
Fantasy Football Podcast for December 30, 2015. Week 17 preview! The Fantasy Footballers deliver your daily dose of fantasy football knowledge, breaking down the week 15 fantasy football matchups and giving you their sits of the week. Get everything you
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Andy Holloway
Foreign.
Jason Moore
To the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts, Andy Holloway, Jason Moore and Mike Wright.
Andy Holloway
Hello, everybody. Hello, everybody. It is Wednesday, December 30th.
Jason Moore
Yes.
Andy Holloway
Yes. Ron Burgundy. How is this year almost over?
Mike Wright
What? Because that's what time does it. Time continues to pass no matter what you do, my friend.
Andy Holloway
Like sand through the hourglass. So welcome to the philosophical episode of. Of the fantasy football.
Mike Wright
So crates.
Andy Holloway
So crates. Yes. Are you guys doing anything for New Year's? New Year's Eve?
Mike Wright
You better believe I'm gonna be at my house. I'll be at my house. I'll put my kids to bed. I'll probably go to bed.
Andy Holloway
That's what it's been like for us.
Jason Moore
I might be eating some Chinese food that night.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I might be doing that as well. Like special or like sand through the.
Mike Wright
Wait, but I'm saying a special place or you're going to make some.
Jason Moore
No. Go out with some. Or that's a tradition to. A tradition that I might be joining in on.
Mike Wright
Oh, that's fun.
Andy Holloway
He was invited.
Jason Moore
They only invite champs.
Andy Holloway
Yeah. Once you won the title, we thought we'd bring you out for some New Year's celebration. So welcome to the show. It is Wednesday. As I said, we've got some trivia, some news on the show today. We got the fantasy forecast for our Week 17 matchups. We're going to get into that, got some sits of the week. It's going to be a good show. We're going to get you your Week 17 titles. I really am curious, how many leagues played a week 17? I don't have a percentage on that. I know quite a few do. We've gotten the emails from a lot of people. We've also gotten a lot of emails from Foot clan, title winners, champions. We actually put out a shirt yesterday in case you wanted to show off your championship.
Mike Wright
Yeah, you want a trophy shirt?
Andy Holloway
We came out with a trophy shirt, title shirt. You can get that on the website thefantasyfootballers.com follow us on Twitter the ffballers. We'll post about it again on there. So let's just get into it, guys.
Jason Moore
Let's do it.
Andy Holloway
Let's start this. Let's start this show. We've got. I got two pieces of fantasy trivia. These get better as the year goes on. So now that we're near the end, it's kind of nice because you got to figure these out. Let's see if you get them in standard leagues. Alright. So hype. You know, this is me in standard leagues. I have never eclipsed 20 points in a game. This season. However, I'm a top 10 player at my position. My longest catch of the season has been 35 yards. I've only reached the hundred yard mark one time this season. And I haven't had a multi touchdown game since 2013. Who am I?
Jason Moore
My last chance. I know I don't know who it is but I know who my answer is for sure. And I think every listener knows who my answer is.
Mike Wright
I don't know who your answer is.
Andy Holloway
You should.
Mike Wright
Should I?
Jason Moore
Oh, I asked last week.
Mike Wright
Oh, okay. I know this sounds like him.
Jason Moore
Do you have a guess?
Mike Wright
I actually my guess would be it's a tight end. It would be my guess. I don't have the. Let me have that little sheet there.
Jason Moore
Here's your little throw.
Mike Wright
Throw out. Your guess.
Jason Moore
My guess is finally the man, the myth, the legend, the answer to every question Eric Decker has only been 35 years.
Mike Wright
I don't think there's any possible way this is Eric Decker.
Jason Moore
The 35 yards was the thing that threw me off. But I'm pretty confident that he's only had 100 yards.
Andy Holloway
Would you like me to give you the answer?
Jason Moore
If it's Eric Decker, I sure would.
Andy Holloway
The answer is Eric Decker.
Jason Moore
Oh really?
Andy Holloway
Yes. Eric Decker has finally yards. That is his longest catch of the year.
Mike Wright
Okay.
Andy Holloway
Yes. That is so finally. I mean what a season for Eric Decker. He is just tried and true. He reminds me of, you know, the kind of consistency you used to see from like an Anquan Bolden when he was running alongside Larry Fitzgerald.
Jason Moore
I believe on our main sleeper show before the draft. Our last sleeper show. He was your number one pick.
Mike Wright
Oh man. Yeah, I loved him.
Andy Holloway
But I mean very good.
Mike Wright
Just like everyone saw coming at the beginning of the season. The high powered jets offense was going to produce two top 10 wide receivers.
Andy Holloway
We thought that Geno Smith went down. Alright, last one for you. 2015 has not been my best fantasy season. I started off really hot proving why fantasy owners took me as the eighth player off the board at my position. Then I became ice cold. Only eclipsing 75 yards twice since week four. And in standard leagues, I'm not even a number one receiver on my team anymore. I had more touchdowns in week three than I had in my last 12 games combined. Who am I?
Jason Moore
Who? Easy peasy.
Andy Holloway
Jason is good at this game. My.
Mike Wright
My brain is. It was one of those nights.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, everybody mentioned that with.
Mike Wright
With the kids was one of those nights. So the brain is not firing at maximum capacity.
Jason Moore
I'll give you a hint for especially.
Mike Wright
Not for trivia right now.
Jason Moore
The reason this is so easy to me is because he is on my roster in our league of record still. I didn't drop him. I, I wanted to. I thought about it. Oh, but he's still there.
Andy Holloway
The great mystery that is so Randall Cobb is. Randall Cobb.
Jason Moore
I remember the three touchdown game and I was like, yeah, this guy's got to be great.
Andy Holloway
Randall Cobb is some somebody that we've debated a lot in the studio in terms of what is he now, what will he be when Jordy Nelson returns? It's been a disappointing year for him. Obviously. The. The opportunity seemed like it was right in front of him. This is an offense that's always been a buzz saw. We didn't see Aaron Rodgers having career lows across the board, but he did. And now Randall Cobb doesn't seem to be able to get the separation he had been getting. Or maybe he's getting more defensive coverage than we are giving him credit for. Either way, he's just not been involved. He's not been a core part of the offense and he certainly hasn't put up. He had one big game in week three, I think it was. And that's it.
Jason Moore
Yeah. Yeah.
Mike Wright
It's. It's a big, big endorsement of Jordy Nelson being great and being a great part of that offense and what really makes a move.
Andy Holloway
Do you think so?
Mike Wright
I think so.
Andy Holloway
Do you think that that's the. I mean, like, that's. What percentage wise, what percentage do you give to Jordan Nelson being gone as to why they've struggled?
Mike Wright
A. I would put a gigantic portion.
Jason Moore
Yeah. What. The number that came to my head was 80%. I thought early on the year. This is why about halfway through the year I said the reason that their offense is struggling is because devonte Adams stinks. Because it seems to me that what they are lacking is a true wide receiver. 1. They don't have a number one wide receiver and that team needs it.
Andy Holloway
You know who hasn't had one in a long time?
Jason Moore
Tom Brady.
Andy Holloway
Tom Brady.
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
Well, you think Tom Brady, you know, he never had those weapons, different style.
Mike Wright
Well, Tom Brady doesn't have a wide receiver one, but Tom Brady has Rob Gronkowski. I mean, you, you saw what happened to the.
Andy Holloway
Aaron Rodgers has Randall Cobb.
Mike Wright
Randall Cobb is not Gronkowski. Randall Cobb is not a guy who by himself can take over again.
Andy Holloway
I just. What I don't want to do is I don't want to scapegoat the situation and Take away responsibility from, you know, Eddie Lacy was a part of this problem.
Mike Wright
Sure.
Andy Holloway
Not being the guy all year long that was consistent and being, you know, providing some play action passes and some, you know, consistency at that position. But Rodgers hasn't been very good. I know the line's been bad, but he's been skittish in the pocket. His accuracy percentage has been way down and I, you know, we haven't seen that type of an impact. When guys go down in New England, you know, Tom Brady doesn't go out there and throw 20% worse in terms of completion percentage.
Jason Moore
True.
Mike Wright
But there's clearly a lull in Brady's numbers when Gronk is out of the, is out of the game.
Andy Holloway
Yes, there is, but not his, not his productivity as a quarterback for the team. They win games still.
Jason Moore
Well, the, I mean, the Green Bay packers are in the playoffs and have won plenty of games this year. I mean, I, I'm not, I'm not.
Andy Holloway
Trying to say Aaron Rodgers isn't a great quarterback. I'm just curious about the situation there and just want to make sure we, we're seeing something from Aaron Rodgers, fantasy wise that is going to be interesting for next year at a minimum for fantasy owners. Right. Because you're going to go into the season, Jordy Nelson will be back, they'll have made changes and then what do we do with him for Jordan?
Mike Wright
Wait, sorry.
Andy Holloway
Aaron Rodgers.
Mike Wright
I still, I still take him.
Jason Moore
Yeah, I take. No, I think, put it this way, when we're putting together our lists of where the quarterbacks are, I think Aaron Rodgers is probably going to be my number one quarterback next year.
Mike Wright
Yeah, he'll still be a top three.
Andy Holloway
He's going to pass Cam Newton, he's going to pass Carson Palmer. Who's going to come back into the same offense.
Jason Moore
Yeah, I think so. It's too early to tell for sure.
Andy Holloway
That is 100%. Then, you know, what is that? Seniority to me.
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
I mean, fantasy seniority where he has. But this is what we didn't want people to do with luck. But Rodgers obviously has a much more sustainable pattern of success, track record and.
Jason Moore
The year after year after year success and then losing your number one wide receiver and then, and then basically he's fallen to what, like the sixth best quarterback this year? I mean, we look at him right now like he's garbage. No, not at all. I do. I mean, I'm just saying by comparison of draft position, of draft position and past and history, I just don't think it's going to stick here for Aaron Rodgers.
Andy Holloway
He's seven in our league format, six.
Mike Wright
Point per touchdown, six in standard.
Andy Holloway
Okay, so the guys ahead of him right now are you guys tell me Carson projecting to next year. Cam Newton.
Jason Moore
Cam's going to be super high.
Andy Holloway
Okay. But Tom Brady, you would take Rogers over Brady? You guys both answered this. I probably will Rogers over Brady.
Jason Moore
Russell Wilson definitely take Russell.
Mike Wright
I'll take him over Russell.
Andy Holloway
Blake Bortles.
Mike Wright
Yeah, Blake Bortles will be. And then Blake Bortles is going to be very interesting just to see where he gets drafted at all.
Andy Holloway
Carson Palmer.
Mike Wright
Yeah, same. Same type of a thing.
Jason Moore
To me I feel like Tom Brady, Cam Newton and. And Aaron Rodgers, those are the three guys that will. One of those three is going to be my number one.
Andy Holloway
I would take all five. The only one out of those five I would not take above Aaron Rodgers is probably Blake Bortles because that one doesn't make a lot of sense. You know you put a weapon back on Rogers team. He still had a couple huge games this year. But then you, you take those out and you're like okay, you get rid of a 47 and a 44. Because that kind of represents the consistency week to week. Just hasn't been it. You know they have off years. Peyton's done the same thing. He bounces, you know, comes off of 50 touchdown season to 29 and then he's back up the next year. Brady's done that too. He's not always been fantasy relevant. So Rodgers is obviously an incredible quarterback and he's been very consistent. So he'll be at that top echelon. But interesting discussion I didn't see coming there. So let's go ahead and move on.
Jason Moore
News and notes from around the league.
Andy Holloway
All right, the big news.
Mike Wright
Time for more interesting discussion.
Andy Holloway
Chip Kelly's gone. Sayonora.
Mike Wright
Goodbye Chip Kelly. You burned.
Andy Holloway
Does that mean that we no longer have to have that time to next play? Little graphic that's up on the screen constantly. And when the Eagles are in prime.
Jason Moore
Time they won't know what to do with with that game this week.
Andy Holloway
Well, that. That's going to be interesting.
Jason Moore
And speaking of that, I would say that I don't know what to do with the offense. I'm guessing it's going to be pretty much the same offense for the final week. But Sam Bradford was my start of the week and if you're in a championship game in Week 17.
Mike Wright
Stream of the week.
Jason Moore
Stream of the week. Thank you. As my streamer, I would rather probably go with one of your guys's streams. Just because there's the chance that they come out here and say, hey, we're a running team. I mean, you just don't know. And I don't want to take that gamble and that risk in a championship match.
Andy Holloway
It does make me more confident in my start of the week this week and the New York Giants offense in general, there's, you know, now even more of a unsettled situation on a defense that was terrible anyway.
Mike Wright
The only counter argument I'll give to that is the hoorah of the coach firing. We saw it happen with Miami this year where a team that had been horrific, they fired their coach for two games. Miami came out like full gangbusters.
Andy Holloway
This is such a different situation. This is week 17.
Jason Moore
I completely agree. And the players were. I mean, there were a lot of.
Andy Holloway
Games in New York, a lot of.
Jason Moore
Reports talking about the players being very, very upset and pissed and angry at this firing. So it's not the same.
Mike Wright
I say I'm reading about players who do. They don't like Chip Kelly.
Jason Moore
You're reading about DeMarcus.
Andy Holloway
There's nothing to hoorah for anymore. This season's over.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
And it's been said that Chip Kelly wanted to retain personnel control and that Lori balked at that and essentially two egos knocked together in a room and Kelly got fired. Is it the right move? Is it the wrong move? I don't know. He certainly made personnel decisions that were very questionable and did not come to fruition this year in a positive way. So did they give him enough time? Who knows? That could be debated forever. The truth of the matter is, is all of the kind of. I don't even know the right word for it, but all of the polish that comes with being in a Chip Kelly offense is now gone from those players heading into next year because Chip Kelly's not going to be there. It's not going to be this. We get off 20 more plays than everybody else per game situation. So, you know, we'll find out. We'll know a lot more when they hire somebody and when they set an offense in place and whether Bradford comes back. And like I said before the Show, I think DeMarco Murray is there. Yeah, I think he's there and he's going to get the rock.
Mike Wright
The quick take for me is that Sam Bradford say, the quick gut reaction. Sam Bradford will not be there.
Andy Holloway
He.
Mike Wright
He will leave and DeMarco Murray will still be there in Philadelphia, where it was looking more and more like he would be shipped out. I think he will be there and they will find a play caller who suits what DeMarco can do more.
Andy Holloway
All right, I'm going to shoot through the rest of this news. You guys jump in where you think a comment is relevant. All right. All right. Jonathan Stewart is not practicing on Wednesday.
Mike Wright
It's not a good sign for the. For the weekend.
Andy Holloway
Alshon Jeffrey, everybody's favorite soft groin injury, hamstring pole. He's on IR now.
Jason Moore
That's not good for Alshon Jeffries.
Andy Holloway
Fantasy production this week probably not going to do well this week. So I like Zach Miller a lot to pick up the slack. Once again a great tight end start Bill's place tight end Charles Clan IR as well. Very disappointing season for a guy that's getting paid as a tight end. One like a lot of money.
Mike Wright
It's very scientific.
Andy Holloway
Yeah. I mean he's being paid.
Jason Moore
Yes.
Andy Holloway
He's like a one.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
He has more guaranteed money than almost any tight end.
Mike Wright
Yeah. I believe I had read he's of any of any tight end who's not on a rookie contract. He is making the most per game or so.
Andy Holloway
They need to use him better. He's not a bad player. They just did not use him correctly.
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
All right. The Colts have signed Josh Freeman and Ryan Lindley, everybody's playoff darling from. Oh, wait, no, that was bad.
Mike Wright
I'm looking into the future, looking into the future injuries that are going to happen this week.
Andy Holloway
Who do you think are some possible players that might get injured this week?
Mike Wright
I think that Josh Freeman is staring at an injury.
Andy Holloway
What about Ryan Lindley?
Jason Moore
And Ryan Lindley is also.
Andy Holloway
He's somebody.
Jason Moore
He's a. Whoever gets to play for.
Mike Wright
The Colts is going to get hurt.
Andy Holloway
Because of the tissue paper offensive line.
Mike Wright
Because yeah, they can't protect the quarterback.
Jason Moore
And what this says clearly is that Andrew Luck will not be ready. So if you grabbed him off of waivers like I said yesterday is probably safe to drop him.
Mike Wright
So who do you want? Who would you rather watch this week? Would you rather it be Josh Freeman or Ryan Lindley?
Andy Holloway
Matt Hasselbeck.
Jason Moore
No, don't do it. Don't. He has a wife, children.
Mike Wright
This is purely from the perspective of it's going to be a total disaster.
Andy Holloway
So I'd like to see Josh Freeman back in the NFL and I would also just re emphasize that the Titans are a wonderful defensive play this week. Like we mentioned yesterday, this thing is going to be a problem.
Mike Wright
Do you remember when. When Josh Freeman, he got cut in Tampa Bay. He got Picked up by Minnesota. And Minnesota was having their quarterback shuffle and they threw him out there where he had no time to learn the playbook. Yet they still called about 40 pass plays when they had Adrian Peterson. Clearly, I'm still salty about that game, but it was one game.
Andy Holloway
He was 24:53, which is 37% passing with one interception and a total of 190y and no touchdown.
Mike Wright
I am pretty confident that was a primetime game.
Jason Moore
It was of the week and it was.
Mike Wright
It was so bad.
Andy Holloway
It was tough. All right. The Jags have confirmed that Gus Bradley will return for a fourth season in 2016.
Jason Moore
Gus.
Mike Wright
Gus.
Andy Holloway
Gus Bradley. Water bet. 8 and 8 or better next year. Jason, would you like to take that?
Jason Moore
I would not like to take that bet. Way too early to tell. The Jags are on the way up.
Andy Holloway
They are on the way up.
Jason Moore
I think they're on the way.
Andy Holloway
Okay, so that's good.
Mike Wright
How many games did they win last year? Was it five or less?
Andy Holloway
I don't remember.
Mike Wright
Because then technically they are on the way up.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, exactly. I like Gus Bradley. It's been a joke, kind of a joking conversation around the studio here about my like for Gus Bradley. Despite the kind of slow ascension of the Jacksonville Jaguars, you know, we've seen an offense that's been great.
Mike Wright
They need a tortoise. Slow and steady wins the race.
Andy Holloway
You remember who they get back next year? Their number?
Mike Wright
Their number one pick.
Andy Holloway
Yeah. They get him back on defense and then Fowler. Yep. Dex. Not.
Jason Moore
Oh, that's right. I completely forgot.
Andy Holloway
Junior. Right.
Jason Moore
Blew his knee out the first place. That was training cramp.
Mike Wright
Training cramp. He did have the cramps.
Andy Holloway
No. Dante Fowler Jr. Comes back and it was what, four days after he. He inked the deal. After. Yes, they gave him a four year max deal after the ACL tear. He'll be back. He's had plenty of time. That's like picking up a brand new. You know, we've seen the impact of defensive linemen and then, you know, I don't know. I like Jacksonville.
Jason Moore
I do too.
Andy Holloway
They're my Cinderella story.
Jason Moore
They are a fun team to watch. And I will say this. Blake Bortles for a second year quarterback. I believe that he will actually trend and be a very good quarterback. That's what I think.
Andy Holloway
All right, so the Bengals. The Bengals are hearing AJ McCarron is day to day. They did an X ray on the wrist and it's a sprain. He is likely to play this week and then he is likely to start the first playoff game. If they don't have a buy because they're saying Dalton could not play in the divisional round. So that's just throwing that out there. It's also good to know for AJ Green whether they have a third string or behind center. Drew Brees doesn't see a scenario in which he and Peyton don't return next season for Dynasty. You know, circumstances, Brandon Cooks, those type of players.
Jason Moore
Willie Snead, even Willie Snead.
Andy Holloway
Good to know that, you know, or at least good to think about the fact that if Brees is back and Peyton's back, that often stays, I think relevant to fantasy football. And then what's the latest with Marshawn Lynch? We didn't mention it yesterday. We should have. Marshawn lynch, there's, there's talk that he.
Mike Wright
Could be back this weekend. My gut tells me he will not, however.
Andy Holloway
Bad situation.
Mike Wright
If he comes back, however, it's a really bad situation. I mean, I know the guy's beast mode and he does just supernatural, human things that a, that the mere mortal man cannot do. However, Marshawn lynch has. He's been out of football for, for weeks. He is not in football shape and he would be coming to play on the road against the Arizona Cardinals, who have a top running defense of the league. I just, it's not a situation where, where I'm in my championship week. I get lynch back.
Jason Moore
Yes.
Mike Wright
My stud is back. I'm throwing him out. I just, I don't see a scenario where he succeeds.
Andy Holloway
What if you're somebody that's been starting Christine Michael the past week and a half?
Jason Moore
Find someone else.
Mike Wright
Find Rashad Jennings.
Andy Holloway
Okay. All right, let's move on to the forecast.
Jason Moore
Fantasy forecast.
Andy Holloway
All right, the first matchup I want to look at here is the Jaguars traveling to Houston to take on the Texans. The Texans are all but assured of that division title unless 17 ping pong balls bounce the right way for the Indianapolis Colts, Josh Freeman. So we've got a matchup that we'll see our fantasy darling Blake Bortles in. We'll see Alan Robinson and Alan Hearns, who had big weeks last week. We got Julius Thomas. What are we taking away from this game? We don't have any concerns about guys sitting here. So, you know, is there anybody that's in debate? I guess the running back position in Jacksonville would be the most up in the air situation and circumstance. We need to pay attention.
Jason Moore
Yeah, I don't, I don't think that they're going to necessarily sit him. You know, obviously they're not going to sit Yelden or Robinson because of playoff implications. But as a fantasy owner, and we'll get this in a little bit, I would sit them because the Houston Texans run defense has just been fantastic. Now the one question here is whether or not Houston would sit anybody. I think because it's an early game, they won't be able to. So I'm confident in being unconfident in Denard Robinson. I don't like that play.
Andy Holloway
Really. Okay. All right.
Jason Moore
Yeah. Against Houston, I would not like to play Denard Robinson.
Andy Holloway
We do expect him to be the starting running back of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mike Wright
It just, it hasn't panned out yet for Robinson since he's gotten the opportunity and this is a bad matchup. So I like Jason's take there. Certainly as far as the guys, I mean, Bortles, Alan Robinson, Alan Hearns, these are pretty close to must play guys, but you, you better lower your expectations. Bortles has a tendency to struggle when it's a tough matchup. I'm still playing him and I'm still absolutely playing Alan Robinson. But all the Jaguars are guys I.
Andy Holloway
Play every week now. Including Julius Thomas. Yeah, Julius Thomas only had two catches last week in that kind of great game where it looked like he would be, you know, he's facing a defense that can't guard the tight end and he was 2 for 12.
Mike Wright
It's one of those situations though where you have to start these guys because of what they can do. But between Alan Hearns and Julius Thomas, probably only one of those guys will get it done. And so you, you're hoping it's your guy. Yeah, but I'm still going to start.
Jason Moore
Both of them and I'm fine with Julius Thomas as well. Julius Thomas last week, you know, one of the things that happened is there were long touchdowns, you know, Alan Robinson.
Andy Holloway
Allen Hearns, not red zone situation.
Jason Moore
Exactly. And so when you get those long touchdowns, you're not really using your tight end yet. You know, that's not the type. You know, he had a 90 yard touchdown. Allen Robinson did. And so that takes an entire drive away and game flow away from Julius Thomas.
Andy Holloway
Alright, another morning game that I'm really excited about. The jets go to Buffalo to take on the Bills. This is an exciting game. The jets have the playoffs on the line. They need to win fantasy wise. I think the story here still needs to be the Bilal Powell, Chris Ivory discussion because Powell now last week on the ground, seven carries for 56 yards. Okay, we know what he can do through the air. Last four Weeks. Eight catches, five catches, seven catches, five catches. He is the kind of release valve. Fitzpatrick's in trouble. The pass rush is closing in. We're going to dump it to Blaupel and he's looked spry. He's at double digits in five of the last six games and he's outperformed Chris Ivory certainly in PPR league. So is he the guy that you have both on your team? You're just starting Blau Powell.
Jason Moore
Now I have to start Bilal Powell over Chris Ivory. Chris Ivory now in four straight games has been disappointing. He had one decent game three ago and that's his only double digit fantasy game in the last four games. So coming in here, it's hard for me. If I had both of those guys, I would want to go with the guy who seems to be more involved regardless of game flow. If the game is up, he's still involved. If the game is down, he, he has to be involved in Bilal Powell. So Powell, Powell's the guy that I would rather play if I had both.
Andy Holloway
Yeah. The one thing that you really can't expect or hope from from Powell is a multi touchdown type of performance that you've seen a couple of times from Ivory. That being said, I'm with you guys. I would start Bilal pal. Ivory is trending down right now. And you even saw Ridley get. He's been worked into the mix a little bit.
Jason Moore
And remember, remember when we had Nick Mangold on the show early this year, how much love he gave? I mean he was saying that guy is amazing. And then we asked about Steven Ridley and he's like, oh no, we asked about Stacy. Oh, that's right, that's right. Zach Stacy. He's like, yeah, he plays football too.
Andy Holloway
He's on our team.
Jason Moore
But he gave a ton of love to Bilal Powell. So that team believes in him, the players believe in him.
Andy Holloway
The offensive level, you know, we talk all about their potential in the playoffs. The jets, oh, they've got Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker and Darrell Rivas. And this defense, it's a guy like Bilal Powell that makes a difference on those playoff teams. There are certain role player type guys that are better football players than they are fantasy football players. And I think he's one of those. Even though he's performed a little bit in fantasy, that's even better.
Mike Wright
And you know the list that I talk about of names people, you write them down right now because it's still fresh in your mind going into next year. Bilal Powell is Going to be maybe not drafted or drafted very late. Chris Ivory will be the guy who's taken because people see, oh he finished as a top 10 running back. Bilal Powell will not do that. But he's a guy that you should take later in your draft as of right now. Team things change all the time. But he's a guy that you need to remember going into your draft next year.
Andy Holloway
Those are the guys that drop so far down, whether it's a Danny Woodhead or Charles Sims or somebody who's very productive but just doesn't have the flash of being a number one back that can be a steal in the mid round. So that's a great point. Now on the other side of the ball at the running back position, I really want to know your guys takes oof. On that situation because Carlos Williams is going to carry the mail again. 17 for 76 and a touchdown. But now you have to face the Jets.
Jason Moore
I was going to put Carlos Williams down as my sit of the week until I, until I made it Robinson, just because you have Gillis Lee who looks very good, who's going to be splitting carries with him against the jets defense, which is the number two ranked defense in the league. That combination of things says to me I'd rather have other options.
Mike Wright
It's.
Jason Moore
I mean Carlos Williams is still a startable guy. He had a great game last week, so I didn't make him my set completely. But if you have other guys, if you've got, you know those middling guys that aren't sexy and you don't really like, like the, like the Frank Gore's and Lamar Millers, I would rather play them.
Andy Holloway
Quick note though. I mean Lashawn McCoy has not been officially ruled out of this game. Yes, we need to remind ourselves of that fact. Despite the McLare, he hasn't. Stop now. Gillis Lee. Also to your, to your point, they're not splitting carries. Williams had twice as many carries as Gillislee last week. But Gillisley has been the kind of explosion type guy touchdowns in three straight weeks, wide receiver wise. I don't like Watkins. You're going to hear that later in the show or sits of the week. Watkins is my sit because I don't like the matchup. But on the other side of the ball, you're starting Marshall, you're starting Decker.
Mike Wright
Every week.
Andy Holloway
Nothing to debate.
Mike Wright
Yeah, every week. They are, they are must start guys.
Andy Holloway
Okay.
Mike Wright
And we saw Lashawn McCoy have some very solid success against this team against the jets when they played earlier Than year now. So that's something that people might look to and say, oh well, the Buffalo, maybe they can still have success. Carlos Williams does not run like Leshawn McCoy. Shady is agile and a speed guy to the edge and that's how he got it done. So I'm not sure that Carlos can have that type of success.
Andy Holloway
Quarterbacks in this game. Ryan Fitzpatrick, what are you doing with him?
Jason Moore
I like Ryan Fitzpatrick a lot in this game. He is stream worthy, he is start worthy. I think he's going to be a quarterback one this week and is absolutely fine to play. The Bills defense, especially in through the air, does not scare me. When you've got those weapons. It's almost a guarantee that he's going to throw two touchdowns. Right, because Brandon Marshall get his and Eric Decker's got to get his.
Andy Holloway
They've done that together something like 10 times this year. Something ridiculous.
Jason Moore
Eric Decker has not cut a touchdown in three games on the year, the entire year. There's only been three games where he hasn't caught his obligatory one touchdown.
Andy Holloway
Hey, he took it to the very end last week too. The last play of the game. And over time.
Mike Wright
Yeah. And I'm looking at Fitzpatrick. Let's see, in the last six weeks, wait, 1, 2, 3, 4. In the last five weeks, he only has a one single touchdown game.
Andy Holloway
He's played great. Now on the other side, Tyrod Taylor, what are your thoughts in this game? Stay away.
Mike Wright
Yeah, there's probably a better streaming option.
Andy Holloway
That's my feeling.
Jason Moore
Yeah, completely agree. I don't, I don't like this matchup. When you take away like you were hinting at Andy, the number one option and Sammy Watkins and Charles Clay is on the injured reserve and Robert woods is on the injured reserve. What are you, what are you going to do against a great jets defense? I mean, you never know with a guy that can scramble like that. He can make plays out of nothing and he could end up with a good week. But before, you know, when we don't have revisionist history and we're trying to predict these things, you, you cannot say Tyra Taylor's a good play for this upcoming week. There's everything stacked.
Andy Holloway
There's no argument for that. Yeah, the Redskins, let's move on. The Redskins go to Dallas to take on the Cowboys and Kellen Moore. Yeah, well, the Redskins, however, have locked everything up. And so the truth is, is you can't start a Redskin this week unless you're talking about somebody down the depth chart, you know, a Jameson Crowder could be a PPR guy this week, in my opinion, because you're going to see DeSean Jackson and garcon probably off the field. Jameson Crowder could be the guy that comes in, and Clay Aikens is. I said Clay Aiken again.
Jason Moore
That's delightful.
Andy Holloway
Kamar.
Jason Moore
You meant Ruben Stutter.
Andy Holloway
Kamar Aikens. His way.
Jason Moore
If I were invisible.
Andy Holloway
Oh, my God. I don't remember even when that. The weird Clake and Kamarikan joke happened. I think it was Twitter between me and some listener, because I have not heard this joke. Yeah, yeah. Me and a listener were joking around about Clay Aiken and Kamara Aiken, and. And now it has come out in the way that things come out on the show.
Mike Wright
Classic Andy Pretty.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, I speak too fast. All right, so Jameson Crowder. I'm gonna throw his name out there is one of those guys that I think if you needed to get crazy.
Mike Wright
If you needed to get crazy because.
Andy Holloway
In week 17, you're required to start somebody strange, then Jameson Crowders.
Mike Wright
Would you start Clay Aiken?
Andy Holloway
Clay Aiken. He can't. Press coverage problem. Problems.
Jason Moore
A serious problem. Press coverage pretty much guaranteed concussion. Yeah.
Andy Holloway
He's got issues. All right, this.
Mike Wright
This is when the world goes haywire. And all of a sudden, Clay Aiken is singing the national anthem at that game.
Andy Holloway
Yes.
Mike Wright
And we. And our brains explode.
Andy Holloway
Yes. Let's hope for that. All right, what do we do with Darren McFadden in this game against the Redskins? I kind of like him.
Jason Moore
Oh, yeah.
Mike Wright
I. McFadden has. McFadden has turned back the clock, the hands of time, and he has been. We have lost complete control of this show. But McFadden, the Washington is not a very good run defense to start. McFadden has been great. The Washington defense, I'm sure that will have some starters rested. And So I think McFadden is a very solid play.
Andy Holloway
All right. I don't really want to talk about this game anymore.
Mike Wright
Yeah. And I do like the. I like the Cowboys defense in this game.
Andy Holloway
That's a very good point. Because they've been stout against good teams, and now they might be facing. So they're at home. They're facing a team that might be.
Jason Moore
Put it this way. The Cowboys are favored.
Andy Holloway
I was gonna say Cowboys by Vegas. They're gonna win this game.
Jason Moore
Yeah, The Cowboys defense.
Mike Wright
And for Washington, nothing has been officially declared yet of guys who are sitting. Let's say they get crazy and they say, oh, we're gonna play our guys for a half or whatever. I'd probably still Play Jordan Reed. If. If they say he's gonna play for a half because there's. I'd rather play him for a half than.
Andy Holloway
That's. That's the sad, disheartening part of. You know, we don't want to come on here and disparage your league for playing in week 17, but we certainly recommend, and you would have heard it in the beginning of the season to play to week 16. This is why you play a whole season with Jordan Reed on your team. You should get to use him.
Jason Moore
Yeah. And I. And I just. I disagree that. I'm fine disparaging those leagues. I think I would do a public service announcement and say, for next year, change your league. You're listening. You're realizing, as you Google for information this week. Oh, there's not a whole lot of information out there. Oh. Places have stopped doing fantasy football. They're shut down. Because last week is the week that should be the championship.
Andy Holloway
All right, well, there you go. This next matchup, the Steelers go to Cleveland to take on the Browns in my.
Jason Moore
What? Andy is almost upset of the week. What?
Andy Holloway
Get ready for the divisional matchup of Johnny Manziel and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes. The Steelers season is on the line.
Jason Moore
But I can't even talk right now. I want to watch this game. And now that's the only game I want to watch. I got to see how the Browns do it.
Andy Holloway
Mike Petton set to remain head coach for the Cleveland Browns.
Mike Wright
Allegedly.
Andy Holloway
Allegedly. The Browns again. They competed with the Seahawks in Seattle. This is a chance for them to keep a division rival from the playoffs. I don't think the line is right. We'll find out. But right now, the Browns are in Cleveland, right? Yes, it is.
Jason Moore
It is. So Big Ben on the road in Cleveland.
Andy Holloway
Big Ben on the road doesn't mean that I'm going to, you know, disparage the fantasy potential of Big Ben and Antonio Brown and.
Jason Moore
Okay, let me ask you this, because I almost asked it earlier. Big Ben on the road against a great matchup for the Browns or Blake Bortles? Because we had so many of those questions. So many rosters have those two guys on it or someone.
Mike Wright
Or this week, Blake Bordels on the road in a terrible matchup.
Andy Holloway
Yes, I will go with Big Ben.
Jason Moore
Okay. I just wanted to make sure here.
Andy Holloway
No, it's a great point. Because last week, Blake Bortles was great and Big Ben's numbers were horrible. And so you look at those. You go, I just got to play Bortles.
Jason Moore
Exactly. And that's what we're trying to avoid is, is, you know, chasing those points.
Andy Holloway
Yes, I agree. So fantasy wise, we talked about Isaiah Crowell as a, you know, he's, he's gotten some carries lately. Would you start Crowell over Carlos Williams?
Jason Moore
Both bad matchups, so I'm going to say no.
Andy Holloway
Okay.
Mike Wright
I think Carlos is the better guy. So in bad matchups, I'll go with Carlos.
Andy Holloway
And so on the other side, D'Angelo Williams, you're starting him. That's done a done deal. You're not starting a wide receiver, a pass catcher from Cleveland other than Gary Barnage.
Mike Wright
That would be correct.
Andy Holloway
And then on the other side of the ball, I have no confidence in Heath Miller. I don't think anybody's wanting to roll him out there. They might see the matchup and say, oh, okay, the Browns aren't great against the past. I don't like Heath Miller. He's had pretty much three straight weeks that are disappointing. So, you know, he had, he had that 11 catch a week. That made me think, okay, maybe they're going to start using him. Big Ben's back. It didn't happen. So no reason to roll him out there with better flex or streaming options at tight end. Martavis Bryant, does he fix what was going on this week?
Jason Moore
Yeah, I think he does fix it. He's been pretty solid all year and this last game wasn't his game. Every, you know, players have that. This last game wasn't Big Ben's game, that they struggled entirely. Antonio Brown didn't have a good game. I think Martavis Bryant, clearly he was terrible this last week. But I think that the Steelers fix it. They need this game to get into the playoffs. I don't have this as my almost upset of the week. I think that this is against the team that is not as good. You know, the Browns just can't hang with them. They have to get it done. So I'm fine with Bryant.
Andy Holloway
How good are the Ravens? How good are the Ravens?
Jason Moore
They're better than the Browns.
Mike Wright
Are they?
Jason Moore
I would say they're better than Browns.
Andy Holloway
Okay. Is that because they beat the Steelers last week?
Jason Moore
No, before then I would say they've been close. The reason that they've been such a good fantasy defense to play against is because they've been close in almost in so many games.
Andy Holloway
I would agree that the Ravens are better than the Browns.
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
And they're better coached for a big game, a divisional game. That being said, they did. The Steelers, with their season kind of on the line last week lost to a five win team which was a four, four win team at the time.
Jason Moore
And I think that that's part of what plays into them coming out gangbusters this week.
Andy Holloway
You could be absolutely right and that is why it is my almost upset.
Mike Wright
Yeah, I like the almost part. I think the game is closer than people think. I believe the Steelers will get it done, but as do I. But I don't think it's going to be just a shutout.
Andy Holloway
All right. This game, I don't know. I don't know if I'm going to be watching one minute of it.
Jason Moore
We don't have a lot of analysis to do next.
Andy Holloway
You know why I watch this one is if all those 11 other things look like they're about to happen, then maybe I'll flip over to Titans and the Colts. Mettenberger and Freeman slash Lindley. Slash Lindley.
Mike Wright
Slash McGee.
Andy Holloway
I mean what's his name? Let's just say this, this is how I want to cover this game. Tell me who's fantasy relevant. Name them.
Jason Moore
Frank Gore is fantasy relevant for sure. I think he's going to be fine this game. He has been extremely consistent this year.
Andy Holloway
He's been extremely fine.
Jason Moore
He's been exactly. He has been extremely fine and that's the truth. You know he's a guy that as your RB2 as a flex position.
Andy Holloway
Is he Cedric Benson now?
Jason Moore
Yeah, I mean I think he's maybe better than Cedric.
Mike Wright
He can't just be Cedric Benson. Cedric Benson was not rattling off that 40 yard touchdown that Frank Gore knocked off last year.
Andy Holloway
Let me, let me give you some numbers for Gore carry wise the last four weeks. 13, 16, 16, 15.
Jason Moore
Love it.
Andy Holloway
He hadn't scored in six games but then he got two touchdowns last game which is great. Had a great game. Hasn't been in triple digits ever this year. No games with 100 yards rushing before this week. 20, 34, 24, 45, 60, 44. And Tennessee's defense is seventh against running backs. I don't like Frank Gore very much this week. I don't think. What do you do if you're, if you're the Titans, you stop the run and you let one of these miscellaneous quarterbacks throw the ball into the air.
Jason Moore
I think Frank Gore has a double digit fantasy day on those games where people stop the run. We've seen him have five catch games three times this year. Okay, so I'm.
Andy Holloway
He does have a baseline.
Jason Moore
I'm confident with Frank Gore over the. Carlos Williams over the.
Andy Holloway
You want to water bet that one.
Jason Moore
I would Love to water bet we.
Andy Holloway
Needed one this week and Carlos Williams. Frank Gore is a great bet. I like the upside of Williams more than I do. Go. So Gore is fantasy relevant. I will not argue with you there. What about Hilton?
Jason Moore
I don't. I could not possibly want to start any Colt pass catcher.
Andy Holloway
But his name Cy Hilton. Jason.
Jason Moore
Unless Andrew Luck comes on and the truth is one of these guys will have a decent fantasy game because at the end of the game they're going to have 250 yards. Probably. I don't know, 200 yards, 190.
Mike Wright
What was that stat line of Josh Freeman?
Jason Moore
20. It was. Yeah. It took 50 some throws to get 190 yards last week.
Andy Holloway
Hilton had four catches. Moncrief had two catches.
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
For 15 yards. So I think you stay away from the Colts. I don't think there's anybody on the other side of the ball that you want to start other than Delaney Walker.
Mike Wright
Well, Walker and I'm okay. I am okay this week. If you want to roll those dice on Dorial Greenback, he'd be the only.
Andy Holloway
One to roll the dice with.
Mike Wright
Correct. But. But the Colts passing defense, 28th as far as yardage.
Andy Holloway
But Green Beckham had.
Mike Wright
I know no catches last week.
Andy Holloway
I know zero.
Mike Wright
I know these things. These things can happen. That's why it's you rolling the dice. Sometimes you hit snake eyes.
Andy Holloway
I will avoid the dice roll and doreal Greenbeck.
Jason Moore
I will as well.
Andy Holloway
All right, the Patriots take on the Dolphins. This is not an almost upset of the week potential for me. The Patriots trying to lock up home field throughout the playoffs. Brady, he's in your lineup. Tannehill, he's out of your lineup.
Jason Moore
I love the Patriots defense this week. I really do. I think in a division matchup, they know the Dolphins well and I'm fine playing the Patriots defense. The Dolphins have been one of the worst teams against fantasy defenses this year.
Andy Holloway
Yes, they have. And I have no confidence in Lamar Miller. He's my set of the week coming up here. Nobody I want to play on that team other than maybe Landry. Landry for the PPR value. So do we really know what's going on in the wide receiver core for New England right now?
Mike Wright
We do not. We have. We don't have injury updates yet for Edelman or Amendola.
Andy Holloway
We thought there's a chance Edelman would play this week due to the preparation for the playoffs. He hasn't played since Week 10.
Mike Wright
If he plays though, it's going to be very limited. And I'm not He's not a guy I'm going to throw out in championship week.
Jason Moore
Yeah. And the same goes for. I really like Martin. I think Martin could have a very good high.
Andy Holloway
You like Keyshawn Martin?
Jason Moore
I like Keyshawn Martin.
Andy Holloway
In the event Edelman, Amadola are gone.
Jason Moore
Correct. But I couldn't. I. I probably couldn't get myself to start him on a championship week. So it's. It's kind of irrelevant advice. It's. It's wait and see. Look towards the future. See if Keyshawn Martin can do anything. He has an opportunity this game.
Andy Holloway
Keisha Martin against the Dolphins or Tyler Lockett against the Cardinals.
Jason Moore
I would probably go, Keisha Martin.
Mike Wright
Martin.
Andy Holloway
Okay. There you go. So there you would. You would start him if that was your boat. There are a lot of people that were starting Lockett in flex positions this past week, so Martin could be flexed in that situation.
Jason Moore
What about Duante Parker right across the field?
Andy Holloway
I would play Parker over.
Jason Moore
I would. As well.
Andy Holloway
Or over Keyshaw Martin.
Mike Wright
What about James White? Is he a must start now?
Jason Moore
James White, I believe, is a must start. If you're in any kind of PPR league.
Andy Holloway
Yep. And if you're flexing between Martin and White, you flex White.
Mike Wright
Yep.
Andy Holloway
All right. The Ravens head to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. This is another game that the Bengals are favored by seven and a half, and I. I think the Ravens win the game. I can't hit the button twice, but I think the Ravens are going to win the game.
Jason Moore
You can have two almost upsets. Andy's almost upset of the week.
Andy Holloway
McCarron is banged up. The Ravens are well coached. We saw it last week. Yes. The game's in Cincinnati, and that's why the line is where it's at. They get to be pretty close again. You know, Ryan Mallet got to get on that train. I mean, he might miss the train, but you got to get on it.
Mike Wright
As far as his alarm clock will not go off.
Andy Holloway
That is correct. You know, some of these quarterback matchups you look at two or three times to make sure you're reading it right. Mallet McCarron.
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Mike Wright
Or it could be. I'm looking it up right now.
Andy Holloway
Freeman and Mettenberger.
Mike Wright
Keith winning. Keith winning. I'm seeing from.
Andy Holloway
You're saying as the third string is the third string.
Mike Wright
Looking at a depth chart here.
Jason Moore
Sounds like a winner.
Mike Wright
Good luck.
Andy Holloway
So what we. Here's one thing that's interesting about the Bengals. We saw they came out. We talked about this yesterday. AJ McCarron came out, looked really good in the beginning. Scripted out a bunch of plays. You know who else looked good with him? A.J. green. All of A.J. green's production, I believe, happened in the first half. I don't think he caught a pass in the second half.
Mike Wright
The bulk, for sure.
Andy Holloway
So how confident now? We didn't see him get injured. So, AJ Green this week, you're kind of rolling him out there, aren't you? I mean, the Ravens Pass defense is 17th in the league against fantasy wide receivers.
Mike Wright
He got hurt on the last play of the game.
Andy Holloway
McCarran did. Yeah, right. I'm talking about A.J. green.
Mike Wright
Oh, right, right, right.
Andy Holloway
So A.J. green.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Jason Moore
A.J. green is a great start in this matchup for sure.
Andy Holloway
Okay, what about Kamar Aiken?
Mike Wright
Clay's brother. Yeah. I mean, brother from another mother, clearly.
Andy Holloway
Sure. I would.
Mike Wright
I'd start him.
Jason Moore
I think he's in that conversation. You know, I would rather start Kamar Aiken than lock it this week. He is the clear number one target.
Andy Holloway
On their team, which is eight catches two straight weeks.
Jason Moore
Exactly. So Kamar Aiken is a guy I'm not in love with, but I would probably start him over. Most of those guys we just talked about, I would definitely start him over. Keyshawn Martin, I would start him over. Lock it.
Andy Holloway
Is there anything else at the wide receiver position you guys want to discuss about this matchup?
Jason Moore
Not really. The one that sticks out to me, player wise in this game is Jeremy Hill. The Ravens have a decent pass defense, but obviously. Or rush defense, but they're not as good as the Broncos that they. That the Bengals just faced. And we have back to back weeks where Jeremy Hill has gotten the ball 19 times with McCarran in and now injured a little bit. This is going to be. I mean, they're. They're. They're not trying to mask things. They're not trying to say, you know, oh, we're going to come out and confuse them with our scheme. They're saying, I'm going to take the ball and I'm going to try to run it right up the middle.
Mike Wright
And you stop me and you stop over.
Andy Holloway
Under in this game is 42 and a half. And I would take the under. Yeah, that way. So that's a. That lends itself to Jeremy Hill getting the ball a little bit more than, you know, normal.
Jason Moore
Yeah. And he always has the chance to punch in a touchdown or two depending on when guys get tackled at the 1.
Mike Wright
What happened. What happened to Geo?
Jason Moore
They just. Honestly, Andy Dalton, I believe that completely.
Mike Wright
I think, but it wasn't it wasn't just Andy Dalton. I mean, his production has, has really disappeared since, let's see, since the Ram game. He had a huge game against the Cardinals. Then he had a decent game against the Rams. I guess basically just one 45 yard catch was his, was his entire production. But since then they're just, they're not using him. He's not been effective. It's a strange situation.
Jason Moore
Is a little strange. But I think it speaks again to Jeremy Hill being the guy who's going to get a ton of rushes this week. And I like Jeremy Hill this week. I would have confidence starting him in a championship matchup.
Mike Wright
Well, that's, that's something we have done said very much this week or this year.
Andy Holloway
It's got some news from. Where is that from?
Mike Wright
Hold on.
Andy Holloway
Is that Bleacher Report?
Mike Wright
Is that, is it breaking news?
Andy Holloway
Well, no, it just talks about what we talked about earlier about Chip Kelly possibly, you know, wanting to go to the Titans.
Mike Wright
Right.
Andy Holloway
With the Dolphins and the Browns interested in.
Jason Moore
I would love that. And I will say this, if he goes, if he goes to the Titans, I saw a ton of questions on Twitter. How high does this move Mariota? It's going to move Mariota too high is the answer. He's going to be over loved. I think he's going to be decent, but his value, I think will shoot up more.
Andy Holloway
I think all three of those quarterbacks, Mariota, Johnny Manziel, if he's still in Cleveland and then even Ryan Tannehill all could pull off that offense. Well, Tannehill runs the ball well. Obviously we know what Mariota did with Chip Kelly in Oregon. And then Johnny Manziel is a quarterback that can execute that offense as well. So it'd be interesting to see him go any of those places. You know, Josh Gordon's back next year. Yeah, for Cleveland. And so you mix Manziel, Gordon and you know, Cleveland's right behind Jacksonville on a team that wants to be my Cinderella year after year. Now, I'm not projecting it next year like I was in the past with Cleveland, but I want to see those teams have some success and get back into the mix. And some of the pieces are there, some aren't. But we saw Cleveland succeed a lot with Josh Gordon.
Mike Wright
Chip Kelly going to Tennessee would be fantastic, I think. I mean, it's the situation of he.
Andy Holloway
Got a defense, it's okay.
Mike Wright
But I'm saying the best part for me of Mariota, where you think he's going to be overhyped, probably. He probably will Be overhyped. But the nice part is it's not like Sam Bradford this year. He doesn't have to learn it. He. He played with Chip Kelly and he is.
Andy Holloway
He's young and he has the tools and we've seen. I think he's a better, more accurate passer than what we've seen out of Sam Bradford this year. We saw more out of Mariota's arm, in my opinion. Now let's go and get into the last matchup.
Jason Moore
Before that, we need to really quickly talk about Allen.
Mike Wright
Yes.
Andy Holloway
I'm sorry, what do you.
Jason Moore
What do you make other side of the ball? He's been great. High baseline and then doesn't show up or fumbles and get. Gets benched. You know, I had said last game that after that fumble against Kansas City, he was going to come back, have a good game against Pittsburgh. He did. He had five catches. He also had how many carries on the ground?
Andy Holloway
18. I hate him this week.
Jason Moore
You hate him this week because of.
Andy Holloway
The Bengals only hate him. He's in Cincinnati. Hate him.
Jason Moore
I think he's still got a decent enough baseline.
Mike Wright
Yeah, I would still play him that.
Andy Holloway
Baseline the weeks before. The last two was.
Jason Moore
Well, he got benched in Kansas City because he fumbled, so. Yeah. And the week before against Seattle, he had a terrible game.
Andy Holloway
If the potential to be fumbling and benched exists in his repertoire along with the low games. I hate is too strong a word. Because of the dump off passes we saw with Mallet last week. I don't love it. Okay. I don't like the matchup. That'd be fair.
Mike Wright
I don't like the matchup, but I would still play him.
Andy Holloway
Over who?
Jason Moore
Let's go back to that. Carlos Williams.
Mike Wright
Well, I would.
Andy Holloway
I would start Carlos Williams.
Mike Wright
I would, depending on your scoring format. But if you're in half or full, I'm going to play Buck Allen over Carlos.
Jason Moore
Yeah, I would as well, because I think the jets are a worse matchup here. You.
Mike Wright
What? You want to water bet Buck in our. In our format?
Jason Moore
All right, water bets.
Mike Wright
Okay.
Andy Holloway
I've suddenly been.
Jason Moore
Someone is rooting for Carlos woods, which stinks, too, because I really hope the jets win this week. Sorry, Bills fans, I just. I like the Jets. I like the players and the people there. I've got an affinity for Todd Bowles and I want him to make the play.
Andy Holloway
What do you got against all the people that live in Buffalo and then their team?
Mike Wright
It snows there.
Jason Moore
Yeah, it doesn't snow for the Jets. Oh, I was just.
Mike Wright
Oh, I was Just throwing something out.
Jason Moore
No, I love, I love. I actually really like Buffalo Bills fans.
Mike Wright
They make great wings.
Jason Moore
Yes.
Andy Holloway
That's not how that works, Mike. All right. Saints at Atlanta. The breeze, Ryan Battle. I said it yesterday, I like Ryan as kind of my streaming option this week. He was barely started last week, obviously. Understandable. Facing Carolina this week. He gets the Saints and that beautiful, beautiful fantasy defense. All right, so who else do we. Tim Hightower. Love him this week. What do you think of Devontae Freeman? You gotta roll him out to start. Everybody, everybody in this game is the answer.
Jason Moore
Yes.
Andy Holloway
Fantasy bonanza.
Jason Moore
Fantasy bonanza. I love everyone. The only question that you have here, right? Start. Snead start. Cooks start. Hightower start. Breeze start.
Andy Holloway
What about Julio Jones?
Jason Moore
Start. Freeman Start. Julio Jones. The question to me is Ben Watson.
Andy Holloway
I'd start Ben Watson.
Mike Wright
Yeah, you got to start. He, he took a metaphorical poop in his pants last week. But it's, it's a, it's a matter of points. Points will be scored in this game.
Andy Holloway
There will be points.
Mike Wright
Yes. Yeah. So you want, you want a chip in there.
Andy Holloway
52 and a half points over under has a lot of points.
Jason Moore
One of the highest over unders I have seen all year.
Mike Wright
It's fantastic. I want it.
Andy Holloway
I agree. And the Saints have proven these games happen to, I mean those type of. The Giants earlier in the year. You remember the Eli Manning, Drew Brees.
Jason Moore
Six and seven touchdowns.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
I mean these type of games have happened over and over again with the Saints. This game's in Atlanta. Weather's not an issue. This is just going to be. Let's lace him up and throw the ball.
Jason Moore
I also think this is going to be a game that helps cement Devonta Freeman's claim to that number one running back on the year. I think he's going to have a huge game.
Andy Holloway
Yeah, he looked pretty good last week to my eyeballs. So let's move on.
Mike Wright
Oh, no.
Jason Moore
Sense of the week.
Andy Holloway
Mike.
Mike Wright
I don't know how I forget this.
Andy Holloway
Is your full time job and you haven't corrected that drop.
Mike Wright
Yeah.
Andy Holloway
Where is thy diligence? We want to know. And don't blame your child.
Jason Moore
Don't blame Azeroth.
Andy Holloway
Don't blame any of it.
Mike Wright
I would never do that. It's, it's. I have nothing. I got.
Andy Holloway
All right.
Mike Wright
I have no excuse.
Andy Holloway
All right.
Mike Wright
I apologize.
Andy Holloway
All right. I'll just move on.
Mike Wright
Thank you.
Andy Holloway
All right, so sits of the week. Let's start at the quarterback position. Mike, why don't you kick it off, give us Somebody that we can, we can put on our bench.
Mike Wright
I'm sitting Derek Carr this week. He plays against the Chiefs. I mean, the Chiefs are allowing pretty much 10 points a game over the last month. It's just not a situation where I want to play. I'm not playing guys against them, so. And Derek Carr has. He's had some late season struggles going on. Amari Cooper seems to have hit a little bit of a wall, rookie wall here and he's also banged up, so it's. I'm not playing Derek Carr.
Andy Holloway
All right, Jason, you're up.
Mike Wright
What are these about?
Jason Moore
Oh, this is what it is. My sit of the week.
Mike Wright
Hold on, hold on.
Jason Moore
It is not honorary my sit.
Andy Holloway
It's legitimate of the week.
Jason Moore
Is a legitimate. Roger Wilson. Russell Wilson. Sorry.
Mike Wright
You are dancing.
Jason Moore
I am with the devil. We both did it with the. He never really did it. Now, Andy and Mike started Russell Wilson's crazy of great fantasy points by putting Russell Wilson as their sin of the week. And Andy told Mike the next week, well, I'm going to show you how it's really done. And Russell went on fire. That's why Russell Wilson, since that time has been our honorary sit of the week. But I'm going to show both of you guys how it's really.
Andy Holloway
How do you really sit?
Jason Moore
Russell Wilson has not thrown for less than two touchdowns in eight weeks. And do you want to know who the team was eight weeks ago? It was the Arizona Cardinals who he's facing now, not at home, but on the road in Arizona against the team where Bruce Arians wants to win, has to win, needs to win, wants that home field against Carolina. Should Carolina falter. I think our defense comes out great, comes gangbusters. I don't see Russell Wilson putting up, you know, his 300 yards and three touchdowns. So to me, I think there are better options this week. And I'm, I'm getting off of. I'm going to sit Russell Wilson.
Andy Holloway
All right. I'm going to take the softball at the quarterback position and sit down Philip Rivers. If you're in a 1214 team league, you're tempted to start Phillip Rivers in the final game. I'm going to bench him against Denver. Find another option. Yes, his name's Philip Rivers. Yes, he's owned and started in too many leagues. But don't do it this week. And I'm going to quickly move on to my running back sit of the week. It's Lamar Miller. No, thank you. New England's got the ninth best defense against fantasy running backs. You Mix in the variables of what types of carries or rather how many carries Lamar Miller will get, the opportunities. I don't like it. New England needs to win. New England's got a good defense. Sit him down.
Mike Wright
I'm in my sit. This is really more of a gut check, hunch type of a situation. I'm sitting Matt Forte. They're playing against the Lions, who the defense of Detroit has been better. But where my concern is it's the last game of the week or the last game of the season for Chicago. It looks like they're prepping Jeremy Langford for to be the workhorse next year. Matt Forte got a little bit banged up, but since Matt Forte came back two of the last three weeks, Langford out touched him. So is.
Andy Holloway
Well, you didn't even mention Kadeem Carey Vulturing two touchdowns.
Mike Wright
Yeah. And that. That happened as well. So with the team clearly not looking to give Matt Forte the kind of money that he's going to want.
Jason Moore
What.
Mike Wright
Reason do they really have to play him this week when this is their last chance to say before the off season to say, can Langford be our guy?
Jason Moore
So if you're the Forte owner and.
Mike Wright
You got Forte and Langford, I'm going to play Langford.
Jason Moore
I like that.
Andy Holloway
Don't you think the usage of Kareem Carey is indicative of their plan for next year? The fact they're trying to get him more work to be the number two type guy on that roster next year or at least compete for it. I like that. Sit. I really don't think you're going out on a crazy limb there. I think it's okay. Again, this is all contextual. Right. If you have somebody on your team that is not comparable to Matt Forte, even if he has a bad game, you got to start Matt Forte.
Mike Wright
Correct?
Jason Moore
Yeah.
Mike Wright
Just if you have options in the same area as Forte, I just. I see a problem with him, with his usage.
Jason Moore
Yeah. My set of the week. I'll touch on it quickly because I mentioned it. It's Denard Robinson. He has been okay in relief of TJ Yelden, but he's been okay against Indian, Indianapolis, Atlanta and New Orleans, where you expect bigger things. And now he's coming up against the Houston Texans. A great defense. I think it's possible Denard catches something through the air that can go a long way, but I don't think he's going to get it done on the ground. I'm not loving him. I would rather start other guys again like a Frank Gore over Denard Robinson at Wide receiver. I'll move on for us and go with my boy. He was one of my most disliked players before the draft who I ended up trading for and winning a championship with.
Mike Wright
It is how it happens.
Jason Moore
It is Mike Evans. Mike Evans, he is a boom or bust type of player. He is a catch or drop guy, about a 50, 50 odds. And this week he is going traveling to Carolina. The Josh Norman. If there's a player that I think he could shut down, it would be Mike Evans. I'm not loving him. So if you've got a good wide receiver core, you know, I get a lot of questions of like four or five really good receivers and Mike Evans is usually in that list. I'd probably place him on the bench.
Mike Wright
This Evans was three.
Jason Moore
Oh, breaking news.
Andy Holloway
In case you needed a further reason to start the Tennessee Titans. Des Bryant is on ir. Yeah, he's been there with.
Jason Moore
But he's getting ankle surgery.
Andy Holloway
Surgery now. Surgery.
Mike Wright
So Mike Evans was 3 for 32 the last time they played Carolina and I believe that was. That was without Vincent Jackson as well, where we were expecting big things from him.
Jason Moore
Yep, exactly. And last week against Chicago, only 4 for 61. I mean those, you know, it's all right, but it's not going to. Not going to win you a championship.
Mike Wright
Yeah, I like it. I like that, Sid.
Andy Holloway
All right. So Mike, who am I?
Mike Wright
Oh, my wide receiver. I am sitting down the entire Colts wide receivers again. Give me Josh Freeman. You give me Ryan Lindley. I've seen that show before. It always ends in a tragedy, a Shakespeare level tragedy. So I'm, I'm staying clear of that.
Andy Holloway
You know, it brings back bad memories having Ryan Lindley's name thrown out there around playoff time. All right. Sammy Watkins is my wide receiver sit of the week. I alluded to it earlier versus Revis this year. He was 3 for 14. He had his worst game of the season. This is a game that means a ton to the Jets. I think the kind of the youth of Watkins and the pedigree of Revis. I don't think he's going to get separation this week. Revis has been playing better, obviously healthier. I don't like Sammy Watkins. Yes, I understand how that sounds. He's been really good and he will get deep shots to him and if he connects on one of those, he might give you an okay game because they're going to take the shots to him. I just don't like the odds of that. So if you've got a comparable option, you know, somebody might be out there saying, hey, do I want to start Brandon Cooks or Sammy Watkins? Because Watkins has been on fire. Just start Brandon Cooks. Don't. Don't mess around with Darrell Reavis in this one. And then at the tight end position, I'm going to sit down Richard Rodgers. Ever since the miracle hail Mary that endeared him to every fantasy owner under the sun, he's had one catch in every game. It was not good.
Jason Moore
Was three games ago.
Andy Holloway
Yeah. So three straight games with one catch. He's not a fantasy option at tight end. That is the end of that story. So who's your tight end sit of the week, Jason?
Mike Wright
Hot take.
Jason Moore
It's a hot take because I am going to sit the number two tight end on the year. I mean, that's like, what. What are you doing, Jason? Jason, he's the number two tight end. What are you doing? That's right. I'm sitting Jordan Reed. So here's. Here's why.
Andy Holloway
Tell us why. Jason. We have no idea why you'd be sitting Jordan Reed.
Jason Moore
Here's why. I'm making him my set of the week is because he will probably not play or if he plays, he will play limited and very little I'm worried about. You said earlier, you know, if he. If he gets the start, you'd play him. I'm saying I would not. If he's out there, I think he could very much end up with an honorable start. You know, get a drive and then be done. In which case I'm saying plan for other options. Don't play Jordan Reed this week.
Mike Wright
And I am going to sit again. Austin Safari and Jenkins.
Jason Moore
The.
Mike Wright
He got us. He got us with the Rochambeau at the end of the game last week.
Andy Holloway
Told you how good he was.
Mike Wright
Yeah, he's very good. It only took his for his second catch of the game with time expiring on a completely meaningless hail Mary touchdown. But here's his snap counts the last three weeks. He came back, they ramped him up. He was at 45, then he dropped to 37, and then he dropped to 30% of snaps last week. Things are not trending the right direction for Safari and Jenkins. I'm not considering him this week.
Andy Holloway
I don't blame you for that. The snap counts certainly are not what you want from a tight end. You can stream somebody that plays nearly every down. Why stream a guy that's barely out there and needs. Needs to rely on basically a touchdown and two catches, not just a touchdown. A.
Mike Wright
An expiring clock touchdown that doesn't matter.
Andy Holloway
Exactly. So we want to remind you, check us out on the web the fantasy footballers.com on Twitter @the ffballers. And we will also be doing a playoff challenge league and inviting everybody in. We already tweeted about it this morning. If you want to get involved in our Fantasy Footballers NFL playoff challenge just for some fun play against us, we have sent out the information for that and you can join us. We'll do that again. We'll put it on the website or something as well. So that is. It's on the Twitter sphere. It's on the Twitter sphere. So that's it for today. Come back tomorrow with us as we get ready for 2016. We'll give you the rest of the matchups. We'll have some fun together. Jason will probably have his trophy and he'll be rocking it like a baby. And so we'll be back tomorrow. See you guys.
Jason Moore
Thank you for listening to 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.
Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 17 Fantasy Forecast, Sits of the Week, Playoff News
Release Date: December 30, 2015
Hosted by Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright, the Fantasy Footballers deliver an in-depth analysis of Week 17 matchups, player performances, injury updates, and strategic recommendations to help fantasy managers secure their league titles.
The episode kicks off with the hosts reflecting on the swiftly passing year and sharing their quiet New Year's Eve plans. Andy Holloway sets the stage for a comprehensive discussion focused on Week 17, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making as the fantasy football season nears its conclusion.
First Trivia Question: Andy presents a challenge:
"I have never eclipsed 20 points in a game this season. However, I'm a top 10 player at my position. My longest catch of the season has been 35 yards. I've only reached the hundred-yard mark one time this season. And I haven't had a multi-touchdown game since 2013. Who am I?" ([02:58])
Answer Revealed: Jason Moore and Mike Wright attempt to guess, ultimately confirming:
"The answer is Eric Decker." ([03:51])
Second Trivia Question: Andy shares another puzzle:
"2015 has not been my best fantasy season. I started off really hot proving why fantasy owners took me as the eighth player off the board at my position. Then I became ice cold. Only eclipsing 75 yards twice since week four. And in standard leagues, I'm not even a number one receiver on my team anymore. I had more touchdowns in week three than I had in my last 12 games combined. Who am I?" ([04:31])
Answer Revealed: Jason quickly identifies:
"Randall Cobb." ([05:31])
The trio delves into the impact of losing a top wide receiver, focusing on Aaron Rodgers and comparing him to Tom Brady:
"Aaron Rodgers is probably going to be my number one quarterback next year... He's been very consistent." ([09:05])
"I probably will take Rodgers over Brady." ([10:18])
Key Points:
Andy discusses the implications of Chip Kelly being fired:
"The polish that comes with being in a Chip Kelly offense is now gone from those players heading into next year because Chip Kelly's not going to be there." ([13:18])
Key Points:
Key Players:
Recommendations:
"I would sit Denard Robinson because of the tough matchup." ([22:39])
Key Players:
Recommendations:
"Start Bilal Powell over Chris Ivory due to Ivory's recent performance." ([25:05])
"Start Ryan Fitzpatrick; he's likely to throw two touchdowns." ([29:28])
Key Players:
Recommendations:
"Start Darren McFadden; Washington's run defense isn't strong." ([32:43])
Key Players:
Recommendations:
"Start Ben Roethlisberger over Blake Bortles due to Bortles' tough matchup." ([35:09])
Key Players:
Recommendations:
"Sit Lamar Miller; his matchup is unfavorable." ([59:04])
Key Players:
Recommendations:
"Start A.J. Green against the Ravens’ pass defense." ([46:23])
Key Players:
Recommendations:
"Start Devontae Freeman; he's poised for a big game." ([53:28])
"If Chip Kelly goes to Tennessee, Mariota's value could skyrocket." ([49:08])
The Fantasy Footballers wrap up with a reminder to join their playoff challenge league for added excitement and strategic competition. They tease upcoming content focused on preparing for the 2016 season, ensuring fantasy managers stay ahead of the game.
"Don't forget to visit us on the web at www.thefantasyfootballers.com and follow us on Twitter @theffballers." ([65:41])
This detailed analysis equips fantasy football enthusiasts with the necessary insights and strategic advice to navigate the pivotal Week 17, optimize their rosters, and secure championship victories.