Fantasy Footballers - Week 16 Waivers + Playoff Pickups, Monty Fallout (Released December 17, 2024)

In the Week 16 episode of Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway and Jason Moore delve deep into the latest developments impacting fantasy football managers as playoffs loom. This comprehensive discussion covers game recaps, injury updates, strategic waiver wire recommendations, and identifies key "difference makers" that could tilt the balance in the final stretch of the fantasy season.

1. Week 16 NFL Recap

Andy Holloway opens the episode by highlighting the significance of Week 16 as the semifinal week for most fantasy leagues. The hosts reflect on the recent Monday Night Football (MNF) doubleheader, expressing disappointment over the lackluster performances and predictability of the outcomes.

• Jason Moore notes the unwatchable nature of both games, emphasizing that neither Raider-Falcons nor Bears-Vikings contests were competitive or engaging.
  “It was the most boring, non-competitive… You knew both games were over instantly.” [03:29]

Key player performances included:

• Justin Jefferson: Racked up 73 yards and a touchdown.
• Aaron Jones: Achieved 86 yards and a touchdown.
• DeAndre Swift: Despite missing practice, he secured 20 carries and a touchdown.

Andy adds,
“Aaron Jones did enough for your team. Last night… Justin Jefferson did… it was okay for fantasy.” [04:03]

2. Injury Updates

The discussion shifts to critical injury news affecting fantasy rosters:

• Sincere McCormick suffered a significant injury, leading to his exit from the season.
  “This is one of those things where… in a few years we'll probably be saying, do you remember that guy, Sincere McCormick…” [08:18]

• David Montgomery torn his MCL, ruling him out for the playoffs, which deeply impacts fantasy managers who relied on his consistent performance.
  “David Montgomery is out for the year.” [18:00]

• Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara are also mentioned with concerns about their availability:

  • Derek Carr is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a broken hand.
    “Derek Carr probably not back before the end of the season.” [18:27]
  • Alvin Kamara's groin injury remains uncertain, adding to the anxiety for managers relying on his production.
    “We're in agreement because it's been five weeks.” [21:43]

3. Difference Makers

A pivotal segment identifies players poised to make a significant impact in the fantasy playoffs:

• Jameer Gibbs is highlighted as this season's ultimate difference maker, consistently appearing in playoff teams across multiple leagues.
  “Jameer Gibbs is this year's difference maker.” [15:06]
  “He is the running back you've got to have for the championship run.” [15:30]

Andy and Jason discuss how Gibbs' role as a workhorse back positions him to secure crucial touchdowns in the remaining weeks, despite sharing time with primary backs.

4. Waiver Wire Recommendations

As teams beef up for the playoffs, the hosts provide tailored recommendations for each position:

a. Running Backs

• Jerome Ford: Positioned as a safe RB2 with a strong matchup, Ford has demonstrated versatility both running and receiving.
  “Jerome Ford should be a top 24 running back this week.” [30:20]

• Taj Spears: Emerging as a reliable option, Spears offers explosive potential, especially if injuries persist on his team.
  “If we've got definitive like Pollard goes to IR, I would put Spears above Ford.” [35:22]

• Alexander Madison: With Sincere McCormick out, Madison is expected to receive increased volume, making him a valuable pickup.
  “He is going to get more volume even if he's not the pass-catching guy.” [40:11]

b. Wide Receivers

• Jalen McMillan: Favorited for his consistent involvement and favorable matchup against Tampa, McMillan is recommended over more volatile options.
  “I prefer Jalen McMillan this week than I do the Denver matchup for Huge.” [42:12]

• Rashad Bateman: Seen as a high-upside candidate against a weaker Pittsburgh defense, Bateman is encouraged for managers seeking explosive plays.
  “If you look at this season, he is pretty much… seven touchdowns… he's getting bombarded with passing attempts.” [43:18]

• Malik Washington: With Odell Beckham Jr. released and Jalen Waddle injured, Washington steps into a larger role, offering significant target opportunities.
  “He caught five passes last week… this week he's a near must start.” [46:32]

c. Tight Ends

• Brenton Strange: Despite being targeted frequently, Andy advises against rosterning Strange unless in unique league situations.
  “I don't think that I'm going to sit Otton down for Strange even if I got him on the waivers.” [51:48]

• Stone Smart: As a replacement tight end, Smart has shown potential but remains a risky start in critical playoff matchups.
  “Stone Smart is someone worth paying attention to, but hard to start him in round two of the playoffs.” [53:43]

d. Defenses

• Arizona Cardinals Defense: Despite a subpar week, the Cardinals’ defense remains a viable option due to Bryce Young's propensity for turnovers.
  “The Cardinals defense… better than you think for fantasy purposes.” [54:32]

• Green Bay Packers Defense: Highly recommended for their strong performance and favorable matchup against a struggling offense.
  “If you've got the Packers defense available to be picked up, they absolutely need to be picked up.” [55:15]

e. Streaming Quarterbacks

• Aaron Rodgers vs. Matthew Stafford: Both quarterbacks face high-scoring games, making them optimal streaming options based on defensive vulnerabilities.
  “Matthew Stafford feels very safe for the streaming options this week.” [58:16]

  • Andy leans slightly towards Rodgers for his home advantage,
    “Both could suck and both could be great, but Rogers has got a couple good weeks in a row.” [58:44]

5. Strategies and General Advice

The hosts emphasize the importance of strategic waivers and roster management in the playoff weeks:

• Prioritize Upside and Matchups: Focus on players with favorable matchups and proven upside, such as Jameer Gibbs and Jerome Ford.

• Monitor Injury Reports Closely: Stay updated on player statuses, especially key injuries that can affect lineup decisions and waiver pickups.

• Defensive Matchups Matter: Select defenses based on opponent's offensive strengths and tendencies, leveraging teams like the Packers and Cardinals for optimal points.

• Streaming Flexibility: Utilize high-upside quarterbacks like Rodgers and Stafford to maximize week-to-week performance based on opponent defenses.

6. Closing Remarks

In the concluding segments, Andy and Jason reflect on the intense nature of the waiver wire during the playoff push. They encourage listeners to remain vigilant and proactive in managing their rosters to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Additionally, they announce the availability of branded merchandise, such as custom helmets from shopballers.com, allowing fans to showcase their support.

Jason Moore wraps up the episode with a nod to their engaged community,
“Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast. Join our fantasy football community on joinfootball.com and follow us on Twitter @HeffBallers.” [61:27]

Notable Quotes:

• “Jameer Gibbs is this year's difference maker.” – Jason Moore [15:06]

• “If you've got the Packers defense available to be picked up, they absolutely need to be picked up.” – Andy Holloway [55:15]

• “Matthew Stafford feels very safe for the streaming options this week.” – Jason Moore [58:16]

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for fantasy football managers navigating the critical final weeks of the season, offering expert analysis and actionable advice to secure playoff success.