Fantasy Football Daily - 2022 Week 15 Waiver Wire Podcast

Episode Date: December 13, 2022

Joe Dolan (@FG_Dolan) and Tom Brolley (@TomBrolley) talk top waiver wire adds for the week. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fantasy-points-podcast/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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We'd love to talk, business. It's time for the Fantasy Points podcast brought to you by FantasyPoint.com. Top level fantasy football and NFL betting analysis from every perspective and angle, from numbers to the film room, with a single goal to help you score more fantasy points. Welcome to the Week 15 Waiverwire podcast at FantasyPoint.com. I'm Joe Dolan, that's Tom Brawley. The good news is bye weeks are over. there's six teams are not on by this week nobody's on buy this week the bad news is tom we need each and every one of those teams available because there was a massacre out there in week 14 with some of the injuries especially on monday night i mean you're going into that game oh i only need five points from kiler murray and i'm going to make the playoffs or i'm going to get a buy and you don't get it obviously because kiler suffers a serious injury remandre stevenson goes down on monday night we've got d

most Samuel injured. We've got Damien Pierce injured. I'm sure I'm missing got T. Higgins. I have the entire list here. Just in case every anybody's, you know, we got Tyler Boy. We got T. Higgins. Tyree Kills got an ankle issue. We're going to be falling. Jeff Wilson got her. Yeah. And some lesser quarterback. Yeah. So this, oh, just an absolute blood bath in week 14. People are going to be scrambling. I don't know how much hope we, you know, is out there on the waiver wire at this point. We'll try to. guide you in the direction of some good players, but hopefully you have, you know, you've made it this far. You're into week 15, so hopefully you have a pretty strong roster. Hopefully you might only

need a piece or two to get your team over the finish line. But yeah, this is, this is a, that was a rough week 14. Usually the injuries start to thin out as the season goes along, but this one was, this week was particularly bad. So normally when we do the WaverWire podcast, I like to almost do like a, for lack of a better term, storylines. Like, oh, let's start at the wide receiver position where we have the storylines. Tom, there's so many injuries out there. I think I'm just going to go position by position today. We're going to start with quarterback and go down running back wide receiver and tight end.

That sounds perfect to me because, yeah, there's certainly, as we said, all the injuries at all the different positions. So there's people are hurting at every position. So we'll go back. We'll go through the order here. That sounds fine to me. So let's jump into the quarterbacks. It looks like Mike White is going to play for the Jets this week. He says he's okay. He's still available

in like 80% of leagues. His schedule the next couple of weeks, not bad. I mean, Detroit's defense has gotten a lot better, but it's become a lot tougher for running backs. As a matter of fact, I think over the last six weeks, they're giving up the fewest fantasy points to running backs. So the Jets have been a very pass heavy team with Mike White at quarterback. He's got Detroit and Jacksonville the next couple of weeks, absolutely there are going to be playoff teams with Mike White starting. Yeah, he's, and he's, you look at that schedule. I mean, it doesn't get much better than that. We'll touch on one of his receivers that's widely available as well later in the podcast at Wide Receiver, who I think is probably the top ad potentially if he's been dropped. But, you know, White, they've shown

since he's come into the lineup that they're willing to throw the ball as well. In this game, the next two, the next three weeks against Detroit, Jacksonville, and Seattle, I'm going to guess, even with New York's, you know, pretty strong defense, they're going to be in the top half of the league in terms of point totals in those matchups. So those games have the potential to have to be shootouts. And we just hope that this rib injury isn't too serious. It sounds like he's going to try to play. So this matchup with the Lions, we saw the Lions. They gave up plenty of production to Kirk Cousins last week. So we could see a similar type of performance from Mike White. So I think he's, even with the rib injury, I think he's worth an ad. Hopefully he's able to play.

We'll get more information as the week goes along. But he was able to come back into that game after that brutal hit by Matt Milano, folded him up. But he was, he toughed it out, even went to the hospital after the game. But it looks like he should be able to go. and he's going to be, I don't know if he's going to be a QB1 type, but he should be at least like a top 15, top 16 kind of option this week. And the other two guys who are widely available,

and these are the guys we're going to focus on here for the podcast, are these two rookies, Tom, Brock Purdy and Desmond Ritter. With Purdy, we've seen it now. And it looks like, you know, he's got a little gunslinger in him. And he'll, and I think Kyle Shanahan trusts him, which is great. The question now becomes for Brock Purdy, with Debo Samuel being injured, the supporting cast doesn't look as good for Purdy. And then for Desmond Ritter, we know the supporting cast is terrible. So what are your thoughts on these two?

Yeah, Purdy has been basically like Jimmy Garoppolo since he stepped into the lineup. You know, it doesn't have the huge ceiling because of, you know, the way they play offense. It's kind of slow and deliberate. but he's been able to feed Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Ayuk, and not so much George Kittle, but, and Devo Samuel up until he got injured. So they're distributing the ball and there's some potential for some scoring here against the Seahawks on Thursday night. They have a quick turnaround. He did have a little bit of an injury to follow this week, but it looks like he's going to be able to play. I think it was an oblique injury. They also have the Raiders in week 17. So if you're

playing in two QB formats. That's one of the better matchups in the league. So he's run this offense. Well, there really hasn't been much of a drop off through basically two games here. So I think he's, he's certainly on the radar at this point. Who would have thought just a couple of weeks ago that Mr. Irrelevant would be a factor here down the stretch. But he's got all the weapons that you need and, you know, strong play calling. And he's got. the plus matchups in two out of the three weeks here. So, uh, Purdy's, purdy's on the radar if you're playing in two QB leagues. Uh, and with Desmond Ritter, um, yeah, I think it makes an entire sense that the Falcons are going with them. Um, what was,

I saw Marcus Mariotas headed to IR. Um, uh, so. Yeah, I mean, I would think that means, yeah, get back in the mix. He at least has a long leash here this week. I mean, they're, they're going fully into Ritter, uh, with Mariotta going on to IR that was kind of a, um, uh, that was kind of a bizarre move. It didn't seem to have much of an, you know, he was playing every week, never, never stepped out of the lineup. But Ritter, he's got some tolls. He was, he ran a little bit in the, in the preseason had 56 rushing guards in limited action, you know, ran a little bit at Cincinnati. So he has that, he checks that box and certainly has a big enough arm. But yeah, as you said, Joe, the problem is this offense, they want to be, you know, they want to run the ball. They

want to run the hell out of the ball. And now we get a rookie quarterback. I guess the hope is maybe they open it up a little bit. This is kind of like a four game dress rehearsal for him. They want to see if they have something. They're going to be drafting top half of the draft. So they, you know, they probably want to address the quarterback position this off season anyway. I think they found out that Marriota probably isn't the long-term solution if they're pulling the plug and going to Ritter here. So hopefully they kind of open it up maybe a little bit more with Ritter. to see what they got in them. This is a team that's still kind of battling for the NFC playoffs with that wide open NFC South. But, you know, he still, you know, he does have Drake

London. It's not like he's totally devoid of weapons at receiver. So hopefully they, they let him throw it a little bit more than they were with Marcus Marriota to see what they got with this rookie quarterback. At the running back spot, Tom, on our article, we have top targets as Travis Homer. But here's the thing. Kenneth Walker was able to get in a limited practice against the, on Monday. So it's looking like Kenneth Walker could play on Thursday. And I'm not that excited about Travis Homer anyway. The situation that I think we really need to break down is the New England Patriots situation.

If Ramandre Stevenson is to miss some time, obviously both rookie running backs, Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris scored touchdowns for the Patriots in last night's game. But, yeah, Stevenson made it back. into the games, indicating that injury might not be terribly serious, and Damien Harris could be making his way back from a thigh injury. So that is a really, really complicated to you know, it's a better situation overall, but it feels a lot like the Seattle's situation last week. We spent a lot of time on that trying to figure out because the top two guys were injured. Damien Harris has been out for a couple of weeks. Now he picked up that thigh injury on Thanksgiving.

day, so you'd think that he'd be starting to get close to maybe a return, but he didn't practice at all last week. And we know the Patriots. I mean, if you basically do a little jog on the practice field, you get a limited practice. So he didn't even get a DMP for the Patriots in a Patriots practice last week. So I would kind of tend, and that was a Monday night game. So that's, you know, one day closer to the, to week 15. So I would think that he's probably more. on the doubtful side to play. Ramondry, I mean, he, you know, he did come back into the game,

but the pads came off pretty quickly after that one series. He, you know, he wasn't right. They tried to throw a couple passes to him, and he dropped one, which he never does, and basically stumbled over his feet on the next catch, and they pulled the plug after that. So I would think, based on how they kind of use them, I'm leaning more towards Pierre Strong.

he was the more explosive player. He kind of had, I mean, if we think about the Patriots backfield at the beginning of the year, it was Damian Harris as kind of the runner. Ramandre is kind of the receiver slash runner. I think Pierre Strong probably fits more into the Romandre box where he's going to get the passing work. He'll be the change of pace runner. We're, as we're going to see probably Kevin Harris more in the Damien Harris role. And just as anybody that was drafted in the summer or,

saw the early results this season. We want more of the guy that's probably the past catcher in this backfield. So if I had to lean somewhere, I would probably go Pierre Strong, Damien Harris, and then Kevin Harris, if I was, you know, prioritizing the waiver priorities out of this backfield. And of course, this is the Patriots, so we're going to get zero information out of it. So this could go down to Sunday. So be alert on the news as the week develops.

That's how I'm kind of looking at the backfield heading into the week here. So the other backfield situation I think we need to break down is Houston. Not that I'm terribly interested in this. I think it could probably could wind up like the Seattle situation where there's really nobody worth having. But Damien Pierce is expected to miss a game or two. This is per Aaron Wilson. He called it a mild high ankle sprain. Okay.

And right now we're in week 15. that could, in theory, knock him out the rest of the season. The Texans, despite that, cut Inno Benjamin this morning. So that leaves Rex Burkhead and Dario Gumbawale as the only two running backs on this roster. For the time being, I kind of feel like this might be a Royce Freeman gets elevated. Because, I mean, if you look at all three of those guys, they're all kind of scat-backish and on the smaller side. So I feel like we're probably going to get more news out in the next day or two that maybe Royce Freeman could be the lead runner in this backfield.

But I would still probably prioritize Rex Burkhead. He's going to get his fair share of carries. He's been active. We have seen stretches. He got the goal line carries as well in that Dallas game when Damien Pierce couldn't go towards the end of the game. And they couldn't get in on those goal line chances, but he at least got them.

So I thought that was at least notable. But Burkhead will also get some passing situations over, you know, with Daray on Gumbowalé. And this is a matchup. They got the Chiefs this week. So huge underdogs. So I think we're leaning towards Rex Burkhead, but don't be surprised if we get news this week that Royce Freeman is going to be activated. I feel like that was probably the decision.

They didn't want to have three guys that are kind of similar types in the. of backfield. They want to probably get Royce Freeman into the mix as that more of that power runner early down back that they can, you know, hit between the tackles there. So we're probably going to get more information on that. But if I, if we're digging into this backfield, I mean, if I'm a Damien Pierce owner, I'd probably try to look elsewhere if I could for for help. But if I had no other outlets for help here, I would go to Rexberg. That's, that's probably the guy that has the best opportunity, but it feels a lot like, as you said, kind of like the Travis Homer situation last week. I mean, it is for as bad as the running back injuries are, this is about as bad as it gets

on the waiver wire, Tom. I'm like looking here and even with the injuries, like there's no clear cut guy to pick up. I mean, Chuba Hubbard's out there. I guess he's in a rotation with Deontay Foreman and they're in the playoff hunt. Yeah, and they were, they've been able to run the ball pretty effectively in recent weeks. And we saw the Steelers last week. I mean, they've been a pretty strong run defense in recent weeks, but they got absolutely gashed by a Ravens running attack that was really struggling until last week.

So there's no secrets what the Panthers are going to try to do next week. And it's not like the Steelers offense is potent and is going to run away from the Panthers. and they're going to have to go real pass heavy in this game. So if you're betting on the over under for time of game next week for the Steelers and Panthers, it's going to be probably under three hours. It's going to be done before the four o'clock hour because the Panthers are probably going to try to run it 35 to 40 times with Foreman and Hubbard.

So I think Hubbard is certainly in the mix here, just based on workload alone here in recent weeks. You know, he's not going to get you much in terms of. passing production, and he might lose out on opportunities at the goal line to Foreman, but he's at least getting touches in this backfield. And we also have an injury with DJ Moore as well. So that could make them want to lean into the running game even more. So yeah, like we're really stretching for help here, but I think Hubbard at least has an opportunity to get 15 touches next week. So Tom, if you're looking for like a game-changing guy on the waiver wire, this might not be the week for you. But if there is one out,

there, I would venture to guess it's at the wide receiver position. DJ charts been making an impact. Jameson Williams hasn't been playing anything close to a actionable snap share for fantasy. I know, I know James and Williams got behind the defense last week, but, you know, I think he played like, what, 12 snaps in that game? The guy who I'm particularly interested in is Elijah Moore of the New York Jets. I'm right there with you. And he finally, it's been a struggle this year.

He's been kind of stuck in rotations. And he wasn't even used as the number two receiver. But Corey Davis went out of that game early with a concussion. And we've seen that these guys typically struggle to get back in one week. So he's probably, you know, he's more very much on the doubtful side to play this week. So that could leave it open for Elijah Moore to be the number two receiver. We already touched on Mike White, how they've been very willing to throw the ball a lot. And this is a matchup with the lines that it's been more of a pass funnel recently.

And I mean, if he's going to be used as the number two receiver, he saw very promising 82% of the snaps, 10 targets in that matchup last week against the bills. So Moore is trending up here. I know a lot of people drafted him in the sixth round over the summer and just just a really frustrating season for him. A supremely talented kid could have been a first round pick a couple of years ago, went 34th overall. Everything that you want from a potential fantasy stub wide receiver is there. And now the rule might be there with the Cory Davis injury. And we touched on, they have great matchups. coming up across the board.

Even that Seattle matchup in week 17, he plays more in the slot, which is, you know, he doesn't have to deal with woolen on the outside. So there's a lot of things lining up here for more. Maybe it's been a loss campaign so far, but maybe he starts to excel here in the fantasy playoffs. So he's been widely dropped. He's only 27% owned.

So he could be out there in your 12th team league. And I think I have him in a, I picked him up in a league or two over the last. couple of weeks just seeing that potential of almost like as a handcuff for garrett wilson we always talk about handcuff and running backs but i did add more a couple of leagues and i'm going to be playing them in all my leagues as a wide receiver three this week and um tom and any interest far from me to talk about the texans but i was talking to paul kelly on the serious xm game day show and he had to start Chris Moore in the ACI.

Any interest there? Or are we just staying away from the Texans who might just be a dead game? Yeah, I mean, there's some juice there. It looks like Brandon Cooks is still out of the picture here. Nico Collins has a foot injury. He didn't really, you know, he picked it up last week and never really came close to playing. So Chris Moore, he's kind of the guy there. And they got the chiefs this week and they're huge underdogs.

They could be a PPR guy this week. So the other one I want to touch on, you know, Richie James has been popping up here. A lot of it's been garbage time aided. So, I mean, that could end at any point. But he's been starting to make plays. He's only 1% owned still. I mean, if you're looking for some deeper PPR help.

And a guy that has kind of fallen off the radar in recent weeks, but I think needs to be on it this week, just because of the matchup alone is Paris Campbell. and maybe even Alec Pierce, if you're really digging deep here. This Vikings secondary, we're picking on them every week. They're just giving up so much production. It's them and the lines in terms of giving up productions of wide receivers. So I think this is a chance for this passing game to bounce back a little bit.

So I think they're back on the radar after some down weeks in recent times. And at the tight end position, I hope you listened. last week. I'm pretty sure I mentioned him because he was available in like every league. Chigacon Conquo of the Titans. Now, maybe the Titans get Traylon Burks back from the concussion. They cannot take this young guy off the field, Tom. They cannot do it. They have no passing game, even with a Conquo, but he is somebody who can help them create explosive plays and they need that. Yeah, he's been trending up for the last couple of weeks. He's been up over 31 receiving yards in six straight games. And he had his best game of the season.

It was a lot of garbage time in that game. You know, they fell behind by multiple scores to the Jaguars, which certainly helped. But the Titans are trending in the wrong direction. They're three-point underdogs on the road against the Chargers. So this could be more of a pass-heavy script, just playing against the Chargers, although the Chargers have the worst run defense in the world. So I'm sure they're going to try to run the hell out of the ball while they're, while they're within striking distance of the chargers.

But I think he's certainly trending up, upside guy. And we'll see about Traylon Burks's status. If he's out again, I think that makes a Quanko like a guy that I could definitely play. If Berks plays, you know, he certainly loses some appeal. Burks is a guy that commands a lot of, has started to command a lot of targets before his injury. So, but Quonquo is certainly on the radar. And Joe, this is a guy we don't currently have on the WaverWR report, but we have to talk about him because it was looking through Yahoo things today.

Jeff Freaking Driscoll is listed as a tight end. And he got like a Taysom Hill type of rule last week. Got seven carries. He had a touchdown too. I can't remember if it was passing. I think it was a passing touchdown. So, I mean, we know the state of this tight-end position. It's freaking atrocious at this point.

But Jeff Driscoll, he got reverted back to the practice squad yesterday. But they could easily, you know, they could easily elevate him to the starting, to the roster this week. Keep an eye on it on Saturday. But, I mean, if there's any kind of whispers that he could have a similar type of role, he played like 30-some snaps in that game. So, you know, it was a pretty significant role. And if we can get a guy that's going to play some quarterback snaps at the tight end position with the way it is right now, he has to be considered. But you got to check your format. Yahoo, I know specifically has him as a QB slash tight end.

So I don't think, I looked on ESPN this morning and it didn't appear that he was there. But just check your format. I don't know all the leagues. But there's a chance that Driscoll has tight end eligibility. So he could be on the radar here if you're really looking for me. a potential cheat code at the position. Well, Tom, this has been just a horrible waiver week, quite frankly. I mean, thankfully, there's week 15, and there's no more teams on by.

But boy, this is about as bad as it can. It's rough. I wish it was a little bit better with all the injuries, but it just isn't. So hopefully we gave you enough names out there to hopefully help you out here. But, yeah, the running back position especially. I mean, that's pretty tough. There's some key injuries there, but just the situations are just real rough again in the Seattle, New England and Houston backfield. But just keep following the news.

Stay tuned, especially to that Patriots backfield. That could be important towards the end of the week. Thank you, everybody, for joining us on the Fantasy Points Waver Wire podcast. Tom and I will be chatting with you on Sunday mornings. Well, we'll chat on Sunday mornings, but also on Friday afternoon about all the betting lines and the prop bets this week. If you have a fantasy point subscription. Now, that is the key. This week, we will be launching our super early bird special at fantasy points.com,

getting you 30% off a fantasy point subscription. That will be the cheapest you'll get all year. Oh, and by the way, that's not just for the rest of this year. it's for the entirety of next season as well. So you're going to want to get on that. Stay tuned to your email inboxes or go to FantasyPoint.com. Thank you for joining me. Follow him on Twitter at Tom Broly.

Follow me on Twitter at FG underscore Dolan. And we'll talk to you guys later in the week. Thanks for tuning in to this edition of the Fantasy Points podcast. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite platform. And come join the roster at FantasyPoints. come.