Mike has him against me this week, But Crabtree had 17 targets, two touchdowns, multiple ends on targets that didn't even. He didn't come down with. And he's on Monday Night Football against the Eagles. I think that he's the guy. I mean, I look, even if Amari Cooper's back, I like Crabtree this week. He's the start of the week.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, it's makes sense. I think most people that have them will be starting them.

[Andy Holloway]

My start at my start of the.

[Jason Moore]

Week, just itty bitty. My start of this week. You might say a start is born. If you've heard me constantly.

[Andy Holloway]

You might not.

[Jason Moore]

A star is born because juju Smith Schuster is a legit, really, really good wide receiver. I truly believe that he is. I mean, just look at the history of the Steelers being able to draft rock star wide receivers. Whether it was Mike Wallace or Emmanuel Sanders or I don't know, Antonio Brown or juju Smith Schuster, he's shown it on the field. He's done it. You know, you might go, oh, Big Ben on the road. He's done it on the road this year. His biggest games Detroit in Detroit was 7 for 193 and a touchdown. He also had, you know, another big game against Indy. Five for 97 and a touchdown on the road. So this is a road game, but it's a great matchup against Houston that has not been able to stop wide receivers. Antonio Brown is out. And if you look at last game, Antonio Brown missed most of the Game and the benefactor was not Martavis Bryant, who finished the game, I think under 60% snap percentage. Juju Smith Schuster was like 95%. He's the guy that's going to be the beneficiary. I think Juju has a great game. He's a top 24 wide receiver to me.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I always wanted to comment. I mean, Antonio Brown being out, he's averaging 12 targets a game. Right. That's 12 targets that have to go somewhere.

[Andy Holloway]

All Lev Bell.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I was going to say it'll probably go like eight targets will be extra, you know, distributed.

[Andy Holloway]

Makes Jesse James interesting too. But you're right. Yes. Juju. Good start. I don't think it's very bold saying top 24 with juju this week though.

[Mike Wright]

No, I don't think it's bold at all.

[Andy Holloway]

Consensus 14 for you guys right now.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. My goal is not to necessarily be bold, just to call it as it is.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, I like it. My start of the week is Mike Wallace. He might have been on your waiver wire. You might have been hurting at the wide receiver position because Antonio Brown is out and you could not pick up. The start is born. Mike Wallace against Indianapolis. The matchup is fantastic. Since the bye week for the Ravens, Mike Wallace is averaging five for 76 people. Mike Wallace is doing serious work the the OPS. The opportunity for a touchdown is elevated this week against Indianapolis. Is terrible secondary we've talked about. We like Joe Flacco as a really low end streamer that he's going to throw the ball to Mike Wallace. Jeremy Macklin is likely out. So I think that Mike Wallace is a fantastic start.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I got the perfect piggyback there and it's Ben Watson. He's my tight end start of the week. The Colts, as you said, they struggle in the secondary. They struggle against tight ends. 20th over the last six weeks. Last week Ben Watson came out and gave you 15 fantasy points right around that. Four for 74 and a touchdown. It's a great week. Other than the week he missed, he's been three or more receptions. I think he's a nice start at the tight end position in a way to benefit from what we're seeing this week from the Baltimore offense.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I'm going to go with the guy that most leagues I think you're going to be able to get off of waivers. Cameron Brait. O.J. howard has been placed on IR for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and we don't yet know the health of desean Jackson. That's something we'll Continue to monitor. But if he is out, it gives an extra bump to Cameron Brait who now does not have to split those tight end targets. As I said earlier, Thomas Davis, solid linebacker for the Carolina Panthers is out. The Panthers have given up a touchdown to a tight end the last two weeks. I think you see Cameron brake come back to, you know, he had that stretch early in the season with Jameis Winston four games in a row with a touchdown.

[Mike Wright]

And last season.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, and last season. So I think, you know, I've got Charles Clay in the, in the listener league. I'm starting him. I'm glad to hear, Mike that you think he's, you know, still Mr. Necessary. But I would have preferred Cameron Bray over Charles Clay. So do you. I would prefer those two if I.

[Mike Wright]

Had to pick one and go Cameron Brait because of the upside of the touchdowns Clay of course can score. Maybe Charles Clay revisits his last year, the playoffs.

[Jason Moore]

Playoffs.

[Mike Wright]

Charles Clay, he was amazing. I was pretty shocked to when I went in to put my starts of the week in because I was last that I did not see this tight end for Jason and that is double Eric Ebron. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we can safely start Eric Ebron. It's a crazy world. Brave new world. We're heading into 2018.

[Andy Holloway]

You don't want to say those words out loud because they're going to bite you.

[Jason Moore]

So wait a minute. I just want to verify our starts of the week championship. Blake Borrells and Eric Ebron.

[Mike Wright]

This is where we are.

[Jason Moore]

You don't win the championship at the draft, my friends.

[Mike Wright]

The last two weeks he has or with good players.

[Andy Holloway]

Apparently true.

[Mike Wright]

He has caught 15 of 18 targets.

[Andy Holloway]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

In the last two weeks he gets to play the not happening Bengals. He is my highest rated tight end behind the starting seven. So if you don't have one of those auto tight ends and Ebron was available on your wire, I think there, there should be a strong chance that at least one of these three starting tight ends is on your waiver wire. If you are struggling with your decision of you don't like, you don't like who you have, you were already streaming. I think that these are three very solid options.

[Andy Holloway]

All right, it's time.

[Jason Moore]

Jason Moore's ironclad, locked and loaded, 100% guaranteed. Boom boom. Kicker of the week. If you had Greg Zirline, well, his back was aching and delicate. So this week I recommend the Eagles Jake Elliott.

[Andy Holloway]

That's my favorite so far.

[Jason Moore]

All right, I did it. I tried to rhyme both of these.

[Andy Holloway]

It was well crafted.

[Jason Moore]

Tried to get the Jake and the Elliott in there.

[Andy Holloway]

It was well crafted, it was well done, and it's actually a good recommendation.

[Jason Moore]

I hope so.

[Andy Holloway]

So it checks all the boxes. All right. We'll be back tomorrow with the rest of the matchups. Get you ready for the weekend, and it's going to be a good one, going to be a lot of fun.

[Mike Wright]

You have to be hoping that Sam Fickens stays around.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, I'm itching for some ficken.

[Mike Wright]

Check out draft.comballers for your DFS needs this weekend.

[Jason Moore]

Goodbye. Thank you for listening to another episode of The Fantasy Footballers PODC. Join our fantasy football community on JoinTheFoot.com and follow us on Twitter @The FFballers.