Fantasy Football Today - LAST-MINUTE Week 16 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Advice! Actives/Inactives Updates & Q&A! (12/22 Fantasy Football Podcast)

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Starting point is 00:00:52 advisor free of charge. BetMGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. With Uber Reserve, you can book your Uber ride in advance. 90 days in advance. Perfect for all you forward thinkers and planning gurus. Reserve your Uber ride up to 90 days in advance. Uber Reserve, see Uber app for details. Here we go, it's week 16. It's Fantasy Football Today Express. I'm Jamie Eisenberg, that's Dave Richard.

Starting point is 00:01:25 We got you covered. That's Dave Richard. We got you covered. It's the Sunday of the semifinals and a lot to get to before you finalize those lineups. We have some fun action on Saturday and we'll get you everything you need to know for those lineups for Sunday. Dave, let's start with the situation in Cleveland where we got Dorian Thompson Robinson starting at quarterback. We got Jerome Ford starting at running back.

Starting point is 00:01:43 Cedric Tillman not expected to play with the concussion We don't know the update yet on David Njoku Take me through the passing game for Cleveland with the backup quarterback Jamis Winston as of now is going to be the emergency third quarterback So we don't even have the option of him playing if DTR struggles So if Njoku plays I will be good with Njoku I think he'll be a top like eight ish fantasy tight end Maybe a little bit higher because the one thing I know about Dorian Thompson Robinson is that when he throws 10 or more yards downfield, there's like a third of a chance that baskets completed. Yeah, a third of a chance. The data reflects that. But when it's a short throw, and I'm sure the Browns are going to encourage him take those short throws. Well, that's what Njoku has been doing all along, even with Jamis Winston. So I think he would probably,

Starting point is 00:02:25 he'd have a shot to lead the team in targets, if you ask me, if he plays. If he also, if he plays, I'm going to downgrade Jerry Judy even more. Judy's no better than a number three receiver, even in full PPR. I'll like him a little bit better if Njoku sits out. But if Njoku plays, that's a competitor for targets in that short area. And so I would probably, I might move Judy out of my number three receiver range. It'd be a number four, Elijah Moore, I've lost all faith and trust in. So he's out as well.

Starting point is 00:02:52 And Jerome Ford, same guy, low end, number two, high end, number three type of fantasy running back. He'll probably get you 12 PPR points. We're most excited about Jerome Ford of the Browns as they take on the Bengals. Again, Nick Chubb is on IR dealing with that foot injury. In Tennessee, we got Mason Rudolph starting your quarterback. We'll get some quick thoughts on the passing game, but Tony Pollard is going to play.

Starting point is 00:03:15 What do you think about Pollard taking on the Colts today? As long as it's a competitive game, Pollard will play a lot. And I think it will be a competitive game because I don't know how many points the Colts are really going to put up. The guy who I think is really going to do well in the game who might like force the game script is going to be Jonathan Taylor. I think he ends up with the best game of all, but Pollard could have, you know, in the neighborhood of 70 total yards, always a good shot to score.

Starting point is 00:03:37 Once the Titans realize that they're behind and they need to go into full on passing mode, that's when you'll see a lot more of Tai-Jay Spears. He would be at best a flex playing full PPR Pollard in that same range, maybe a little bit higher than Jerome Ford. We've already gotten some good numbers from a couple of pass catching running backs this week. Gervonta Williams on Thursday, Jaylen Warren yesterday. So can get you in that 11 to 12 PPR point range again, Mason Rudolph starting a quarterback. So a little bit of an upgrade for Calvin Ridley, for Nick Westbrook, Akina you're talking about Ridley

Starting point is 00:04:08 as a low end number three fantasy receiver not a must start guy and then Nick Westbrook is still a desperation play I think what Dave said about Elijah Moore kind of falls in line with sure and if I may Jamie for those who are desperate this morning for a tight end and you couldn't get your hands on Brenton Strange take a peek at Chigokan Kuo and what he did last week and Mason Rudolph does have a tendency to lean on his tight ends he won't be the only tight end that gets action in Tennessee but he's certainly one of those guys that might get you 10 PPR points if you're really in need for a tight end ten targets last week's got

Starting point is 00:04:37 twenty targets from Rudolph to yep six targets the week before and four targets the week before that so he's been a little bit more involved lately, but 20 targets in his last two games. Let's go to New Orleans now, where Monday night Spencer Rattler is going to start Mark was Valdez Gantling. If you've been using him in deeper leagues, he's got an illness. He's questionable to play. So keep an eye on that. Then the big story, obviously is Alvin Camara not expected to play. He's listed as doubtful. What are your thoughts on Kendre Miller taking on the Packers?

Starting point is 00:05:04 Like the talent hate the situation. The Packers run defense has allowed just 3.7 yards per carry to running backs over their past five games. Kendre Miller is a good runner. He's got great vision, does have an explosive element to him. In college, he had used his hands a little bit, but in the pros, we haven't seen that yet. And there's always the chance that he gets replaced. And I think it's a very good chance that he gets replaced on passing downs because I don't know how good his pass protection is compared to veterans in the league

Starting point is 00:05:32 like Jamal Williams and others who might be on the Saints. So I'm gonna rank him behind the guys that we've talked about, behind Pollard, behind Jerome Ford, certainly in PPR leagues. I think your best bet with Kendre Miller is that he somehow finds the end zone and gets about 60 yards on top of it, not expecting a huge game from him. In his rookie season where we know he didn't play very much, they'd have 11 targets, 10 catches, 117 yards. So maybe he does get a little bit more involved in the passing game than what we've seen. He has no catches so far this season. Let's go to Miami where you got the 49ers and the Dolphins dealing with some injury situations. Isaac

Starting point is 00:06:05 Arendo has been ruled out with the hamstring injury. So Patrick Taylor expected to be the lead running back. Jalen Waddle has been ruled out with the knee injury. Tyree Kill, however, will play. So I'll start with the 49ers backfield. Dave, what do you think about Patrick Taylor taking on Miami's defense? I don't love it. There's a ton of uncertainty there. When Kyle Shanahan talked about Patrick Taylor and his strengths, he mentioned what he does on special teams. So I'm, I'm not 100% sure that Patrick Taylor will be the every down back. But what I do know about Patrick Taylor is he does have a track record of playing on 3rd downs. I believe he's a good pass catcher. But when we're talking about talent, there's a reason why he's 5th string. And so my guess, and it's just a guess, is that he is going to end up sharing the workload, primarily with Keishon Vaughn, maybe a little bit of Israel, a band of Canada, but it could be a

Starting point is 00:06:53 mess. And it's not the best matchup. Dolphins Run defense has actually been pretty good lately and over the course of the season. So as good as the 49ers run game is, the scheme is what we love and the matchup, ultimately with Kyle Shannon taking on a team coached by someone who he helped bring up in the league. Yeah, I can't say that Patrick Taylor is going to be a huge winner for you. He's the type of running back that you'll probably start him over Kendre Miller in full PPR just because of his catching chops, but there's so much uncertainty there. He's a flex at best for me and I do think we'll see a little bit of Kyle Yuscheck as well in the passing game also.

Starting point is 00:07:29 He could be the third battleback Jamie, you're absolutely right. And Brock Purdy earlier this year has done a good job using his legs, so we'll see what happens with the Dolphins passing game. I don't think anybody's changing anything with Jalen Waddell out. Maybe a couple more targets for Tyree Kill and John New Smith and Devon Hatton. So you are starting those guys anyway. I'm starting those guys anyway. If you're desperate at wide receiver, Malik Washington actually looked pretty good on a couple of targets last week.

Starting point is 00:07:52 He's one of those guys that two was going to throw screens and quick slants to, and he's got great after catch speed. I would imagine he'll see an uptick in targets as well. A lot of the guys that we're talking about, Jamie, are going to be great for DFS, by the way. Washington certainly qualifies as a cheap wide receiver that you can throw into lineups. We're gonna take a quick break when we get back,

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Starting point is 00:08:30 And to top it all off, quick and secure withdrawals. Get more everything with Bandula Sportsbook and Casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1-866-531-2600. Visit connexontario.ca. Alright Dave, we'll go through these kind of rapid fire here. Tyrone Tracy expected to play. What do you think about him taking on the Falcons today? I'm good with him because I think Drew Lock will check down to him. And so, and I'm not a big believer in this Falcons run defense either. They don't allow a lot of touchdowns, but they do allow a lot of yardage. I would be okay starting Tyrone Tracy, more of a low

Starting point is 00:09:01 end number two running back. Yep. And better than Patrick Taylor, better than Kendre Miller. Just take a look at your lineup and see what you need. Braylon Allen is questionable, but really the story is Breece Hall. How do you feel about Breece Hall today taking on the Rams? I really am going to trust the Jets here. And the fact that they didn't put him

Starting point is 00:09:16 on their practice report or injury report all week long suggests that he's gonna be good to go. I still think he's gonna share with these other running backs, but last week he didn't even play 50% of the snaps. This week I'm hoping he gets to like 55% of the snaps and maybe 70% of the running back workload. He's got a chance to score.

Starting point is 00:09:33 He's a good number two running back. I think I'd start him ahead of everybody we've talked about today. Yes, Tony Pollard's kind of questionable for me in terms of who's better, but they're in a similar situation because of the injuries. But I did move Brice Hall up and I did take him out of start-sit as the bust alert.

Starting point is 00:09:47 Trey Benson's out for the Cardinals, that's good for James Connor. Jalen Coker's gonna play, more of a number three fantasy receiver. Xavier LeGette is out. Alec Pierce is out for the Colts. Kate Otton is out for the Bucks. Does that help Jalen McMillan even more?

Starting point is 00:09:59 Of course, and McMillan is a guy you were on before anybody else was. I'm very impressed with what I've seen the last couple of weeks. I don't mind him as a high end number three wide receiver. 13 targets in his last two games, three touchdowns in his last two games. Good matchup against the Cowboys.

Starting point is 00:10:14 And finally, Zach Ertz is expected to play, coming through the concussion protocol. What do we think about him in his second revenge game against the Eagles? Yeah, I like him. I think that he's going to be needed in this offense. We know that the run game should struggle a little bit for Washington not expecting a big game from Bryan Robinson Couple of the running backs we talked about Pollard Ford

Starting point is 00:10:31 I think they could be better than Bryan Robinson this weekend So Zach Ertz short area target could be in line for 10 plus PPR points So he definitely makes the cut as a top 10 fantasy tight end especially if the Commanders are chasing points here and we have seen the Eagles give up some production to tight ends. Pat Fryer even scored against them last week, for example, and Ertz did score against them in the first matchup. All right, it's time for your questions now. Let's fire through a few of these here.

Starting point is 00:10:55 Thug wants to know, I'm back and forth with Kendre Miller and Garrett Wilson to flex full PPR. This is easy for me, especially if it's full PPR, it's Garrett Wilson. 100%. Next question. Sleepy Beetle, Sam Laporta or Brenton Strange. Let's assume PPR it's Garrett Wilson. 100% next question Sleepy Beetle Sam Laporta or Brenton Strange let's assume PPR half PPR. Yeah if it's not PPR it's easy for Laporta and I think I have Laporta ranked ahead of Brenton Strange in my rankings I don't think Brenton Strange is gonna get double-digit targets like he did last week so give me the upside with Laporta. If Laporta had still been struggling I would say make the pivot to Strange but

Starting point is 00:11:24 Laporta has been very hot. I have this decision to make him one of my semi-finals actually. Yeah I would I would go Laporta if I were you. Next question PPR Devontae Adams or Brian Thomas Jr. Like Devontae Adams a lot but Brian Thomas Jr. is top five for me against the Raiders even with Mac Jones under center he's gonna see a ton of targets huge huge upside Tough calls in ten team league sometimes. All right next question Jacobi Myers or Devante Smith and non PPR. I'm gonna oh not so in full PPR. I think Jacobi's the answer I did a little research on the Raiders passing game and Jacobi Myers against man coverage

Starting point is 00:12:02 Doesn't see as many targets as he does when it's against zone coverage and the Jaguars for stupid reasons I can't explain why they've been playing a lot of man coverage all year long I will take my chances with Devontae Smith especially if we know Marshawn Lattimore is gonna play for Washington what if Lattimore shadows AJ Brown makes it a tougher matchup for AJ Brown maybe that opens the door for more targets for Devontae Smith, but he's already that door's already open because Dall Scottert's out. So I'll take Devontae and non PPR. Yeah, easy and non PPR. Jacoby does not score touchdowns. Devontae scored each of his

Starting point is 00:12:34 last two games. Next question. Good morning, Shannon. Full PPR, one flex. Jerry, Judy, Jonathan Taylor, Brian Robinson, Tyrone Tracy need to beat my husband in the playoffs. So Shannon's playing her husband. The Tennessee Titans are without two of their top three healthy linebackers going into this game and it might be three of three. And that combined with the fact that Jonathan Taylor owes us one and owes the Colts one after he I don't know why he dropped the ball before he crossed the goal

Starting point is 00:13:05 line. I'm sure he didn't mean to do it, but he did it last week. It cost his team. I think he gets retribution for that. I think he has maybe his best game of the year. I would start Jonathan Taylor, even though it's full PPR. Yep. Jonathan Taylor. Easy for me. All right. We're going to do 10 more names only. We're going to go through these rapid fire. Here we go. Ready. Uh, Anthony Richardson or Caleb Williams. I believe I have Richardson right now. Okay, I'll take Caleb, Geno Smith or. I think I'll run run with Rudolph. I go Rudolph as well.

Starting point is 00:13:33 Next one. DK Metcalf for Adam Thielen. Thielen, especially full PPR. I'll take Metcalf. Next question. Donken Kate or Brenton Strange. This is one I'll go with Brenton Strange. Strange as well. Next one

Starting point is 00:13:46 Brock Purdy or Jane Daniels Daniels. Yep David Njoku or Jerome Ford PPR Njoku, you have the opportunity to make that decision because you'll find out if the joke is playing I'll take your own for next one Jared golf or Kyler Murray close. I believe they're back to back in my rankings. I have Goff one spot higher. I will take Kyler in all formats. I'm sure Dave would take Kyler in four points for passing touchdowns. Next one.

Starting point is 00:14:11 Bryan Robinson Jr. or Ken Walker PPR? Walker. Agreed. Next one. Romeo Dobbs or Jalen McMillan PPR? McMillan. McMillan. Thomas, I don't know. I'm not counting. So you tell me when we're done.

Starting point is 00:14:23 Kyron Williams or Chuba Lumberg? We'll just do this all morning. Who is it? Kyron Williams or who, Jamie? Chuba. I will take Kyron over Chuba. All right, Kyron over Chuba, I would agree. Next one. Or is that we're done?

Starting point is 00:14:36 Not one more? All right, Jordan Love or Matthew Stafford? Last one we'll do. Stafford. Stafford as well. Jordan Love could have a huge game, but I don't think they want him to, not that they don't want to have a huge game. They just don't need him to have a huge game because I think we'll see a lot of Josh Jacobs, little offense for the Saints

Starting point is 00:14:51 and should be an easy win for the Packers if they do what they do. And the Saints offense looks the last, looks the way it did the last time Spencer Rattler starts. All right, we're going to do this again at 1130 AM Eastern right here on Fantasy Football Today. You can also check out CBS Sports HQ at 10 AM for a little preview of the Week 16 action as well from a gambling perspective, fantasy perspective, NFL perspective. We have you covered all day today on CBS Sports. For Dave Richard, I'm Jamie Eisenberg and Thomas Schaeffer as well. Thanks for watching Fantasy Football Today. Good luck.

Fantasy Football Today - LAST-MINUTE Week 16 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Advice! Actives/Inactives Updates & Q&A! (12/22 Fantasy Football Podcast)

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