FantasyPros - The Extra Point: Playoff Start/Sit Decisions and Chat Q&A (Ep. 1896)

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

FantasyPros – The Extra Point: Playoff Start/Sit Decisions and Chat Q&A (Ep. 1896)

Date: December 13, 2025
Hosts: Chris Welsh & Andrew Erickson
Theme: Navigating Playoff Start/Sit Decisions – Listener Q&A Extravaganza

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Episode Overview

This episode is dedicated entirely to playoff start/sit dilemmas with Chris Welsh and Andrew Erickson fielding live Discord questions from the FantasyPros community. In a high-energy, real-time exchange, they guide listeners through tricky fantasy football roster decisions ahead of the crucial Week 15 playoff matchups, focusing on maximizing upside, reviewing injury impacts, and evaluating dynasty vs. redraft strategies. The episode’s tone is upbeat, collaborative, and irreverent, full of both rapid-fire tactical advice and deeper philosophical takes on fantasy management, especially around the unpredictability of playoff scenarios.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Playoff Mindset and Philosophy

• Both hosts emphasized “playing to win” rather than over-planning or tanking for future picks, even in dynasty formats. Playoffs are full of surprises, and just making it in means you have “a 1 in 8 or 1 in 6 chance” so put your best foot forward rather than worrying about slightly better draft positioning.
  • “If you make the playoffs, you have a 1 in 8 chance, 1 in 6 chance. I would take advantage of that.” – Andrew Erickson (23:51)
  • “We play to win the game, to win a championship.” – Andrew Erickson (24:44)
• Integrity and competition in leagues matter. Tanking in playoffs is discouraged, as it ruins league culture and fairness.

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2. Injury Updates and Navigating WR/RB Depth

• Multiple questions centered on lineups impacted by key player injuries (Drake London, Lamb, T. Higgins, etc.).
• When dealing with ambiguous injury reports, the advice is often to “build depth” and prepare for all outcomes, particularly for teams in the playoffs or deep at wide receiver.
  • “I would say add wide receiver depth because you don’t know if he’s going to play...seemed like to me it was always going to be like that four game type of absence.” – Andrew Erickson (10:52)

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3. Maximizing Upside vs. Floor in Playoffs

• Common trend: In playoffs, prioritize upside over safe, low-ceiling plays, especially if you're an underdog.
  • “Don’t play the 4 for 40 Jaden Reed play. If the Seahawks lay 35 points...I think you got to click the button on Ken Walker.” – Andrew Erickson (09:09)
• Conversely, when you’re favored or need safety, it’s okay to lean volume and consistency.

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4. Specific Start/Sit Debates – Timestamps & Quotes

a) Three RBs vs. WRs in PPR Flex (03:14–03:46)

• Question: Pick 3 out of Breece Hall, Dowdle, Devin Neal, BTJ, Burden, Manangai.
• Consensus: Play the three RBs (Hall, Dowdle, Devin Neal), unless Dowdle is ruled out.
• “I think it’s probably those three running backs.” – Andrew Erickson (03:42)

b) WR Depth and Upside Decisions (08:23–08:41)

• Olave, Michael Wilson, Tetaroa (T-Mac), Chuba – Erickson recommends Olave and T-Mac over Wilson (especially if Marvin Harrison Jr. is out).
• “I’d happily start t Mac and Olave over Michael Wilson.” – Andrew Erickson (07:28)

c) Ken Walker vs. Jaden Reed for Upside (09:03–09:40)

• Both strongly endorse Ken Walker’s higher upside in Seattle’s run-favoring script, especially vs. Denver’s down arrows.

d) Tight End Debates: Tyler Warren vs. Isaiah Likely (12:29–13:39)

• Welsh: Warren is the “safety net,” but Likely has “sky high potential” for a league-winning week. Decision depends on whether you want solid points or a shot at a difference-maker.
• “Warren...getting 10 targets in this game...if you want a league weak winning performance not coming out of this Colts offense, I. I just highly doubt that's going to happen. Whereas Isaiah likely...has the potential to be one of the top tight ends.” – Andrew Erickson (13:34)

e) Mariota as a High-Upside QB Option (39:36–40:12)

• “Mariota. Easy, easy. Mariota was QB3...I mean he’s been pretty like locked and loaded.” – Andrew Erickson (39:41)

f) Low-End RB/Flex Calls: Woody Marks, RJ Harvey, and Others (41:17–42:18)

• “You’ve got to give it to Woody...even if he’s not the best player, he’s seeing big usage, and Arizona’s defense is buns.”

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5. Dynasty Strategy—Tanking in Playoffs? (20:34–24:44)

• Listener asks if he should tank for a higher pick as a low-scoring playoff team.
• Both strongly urge against tanking. Even perceived weak teams can get hot, injuries can level the playing field, and advancing only raises your team's value.
  • “I’m just trying to win. I’m not trying to tank, especially when I’m in the playoffs.” – Chris Welsh (22:56)
  • “You want to install competitive integrity in your league. That’s what creates the best leagues.” – Andrew Erickson (24:56)

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6. Navigating Start/Sit Uncertainty – Decision Trees & Injury News

• For questionable players, the advice is to “track news, be flexible, and set contingencies.”
• “Stay up to date with where the rankings are...closer to kickoff, if we get more DNPs from Breece Hall, I could see pivoting.” – Andrew Erickson (17:42)

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7. Streaming QBs, WRs, and Defenses

• Mariota cited repeatedly as a sneaky, high-upside streaming QB if your main guy has a tough matchup or injury.
• Defenses: Given injury/backup QBs, both hosts toggle between Seahawks and Texans depending on expected game flow and turnover chances.
  • “I think I gotta go Seahawks...But now I’m afraid I told people to start the Seahawks defense over the Texans. I’m taking that back.” – Chris Welsh (60:13)

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• “Weird stuff happens in the fantasy playoffs. It takes one injury to a team that you’re facing and that can help bottom them out and give you a chance to win.” – Andrew Erickson (23:51)
• “Don’t bench your studs unless you have a super compelling reason late in the season. Plug your nose and deal with it.” – Chris Welsh, on Justin Jefferson (62:46)
• “Bears fan, Manangai is that guy. That’s all.” – Listener “Matty” (57:41)
• “I want Dallas Goddard in that. Even though I kind of like Barner...” – Chris Welsh, on TE playoff streamers (26:14)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:14 – PPR Flex RB/WR Sort: Hall, Dowdle, Neal vs. Burden, Manangai, BTJ
• 07:28 – 2 Flex Decision: Michael Wilson, Tetaroa, Olave, Chuba
• 09:03 – Walker vs. Reed: Upside vs. Floor Playoff Choices
• 12:29–13:39 – Tight End Start/Sit: Warren vs. Likely
• 20:34–24:44 – Dynasty Playoff Tanking, Draft Pick Logic
• 41:17 – Woody Marks vs. RJ Harvey: RB2 Upside
• 39:36–40:12 – Mariota as Playoff Upside QB
• 62:46 – Jefferson Dilemma: Start or Sit?

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Tone, Style, and Takeaways

• Relaxed, playful, transparent. The hosts readily admit when they’re working through a ranking “live” or re-evaluating a call.
• Commitment to actionable advice: Both are committed to giving direct answers, not hedging or talking in circles.
• Interactive and community-driven: Frequent involvement and attribution to individual Discord members’ questions.
• Refreshingly honest about the chaos of playoffs: “We play to win; don’t overthink or tank.”

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Conclusion

This special playoff episode is a must-listen for anyone facing stressful start/sit decisions ahead of Week 15. With conversational, real-time insights and a focus on competitive integrity and upside chasing, Welsh and Erickson give the community both tactical choices and broader strategy guidance. Listener questions span the entire fantasy roster, from running back dart throws, wide receiver fringes, tight end upside, to dynasty tanking ethics—delivered with clarity, humor, and a dose of playoff optimism.

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For Further Listening

• Check out FantasyPros for the Strength of Schedule tool, weekly live streams, and more in-depth matchup-driven analysis.
• Join the FantasyPros Discord to submit your own questions for possible inclusion in future tapings.

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[End of Summary]

Transcript

[Andrew Erickson]

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[Chris Welsh]

What's up friendos and welcome into Fantasy Pros. This is the Fantasy Football podcast and this is the extra point. I'm Chris Welsh, that is Andrew Erickson and we are live with our Fantasy pros Discord, a large community and an audience that is going to produce the show for us. So drop your, I guess hand raises in the chat. We are going to be bringing people on with us asking us fantasy questions for your fantasy playoffs and if you guys would like to join in all the fun, doesn't matter if the fantasy season has come to a close, is about to come to a close or whatever it is the Fantasy Pros discord has got Football365. You can join it today by going to fantasypros.com chat even into the off season we've been doing these like every other week chats that end up being podcasts. Those are going to become even bigger for Dynasty coverage. Currently we've got Worm and Fitz on the first Tuesday every month at 5pm Eastern. Boggs and Fitz 5pm Eastern on the third Tuesday. And Erickson and I have been here all season long 2pm Eastern on Thursdays answering all of your questions. So come and join in today. You can join for free or you can get into premium having access to absolutely everything. Fantasypros.com chat Andrew Erickson playoffs are officially here.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yes, they are officially here. Week 15 Although our content team league, the playoffs started last week, I moved on because actually I had the bye week. So Drake May being on by didn't hurt me. So looking forward to I think I'm taking on Joey this week. Joe Pizza Pia pretty important win. What is it? Semi finals, quarterfinals. I don't know exactly how these things work. I just show up and win. At least that's the goal and hopefully the goal that we can help get you two today breaking down week 15. So no more we got to get into it.

[Chris Welsh]

Welsh I will do it. Yeah, we're in, we're invested, we're with you whether I Got the fantasy pros guillotine or chopped finals. And we got some industry stuff. Flex moving on to the playoffs. So we're invested with you. We're here for you. Speaking of you, Erickson said, let's get to it. We are going to our studio audience, not talking about Thursday night football games, but we are going to talk with Cornwallis. Cornwallis is first up on the show today. What's up, dude?

[Andrew Erickson]

Hey, what's up, guys? Got some start questions. Kind of in a bad spot for week one with London out and Lamb probably out.

[Chris Welsh]

Okay, what do you got?

[Andrew Erickson]

So kind of got this clump of guys between 50 and 75 and I need three of them. I don't know really how to assess any of it, but it's Breece, Hall, Dowdle, Devin, Neal, btj, Burden, and Manangai. Also ppr.

[Chris Welsh]

Okay, you're gonna have to. Unless you put it in the chat, run it one more time. And we need three of these. We know Breeze Hall's in there and I feel like that was an easy yes. Who are the other guys?

[Andrew Erickson]

Okay, Hall, Dowdle, Devon, Neil.

[Chris Welsh]

Okay.

[Andrew Erickson]

Btj. And then the Bears, Burden and Manangai.

[Chris Welsh]

I mean, Dowdle did pop up on the injury report, but if, like, he's good to go, I think that would be him. Kind of probably also Lean. Devin, Neal. What do you think about this, Erickson?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, I think it's probably those three running backs I don't like.

[Chris Welsh]

Btj. BTJ is not where I'm trying to go. Now. If, let's say Dowdle were to not play, do you have a pivot? Okay, Cornwallis, was there any other questions?

[Andrew Erickson]

Nope, that's it.

[Chris Welsh]

That's a big one. All right, well, good luck, brother. Be nice if you have the flexibility, by the way, literally flex to put in three running backs. That's pretty. That's pretty dope. 336 Hokey Premium Member on the discord. Sup?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yes.

[Chris Welsh]

How you doing? Good, dude. What's up? All right, so drop my team in the chat. And so list of available players starting off, you know, coming up for this week made the playoffs. Three seed finished 11 and three, but we seed by points. The two teams in front of me scored quite a few more points, so I'm having to play in the first week unfortunately didn't get the buy like Erickson did. So looking at the team the way I have it set up right now, I feel pretty good about my starters for 15. Certainly. It's certainly quarterback, running back, wide receiver is really the only Question. My wide receiver room has just gotten hammered this year. Hunter, btj, Garrett, Wilson, on and on and on. So I got Michael Wilson and BTJ in there. Now, do you see anybody on my bench that you would sub in for either one of those guys? Well, first, I don't see anything in the chat, so you might need to recheck that. So unless I'm. Oh, you didn't. Nope.

[Andrew Erickson]

It's up. You gotta scroll up. That's where it is.

[Chris Welsh]

I dropped it right before we started, but I can drop it again. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. It looked like it wasn't part of the. The thing. Okay, so the question is your bench and any potential pickups that we're having. Erickson, is there anything you see in, like, final roster construction?

[Andrew Erickson]

I don't think so. I. I mean, I think if there was, like, an obvious answer, I think that you probably would have been able to identify it too. Like, that's your. To your point. It's like Thomas Wilson. I get that they're not perfect, but Wilson sees a lot of volume, and Thomas has looked better the last couple weeks. So again, there's no other guy that's screaming to me, like, oh, this is going to be Pierce all week over Thomas and Michael Wilson. I don't really see that type of scenario. There a couple fringier tight ends that you have, like, maybe one of them out scores because they score a touchdown, but there's no one that. I'm thinking, oh, man, you have to add this guy and start him this week. So I think you have the right guys in there.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, I mean, I don't mind Gasicky this week, but it's just like you got a barrage of all the same tight ends. It's like Kincaid, if you want to go touch on Equity Waller, I don't think anybody stands out. So it's just a bunch of, like, NASA. And I think you're pretty well constructed there. I. Oh, yeah, sorry.

[Andrew Erickson]

Go ahead. Oh, I just wanted to comment on Gasecki, because I know I talked about him on my prediction show with Worm earlier in the week, and I liked him a lot. But the thing that's really bad about his splits, though, even though it's been usually good without T. Higgins in the lineup, the one matchup that he's been bad with with T. Higgins out of the lineup has been against the Ravens, which kind of sucks because even, like, Thanksgiving was at the Ravens, he didn't do a lot. Last year he played at the Ravens without T. Higgins. And I wish I'D known this before when I did, my prediction probably would have changed it a little bit. Maybe I would have just projected the Ravens tight ends to just go absolutely nuclear because that's what everyone does against the Cincinnati Bengals. But just to kind of like be transparent with Kaseki, even if Higgins is out, it has been not been a smash spot for him matchup wise as I thought that it had been in previous. So again going back to Thomas and Wilson are probably the best plays.

[Chris Welsh]

Idevo Sup dude?

[Andrew Erickson]

Hey, how's it going Erickson? I'm in agreeance with you about being worried about Michael Wilson against Houston if Marvin Harrison Jr. Is not playing. I got to fill two flex spots with Michael Wilson, Tetaroa, Chris Olave and I also have Chuba, who I don't assume is on the table there but might I guess be thrown in. So I I need two of those four guys. I would, I mean I'd happily start t Mac and Olave over Michael Wilson whether Harrison's not playing like he DNP'd on Wednesday, like the same thing that he did last week. So I don't think that he's gonna play. I don't know. Do you disagree, Walsh?

[Chris Welsh]

The question was to you that was a Erickson only question. I agree with whatever you say. That was Ericsson only. We would like to only get your opinion. I didn't exist there. So with whatever you say goes Jorge the Lefty, another premium member on Discord.

[Andrew Erickson]

Sup? What's up guys? So thank God for Lad getting only two points because it got me into the playoffs by a tiebreaker of one. I wasn't expecting to be in the playoffs. So now I get to ask you guys some questions. So first off, I have to make a decision of what to do with my flex slot. I'm feeling pretty good about the rest of my lineup. I mean, I've got Jamar Chase, I've got A Chan, I've got Devontae, Bucky Jackson. What I need to figure out is do I do I trust k9 enough to start him in flex or do I put up Jaden Reed? I do have a waiver wire bid for Seaw. I'm not sure if that's going to go through, but assuming that I only have between K9 and Jaden Reed, what would you suggest?

[Chris Welsh]

Easy Ken Walker. Even if you get Chris Rodriguez, I'm I'm Walker over all of them. What about you, Ericson?

[Andrew Erickson]

Upside right? You got into the playoffs. Don't play the 4 for 40. Jaden Reed play because that's just what he does like. And if he scores a touchdown or not and he's facing at the Broncos, not ideal. But how many points are the Seahawks implied to get this week? Just like a crazy amount. And if they. Philip Rivers looks like a 44 year old quarterback. The Seahawks could do whatever they want. Yeah.

[Chris Welsh]

If the Seahawks have an early lead. If they have an early lead, what are they going to do when they get the ball? They're just going to run the hell out of the ball.

[Andrew Erickson]

So.

[Chris Welsh]

And that's going to go between Char and Ken Walker.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah. And if it's one of these things where they kill the Seahawks and of course everyone else that scores, so be it. But if The Seahawks lay 35 points at home, and I'm telling you that before the game starts, and that's kind of what the market is telling us before the game even starts, I think you got to click the button on Ken Walker. I think that his upside is significantly higher than Jaden Reed. Even if Reed seems like he has like a pretty high floor just the way that he's used in that offense. One more question.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, no, please, go ahead.

[Andrew Erickson]

So for my other team, I was able to secure number one seed. The challenge is that I, I made some trades. I traded Harvey and Sutton for Jefferson, thinking that was the play. Now I'm a bit thin because London's out. Do you guys assume that London's out for the season? Should I effectively try to build depth so I'm not just starting Jefferson and, and Devonte, or do you think I kind of assume he's going to come back in week 16?

[Chris Welsh]

I personally have always kind of thought he was going to come back 16. I never thought he was going to play in this 15. But I mean you, you shouldn't move forward. Like that's a guarantee. But what, what do you do if it's not a guarantee? Erickson, what's your take on that?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, I would say add wide receiver depth because you don't know if he's going to play. I think that it seemed like to me it was always going to be like that four game type of absence. I thought it was gonna at least be two. Maybe because it's a short week. That's actually why we're not seeing him this week.

[Chris Welsh]

That's why.

[Andrew Erickson]

Maybe, yeah, yeah, maybe if they were playing on Sunday, he maybe would have suited up and play. I know last week he was still like limping around, but 10 days off, I think maybe he comes back. I'm not so sure he'll get like shut down. I don't know if the Falcons are in a position where they really are going to. I mean this whole coaching staff's probably going to get fired anyway. So if Drake London, hey, I'm healthy, I want to play. Seems like the players have been pretty vocal about that this year where we don't care for non contention. If I'm healthy, I'm playing. That's what most players have been pretty vocal about. So I would expect Drake London, if he's healthy, he would play in week 16. So that being said, could be wrong. You could get nicked up again and then you'll need more wide receiver depth. So I would, I would make a make some plans just in case.

[Chris Welsh]

Yes, agreed. Make some plans. Kyle Premium member on the discord. What's up Kyle? Unmute that mic.

[Andrew Erickson]

It's okay. Hey guys, so I got two quick questions. First one is would you bench Tyler Warren? I have him everywhere for likely if Rivers suits up or doesn't suit up, I guess.

[Chris Welsh]

Well, you broke up at the end there, but I'm Tyler Warren over likely. I do think they're super close. We had a long discussion about this on the tight end show. I don't know as of recording this if that has released or not. So not. No, no blaming if haven't heard that. But I think, I think the safety net is Warren but likely has sky high potential. So maybe that's a way to approach your matchup. If you're like needing to reach for the stars a little bit, you need a little bit extra. Likely is the one I think that has like the high end potential but I think Warren, I think Warren's getting 10 targets in this game. Eric, so I don't remember where you sat on the likely versus Warren thing because you were born at 12, right?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yep. Yeah. So. And I don't disagree with you on your take about Warren like seeing a bunch of targets but if that's 6 for 60, does that win your mat? Like does that make the difference in your matchup? Like that's where I don't feel as confident about Tyler Warren. I think that he's still startable. Like again I haven't tied on 12 so technically he's still like a tight end one. But I mean if you want a league weak winning performance not coming out of this Colts offense, I. I just highly doubt that's going to happen. Whereas Isaiah likely, he was a top. He was going to be a top three tight end against the Bengals two weeks ago and he just didn't finish the play. So he was going to be a.

[Chris Welsh]

Top three tight end last week. Put that. Yeah. Had they put that as a catch when he had three feet down? Yeah, but like I said, I think maybe that's your approach. If you just kind of need to know. You need to make sure you get your 10 points and everything else is going to carry. I think Warren's a great spot, but I mean, likely has the potential to be one of the top tight ends and, you know, be a 20 plus point guy. So I think that's the way to approach that. Kyle, did you have another question? Did your Internet get better? You can unmute? Yeah, I have.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah. Hello? Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I have one more question. I need pretty much bench one between Judkins, Trayvon Henderson and RJ Harvey. It's a full ppr.

[Chris Welsh]

Judkins, Harvey and all the rookies. I didn't realize that. Which one are you mentioned? Erickson?

[Andrew Erickson]

I think I'd probably bench Judkins.

[Chris Welsh]

Ooh, my. I'm gonna. My gut is Travion. But let's take a look at the ECL. Let's see what ECR has to say here. ECR has real quick. Judkins 15, Travion 16 and Harvey 18. I forgot Harvey's got that Green Bay matchup. Maybe. It is hard, actually.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah. But he plays on. But he has the best role. Right. Because he's evolved in all facets. So Judkins doesn't catch passes. Harvey catches passes and gets goal line work. The thing with Judkins to me is the Browns are missing half their offensive line. They're playing on the road in Chicago as seven point underdogs. That concerns me game script wise. Where I get that? I don't know if you. This was kind of like I report Jerome Ford also like went on into reserve. So he's like gone from this offense. So it's just him and Dylan Sampson now. But if it's negative game script, like, I think you're just gonna see a lot of Dylan Sampson, which concerns me about Judkins in his ceiling. Henderson probably has the fringiest touch projection, but can't bench him when he's facing the Bills in a game that you could see be really high scoring. So. And I think Harvey has the best role because he's involved if they're winning, if they're losing at the goal line, it's not like the Broncos are going to shut out. I don't think they'll get Shut out. So I agree this one is tight, but I think. I think Judkins has the Fringies profile. So.

[Chris Welsh]

Toy. Toy. Rice pudding. We're going to get to. We're going to get to serious questions this week. We're rolling. Rice pudding. What's up?

[Andrew Erickson]

What's up, guys? Can you hear me?

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, I got you good.

[Andrew Erickson]

Oh, nice. Hope you guys are doing well. Thanks for all the insight, as always.

[Chris Welsh]

Absolutely. I need a miracle to win this.

[Andrew Erickson]

Week, so I'm kind of looking just for, like, most upside. Basically, my opponent has just all the best matchups anyways, looking for either dart or May. What you guys think there? I've been riding May all year, so I'm kind of, like, inclined to just go with him. He's been solved.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, I think may is like, it kind of. You have to. He's also, like, exponentially ranked higher. Like he's three versus eight in ec. But, yeah, May is the play. Yeah. And then I know we're not feeling great about Breeze, but how do you feel about between Breeze and Hampton or even Mananga? What you think? Erickson?

[Andrew Erickson]

I. I get. He gotta play Breeze, Probably.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah.

[Andrew Erickson]

That spot for him, though, like, it's. I know it feels terrible, honestly. It's. It's one of these things where you kind of hope that this knee thing, I don't say it makes him inactive, but I feel like it would almost be a sigh of relief for fantasy managers where they don't have to subject themselves to a potential landmine situation with Bruce Hall. If it's Brady Cook starting for this team on the road against the Jaguars, who are the number one defense against running backs? Like, oh, it's like such a terrible spot. And I look at Mananga and I'm thinking, how is Ben Johnson not going to load this guy up with 20 carries against the Browns, who just got destroyed by Tony Pollard of all the running backs the rounds could get destroyed by. So I would stay up to date with where the rankings are, Right. Probably going to say Breece Hall. But closer to kickoff, if we get more DNPs from Breece hall and his knees flaring up, like, I could see pivoting to somebody else.

[Chris Welsh]

So, yeah, and you're saying, Guy, you're. You're saying Mononga over Hampton because Hampton's funny. Because you're just like, ooh, ham to got the usage. You're like, okay, fingers crossed. Please just don't be against Kansas City or Houston. And you're like, ah, crap, it's Kansas City. Like, I hate this, it stinks. And. And Cleveland and I think too, I.

[Andrew Erickson]

Mean, Vidal, I don't think is going away.

[Chris Welsh]

Right.

[Andrew Erickson]

Hampton is, I think, kind of subjected to, hey, you are another one of these committee backs, although you are talented. And the Chargers offense just. I mean, that. That it's so broken. It took a superhero performance from Justin Herbert and seven sacks and like a 65% pressure rate. And this. It took them to overtime to get to 22 points.

[Chris Welsh]

But Mananga, you would go over Hampton if you're following those tea leaves on Breeze and then you're uncomfortable with the. And he's, you know, inactive or something.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, I think so. I just. I really like the spot for Manangai. I think December in Chicago, Soldier Field, he runs so physical. Ben Johnson found his Dave Montgomery and it's Kyle Manon guy. So I just. I like him a lot this week.

[Chris Welsh]

Okay, nice.

[Andrew Erickson]

And then just two more real quick. Kittle or Fanon? And then if CD doesn't play in.

[Chris Welsh]

The Flex, would you probably then play.

[Andrew Erickson]

Mananga or even Fanon?

[Chris Welsh]

I guess.

[Andrew Erickson]

Or. Or Christian Watson, but I'm scared about that.

[Chris Welsh]

Good questions. Putting definitely Rice or. I'm sorry, kd. I don't know what the hell I was saying. Definitely, you know, I think you know what I meant. Kittle. And then on the other side, I think Lamb's playing. So I actually don't think that's an issue. But if it were, you know what? I don't know. What are you doing? You doing Banana? Assuming this is that same league where he's starting Breeze, you putting in Mananga, you putting in Fanon? If Lamb wasn't out there, it was full ppr.

[Andrew Erickson]

If it's half pbr, I would do Mananga. It's full ppr. I'd probably do Fanon.

[Chris Welsh]

Okay, there you go. Easy stuff. Sync your league instantly with my playbook to get customized advice on how to manage your team throughout the season. You guys jump in here, ask us questions. You guys get some full roster stuff. You're almost getting some of that customized advice. We'll get it at any time of the day, anywhere. See your league's top available players, power rankings and more. You can do it all for free. Plus you can check the are they playing tool each week to get the latest game day availability odds for our injured players like Breece hall we've been talking about. If you're premium, you can unlock all kinds of helpful waiver trade, lineup and league analysis tools. You can even auto start your team's optimal lineups each Week with Autopilot. Sync your league and dominate every week of the season with my [e-mail] myplaybook or the fantasy Pros app. Not just for this year, but already get the prepping going for next year. All right, more of you with Catalyst. Catalyst is up. What's up?

[Andrew Erickson]

Hey guys, how are you doing?

[Chris Welsh]

Good man. How you doing?

[Andrew Erickson]

Doing solid. So I have two dynasty teams that made playoffs, but I'm more concerned about the first one. So for context, I'm sending like the roster just for my optimum lineup. Like these are literally the best players that I can have right now on roster because I guess because I started last year and I didn't really understand how to build a roster in dynasty, which kind of led me to what I have now. I just barely got into playoffs and mainly had to compete hard just to get that spot. So I get my opponent's first round pick for the sixth spot. So I guess with the roster I have, I don't think I could get very far. So should I just like pack it in and just like get the seventh.

[Chris Welsh]

Position spot or try my luck and.

[Andrew Erickson]

Just like go all the way? Because for further context, on the third.

[Chris Welsh]

Highest score, third lowest scoring dynasty team.

[Andrew Erickson]

On Super Flex 12 team.

[Chris Welsh]

So are you trying to say like you've made the playoffs and you're like, hey, I made the playoffs but this isn't going to work. So should I just bomb the playoffs to get a higher draft pick?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, I mean, I just don't know if I, if it's to like get that value spot at 7 or just try my luck and just keep going.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, but I mean, but like hold on real quick. Wouldn't you the next pick be six? Like, like what's the change? Like what's the it? Let's say, are you saying if I just lose right now I'm getting the seventh pick or if I do good, I have the final pick or the 8th pick 9th. Like I know this maybe is like super logical. I'm just trying to wrap my head around it because I guess my point is, is like, yeah, your roster is not like dominating. For reference for people here, he's got Herbert Chador, Genty Sampson. Running backs are really poor, Olave worthy, Mechi Pitts, Waddle Loveland, you know, that's a competitive team. I get your point of not. I'm not feeling like it's going to go, but like what is packing it in look like, like not putting on a competitive roster to maybe move up a spot like, because I'm going for it. My whole point of this is, like, I'm going, I'm going to try my best. If I made the playoffs, I'm not going to try to pack anything in, but I understand the logic. So is it literally just like a spot or two? Like if you were to make the next round and lose in the next round, you gave up the seventh pick for the ninth pick. Does that sound like right what it is?

[Andrew Erickson]

I already have the six spots. So if I lose right now, I also have seven.

[Chris Welsh]

So I have one, six and seven in the first round next year. Okay. And then if you move. Yeah, I'm. I'm trying to play. Like, I don't, I don't mess around with that type of stuff. Maybe a miracle can happen. Maybe you can screw on with your roster. Hell, put in Shador over Herbert this week to go for it going up against the Bears. Maybe he slings the ball again like that. Maybe Genti gets the ball a little bit. Erickson just talked about maybe Sampson, Sampson, Herbert Stack there. I mean, crazy stuff can happen, but it's just like I want to win and like, I'm going to try to win and I definitely wouldn't want to be accused in my league of just like tanking when you already have the six pick. Like, it's. All that extra pick is going to do is it's like, what, extra equity or something like that. I don't know, maybe I'm making more about it than it needs to be, but like, I'm just, I'm just trying to win. I'm not trying to tank, especially when I'm in the playoffs. Erickson, tell me if I'm crazy. Tell me if you're on that, what do you got?

[Andrew Erickson]

I don't think you're crazy. I think that anything can happen. That's what I always talk about with the playoffs. I know I was flexing about my number one seeded team. Basically every other team I played this year is the sixth seed. And every other league that I'm in, I basically like snuck in and my team definitely isn't the best. But weird stuff happens in the fantasy playoffs. It takes one injury to a team that you're facing and that can help bottom them out and give you a chance to win. So I would go for it. Here again, we play to win the game, to win a championship. And anytime you make the playoffs, you have a 1 in 8 chance, 1 in 6 chance. So I would take advantage of that so I wouldn't be too Hung up on, oh, the future, the draft picks. I think that that's a conversation you have like a month ago where you're, okay, this team is done. I'm cooked. But if you stuck into the playoffs, I think it's worth going for it. You never know what's going to happen. So.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, I also, like, don't. I just don't like the idea of making the playoffs and being like, cool. I'm in a tank now. Like, to your point, integrity of it.

[Andrew Erickson]

Is a little like, sus with that.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, it's a little something, an easy.

[Andrew Erickson]

Win to the other team that's in the playoffs as well. And that can kind of come off as like, again, you want to. You install competitive integrity in your league. That's what creates the best leagues, is people going all out, doing the best they can, trying to win at every single inch, get every single edge. So look at it like this.

[Chris Welsh]

If you make the, if you make the next round, it's because a few of those players went off and you just created more fantasy equity to those players. Maybe Shador goes off and all of a sudden you got two really good quarterbacks you can trade in. Dynasty or Genti surprises everybody. I say you, you roll it, baby.

[Andrew Erickson]

You.

[Chris Welsh]

You roll that out.

[Andrew Erickson]

Oh, can't wait to have him back on the show next week.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, tell us how. Tell us how it goes now that I'm.

[Andrew Erickson]

Now that I'm going to win.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, let's. Let's win this. Let's. Let's have Shador go off. Marcus. Marcus is up. Marcus sup? Marcus is up.

[Andrew Erickson]

You hear me? Yeah.

[Chris Welsh]

We got you, man.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yes, sir. Hey, guys, thanks for having me. I just have two questions. So I've seen Titan week and I wanted to know who might have a better playoff schedule. Dallas Goddard. And then my second question would be, has a better play schedule Holmes or Matthew Stafford?

[Chris Welsh]

Okay, so I think we got. That was a little, little rough to get through. I think it was like Goddard or Barner. And the schedule, I don't care about the schedule. That means nothing to me. I want Dallas Goddard in that. Even though I kind of like Barner and then Erickson, you could tell me different. I kind of don't think I care about the playoff schedule with Mahomes vs Stafford. Stafford is an absolute touchdown machine. Their offense has been a machine. So regardless of what the schedule looks like, it's just Goddard and Stafford for me compared to those names. But it's a much easier, a much tougher discussion about the Mahomes. And Stafford thing than it is like AJ Barner versus Goddard. Love the night Reach for Zinn After.

[Andrew Erickson]

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[Chris Welsh]

Zyn After Dark Bring on the night.

[Andrew Erickson]

Warning this product contains nicotine.

[Chris Welsh]

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[Andrew Erickson]

Well, what I would recommend is go check out the Strength of Schedule tool. It's still live on fantasy pros and it breaks down every single strength of schedule. So just using that and I the matchups too just to go through it quickly. Mahomes has the Chargers and Broncos left. Those are both home games. Those matchups are both bad. But then he plays the Titans in Week 16. So if you're just looking matchups wise, Mahomes has one really good matchup left. The other two aren't super great given the offensive line injuries not exactly. And like filling us with a ton of confidence. Whereas the Rams, I'm looking at them right now. So they have at Seattle, at Atlanta and then Detroit this week. So Matthew Stafford, I would say, I mean at Seattle is probably like the toughest matchup, but still a divisional game. We saw him play Seattle earlier this year. Wasn't great. I think it's actually his worst game of the season. 13.2 fantasy points. So I mean, if you had both guys, it'd actually be the perfect run out. It seems like he does.

[Chris Welsh]

I think he does. That's my assumption. So then you could stream it out if you want to stream it.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah. So that's perfect. You start Stafford week 15, week 17, and you start Mahomes in week 16. So like that's basically the perfect way to do it. So maybe you're thinking like, do I drop somebody? I pick up like a defense or like, no, keep both guys and. And play the matchups for tight end. It was A.J. barner and Dallas Goddard. So Dallas Goddard, again, I agree with you. Welsh. Where like he's the guy that I would want. His rest of season schedule is pretty strong. Raiders commanders would say week 17 at bills. That's terrible. Bills have just been deleting tight ends week in and week out. So Goddard might not be usable that week, but in the next two weeks I think that he's fine. AJ Barnum, we always talk about, he has that like tushbush equity where they use him with some red zone equity or some touchdown upside. And he has Colts, Rams and Panthers. So yeah, Panthers is great spot.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah.

[Chris Welsh]

And I bet if this is like a. If this is like a cut situation, I bet you could probably comfortably cut AJ Barner and not have to worry about the rest and pick him up. Exactly. So that good breakdown.

[Andrew Erickson]

Play, play Goddard this week, next week, cut him. Let someone else play him against the Bills if they. If they. Be my guest. And then pick up Barner. Yeah.

[Chris Welsh]

Trojan horse, baby. Rocksas is up. Hey, guys. First time, long time.

[Andrew Erickson]

Appreciate it. I'm in a tough spot playing for the Sacco, if you know that reference. And so my question is I've got Chris Rodriguez, but he popped up on.

[Chris Welsh]

The injury report and so I'm trying to figure out what to do with him.

[Andrew Erickson]

I do have Bill Crosky, Merritt, and I also have Kenneth Gainwell, so trying.

[Chris Welsh]

To figure out how to navigate that situation. All right, so I don't. I mean, okay, no, I was about to be dismissive. If Chris Rodriguez is out, that's even better for. For Bill. And that actually probably makes Bill the play. The worst case scenario is Rodriguez is kind of banged up, but it's actually not even the worst because I think it just clearly pushes me to Kenny Gainwell, like Kenny Gainwell has some touchdown equity, some red zone equity used in the passing game. I don't think the usage is great. If. If they're selling us that Chris Rodriguez is dicey. I don't know if I. Because I've already mentioned this before. It's like you're one outcome with Chris Rodriguez. He doesn't catch the ball. He doesn't get volume. It's touchdown. So if he's already. Then it's like him and Bill are both dicey to me. I would push to gain. Well, if they just say Chris Rodriguez is all good and don't worry about that. That was a scare Chris Rodriguez and if Rodriguez is out, Bill. So I literally painted a scenario for all three and how I would. How we would use all three.

[Andrew Erickson]

Nothing would make me. Oh, there's a lot of things that would make me happier. But to see Bill have a redemption towards the end of the season, that'd be kind of nice. After he flashed really early on, just totally faded into oblivion. It's just a very weird rookie.

[Chris Welsh]

What do you think that's about, man? When you see a guy just kind of like bomb, like. Like I should say in a different way, Ball out. When it balls out, he gets like, you know, usage, like heavy usage. He's kind of like a little like stud and all that. And then the team is just like, that was cool. Let's do the exact opposite now. Like, what. What do you think is behind that?

[Andrew Erickson]

I do think that they're. Maybe this is more of just a commander's thing in general. This team has lost eight games in a row, nine games in a row. This has not been the commander's year. So their quarterback hasn't been healthy. He's been in and out of the lineup. They. And they really haven't leaned on a lot of their young players for evaluation. What's the point of continuing to get Debo Samuel out there and getting targets? Like, why. Like, why don't we evaluate some of these young receivers or young tight ends now? So I don't really know what they're doing offensively again. They're not going to make the playoffs the last season for them. So I think maybe that has something to do with it where they're just like, hey, we just want a guy that knows his Assignment isn't going to fumble the ball. That's why they like Chris Rodriguez. But yeah, yeah, no, maybe he can finish on a high note.

[Chris Welsh]

See, maybe. I got to ask you this. I was just, I just thought of this this instant, remember? Because thinking of the commanders, Jaden Daniels not going to play this week. Is there any part of you remember when the injury happened and we're like, okay, well his arm bent the wrong way. Like, I was very adamant he's not going to come back. Do you remember you having this hesitation of like cutting him and you're like, what if he comes back for the fantasy playoffs and screws me? And we're like, don't worry about that. And then he comes back. But then this scenario happens where he's a landmine. Last week you screwed everybody. Like, do you think about that and like how happy you are regardless of him coming back, that you just got out from under like quickly and didn't have to expect experience starting him last week which could have screwed you. And then he doesn't play this week anyways. You probably haven't. I hadn't until this moment.

[Andrew Erickson]

Well, well, I hate to break it to you, but started Jane Daniels in that league.

[Chris Welsh]

Did you pick. You never dropped him?

[Andrew Erickson]

No, I dropped him and picked him back.

[Chris Welsh]

Oh my God. Never mind hook, line and sinker. He fell for you. You had the fomo. You're like, oh my God, he's coming back. Welsh and Pat, they were so wrong and stupid. Gotta do it. And then, I mean I actually started him in a super flex league and I think it actually cost me the final playoff spot.

[Andrew Erickson]

And, and, and as I was watching like the box score, I'm thinking, oh, he must have got hurt like really early in the game and the guy played like the first half and just didn't do anything right. So, so it wasn't even like it was all the injury wasn't playing super well beforehand. I know they, they failed to convert on a fourth down in the red zone. Maybe could. He swore a touchdown and he was kind of running a lot. That's obviously. And then he gets hurt on the interception. Right? Like that's the thing that is like it's. It wasn't a design run, it wasn't a sack. It was. He's trying to make a play for his team because he's a, you know, wants to win, is a competitor and of course he gets banged up. So just unfortunate for the whole commander season this year, but luckily it didn't cost me. Still made the playoffs in that league, 7 and 7. So as the 6 seed, 100% mid, but hopefully we can go on a run. I have a new quarterback this week, Trevor Lawrence. See how it goes.

[Chris Welsh]

Mid for the win. T, C, B. What's up? What's up? What's up?

[Andrew Erickson]

Hey, guys, I have two questions. First, at qb, do I start May or Burrow? If it matters, my opponent has Jamar Chase.

[Chris Welsh]

That's interesting. I mean, I have May higher, but I sure don't hate Burrow. But, yeah, I think I stick with May.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah. Because like Jamar Chase, when he sees the Ravens, this is a matchup that he just dominates. So he's gonna have a big game, which means Burrow's gonna have a big game, and that's not gonna necessarily help you. And to your point, Welsh straight up. If there's no other factors at play, I'd rather have Drake. May.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah. I mean, it's also probably not going to hurt you if. If he goes and you kind of take away from it, but, like, I don't know, it feels like a shootout type of situation. Weather you could look at. Isn't there a weather situ. What's the weather situation going on in the England. New England game?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, just like, maybe like a little bit of snow. That's it. No, no wind. It doesn't look like we're getting any rain this week. Wind this week. It's just cold in a couple places where it's supposed to be cold in December and then some flurry stuff. But we saw Buffalo playing snow last week and they're fine, so.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah. Yeah. 7 degree or 7 mile per hour. Mile per hour. Winds on just under 30 degrees. Chance of snow 11%. Yeah. Yeah. Actually, there really is. No, I'm looking at the only one. It looks like the Seahawks. There's definite rain, but there's not a lot of wind that's attached to it, so it probably doesn't matter. All right, tcb, what else you got?

[Andrew Erickson]

All right, so my second question is for my flex spot. I feel like I have a lot of options, so I'm really struggling with what to do. I guess the obvious choice for me would be T. Higgins. If he's healthy. He did look good running up the hill today, so, you know, fingers crossed. But assuming he's out, options would be Devin, Neal Hampton, btj Mike Evans tonight. So I don't know if any of those options jump out to y'. All.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, I mean, Camara's still not looking like he's gonna play.

[Andrew Erickson]

Right. He's he's not coming back.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, he's.

[Andrew Erickson]

He's dnp. I know Neil popped up on the injury board with abdomen injury. I think that he was either limited to not practice on Wednesday, but this was the one matchup. I don't remember how long ago it was. Alvin camara had over 100 yards from scrimmage against the Panthers earlier this season. So we've seen the Saints offense move the ball on this Panthers defense before. Neil was good last week. He sees all the snaps in this offense. So he has a better role than guys like Hampton or someone like Brian Thomas Jr. Who's just seen a lot of downfield targets which can be hit or miss. So Neil, I think has a pretty good combination of a floor and ceiling that in a good matchup, I think that's the direction I would go in.

[Chris Welsh]

I like it. Where are we at here? Let's do, let's go to Sammy Premium member on the Fantasy Bros Discord. What's up, Sammy or Sam? Sam I am.

[Andrew Erickson]

Hey, thanks so much guys. So I've got two questions for you. First is quarterback standard league, if that's going to matter here. I've got Jordan Love and Marcus Mariota, but I could pick up Shador.

[Chris Welsh]

I need upside this week, Erickson. I live in a little bit of a Shador bubble right now. If you want to play upside. Like I do not hate Shador. I just want to point out Love is got Denver and Mariota's got the Giants. And Mariota is actually the Highest ranked at 13 and he had that big explosive passing game. But if you are thinking in a world of upside, who are you going with out of those three?

[Andrew Erickson]

Mariota. Easy, easy.

[Chris Welsh]

I think.

[Andrew Erickson]

Upside. Mariota was QB3. I know against the Broncos. That's, that's, that's, that's some upside. He was QB9 against the Dolphins, QB13 against the Lions. I mean he's been pretty like locked and load. His only bad games were at the Chiefs where he was QB19. That's a tough matchup. But against the Falcons, QB17. Against the Raiders he was QB6. So I mean the Giants defense is not any good. He runs. Yeah, I like Marcus Mariota. I think that he has just as much upside and a much higher floor than Chitter Sanders does.

[Chris Welsh]

Okay, let's do it. And what was question number two?

[Andrew Erickson]

Awesome, thank you. Question two is I've got to start somebody at wide receiver. I can go Higgins Lad or and I know Thursday, which is a no go, but Mike Evans is my third option.

[Chris Welsh]

I Just don't think Higgins is. And thank you, Sam. I am. Yeah, I don't think Higgins is playing. So I think this is a Lad.

[Andrew Erickson]

Or Mike Evans. I would play Lad.

[Chris Welsh]

I go and play Lad too. Yeah. I mean, yeah. The Thursday thing is dicey on this show because it comes out after. I will just say this. Regardless of what the result was, I just kind of live in a world of like, see what this week is going to look like, especially when you have good options, you know what I mean? Because they're talking about limited snaps. There's touchdown. There was touchdown equity and stuff. But snaps, snaps and you're welcome. Mako. What's up, Mako? Mako.

[Andrew Erickson]

Hello? Can you hear me?

[Chris Welsh]

We got you.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah. Just two quick questions. Running back Woody Marks or RJ Harvey?

[Chris Welsh]

I like this question because Woody has got a really good matchup and Harvey I don't really think has a great matchup on ecr. Erickson. Woody Marks is now higher than Harvey. I think I thought what he was.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, I just seen that. By one spot. By one spot.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah. I think when we did the rank show, Woody might have been around 20. Woody is now 17. Harvey is 18. What do you think, Erickson?

[Andrew Erickson]

You got to give it to Woody. And I didn't mention this on the show. I know it. Fitz kind of poured some cold water on Woody as a player. I'm also not like the highest on Woody as a player. I don't know if he's actually good, but it's really hard to evaluate running backs in the Texans offense, but you can't argue what type of usage he's seeing. He had how many carries last week? 28, 26 carries. Nick Chub is injured and Arizona Cardinals defense is buns, man. It's over for them. They. They can't stop. They can't stop anything. Dude, their team is in the dumpster. You can't stop the run. They're gonna give up and Woody Marks is just gonna smash.

[Chris Welsh]

Dude said buns. He's like, cardinals are cheeks, man. That's crazy. All right, what was question number two then?

[Andrew Erickson]

The follow up question is deflects. Then I have McLaren and then I can also play Harvey.

[Chris Welsh]

I think it's a really interesting question because this actually connects to Sam's question. If we're like, hey, we freaking love Mariota. And there's the upside there. Terry McLaurin is likely the highest recipient of that fantasy upside outside of the rushing equity that Mariota has. What do you think here? Because I kind of think this might be McLaurin versus the Giants over RJ Harvey on the Packers. But what do you think?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, where does ECR have McLaurin versus Tetraroa? Okay, that's got to be pretty close.

[Chris Welsh]

Let's see. Yeah, it's pretty close. Tetaroa is at 13 and McLaren is at 16 on the list.

[Andrew Erickson]

You know that one's picking upside, man. The last time I. The last time I said McMillan doesn't have upside is when he had that nuclear game against the Falcons. Scored like 35 points. I'm ridiculous. But at their core, we know the Panthers would do everything in their power to run the ball 50 times. We know that's what they would like to do. And that does hurt. T. Mac on his ceiling. Perspective commanders also like to run the football.

[Chris Welsh]

Did I. Am I crazy? I didn't hear Tedro McMillan. Did I just delete that from my brain? I heard him say Terry McLaurin or RJ Harvey.

[Andrew Erickson]

I thought he said McMillan in there as well.

[Chris Welsh]

Confirm. Oh, Ted as well.

[Andrew Erickson]

Okay.

[Chris Welsh]

Like I said, that could been my brain. It was my brain. Oh, Tedro McMillan. So I didn't mean to make you more confused. Yeah, no, I'm just going to go with the highest wide receiver, Tedro McMillan. I thought it was Harvey versus McLaurin. I'm not working on all cylinders. I'm not firing off on all cylinders today.

[Andrew Erickson]

So are both receivers ahead of Harvey? Are we? Are we?

[Chris Welsh]

What do I got to do? I'm looking positional. I'm not looking. Let me look at flex here for a second.

[Andrew Erickson]

You know, actually, what did T. Mac do the first time he faced the Saints?

[Chris Welsh]

Harvey is at. No, Harvey is higher because RB18 comes in at 27. On the overall flex ranks. Ted A. Roa comes in at 36 and McLaren goes at 40. I got to tell you, I am both wide receivers over Harvey. And a flex, though.

[Andrew Erickson]

That me, dude, I think see the. See Ted roll. He's already faced the Saints this year and he was wide receiver 33, so maybe this isn't really the ceiling spot for him. I feel like the Saints defense has kind of been low key, decent this year relative to being a team that has two or three wins. I don't remember exactly what their record is, but I don't think their defense is just like, so, so terrible. Harvey, we already kind of talked about overall, like, harder matchup. He probably has the highest floor. But dude, I think Terry against the Giants, they give up a lot of long passes. It's also two teams that are kind of in, like, what, like, whatever mode, right? Like, Mariota, like, why is he out there? He's like, well, I'm just gonna, like, chuck it.

[Chris Welsh]

Like, Mary and Mariota did chuck it the hell out to McLaren. And McLaren first came back.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, McLaren had a monster game against the Broncos of all teams, and he probably would have had a better game last week had Jaden Daniels, like, not gotten hurt. And it kind of turned into a blow. He had a bunch of targets in the first half of that game, and I guess what could kind of work in McLaurin's favorite. I heard this on another show, so shout out to. I think it was the establish the run show. But they were talking about how McLaurin has missed so much time this year that he's probably fresher than a lot of the other players because he's like, I have been playing half of the season. So, like, everyone else is like, I'm ready to pack it in. Terry McLaurin's like, I got paid. I need to play and put up numbers. Because, like, what else am I out here for? So maybe McLaren really is the ceiling. I'm probably going to move him up my rankings. So I think you've convinced me as well. Hopefully we've convinced the audience that McLaren might be smash.

[Chris Welsh]

Well, Marco, he said he's going with McLaren. And I will be honest with you. I wasn't thinking in high upside when we were first doing this. I just like McLaren more than Harvey, and I'll blanketly say Tet a roa. But if you are going full upside, then I think McLaren does go over Tetaroa. Like, I, regardless of that, struggles in that first one. Panthers are trying to be a playoff team. I think. I think he's going to get his set of targets. I don't think anything's going to change that. But, like, McLaren against the Giants can absolutely feast. So that is the upside. Play over any safety net. And I think McLaurin has a defense.

[Andrew Erickson]

Safety net also, too, with no Zach Ertz, maybe that's a big. Okay, no. No Zach Ertz, no Chris Rodriguez, potentially. Where do the touchdowns go? Right? Like, those are the two guys that you see the most action in the red zone. Does that now shift towards. I mean, it's not going to Debo. You know, Debo is just catching screen passes at this point. So Terry is the guy with the wheels, with the burners. He's fresh. And maybe against this Giants defense that's been like. I mean, especially against the deep ball, they've been terrible. So yeah, maybe, Maybe it is McLaren. Let's go.

[Chris Welsh]

Look out, look out. Prop show. I'm gonna probably have some Terry on the prop show. Hey guys, if you like hanging out with us and doing these type of shows, we've got more in straight up full on video production. When you can't hang out on our Twitch Twitch TV fantasyprose, we get a lot of actually we have discord reminders when we do shows that will ping everybody to come and hang out out of bounds with me. Bogman and Joe Pizzapia, 2pm Eastern on Mondays. Bogman and I playing some Madden. We did 6pm Eastern this week and we're going to do it again next week. So a little bit more night action going on where we answer questions, we play some of the Madden games, Crazy fun Seth and Dbro Thursdays and Fridays at 1 and 2pm Eastern. We've got football Q&As on Sundays at noon and it's not on here, but I believe the fantasy dude does the after Thursday game. So head over to Twitch TV fantasy pros, give a follow, never miss a stream and get some questions answered just like we do here. All right, let's get back to it, to our final stretch here. Got red beard. What's up Redbeard? Hey y'.

[Andrew Erickson]

All.

[Chris Welsh]

How y' all doing today? Doing, dude, doing good. Not not speaking well, but doing good. What's up? It's all good. I may be overthinking this. Would you play Tetaroa this week or.

[Andrew Erickson]

Travion over Tyron Barkley or Jacobs? One of them's in the play.

[Chris Welsh]

So wait a minute, wait a minute. The first question was, would you start? Who?

[Andrew Erickson]

Ted or Trayvon Henderson over Kyron Barkley or Jacobs?

[Chris Welsh]

Gotcha.

[Andrew Erickson]

No. Okay.

[Chris Welsh]

No, I would not. Erickson, would you? I couldn't wrap my head around how that question was phrased, but it's are Ted Roa or Travion a better play to you than like Saquon Barkley or Josh Jacobs? Josh Jacobs is the one that keeps kind of getting floated around with some people. That maybe is a question, but I don't trust Travion. And we just talked about having more upside with McLaurin over Ted Rose. This is, this is nothing to me. But maybe you feel different.

[Andrew Erickson]

Erickson, I can't convince you about Travion over Kyron. Both guys are committee backs now.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, fair point. And the receiving side. But even in the committee side of Kyron, Kyren eats every single week.

[Andrew Erickson]

Does he eat against the Lions, who are a good run Defense.

[Chris Welsh]

I do think he's against a lot. You can start Trayvi. Do you think there's more upside? You think that Ramon Dre doesn't take away from Travion and that it's. It's a fun matchup?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, I guess. I. I think I like the matchup more for the Patriots running backs vs. The Rams running backs who you just have to hope that is. It's kind. Chiron's on the field when they have a drive that gets into the red zone because Kyron doesn't catch a lot of passes. I get that the total is really high, but one of my best bets this week is actually under in that game. Under 55 and a half points. I don't think it's actually going to be as high scoring. We've seen the Rams and Lions go head to head with Jared Goff or Sean McVeigh. Every game is projected to go over 50 points. Spoiler, none of them have gone over 50 points. So if it's a little bit less scoring, I. I think that the upside play still Henderson so explosive. We've seen this Bill's defense just get absolutely gashed by running backs at certain times throughout the year. They're playing on the road. They don't play nearly as well on the road as they do at home. So given that both guys are in timeshares, which I think is pretty well known at this point with Kyron, he's just. They're switching off drives with him and Blake Corum the lines. Not an easy team to run the. Run the football on. So I'm gonna go Henderson. All right.

[Chris Welsh]

There you go. You got Henderson. So that answers that red beard. All right, Mims in our final stretch. What's up, Mims? Premium discord.

[Andrew Erickson]

There it is. Took me a second. It's all good, dude. Afternoon, gentlemen. Thanks for all you do. I have two quick questions.

[Chris Welsh]

I have one lineup in playoffs where.

[Andrew Erickson]

It is Zach Charbonnet or Tony Pollard for the final flex spot.

[Chris Welsh]

I love that we both smiled and smirked because of the RB episode conversation we were having about Tony Pollard that I think I had a little bit convincing on Erickson. Not that Tony Pollard is super fun and stuff, but it's just like It's a poor ish 49ers defense. 49ers aren't don't take and control big leads. And they might lean into Pollard after having that big carry load. So I think that's Pollard for me. What do you think, Erickson?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, I think he has a higher touch projection than Charbonnet. Look, Charbonnet's touchdown or bust at this point we kind of know that with him. However, this game script sets up really, really well for Zach Charbonnet and. Right. It sucks because I see him ranked so low in ECR and I'm just thinking is he really going to be RB40 if he scores a touchdown? Because five straight home games Zach Charbonnet scored a touchdown like so. I get that. But I still think the ceiling play is Tony Pollard from a touch projection. And I do think they're going to try to give him more opportunities after his breakout game last week or career game last week.

[Chris Welsh]

Was that the only question or did you have another?

[Andrew Erickson]

I have a second one and I'm going to give you this context just because I think you guys will maybe find it interesting. So in this league where the bottom four teams play in a playoff. Playoff bracket and whoever wins amongst the worst four teams gets the first overall pick. So I am now in a three week sprint to the finish to get the first overall pick. My wide receivers in this dynasty league.

[Chris Welsh]

Are all over the place.

[Andrew Erickson]

So it's a pick three scenario. It's Xavier Worthy, BTJ Quentin Johnson, Flournoy. We've talked about Marvin Harrison probably out but you know where he fitness Pearsall Metchie and then Parker Washington, pick three.

[Chris Welsh]

It's a lot of dudes. I'm a psychopath and I kind of think this is a Ricky Piersaw, I want to slide him in type of thing. I don't think you have any high ceiling wide receivers right now. Florida. I would 100 play if CD Lamb is out. I do not think he's going to be out. So what the hell was it? Who did he. I know he had BTJ Brian Thomas.

[Andrew Erickson]

Would be the other, the highest. I Pierce all. I would agree with you there with him. Parker Washington, I don't know if he's gonna play.

[Chris Welsh]

I feel like there was one other because I think we're saying worthy Brian Thomas and he said Marvin Harrison Jr. He's gonna be out. Yeah. Okay. I thought there was another one, but those would be the three I think Pierce all coming off the buy. Erickson, you also kind of implanted this in the wide receiver episode. Like they got to get him involved and this would be the time. Those would be the three I'd put out there. But if CD Lam were out, I mean I'm. Flournoy is the number one of all of those.

[Andrew Erickson]

The other. Okay, he put that. He put the names in the chat and of course. It's funny. The name that we forgot was Quinn Johnson.

[Chris Welsh]

Yes. No, I was saying that I knew there was like another that was in there. I just.

[Andrew Erickson]

He's not the right. He's not the pick.

[Chris Welsh]

I'd said him. I think, I think we. We stuck with. That's where we're gonna go. So. All right, let's. Let's get a few more before we get out of Prezi Prezy with the Seth Wolcott Cowboy Avi holding a beer.

[Andrew Erickson]

Hey, what's up guys? Hey. So thanks again for the. The help last week. You really saved me. I was able to build a 35 point lead in that two week first round of playoffs.

[Chris Welsh]

Awesome.

[Andrew Erickson]

So you guys saved my week there. I have another league that I have a question in and I'm debating now. I've got Jameer Gibbs at running back. My other options currently are Sea Rod Corum, Breeze hall or Chuba Hubbard. Obviously I have a flex position. I've got Devin Singletary sitting in there as well. Would you guys change anything about that?

[Chris Welsh]

Okay, you gotta start Breeze, unfortunately on that. I love me some Corum, but boy, Erickson, the. The pro Devin Singletary stuff is floating out there. It's probably got to be RB2 breeze with singletary as the. As the flex. Right.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, that's fine. All those other running backs kind of like they're in their own separate tier, which is why I can't put them ahead of Breeze because Bree still has a. Yeah. Touch floor. Although this was another question we had earlier. I was kind of like on the fence about it. Dude. I think, I think it's been on Guy over Breeze Hall. If you just look at the last four games, I mean their touches are like basically identical. Like even though Breeze hall sees all the work in the jets backfield, there's not a lot of touch to go around because they don't play well on offense. And Kyle and Guy, yeah, he splits touches with DeAndre Swift, but because the Bears are so run centric, he eats despite splitting carries. And we know he has the red zone role for the most part in that offense. So we just saw Tony Pollard finishes what the RB3 on the week against the Browns. I think Monoga has way more upside than Bruce all does this week. And I think like I'm, I'm like, I'm. I'm like. I just like, I think you gotta start my own Guy this week. It's just like, just, just like think about it. He is so physical. It's cold in December at Soldier field. Are they gonna feed DeAndre Swift? No, they're gonna feed but on Guy.

[Chris Welsh]

Like, oh, I love seeing your brain work in in real time. This is if there's ever a plug to being in here in the discord. We also Ericsson I turn on video which I don't think a ton do. We always have video on and watching your brain work in real time on that. It's phenomenal. All I want from you though is I want to see Manangai above Breeze hall in your ranks.

[Andrew Erickson]

He's up there and he's going to be on the betting pro show this week. Common on guy.

[Chris Welsh]

All right, we're giving our teases. Terry McLaurin, Kyle Manon, Guy, we got it. Where are we at here? Let's do a little lightning round. We started a tiny bit late. We'll go another five. Let's get lightning around for our last few people are in here. Great job, everybody. Great questions. I feel like we're setting a record by answered questions as well. Matty, what's up?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, so as resident Bears fan, Madangai is that guy. That's all. So yeah, two real super quick. I have Christian Watson and the and my flex. My only other options are Corum, which I don't feel great against Detroit and then Slayton or potentially Florida, but I think CD is going to play. Are any of those guys options or do I just kind of like stick with Watson and just hope he overcomes.

[Chris Welsh]

Certain I think Slayton's pretty interesting against just a horrifically bad secondary. But Watson is like he, he is the guy. Like when they're going to get in the red zone, they're looking at him. They're not looking at Dobbs anymore. If he makes a big play, would he continuously. I'm going Watson there over speculative on Slayton Ericsson. You agree?

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah, he's just. He's playing so well and I think that we as the rankers have done a good job of considering the matchup for him and moving him down. But he's still in starting territory. Right. Even despite the matchup against Denver. Look, Patrick Sir Tan is really, really good, but how long ago Terry McLaurin, right. A couple weeks ago he had an awesome game against the Denver Broncos and I don't think that the way the packers use Watson, I don't know if they're going to put certain and he's going to cover him like the entire game. I don't know if we're going to see that necessarily. You're going to see him maybe cover Dobbs a little bit. Watson, you know, can get there on one big play. He has Jordan Love as his quarterback. Love has been playing really, really well. So again, I'm not trying to pump up Watson. I do think that he's probably in for some regression based on what his recent production has been. But for, for me to bench him for, like, Darius Slayton, who could get 12 targets and still bust, like, like, I, I, I, I want to play the guy that is just playing really, really well. Stay in the flames. Maybe he bails you out with the touchdown. So I still think Christian Watson is, is the guy.

[Chris Welsh]

Agreed.

[Andrew Erickson]

Okay. And then this is kind of a disgusting question, but Seahawks or Texans? I was going to go Texans, but with I don't know what Indianapolis is doing at qb. We'll find out together. I think people I embarrassed for Ricky's. You sick people that you have the Texans and Seahawks defenses, like, wow, I'm, like, out here trotting the Bucks trying to hope that they, like, can sack Kirk Cousins. Man. Do you, do you have an opinion on which? I mean, we've seen the Seahawks win like, or put up 30 before or the Texans do for their 30 burger against Jacoby Brissette? Like, I don't know, like, what do.

[Chris Welsh]

You think Houston's a better defense, but, man, like, what? The Philip Bruiser can play it safe. They're going to run the ball. I think I gotta go. I think I gotta go Seahawks.

[Andrew Erickson]

I guess to your point, the Cardinals don't play safe with Jacoby. He's back there dropping back six sets.

[Chris Welsh]

Drops seven step, drops 50 attempts in that game.

[Andrew Erickson]

That's like sacks, interceptions, fumbles. Whereas, like, Philip river is going to hold the buffer like a nanosecond and then immediately check it down to the next host's receiver, which if he's more conservative with the football. So I actually like that. I now I'm afraid I told people to start the Seahawks defense over the Texans. I'm taking that back. Full on Texans here, Welsh. Thank you for that.

[Chris Welsh]

All right, Currency Alchemist, what's up? Hey, thanks for having me up.

[Andrew Erickson]

Two quick questions.

[Chris Welsh]

I'm an underdog, so I need to shoot for upside. First question is they're kind of ranked close together. So should I stick with Aaron Jones for my RB2 or should I pivot to Gainwell? Oh, yeah, Jones definitely Jones on that one. It's a good question. Warren might be a little bit more in here if there was, like, more concern on injury. Maybe I might pivot, but I'LL go. Aaron Jones. What was question number two?

[Andrew Erickson]

Trying to lock down this wide receiver option.

[Chris Welsh]

I have Rashid Rice, which I know.

[Andrew Erickson]

I'm going to play him. I need to fill another wide receiver.

[Chris Welsh]

Slot in a flex between Jacoby Myers.

[Andrew Erickson]

Jennings, Devonte Smith, and Lord have mercy, Justin Jefferson.

[Chris Welsh]

Oh, there it is. There's the Jefferson question.

[Andrew Erickson]

Oh, man, that was. We gotta end on that one. I. I think we have more questions. But that was an epic way to end the show. Potentially. I'm playing Jefferson, so they gotta do two.

[Chris Welsh]

Jeffrey. It's probably Jefferson.

[Andrew Erickson]

Yeah. Where's Myers versus Myers versus Jennings? Got to be pretty close, actually.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, I would say Myers is ahead. It's been still kind of close. 19 versus Juwan Jennings at 23. He moved up a spot, but it is still Jacoby Myers for me.

[Andrew Erickson]

I. Yeah, I think it's my, you know, I think we're going to be right about this Pierce all thing. I think we're going to see the targets flatline a little bit. I think right now, actually, again, you don't have to start Pierce all this week. He's probably too risky to start. But if he's on your waivers, pick him up and like stash him. Because if he does come out and see a bunch of targets, 49ers have a bunch of great matchups rest of the way. So maybe he can get rolling here a little bit.

[Chris Welsh]

Yeah, and I straight up, like, if you listen to the wide receiver show you've heard in Monday, show where me and Bachman got into it, like, I'm negative on Justin Jefferson, but I can't deny that we're in a, like, close your eyes, plug your nose and just dive in Dallas. Like, I'm not saying that there aren't scenarios where you can justify getting out from Jefferson. And maybe, you know, he kind of had some of those guys when you have like Jennings and Devonta Smith and stuff like that. But I'm pissed off that you had one of the best matchups you could possibly have. You look at the box score, you look at the score 31 to nothing and you're like, oh, hell yeah. Here goes Justin Jefferson. Let's look at the box score and two catches for 11 yards. Like, how so now we're just back in the same thing. You have a test case where he had an incredible matchup and he stunk and you're going into another incredible matchup and he could stink again. But like, he's the most upside of all those guys. Like, it's not even close. It's not even remotely close. So you do. And the matchup alone is the thing that's driving him up. If he was going up against like Houston, I don't think he'd be top 20 after that matchup. I think he'd be out. I think he would be like where Juwan Jennings is right now. So even as negative as I am, I am starting him in a spot. I gotta just plug my nose and deal with it like we all do. So you know, stinks. Thanks. Justin Jefferson is there. All right, that is going to do it for this portion. We'll see if we can get a couple questions offline here because we'd like to take care of our people and hopefully you guys want to join us in the future. Fantasypros.com chat get in the discord, be a part of the community, be a character on the show. Your chance to not just like listen to the podcast, but be on the podcast. We love having you guys hanging with us. Lots of other offerings as well. You got the YouTube, you got the twitch. Make sure you guys are locked and sub to all of those. That is going to do it. We love you guys. Good luck. Hopefully we'll talk to you next week in the next round of the playoffs for Andrew Erickson, I'm Chris Welsh. We'll talk to you right here on Fantasy Pros. Goodbye.

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[Andrew Erickson]

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[Chris Welsh]

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[Chris Welsh]

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[Andrew Erickson]

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