Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Week 14 Review, Studs and Duds, MNF Preview, Fantasy News

Summary

Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 14 Review, Studs and Duds, MNF Preview, Fantasy News (Released December 14, 2015)

Welcome to a comprehensive summary of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast episode titled "Fantasy Football Podcast 2015 - Week 14 Review, Studs and Duds, MNF Preview, Fantasy News," hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright. This episode delves deep into the pivotal moments of Week 14, analyzing key injuries, standout performances, disappointing outcomes, and offering strategic advice for the upcoming Monday Night Football (MNF) matchup.

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1. Weekly Injury Updates

Thomas Rawls Out for the Season

• Discussion: The hosts express concern over Thomas Rawls' season-ending fractured ankle, a significant blow for fantasy owners relying on his rushing prowess.
• Quote: Andy Holloway (04:36): "Thomas Rawls, out for the season, fractured ankle."

Brian Hartline and Other Injuries

• Discussion: Hartline's season-ending injury and additional concerns about injuries to Garrett Eifert, Brian Hoyer, and T.J. Yeldon are highlighted. The impact of these injuries disrupts fantasy lineups, especially in playoff races.
• Quote: Jason Moore (05:12): "Brian Hartline gone for the season. Was having a huge day."

Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olsen

• Discussion: Both players left games early due to injuries, raising questions about their availability in the playoffs.
• Quote: Mike Wright (07:34): "Jonathan Stewart hurt his foot. Yeah. The reports right now are that he's fine..."

DeSean Jackson's Performance

• Discussion: Mike Wright shares his emotional drive to work, reflecting on DeSean Jackson's struggles and overall team performance.
• Quote: Mike Wright (02:20): "I lost to Andy."

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2. Stud Muffins: Top Performers of the Week

Russell Wilson's Dominance

• Discussion: Russell Wilson is on an impressive streak, racking up 16 touchdowns in four games. His synergy with top-tier receivers like Doug Baldwin makes him a valuable fantasy asset.
• Quote: Jason Moore (13:22): "I think he has 16 touchdowns in the last four games, which is just incredible."

Doug Baldwin's Hot Streak

• Discussion: Baldwin continues to excel, securing multiple touchdowns and demonstrating exceptional route-running and catching ability.
• Quote: Andy Holloway (13:50): "Three more touchdowns for Baldwin. A must start at this point."

Eric Decker and Alan Hearns

• Discussion: Both receivers are highlighted for their consistent touchdown production, making them reliable starters in fantasy lineups.
• Quote: Jason Moore (21:59): "Allen Hearns is very much like Eric Decker to me. He's that second wide receiver who just gets a touchdown every single week."

Matt Ryan's Reliability

• Discussion: Despite a subpar game, Matt Ryan remains a solid choice due to his reliable scoring through Decker and Emmanuel Sanders.
• Quote: Mike Wright (19:38): "Matt Ryan, terrible game. Hopefully you didn't play him."

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3. Pooped in Their Big Boy Pants: Disappointing Players

Andy Dalton's Struggles

• Discussion: Dalton's poor performance, including a turnover and limited scoring, let fantasy owners down during crucial playoff week.
• Quote: Jason Moore (11:51): "We know Andy Dalton let you down. There's nothing you could do about it."

Philip Rivers vs. Mike Vick

• Discussion: Rivers' underwhelming performance against Bill Cowher's Pittsburgh Steelers showed a lack of touchdowns, disappointing many fantasy managers.
• Quote: Jason Moore (35:01): "Philip Rivers destroyed at home against Can't."

DeAndre Hopkins' Inconsistent Play

• Discussion: Hopkins struggled with targets and offensive protection schemes, resulting in a lack of fantasy production.
• Quote: Jason Moore (43:36): "DeAndre Hopkins did not deliver for fantasy owners."

DeSean Jackson and Emmanuel Sanders

• Discussion: Both wide receivers had disappointing games, failing to meet the expectations of their fantasy owners.
• Quote: Jason Moore (43:22): "Vincent Jackson, Emmanuel Sanders had Very bad games."

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4. Monday Night Football (MNF) Preview: Dolphins vs. Giants

Matchup Analysis

• Discussion: The upcoming MNF features a high-stakes playoff matchup between the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. The hosts analyze quarterback performances, offensive strategies, and defensive strengths.
• Quote: Jason Moore (46:15): "Eric Decker and Marshall, they're just good."

Fantasy Implications

• Discussion: Strategic advice is provided for starting players like Lamar Miller and Jarvis Landry, considering the defensive vulnerabilities of the opposing team.
• Quote: Andy Holloway (54:13): "Lamar Miller is going to go off tonight. I believe the Giants..."

Potential Hero Players

• Discussion: Lamar Miller is highlighted as a potential breakout performer due to the Giants' weak rushing defense.
• Quote: Andy Holloway (54:13): "I think Lamar Miller is going to get plenty of carries, plenty of work and have a great game tonight."

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5. Fantasy News and Strategic Advice

Waiver Wire Recommendations

• Discussion: For listeners struggling with injuries in their lineup, the hosts suggest potential waiver wire pickups such as DeJuan Harris, Tim Hightower, and Brandon Bolden to bolster their teams.
• Quote: Jason Moore (51:08): "I would say Harris is the guy that I'm looking for because he's going to replace that role."

Stud vs. Start Decisions

• Discussion: The hosts debate the merits of starting players like Big Ben Roethlisberger versus Blake Bortles, emphasizing the importance of matchups and recent performances.
• Quote: Jason Moore (36:58): "Would I start him? Yes. If I have a better... would you start him or Matt Stafford?"

Listener Questions and Mailbag Segment

• Discussion: The hosts address listener inquiries about replacing injured players and optimizing playoff lineups, offering personalized advice based on team needs and available options.
• Quote: Andy Holloway (50:31): "If I've got a... he has to have some value as a running back who's on a higher powered offense."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason Moore (13:22): "I think he has 16 touchdowns in the last four games, which is just incredible."
• Andy Holloway (04:36): "Thomas Rawls, out for the season, fractured ankle."
• Mike Wright (07:34): "Jonathan Stewart hurt his foot. Yeah."
• Jason Moore (36:58): "Would I start him? Yes. If I have a better... would you start him or Matt Stafford?"
• Mike Wright (11:18): "DeSean Jackson is a better, he's more talented wide receiver."

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Conclusion

In this Week 14 episode, the Fantasy Footballers provide invaluable insights into managing injured players, identifying studs and duds, and preparing for a crucial MNF matchup. Their blend of analysis, humor, and strategic advice equips fantasy owners with the knowledge needed to navigate the challenging playoff landscape effectively.

For more detailed advice and ongoing fantasy strategies, listeners are encouraged to visit www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow them on Twitter @theffballers.

Transcript

[Andy Holloway]

Hey, this is Fred Jackson of the.

[Jason Moore]

Seattle Seahawks, and you're listening to the fantasy Footballers.

[Andy Holloway]

Welcome to the fantasy footballers podcast with your host, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.

[Jason Moore]

Welcome in, everybody. Welcome in. It is Monday, December 14, and we are the fantasy footballers. That intro seemed just about right.

[Mike Wright]

We're very timely with our references.

[Jason Moore]

You know, our network of NFL stars to choose from for intros is so vast and wide that we can always choose somebody very appropriate.

[Mike Wright]

And they keep working out.

[Andy Holloway]

Fred Jackson, the depth chart assassin himself.

[Jason Moore]

What a ridiculous Sunday. What a ridiculous Sunday.

[Mike Wright]

I agree.

[Jason Moore]

It was is raining outside here in Arizona, which is a rarity.

[Mike Wright]

Well, because it's not raining.

[Jason Moore]

Those are.

[Mike Wright]

Those are tears from heaven, my friend, for your team.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, that's what I said. I assume they were your tears out there, but I guess the world is mourning your.

[Mike Wright]

Clearly the world knows there was a mistake and a travesty yesterday.

[Jason Moore]

Yesterday played with the emotions of many fantasy football owners, that's for sure.

[Andy Holloway]

So I couldn't. The week prior to this last week have been the first week of playoffs because we talked last week, there was almost no injuries you jinxed last week. And now it's like, okay, it's playoffs. This is really when it gets serious. Gotta win, win or I'm out. And it's like half of teams lost.

[Jason Moore]

Half their roster, and we're gonna go through them all.

[Mike Wright]

I'm driving into work today through the tears from heaven, right? And on my radio comes on some Batman 2 seal kiss from a rose. So I crank it, I have a good cry, get it all out of the system. So I'm ready for the show. Yeah. Oh, it was. It was very emotional, emotional drive through the. Through the rain where. Where Arizonans cannot drive. Just.

[Andy Holloway]

So what station were you listening to?

[Mike Wright]

90S on Sirius XM.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, so just so people understand, because they might be confused, who did you lose to?

[Mike Wright]

I lost to Andy.

[Jason Moore]

Thank you.

[Mike Wright]

And if you're wondering, Mike, we saw the roster. How did you lose? And I'll give you the answer. Zero touchdowns.

[Andy Holloway]

That's hard to do.

[Mike Wright]

Zero touchdowns from every single position in my active roster. Now I made the mistake. I had. I was deciding between Kelsey and Jordan Reed, and I had. Actually, I was Kelsey all week. And then with all the weather, things that were coming out about the game in Kansas City, but there was also supposed to be weather in Chicago. I had Jordan Reed in, and right before the lock, I switched and put Kelsey back in, which was a kick to the. To the nether regions. Fortunately, that did not cost Me, the game. But my logic was, well, if it's so bad in Kansas City, maybe they have to keep the passing short and get Kelsey more involved, which was not the case.

[Jason Moore]

You know, I hope people appreciate seeing the fallout of our own matches a little bit because I'm sure they mimic their own feelings. I mean, the Rawls injury, we'll get to that. He's on my team. I won despite it somehow. We'll go through them all. But I want to let people know what we're doing today. We're going through the stud muffins and the pooped in their big boy pants, breaking it all down, probably mostly reacting to what has taken place. There will be waiver wires. There will be the repercussions of these injuries, the impact of these injuries on different players. And we'll talk through that. And then we'll preview the Monday night game tonight, the Dolphins and the Giants, and we'll answer some mailbag questions. If you want to get a hold of the show, you can do so on twitter @the ff ballers, visit the website. The fantasy footballers.com actually did a periscope this week. This weekend, out of nowhere came on and answered listener questions for about an hour. That was a lot of fun because we're high tech. Well, I was. It was cool.

[Mike Wright]

We're staying hip with the kids.

[Jason Moore]

Got a little intense. The questions were flying in furiously. But it was fun to do that before the big game, the big playoff game. So we'll try to do that as a. As a show more often, answer some questions. So. All right, what do we want to talk about?

[Mike Wright]

There's just so much to talk about.

[Jason Moore]

You want me to just go through the.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, let's. Let's start with the. The bad news.

[Jason Moore]

All right, well, let's get into it.

[Andy Holloway]

Weekly rewind.

[Jason Moore]

All right, let's recap this, guys. Thomas Rawls, out for the season, fractured ankle. Had Cleveland next week at home. You know what that feels like.

[Mike Wright]

He was. He was on a monster tear. What was he, 6 for 44?

[Jason Moore]

I think he ended as a leading rusher despite one drive. I mean, he was just destroying. So Thomas Rawls, the fallout. Where do people turn? Are they signing somebody else?

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

No, you keep going with Rawls.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, can they bridge the gap to lynch with dejuan Harris or the.

[Mike Wright]

Death chart assassin Duan Harris and Fred Jackson actually out snapped dejuan Harris, but Harris was. Had more touches. And now there's just the rumors through the Twitter sphere that they're going to try and get lynch back.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

So if he's on your waivers, pick him up. I saw no possible future where this would happen, where lynch would be back before the playoffs, but we could be there.

[Jason Moore]

All right. We're keeping the funeral march going because Andy Dalton done and done in a terrible way for fantasy owners. Out after the first drive, I believe. And.

[Mike Wright]

And after a turnover.

[Jason Moore]

So he lost after turnover.7 points in our league. Brian Hartline gone for the season. Was having a huge day. Very good day. Had concussions to Eifert and Brian Hoyer.

[Mike Wright]

Yep.

[Jason Moore]

So they're gone for now. And now we have to monitor Eifer and. And he was already recovering from one, Right?

[Mike Wright]

Well, he was. I don't know if it was actually just a stinger.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[Mike Wright]

I don't know if he was in protocol or not.

[Jason Moore]

Legarett, blunt hip.

[Mike Wright]

Hip injury.

[Jason Moore]

Not so hip for fantasy owners. Who started him.

[Andy Holloway]

No.

[Jason Moore]

Do we know anything else about that injury? Are we waiting for reports today?

[Mike Wright]

We got to get reports.

[Jason Moore]

T.J. yeldin, knee. Probably gonna miss a week.

[Mike Wright]

He was in and out, but I believe he did not finish the game. So it's probably Vincent Jackson.

[Jason Moore]

Or did you have more to add to Yelden?

[Mike Wright]

For Yelden, Denard Robinson came in and tore it up. Tore it up.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

So.

[Jason Moore]

Well, compared to. Compared to.

[Mike Wright]

Compared to what Yelden had done throughout the season. Denard Robinson had a.

[Jason Moore]

And we've seen that. We've seen that Robinson can do that in somebody's absence. He can come in and. He scored a couple of touchdowns, I think, and played very well.

[Mike Wright]

I'm pulling up what he did.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. The bad news about losing, you know, all these running backs is you. You have running backs that are on your playoff roster that go down. The good news is there will be a lot of people to pick up to play in a pinch.

[Mike Wright]

So I'm gonna 14 for 75 with the touchdown.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

And a 12 yard catch.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, that's the only thing I'm wondering about. That is just the matchup. I mean, the game was out of hand. The game was right. But, yes, you are correct. He. And he's shown it. All right. Greg Olson and Jonathan Stewart both left early in that game. Olson went down right before halftime.

[Mike Wright]

That did not look good.

[Jason Moore]

It didn't look good. But then he was up on the sideline running around. Just didn't go back in because they didn't need to. Same thing with Stewart. Stewart hurt his foot. Yeah. The reports right now are that he's fine, but you have to wonder if the wear and tear is going to arrive for him and if they're going to give him some time off for the playoffs.

[Mike Wright]

Speaking of.

[Jason Moore]

Not that I have a choice.

[Mike Wright]

I was Stuart, as a quick aside of how my morning started and you know you're watching, got all these games on in red zone and they always cut to big plays. First cut was Jonathan Stewart's 40 yard run or so, which he's.

[Jason Moore]

You're saying this because he was on my team.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Followed up by a touchdown. And then I flip on the Steelers. Okay, Antonio Brown, we're red zone. We got a catch. And down at the 2.

[Jason Moore]

It is A.

[Mike Wright]

And that's how my day went.

[Jason Moore]

Well, you know, it's an up and down thing. People need to know that even the beard experiences pain.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, it's.

[Jason Moore]

So Vincent Jackson went out. We're not sure if this is a re aggravation of the knee injury he had before. If it is, he'll probably miss more time. Is this a bump up for anybody or just a negative for the offense?

[Mike Wright]

Because we didn't see Evans targets.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, Evans targets. We didn't see Austin Safari and Jenkins benefit from it. In this game, everything played out to where I thought it would with Austin, Safari and Jenkins. The game flow, then passing, except for the part where he produced that part didn't play out as well.

[Mike Wright]

The opportunity sure was there.

[Jason Moore]

It was. So Andy Dalton, how does that injury impact the skill position players of Cincinnati?

[Mike Wright]

Everything, everything is terrible. You have to downgrade. I mean, you had Marvin Jones who was kind of a flex fringe guy. There's no way I'm starting him. AJ Green, I suppose you're starting him because we at least saw the touchdown. But we've seen DEZ Bryant with subpar quarterback play and what can happen. So for now you got to start him because we saw something.

[Andy Holloway]

It could be a bump up for Jeremy Hill. I mean, you have to.

[Mike Wright]

Could be.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, I'm just saying if there's one guy that I look at and I go, hey, you know, this, this could be good news for or at least not bad news if you're the Bengals. You have to focus now on what you need to be to be a winning team. And that's a defensive move the ball, keep the clock, you know, going, slow the game down, run the ball type of. And that's. That's Jeremy Hills and that's playoff football and that's cold weather football. So it's a good time for that to come through. Although he did stink this last game.

[Mike Wright]

Well, they all the running back stank because there was a game flow. The Bengals just were pass crazy for just they were playing behind the entire game. And unfortunately for the Bengals next week at San Francisco, which on the surface you're like, oh, San Francisco is bad. They've been better, especially at home. San Francisco has been a decent defense.

[Andy Holloway]

How. Where were they this week?

[Mike Wright]

They were in Cleveland.

[Andy Holloway]

How the running backs in Cleveland do against San Francisco this week? Crowell ran like crazy.

[Mike Wright]

What we've talked about, San Francisco on the road versus San Francisco at home is a completely different team. And then week 16 at Denver. So not the. Not the best situation for a quarterback who has no experience to come in.

[Jason Moore]

Well, you got. You got three variables that work against you there. You got platoon between the two, so you don't know how that's going to shake out. You got a new quarterback and a new offensive situation. Then you're going on the road there. So yes, the potentials there. I agree with Jason actually a lot. Because if you want to manage the game and you want to manage AJ McCarron, you need to have a running game and you need to force feed that running game.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

And I agree with the. I agree they get the biggest bump.

[Jason Moore]

Eifert.

[Mike Wright]

Eiford will still be Eifert, but he's. He needs touchdowns. And so if they can't get into the red zone, then IFR will struggle.

[Jason Moore]

All right, anything else we want to talk about out of the injury fallout other than a heartfelt sadness and apology to everybody? You know, there were owners that tweeted us that it was the Dalton Rawls. If you had Dalton Rawls, both those guys, at least with Jonathan Stewart, he had a great first half.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Fantasy etiquette on injuries.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, that's what I said.

[Andy Holloway]

Give me a break, football players, you're.

[Jason Moore]

Going to go down, fracture your ankle in the fourth.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

This is fantasy football. Do you not understand how that works?

[Mike Wright]

Well, a guy in our league had Eifert and Dalton and we just were feeling so bad and he might. He has a chance to win.

[Andy Holloway]

Win.

[Mike Wright]

He has a chance to win.

[Jason Moore]

All right, let's go ahead and move on.

[Andy Holloway]

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[Jason Moore]

Awesome. All right, let's. Let's get right into the stud muffins. Russell Wilson can't stop, won't stop.

[Andy Holloway]

Don't stop till you get it.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, he's breaking records at this point. Yeah, I think he has 16 touchdowns in the last four games, which is just incredible. And if you watch it, you buy into it because he's in the pocket dissecting, destroying five more touchdowns. A lot of thanks to Jason for the honorary set of the week to keep him in the flame. Yes, thank you.

[Andy Holloway]

I put him as my honorary.

[Jason Moore]

That will continue.

[Mike Wright]

Foot clan. We will continue.

[Jason Moore]

We will sit Wilson the rest of the year.

[Andy Holloway]

This is going to soon change into the Russell Wilson sit of the week segment.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, yes. I love it.

[Andy Holloway]

But, you know, here's the deal. He has the number one wide receiver over the second half of the year. So that makes. That's always good for a quarterback, right?

[Jason Moore]

I don't know who you.

[Andy Holloway]

He's got Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Doug Baldwin.

[Jason Moore]

Unbelievable. Your start of the week, Doug Baldwin, three more touchdowns.

[Andy Holloway]

Three more. I mean, the guy is. Is deep, deep in the fire.

[Jason Moore]

I don't know if you saw the highlights from that game or watch the game. The last Doug Baldwin touchdown. I've never seen a player more open in my life. It was like he ran a post and the defender ran into the stance and he just broke into the middle of field. And I wonder if Russell Wilson just said, all right, you know, he just hook shot at it to him.

[Mike Wright]

Doug Baldwin is full on Targaryen right now.

[Jason Moore]

That's the level of fire.

[Mike Wright]

Level of fire that is happening with Doug Baldwin.

[Jason Moore]

It's unstoppable and like, I mean I said it last week, I said, well, at some point you can't just put up 45 touchdown a year pace, right? Yeah, well, eventually he might.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, that's the great thing. If he just keeps this pace up at the end of the year he won't have 45 because the first half of the year it was bad. So it'll be like, yeah, that was a good.

[Jason Moore]

But the matchup next week at home against Cleveland.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, you know, you want to know what helps though is over under three more. Well with Rawls going down, I mean, you know that is only beneficial. It hurts the offense. You have to realize that it does.

[Jason Moore]

I don't think it's beneficial. I would, I would count it in the negative category. No play action, pass.

[Andy Holloway]

I agree.

[Jason Moore]

I so well right now. So he is, he's on fire. Russell Wilson, 23, 292, five touchdowns. Probably your best start at the quarterback position right now in the playoffs. He's the best start next week. I can guarantee he's going to be at the top of my list. Against the Browns at home, Cam Newton carved him up 15 for 265 and three a couple incredible throws. And Jason and I were talking about this yesterday in the car. Really a very capable wide receiver core at this point with Olson, Corey Brown, Ted Ginn getting deep, Devin Funches, Jericho got repossession. It's turned into something like he's turned them into something valuable. There was a great catch by Philly Brown on the sideline yesterday on this back foot fall away laser beam that Cam Newton keeps throwing.

[Andy Holloway]

I would not want to be a Carolina wide receiver. I would be so afraid of that.

[Mike Wright]

Did you ever watch those footballs come.

[Andy Holloway]

Like they're shooting out of one of those like those shirt cannons that they shoot to the upper deck. Like that's. And I'm five yards away from them.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, he. Did you guys ever see the Brett Favre returns to Lambo special they did on NFL Network. They went over some of it his career and then they started talking to, you know like Tony, oh Freeman and how many broken fingers and how many dislocated fingers the receivers had for Brett Favre. And you wonder if it's that way for Cam sometimes. But amazing game for Cam has the Giants next week. So these two on fire. Quarterbacks just get great matchups again next week. Mariota had a very interesting, interesting, interesting game. Actually put up fantasy points without throwing a touchdown because he caught a touchdown. He caught a 41 yard touchdown from Antonio Andrews. And it was, it was a great play design because he's faster than most people. And they just lined him up on a linebacker and he ran a fly and he was wide open. So Blake Bortles comes through with four again. The biggest feedback I've gotten from listeners of the show is, well, I was trying to decide Bortles and Big Ben and I still stand by the fact I would have started Big Ben 100 out of 100 times was the right.

[Mike Wright]

Play, while Big Ben did not put up massive fantasy points. It's one of those things where you got to look at the. D'Angelo Williams. I believe he had two touchdowns.

[Jason Moore]

Well, it was more than that too. It was Dalton's injury, the game flow.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

That changed the equation for them.

[Andy Holloway]

The first time these two teams played, Big Ben was not healthy and it hurt the offensive production for both teams. Then you come back around excited for the big shootout because Dalton goes down.

[Mike Wright]

Anything that can happen.

[Jason Moore]

Or not, because no touchdowns for Big Ben probably hurt a lot of people. Blake Bortles, though, keeps it going. He has the Falcons next week who cannot get a win no matter what they do.

[Mike Wright]

That is the situation in Atlanta.

[Andy Holloway]

How.

[Mike Wright]

What five and. Oh, and now, now what are they. They're six and something.

[Jason Moore]

They have lost a lot. I think they've. They're one in seven since then. And. And they are playing at a terrible level. The offense is terrible. The offense is averaging less than half than what they averaged in that five game win streak. They cannot find a solution. All right. And the coaching is just the big mistake here because yesterday you saw this. Julio Jones has success in the slot. He's normally in the slot 25% of the time. Norman wasn't on him in the slot. They lined him up in the slot 6% of the time yesterday. What are you doing?

[Andy Holloway]

That's ridiculous. He still had an okay game.

[Mike Wright]

He, you know, because he pulled Norman out.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Well, that, that's helpful.

[Jason Moore]

And a 46 yard catch or whatever it was, so. But he did do what we said he'd do, which is he's going to give you a baseline when you target somebody that much. But yeah, just a mess of an offense. And you know who it's killing more than? I mean, Julio. Owners is killing because there's no red zone targets. Devonte Freeman. Owners are getting destroyed because they cannot move the ball. Every single drive was third and long. It felt like so terrible. There can't start Matt Ryan. You have to start devontae Fehman most likely, but not A good game. And Ryan Fitzpatrick has been putting up huge fantasy numbers. Another stud muffin of the week. You know, Dalton or not Dalton, I'm sorry. Decker and Decker and Marshall, they're just good.

[Andy Holloway]

They're good for. Each one gets a touchdown a week. That's pretty much what's happened almost all year long. Is. Is every single game a Decker, you get a touchdown. Marshall, you get a touchdown. So that gives a great baseline for Fitzpatrick. I don't love his matchup this coming week against the Cowboys. They have a pretty good defense, but it's hard for me not to believe that Decker is going to get a touchdown and that Marshall is going to get a touchdown. Even against those boys, especially Marshall has.

[Jason Moore]

Touchdowns in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 straight games. The touchdown yesterday was hilarious.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, my goodness. If you didn't see it, go, look at the clip. It was.

[Jason Moore]

So we'll transition into wide receivers. We've talked about Doug Baldwin. Three more touchdowns for Baldwin. A must start at this point.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Who else do you want to bring up? Because Gin would be somebody we're talking about in fantasy again.

[Mike Wright]

And that's. Yes. I'll say this for Gin. You got to formulate how you bring them out of your mouth. Because he's not a guy you want to plug in as your wide receiver, too. I mean, yeah. 120 yards and two touchdowns on two catches.

[Andy Holloway]

That was both of them.

[Mike Wright]

I mean, that's not something you're like, Yep, every single week, but would you.

[Jason Moore]

Rather rely on two catches from Ted Ginn or means from. Yeah, from Ginn with Cam Newton or throw DeSean Jackson out there and wait on Cousins to hit him deep like Newton is playing at such a level that I've started to elevate Ginn as that, you know, great flex play in a matchup that can give you a game like this. He was the leading scorer at the wide receiver position in most leagues, but it's still Baldwin.

[Mike Wright]

It's still a flex player to me.

[Jason Moore]

Yes, I agree with you.

[Mike Wright]

Where if you are, let's say you don't have a flex. I mean, you better have some strong floor players if you're going to throw Gin in there to put the icing on your Strawberry shortcake of a team?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Put you over the top.

[Jason Moore]

That's your team name, wasn't it?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. The Strawberry Shortcakes.

[Jason Moore]

Is your team dead now? Is that how it works?

[Mike Wright]

I renamed my team the Jose Aldos because that's what it felt like.

[Jason Moore]

He didn't have any touchdowns either. Well, I guess one, he had a.

[Mike Wright]

Touch to his face of a punch.

[Jason Moore]

Jason, I want to talk to you about Alan Hearns because you have shown the most confidence in him and he once again repaid that confidence with a huge touchdown in this game. Being back on the field, where is he? Rest the season for you.

[Andy Holloway]

Allen Hearns is very much like Eric Decker to me. He's that second wide receiver who just gets a touchdown every single week. Blake Bortles has been a good enough quarterback to get him that touchdown. As far as where he goes forward, I would like Decker more than Hearns, but they are so similar to me both in the fact that they are always injured and always play. I am never going to be afraid of Hearns from an injury report. He has shown too many times. He's shown. What week are we in? 13. So he's shown 12 weeks basically that.

[Mike Wright]

He could be week 14.

[Andy Holloway]

Week 14. So he missed a week and I think he's had one bad week. So 12, 12 times he has essentially been injured and not able to practice in full and he comes in and gets the job done. You go to Atlanta next week. We saw Ginn take a couple long ones over the top this last week, and then they finish the year at New Orleans, which has been juicy. But I will say this. We need to. We need to realize that New Orleans has been a better defense the last few weeks, and we need to stop just seeing them as an automatic, awesome fantasy matchup. They're still, they're still beatable.

[Jason Moore]

Didn't pan out for Winston Evans, Safari and Jenkins this week.

[Andy Holloway]

Exactly. And over the last few weeks, they give up the fewest yards, shockingly, to the wide receiver, and it came with a defensive coordinator change. It wasn't just out of the blue. They started being better. They changed their D coordinator, and then they were better.

[Mike Wright]

We need a. The fantasy players. We need a petition. We need to get a petition going with signatures from around the world. Reinstate Rob Ryan in New Orleans for fantasy. We need that.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, well, it's not. It's not been as easy going. And I've said this so many times, don't overplay the matchup. Play the player, not just the matchup. We saw this happen earlier. I realized on the show we were debating Ty Hilton and Vincent Jackson in the context though, of Hasselbeck's injury. And so you, you measure those things. But, you know, Vincent Jackson, great matchup, terrible game. Ty Hilton, worst situation, big game. It's a. I understand. Yeah, he got hurt, but so Mike Evans right The matchup is so juicy. People doubt Ty Hilton because of the quarterback situation. Didn't really pan out that way. You know, generally the cream rises and the better players can put up games in different situations. I don't know if there's anybody else. I mean, Golden Tate had a good game. Yeah, Golden Tate had a very good.

[Mike Wright]

Game because Calvin Johnson disappeared. Did not. I'm getting ahead of things. I apologize.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, so one sort of running backs, Golden Tate.

[Andy Holloway]

Just, just real quick before we move on. Nine catches this week. Eight catches. Seven catches. Eight catches. That's receptions, not targets.

[Jason Moore]

That's Jim Bob Cooter coming in and the offense changing again.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, that's fantastic. And so he's got a decent, he's got a decent floor there where you know you're not going to get nothing. And now he has three touchdowns in his last three games.

[Jason Moore]

So I also want to kind of emphasize my growing affections for Randall Cobb because of the play calling changes.

[Mike Wright]

No, seriously, that's growing. Since when? Since Sunday.

[Jason Moore]

Since. Since Mike McCarthy was made the play caller.

[Mike Wright]

Which was Sunday.

[Jason Moore]

Which was Sunday, because funny, we're talking about dropping him.

[Andy Holloway]

But this week he said to me before the game that with Mike McCarthy going, Randall Cobb is someone really interesting to watch and see how it pans out.

[Jason Moore]

Well, him and Lacey Both, because when McCarthy was the play caller, those guys had a more integral part of the offense. And now you saw Cobb come out and have the higher volume of catches. Cobb never had the guaranteed touchdowns, but if he's catching four a week, he's useless. If he's eight or nine a week, he has a role and then he has the potential of the touchdowns too. So I am encouraged is a much better way. Growing affection is the wrong word. Encouraged by Cobb, encouraged by Lacey. I told a lot of people to start Lacey this week because of the switchover that seemed to happen with McCarthy's attitude toward him. And we know what they can be. I mean, if you're going to start somebody, start somebody that you know can be something great if you're just taking a shot in the dark.

[Mike Wright]

Which we saw a goal line sequence where Green Bay was still being a little shady to Eddie Lacey with the first two. He did just the first two carries, they didn't give him to Lacey. So I mean, Green Bay 24 for.

[Jason Moore]

124 and a touchdown for Eddie Lacy. 1 for 24 in the air. James Starks contributed 11 for 71, 4 for 32, two touchdowns with a huge run. Starks is this Starks is give me 10 carries, give me a couple catches and I'll make a big play. He's not been the bell cow guy, so it's better for both guys in a lot of ways. But would you start Starks in any situation?

[Mike Wright]

I would flex him at this point.

[Jason Moore]

If you were me. And I lost Thomas Rawls.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, if they're going to continue to split the snaps like they have been and they're not just going to say Eddie Lacy go, then he has to have some value as a running back who's on a higher powered offense. You got to believe in him.

[Jason Moore]

Are we back to trusting in Todd Gurley?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I said last week there was some doubt. Absolutely, there was some doubt. But you see the offensive coordinator change and the fact that, you know, there was the question of is this the rookie wall for a guy who was coming off a knee surgery, that makes complete sense. If that was the reason for his.

[Jason Moore]

Lack of production case Keenum was back.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, that's fair.

[Jason Moore]

The Foles games, Gurley was terrible. Keenum somehow is moving his offense a little bit differently.

[Mike Wright]

I believe the Rams also had a pick six. I mean, just the game flow stayed in control.

[Andy Holloway]

For one of the things that you notice, I picked up really into that game right before Gurley's first touchdown and before his first that, that drive where he got that touchdown, I think he had eight carries for like, I don't know, eight yards. He had a terrible beginning to this game. And that is why, I mean, Gurley.

[Jason Moore]

You see that sticking with the run.

[Andy Holloway]

Peterson, he's the type of running back that wears guys down. And I mean, you saw it in Arizona. He had a terrible first half and then just. Well, no, against, I'm saying the first week in Arizona, when he came out, Todd Gurley.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, Gurley, I was like, Peterson was backwards.

[Andy Holloway]

No, no, no, no. Where. Where he. He wore. Wore us down. And so with an offensive coordinator that's dedicated to continuing to give him the ball, I am not worried about Todd Gurley.

[Jason Moore]

All right, so Gurley won people some weeks this week if you stuck with him. David Johnson Thursday night had a big game, could have had two touchdowns that game, ended up with none, but he still had a very solid game. D'Angelo Williams gave you a big game this week. Blah. Powell was very valuable for you again in PPR leagues. 3 for 36 only on the ground, but 5 for 46 and a touchdown in the air. Big third down plays. It seems like Powell comes through.

[Mike Wright]

He's a flexworthy type of guy. Him and James Starks pretty much the.

[Andy Holloway]

Same type of situation, especially this coming week. I think it's going to be better for Powell or. I'm sorry, I'm thinking of the championship week, week 16, when they're facing the New England Patriots.

[Mike Wright]

I think catching up.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Game flow is going to be very good for Powell. So good. Good stash right now.

[Jason Moore]

That's going to be a heck of a game, by the way.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Because it's in New York and New York getting Revis back. Played very well on defense. The way that Fitzpatrick is playing right now, I think the jets will have.

[Mike Wright]

A shot in that massive playoff implications from that game.

[Jason Moore]

Absolutely. So let's move on. Tight ends. We got to get into our poop section, by the way, very soon.

[Mike Wright]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Not every show has a poop section. We are a unique show. That was one of the requirements to get Mike to stay on board with the. With the show was we have a segment that is.

[Andy Holloway]

That talks about his team.

[Mike Wright]

I put my foot down. I put my foot down. I said I'm hitting the bricks unless we talk about bms.

[Jason Moore]

That's. That's Mike for you. You know what's kind of funny? There's, like, a weird, small amount of people who just for some reason, really want you to shave your beard.

[Andy Holloway]

Really?

[Jason Moore]

Just for no reason other than they don't like beards. They're beardists.

[Mike Wright]

You can include my daughter. Really? Yeah, she wants you to.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, that's the one that could get it done, though.

[Mike Wright]

Nope.

[Jason Moore]

Forget these fantasy owners.

[Andy Holloway]

He hates his daughter.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Shave my beard. I'll throw you out of the house before I shave my beard.

[Andy Holloway]

Shave your head. Family life.

[Mike Wright]

I will offer her that deal. I will shave my beard if you shave your head.

[Andy Holloway]

And what if she says yes?

[Mike Wright]

I would never let you.

[Jason Moore]

Then she'd be like, daddy, why are you living in a different house? Cause your wife will see your daughter that day, and you'll be like. You'll walk out with. With a clean face. Your daughter will walk out bald, and you'll be like, we made a trade.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

And she'll be like, I'm gonna trade you.

[Mike Wright]

She's V for vendetta.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. That's what you're. What's your daughter? Six. Six years old.

[Mike Wright]

Her favorite movie. Guys, she's into the.

[Jason Moore]

She's into V for Vendetta.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

The whole lore. Good. All right, tight ends.

[Mike Wright]

Rule 86.

[Jason Moore]

Rule 86 came through in a big way. Nine for 120 and a touchdown. Jordan Reed back at it.

[Andy Holloway]

We actually have Rule 86 is here because Zach Miller also had a great game. Also number 86.

[Jason Moore]

Whoa.

[Andy Holloway]

So, I mean, they. And he's a guy that's been coming on hot. And Martellus Bennett is gone.

[Jason Moore]

He was a flyer for us. He was that. He's interesting. Bennett's gone. I made a post that said, I thought Eddie Royal might have a big role towards the end of the season because of the loss of Marcus Wilson now on IR and the loss of Bennett in this game. Zach Miller played a big part. Gary Barnage came through again, 5 for 84 and a touchdown in the better managed Cleveland Brown offense. Yes, they were playing the 49ers and they could run the ball, but hey, Gary Barnage is pretty darn solid. Robert Gronkowski, have you heard of him?

[Mike Wright]

In a surprise. Surprise.

[Jason Moore]

I went against this show in my league because on this show we said verbatim, if Gronk plays, you start him. Which thankfully, if you follow that advice, it was good. It was good advice. I didn't. I did not follow the advice. I was thrown off by Mike having some Thursday night guys that didn't do so good. And I was terrified about not playing ASJ in the morning. And I kept waiting. The reports on Rob Gronkowski were like, we'll be active, role limited, maybe ready to play, maybe not. And it was too frightening for me.

[Andy Holloway]

And I even went out ready if needed.

[Jason Moore]

I went out and I signed Will Ty for Monday just in case. But I didn't have the guts to go through and I didn't need him, thankfully, because that would have been heartbreaking to lose without Gronk or with him on your bench.

[Mike Wright]

I'm reminded of with the Gronk play, a similar situation I was in a couple years ago with Jimmy Graham. So exact same position when he was in, when he was on the Saints and he hurt his foot, I believe it was. And there was these. All these weeks of, maybe he's going to play, maybe he's not only in certain situations. And then he was basically only coming in for the red zone and catching touchdowns. But we kind of had that rule back then. Well, if Jimmy Graham is playing, you got to play him. But he had a few times where he came out and just sucked. So I don't, I don't blame you at all for not wanting to play him.

[Jason Moore]

Did you want me to play him?

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Okay.

[Mike Wright]

I did.

[Jason Moore]

That explains it. Yeah. Because I figured you might want the chance at a zero.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Because you never know. So let's, let's Go ahead and talk about the guys that let you down to depress you.

[Andy Holloway]

Pooped in his big boy pants.

[Jason Moore]

I feel like this segment right here needs to be one part condemnation of the player on behalf of our listeners so that we can. We almost take it out on them, you know, so that you can have that vitriol, get over your loss.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

And then one part, we need to make this useful maybe for owners that are still alive.

[Andy Holloway]

And I would say one part love for the listeners, because a lot of listeners had these guys and lost their playoff matchup because of this list of poopy pants fellas. And so I just want to say to the listeners that might, the listeners that had these bad breaks this week, kudos to you guys for still listening, for still caring. It is, it is for soon for everybody. A month from now, it's going to be time to be preparing for next. Next year. So we'll do everything here.

[Jason Moore]

I thought you were going to say it's time for. It'll be Game of Thrones time.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Jason Moore]

That'll be there as well. All right, well, we know, we know Andy Dalton let you down. There's nothing you could do about it. Pat yourself on the back because you didn't make a mistake. You just played Andy Dalton. It was a matchup that I liked. I played him in our Listener league, by the way. I lost in the first round of the Listener League thanks to Andy Dalton, so. And a little bit of Jonathan Stewart not playing in the second half.

[Mike Wright]

That.

[Jason Moore]

That was unfortunate. But I'm out. So it's going to be a listener this week or this year that wins the Listener League. All right, Matt Ryan, terrible game. Hopefully you didn't play him. Philip Rivers destroyed at home against Can't. I mean, in arrowhead against Kansas City. And Big Ben was the big story because he just, he. No touchdowns. No touchdowns. He had 30 for 282. They didn't need it. They didn't need to go deep to Martavis. They didn't need to play the, you know, they were wasting the clock out and they were having success doing it.

[Andy Holloway]

So from a fantasy perspective, let's talk these last two guys, Philip Rivers and Big Ben, because you have said Andy in the past and you did give yourself some time to say, well, let's wait and see how this week turns out, but that you would play Big Ben this coming week in week 15 against the vaunted Denver defense. And so now we've got Big Ben showing against a good matchup when it wasn't needed and they didn't need to air it out. It wasn't a good week at all for Big Ben. He, he, he crapped the pants. So this next week, do you have confidence starting him over a Bortles or, or even him over a Rivers at Miami?

[Jason Moore]

Yes, I think so. I do. I've taken some time to think about that. I knew that question was coming. There are a couple of matchups that I would definitely think about it long and hard, depending on what you need. But you didn't see, I mean, Derek Carr still had two touchdowns this past week against Denver. Yes, it wasn't a huge game, but it was two touchdowns. They won the game against Denver. Brock Osfire is being exposed a little bit, as are the drop of sources that he's throwing to. But there's, you know, there's still potential here for Big Ben to have a big game and need to have a game through the air. So would I start him? Yes. If I had a better. Like would you start him or Matt Stafford? Stafford had a bad game. Matt Stafford's playing New Orleans and there's going to be people saying the juicy matchup. They'll see the numbers.

[Andy Holloway]

Gotcha. You know, when you said that I was thinking Matt Ryan and I was like, what are you talking about? I wouldn't start anybody. That's actually a great question because to me, Matt Stafford or Big Ben is in question. I would not want to start Big Ben in the playoffs. I want a guy who's got the chance for a real high production game and I don't. I mean, Big Ben obviously has a.

[Jason Moore]

Chance because they're fighting for the playoffs. Yeah, Steelers are.

[Andy Holloway]

But I think that's going to be a low scoring game because it usually is against Denver. So I, I would rather play some other guys in, in better match.

[Jason Moore]

You'd play Bortles against Atlanta? Yeah, I would play Bortles.

[Mike Wright]

Bortles for sure.

[Andy Holloway]

I would play Bortles and I would probably.

[Jason Moore]

The Denver game is in Pittsburgh. Just. I want to throw that out there.

[Mike Wright]

I would probably play Stafford as well just because of the, the volume of points that will be scored.

[Jason Moore]

And I want to remind people too, Big Ben, 456 yards against Seattle.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

So it's not outside the realm of possibility. Brady had three touchdowns against Denver. They're tough decisions, but that's a big.

[Andy Holloway]

Difference because Seattle's had that happen to them by several different teams. Denver has not. Seattle's defense has definitely the same publicity, publicity machine that Denver's has. But Denver Doesn't Denver is a way, way better defense than Seattle. Seattle right now is winning with.

[Jason Moore]

But Brady put up good fantasy numbers against.

[Andy Holloway]

That was the one and only game this entire year where you could say good fantasy numbers came against them.

[Jason Moore]

And I'm not going to blame anybody for choosing a different option. If you are the far and away, let's say you're the far and away favorite in a matchup this week, who would you rather play? Would you rather play Big Ben or would you rather play the Bortles?

[Andy Holloway]

Stafford, probably the Bortle. Stafford in either.

[Jason Moore]

In either situation. Okay, that's fine. That's fine.

[Mike Wright]

His border, his Bortle is coming off of two or three monster games.

[Jason Moore]

He's several.

[Mike Wright]

So he's eating up.

[Jason Moore]

I think. I think he's moved beyond our NBA Jam references. I think he's pretty much. I mean he's a top. He'll end up now a top five, four, four, five quarterback on the year.

[Andy Holloway]

If you're in a six point per passing touchdown. He was already the sixth ranked quarterback and that's three weeks in a row that we're really, really hot.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Go with Bortles. All right.

[Jason Moore]

We got to move on. Running backs will let you down. Latavius Murray. I think we didn't have high expectations for any Raiders. They had 12 yards in the first half. That says about it all. Which means their second half was all right.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Jason Moore]

Because I mean Derek Carr ends up with 200 yards and two touchdowns.

[Mike Wright]

The game was a lot different in the second half.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

And then Jeremy Hill. We talked about it after a 22 carry week last week with a touchdown, he only had 7 for 16 this week did not go their way. Obviously we know what happened with McCarran and Dalton. DeMarco Murray. A lot of news broke. There were a lot of questions last week and we gave this perspective. We said maybe something's gonna change for Murray. But a lot of news broke on Sunday morning from Ian Rapaport and several places that they were gonna fourth string. They were gonna dress four guys and that Sprouls would be featured. So I tweeted that out right away because new information means a new game plan. So hopefully you didn't start Murray.

[Mike Wright]

And then they all split carries.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, they pretty much did. They pretty much did. C.J. spiller didn't do anything that brings up the. I'm going to mention him. Tim Hightail.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, we should.

[Andy Holloway]

He.

[Mike Wright]

I don't know. Was he. Did he have a big enough game to be a stud?

[Andy Holloway]

He was definitely A fantasy stud for people that needed him. Had Ingram go down and played him. You saw what we had been kind of talking about, that C.J. spiller had already had plenty of opportunities this year to be the guy, and they chose not to because of fear of pass protection. I mean, he got the work. I think he had 29 touches or something like that. I don't. I don't.

[Jason Moore]

Hightower.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

Get the number right. Get the number right. All right, all right.

[Andy Holloway]

Let's get that number right. Let's see. I'll.

[Jason Moore]

28 attempts.

[Andy Holloway]

28. 28 carries and a catch. So I got the number exactly right. 29 touches. Better to be right for Tim Hightower. And so three a carry. Plus he got.

[Jason Moore]

Didn't run well.

[Andy Holloway]

Nope. Nope. And he got a touchdown.

[Mike Wright]

But volume, that's what you want.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. You've got the guy here that is coming into the Mark Ingram role. He is not anywhere near as talented as Mark Ingram, but if you've got. I mean, he's on waivers, still in, you know, 60% of leagues right now. So grab him. He'll definitely be on the list because he's going to get the carries and the touches and the role that you're looking for.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. If you're a Rawls owner, that's a guy you can sign. And we'll talk all about waiver wire pickups tomorrow when we give you our kind of detailed list about those guys. And we will get to hear some injury report updates today which will let you know where guys are going to be. Spiller's not long for New Orleans. He won't be back. I have no doubt he'll be gone. Char west had 10 for 54, which I guess puts him in the poopy category if you're counting on him. He had a 57 yard touchdown called back thanks to a Travis Kelsey offensive passenger penalty. Yeah, and then Alfred Blue had no carries in Houston.

[Andy Holloway]

That's crazy.

[Mike Wright]

And you know who else pooped their pants in my dreams?

[Jason Moore]

I don't know. But I'm guessing you're going to tell us all about it.

[Mike Wright]

The big salad.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, for what?

[Mike Wright]

A letdown from Sean Drone and San Francisco as a whole. Come on, you're playing against Cleveland, the worst rushing defense in the league. Get it together.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, they. They didn't see Johnny Manziel hit himself in the head with a tablet.

[Mike Wright]

I did.

[Jason Moore]

Because he was mad about a pick.

[Andy Holloway]

Are you kidding me? I got to look that up.

[Jason Moore]

And then when Mike Pettno was asked about it, Mike Petton said He beat me to it. He said, when you make a boneheaded play, that's fine.

[Mike Wright]

Mike Pettin is a professional wrestler, so I'm surprised he didn't come in with the chair. With the metal chair.

[Jason Moore]

Wide receivers. Hey, guys. How did Amari Cooper do?

[Andy Holloway]

Just worse than Michael Crabtree. He did just worse than Michael Crabtree.

[Jason Moore]

Michael Crabtree is 4 for 19.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. 4 for 19 yards. He caught the ball four times. So these were my set of the week. And this brings us back.

[Jason Moore]

Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, exactly. I mean, you have two quality receivers here. One of the best tandems in the league that got that gets shut down by that Denver D. So hopefully you didn't play him. We said to sit them and play almost anyone over there.

[Jason Moore]

You're not sitting Antonio Brown, are you?

[Andy Holloway]

No, no.

[Mike Wright]

In Big Ben is better than Derek Carr.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, agreed.

[Andy Holloway]

And you've got Martavis Bryant better than Crabtree, and you've got Antonio Brown better than. Better than Cooper.

[Jason Moore]

So DeAndre Hopkins did not deliver for fantasy owners. Game flow quarterback situation. 3 for 52. What's going on with DeAndre Hopkins?

[Mike Wright]

Well, first off, the Texans, I have no idea what was going on with their offensive protection schemes and play calling of. Okay, Hoyer, seven step drop gets absolutely smashed. You're like, should we. Should we do anything different, guys? No, we'll just. We'll run that play again. Seven step, seven step drop smashed. Brian Hoyer. I was, we. I was talking to Jason. I say this guy is getting the full on Josh McCown treatment where he is getting annihilated.

[Jason Moore]

Seven strip jaw, seven step on every single drop back.

[Mike Wright]

He's just getting annihilated. And you can see the hits taking their toll. Eventually he got concussed. But do something different.

[Andy Holloway]

Since we're on the topic. Breaking news. Brian Hoyer not expected to play this week. They're preparing for Jay Yates with the concussion protocol going on right now for Hoyer.

[Jason Moore]

Now, historically, Yates has been dependent upon DeAndre Hopkins in the right way, so doesn't mean a downgrade for him. Jordan Matthews had a really bad game. I don't think anybody can count on him. We kind of hope he'd have a better game. Calvin Johnson, we talked about it. Horrible game. Des Bryant could do nothing.

[Mike Wright]

Well, I know he did some stuff, but that included dropping passes.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I, you know, those happen when like the first five or six targets air mail you and you're just not expecting the ball to be there. Not a good situation in Dallas. And then Vincent Jackson, Emmanuel Sanders had Very bad games. Is there anybody worth talking about or can we move on to tight ends? Moving on Charles Clay, if you expected him to have a good week, we told you it was an anomaly. An anomaly. Last week, Eric Eber in 3 for 24, Austin severing Jenkins. Is that the right number? 3 for 31.

[Mike Wright]

It looks right. Well, let's double check that.

[Andy Holloway]

That's right.

[Jason Moore]

But for Charles, nothing.

[Mike Wright]

Charles Clay, he must have had a situation with TSA and that invisibility cloak. Yeah, it was not allowed on the team charter this week.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, the reason why 3 for 31 seems wrong is because that is actually what he had last week, but it is also what he had this week.

[Mike Wright]

Really?

[Andy Holloway]

Three for 31. Exactly.

[Jason Moore]

Back to back weeks I thought he had four catches, but yeah, he had like some first down catches but not very targeted, not on the field as much. I'm curious what the snap count was for him. So I have to look at that. So Monday night game, we're going to move on. Talk about the Giants and Dolphins playoff matchups in the balance. If you're an Eli Manning owner, if you are A Odell Beckham Jr. Owner, if you are a Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller, Jarvis landry and maybe DeAndre Parker or Devonte Parker. I must change his name. Hey, by the way, what did you say about Devonte Adams?

[Andy Holloway]

He stinks.

[Jason Moore]

He got benched. Got benched.

[Andy Holloway]

Got benched for stinking.

[Jason Moore]

Someone's listening to this show.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike McCarthy says take a shower, you stink.

[Jason Moore]

I'm taking over play calling and you're not a part of it. Get on the bench.

[Andy Holloway]

Good. I mean that's what needed to happen. We, everybody could see it.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, well, he stinks, so. All right, who is going to play the part of fantasy football hero in tonight's game? Is his name devonte Parker? Is that possible?

[Mike Wright]

It's absolutely.

[Jason Moore]

Because I have to start him next week against Jason.

[Mike Wright]

It is absolutely possible and here is why. Because we have seen Rashard Matthews be successful and be a serviceable fantasy wide receiver. Devonte Parker is a better, he's more talented wide receiver. Who is. We have to assume so these. That's the problem with this is the assumptions that you have to make. He's a rookie, has done basically nothing. He has one play really the entire season, but it's December now. Does he know the playbook? Is he ready to go and he's going to get the opportunity? And when you, when you add up all those things, I think it's a safe assumption to say that yes, he will succeed and he should be a wide receiver too.

[Andy Holloway]

You know who I think is going to have a really good game tonight that isn't. I mean Odie, Odell Beckham. He's going to have a great game tonight, but I don't think that that's that surprising if you're out there. I mean we're at Monday now where I think your lineups are pretty much set and it's just a hope and feeling and so if you are the Lamar Miller owner, I think Lamar Miller is going to go off tonight. I believe if you look at the New York Giants, they've given up over 100 yards in every week since week five with the exception of against New England, which chosen really not to run the ball that game and last week against the Jets. A good running team, but that was a game flow thing where they passed the ball. We talked about that last week. They passed the ball the entire game because the game got out of hand really quick. So Lamar Miller I think is going to get plenty of carries, plenty of work and have a great game tonight.

[Jason Moore]

I. Yeah. Miller is one of those guys that has the potential and has won people weeks in the past and if they give him that many carries, it's a safe bet that he'll give you a good number. Eli Manning, do we expect him to produce tonight?

[Mike Wright]

What's interesting about this matchup is with both of these quarterbacks and both of these teams, you're expecting a big night. You're expecting a shootout of points. I would say over 50 points scored could easily turn into a game where only 30 points are scored. Eileen towards the side of more points will go on the board. But because of, because of Eli Manning's ability, special ability to throw interceptions and Ryan Tannehill's special ability to not even throw for 100 yards in this era of the quarterback, which is simply mind blowing that he was able to accomplish that.

[Andy Holloway]

That's a feat in a victory. None.

[Jason Moore]

That is a feat. I'm the most dismissive of that game of anybody. I think it's a complete anomalous. Know what you had with Baltimore's offense being unable to do anything, save the game, preserve the game.

[Mike Wright]

Completely agree. But it's still a feat.

[Jason Moore]

It is a feat. That being said, only game of the year that Jarvis Landry laid an egg was last week. The entire season before that he's had a baseline and a half point PPR league of almost nine points a game. Landry gets back on track tonight in my opinion as well as the Offense can kind of do what it does, which hasn't been great but for Landry and one other receiver or Landry and Miller, you know, it can be very productive. So I think Landry will get if you have him, I would be fairly confident in him tonight. Let's go ahead and move on. Answer a couple of questions before we close out today's show.

[Mike Wright]

Mailbag Mailbag Monday Monday.

[Jason Moore]

If you have a question of your own for this upcoming week, you can go to the website thefantasyfootballers.com Click on the Submit a question button and send us your question. You can also call us 302-464-TFFB. Leave us a voicemail question. Going to answer one of those right now.

[D]

Hey Andy, Mike and Jason, I have a quick question for you. This is Billy from Seattle. I made it into the playoffs this week. We have a 15, 16, 17 week playoffs. Basically my whole flex lineup got kind of screwed over this week with Thomas Rawls and Brian Hartline being out for the season. What would you guys think would be my best replacements for them? For me being In a deep 12 man league, any surprising picks out there for me that I may be able to get in because I'm not sure if I'd feel safe picking up Jean Harris because he didn't look very good out there. All right guys, thanks for everything and thanks for helping me get to the playoffs. Bye Bye.

[Andy Holloway]

So now this is a question for future weeks, not for today. In a pinch is that, is that how I understand?

[Jason Moore]

He wants to know who to replace Rawls with moving forward. Who are some sneaky pickups in a 12 team league that he might be able to go grab at the running back position? I mean I can think of a couple off the top of my head. The fact Blue got no carries, maybe Polk is a guy you can grab. I mean this is in a pinch.

[Mike Wright]

I mean Grimes was the better.

[Andy Holloway]

Harris is definitely your number one option. That's who I think.

[Jason Moore]

I don't agree.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, that's fine. I'm just saying if I've got a. If we know he's on the wire and we don't know who else is on the wire, I mean I would rather have Tim Hightower than him. So if Hightower is out there, but if It's a deep 12 team league, he's probably not out there this week. So for me, I think Harris is the guy that I'm looking for because he's going to replace that role. He's not that talented by comparison. But you're on a running team.

[Mike Wright]

Well, tell me this. So would you rather have Dwan Harris at home against Cleveland or would you.

[Jason Moore]

Rather have probably yes to whatever you're.

[Mike Wright]

Going to, or would you rather have Tim Hightower against Detroit?

[Jason Moore]

I would take Hightower. I would take Hightower.

[Mike Wright]

You take Hightower.

[Jason Moore]

Because part of the equation here is you need to pay attention. We can't just tell you the name because if dejuan Harris, if they sign a guy this week.

[Mike Wright]

Right.

[Jason Moore]

If lynch is going to be back.

[Mike Wright]

Speaking of signing again, Fred Jackson, there's a running. There's a running back who I'm sure that he's familiar with this. That's clearly. That's just a joke.

[Andy Holloway]

Mike is on the Christmas.

[Jason Moore]

You didn't even say the name.

[Mike Wright]

I didn't get to finish the joke. You didn't let me finish it.

[Jason Moore]

You could have.

[Mike Wright]

It's called timing, my man.

[Jason Moore]

It's comedic gold and you could have followed it up. Christine, Michael was the name you were going to say?

[Mike Wright]

Yes. Kristen Michael is on the practice squad in Washington. No, it's not going to happen. Maybe Marshawn lynch is on your waiver wire. Grab him and then we talk Denard Robinson.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

If.

[Mike Wright]

If TJ Elden is going to miss and it's very possible he's going to miss at least this week. That's Atlanta.

[Jason Moore]

Alfred Morris, Matt Jones.

[Mike Wright]

I would pick up Jones over Morris, but if it's deep, they're probably both owned.

[Jason Moore]

All right. Yeah. I mean, the options we were.

[Andy Holloway]

Brandon Bolden, maybe.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, maybe.

[Andy Holloway]

If.

[Jason Moore]

I mean, we'll have to wait for.

[Andy Holloway]

The news to come out there. James White for sure. If James White is out there, grab him because he is utilized. If he's not, Brandon Bolden should be out there and could be serviceable. If Blunt is gone, Best catch of.

[Jason Moore]

James White's night was called back.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, that was a great catch.

[Jason Moore]

He is very small and he went up very high to get that ball. All right. So we will be able to give you more names tomorrow on the show. In terms of the information we have, if dejuan Harris looks like he's going to be the starter next week, it changes the equation. I was just unsure of the maybe.

[Mike Wright]

Crowell.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

I thought he's owned in 36% of leagues.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. So Crowell will be on our waiver wireless for sure. One more question from Steven in Philadelphia. Jarvis Landry or Lamar Miller in the flex tonight. Ppr. Full ppr.

[Andy Holloway]

Ooh, I'm going. Lamar Miller. I can definitely see a world where Jarvis Landry outscores Miller. But I think Miller's baseline in a world. In a world. I think Lamar Miller's baseline is higher. With the new offensive coordinator change, they're going to get him the ball. We saw Jarvis Landry have a down week and I think the ceiling of Lamar Miller is absolutely just as high as Jarvis Landry. So I'm going.

[Jason Moore]

Miller, I'm going to ask one more question. This is from Andy in Phoenix. Who would you want to have and start moving forward for Philadelphia?

[Mike Wright]

Oh, man.

[Jason Moore]

Most carries went to Ryan Matthews. Most production went to Sprouls. Most annoying went to demarco Murray.

[Mike Wright]

It's the three headed monster which. Here's the situation for Philadelphia. If they are done with DeMarco Murray, then this was the week you would have. They would have sat him down and said, okay, we're going to move on from you. If you're trying to salvage a future with the marker Murray, then you got to play him like you did. So he's going to be involved.

[Jason Moore]

Couldn't it be a mix of both because they're in the playoff hunt though?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, it definitely could be. I think if it's. If you're in a redraft league and you need one of those guys, I would want Ryan Matthew or demarco Murray. But if you are in a keeper league, I do like the idea. I would rather have even for this season because it's so close to me. It's so close whether I would want Ryan Matthews more just for playing this season or whether I'd want DeMarco Murray. So if I'm in a keeper league, I think I'd rather have DeMarco Murray in case me and Matthews or Matthew.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, you're confusing me here because you also said that you'd rather have DeMarco Murray for the rest of the year. You just said in a redraft league. So you take rest of season, then you're saying to Michael Murray.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, okay. Water bet.

[Mike Wright]

No, wait, what? Murray versus what Matthews.

[Andy Holloway]

I don't want to water bet. I don't want to even put any odds because it could be Sprouls.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I'm just wondering why you think it's Murray after he was the least productive.

[Andy Holloway]

Kind of what Mike is saying. We saw the benching get taken place last week for Eddie Lacy and this seemed to be a week where it was like you went above me, you went to management. You are getting benched to the fourth string even though he came in kind of.

[Jason Moore]

But he was already benched last week against with sprawls being featured.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I believe this. Next week DeMarco Murray gets the most carries.

[Jason Moore]

How much do you believe that?

[Andy Holloway]

Not enough to water bet. I'm just making.

[Jason Moore]

So you're giving advice to our listeners, but you're not going to put it on the line in a water bet. Is what you're saying that is it. Just say that out loud. I'm not going to risk what I'm saying.

[Andy Holloway]

If you're listening to me, Foot Clan, I am telling you, you cannot bank on this advice.

[Jason Moore]

I did my best, Mike.

[Andy Holloway]

Bank on any advice of anybody saying DeMarco Murray is definitely the guy, or Ryan Matthews is definitely guy, or Darren Sproul is definitely guy. Nobody.

[Jason Moore]

I'm gonna make sure I get that cut. You cannot bank on my advice. That's what I want it. That's what I want to remember.

[Mike Wright]

No, here's if you're so. If you're so strong about it, you should water bet yourself.

[Jason Moore]

That's ridiculous.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, is it? You're so confident, Water bet.

[Jason Moore]

We'll see you tomorrow, everybody.

[Mike Wright]

Goodbye.

[Andy Holloway]

Thank you for listening. Another edition of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Don't forget to visit us on the web at www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow us on Twitter the FFballers.