Fantasy Footballers Podcast Summary: Week 14 Waivers + Dart Throws, Difference Makers - December 3, 2024

Release Date: December 3, 2024

Hosts:

• Andy Holloway
• Jason Moore
• Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright

Introduction

In this Week 14 episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright delve into the critical aspects of managing your fantasy roster as the regular season nears its end. Focusing on waivers, difference makers, and strategic player evaluations, the trio provides listeners with actionable insights to secure victory in their leagues.

Game Analysis: Denver vs. Cleveland Extravaganza

The episode kicks off with an analysis of the marathon game between Denver and Cleveland, which featured an astonishing 152 combined plays without reaching overtime.

• Jameis Winston's Performance:

  • Statistical Highlight: Winston threw for 497 yards, connecting 235 yards with Jerry Judy, 111 yards with Elijah Moore, 52 yards with David najoku, and six touchdowns.
  • Quote: [05:41] Mike Wright: "He threw six touchdowns. Four to his teammates, two to the others. It was the most James can be."

• Key Players:

  • Jaleel McLaughlin: Showed promise with 14 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown.
    • Quote: [06:13] Mike Wright: "McLaughlin was clearly the best runner. He looked great."
  • Cortland Sutton: Delivered six receptions for 102 yards.
  • Jerry Judy: Emerging as a top receiver with significant yardage and touchdown opportunities.

Difference Makers: Isaac Garindo

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to identifying Isaac Garindo as the standout waiver pickup for the week.

• Performance Metrics:

  • Week 8: 63% snaps, 14 carries, 85 yards, and a touchdown.
  • Jason Moore: [14:05] "He should absolutely be on waivers. Spend it all. Number one."

• Strategic Importance:

  • Garindo’s 220 lbs and sub-4.4 speed make him a formidable asset.
  • Mike Wright: [16:11] "Isaac Garendo is 221 lbs. Ran 4. So that speed-score combo usually works."

• Future Outlook:

  • Schedule favors Garindo with upcoming matchups against Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Detroit.
  • Jason Moore: [17:13] "It's a big opportunity. You need to pick him up if you can afford to."

Waiver Wire Recommendations

The hosts provide an extensive list of waiver wire targets, categorized by position:

Running Backs

1. Isaac Garendo

   • Highlight: Elite speed and opportunity in a declining team performance.
   • Recommendation: "Spend it all on Garendo; he's a game-changer." [25:21]

2. Sincere McCormick

   • Stat: 12 carries for 64 yards on the ground.
   • Al Borland: [26:21] "He's sincere. His name is Sincere, which is kind."

3. Jaleel McLaughlin

   • Stat: Consistent carries and yardage, potential RB2.
   • Jason Moore: [25:55] "He's a significant part of the playoff run."

Wide Receivers

1. Adam Thielen

   • Highlight: High target volume with deep-play potential.
   • Jason Moore: [32:10] "I would pick Adam Thielen over Leggette."

2. Will Disley

   • Highlight: Increased targets in favorable matchups.
   • Mike Wright: [34:12] "Will Disley becomes my favorite waiver wire pickup."

3. Parker Washington

   • Highlight: 12 targets for 103 yards and a touchdown.
   • Jason Moore: [36:34] "Look at Parker Washington for Jacksonville."

Tight Ends

1. Juwan Jennings

   • Highlight: Potential volume with a stable quarterback situation.
   • Jason Moore: [42:17] "Juwan Jennings is an absolute must-start."

2. Brandon Cooks

   • Highlight: Returning from injury with immediate target opportunities.
   • Al Borland: [37:37] "Brandon Cooks is not going to be a hot commodity yet."

3. Tommy Trimble

   • Highlight: Unconventional play but potential for upside.
   • Jason Moore: [43:51] "Tommy Trimble is a deep play worth considering."

News and Notes: Injuries and Roster Changes

The hosts update listeners on significant league developments affecting player availability:

• Injuries:

  • Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason placed on IR, impacting team dynamics and waiver wire opportunities.

    • Jason Moore: [12:10] "Christian McCaffrey was placed on IR, as was Jordan Mason."

  • Taysom Hill out for the season due to a torn ACL, removing him as a difference-maker.

    • Jason Moore: [19:04] "Taysom Hill out for the year, torn ACL plus additional damage."

• Team Updates:

  • Deontay Johnson’s uncertain status with the Ravens after disciplinary issues.

    • Jason Moore: [19:24] "Deontay Johnson is not considered a stable option."

  • Romeo Dobbs returning to limited practice for the Packers, affecting receiver targets.

    • Jason Moore: [20:03] "Romeo Dobbs returned to limited practice for the Packers."

Mailbag: Listener Questions

The hosts address various listener queries, providing tailored advice:

1. Jonathan Brooks Drop Decision:

   • Question: "Can I drop Jonathan Brooks?"
   • Response: "Yes, but consider his potential as an insurance RB." – [56:52] Mike Wright

2. Johnny Smith vs. Katen Otten:

   • Question: "Should I stay with Johnny Smith or pivot to Katen Otten?"
   • Response: "Stay with Johnny Smith for consistency." – [57:45] Al Borland

3. Garrett Wilson Concerns:

   • Question: "Does Garrett Wilson’s performance affect Juwan Jennings' value?"
   • Response: "Yes, prioritize Jennings if safe." – [58:17] Al Borland

4. Brock Bowers as a Keeper:

   • Question: "Is Brock Bowers a first or second-round keeper?"
   • Response: "Yes, he has high ADP and potential." – [58:37] Jason Moore

Defenses and Quarterback Streamers

As the playoffs loom, selecting optimal defenses and quarterbacks becomes crucial.

Defenses

• Targeted Defenses:

  1. Saints vs. Giants

     • Mike Wright: Prefers Saints for their favorable matchup.

  2. Cardinals vs. Seattle

     • Jason Moore: "Cardinals defense has been good."

• Strategy:

  • Focus on defenses with upcoming favorable matchups.
  • Jason Moore: [50:56] "Look at the Cardinals and Saints for defense streaming."

Quarterbacks

• Streamers:

  1. Russell Wilson (Cleveland)

     • Stat: Averaging 8.7 yards per attempt, top 10 in recent starts.
     • Jason Moore: "Russell Wilson can't stop scoring opportunities."

  2. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami)

     • Highlight: Miami’s offense thriving with Tua, averaging 27 points per game since Week 8.
     • Mike Wright: "Happy to play Tua for high scoring potential."

  3. Will Levis (Jacksonville)

     • Highlight: Opportunity with Denver’s defense struggles.
     • Al Borland: "Will Levis is a streaming option due to Jacksonville’s poor defense."

Strategic Insights and Conclusions

• Isaac Garindo emerges as a paramount waiver acquisition, offering both speed and bulk, essential for playoff pushes.
• Jameis Winston’s high-yardage games present strong flex opportunities, despite turnovers.
• Waiver Wire Strategy: Prioritize players with favorable upcoming matchups and untapped potential, especially in running back and wide receiver positions.
• Injury Management: Stay vigilant with roster updates to capitalize on emergent players filling gaps created by injuries.
• Streaming Defenses and Quarterbacks: Leverage matchups to maximize weekly points, focusing on teams facing weaker offenses.

Final Quote: [62:51] Jason Moore: "We want the managers of those teams to play integrous fantasy football and put the right players in."

Notable Quotes

• Mike Wright:

  • [05:41] "He threw six touchdowns. Four to his teammates, two to the others. It was the most James can be."
  • [14:05] "This is a player who is a significant part of the playoff run."

• Jason Moore:

  • [25:21] "He should absolutely be on waivers. Spend it all. Number one."

• Al Borland:

  • [26:21] "He's sincere. His name is Sincere, which is kind."

Conclusion

As the fantasy playoffs approach, this episode equips managers with the necessary tools to navigate the waiver wire effectively, make informed player decisions, and strategically streamline their rosters for optimal performance. By focusing on difference makers like Isaac Garindo and leveraging strategic streaming options for defenses and quarterbacks, teams can position themselves favorably in the final stretch of the fantasy season.

For more detailed insights and tools, visit joiTheFoot.com and join the ultimate Fantasy Football community.