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FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast
The Biggest Fantasy Football Questions For Each Team in Week 13 (Ep. 1866)
01:02:05
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- [00:00]
A
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human when managing your money, think like a fantasy gm. Make smart moves. The Klarna Card Is your debit card upgraded? Pay in full now or plan ahead. Stay in control with zero credit impact. To apply and accept it anywhere Visa is, sign up for the Klarna card by downloading the Klarna app or learn more@klarna.com US Klarna card and take control of your purchases your way. Klarna Card Pay later plans issued by WeBank Deposit deposits in your balance account are held at web bank member FDIC anywhere Visa is accepted. Certain merchant product good and service restrictions apply. Some merchants do not accept virtual cards. Physical card only included with a paid Klarna membership plan hello everybody. Welcome into the Fantasy Pros Football Podcast. I'm Ryan Wormley, joined as I am every week by Derek Brown and by Pat Fitz Morris. We are talking key questions for week 13 and unlike usual when we've had a whole week to kind of build up to this show and we're prepare for all the games and run through everything, this is Thanksgiving week so our schedule is looking a little bit different. We are taping this Tuesday early afternoon around lunchtime. So just keep that in mind. That's kind of a blanket statement throughout all of these matchups that we don't have all the information we're going to have as far as injuries and things like that. So we're going to do the best we can. We still want to be able to offer everybody kind of a preview show going through every single matchup of the week but but it's much earlier in the week than usual. So if we say hey, ranking subject to change, injuries, unknown, things like that, that is why we are going to be talking about the Thanksgiving slate as well and of course the Black Friday game and then getting into the Sunday slate as well. It's our only show of the entire year where we are covering every single matchup of the entire week because usually we don't cover that Thursday night game at least. So we are also going to move a little bit quickly through these games relative to how we usually do. So with that preamble out of the way we we will go ahead and dive in. Quick reminder for everybody, all of our weekly consensus rankings and tiers can be found@fantasyprose.com rankings and of course there are no teams on buy. We get back to the bye weeks next week, but for this week we have no teams that are missing kicking off the Thanksgiving slate. Fitz, I'll Start with you on this one since it is your packers playing here in that early game. Jameer Gibbs and Amon Ra St. Brown aren't options. I'm taking them off the table for you. Which player in this game do you most want to be ahead of consensus on this week? Either the packers or the lion side? Gibbs and St. Brown are not options.
- [02:27]
B
Oh man, and by the way, what a good way to kick off what is the best Thanksgiving slate we've ever had since we went to a three game Thanksgiving like this slate is tremendous. Normally there's one boring game where you can go and talk to the aunts and uncles. I don't know when I'm going to find time for conversation with aunts and uncles this Thursday. So anyway, yeah, I'm torn between two guys. Can I mention both real quick?
- [02:54]
C
All right.
- [02:54]
B
Packer side Christian Watson. He's been the packers best wide receiver or at least he is right now. Not necessarily saying a lot. Watson is wide receiver 32 and a half point PPR fantasy points per game. Since coming back from his knee injury in week eight, he's had at least 45 yards in every game. He doesn't get huge target volume, but he makes catches downfield and you know, averaging 16.6 yards per catch, 11.8 yards per target. I think he has a good day. Although it's worth noting, there's a slight chance Jaden Reed comes off IR and plays against the Lions on Thanksgiving. In which case I'd probably have to drop Watson a few spots in the rankings. On the other side, David Montgomery. So Jameer Gibbs had 26 touches on Sunday and David Montgomery had eight and obviously Jameer Gibbs just went on a rampage against the Giants. Dan Campbell might look to balance out the workload a bit with the Lions playing on Thursday and only three days rest.
- [03:49]
A
Debra, I know you are going to agree on Christian Watson. I'm sure. Was, was he your pick here or just somebody that you agree with?
- [03:55]
C
Agree. And he's my pick. Worm, where is he at in ecr? Because he's the guy I want to be ahead of it. And I'm gonna illuminate on a few of Fitzy's points here too. Where. Where is he at currently in ecr?
- [04:07]
A
He is. I must have scrolled past him because I didn't. Okay, he's wide receiver 30.
- [04:11]
C
Okay. I. I can make a case for him as a wide receiver too. Right now I have him as wide receiver 26. And the thing that Fitzy points out here is yeah, he hasn't had the blow up games outside the two touchdown game. But the other thing is the packers haven't been pushed to pass the ball and this is a game where if there's a team that could push them if Detroit can overcome the packers secondary and their defense which is playing lights out football, if they can overcome that, they can push the packers outside of this vanilla run the ball, strangle opponents into submission and just bleed out the clock type of approach. And that's what can give Christian Watson ceiling. And the other thing is the coverage matchup is fantastic for Watson. Like Detroit's running single high the third highest rate Watson has eaten since and I want to point out since week 10 and I know it's a small sample size but guys since week 10 Christian Watson has basically been their wide receiver one like he's got a 25% target share. He's gotten a 36 6.7% first read share and I'm not that worried about Jay and Reed coming back. Like I think when he comes back I think he's going to play a part time role. I think that's more concerning for already concerning and droppable Matthew Golden. I think Watson's role and probably a Romeo Dobbs role as the starting perimeter guys, I think those two roles are kind of set especially with Watson. So I, I'm not moving Watson a ton based off of Reed because I think it hurts golden the most out of anybody. But this is, this is a glorious matchup for Watson in this packers passing attack to get pushed if the Lions don't crumple under pressure and their offensive line can hold up.
- [05:51]
A
We're not going to take too many detours this episode just because there's so many games to get through. I do want to ask is this the best game on the slate Because I totally agree with you Fitz. This is the best Thanksgiving slate that we have ever had. It's really like every single team is basically viewing this as a must win game which is like kind of awesome for for all six teams playing and they're all great matchups. Is this the best one though? Packers Lions fits.
- [06:12]
B
I'm obviously a little biased. I think maybe Chiefs Cowboys is a little bit sexy.
- [06:18]
C
That's my vote. Okay, Chiefs and Cowboys. I think that game is the blow up game.
- [06:22]
A
Well that game, that second one is usually the one that sets the you know, ratings record. And like Chiefs and Cowboys like given where these two franchise franchises are I think it's probably will set like the ratings record for a Thanksgiving game. Let's get into that game now. I was surprised by the total Chiefs of cowboys being 52 on hard rock bet when I was looking I was expecting this to be in the 40s. Maybe you guys disagree. I was really surprised by that. Do you see this as a high score game or do you think it'll be more. I won't call it a defensive struggle, but a defensive driven game.
- [06:54]
C
Dbro I think we're going to see a lot of scoring in this game. I mean the case is easy to make on the chief side because the Cowboys defense is improved over the last few weeks, but they're still not a good unit. So I think there's a lot of points where Kansas City can exploit. But also dude, like did we just watch Dak and like I mean that offense kind of hum versus and I know it was. They didn't hum for the entire game but the final stat lines were monstrous for Dallas in the last week. I think CD Land is a big bounce back week and Kansas City's past defense has honestly taken a step back since week seven. They're allowing the 13th highest yards per attempt and the six highest adjusted completion rate. So I don't think Javante has a good game on the ground this week, but I think Dallas can absolutely get it done through the air and I think we're gonna have a lot of point scoring in this one.
- [07:44]
A
I think both teams are going to struggle on the ground. I do think Dallas's run defense has looked, you know, better since adding Quinn and Williams unsurprisingly. But like I, I do think that has panned out well for them. The Chiefs like fits, you know, it's not just about how I think the defenses will play. The Chiefs have not scored over 23 points in a game since week eight and that week eight game came against the commanders who are terrible. So like it's like their offense has been totally humming either again. That's why I kind of think it's going to be lower scoring. Are you more on Debra side here where you think it's going to be a higher scoring affair?
- [08:13]
B
Oh, I'm torn about this and I was just talking to Andrew Erickson about whether we should like the under or the over here and I think we might be leaning slightly under, although I haven't bet it yet and I don't know if I will. Yeah. The Chiefs continuing to look for those, those home run balls that aren't there for them and seemingly an unwillingness to commit to the running game. The Cowboys defense has been better They've, the cavalry has, has come to the rescue with some of these reinforcements with Quinn and Williams. Like they gave up 260, excuse me, 236 yards of offense to the Raiders. Okay. Granted, that's the Raiders. They're terrible in that Monday night blowout a couple of weeks ago. But then 24 points for the Eagles, nothing down the stretch. 339 yards of offense for the Eagles, a potent offense that they kind of kept in check. So I'm willing to believe that the Cowboys, if not we can't come a good defense, but it's at least a respectable defense which they were not earlier in the season. So I think there's a case to be made for the under here.
- [09:24]
A
I think, I think the ball will get moved. We're going to see yardage in this game, but I just feel like there's going to be a lot of settling for field goals. I don't think the teams are going.
- [09:31]
C
To run very well. So I hate betting totals over 50. I'm just going to throw that out.
- [09:35]
A
There like it's a big number.
- [09:36]
C
There's too many ways for that to go sideways. So like I would say like I'm, I'm more likely like I'm not touching the total in this one. I think the most interesting angle for this one is with the Cowboys at home is maybe the Cowboys money line.
- [09:52]
A
I, I wouldn't, I wouldn't hate that. That, that one I'd be more, more interested in than, than the total. I, I think the total is probably as high as it is a. Because it's two very public franchises playing in like the most public window of the season. Like people want to bet the over on this game and also just remembering like Kansas City was on fire to start the year on offense. The Dallas defense was terrible to start the year and maybe just like having kind of memories of that whereas the last, you know, neither side has really looked, you know, at that same level.
- [10:20]
B
Real quick just on D. Rose Dallas thing. I do wonder though if Dallas is maybe a little bit overvalued because their last two games were the win over the Eagles where the Eagles kind of shot themselves in the foot and then just the win over that terrible. The Raiders are the worst team in the league and so maybe they're overvalued with those two high profile games because that Raiders game was a Monday Night Football game. Before that they got their doors blown off by the Broncos and lost to the Cardinals by 10 points.
- [10:48]
C
Yep.
- [10:49]
B
So I just, I, I wonder if Maybe this line is like, closer than it would normally be. You know, if it should maybe be more like Casey by five.
- [10:58]
A
Well, what's funny is, like, on the Kansas City side before this Colts win, their last two wins were against the Raiders and Commanders, and they barely beat.
- [11:04]
C
The Colts, by the way.
- [11:05]
B
Good point. That's right.
- [11:06]
A
Yes.
- [11:07]
C
I mean, it's. It's an interesting game. Like, this is the game I want to be glued to.
- [11:11]
A
Well, if both teams were healthy, the game I would be. I mean, I'm gonna be glued to it anyway. But the game that I think a lot of people would be glued to is Bengals Ravens. Because every time these two teams play when they are healthy, it's like 38 to 35 back and forth, like, super, super fun game. I'm not really expecting that in this situation because Lamar is clearly banged up. He has yet another new lower body injury. He went from the hamstring to the knee to the ankle. Now it's his toe. And of course, Joe Burrow, speaking of toes, is coming back from his turf toe injury, coming back a couple weeks earlier than anticipated, even in a best case scenario. So with Burrow making his return from injury, it's against the Ravens defense that has not allowed 20 points in a game since early October. How will this Bengals offense look with Burrow back but now missing? T. Higgins fits well.
- [11:59]
B
Gosh, Worm, were you aware that in two games against the Ravens last season, Joe Burrow had 820 passing yards and nine touchdowns?
- [12:07]
A
I. I was aware that it was roughly in that range.
- [12:10]
C
It keeps him up at night.
- [12:12]
A
Well, not that much at night because the Ravens won both games, but yeah.
- [12:16]
B
So it's Joe freaking Burrow, man. What's there to talk about? Like, the Bengals terrible defense is going to put him into some shootouts down the stretch. He could get one here. I think he's going to be good. I wish he had both Jamar Chase and T. Higgins. No T. Higgins this week because of a concussion. But, you know, could. Could be a pretty good outlook for Jamar Chase. I. I think this one's going to be fun. And maybe this is the game where we get a lot of points, so.
- [12:41]
A
There'S no hesitation for you. Just in terms of the timeline of Burrow, like they said, like mid December was best case scenario for him to return. Now he's coming back in November. There's no like, well, maybe he's pushing it back a little early because their backs are against the wall and desperation mode, and maybe he's not all the way Ready? You think it's just going to be like Joe Burrow at full strength here fits?
- [13:00]
B
I kind of do.
- [13:01]
A
Okay.
- [13:01]
B
Like I've got him ranked QB8 this week. I don't know if there are some high output quarterbacks I can't put him ahead of in the rankings, but I'm not concerned if I've been waiting on Joe Burrow. Yes, I'm playing him.
- [13:13]
A
Okay, Debra, do you feel the same way? You're just kind of all systems go here for Burrow in this offense.
- [13:18]
C
I've got him a little bit lower just because of some really good matchups for other quarterbacks like and I don't have hesitation playing him. But I've got him at QB11 right now. But still being a top 12 quarterback like I think he's probably going to look a little bit rusty out the chute in the first half here. My biggest question and we still haven't got an answer and I think we finally get that answer this week are is the Ravens past defense for real? Because if you look at them, their numbers on paper they look amazing. But Also since week eight they faced Caleb Williams to a Tonga Violoa, JJ McCarthy, Dylan Gabriel, Shadur Sanders and Tyrod Taylor. So still we haven't had a real test for the Baltimore Ravens defense since. They've been looking amazing over the last few weeks. I think Burrow puts up just because of the game script in this I think Burrow does put up QB1 numbers and I would be starting him over a lot of other players like a Baker Mayfield plays. I I even think that like there's reason to start him over Sam Darnold. I've got him ranked right ahead of Jordan Love. I would play him over Brock Purdy, Trevor Lawrence in a good how about.
- [14:23]
A
Burrow or Dak and on on Thursday I'm playing Dak.
- [14:26]
C
I'm playing Dak over him again. Like I think that that game is going to be a shootout performance. But to your point about what this offense could look like though Worm, I think we're going to get another heaping dose and I think this is going to be another freaking fantastic game for Chase Brown. He has been lights out. He has been Cincinnati CMC again since week nine. This dude has been the RB9 in fantasy points per game and that is without scoring a single freaking touchdown. So like Chase Brown I where's he at in ECR dude? Because I want to be ahead of it. That's the guy that I really want.
- [15:01]
A
To highlight here he is RB8 Samaj.
- [15:05]
B
P Ryan could be back this week.
- [15:07]
C
I but I still don't think he's fully healthy fits and I think we're.
- [15:10]
A
Getting it's like it's probably really hard dbro for you to be above consensus because the seven names ahead of him are Gibbs, McAffrey, Taylor, H.N. henry, Bijan and Cook.
- [15:18]
C
I've got him at RB6, so who's.
- [15:21]
A
Behind him of those seven?
- [15:23]
C
Barkley I've got right behind him and I've got Derek Henry right behind it. But you can make space for Henry being above him or below him. It just depends on how you want to look at the Ravens offense.
- [15:33]
A
The other thing I will say quickly on this game, Kyle Hamilton might not play. So keep an eye on that. Like that will make things I mean I I think actually the Kyle Hammond remains underrated in terms of the impact he has on the defense he doesn't play. If he doesn't play, Burrow might be a QB3 this week. Honestly, that's how much of a difference I think he'll make. So definitely keep a close eye on that as we get to Thursday. Today's show is brought to you by our new presenting sponsor, Hard Rock Bet. There are three things to be thankful for this week family, food and football. And thanks to Hard Rock Bet, you can easily sneak in bets while your crazy uncle goes on his annual rant about the good old days. Sign up today and you could feast with $150 in bonus bets. Just place a $5 bet. If it hits, you get not only your winnings, but also $150 in extra bonus bets. That's an offer you can't pass up, even on a full stomach. Not sure what to place on your first bet? Head on over to Hard Rock Bet Stats Hub and it'll help you out. It's loaded with trends, streaks and stats to help guide your picks. Numbers don't lie and neither does the data in there. Plus, this week on Hard Rock Bet, you get three 50% profit boosts, one for each Thanksgiving Day game. Boost your same game parlay or SGP max so your bets pay extra winnings. There's new promos every day, so if you're listening to this later, just open the app and check out what you've got. Any day of the week, download the Hard Rock Bet Apple and make your first deposit payable and bonus bets.
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B
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- [18:40]
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- [19:19]
A
Guys, we have another Black Friday game Here. Bears at Eagles DBRO Good luck trying to rank A.J. brown week to week this season. He is coming off his second best fantasy output of the year around. Where will he rank for you against the Bears?
- [19:33]
C
I'm going to be more aggressive on him. I understand the downside, I understand the issues. But the matchup is freaking fantastic. Like, I know that they probably get Jalen Johnson back and Kyler Gordon back. I think the thing I want to highlight here is just the splits and coverage splits for A.J. brown have been gargantuan this year. Like versus too high. He's that's where he's had his down games versus single high, which the Bears have run at the 11th highest rate since Week 6. A.J. brown has a 31.6% target share, 2.5 yards per route run and a 40% first read share. So while I've got some hesitation and some heebie jeebies about playing AJ Brown, I do think that this is a big game for him.
- [20:16]
A
He is actually I'm looking at the staff rankings here. I want to see what he is in overall ECR.
- [20:21]
C
I have him at wide receiver 10.
- [20:23]
A
He's wide receiver 11 in ECR. He's dragged down in our staff rank. He's a bit by Erickson who has him down at wide receiver 19 you2 appear to be more in line fits.
- [20:32]
B
Yeah, I am a little more worried about the Jalen Johnson matchup than Debro is and it does look like Jalen Johnson is going to be back. I don't think he's played since like week two. He was practicing last week. I think the Bears held him out because they didn't want to have him play then have him only have four days to recover before another game. So now he's going to be back. I think he's probably one of the 10 best outside cornerbacks in the league and I think he's going to see a lot of AJ Brown in this game. So I've Devonte Smith ranked one spot higher than AJB. I've got AJ Brown ranked 13th.
- [21:10]
A
13Th. Okay. Yeah, I, I mean Brown is just a funny player to talk about, right? Because like it's been such a roller coaster, largely a disappointment for people. Deborah, you mentioned like the coverage may be playing into his favorite in this one. Like looking at the rest of season, like would it totally shock anybody if A.J. brown actually ended up being like a fantasy playoffs hero, just looking like Washington in week 16? Like he has the Chicago gate. Like there's some, some good matchups, you know, coming Ahead. So I have a feeling this won't be the last week we talk about A.J.
- [21:41]
C
Brown.
- [21:41]
B
He's going to drive you insane if you try to jerk him in and out of your lineup every week based on how what happened the previous week. Just keep.
- [21:48]
C
He's going to ride the wave, dude. It's like with George Kittle in previous years. You just got to ride the wave.
- [21:53]
B
Yep. Live with the lows.
- [21:55]
A
By the way, who do you guys think wins that game? Chicago. Philly.
- [21:58]
C
I mean, Eagles.
- [21:59]
A
Philly's favored, but like, Chicago 8 and 3, like, they're. They kind of play these weird games. Philly favored by a touchdown. I shouldn't have said who wins. Who do you think covers in this game? Philly by a touchdown.
- [22:08]
C
Eagles is all Eagles defense. And this is bad. Caleb showing up versus a really good defense.
- [22:13]
B
I kind of think so, too. I mean, like, you know, I'm. As a Packers fan, I'm not trying to diss the Bears, but, like, they are not as good as their record.
- [22:21]
C
They're. They're not. They're not. And Caleb splits versus defenses have been huge this year. So, yeah, it's going to give him fits, man.
- [22:32]
A
Let's go to the Sunday early slate here. Rams at Panthers through 12 weeks. Matthew Stafford is the MVP favorite and the Rams are Super bowl favorites. So I want to ask you guys because I think it's kind of easy to know who to start in this game. Like, there's not really a lot of question marks here, so let's just kind of take a larger step back and look at this as a larger conversation. What's more likely to happen? Stafford winning MVP or. Or the Rams winning the super bowl this year. Fitz, I'll start with you.
- [22:56]
B
I think the odds of him winning MVP are better because winning the super bowl is hard, man. Yeah, I mean, well.
- [23:02]
C
So I know this is a fantastic conversation. I love this.
- [23:05]
B
Well, I think voters would probably love to give Matthew Stafford this award as like, kind of a capstone for his career, having a great season. He's the best player on the best team in the league right now. So I think it right now he's absolutely winning the MVP if we voted on the award before week 13. And it's just he's got such a good setup with that dynamic duo of. Of Puka Niku and Devonte Adams. He's got Sean McVay designing or. Yeah, just McVay designing this offense for him. Everything is set up for him so nicely. But, man, you get into the playoffs and it's like they're there are a lot of dangerous teams in the NFC this year. So I better chances of him winning MVP than the Rams winning the super bowl.
- [23:56]
A
Dbro was your reaction saying that you are going the other way on this?
- [23:59]
C
I yeah, I'm going to go the other way on this one. And I, I it's not that like I've been, I've had my flag planted on the Matthew Stafford for MVP award for the last few weeks. So I'm, I'm still there. The only thing that I think can can hurt his MVP chances is just the sexiness of Drake May and looking at the run out of their schedule. Like if the Patriots go beat the Bills and the Ravens to close the season, May, like everybody's going to talk about May. You're going to have a Patriots team that's winning what, 13 or 14 games. I think that looking at him being the sexy name on the list versus the old stalwart and Matthew Stafford is going to be a real debate for voters to where if Stafford has like because they get the Lions in Seattle down the back half if he falters at all. I could see this flipping in May's favor. And I just look at the NFC and I have tons of questions about every single freaking team in the nfc. Like I think the Rams should be considered and I bet them way, way in the in the summer to be the super bowl favorite from the nfc. I think they really have a fantastic shot. Like, their defense is playing lights out. Stafford's playing the best football of his career. I think the Rams should be considered the NFC favorite to go to the Super Bowl. And then it's like, who are you playing out of the afc? That really absolutely frightens you? Like, is it Denver? Okay, well B Knicks is back and forth. Is it Baltimore? Lamar is banged up. You just talked about that worm like, okay, is it the Patriots? But how much is their schedule like propping up how good of a team they truly, truly are right now? So I'm taking staffer for the super bowl and I get all of its points. I get the uncertainty. I just think there's also some uncertainty with the MVP award and how that could shake out too.
- [25:46]
B
Well, my pushback on that, Deborah, would be just that. You know, if it's close between Stafford, May, I think the voters are going to look and they're going to say, well, May is embarking on what's going to be a long and successful career. They're going to be other MP awards for this guy. Whereas Stafford to give him one now would just, it seems like it would be really appropriate and something voters would want to do. The other thing is we'll see how things go for May the rest of the season with no Will Campbell. That's no small injury to lose his starting left tackle. So you know, I do think Stafford is probably going to put on a better finishing kick than Drake May. Well but. And if it's a final four with like the Seahawks, the Packers, the Eagles and the Rams, they're gonna have to win like two really tough games because any of those teams could potentially take the Rams out and make that offense struggle. Like that's just. There are a lot of good defenses to deal with in the NFC for sure. And you know, although the Rams, the Rams defensive line is ridiculous. Their defensive line, oh my goodness.
- [26:53]
C
I think the other thing that makes me feel really confident in the Rams is, is like when you get to playoff type of football you have to have the. And that some, a lot of these teams don't have this. The versatility to play a lot of different game environments. Like do you need to be able to run the ball, you need to be able to pass the ball, you need to be able to go heavy personnel or do you have the passing offense to play catch up mode and come back if you needed to do that? I don't know how many of these other teams are built and designed to play all those different types of game environments and have all those different types of pitches in their repertoire. Whereas the Rams, it's like yeah, okay, check, check, check, check. They can do all of that.
- [27:36]
A
I, I mean they're the, I, like I said, they're the favorite for both. Right. Stafford is favorite for MVP and Rams are favored for Super Bowl. So there's a reason why it's an interesting conversation. I think the reason I would go with the mvp, one I'd side with fits on this is because the third most favorable odds to win MVP Jonathan Taylor at plus 2000 like after Stafford in May. There is nobody right now in the conversation. Whereas with super bowl yes the Rams are the best but there are other good teams in football. There's not really another MVP candidate besides Drake. May. And I take your point Deborah. About like voters do like to kind of anoint the next best thing but this does feel like the perfect storm for like let's give one to Stafford on the way out. Yeah. And, and May we'll have plenty of opportunity to win another one. So I, I lean on the mvp, but it wouldn't surprise me if both happened. Truly, like obviously Rams are really, really good. Let's go to 49ers at Browns what did you guys think of Shador Sanders first start now that he has been named officially the Brown starter, what are your expectations for this offense in terms of fantasy impact dbro?
- [28:36]
C
Very uneven, but they're going to show signs of life and some explosive elements when Shador has the off script ability, when he has those kind type of big plays and we saw that last week and Dylan Gabriel just does not have that, man. It has been checkdowns underneath. You've seen all the limitations of Dylan Gabriel's game, both of his field vision and just from an ability standpoint. So I mean I'm not saying it's always going to be pretty with Shador, but they did show signs of life. Like he had a 50% highly accurate throw rate and only a 55% catchable target rate. Those are not good. But I think you are going to see more signs of energy and life from this offense than we ever got with Dylan Gabriel.
- [29:18]
B
Fitz yeah, people are going to be really entrenched in their opinions of Shador coming in and it's going to be hard to move them off because we know Shedeur has a lot of haters and I think there's some people like Debro and I who really liked him as a prospect, really kind of rooting for him. So Debro and I are probably, I think we're trying to go out of our way to be objective about this and I think the more we see Shador, the more we're going to see the things that made Debro and I like him a lot, which is that really accurate and short and intermediate range and is an anticipatory thrower which I think you kind of need to be in the NFL to succeed. So hopefully we'll see a lot of that. But you know he can lose his head when there's pressure. We saw that when he had to come in in relief of Gabriel two weeks ago. But there is a lot to like here. I don't think the numbers are going to be pretty for fantasy, but maybe it can do enough to at least put in a bid to have that job in 2026.
- [30:21]
A
When I ask about fantasy fits, I'm even thinking more in terms of just like the other players in this offense. Like how do you feel about Judkins getting scoring opportunities or is Judy going to be playable again? Things like that?
- [30:31]
B
Not great, honestly. I mean it's going to be a bottom five offense.
- [30:35]
C
Yeah, yeah. I think Judkins maybe getting more scoring opportunities is my biggest takeaway. The rest of the pass catchers are going to be so up and down. I think Shador is just going to with broken plays and just hitting whoever's open. I don't think you're starting anybody with confidence at all from this passing attack.
- [30:53]
A
You can let Autopilot manage your fantasy football lineup automatically so you never have to worry about last minute changes. Auto swap inactive players and ensure your lineup is always optimized even when you can't be online. Take control with the flexibility to approve lineup changes via email or let Autopilot handle everything. Stay ahead with my playbook Autopilot available now for Fantasy Pros Premium subscribers@FantasyPros.com MyPlayBook or on the Fantasy Pros app. We're headed to Texans at Colts Tyler Warren is consistently ranked inside the top five tight ends on a weekly basis by consensus, but in three of his past four games he has finished outside the top 12 at the position. Where are you ranking him this week against a strong Houston defense?
- [31:33]
B
Fits tight end five. So he is behind Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, George Kittle, Travis Kelsey and I think a lot of people are going to have Warren ranked ahead of Kelsey. I do not. And I'm even kind of tempted to put Warren below Mark Andrews who I have a tight end six because Mark Andrews gets the red carpet matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. But right now I've got warranted tight end five.
- [32:01]
C
I got him a tight end five two and I think it's more of just a, it's more of a State of the Union address for just the tight end position. Like it, it is it's got awful this year like after the like top three to four guys. So really it's just kind of like splitting hairs. Like Houston's been like it's been a horrible matchup for tight ends like 6ft receiving yards per game, 10th lowest yards per reception. So I don't have like a great outlook for Tyler Warren but like I think him versus Brock Bowers is probably a real conversation just based off of the match for Bowers and the quarterback play a Geno Smith. Like to Fitz's point I have Kelsey ranked ahead of Warren. I actually because I think that game does go over and I think it's a pretty decent matchup. I actually have Jake Ferguson ranked ahead of Tyler Warren too.
- [32:45]
A
I I think just for the record Fitz, Mark Andrews should unequivocally be ahead of Tyler Warren. I mean just Whoever is facing the Bengals should be ahead of and then we get Isaiah.
- [32:54]
C
Likely two touchdown game to troll all of us.
- [32:59]
B
Yeah, we could get them both scoring. I mean didn't all three Pittsburgh Steelers. Yeah.
- [33:05]
A
Lock in Charlie Kohler's anytime.
- [33:09]
C
Touchdown baby.
- [33:11]
A
Can't imagine that's posted.
- [33:13]
C
Oh gosh.
- [33:14]
B
Yeah, we.
- [33:15]
A
We love that. Okay. Yeah, like Warren's just one of those guys that like he's just kind of like earned that spot in the top five. Like, like he's just auto there every week it feels like and hasn't really been living up to it lately and is a tough matchup. So I wanted to ask but it is a tough position to get past the first few names anyway so reasonable to still be starting him. Of course. Let's go to Saints at Dolphins. How interested are you guys in Devon Neal this week? Assuming Alvin Camara is out again? We are taping this early. Has the MCL sprain. It is mcl right? Not pcl. Not.
- [33:43]
C
Yeah.
- [33:43]
A
Yeah. So how interested are you guys in Devin Neal this week? Deeper. I'll start with you.
- [33:49]
C
I mean fairly like I think he's a good volume bet he's probably going to get the Camara type of workload where he's living in the 15 to 18 touches it really comes down to can he score a touchdown because Taysom Hill is going to be involved and does he get vultured at the goal line. But I mean I feel good about his, his prospects for volume and the past game stuff because he got a 16% target share last week. The matchup I will say against Miami is not great. Their run defense has massively improved since week eight. They're allowing the fourth lowest rushing success rate. They have the second highest stuff rate and the third lowest missed tackle rate. So he's honestly just. I have more belief or at least more hope for him in PPR formats than I do half point. But I think he's right there on the cusp of like high end RB3. If he scores a touchdown, he'll be an RB2.
- [34:39]
A
This week he's RB31 in consensus still early in the week so there's time for that to change. Sounds like you think that's too low dbro.
- [34:46]
C
A little bit too low. Like I mean I've got him an RB27 but I feel like we're splitting hairs between like him and like Tyrone Tracy, DeAndre Swift, you know, like what do we think about Aaron Jones and a horrible matchup for him on the ground. So you know he's in that kind of area code.
- [35:03]
A
How does it sound to you Fitz? Too high, too low or just right? RB31 yeah, I've got him.
- [35:07]
B
RB30 and I could maybe make the case for putting him ahead of Tyrone Tracy, who has a tough matchup against the Patriots. And Debro summed it up pretty well. I think what you're really hoping for is that he continues to get a lot of passing game usage and that you can count on like three to five catches for him week in, wait week out. Because I do think Taysom Hill is going to be annoying for the people who are spending a lot of fab money on Devin Neal this week. Like I really like Neil's a prospect coming out of Kansas. He's like a top 10 running back prospect for me and I was a little surprised he didn't get drafted earlier. But good, good player. Taysom Hill is going to be a problem for him and maybe a Saints offense that isn't going to be able to string together a lot of long drives is going to be a problem for him too. But the passing game upside is what has me most excited. I think.
- [36:00]
A
Same it's annoying the Dolphins aren't the terrible run defense they were earlier in the year. It was so easy to just start.
- [36:05]
C
Yeah, it was a glorious matchup. Shout out to Anthony Weaver.
- [36:10]
A
Let's go to Falcons at Jets. John Mechi has a touchdown catch in back to back weeks. Is he startable in a pickup pinch this week? Fits?
- [36:19]
B
I think he is. I've got him ranked wide receiver 46 in half point PPR and so Mechi is going to take most of his snaps in the slot. And Debro wasn't Billy Bowman the the Falcons primary slot he had been?
- [36:33]
A
Yep.
- [36:33]
B
This year. Yeah. And he just tore his Achilles I believe. So pretty good matchup, pretty good spot for Mechi this week and and basically they've they've finally settled on it looks like John Metchie and Adnai Mitchell as their top two wide receivers and I know that's not a, you know, pair that's striking fear into the hearts of defensive coordinators but at least we can kind of focus in on them for fantasy and in deeper leagues maybe consider starting Mechi or Adnai Mitchell if we're in a real pinch at wide receiver.
- [37:09]
A
Been top 17 and half PPR scoring each of the last two weeks. Obviously getting the touchdowns help and it's not the world's greatest passing offense Debro, but it certainly is better with Torod Taylor playing quarterback and that can only be a benefit to Metchi here. He's ranked in the mid-50s in consensus right now. Again, still early in the week, so that might go up a little bit. We'll see. Fitz has him up in the mid-40s. Where do you have him?
- [37:30]
C
So I've got him at right now at wide receiver 50 and you can make the pro case for Mechi. I'm not gonna push anybody off of that. Like fits us. I'm actually more on the Ad nai Mitchell side of this one though, considering the matchup. Like I've got him ahead of John metchie at wide receiver 46 and I know that the box scores have not been kind to adnai Mitchell, but the usage has really been there man. Like his in week 11 the dude got a 22 target cherry at a 41st region. I know he dropped almost everything, but last week he had a 25 target share too. Like John Mechi and him tied for targets on the team lead. The only thing is Mechi ran hot with the touchdowns but Atlanta, if I want to pick on anything versus Atlanta, it's their outside corners. They have been not they haven't been good man since week seven giving up the second most PPR points per target. So I think that this is probably a good regression game for Adnai Mitchell to where he comes away with the big game. Not to say that met you can't, but both of these guys are definitely flex worthy.
- [38:29]
A
If you want a chance to win a Justin Jefferson signed Vikings jersey for free courtesy of our friends@pristineauction.com all you need to do is head to fantasyprose.com contest, complete the form and either download the Fantasy Pros app, leave a review for the podcast or follow us on x Instagram or TikTok antasyprose. The more actions you complete, the more entries you receive. We will be announcing a winner on the podcast near the beginning of next month. If you're watching on YouTube, be sure to subscribe and turn on those notifications so you can be alerted when new episodes are up and hit. And to claim your prize. Cardinals at Buccaneers Next game up for us fellas. It's early in the week, but it does seem like Bucky Irving might finally return this week. How interested will you be in starting him in his first game back?
- [39:10]
C
Debro Pretty interested. I mean I think he's a plug and play RB2. I do think you're probably going to see a lot more Sean Tucker. Like this back feels so freaking interesting. It's like okay, they probably get like I Don't think, think they're going to run out three running backs. Although that is possible, that this is a three way committee, I can't say that that is not a possibility. But I'm also kind of wondering, does this become Bucky Irving and Shawn Tucker in the backfield? But either way it goes, this is a really good matchup for Bucky Irving to step back into. Like right now, I've got him at RB17 for the week. Just because the Cardinals run defense has been God awful like since week eight. They're giving up the ninth most rushing yards per game, the fifth highest missed tackle rate and yards after contact per attempt. So even if I do have volume concerns and role concerns for Bucky Irving, I do think that he walks back into a role where he's probably somewhere in the 12 to 15 touch realm and probably getting the high leverage touches in a wonderful matchup.
- [40:12]
A
If I set the line deeper at RB20, would you say that's, you know, would you go over or under that?
- [40:17]
C
Oh, it's over. Like I'm, I want to start him ahead of guys like even Breeze Hall, Rico Dowdle in a horrible matchup. Jalen Warren, who's also in a split backfield too.
- [40:29]
A
All right, Fitz, are you, you know, going right back to the well with Bucky, assuming he's on the field?
- [40:33]
B
Yeah, I've got him. RB18. And it's funny you asked. How, how interested will you be in starting Bucky in his first game back? Well, considering the leagues where I've got him, they're deep leagues and you know, one of them, you have to flex three guys. I've been flexing guys like AJ Barner. So I'm, I'm very interested in playing Bucky Irving in that league. I'm very interested in playing him in the league where I'm just barely staying alive in the playoff race on a team where I've been starting Zach Charbonnet at running back for weeks. So I'm very interested in starting Bucky Irving. He is the cavalry for me. Yeah, go ahead.
- [41:10]
A
I was just gonna say, I just always get nervous with guys their first game back after a long absence.
- [41:13]
B
Oh, I know. Yeah, we, we could get a ramp up game. Could be a ramp up game where they lean, you know, give Tucker and Rashad White more snaps. But I know people are kind of getting into Sean Tucker here. Bucky Irving is a way better player.
- [41:28]
C
Oh, he's like, he's a way better snack.
- [41:30]
B
He's, he is a special player for sure. So as soon as he is fully deemed fully healthy, I think he's going to be stiff arming these other guys into fantasy.
- [41:41]
C
Irrelevant to your point. Also Fitzy, this is a game where the Bucks should lean on their ground game. Baker Mayfield, even if he plays, is not going to be 100% if we get Teddy be Teddy two gloves in here. I mean what's the over under for the Buccaneers like rushing attempts in this game? Like 35.
- [41:58]
B
Yeah, the the you would imagine the Tampa offense would run through the running back.
- [42:01]
A
Yes.
- [42:02]
C
Yep. Yeah, agreed.
- [42:04]
A
Let's go to Jags at Titans last game in the early slate here. Which Jaguars receiver is going to rank higher for you this week? Parker Washington or Jacoby Myers? Fits.
- [42:14]
B
It's really close. I've got Jacoby Myers, wide receiver 37, wide receiver 41. I like both guys but you know the way Jacoby Myers has kind of asserted himself in the Jacksonville offense so quickly and just Erickson and I were talking about this like Trevor Lawrence kind of wants to take the path of least resistance and throw to tight ends and slot receivers, you know. And like that's Jacoby Myers and it's Brenton Strange.
- [42:48]
A
You are almost identical with ecr. You are one spot below ECR on Myers and one spot below ECR on Washington, but very similar ranges obviously. D row. Do you see the same where it's close but you have a lean towards one of the other?
- [43:03]
C
Yeah, I've got Jacoby Myers at wide receiver 35 and I've got Parker Washington at wide receiver 40. Right now I do give the lean to Myers like Fitz is talking about. Just the numbers on paper all push me to Myers like over the last. I know Washington had the bigger game last week, but if you look over the last two weeks, Myers beats Washington and Target share 21 to 17%. He beats him in yards per route run. He beats him in first read share. They both have two red zone targets so I'm just following the volume and honestly the guy that I think is the better player.
- [43:34]
A
Okay, I don't think we need to go too long on this one. Not a lot of exciting players in that game. Let's go to the Sunday late slate here. Vikings at Seahawks. Whether it's J.J. mcCarthy or Max Brosmer, maybe by the time you're listening to this there'll be more clarity on the concussion stuff with McCarthy. But whether it's McCarthy or Brosmer at quarterback, I think it will be easy to make the case for sitting Jordan Addison against a great Seahawks defense. I'm wondering if you are also willing to consider sitting Justin Jefferson his last four weeks. Six catches, 47 yards and a touchdown. Four catches, 37 yards, no touchdown. Five catches, 61 yards, no touchdown. Four catches, 48 yards, no touchdown. That's an average of 8.7 fantasy points per game in half PPR scoring the last four weeks. And now they are in Seattle against maybe the best defense in football. So, DBro, I will start with you. Regardless of who the quarterback is right now, are you willing to give any consideration to sitting Justin Jefferson?
- [44:25]
C
It depends on your options. I'm going to throw it out there. Like if you got a team and the guy that I've got right behind him and I probably need to move ahead of him in rankings right now. If you have Michael Wilson, dude, like, I don't know if that's. That's a closed case. Like Michael Wilson, I think you're playing over just.
- [44:41]
A
I just threw up in my mouth a little talking about starting.
- [44:44]
C
I mean, dude, I don't.
- [44:46]
A
I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm just saying it's.
- [44:48]
B
If you would have. If you would have told us in August that come week 13 we would be considering starting Michael Wilson ahead of Justin Jefferson. And I've got Wilson ranked higher.
- [44:57]
C
Yeah, I mean we would all be.
- [44:59]
A
Like, we would have retired from fan. What's the point of doing fantasy analysis.
- [45:03]
C
Check on this person Sobriety check. Has he been day drinking?
- [45:07]
A
That. That is repugnant. But I don't disagree with you. So. So the answer is yes then dear you are. You are at least willing to consider contextual.
- [45:13]
C
Like.
- [45:14]
A
Yeah.
- [45:14]
C
And in the, in that sample you laid out worm. And I know that I'm, I'm. I'm fudging this with PPR scoring, but he does have weeks of wide receiver 18, wide receiver 26. So there have been usable weeks in there for Justin Jefferson. Do I have a lot of faith in Justin Jefferson? The volume is going to be there, but what is had out of that. But also the run out is okay. The Vikings are probably going to be trailing in this game. If he does get a touchdown, he's going to be a wide receiver too. So you know, garbage time plays just as well as anything else for fantasy.
- [45:45]
A
So yeah fits for me. The point is less that like he's a mustard and more like he's in this range with like Diggs and Zay Flowers and Michael Wilson.
- [45:52]
C
Very uncomfortable range.
- [45:54]
A
Glom of a bunch of. Of receivers. You just got to like close your eyes and pick one.
- [45:58]
C
What Wandell Robinson versus Justin Jefferson's also a very real conversation.
- [46:02]
B
Well, I mean, for the season, Dbrow Wondell is averaging 10.9 half point PBR fantasy points per game. Justin Jefferson is 0.2 ahead of him at 11.1. And if you look at their numbers, they are eerily similar for the season.
- [46:19]
C
Yep.
- [46:19]
B
So that, that's where we are, unfortunately. The thing I'm thinking is that, like, could Max Brosmer really be any worse for Justin Jefferson than J.J. mcCarthy was?
- [46:29]
A
No.
- [46:30]
B
So I think most people. I've got Jefferson A wide receiver, 19, which is terrible, but I think he's still a starter for most people. But Debro said it. It's all based on context. Worm, you and I are final five in the company Guillotine league. Maybe if you've got Jefferson in a Guillotine league, you've got better options because everyone has an all star team at this point.
- [46:52]
C
Here's, here's two other spots. Do you rank Troy Franklin and Cortland Sutton ahead of him this week with the great commanders?
- [46:59]
B
Yeah, I know, I know we were. Erickson and I talked about that on the show, and I think Erickson does have both of the Broncos.
- [47:07]
C
I think I'm gonna move them ahead of him too. Like, I'm just like, I keep looking at options and I'm like, Z Flowers in a shootout. He's due for a big game. Wando Robinson, God darn it. I think I'm moving Justin Jefferson even lower. Oh, it's painful.
- [47:20]
A
We're. We're gonna get to. To the Broncos later and we're going to talk about those receivers. Just, just to your point, Fitz, to wrap up to put BO on this, you said like, you know, Ken, Max Brosma really be worse than McCarthy, statistically speaking? Basically. No. The ringer guys have been all over this on their show talking about McCarthy out of the like 852 quarterbacks who have enough passes to be eligible. He's 851st this century in EPA per drop back. And like all these. Jamarcus Russell is the only quarterback who's been worse in a lot of these like metrics that we're looking at them occurring still early.
- [47:53]
C
But EPA per drop back is a horrible stat for, for player stats. Just saying.
- [47:58]
A
Well, I, that's.
- [47:58]
C
I don't think your stat a horrible stat to use. Just saying.
- [48:01]
A
I, I mean, I mean, I think it's telling that the best quarterbacks are at the top and the worst quarterbacks are at the bottom.
- [48:06]
C
There's an offensive. It's. It's more of a team stat. But anyway, I digress.
- [48:09]
A
Well, that's, that's a conversation for a different. I. I think there's some value in it, even if it's maybe a smaller amount. The point is he's in. That's not the only metric.
- [48:17]
C
No, he. I mean he's. No, I think that's.
- [48:21]
A
And, and so yeah, bros were. Can like basically not be worse. Let's go to Raiders at Chargers here. Do you expect any improvement from the Raiders offense this week after they fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly? Fitz, what do you think about this one?
- [48:35]
B
Not really. Just because the offensive line is such a mess. There's no Colton Miller, Jackson Powers Johnson is still on ir. I don't think he can come back until maybe next week at the earliest. It's just Ashton Genti has no room to run. Geno Smith is getting no protection. It's just hard to see any of that getting better with an OC change.
- [48:59]
C
I'm with Fitz. I mean it's, it's all the offensive line and the other thing about it, we're recording this so early. Like, I don't know if Ashton Jinty plays this week. Like he, he, he got dinged up with the ankle issue. If he's out, we get Raheem Mostert. Like it's a really good freaking matchup. But the Raiders, can they open up any holes for any of these backs? Can they pass protect? Can Geno smith not throw four picks or get sacked 10 times in a game? I don't know.
- [49:24]
A
There are just so many bad offensive lines this year. It's so like on the other side of the Chargers. I mean it's because of injuries, but like the Chargers offensive line so beat up too. It's just so frustrating when that is what is limiting so many offenses. Do you. Has there been any word on is Hampton? I know this was like early on I thought, man, I haven't seen anything.
- [49:43]
C
Jim Harbaugh said he's coming back after the buy. Now is that with this week? Oh, Jim, Is that this week or is it week 14 or 15?
- [49:52]
A
If he was back, would you rather start Hampton or Genty if Genti plays.
- [49:56]
C
Oh, Hampton.
- [49:57]
A
You'd rather start Hampton first talk about it.
- [50:01]
B
Offensive line problems.
- [50:02]
A
Exactly.
- [50:03]
B
They're not much better for the Chargers.
- [50:05]
C
I have more faith that the Chargers will at least get into the red zone. I can't tell you that that happens for the Raiders.
- [50:11]
A
Yeah.
- [50:11]
C
Right.
- [50:12]
B
Right now I've got Hampton ranked and I've got them behind Genty.
- [50:15]
C
Yeah, I Mean, right now, as we're projecting it, I. I have it the same. But okay, we, you know, again, we got to see what news or if we get news. Knowing Jim Harbaugh, Good Lord, like, it's so hard to get any injury news out of them. Yeah, it's tough.
- [50:29]
A
We've got three games left. One more in the late afternoon slate on Sunday. Bills at Steelers. Which player is going to be toughest for you to rank in this game? Debra?
- [50:38]
C
Dude, I don't know what to freaking do with Kenneth Gainwell this week. I'm just gonna throw it out there. Like, I. He's getting more of the backfield. Like last week, he led the the team in snaps. Is that a Jalen Warren thing? Is that an Arthur Smith thing? Is that a combination of both? I don't know. I mean, he did only have 10 of the 28 running back carries. So, like, it looks like Gainwell is kind of like the script agnostic player where he's getting the passing down work. He had a 19.4% target share. I. I don't know what to do with game. Well this week, like, I can make a really freaking easy case to sit here and rank him ahead of Jalen Warren. I could make a case to rank Jalen Warren ahead of him. To be honest, I think both of these guys are really, really freaking good starts and I'm trying to push myself away. But like, both these guys, you can make a case that both of them should be ranked as top 24 running backs this week.
- [51:31]
A
How do you have them ranked right now? Like, as of right now? As you can early in the week.
- [51:36]
C
Right now I have Gainwell at RB21 and I have Warren at RB23 because I think Pittsburgh is going to lean on their ground game whether or not Aaron Rodgers plays.
- [51:49]
A
Warren is higher in ECR. He's RB18. Gainwell is RB27. So there is a bit too low for game.
- [51:54]
C
Well, man, like, it's just too low.
- [51:56]
A
Fitz, how do you see it?
- [51:59]
B
Running back 16 for Warren, running back 23 for Gainwell.
- [52:02]
C
All right, so you got about top 24 too, Fitzy.
- [52:05]
B
Yeah. Yeah.
- [52:06]
C
Okay. Yeah.
- [52:07]
A
Who's the guy who's tough to rank for you? Fits in this one.
- [52:11]
B
This is a weird one for me. It's Khalil Shakir and I'm. I think I'm above consensus at wide receiver 23 on him, which, like, seems just first blush is that it seems too high, especially with no one on by. But Khalil Shakir is the only credible wide receiver the Bills have right now. Like it's sad that Bill's GM Brandon Bean has not given Josh Allen more to work with. Like he could have gotten Rashid Shahid at the trade deadline and could have.
- [52:41]
C
Gotten Jalen Waddle too, but he didn't.
- [52:43]
B
Want to give up Jalen Waddle. Yeah, Shahid Shahid's just going to waste in Seattle. Yeah, but so Shakir, seven or more catches in three of his last four games. But then again he's not really a downfield receiver. Like he's just, it's short stuff and I don't mind the Week 13 matchup against the Steelers and slot corner Brandon Eccles. Shakir should be pretty busy on Sunday. I just wide receiver 23 does seem too high to me and I've been kind of struggling with that.
- [53:13]
A
I've pushed 24 and consensus I've got him at 28.
- [53:17]
C
Like I've got a few guys over him. I just like their matchups and the game script. Like I've got Watson ahead of him. I think if Herbert has time, I think this is a QJ bounce back spot versus the Raiders who he owned last year. So but yeah, I agree with you the I feel like the Shakira ranking this week. Fitzy is a little bit us too. Chasing the hundred yard game that he had last week which a large chunk.
- [53:43]
B
Of that came on the 4th and 27.
- [53:45]
C
Yeah, the trick play at the end where he just rumbles are actually two of the plays at the end of that game. So I, I don't want to feel like I'm point chasing there.
- [53:54]
A
Let's go to Sunday Night Football Broncos at Commanders. We talked a little bit about Cortland Sutton and Troy Franklin earlier. If I offered you guys a million dollars to correctly predict who will have the better game this week between Cortland Sutton and Troy Franklin, who would you pick? There is a lot on the line. You have to get this right. Cortland Sutton or Troy Franklin?
- [54:11]
B
Fitz, I'm just going to go so I do have them separated by separated by Michael Pittman. He's the guy heading between them. I've got Sutton ranked one spot ahead of Pittman and Pittman one spot ahead of Franklin. I just think Sutton is a better player than Troy Franklin. Troy Franklin has run hot with touchdowns and like Franklin's if you look at his yards per route running yards per target, I think yards per target is like 6.3 yards per route run is what, like 1.49 or something? Not very impressive numbers although maybe you could put that on Bo Nix, But I. I still do think Cortland Sutton is just the better player. I'm gonna bet on the better player.
- [54:54]
A
They are back to back in ECR, by the way, for what it's worth, wide receiver 26 and wide receiver 27, DBro, if you had to pick and get this right.
- [55:03]
C
Yeah, I'm right with Fitzy on it. Like, in the same area code. Like, I've got them in the Michael Pittman area code, but I've got Pitman.
- [55:10]
A
By the way, in ECR, is one spot ahead of the two of them.
- [55:12]
C
I've got Pittman at wide receiver 25. I've got Franklin at 23 and Sutton at 24. And the only thing that pushes me, Franklin over sudden. I agree with Fitzy. I think that Sutton is the better player. The only thing that pushes me with Franklin over Sutton. It just comes down to the high leverage us. Sutton's not getting it. Franklin is one of the. One of the best in the NFL in that, like, right now, he's got 14. Franklin has 14 red zone targets. Sutton has seven. Franklin has 21 deep targets. Sutton has 21. Or, excuse me, 11. And for context, about the 14 and 21, that is sixth and second in the NFL. So it just. It comes down to, okay, how do we score fantasy points? You got to score touchdowns, and you need big plays. Franklin's getting more of that higher leverage usage than Cortland Sutton. Now, he's not connecting on a lot of those plays, but he's still getting the usage. And that's the only thing that's splitting hairs for me with them.
- [56:09]
A
So a million dollars in the line, you guys can't even agree on who you want to start. It's.
- [56:13]
C
Well, one of us is winning the Millie and taking everybody out to dinner. We know that. At least we know that.
- [56:18]
A
I cannot emphasize enough that you are not getting a million dollars if you get this right in real life. I do not have that to give up, truthfully. I mean, obviously, it's a great matchup, right? So we're going to be happy to start both of them. I'm actually surprised that in consensus, both are outside the top 24, just given that they're going up against Washington. I mean, I know there's no teams on by, so there's a lot of options here, but I just feel like, like, again, you're facing Washington this commander.
- [56:44]
C
Yeah, like, so bad. Like, why do we feel any better about, like, I mean, honestly, you can make a case to push them even Higher like Stefan Diggs. We feel better when his route share dropped off the map last week. Do we feel better about Roma Dunes a going against freaking Eagles. Like it there's some other guys where you can make the case to push them higher. Like I don't know whether you see.
- [57:03]
B
For Threes Drake May vs. Bo Nix.
- [57:07]
C
Williams vs. Bo Nicks in a great matchup. Bonix is basically him and Caleb are like the spider.
- [57:13]
B
I mean, I mean that's the reason. Hey man, I mean if it was Drake May, both of these guys would be inside the top 15.
- [57:19]
A
Not fair.
- [57:20]
C
Fair.
- [57:20]
A
The the two names ahead of them are Pittman and Shakir. Like Shakir just. Yeah, I don't know. And like Pittman going up against Houston's defense.
- [57:28]
B
Right.
- [57:29]
A
Like I I think I'd rather have both and I've got, I mean I.
- [57:32]
C
Got both those guys behind them.
- [57:33]
A
It would not surprise me The Broncos dropped 40 in this game. Like the commander's defense is just abhorrent. So yeah, we like them both.
- [57:40]
C
This is the let's go to the ticked off get right Broncos game.
- [57:43]
A
Yeah, yeah. Would not surprise me at all. Let's go to Monday Night Football. Speaking of Drake mates Giants at Patriots the Patriots took some tough hits hits to their offensive line this week and they now face a talented pass rushing group from the Giants. Are you dialing back expectations for New England's offense at all this week or just ranking them as you normally would even in this first game without Will Campbell and company dbra, I'll start with you.
- [58:06]
C
I'm ranking them as as per usual. And do I think that that Drake May is going to face more pressure? Yeah, I do think he does. But the big caveat between him and other players like Jared Goff and other players that are so pressure sensitive. Drake May has been fricking fantastic versus pressure this year. Like he's been off like awesome versus pressure. Drake May has the fourth highest yards per attempt and the fifth highest adjusted completion rate and passer rating. So he has been flat out awesome in muddy pockets this this year and I think that continues this week.
- [58:39]
A
There is eventually a point of no return though if the offensive line is bad enough and it's not like they were starting from a great point. Fitz, what do you think?
- [58:47]
B
Yeah, and it's not just Will Campbell with his MCL injury. It's also Jared Wilson, their left guard with the high ankle sprain. He's going to miss mult. So I'm not heavily docking any of the Patriots in the rankings, but I Don't want to get too frisky with them. And I'll give you for a for instance. I've actually got Saquon Barkley one spot ahead of Travion Henderson, which I think is kind of a minority opinion among rankers. And Saquon obviously has not been running hot of late, but like he's going against this Bears defense that just gave up 227 scrimmage yards to the two Pittsburgh running backs last week because they didn't have any of their starting linebackers. And I don't know what the status is of the Bears linebackers. How many of them, if any, have a chance to return this week. But I really like the matchup for Saquon. Don't know if he can take advantage. But then you've got Trayvon, who's got this great matchup against the Giants, but he's missing two key offensive linemen in front of him. So will the Patriots offense function the way it has been functioning?
- [59:53]
C
And he hasn't been position either. Trayvon ground.
- [59:56]
B
So that's kind of it. So it's. It's sort of a dilemma. I just. I don't want to overrank the Patriots now that their offensive line is going to look a lot different and it could be kind of a tough adjustment.
- [60:09]
C
To your point, Fitzy? I've got Barkley right ahead of him. I got a Barkley at RB8 and trade on RB9. So I'm with you on that.
- [60:15]
A
They're 9 and 10 in ECR. Trayvon is one spot ahead. He's 9 and Saquon is 10.
- [60:20]
C
If Barkley outdoes Travion, can we get the Millie from that worm? Is that possible? Can we make the million that on that one, Please?
- [60:27]
A
How much money do you think I have?
- [60:29]
C
I mean, I don't know, man. You know, sometimes like, people got like oil money or, you know. I don't know, dude.
- [60:35]
A
I definitely do not. But I appreciate your optimism in me.
- [60:40]
C
So savant. I've heard. I don't know.
- [60:42]
A
Yeah, that's it. I did. I did get in early on dogecoin. Very early. And I see I actually did make a note. Insignificant profit. It wasn't a million dollars or anywhere even remotely close. But that's my one claim to fame.
- [60:56]
C
We're not. I mean, look, beggars can. Cannot be choosers. We'll take a half million. It's okay.
- [61:01]
B
Exactly.
- [61:02]
A
All right. That's. That's all 16 games. We actually do have a minute or two left. So as is Tradition. What is your guys's favorite Thanksgiving side dish? Hopefully everybody has a really good time here on Thanksgiving in a couple days and you know, some fun family plans, maybe friends plans, depending on where you're at in your life. But. But obviously the food is the real star besides football of Thanksgiving. So what is your guys favorite side dish? Fitz?
- [61:26]
B
I know stuffing is a more polarizing side than Mac and cheese or mashed potatoes, but you know, my mom makes a pretty awesome stuffing with my grandma's old recipe, so. Gotta go with the stuffing.
- [61:38]
A
Stuffing is a classic dbro.
- [61:40]
C
So if I'm going just with old Reliable, it's gotta be Mac and cheese. If I'm gonna go off the reservation just a little bit here, I will say that I always. I buy brussels sprouts on the stalk, I slather them in bacon up, which if anybody knows it's. There's just bacon grease you can buy. I season them and I stick them straight on the grill. So if I'm not going with old Reliable Mac and cheese, it's grilled brussels sprouts, baby.
- [62:06]
B
That's. That sounds amazing.
- [62:08]
A
Yeah, that is awesome. You know, it's funny, I never like look forward to the mashed potatoes necessarily on Thanksgiving, but they always are just a great part of the day.
- [62:16]
C
Depends on how they're done, if they're dry, if they're, if, if they're done properly, where they're like more like creamy mashed potatoes. I'm with you.
- [62:23]
B
Yeah.
- [62:25]
A
I also just want to say like.
- [62:26]
B
Pounds of butter in there. Yeah.
- [62:28]
C
If they're like these in the Sahara where you're like, like the.
- [62:31]
A
No, I love the turkey. Like turkey, I think is actually like underrated on Thanksgiving at this point. Like, a well made turkey is awesome. And people like, oh, no, it's all about the size. Turkey is the worst part of the like, what are you talking about?
- [62:42]
C
People hate turkey. And my response to that is, okay, fine, you're not making. Tell me. Nobody has ever cooked a turkey the right way. It's the same thing with steak. People that don't like steak, I'm like, just tell me you've never had it cooked right. That's all I need to hear. Because that's what.
- [62:55]
A
By the way, I think I mentioned this last year, I. A couple years ago, my family had me make the stuffing and the recipe that I used had chorizo sausage mixed in to the stuffing. It was really good. It was, it was basically a normal stuffing, only it was green onions instead of regular onions. And it was chorizo sausage mixed in with it. And besides that it was pretty much the same as all it was so good.
- [63:20]
C
Well, that was the chico dude. You just I mean you won Thanksgiving with that.
- [63:24]
A
Well, here's what's funny. It was not supposed to be chorizo sausage. I forget what the recipe called for.
- [63:29]
C
It's like hot sausage or called for.
- [63:33]
A
A different meat entirely and the store didn't have any. And I was like, I'm just gonna use trees of sausages. It's what's there. And it turned out so good that I have been making it.
- [63:42]
C
I was like, that became a go to you just you fell backwards into some magic worm.
- [63:47]
A
It very much did. So I I'm getting hungry just talking about this. Excited for for the meals, excited for the football. Like you said Fitz. Best best slate we've ever had in Thanksgiving. So gonna be a super fun day. Hope everybody enjoys it and the holidays and the time off that you get. Best of luck here in week 13. We're we're in the playoff stretch run here for for getting to the Fantasy postseason, so good luck here this week and beyond. Hopefully this show even coming earlier earlier in the week can help out a bit. It we'll be back here next week for DBRO and Fitz, I'm Ryan Wormley. We'll see you next time. Thanks for listening to the Fantasy Pros Fantasy Football podcast. If you love the show, the best free way to support us is by leaving a positive review on apple podcasts@fantasypros.com review or on Spotify. Follow us on X Instagram and TikTok at fantasypros and subscribe to our YouTube channel at YouTube.com fantasypros. When managing your money, think like a fantasy gm. Make smart moves. The Klarna Card is your debit card upgraded. Pay in full now or plan ahead. Stay in control with zero credit impact. To apply and accepted anywhere Visa is Sign up for the Klarna card by downloading the Klarna app or learn more@klarna.com US Klarna card and take control of your purchases your way Klarna Card pay later plans issued by Webbank. Deposits in your balance account are held at Webbank Member FDIC anywhere Visa is accepted. Certain merchant product good and service restrictions apply. Some merchants do not accept virtual cards. Physical card only included with a paid Klarna membership plan.
- [65:38]
B
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- [65:57]
A
That's K R a K E N not investment advice. Crypto trading involves risk of loss and is offered to U.S. customers excluding New York and Maine through PayWord Interactive, Inc. View legal disclosures@kraken.com legal disclosures, terms and conditions apply.
- [66:08]
C
Honestly, Honestly, Honestly no one wants to think about hiv, but there are things that everyone can do to help prevent it. Things like prep. PREP stands for Pre Exposure Prophylaxis, and it means routinely taking prescription medicine before you're exposed to HIV to help reduce your chances of getting it. Prep can be about 99% effective when taken as prescribed. It doesn't protect against other STIs, though, so be sure to use condoms and other healthy sex practices. Ask a healthcare provider about all your prevention options, and visit findoutaboutprep.com to learn more.
- [66:37]
A
Sponsored by Gilead this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.