Playoff Primer + Pump the Brakes, Jason's Body

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast" Episode: "Playoff Primer + Pump the Brakes, Jason's Body"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
• Hosts: Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright
• Episode: Playoff Primer + Pump the Brakes, Jason's Body
• Release Date: November 7, 2018

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Introduction

In this episode, the Fantasy Footballers trio—Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright—focus on preparing fantasy football managers for the upcoming playoff weeks. They introduce two main segments: the Playoff Primer, which offers strategic insights on player matchups and optimal lineup decisions, and Pump the Brakes, advising managers to reconsider certain players due to unfavorable playoff matchups.

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Playoff Primer [01:49 - 38:37]

Overview

The Playoff Primer segment delves into analyzing player performances and matchups for fantasy football playoffs (weeks 14-16). The hosts emphasize the importance of data-driven decisions rather than emotional reactions to schedules.

Quarterbacks

• Leonard Fournette [06:47 - 10:19]

  • Jason Moore: Optimistic about Fournette's performance, believing he will be a reliable starter. "I believe Leonard Fournette's going to be a great start and... he's going to round out now." [07:14]
  • Mike Wright: Concerned about the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive struggles and the addition of Carlos Hyde potentially limiting Fournette's workload. "I'm concerned that they won't give him the work he was getting before." [08:24]

• Cam Newton vs. Patrick Mahomes [26:03 - 27:14]

  • Mike Wright: Praises Cam Newton's favorable playoff schedule against weak defenses. "Cam Newton is at the top of that list by a lot." [26:03]
  • Andy Holloway: Supports Mike's assessment, noting Cam's potential to carry his team through the championships. "I truly believe that Cam Newton is going to carry a lot of people through the championship." [26:21]
  • Jason Moore: Prefers Cam Newton over Patrick Mahomes due to Mahomes facing tougher matchups (Baltimore, Chargers, Seattle). "I would probably not play Mahomes over Newton." [27:14]

• Philip Rivers vs. Matthew Stafford [27:25 - 31:25]

  • Jason Moore: Recommends trading Matthew Stafford for Philip Rivers due to Rivers' better playoff schedule. "If you could do a pivot trade with another piece and swing over for Philip Rivers, similar tiered guy." [27:38]
  • Mike Wright: Agrees, highlighting Rivers' matchups against weaker defenses. "Philip Rivers has a nice schedule. Cincinnati and Kansas City at home." [27:25]

• Other Quarterbacks:

  • Andrew Luck & Kurt Cousins: Discussed with mixed feelings; some concerns about their matchups but still considered viable options. "Andrew Luck, I'm going to play him." [29:58]

Running Backs

• David Johnson [33:05 - 34:04]

  • Excellent playoff schedule against top-ranked run defenses. "David Johnson gets to face the 24th, 31st and 15th ranked run defenses." [33:05]

• Dalvin Cook & Others [37:07 - 38:14]

  • Jason Moore: Endorses Dalvin Cook for favorable matchups if healthy. "Dalvin Cook has a beautiful week 14 against Tampa Bay." [37:32]
  • Mike Wright: Notes difficulties in other running backs' schedules, recommending pivots where possible. "Matt Breida has a very difficult end of season." [36:04]

Wide Receivers

• Amari Cooper [35:19 - 43:44]

  • Andy Holloway: Confident in Cooper's target share despite tough defenses. "Amari Cooper is interesting because... they're forcing Dak to go to him." [38:37]
  • Jason Moore: Cautious but optimistic about Cooper's potential. "I don't know to trust my mind or my body." [40:26]

• Alshon Jeffery [43:01 - 45:43]

  • Mike Wright: Concerned about Jeffery's dependence on touchdowns and potential target shadowing. "I have concerns he'll become more TD dependent." [43:44]
  • Jason Moore: Suggests trading Jeffery at peak value. "I would be willing to trade Alshon right now." [45:29]

• Ty Hilton [41:07 - 42:32]

  • Andy Holloway: Trusts Hilton's performance despite tough matchups. "I would not pump the brakes on Ty Hilton." [42:08]
  • Mike Wright: Agrees, emphasizing Hilton's reliability. "He's a must-start then." [42:09]

Tight Ends

• Ben Watson, Jared Cook, David Njoku [46:08 - 47:46]

  • Highlighted for their favorable playoff schedules. "Ben Watson will hit every waiver wire." [46:51]

• Jordan Reed [48:05 - 49:00]

  • Mike Wright: Officially recommends dropping Reed due to poor performances and unfavorable matchups. "It's time to say goodbye to Jordan Reed." [48:30]
  • Jason Moore: Agrees, citing disappointment in Reed's reliability. "Jordan Reed has been so disappointing." [48:59]

Team Defenses [56:48 - 62:14]

• Denver vs. Detroit [56:48 - 58:35]

  • Mike Wright: Prefers Denver's defense due to a stronger schedule and better performance potential. "Denver is a better target for me." [59:15]

• New England Patriots [59:24 - 60:00]

  • Jason Moore: Highlights Patriots' favorable matchups and strong performance trends. "Patriots have a couple decent matchups on the way." [60:00]

• Others: Emphasize the importance of matchups and potential for defenses to perform well in playoff weeks. "Your job is to win the championship." [62:07]

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Pump the Brakes [14:05 - 18:14]

In this segment, the hosts advise managers to hold off on certain players due to unfavorable playoff matchups or declining performance.

Players to Hold Off On:

1. Matthew Stafford [14:19 - 15:24]

   • Mike Wright: Criticizes Stafford's recent offensive struggles and unfavorable matchup against Chicago. "He is a full sit on the bench." [14:19]
   • Andy Holloway: Agrees, highlighting decreased snap counts and poor offensive dynamics. "Carry On Johnson saw his snap count plummet to 55%." [15:24]

2. Kerryon Johnson [15:24 - 17:14]

   • Jason Moore: Compares Johnson to a mythical creature (Krampus) due to poor performance and tough matchups. "This isn't the week for uncle. Put him in the cellar." [16:32]
   • Andy Holloway: Reinforces the need to lower expectations for Johnson. "His snap count plummeted back down to 55%. Very disappointing." [16:34]

3. Doug Martin [16:34 - 18:14]

   • Jason Moore: Suggests benching Martin due to poor matchup against Jacksonville and overall team performance. "Doug Martin... this isn't the week for him." [17:02]
   • Mike Wright: Concerns about team performance and offense stability. "They were being destroyed... scared me to death." [17:54]

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Thursday Night Breakdown [49:36 - 57:48]

The hosts analyze the upcoming Thursday night game between the Panthers and Steelers, focusing on its implications for fantasy football.

Key Insights:

• Game Dynamics [49:36 - 51:57]

  • Jason Moore: Predicts a high-scoring game beneficial for fantasy players, especially those with players like Devin Funches. "This will be a high scoring affair, that he will get the job done." [50:02]
  • Andy Holloway: Expects strong defensive performances impacting player opportunities. "Joe Hayden will be very much on Devin Funches." [51:57]

• Player Strategies [51:57 - 54:07]

  • Mike Wright: Recommends streaming defenses based on playoff matchups. "Would you jump the gun on Thursday? Yes, yes I would." [54:35]
  • Jason Moore: Emphasizes leveraging the Thursday game for strategic lineup adjustments. "You get the knowledge advantage before Sunday." [51:50]

• Tight Ends and Flex Players [53:44 - 54:50]

  • Jason Moore: Advocates for holding onto reliable tight ends and utilizing streaming options. "Ben Watson is a great guy to target because... keep doing the." [46:51]
  • Mike Wright: Discusses the potential of Vance McDonald and Jared Cook based on matchups. "How are you feeling about your star Juju Smith Schuster?" [53:25]

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Final Thoughts and Conclusion [57:48 - 62:29]

The hosts wrap up the episode by summarizing key takeaways and reinforcing the importance of strategic planning for the fantasy playoffs.

Key Points:

• Defensive Strategies [56:48 - 62:14]

  • Mike Wright: Advises managers to consider stacking defenses based on favorable matchups and defensive strength. "We'll post all the defenses so you can look at it as well." [56:48]
  • Jason Moore: Highlights the importance of evaluating team defenses in the context of playoff matchups. "It's time to move on from Jordan Reed." [58:35]

• Community Engagement [62:07 - 62:29]

  • Encourages listeners to join their community and engage on social platforms for ongoing advice and support. "Join our Fantasy Football community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter @the_ffballers." [62:14]

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Moore [02:21]: "No, no. Our spirit will not be here. You're 100% right."
• Andy Holloway [03:09]: "Yeah, you blew it."
• Mike Wright [14:05]: "We're pumping the brakes on. Well, three players this week."
• Jason Moore [17:39]: "This isn't the week for uncle. Put him in the cellar."
• Mike Wright [26:03]: "Cam Newton is at the top of that list by a lot."
• Jason Moore [43:01]: "He wasn't just a complete target hog."
• Mike Wright [45:43]: "Maybe one of the more important positions to turn to here, tight end."
• Mike Wright [62:07]: "Your job is to win the championship, to bring it home."

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Conclusion

This episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast provides comprehensive insights into preparing for the fantasy playoffs. By analyzing player performances, matchups, and strategic decisions, Andy, Jason, and Mike equip listeners with the tools needed to optimize their fantasy football rosters for championship success. The blend of strategic advice, player evaluations, and community engagement makes this episode a valuable resource for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to win their leagues.

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Transcript

[Andy Holloway]

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[Jason Moore]

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

[Mike Wright]

Ah, welcome in. And let's go. Now, Mike was. You were pumping your fist. Is that like a band director? I'm priming. Oh, priming the pump.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I guess. I don't know. You don't have one of these pumps where you go up and then to the side?

[Mike Wright]

See, I thought you were leading a marching band. Your arm up, your arm out.

[Andy Holloway]

76 strom bones. No, that's a different life.

[Mike Wright]

That's a different life, he says.

[Jason Moore]

Very nice.

[Mike Wright]

Welcome to the Fantasy footballers with the big parade. You've had a few lives.

[Andy Holloway]

I have.

[Mike Wright]

You've had a few. Yo, Carney. Wednesday, November 7, 2018. The fantasy footballers back again. Andy, Mike and Jason. You can find us on Twitter @ the FF Ballers. Welcome to the Wednesday show. Today we have a very special segment. We're going to do a playoff primer.

[Jason Moore]

Playoffs.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Thanks, Jim.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, no problem.

[Mike Wright]

It's that time of year, right? We're walking into week 10. Four weeks left for a lot of people before the fantasy playoffs. Weeks 14, 15, 16. For the majority of you intelligent league owners, those are your playoff weeks. If you're in week 17, contractually, we have to show up and give advice for that week. So we're here.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, we'll be here.

[Mike Wright]

But our spirit.

[Jason Moore]

Oh, is gone.

[Mike Wright]

It will not be. No, we'll be here.

[Jason Moore]

No, no. Our spirit will not be here. You're 100% right.

[Mike Wright]

Jason rails against it yearly.

[Jason Moore]

You know, every year that we continue to do this, it gets more and more passionate, more and more important for me because there's just so many examples. I mean, you know, look, all the arguments, everyone out there, that's what that wants to argue. And thankfully, it's getting fewer and fewer the number of people that argue for week 17, championship week, the final week of the NFL season, you know, it's like, just wait till you get to the championship with Todd Gurley this year and see how that works out for you.

[Andy Holloway]

Todd Gurley is single handedly changing the minds of fantasy players across the nation.

[Mike Wright]

No Saints, no Rams, probably no Patriots. Enjoy it and have fun. That's not the point of this episode.

[Jason Moore]

Derail.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, you blew it.

[Mike Wright]

We're going to break down each position. Who has the best matchups for the.

[Jason Moore]

Playoff weeks and who has terrible matchups and which ones you might want to avoid.

[Mike Wright]

And those are planning those might matter the most because if you're kind of in the middle, if you got a quarterback that's been performing and you know you're not benching Pat Mahomes because some of his matchups look questionable during those weeks. But you might make decisions about trades, trade deadlines coming up. You might make decisions about stashing a quarterback that you know, maybe you're streaming all year long. Now it's time to stash one because they have a great matchup. So we're going to get into all that today and get into the mailbag. So it's going to be a good show. You don't want to miss it. This will be this. You know, everybody can make the playoffs, right? You got to win them. And also not everybody can make them.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I thought that was a strange statement.

[Mike Wright]

Well, it's harder to win in the playoffs than it is to make the playoffs.

[Jason Moore]

That is true.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

That's all I got.

[Jason Moore]

News and notes from around the league.

[Mike Wright]

All right. The packers have placed wide receiver Geronimo Allison on injured reserve.

[Andy Holloway]

It's Valdez scantling time.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Marquez last week, I think he earned some more trust from Aaron Rodgers and he is a flex worthy guy right now. You want to be a target for Aaron Rodgers? This is exciting news for my dynasty team. At Rap Sheet reporting Sammy Watkins dealing with pain in his foot after Sunday's game had an mri. It's not supposed to be serious. However.

[Andy Holloway]

However, it's Sammy Watkins and it's his foot.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

You guys know my two dynasty whiteouts, right?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

A.J. green.

[Mike Wright]

A.J. green and Sammy Watkins.

[Jason Moore]

How are their feet?

[Mike Wright]

Not well.

[Andy Holloway]

Been better.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Here's the positive side of it. And this was pro football Doc was talking about. He said as long as it's not related to the surgery and of what he's previously dealt with, then he's going to be perfectly fine. We just, we don't have news yet of is it related to the previous injury.

[Mike Wright]

And if you're counting on him, he could miss this week against Arizona.

[Andy Holloway]

I would Anticipate him missing this weekend. They don't need him.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, they can. You know, this is a good week if you want to rest Tyreek and Kareem Hunt and Zeus and they can just rest all of their starters.

[Mike Wright]

Take, oh, like ahead of. You don't have to rest in week 17 early.

[Jason Moore]

By week now, you still get the W. It's just instead of by 24, it's by like 8.

[Mike Wright]

All right. Leonard Fournette, you know, recovering from the hamstring injury, returned to practice on Wednesday. Brooks, has there been an update on whether he was limited or full practice, do you know? I do not. Okay, well, let us know if you find that out. But right now I do want to talk about Leonard Fernet for a second. It's been several weeks since we've seen him. In that time, TJ Yelden, pretty good for fantasy. You also had the addition of Carlos Hyde, made his debut last week, or I guess that would have been two weeks ago. Two weeks ago in London. So it's been a while since we've seen Leonard Fournette. Fantasy owners that drafted him to be a top five guy haven't had that return yet. There's a lot of anticipation, expectation. I'd like to hear what you guys individually think you're going to get from Leonard Fournette when he comes back, what the concerns might be or whether you're just putting them right back in your line.

[Jason Moore]

We can discuss a little bit of what was said before the show. We're in looking at our pump the brakes option. And Andy, I think you suggested, hey, well, how about Leonard Fournette? And I was very opposed because I think we differ on this. I do not see Leonard Fournette as a pump. I'm very excited for his prospects. So we differ here at this table, but I personally think Leonard Fournette will be very good. They did the right thing. After bringing him back too early, having him re aggravate that hamstring. They did the right thing and kept him out all the way till after the bye week, which was the expected timeline to make sure he's ready to go. During that time, the Jacksonville Jaguars have sucked. Their quarterback has had problems. They've lost games that they were favored and supposed to win. They're now not leading the division that they were supposed to own. They gonna get back to Leonard Fournette? They're going to get, you know, they're coming in division off the bye against Indianapolis. There's not a scary defense. I think Leonard Fournette's Going to be a great start and you know what you drafted him to be. I think he is going to round out now. Is there the chance that, I mean, you have to factor in what if he comes back and re aggravates? Well, that's devastating. He's pretty much done for the year at that point. But they held him out long enough where I believe he'll be full go.

[Mike Wright]

My concerns and Mike, you can get into what you said before the show, my concerns with him. Actually, they didn't even factor re injury in. I'm concerned about some of the things Mike brought up about the defense because I don't think Fournette plays cornerback or linebacker.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

And I'm concerned about the addition of Carlos Hyde. They traded a pick for him. I think they don't want Leonard Fournette to re aggravate the injury. And my concern is that they won't give him the work he was getting before when he got frequently injured because they will rotate Carlos hide in from a series every two or three. Mike, you brought up the defense.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

The question for me, for Lennon Fournette is I'm somewhere in the middle because I'm like Jason. If I have Fournette, he's going right back in my starting lineup. But it's the expectations because the defense has been a problem, the quarterback has been a problem. Leonard Fournette solves neither of those problems to me. If Blake Bordeaux. Yes, really, if Blake Bortles is terrible, Leonard Fournette does not make him better. And if the defense is allowing points like 40, like huge scores to the Dallas Cowboys, allowing 20 points to the Texans, 24 to the Philadelphia Eagles, they cannot control the game like they did last year. Look, and then the passing down work doesn't go to 4net in my estimation. They still go to TJ Yeld. And if they're going to have to throw the ball and catch up.

[Jason Moore]

I agree with the passing work not being entirely four nets. They're not going to just, you know, have TJ Yelden disappear. But while he doesn't fix Blake Bortles and he doesn't fix whatever's ailing their defense, I believe he certainly helps both of those things. He makes it easier on Blake Bortles and because they're able to move the ball, keep the offense on the field, we know that helps a defense. So I think so let me ask the reason I'm.

[Mike Wright]

I'm bringing it up. I think we all agree if he's on your team and he's going to Play you play him. But you also have an opportunity to potentially cash in on expectations for a player right now. So, Mike, if you had Leonard Fournette, would you rather trade him for. Would you trade him for David Johnson right now?

[Andy Holloway]

That's an interesting call. With David Johnson, we only have really one week of the sample of the increased usage and in passing downs work. I think if I had Fournette and I waited this long, I would just ride it out.

[Mike Wright]

Jason, would you trade him for David Johnson?

[Jason Moore]

So funny, because we're on opposite sides of Fournette where I think Fournette's going to be really good. But I would trade him and the whole reason I would trade him for David Johnson is 100% injury risk mitigation. If they're both okay and even if Fournette's a little bit better, you don't have the chance of David Johnson re aggravating a soft tissue issue the way that you do with Fournette.

[Mike Wright]

Kevin Coleman, would you rather have Tevin Coleman or Leonard Fournette rest of season? Okay, those are the two that jump out to me. I assume you'd rather have Fournette than Jordan Howard.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. At this point you've waited. He's back from the buy.

[Mike Wright]

Nick Chubb.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

Okay. All right. I think I hate to say this because there are Jacksonville fans out there and I've been wrong a lot, so congrats to you on that. If I'm wrong here, this has the feeling of a broken season for them, of a lost season trending that direction. The defense is.

[Andy Holloway]

It would have to be a very large turnaround to.

[Mike Wright]

To save it.

[Andy Holloway]

To save it.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, exactly. So you pretty much.

[Andy Holloway]

To save your season, you essentially have to.

[Mike Wright]

You've got a division you could do it in.

[Andy Holloway]

Well, you have to run the gauntlet. They're three and five. If they're going to save the season, they need to win at least.

[Jason Moore]

What?

[Andy Holloway]

At least six more games.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Yeah. We'll see. We'll see what happens with Fournette. He certainly was great when they were winning and their defense was playing good. Does Bryant left New Orleans without a contract, but the Saints liked what they saw.

[Jason Moore]

I think they're still negotiating.

[Andy Holloway]

It's a little weird.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

He seems to try out for teams and then I think he. When his agent gets to the table.

[Jason Moore]

He really wants a lot of. He wants a lot more money than his market value is worth. Yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. If I'm DEZ Bryant and the Saints say, hey, we're going to work out a contract, you take the league minimum and you play football this year on a team that can go to the.

[Jason Moore]

Super bowl with a quarterback that can get you a lot of touchdowns and then you're a free agent at the end of this season and you go, hey, remember me?

[Andy Holloway]

If I'm Des Bryant, I say wink, wink, guys, I'm actually, I'm going to pay you. I'm going to give you guys 100 grand if you let me join the team and get regular snaps.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. There are still reports that they're working on a contract, so we'll see.

[Jason Moore]

I think he will sign there. That's just, I mean, obviously I know inside information, but from the different things I've read is that contract negotiations are ongoing and I just don't see why it wouldn't happen. It just makes sense for a lot.

[Mike Wright]

Of parties, if not as if he signs. Their fantasy owners have asked me, Michael Thomas, what happens to him? Nothing.

[Jason Moore]

Correct.

[Mike Wright]

Des Bryant is a wide receiver, three at best. In that situation, he's a goal line threat. Michael Thomas doesn't make his hay on the goal line. He makes his hay all over the field to the tune of 10 to 12 catches a week greatly. Nick Mullins is going to start at quarterback for the 49ers against the Giants this week.

[Andy Holloway]

Hooray.

[Mike Wright]

And then Darren Sprols is back at practice this week expected to play because what's better than three? Difficult to decide between running back options in Philly than four abort a four abort.

[Andy Holloway]

If you've got a Philadelphia Eagle running.

[Mike Wright]

Back, I think it is a full abortion tuck and roll.

[Andy Holloway]

All right.

[Mike Wright]

Before we get into the playoff primer, it is Wednesday, which means.

[Jason Moore]

O o o o'reilly.

[Mike Wright]

O'reilly. Oh, pump the brakes with o'reilly Auto Parts. We're pumping the brakes on. Well, three players this week. Two of our pump the brakes are from the same team.

[Andy Holloway]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

And I'm going to start Matthew Stafford. Matthew Stafford. I'm afraid to say it, but that Golden Tate fella, that safety blanket, that PPR machine, the yak master Golden Tate.

[Jason Moore]

Receptions over the course of the season.

[Mike Wright]

You can't just trade a guy like that away. Expect your quarterback to be in a groove with with Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay. So it was a very, very disappointing offensive performance from the Lions. I think you do tear down Matthew Stafford and they play at Chicago this week. So he is a not start to me. He is a full sit on the bench, put your cap on backwards and wait a week at least for. For Matthew Stafford. Let's see what happens. Whether they, you know, they brought in Bruce Ellington, I think. Is that correct, Brooks? Was it the Lions that brought him, Bruce? Yes, sir. They're searching, they're hoping, they're wishing, but they don't have Golden Tate. And like Jason said, you lose 100 reception guy, it's going to hurt. So I'm pumping the brakes on Matthew Stafford.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. And I'll just come in here in combo with that because I'm pumping the brakes, it gives me a sad face. Ladies and gentlemen. I'm pumping the brakes on Carry On Johnson. The Theo Riddick use was extremely disheartening to see him come in and be the passing downs guy because that's Carry on can do that. And I think that he improves the offense. If you just commit to him then just the way that I see offense in the NFL, if you have a player on the field and you don't know if you're going to throw or run, I think that actually improves your team. But this is the way that they are handling things. And Kerryon Johnson saw his snap count from 81% two weeks ago plummet back down to 55%. 55. Very, very disappointing day. And then on top of that, this is really, this isn't me bailing on him for the season, but the matchup against Chicago, it's already a terrible matchup. And if Theo Riddick is going to be the 6 target guy, then carry on. You got to lower your expectation.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, Jason's plugging his ears. He doesn't want to hear any.

[Andy Holloway]

Sorry, man.

[Mike Wright]

Doesn't want to hear any of this.

[Jason Moore]

Is Mike done talking yet?

[Mike Wright]

Carry on.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, look, this isn't a great matchup for him. I do agree on this week. You got to pump the brakes a little bit there. My. Pump the brakes. I'm also sticking at the running back position. And coming up to this holiday season, Christmas is right around the corner. You gotta, you gotta stay away from Krampus. Eat your children. I'm talking about Doug Martin.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, my God.

[Jason Moore]

Doug Martin. It's a bad week. Look, Doug Martin, for all the, you know, crap we can give him for not being good at football and eating children at Christmas.

[Andy Holloway]

Kind of a monster does that.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, Doug, he can still be relevant. I mean, you know, in the, in the two weeks where he's been the starter, he's had double digit carries, he's had serviceable, not great, but not terrible fantasy productions. And so you, you know, should, should.

[Andy Holloway]

You like he put on a play.

[Jason Moore]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

I was going to Say production Krampus.

[Jason Moore]

But this isn't the week for him.

[Andy Holloway]

He's coming to get your kids.

[Jason Moore]

Two weeks ago, Krampus. This isn't the week for uncle. Put him in the cellar. Yes, put him in the cellar.

[Mike Wright]

You know what concerned me about. About this. Pump the brakes. And I don't think you're. Well, you could be wrong. What concerned me is they were getting destroyed. And we saw this, right? I saw way too much Doug Martin in the second half of the game. They were being destroyed. It scared me to death. I was, I was expecting.

[Andy Holloway]

Because Gruden knows what he's doing.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, we've talked about this. Here's here, here's the thing. I mean, yes, he was in the game a lot when they were getting destroyed. That game was the whole team, offense and defense, flat out quit. And I, you can even say coaching. This is flat out quit. In that game two weeks ago, when they were down against the Colts, they didn't mentally give up. They were still playing football. And that's when Jalen Richard had eight receptions. So now I, you know, again, I brought up the fact that that was on the road. I don't think that a team mentally quits at home in front of their crowd. Especially when you're a Raider and you're in front of Raider nation, you're not going to turn over and give up, you know, and just let yourself die. And in which case, I think Jalen Richard will be out there catching passes as they try to keep up with the Los Angeles Chargers. I, I don't like the matchup for Doug Martin from offensive line, defensive line, or from a game script. So if you got both of those guys, which I know some people do, this is a Jalen Richard week, not a Krampus week.

[Mike Wright]

I, as a Jalen Richard owner in a deep dynasty league, hope you're right. I believe in you, Jason. That was pump the brakes with O'Reilly Auto Parts. Better parts, better prices every day. Matthew Stafford, Doug Martin, Kerryon Johnson for this week. And before we jump into the playoff primer, get you ready for the playoffs, the fantasy playoffs, we want to thank today's sponsors and I want to thank Simplisafe. You've heard us talk about Simplisafe. Maybe you've heard some of their advertising elsewhere. And here's why. I am a big fan of Simplisafe Home security, by the way. We have it here at the office since day one. Look, they're ready for anything that gets thrown at it. If a storm takes the Power out. Simplisafe is ready. If an intruder cuts the phone line, Simplisafe is ready. It should cost an arm and a leg. It doesn't. They're good people. They charge you what's fair. There are no contracts, there are no hidden fees. Look, here's what I love about it. Maybe it's overkill, maybe you don't think you need it, but you should be ready for every worst case scenario. And Simplisafe is ready for you. They have it all taken care of. They're recommended everywhere we recommend them and you've got to check it out. So go today to simplisafe.com footballers that is simplisafe.com footballers and check it out.

[Jason Moore]

And foot clan. Christmas, like I said, is right around the corner. With the holidays approaching Krampus, you have the best gift imaginable in Tommy John. Tommy John. Look, I'm wearing them right now.

[Andy Holloway]

Me too.

[Jason Moore]

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[Andy Holloway]

Bug in a rug.

[Jason Moore]

Snug as a bug in a rug. There's no wedgie. They got a no wedgie guarantee they're comfortable. The waistbands are great. Look, if you have the package of the store bought brand, you know, whatever, get it out of your drawer, walk over to your garbage can, lift the lid, place garbage in garbage can and then go to Tommy John order and in a couple days you'll be able to wear underwear again. Give the gift of mind blowing comfort this holiday season with a limited edition holiday gifts from Tommy John. Plus save 20% on your first order at Tommy John.com footballers. That's TommyJohn.com footballers 20% off. No adjustments needed.

[Mike Wright]

All right, all right. Sounds pretty good. Christmas is coming. We got, we sat down last night, went through all the Christmas gifts for the kids trying to make sure the proportions are correct. Oh yeah, that can be a disaster.

[Jason Moore]

Have the ratio.

[Mike Wright]

We can't. I'll be honest, we kind of messed it up a little bit last year.

[Jason Moore]

You guys are like already almost done with your Christmas shopping.

[Mike Wright]

That is correct.

[Jason Moore]

That's insane. That.

[Mike Wright]

Well. And when I so to my wife credit, it's not. You guys are. I mean she's done all of it. It's all about them deals, man. You get the steals and deals. But we sat down and last year we gave kids. I mean, they spent the same amount of money, but. But the older kid, he had, like, a few things that he couldn't use on Christmas morning as well. And then the other kid had a billion things that could all be used on Christmas morning. So there was that moment. And my wife doesn't want to relive it again. She feels.

[Andy Holloway]

Is those kids not understanding financial worth?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, it would be easier if it was like one gift each.

[Andy Holloway]

That's why you just get them all 10 of those stretchy, sticky hands.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, that's what you do. Kids love them. Kids love. You can get those with the quarter machines.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah.

[Jason Moore]

All right.

[Mike Wright]

Cheapest Christmas ever. Cheapest Christmas ever. This is all we could afford.

[Andy Holloway]

Kids.

[Mike Wright]

Let me go play Red dead on the PS4. Playoff primer time. Guys, let's talk about fantasy playoffs before we get into. We'll do Thursday night matchup after this. But look, last year's playoff primer episode highlighted a number of players that made huge impacts for fantasy owners in weeks 14 through 16. An example last year brought up Jameis Winston. He averaged 317 passing yards, two touchdowns per game in weeks 14 through 16. Running backs, we brought up Lashawn McCoy's glorious schedule.

[Andy Holloway]

Man, he was great. I mean, everyone remembers Todd Gurley from last year because he carried people to fantasy championships. But watching shady those last three weeks.

[Mike Wright]

He was gouging people 133 yards from scrimmage per game and a touchdown per game. And then Jarvis Landry was the wide receiver. 4 During those weeks brought him up on the show. Sterling Shepard as well. Antonio Gates, a number of players now, playoff matchups give the disclaimer here, Right? They're not everything. They're a piece of the puzzle. That's. The show in general is taking all these different pieces, putting them together and increasing your odds. I cannot see the future.

[Jason Moore]

Right. You don't want to overreact. You don't want to see a schedule and say, I want that schedule so bad that I will give up.

[Mike Wright]

I'll trade you for that schedule.

[Jason Moore]

I'll give up a better player for a worse player. To have a schedule weeks away, that would be a fantasy football mistake. That's a fallacy that, you know, the schedule is just. It's just one piece of the puzzle. Like Andy said, you know, you. You prefer, you know, ideally, you want a good player with a great schedule. You know, that's kind of the target, the hope, the dream. But I agree with you, Andy from earlier. Probably more important than the great schedules are being aware of. Maybe the players that are on your team that you go, oh man, I don't love the playoff schedule because those are the players where make a trade. Yeah, you can make a trade and kind of protect yourself. And if they're playing well right now, you can usually get good value for them to where you're not downgrading your player. Maybe you upgrade your player, maybe you sideways trade, but you get a better playoff schedule.

[Mike Wright]

We get a lot of questions about playoff schedules earlier in the season and it's really not the time to evaluate it because you need to accumulate as much data on fantasy points against as possible for as long as possible before you make those determinations. So we like to do it now heading into week 10, on the brink of trade deadlines for a lot of teams and when the most amount of data has accumulated. So some of the best quarterback schedules this year. Cam Newton is at the top of that list by a lot.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

To me, Cam Newton has Cleveland in Cleveland in week 14 and then at home, New Orleans, Atlanta, divisional games at home. Both defenses that are vulnerable to the quarterback position. In fact, New Orleans in Atlanta are the 30th and 31st ranked against the fantasy quarterback.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, Cam Newton is. This is why we've, we've at least been highlighting Cam Newton and the Panthers schedule coming up for a few weeks because I truly believe that Cam Newton is going to carry a lot of people through the championship in my dynasty league.

[Mike Wright]

Now I don't have many more, but I had Cam Newton and Patrick Mahomes. And Patrick Mahomes, what is his schedule during weeks 14 through 16?

[Andy Holloway]

Doesn't matter.

[Mike Wright]

Baltimore Chargers, Seattle.

[Jason Moore]

That's three tough matchups.

[Mike Wright]

Three tough matchups.

[Jason Moore]

Three tough matchups.

[Andy Holloway]

But I would play him.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, but. But the question is, would you still play him over that glorious schedule from Cam Newton?

[Jason Moore]

Probably not. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

I mean, did you say probably not?

[Andy Holloway]

Probably not.

[Mike Wright]

So that would be a hard. That would have been a hard thing for me. If Patrick Mahomes carries me through the season, then I go, you know, I'm going to make the switch now. I'm going to put in Colin Kaepernick. I'm going to bench you, Alex.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

So you pull a Harbaugh and put Cam. It would be really hard to lose with Patrick Mahomes on my bench.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes, it certainly would.

[Mike Wright]

But some other great schedules to pay attention to. Jason, did you want to.

[Jason Moore]

I was just going to say. So you took that, that hardship away from yourself.

[Mike Wright]

I did. I traded Cam Newton away. So, yeah, I'm not, not starting. Alex Smith over Patrick Mahomes. Philip Rivers has a nice schedule. Cincinnati and Kansas City at home.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, the championship week is a little rough. Baltimore is a very good.

[Mike Wright]

Is it anymore? Oh my gosh, Baltimore's falling apart.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I still believe, I mean, I realize that they are. They've had a couple of really bad weeks in a row, but the personnel, the coaching. Assuming Harbaugh stays, I still believe he's a great coach. You know, I don't, I don't love the Baltimore matchup, but the thing is, when you've got a guy like Philip Rivers, like compare Philip Rivers preseason, there were two players that I think were in the exact same boat. Long term veterans, always good at fantasy football, super cheap. In the draft they were two of my higher end targets. Philip Rivers, Matthew Stafford. Right. They both have the same draft capital, the same, you know, quality of talent and weapons. Although not anymore for Stafford. But if you look at Philip Rivers, Cincinnati in week 14, then Kansas City, week 15, and then a tough one at Baltimore. Matthew Stafford has Arizona, whose defense has been mighty fine. Buffalo, whose defense has been actually, yeah.

[Andy Holloway]

You like to play your DST against.

[Jason Moore]

Buffalo and Minnesota, who's one of the best defenses in the league. So that's where if you've got those, you know, let's say you've got Stafford and you could, you know, do a pivot trade with, you know, another piece or something and swing over for Philip Rivers. Similar tiered guy, a two for one type of situation.

[Mike Wright]

Andrew Luck has an interesting end of season schedule. Not in the upper echelon. Kurt Cousins as well. At two road games at Seattle, then Miami, then at Detroit, Cousins has been a little up and down.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I think of the guys. So we're highly in our dock here. We have four guys that are kind of the worst of the worst for schedules as a whole. Stafford, Luck, Kirk Cousins, Carson Wentz. Stafford and Cousins would be the two guys that I would try to pivot away from. Andrew Luck, I'm going to play him. Same with Carson Wentz and the same with Carson Wentz. They can get it done in a bad matchup. I mean, Carson Wentz just added another weapon to his art. Well, he didn't, but the team at a Golden Tate. So I would still be fine playing those two guys. But if you have Stafford or Cousins, I would be looking for to make a move.

[Jason Moore]

You're perspiring a little bit.

[Andy Holloway]

A little bit.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, man, you're a cousin's. Owner. Are you looking to make a move?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Okay. In the good matchups. And we're going to. Brooks, we're going to take all of this data and we're going to tweet it out. Is this correct?

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Have you ever used the tweet?

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. You'll figure out how to do it. The one player I'm going to mention that's in the good list, Andy Dalton has the Chargers and then Oakland and Cleveland.

[Andy Holloway]

Are any of those games in prime time?

[Mike Wright]

Yeah, Great question. I'm actually a little.

[Andy Holloway]

I'm out.

[Jason Moore]

Then.

[Mike Wright]

I'm a little bit concerned because of Green. Not just because of Green, but because. You know what I love about Cam Newton, Philip Rivers, schedule, Big Ben, they're facing teams that are equally talented on the other side of the ball. To put that. Not only are they bad in terms of giving up points against the quarterback, but they're also going to keep those games competitive. New England, New Orleans, New Orleans, Atlanta, Kansas City, Baltimore. Eddie Dalton plays Oakland and Cleveland. And so there's a little bit more risk to me when you face Oakland. If Mixon runs those first two touchdowns in your defense, gets a score, your quarterback may be done for the day. And so I'm just bringing that up as. Look, you're weighing that as a factor as well.

[Jason Moore]

So here's. Would you rather have Matthew Stafford or Andy Dalton? Dalton, even with the Green injury right now. So you would trade Matthew Stafford, no doubt.

[Mike Wright]

No, yeah, I would.

[Andy Holloway]

And this is a deep league, because we do we have some listeners who say, oh, there's never quarterbacks on the waiver wire. Deep league. If you have an extra bench to stash somebody. Or did you just have the same idea? Jason?

[Jason Moore]

Oh, I know where you're going. Absolutely.

[Mike Wright]

Joe.

[Andy Holloway]

No, Lamar. The backup to Joe Flacco, Lamar Jackson, Yep.

[Jason Moore]

It's funny, I thought you were going Joe, and I was going to correct you with Lamar Jackson.

[Andy Holloway]

I mean, Joe Flacco certainly, if he is still the starting quarterback for the team. But the whispers in the bushes are starting to get louder in Baltimore of like you said, maybe Harbaugh is going to see the door. Maybe Flacco is going to be out. Harbaugh has had to come out and say, no, Flacco is still our guy. But week 14, Kansas City, week 15, Tampa Bay. Week 16, the Los Angeles Chargers, plus Lamar Jackson and his rushing getting you that. The Getting you the Tebow points, the Cam Newton points. Just saying if no one is available and you can hold on to them.

[Jason Moore]

Look very, very interesting that Lamar Jackson will start these games. I think Joe Flacco, because of the contract situation, will be starting these games. But if Lamar Jackson is the starter, he will win fantasy championships for people whoever, whoever gets him first. If he's the starter with the schedule of at Kansas City, Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Chargers, with his ability to rush the ball like no. 1, Cam is the only one that can rush the ball as well as Lamar Jackson, albeit in completely different styles. He'll be a fantasy beast during the, during those championships.

[Andy Holloway]

Very possible.

[Mike Wright]

All right, turning the page to the best running back schedules for the fantasy football playoffs, let's turn first to David Johnson. David Johnson gets to face the 24th, 31st and 15th ranked run defenses. Detroit, Atlanta, Los Angeles, two of those three games at home. Other ones that obviously jump off the page. Mike, you brought up all Carolina panthers, but Christian McCaffrey faces Cleveland, New Orleans, Atlanta. Joe Mixon, you know, has a great schedule, especially if you snag that bye week. If you're a league that has a bye week in week 14 or you get through week 14, he faces Oakland and Cleveland in weeks 15 and 16. The Philip Lindsey, Royce Freeman situation could be real good for weeks 15 and 16 as well. San Francisco, Cleveland, Oakland and then Tevin Coleman, Melvin Gordon, Kareem Hunt have some of the better running back schedules too. What stands out to you from that group?

[Andy Holloway]

Sure the guys I would highlight would be David Johnson and Baltimore and Carolina are just are good all around like ancillary like pieces from that offense like John Brown, Devin and Funches, secondary options that you can actually get cheap. Maybe they become interesting because you want them for a flex play. But David Johnson, Collins, the running backs from Denver and then maybe maybe Tevin Coleman, those guys are interesting because their schedules are great and I think you can actually acquire them. Trading for Joe Mixon is going to be pretty close to impossible. Melvin Gordon, trading for him will. Will literally be impossible. So. And same for Christian McCaffrey. So that's why you got to highlight these guys. You could actually go out and get them if you're trying to buy into the schedule.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I agree. I would be happy with all of the aforementioned players. Now I'm not super high on the Baltimore situation, especially trying to predict weeks 14, 15, 16 when it comes to if you were to go out and trade for Alex Collins right now. Is he the risk?

[Andy Holloway]

I feel pretty strongly he will, but yeah, there is a little bit of risk.

[Jason Moore]

And again I'll bring up if you didn't hear a couple shows ago, I am still a huge believer. Like if you even, even maybe if you're not. And this isn't forever.

[Andy Holloway]

We're not talking about tight ends yet. Jason, stop it.

[Jason Moore]

No. In C.J. anderson, okay, if you are the Christian McCaffrey owner to have that C.J. anderson is worthless. He's not going to do anything unless there's an unfortunate devastating injury to Christian McCaffrey. But I am a complete believer that if he'd be another championship winning asset in those weeks, pull a Tim Hightower legs. Pull a Tim Hightower come in and be a true dominant player.

[Mike Wright]

It's interesting that Todd Gurley, Alvin Camara have two of the hardest schedules for again, you know, for fantasy running backs.

[Jason Moore]

Don't care.

[Mike Wright]

Camara at Carolina and Pittsburgh in weeks 15, 16. That is the sixth ranked and first ranked run D. And then at Chicago, at Philly for Weeks 14 and 15 for Todd Gurley. Two difficult matchups as well. Gurley gets Arizona in Week 16 though, which is championship week. And Arizona has yet to set their eyes on a running back, much less tackle one. And Alvin Camara has a beautiful week 14 against Tampa Bay.

[Andy Holloway]

Cream hunt schedule is difficult as well. But like these are guys, you don't care the piece of the puzzle. It doesn't matter.

[Mike Wright]

But yes, San Francisco and Houston. Matt Breida has a very difficult end of season. Like we kind of, you know, Raheem Mosterts out now. Alfred Morris is irrelevant. Matt Breed has been hurt. But we all said, look, when he's out there, he's the guy. This looks like an intimidating schedule. Is he a pivot, A pivot guy?

[Andy Holloway]

Yes. I would try to pivot away from him if I could. Denver Week 14, that, that's fine. But then Seattle and Chicago, championship week against Chicago, that would be really, really crappy to have made it all the way to the title game and then have to stare that matchup in the face with your RB2. So if you could make the move, I would try to do that.

[Jason Moore]

Here's another name that I think would be a little bit interesting because he has to be a second half of the year player if he's going to do something. But Dalvin Cook has Seattle not a good matchup in that week 14. But like if you've got the buy, which, you know, if you've got the buy, you're the type of team that can trade for Dalvin Cook from a team that was losing because they had Dalvin Cook try to nab him now and he's got Miami, Detroit, two of the worst run defenses for fantasy points given up in the championship and the semis. The semis. So I like, you know, if he's healthy, which his 70 yard run looked pretty healthy this last week.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, he was. I think I saw from next gen he was clocked as that's the fastest run of the year.

[Mike Wright]

Wow. Yeah, that's decently healthy. We'll post all the running backs so you can break it down. Look at your roster, see what the schedules look like compared to the fantasy points allowed by their opponents at the wide receiver position. You brought up Carolina. They've got the nice matchups.

[Andy Holloway]

They'll be highlighted in all sections.

[Mike Wright]

But interestingly enough, Dallas, the Chargers, Green Bay, all very nice schedules. So look, you've got Geronimo, Allison to IR Marquez Valdez. Scantling could be a target, right? Like he's already a waiver target. Maybe you picked him up today.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Well, take comfort. Atlanta, Chicago, New York, the Jets for the final three games of the season. And then Keenan Allen gets to play Cincinnati, Kansas City and then Baltimore in week 16. But look, you got to get to the championship game and he's got a juicy schedule. Amari Cooper, are you interested? Philly. Philly, Indianapolis, Tampa?

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, a little bit. I am. Because here's the problem. Well, here's the problem for, for Amari Cooper. I mean, it's, it's chicken and egg situation here where he just would never get targets. And you think, okay, well, number one wide receiver should always get targets regardless. I mean, he can, he can get open. He struggled with drops. There was so much weird stuff going on in Oakland, but the Cowboys are clearly going to feature him with. With the first. With a first round pick given up to acquire him his first game in the system. They went to him. They're forcing. Dak is forcing things to him in double coverage, but they're gonna go to him and two really strong matchups and the one that's not the strongest is the Colts. And I don't care. Like, I'll still play him against the Colts and be perfectly fine with that. So, yes, Amari Cooper is. He's interesting.

[Jason Moore]

So here's the thing. Here's the thing with Amari Cooper. My mind. My mind knows to be careful.

[Andy Holloway]

But your body.

[Mike Wright]

My mind's telling me no.

[Andy Holloway]

My body.

[Jason Moore]

It's really one of those, like, I'm, like, I know not to do this, Jason. Don't do this.

[Andy Holloway]

Don't you buy in fool me thrice.

[Jason Moore]

It feels. But the thing is Is he was running great routes as he is known to do. He was getting separation. He got a few targets, got a touchdown. As the rapport builds with this schedule, I mean, I'm kind of liking Amari Cooper. I don't know to trust my mind or my body.

[Mike Wright]

Oh, my goodness. I would trust your mind, say Mari Cooper.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. Your. Your body talked you into back to back days of raising canes, Jason.

[Jason Moore]

Ooh, my body rejected that.

[Andy Holloway]

And then your body, man, that's a. This has been a long time.

[Mike Wright]

It has been a little while. How many consecutive fast food meals did you consume?

[Jason Moore]

Upwards of, I don't know, 20? What? I mean, look. Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

[Mike Wright]

All right. Wide receivers with difficult playoff matchups. Look, it doesn't look worse than it does for Ty Hilton. Houston, Dallas, New York, that is the seventh, third and fifth ranked. He has not gotten on the, you know, he has not given you those special performances this year yet. Are you worried about Ty Hilton? Would you look at what you can get for him if you could pivot away from him somewhere else?

[Andy Holloway]

I would not.

[Mike Wright]

You would not?

[Andy Holloway]

No. I'm going to trust in Ty.

[Mike Wright]

He's a must start then. Yes, Trust in Ty.

[Andy Holloway]

Absolutely. Early on in the season he was putting up good points. Then he dealt with the injuries. He's still trying to, you know, get back. And I think by the fantasy playoffs, Ty Hilton and Andrew Luck will be firing on all cylinders. I talked about Andrew Luck's not a guy I'm trying to pivot away from. I'm not going to pivot away from his number one weapon then.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, I tend to agree there too. And I think the Dallas New York Giants matchups, while they have been good at, you know, at not giving up fantasy points to the wide receivers, I think by the end of the year and in those specific games, I think Ty will be just fine in those matchups. Here's a guy I want to talk about because I almost. This might surprise you guys. I mean, I chose not to, but I almost made him my pump the brakes this week. And it's Alshon Jeffrey.

[Andy Holloway]

Interesting.

[Jason Moore]

Alshon Jeffrey has been fantastic. He's been getting more targets than what we're used to. You know, last year when he was successful, it was on the back of the touchdowns and the efficiency. He wasn't, you know, just a complete target hog. That's Zachary. With the addition now of Golden Tate, Zach Ertz, you've got a lot of, a lot of different weapons. This is great for Carson Wentz beating this Tough schedule. But Alshon Jeffrey, with Dallas, the Rams, the Texans in those fantasy championship weeks, do you guys have any worries that the combination of more targets, bad schedule could make Alshon a disappointing fantasy playoff?

[Mike Wright]

I do. I do have concerns. I have concerns he'll become more TD dependent as the season goes on. That would be my one concern. And if you roll the dice with a guy that is more prone to 60 reception seasons, then there's some risk there.

[Andy Holloway]

I think the risk would be you got to walk through will he be shadowed by any elite quarterback or cornerbacks? Because the two weeks that were rough for Alshon Jeffrey against Minnesota, two for 39, the roads were closed. Xavier Rhodes absolutely shut him down. And then this past, well, two weeks ago he got the Jalen Ramsey experience, 4 for 35. So that's what I'm taking a look at.

[Jason Moore]

So Dallas, well, Dallas you've got.

[Andy Holloway]

Jones is great. He doesn't shadow though. So as long as they're unique with their play calling, they can get him open.

[Jason Moore]

The Rams, the Rams should be healthier by then.

[Andy Holloway]

The question will be.

[Mike Wright]

There was a report this morning a key to leave expected back after the buy in week 13.

[Jason Moore]

Right. So that would be. This would be his second week back if that holds up. So that defense could be much better than Houston that last week. Look, I'm not saying you must sell Aljon Jeffrey right now by any means. He's going to be very valuable. But I almost pumped the brakes in part because he is playing Dallas on a very low over under game in the first game we've seen, you know, when these wide receivers so far, two for two when they've been traded for mid season, they try to come in and pump a couple early targets to him, make sure they know we want you involved. So Alshon's got great value right now. Right. I mean he's been. I feel like you could, you could trade him maybe upgrade, do a package deal maybe for one.

[Andy Holloway]

And I'm pretty confident in him moving forward and capitalize. Where are you at, Andy, on Alshon?

[Jason Moore]

Would you be willing to trade him, split it?

[Mike Wright]

I'd be willing to trade Alshon right now. I think he's at peak value.

[Andy Holloway]

Good.

[Mike Wright]

Maybe one of the more important positions to turn to here, tight end. Because predictability teams giving up points to tight ends. If you're in that middle tier. Right. You're not a Kittle Ertz. Kelsey Gronk. Yes. I still said Gronk owner you're looking to find. I mean, I don't know what I'd be looking for more.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

To help differentiate a middling tier guy like a David and Joku. You know, if I'm looking at Njoku or Jordan Reed or O.J. howard or. Well, maybe not O.J. howard. O.J. howard's probably moved himself up a little bit, but in the middle tiers, I'm looking at playoff schedule. Ben Watson has one of the best playoff schedules I've seen in quite some time. Here's the rank of his opponents in terms of fantasy points given up to the tight end position. 31st, 32nd, 29th for those final three weeks. Tampa, Carolina, Pittsburgh. Jared Cook has a very favorable schedule. David Njoku has a very favorable schedule. And yes, Rob Gronkowski does as well. Vance McDonald. Are you targeting these players?

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. I mean, Ben Watson is a great guy to target because you don't have to trade for him. You just go sign him, pick him up, you know. And the thing is, is if he's on a roster right now, which he very well might be at a good couple of weeks and a good schedule, just keep doing the. Speaking of which, today is Wednesday, so drop it like it's hot. Check your waiver wire for who was dropped as the waivers went through. Don't just look at who got. Who got the guys you wanted, but who did they stupidly let go of? And over the. From now to the end of the season, Ben Watson will hit every waiver wire because I don't think he's going to be one of those weekly must starts. He'll have a bad matchup and someone will pivot and you could hold on to him. I would rather have, you know, Ben Watson than a lot of other of that middle tier of tight end with that kind of a schedule and what he's been doing. And I love Ben Watson. Yeah, just a good guy.

[Mike Wright]

And I think this is an official opportunity to say, oh, what's happening? It's been. I was gonna say a good run, but it really hasn't been a good run. It's been a really irritating run. And sure, one of our original rules of this show was related to it.

[Jason Moore]

Gotta break the rules here.

[Mike Wright]

But I'm breaking up officially with Jordan Reed. Jordan Reed. I said earlier this week he's not even the best tight end on his team right now. You can't trust him. And he faces one of the worst playoff schedules, including at Jacksonville, eighth against tight end, and at Tennessee, the first, the number one against fantasy tight end. It's time to say goodbye. It's time to move On.

[Jason Moore]

He's been so disappointing. I mean, yeah, I would rather play on a weekly basis. Ben Watts and Jared Cook and Joe Ku. Those guys. Then Jordan Reed, who was drafted to. Here's the thing with Jordan Reed that everybody thought if he was able to remain healthy, I mean, this was the original rule. He's one of the best. His upside is massive. But Alex Smith without Andy Reid went right back to being Alex Smith.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. Yeah, he did Vanilla ice cream. I expected more from this last week against Atlanta. Didn't get it.

[Jason Moore]

Yards. He did all right. Yeah, he did enough. I mean, vanilla ice cream is not a bad thing. It's just needs some, you know, pick them two.

[Mike Wright]

Two things put on top of vanilla ice cream.

[Jason Moore]

I would pick Tyree Kill and Tyree.

[Andy Holloway]

Kill and Travis Kelsey.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, I was. Okay, we'll move on.

[Jason Moore]

Thursday night breakdown.

[Mike Wright]

You guys excited for this one? The 6 and 2 Panthers take on the 52 and 1 Steelers. Steelers are four point favorites, 501 1/2 point over under.

[Andy Holloway]

All right. Yes, I am, very much. Since we're coming off of the Dallas, Tennessee primetime matchup, I do need a palate cleanser. So, yes, I'm very excited for this.

[Jason Moore]

I love that this game in Pittsburgh, I mean, Lemon sorbet, the fact that Big Ben is at home in front of the Steelers crowd in prime time makes me so confident that this will be a high scoring affair, that he will get the job done. And Cam Newton, you know, with his ability to rush on the road, I love the matchup for almost everybody involved. I mean, both teams on paper are great against the run. And that doesn't matter because you're talking about James Conner and Christian McCaffrey must start every weeks. And then all the other positions on both sides of the field have pretty juicy matchups here. So I mean, this is a, this is a light them up. And whenever you can have a Thursday night football game where you get players, there's an advantage. I mean, we've talked about that in the past. You get to know before. Just a knowledge advantage before Sunday. Are you in a hole? Are you in a lead? Do you need to play it safe? Do you need to swing for the fences? There's something nice about being able to plug in Devin Funches and of course take him out of your flex and move him into the wide receiver position because that gives you more flexibility come Sunday. And Devin Fudge is a perfect example because if he finishes with two touchdowns at 100 yards, that that's a realistic outcome. If he finishes with 3% chance of that. Three receptions and 22 yards. There's a percentage. You know that that could happen too. And you get the knowledge going into Sunday of how you know you've got a head start on knowledge.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. I know you guys scoff every time I bring it up but I would expect Joe Hayden to be very much on Devin Funches. That's fine. How'd John Brown do against Joe? Poorly against Joe Hayden.

[Mike Wright]

Which time?

[Jason Moore]

I like it.

[Andy Holloway]

No, this last week. Joe Hayden shadow John Brown.

[Mike Wright]

I know it was bad. It was bad for John Brown. You love Joe Hayden. I get it.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah. He's been playing incredible. Devin Funches will not have a good game because of Joe Hayden. I stand by it.

[Mike Wright]

He also in. In his defense or in Joe Hayden not. Not giving the credit to Joe Hayden. He could have a bad game due to Devon Funches. It is possible.

[Andy Holloway]

When you combine funches with hated.

[Mike Wright]

That's fine. I don't have any. If I were a fantasy owner counting on Devin Funches on a week to.

[Andy Holloway]

Week basis, I would be sad.

[Mike Wright]

I would not be happy.

[Jason Moore]

No, but you'd want him on Thursday.

[Mike Wright]

You would.

[Jason Moore]

That's my point is because his range of outcomes.

[Mike Wright]

If you are going to play him, you'd want to.

[Jason Moore]

If you're going to play Devin Funches, better to have it be on a Thursday.

[Mike Wright]

Is Greg Olson a top five tight end rest of the season?

[Jason Moore]

Yes. I mean the only issue I have with Greg Olson is that he could re injure the foot which that would obviously take him out of top five.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I, I don't know my top five off the top of my head but he's a great play. This week the Steelers defense ranked 29th against the position. I'm all about it but interestingly enough the panthers are somehow 32nd against the position or 32nd best as we call them on this show. So are you interested in Vance McDonald?

[Mike Wright]

He. I'm interested in the fact that he ran I think the most routes of any tight end last weekend and just didn't turn into. Didn't turn into production to the degree that you'd want. I'm always kind of when I am grabbing a streaming tight end or somebody that I'm looking to explode, he's always in the corner of my eye.

[Andy Holloway]

Let me ask this question then.

[Mike Wright]

But I didn't like see Jesse I didn't like seeing Jesse James fly down the sideline for a catch.

[Andy Holloway]

So Vance McDonald after the really strange two weeks ago, 38% of the snaps he would went back to his normal mid 60 range. What's your confidence level in Gronk for this weekend?

[Mike Wright]

Because to play. Yes. Very little.

[Andy Holloway]

So would you. Let's say Ben Watson is not available. You've somehow you missed out on Usama in the great tight end pickups.

[Mike Wright]

Would you jump the gun on Thursday?

[Andy Holloway]

That's what I'm getting to.

[Mike Wright]

Yes, yes I would. I would play Vance McDonald in bet on Gronk being out as of Wednesday, November 7, Wednesday morning in the morning. Like if I get a report that Gronk was, you know, practicing in full.

[Jason Moore]

Tomorrow on Thursday then yeah, I would.

[Mike Wright]

Be waiting to the but if I don't hear anything, you know I'm ear to the ground. I'm trying to find out everything I can about Gronk but knowing that they have the buy next week but I.

[Andy Holloway]

Think that's a realistic situation that people could be facing.

[Mike Wright]

People kind of had to face it last week with Gronk in the Sunday night game and having to play the Sunday morning tight ends. This is a little worse than that. Yes, but I think Vance is good enough. Like what's funny is Mike was forced into playing Ben Watson last week over Gronk. He got a better week than Gronk. It worked out better week than Gronk's given him all year.

[Andy Holloway]

It definitely worked out.

[Mike Wright]

You're no longer. I don't think right now you're risking, you know, three points to 25 points. Lately it's been like are you going to get 10 from ground? Yeah, I think the risk is worth.

[Andy Holloway]

Jason, how are you feeling about your star Juju Smith Schuster?

[Jason Moore]

He's just. I absolutely love Juju Smith Schuster. I realize that he has, he's had a couple of down games. If I could trade for JuJu Smith Schuster right now, I would do it in a heartbeat. If you look at similar to what Andy was just saying on Vance McDonald right. You can't just look at the results. The results are the only thing that matters for winning fantasy. But in predicting fantasy you have to look at the process. You have to look at, okay, was he on the field? Was he getting the right targets? Juju is near the top of the league in red zone targets. When they get down there, they're looking his way. Juju has been unbelievable on the predictive analytics that matter. Even still the star is firmly in the north. In the north is the north star.

[Mike Wright]

Polaris up is north.

[Jason Moore]

No, I'm just, I was making a north star effort.

[Andy Holloway]

Down is south.

[Jason Moore]

South, I mean come on knows this now. Dig you're going south if you did. If you dig a hole, you go six feet south.

[Mike Wright]

I just want this voice to stay around. Want to be quiet and let it happen. Now I was gonna make Brooks edited in because I completely forgot to mention it. Maybe one of the most important things to pay attention to. But we didn't talk team defenses in the playoff primer. So I'm going to give you that as we close out the show and I'm not even going to make Brooks do extra work.

[Jason Moore]

Wait.

[Mike Wright]

We're just working it in.

[Jason Moore]

Wait. Before we go back, I really do want your guys opinion on DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel because this matchup says no. That someone's going to pop.

[Mike Wright]

No thanks. Nah, it was.

[Andy Holloway]

The usage of DJ Moore was unbelievably.

[Jason Moore]

I don't want to change setting. I don't want to chase what Curtis Samuel did.

[Andy Holloway]

I would know.

[Mike Wright]

Clearly you do.

[Jason Moore]

I'm tempted because Tori Smith is out, Curtis Samuel is a burner and this is a matchup that says he's got a chance at, you know, at one of those deep bombs.

[Andy Holloway]

DJ Moore played the most snaps of his career last week. The targets just didn't go.

[Jason Moore]

If you had to pick one of.

[Andy Holloway]

Those, if I'm missing one of those, I'm going with DJ Moore.

[Mike Wright]

That's fair. I think that's all you can say. It's all relative to what you have on your roster comparatively. But if I had to play any of the three, I would play JJ more. But Curtis Samuel.

[Jason Moore]

Bring it up. Yeah, because I think those are players that people might be grossly staring at and they need to know.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Can I properly go back in time now? The best defensive schedules for weeks 14 through 16 as of right now look like this. Denver plays San Francisco, Cleveland and Oakland. Detroit plays Arizona, Buffalo, Minnesota, Tennessee, Jacksonville, New York and Washington. Washington faces the Giants, Jacksonville and Tennessee. And then Jacksonville has a pretty good defense. Now I, I like to try to get the combo right. A defense that I believe has at least elite level talent, playmaking ability combined with the schedule. I'm not just going to go on schedule alone. Like I don't. Look, Detroit's playing Arizona, Buffalo.

[Andy Holloway]

They are on the road.

[Mike Wright]

They're on the road. They're not a great defense.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, I agree. They are. They are not. I don't think they're a great defense. But when, when you're looking at the matchup, the thing I want to know is who is the quarterback and how are they playing. And so I would still be very comfortable playing Detroit Against Arizona and Buffalo.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. And I totally agree they have not been a talented defense. But Ziggy Ansa has been out.

[Andy Holloway]

Right.

[Jason Moore]

And they just traded for snacks. Harrison, those are two really good defensive players that they have not had while they've stunned.

[Mike Wright]

Based on the information we have now though, one week and the performances we have now and the snatching you're doing now, I have a lot more confidence in the sack machine like Denver.

[Jason Moore]

Sure. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

I would rather have a. Denver is a better target than. Than Detroit is for me. Who else stands out to you?

[Jason Moore]

The New England Patriots. I mean if you're just playing the.

[Andy Holloway]

Oh, if you can get the Pats for championship weekend then. And they have. The Pats actually have a couple decent matchups on the way.

[Jason Moore]

It's Miami. So they. You don't want their week 15. Week 15 is Pittsburgh. That's where you go. Okay, pivot off for that one. But the sandwich, I mean you got. You start with Miami and then playoff championship at home.

[Andy Holloway]

Yes.

[Jason Moore]

Against Buffalo and probably a quarterback that. I don't know, maybe it's Josh Allen by that time. One would hope.

[Andy Holloway]

Yeah, it should be. I mean just figure out, take a look who's playing the jets or the Raiders.

[Mike Wright]

The Raiders are really the target I'm looking at.

[Andy Holloway]

Sure.

[Mike Wright]

So that's, that's.

[Jason Moore]

That would be Denver championship week.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. And I think, I think Cincinnati plays them the week before that or two weeks before that. And so I, I'm willing to stash two defenses to stack them. I want to get through the playoffs with confidence. That's why I'm. I know Detroit's playing at Arizona, at Buffalo, I'm staying away from them. They're the. From fantasy points produced perspective. They're the 25th ranked defense. That's not good enough for me.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. The Bengals, I'm glad you brought them up because if they're a perfect bi week stash or just a playoff stash, but beginning of playoffs, week one, you don't love them. They're on the road against the Chargers. Don't play them. But Then their week 15 and 16 are as good as anybody.

[Mike Wright]

Is it Cleveland? Oakland.

[Jason Moore]

It's Oakland. Cleveland. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. So. And then on the other side of the coin is a lot of people have been counting on the Chicago defense. You'll have Khalil Mack back by then. But week 14 and 15, gross. They face the Rams and the Packers. You can.

[Jason Moore]

You can't play them.

[Mike Wright]

You can't start him though.

[Jason Moore]

You cannot play.

[Mike Wright]

You can hold them on your bench. For week 16 championship week against the 49ers though.

[Jason Moore]

Yep.

[Mike Wright]

And I would Chargers defense been pretty good. You can't play them, I don't think. You know, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Carolina's defense.

[Jason Moore]

Has been pretty good. But the semis and championship, Saints and the Falcons. No thank you.

[Mike Wright]

And then Baltimore, Kansas city in week 14, you can't do it. Probably can't do it against Tampa bay in week 15, probably against the Chargers in week 16. So Baltimore Punta.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah. And you don't have to punt them now, but just know that you need, if you are rolling with Baltimore, you need to have that defense stash for the playoffs. Yeah.

[Mike Wright]

So we'll post all the defenses so you can look at it as well. All these will be on twitter @the ff ballers and hopefully this breakdown helps you out as you plan. This is our jobs to provide you as much information as we can and your job is to make decisions based on the context of your league, what's on the free agent wire and what you need.

[Jason Moore]

Your job is to win the championship, to bring it home.

[Mike Wright]

Yeah. And then report back.

[Jason Moore]

Yeah, definitely report back.

[Mike Wright]

That is it for today's episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Make sure you check us out our [e-mail] and check out draft.com ballers if you want to play some DFS this weekend. Thank you for listening and supporting. Goodbye.

[Andy Holloway]

Goodbye.

[Jason Moore]

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast. Join our Fantasy Football community community on jointhefoot.com and follow us on Twitter @the ffballers.