The Herd with Colin Cowherd (FantasyPros)
Episode: 5 Moves You Need to Make Ahead of Week 12 (Ep. 1849)
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Ryan and Tara Roberts
Episode Overview
In this focused Fantasy Pros segment (embedded in The Herd), Ryan and Tara tackle Week 12 fantasy football strategy. With playoffs rapidly approaching, they break down five must-make moves: two buy-low targets, a pair of "sells," and one clear "drop" recommendation. The conversation is data-driven, candid, fun, and filled with actionable advice on hot-button players as the fantasy regular season winds down.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Buy Candidates
A. Stefon Diggs – “Underrated Season”
- [01:26] Tara: Highlights Diggs’ slow start due to injury and confusion about his offensive role, especially after pass-friendly matchups where he underperformed.
- Since getting healthy and Drake May shifting focus to WRs, Diggs has greatly benefited.
- "He's finally getting the touchdowns coming through here with Kayshon Boutte out..."
- Outlook: Averaging nearly 15 PPR points/game post-injury, quietly a WR15 recently.
- Schedule: Easiest remaining strength of schedule for WRs (CIN, NYG, then after bye: TB, BUF, BAL, finishing with NYJ).
- Buy Window: “You probably want to get in there before we get this game right here against Cincinnati.” ([02:51], Tara)
- Ryan: Notes Diggs’ rest-of-season (RoS) rank (WR19), split between A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and praises his “very high floor.”
- “At the very worst case scenario, feels like a really high floor receiver.” ([03:45])
B. Breece Hall – “Only Viable Weapon” for Jets
- [04:55] Tara: Encourages buy-low before QB change effect fully hits; Jets have abysmal offense but Hall producing despite little help.
- “It's impressive the fact that he is able...to produce anything on the ground at all, considering...having a functional passing offense is...needed for success as a running back.”
- Context: With Tyrod Taylor at QB, dump-offs could increase, especially against teams like the Ravens (weak v. RB passes).
- Rest of Season Rank: RB18/RB19. Ryan: “I would so much rather have Breece Hall than RJ Harvey rest of season...” ([07:34])
- PPR Upside: Only clear feature back in his range; Tara: “If you're looking for an RB2 that you can trust to get all of the carries...that's your little cutoff right there.” ([08:08])
- Schedule: Extremely RB-friendly; upside if Taylor improves offense even slightly.
2. Sell Candidates
A. Chargers’ Offense (Justin Herbert & Ladd McConkey)
- [11:05] Tara: Cites decimated offensive line (post-Joe Alt injury) as the reason to abandon hope for the Chargers’ skill players.
- “The Chargers offensive line could not handle the defensive pressure...it's one of the most difficult stretches you can have to close a fantasy season.”
- Matchup Woes: Even “favorable” games (like vs. Vegas) are now riskier due to pressure.
- Sell List: Focus on Herbert (QB6, high perception/value; “We always do. We love him.” [14:22]) and McConkey (at least WR1 on his team, so some safety).
- If Choosing:
- Ryan: “Would you rather sell Ladd just because as a receiver you can probably get more...or Herbert...?”
- Tara: “I would rather move Herbert...He still has value...we always do. We love him.” ([14:22])
- Prefers to keep McConkey for his secure role and possible garbage-time upside.
B. Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- [15:05] Tara: Views Tracy Jr. as a risky committee back; encourages sell-high after a good game post-injury to Cam Scadaboo.
- “It's a committee. And I think people are putting a little bit too much stock into the 2024 where he just pushed Devin Singletary out of the way.”
- Outlook: Great in a stash situation for deep playoff teams but unreliable as a starter.
- Upcoming Matchups: “Look at week 13 and 14 here. We've got Detroit, we've got New England. Those are not games where you want to be starting either of these...let alone one that's in a committee.” ([16:40])
- Rank: RB29; “I don't think he's inappropriately ranked.” ([17:24])
- Player Comparison: Ryan asks if she’d rather have Kamani Vidal (RB30); Tara leans away from that due to injury ambiguity but views the whole tier as risky. ([18:01])
3. Drop Candidate
Corey Croskey-Merritt
- [18:55] Tara: “One more running back heartbreak drop here. We gotta let go of Corey Crosky-Merritt.”
- Reasoning: “He has had six straight games scoring a maximum of five fantasy points and he is not the starting running back as much as we would like him to be...” ([19:20])
- Current Status: Handcuff-only, still rostered in too many leagues, minimal upside even with good matchups.
- “He should not be higher rostered than all of these high end handcuffs we have on waivers...go out and grab yourself an Ollie Gordon...anybody that can also give you more standalone value as a handcuff than you get with JCM.” ([19:48])
- Ryan's Emphasis: “He’s down at RB42. He is cratered in the rest of season rankings and like even that might be too high...He is an easy, easy drop in my opinion.” ([20:26])
- Conclusion: No reason to hold unless circumstances dramatically change; use the roster spot for upside stashes.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Tara on Diggs Risk/Reward:
“We are gonna buy Stefon Diggs here...All good things looking up for Stefon Diggs and you probably want to get in there before we get this game right here against Cincinnati.” ([01:26]) - On Breece Hall’s Talent:
“It's impressive the fact that he is able...to produce anything on the ground at all, considering...having a functional passing offense is...needed for success as a running back.” ([04:55]) - Chargers Offensive Line and the Fallout:
“The Chargers offensive line could not handle the defensive pressure...it's one of the most difficult stretches you can have to close a fantasy season.” ([11:10]) - Herbert vs. McConkey Sell Discussion:
Ryan: “Would you rather sell Ladd just because as a receiver you can probably get more...or Herbert...?”
Tara: “I would rather move Herbert...He still has value...we always do. We love him.” ([14:22]) - Tyrone Tracy Jr. Caution:
“If you're looking at starting him over the next couple of weeks, that's a no go...when you remove a guy that is out there running for 50 plus yards and hoarding all the touchdowns at the goal line, that opens up...opportunities.” ([15:05]) - End-of-Roster Warnings:
“We gotta let go of Corey Crosky-Merritt...He is not the starting running back as much as we would like him to be...” ([18:55]) Ryan: “He is an easy, easy drop in my opinion...If you’re trying to make room for any other high upside option, do it...” ([20:26])
Timestamps for Highlights
- [01:26] Stefon Diggs as a buy target, improving situation & schedule.
- [04:55] Breece Hall’s value despite Jets woes, with Tyrod Taylor possibly boosting receptions.
- [11:05] Chargers sell discussion, offensive line collapse, who to offload.
- [14:22] Who to sell first: Herbert or McConkey. Why Herbert’s perceived value makes him best to move in deals.
- [15:05] Tyrone Tracy Jr. as a sell-high; committee risk and tough coming schedule.
- [18:55] Corey Crosky-Merritt drop explanation; shift to true handcuff status.
Episode Summary Table
| Move Type | Player/Asset | Main Reasoning | Timestamp | |-------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Buy | Stefon Diggs | Healthy, improving role, easy RoS schedule | [01:26] | | Buy | Breece Hall | Feature back, schedule, QB change upside | [04:55] | | Sell | Justin Herbert/Ladd McConkey | O-line collapse, brutal fantasy playoff schedule| [11:05] | | Sell | Tyrone Tracy Jr. | RB committee, fluky value, tough schedule | [15:05] | | Drop | Corey Crosky-Merritt | No role, no upside, better handcuff options | [18:55] |
Tone & Final Thoughts
The hosts keep it practical, analytical, and conversational, with good-natured back-and-forth and real-world analogies (including guillotine leagues, personal rooting interests, and injury speculation). The focus is on actionable recommendations and realistic player evaluations—no hype, just measured, smart fantasy advice.