The Ringer NFL Show - Lombardi’s Week 14 Watch List and the Dannys’ Last-Second Fantasy Advice | GM Street (Ep. 360)

Episode Date: December 7, 2018

The Titans romp over the Jaguars (00:30), five games to watch this weekend (11:45), and ‘The Dantasy Football Podcast’ guys give out some last-second fantasy advice (32:00). Learn more abo...ut your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Starting point is 00:00:00 What's up guys, it's Liz Kelly. All month long, The Ringer will be breaking down 2018's highs and lows in music, pop culture, sports, TV, and film. Some of the things we've hit so far are the best TV show episodes and the best rap albums of the year, and this week we are writing about the best performances
Starting point is 00:00:17 and the 10 best action movies of 2018. Plus, we'll be reacting to both the Golden Globes and Grammy nominations on the site. You can check all of these things out on the ringer.com. Welcome to GM Street part of the Weir Podcast Network. It is Friday. It is December 7th. and on the line, I am joined by Mr. Michael Lombardi. Lombardi, how you doing?
Starting point is 00:00:41 I'm great, Tate Prasier. How are you doing? Where are you, Tadrezier? I'm in Los Angeles, but I just got back from Dallas, went to the SMU TCU game the other night, Wednesday night. It didn't work out well for my Mustang. Got a good buddy on that staff. But otherwise, good to be in Dallas and good to be in Texas. And now I'm very happy to be back in Los Angeles. It was raining here, Lombardi in Los Angeles when I got back. So weird times, to say the least. Weird times in Jacksonville as well. If you watched the Jaguars game last night, Doug Marone and the rest of that team struggling. But the Titans and Derek Henry doing well.
Starting point is 00:01:11 CJ 2K brought up first guy since 2009 when he did this to have a game with a 90-yard touchdown and a 50-yard touchdown both in the same game. Obviously, those are guys Derek Henry and Chris Johnson both on the Tennessee Titans. Lombardi last night just looking at that game, what was your first takeaway from Thursday night of football? Well, I miss Blake. I've got to be honest, I miss Blake. I mean, look, anybody who thinks Cody Kessler is starting NFL quarterback is kidding him. You know, the more I watched it, I'm thinking, how did Jacksonville go to practice and watch Blake and watch Cody compete and think, you know, we're okay. We're okay at quarterback.
Starting point is 00:01:48 Everything's going to be fine. Like, how did they do that? Like, Kessler is, you know, for lack of a better turn of journeyman. I mean, and, you know, when you don't have a good backup, it's really bad. But, I mean, I've never seen we've had two 90-yard runs in the last two games that have been on national television. don't see 90-yard runs ever. I mean, in Cleveland in 94, when Nick Saban was a defense coordinator, the longest run we gave up that season was 24 yards. That's when you know you're a good defense, when you don't give up long runs, your safety's closed. The third level, the defense can stop big
Starting point is 00:02:23 plays. We've seen two 90-yard runs in the last two weeks. I mean, it's really by teams that are supposed to be good defensively, Jacksonville and Philadelphia, and yet they give up 90-yard runs. At least Henry had a hundred-yard game. I mean, poor Adrian. and Peterson, he didn't even get to 100 after getting 90 yards. And you bring up the 99-yard touchdown, obviously. That was the big highlight in this game. And it tied the longest run in franchise history, obviously, and also tied the longest run in NFL history.
Starting point is 00:02:49 And after the game, they spoke to Derek Henry, Aaron Andrews did, and talked to him about Dorset. He said Dorset was a guy that he worked out with, a guy that he really looked up to. But I think the interesting part to me, Lombardy, just watching that run a couple times back was, it was reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch. A lot of people have made that correlation.
Starting point is 00:03:06 between the two things. But I think the most impressive part was Dorset was a fast guy. You know, he could outrun once he gets, you know, past the second level. He's pretty much it's a foot race to the, you know, to the end zone at that point. But Derek Henry, he's stiff army throwing guys out of the way. And one of those guys at the end was Miles Jack, who we both know as one of the best players, I mean, one of the best defensive players, especially in the the AFC and one of the best defensive players over the past couple of seasons. And he throws him down at the end and just keeps going. I mean, what do you have to say for Henry? Because he said that they were focused. And you could tell he was playing with a different
Starting point is 00:03:36 level of juice on this Thursday night game. I think in December, I think it's, you know, tackling is bad early in the season, and then it gets a little better. And then I think as the season wears on, tackling becomes worse, especially with teams that don't work on it. I didn't think Miles Jack has played near to the level that he did last year. I mean, he missed some tackles on some inside runs. And, you know, that whole Jacksville defense, to me, it's going to be interesting
Starting point is 00:03:58 offseason for Doug Marone and Tom Coughlin and the great David Calwell to see what they decide to come up with in terms of how they evaluate this team. because, you know, like I've said before, this is they've had one good year. They won 10 games. And now they're going to have another top five, top six pick, which has been consistent over the last six years other than one season. It's going to be interested to see how they fix this defense. Do they change?
Starting point is 00:04:20 Did they change defensive coordinators? They've already changed offensive coordinators. That didn't work. I mean, they can't get the running game going. In fairness to them, their offensive line is so beat up. So, I mean, this offseason for Jacksonville is going to be a true tell tell on what they evaluate their team. But let me say this.
Starting point is 00:04:36 They don't have a quarterback in Kessler. They don't have a quarterback in Bordle's. They don't have a quarterback, so it better start and end with that decision. Before we get into the five games we have this week, I do want to ask you, I mean, we get in this game, and there's a big gaffe at one point. Cameron Batson goes in, he muffs the punt. He jukees back into the end zone and gets tackled for a safety, and at that point in the game, it looked like that could be something that could change a little bit of the momentum
Starting point is 00:05:00 and swing things in the right way for Jacksonville. Instead, they have no answer for that. Kessler is not able to do anything. you look at that sideline, Marone and the rest of those guys look very frustrated, even, you know, coming off, you know, D.D. Westbrook's running off the field and they show the shots on the sideline, and you can just see the frustration on all their faces. Is there a chance that, you know, Marone, I mean, maybe, do they change everything? Do they completely flip this thing over despite making it to the AFC title game? Or do they, you know, sit on their hands this year and try to figure out what they need to do moving forward? I got a sense that they're going to probably change, you know, offensive coordinators. Obviously, defensive coordinators could certainly be in play here. remember, you know, Marone hired Washed the defensive coordinator there. So I think that you could see that change. I don't know if he's stuck with them or if he's going to stay with that scheme.
Starting point is 00:05:47 I think that scheme's a little outdated. It's the only guy having real success. I mean, Atlanta's not having any success running the Pete Carroll scheme. Seattle's having somewhat. I think certainly the charges are, but it's all predicated on the front. And clearly the front of Jacksonville isn't dominating like it did last year. Campbell, Jackson, those guys aren't having the same kind of season. So I don't know.
Starting point is 00:06:10 Tate Frazier, I think it's got to be a, I think they should take a week off before they make any decisions in Jacksonville and go forward because I just don't see them right now competing at a level until they get the quarterback addressed and everything else becomes badly evaluated. It's hard to motivate yourself to play at a certain level when you know on the other side of the football, Cody Kessler stands there and there's no real shot at your team putting points on the board. I will say the Titans' playoff hopes remain intact after this game.
Starting point is 00:06:35 They remain in seventh in the AFC, though they have three, six and six teams that are ahead of them and they have the tiebreaker over them. A lot of those teams coming into the weekend all with matchups that are favorable. Tennessee doesn't look at all like a playoff team to me. You know, I wrote about this for the athletic today. Matt LaFleure, their offensive coordinator, is talked about he's on everybody's hot coaching list. It's amazing. You know, I wrote an article about this about all the hot coaching list, how it all transpires and how you get on it and all that. I mean, like, does anybody watch the tape?
Starting point is 00:07:07 You know, does anybody, like, you would never watch the Titans office and think, wow, that's really creative. Man, I need more of that. I'm going to turn that baby on every week and get some ideas. It's kind of funny how it works. And, you know, I just don't see them as a playoff team. I think they can beat bad teams. I don't think they can beat really good teams.
Starting point is 00:07:24 I know they beat Dallas and Dallas. But you got to, you know, for them, you got to ask yourself the question, how good is Mariotta? You know, somebody sent me a text last night, said, would you rather have Mariotta or Dak Prescott? I would rather have Prescott. You know, and I've been all year on the James Winston Kilban wagon, and frankly, Winston the last couple weeks has played much better than Mariotta. Now, the off-the-field stuff, you know, in Winston's career certainly concerns you.
Starting point is 00:07:50 But I just worry about how good Mariota can be when it's time to really, when he's there, he doesn't really make anybody else better. And the good news, if you are the Tennessee Titans, the 90-yard touchdown runs, they do make you look better than you may look otherwise. I have a nice little stat for you. This is from Scott Casmer of Football Outsiders. 90-plus-yard touchdown runs by decade, Lombardi. 1930s, we get one, 1940s-2, 1950s-3, 1960s-1, 1970s-1, 1980s, 1980s,
Starting point is 00:08:20 1, 1980s, 2007. In the 2010s, we already have 12, and this was the fourth one since week 10. So, times are changing. It's amazing. It's a documentation of how bad the tackling is in the NFL. And how bad teams really just play plays and they don't play a scheme of defense. It's really that. It's indicative of that.
Starting point is 00:08:42 It's really, to me, you know, defensively, you just want to keep, make the offense beat you. Don't give one play. I mean, 99-yard run with a back who's not like, I get it if it's Earl Campbell or I get it if it's, you know, Bo Jackson. You know, those guys are shot out of a cannon. I mean, you're talking about Derek Henry, who's not a, you know, he's an erect, upright runner.
Starting point is 00:09:01 Effective. It's hard to tackle. No doubt. breakaway speed he builds it but man you know it's funny how it happens they're not following the words of napoleon the best defense is to attack not a lot of defenses attacking the offense these days uh we've seen it sparsely throughout the season but uh we'll see what happens and then when you hear someone like shaw mcvay break down the entire uh chicago bears defensive scheme that has to worry you a little bit too and all these offensive gurus know what you're going to do yeah i mean look they do i mean look you know the funny thing about the rams that i think is people don't realize when you break them down and look at their last few weeks or the road games what McVey's really been able to do is, you know, they go into Oakland, they only throw the wall for 225. They go to Detroit last week. They throw for 195. They played San Francisco in San Francisco. They throw for 193. They go to Denver throw for 174. They won all four games. You know, they won all four games when they didn't have a great, people get mesmerized by the Rams passing attack,
Starting point is 00:09:56 which is certainly great. But the reality of the Rams are is they win because they pound that rock and it sets everything else up that they do. This week's going to be an interesting week because golf has played four games in his NFL career, Tate Fraser, and weather under 40 degrees. He's 63 for 123. He averages 6.49 yards per attempt.
Starting point is 00:10:17 He's thrown five touchdowns and three interceptions, and he's had two fumbles. So it's going to be interesting to see what he can do and what the Rams defense can do, because really that's going to be the key to this game. Can they force turnovers? They've forced nine in the last four weeks. they've had 11 sacks, you know, and they've played over 31 minutes of defense.
Starting point is 00:10:37 So, you know, this, to me, this game here, and I'm not picking this game one way or the other, because I think it's too hard to really figure out. It's going to come down to how well the Rams defense plays against the Bears' offense. I think that's going to be the essence of the game. And it's also going to be fun. We know what Mick Vey does. He makes his money with the 11 personnel out there on the field, and they do, they run a lot of plays where, you know, someone will slip through and the defense will be looking and thinking, you know,
Starting point is 00:11:01 looking at a tight end, and then they'll just hand the ball off casually to Todd Gurley, who will run the other way on a counter and score a touchdown. Because as McVeigh does, you know, he likes to move the eyes around. And Jared Goff and the rest of that offense knows where the ball is going to go. They know what they're trying to do every single play because they've mapped out, you know, where they want to attack depending on what they call. So it's always fun to watch that. So keep your eye on the 11 personnel with the Los Angeles Rams,
Starting point is 00:11:24 85 to 90% of the time. I'm pretty sure they have that personnel package on the field and they run a lot of different plays out of it. let's get to the five games that you have this week. The first game that we have on the docket Lombardi, the Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton came out and he said he hopes Santa Claus is listening because he wants a win for Christmas. Maybe he'll come earlier this year. The Panthers, six and six traveling up to the Browns, four, seven and one. Over under in this game, 47. Cleveland, getting one and a half points in this game at home.
Starting point is 00:11:50 Lombardi looking at this game, you expect the Panthers to bounce back, or is it time for Cleveland to show something and get a nice win at home? I think actually Cleveland's going to bounce back. I mean, look, when you break down this type Panthers defense, and they made the changes this week on their defensive staff, but, you know, they've only forced three turnovers and one interception on the road. I mean, so they can't make plays on the ball. You know, they've given up over 14 touchdown passes.
Starting point is 00:12:14 In three of their six games, they've allowed 80% completions. And, you know, they typically allow teams to throw the ball. But even when they hold on to the yards per attempt and keep that low, I mean, Detroit only average 595. Washington was held to 4-5-3, and they lost both those games. So, you know, the only team they've held the under 20 points on the road were the Eagles, and they won that game because of the fourth quarter. So I think Baker Mayfield and this offense will be able to attack this Panther defense effectively.
Starting point is 00:12:44 And I think Cam Newton, you know, for everybody talking about how hurt Cam is, it's fascinating. His 7.5 yards per attempt is the highest since 2015. His quarterback rating today at 99.9 is the highest in his career. His percentage completion is the best of his career. But eight of his 11 interceptions have come on the road. And they've only made 11 plays of over 25 yards on the road passing. So, you know, the other factor is they can't convert third downs on the road. They're 25 for 91 on the road on third downs.
Starting point is 00:13:18 So I just think to me this is a game that sets up perfectly for the Browns. I think they can run the ball. They'll move the ball effectively. and I think they can create some problems for the Panthers. And you mentioned Cam Newton, a lot of stuff has been going around this week, people talking about his shoulder. He's already been compared to Andrew Luck in his situation. People have called, I saw on PTI yesterday. They were saying maybe they should just let Cam sit out the rest of the season.
Starting point is 00:13:40 If they aren't able to win this game with the Browns, you know what I mean? Or maybe they assumed that they maybe could win this game without Cam Newton. Cam Newton has been the entire Carolina Panthers team this year. The defense has been the problem. And you mentioned those games on the road. I mean, we know what it's been. I mean, they get behind early. and then they have to rely on Cam to try to save him.
Starting point is 00:13:56 And Superman can't always save the day. And he needs a little bit of help on the back end, especially on the defensive side of the football. But we'll keep our eye on that game moving forward. Next game we have coming up, we got the Green Bay Packers taking on the Atlanta Falcons. Obviously, we know about the situation in Green Bay. Mike McCarthy let go.
Starting point is 00:14:13 Joe Philbin takes over. Joe Philbin says, I haven't slept very much. He said, you come back here and you want to be a part of the solution. So he's trying to, a nice little job interview for him here. Falcons traveling up to the Packers, obviously, in this game. Packers are favored by five over or under at 51. What do you see in this one, Lombardi? Well, I don't like Matt Ryan on the road.
Starting point is 00:14:33 I think when you really break Matt Ryan down this year, you see that he's not very good, and he's even worse when the temperature gets below 40 degrees. Usually his road yard per attempt average, and his career has been very close, but not this year. This year, he averages 9.1 yards per attempt at home. he only averages 7.31 on the road and that drops all the way down to under seven when he plays in less than 40 degrees weather. I think this is a real FU to most of the people. I don't think they're going to attack Mike McCarthy, but I think there's a sense in that Green Bay locker room that they want to prove they're better than they really are.
Starting point is 00:15:10 And I think the fact that Mark Murphy, the president of the team, came out and said, Philbin has as good a chance to become the head coach as anybody, forces him, allows him to have some kind of control in that locker room and get the players to play well. Be fascinated to see what they do offensively, how the play calling has shifted. But to me, I think this Falcon team is done defensively. I don't think they have any answers. I think it will be a cold day. I don't think Matt Ryan's throwing the ball very well right now. I think Green Bay and Aaron Rogers have a lot to prove in this game.
Starting point is 00:15:39 and I think they'll prove to be the better team. I think they'll win in cover. And Atlanta, obviously, had that three-game winning streak. Things seem to be turning a little bit for them. But now, last four games, Dan Quinn said that they apparently have hit a wall. They failed to reach 20 points in any of the four consecutive losses that they have had.
Starting point is 00:15:55 So that is something to keep an eye on too. And they rank last in the NFL and rushing yards. And we know it's cold up in Green Bay and need to run the football. And obviously, they don't have Devante Freeman after he went down with an injury. But, you know, not having a running game in that cold weather. and Aaron Rogers trying to prove a point does not seem to bode well for the Atlanta Falcons. Next game we have, we have the Detroit Lions
Starting point is 00:16:15 traveling to the Arizona Cardinals. In this game, Arizona, or I'm sorry, the Lions are favored by three in this game over, under set at 40 and a half. I mean, both these teams have struggled throughout the season. Cardinals showed a little bit of life getting that went over the Packers, obviously, and the Lions also showed some life the last couple of weeks,
Starting point is 00:16:34 especially against the Rams last week before, the Rams were able to get a nice little lead there late. But looking at this game, Lombardi, what do you expect to see with the Lions on the road? I think the Lions, you know, I know they're one in five in the last six games, but they've played well. I mean, they haven't played great. They haven't played well enough to win, but they've played well. I mean, they held the Rams to 195 passing. I mean, that's a hard thing to do. I know they played home. But I think really more than anything, their offense has let them down more than their defense. They've only averaged 6.5 yards per attempt in the last six games. I mean,
Starting point is 00:17:07 And they really haven't been able to make many plays in their passing games. I know Gala Day may be hurt. I know they've got some injuries. But to me, against this Cardinal defense, they need to be able to make some plays. And then the biggest factor in this game, why I like the Lions is the Cardinals' offensive line is just a mess. I mean, both they're starting right off. Offensive tackles are gone.
Starting point is 00:17:25 They're going to start a left tackle. Cunningham, who was a seventh round pick in 2018. The right tackle is going to be Goldich. He was a practice squad guy from the Colts. I mean, the center, and they have the center is the third round pick this year in the draft and then the left guard. I mean, they're just beat up in the offensive line. I know they claim Joey Barksdale from the Chargers.
Starting point is 00:17:43 I would expect him to play as well, but they can't make any plays in a passing game. They only have 21 plays over 20 yards in the last eight games. That's not very good, Tate Fraser. So I think the Lions will play good defense, and I think this is a kind of game. Matthew Stafford should play well. I think the Lions are playing better than the Cardinals right now, and I think the Lions will win. Unfortunately, in this game you mentioned guys that are out, the two rookies that are both fun on these teams, Carryon Johnson, the rookie running back for Detroit, their leading rush for 6,141 yards.
Starting point is 00:18:10 Missed the past two games, got knee injury that's kind of hurting him. And then Christian Kirk, second round pick with the Cardinals. He's been great leading the team in receiving yards, broke his foot last week, and now has been placed on the IR. And Josh Rosen said, big bummer, not having him out there, and we'll really miss him. And that Cardinals' offense will especially miss Kirk on the outside for him. Next game, we have a matchup at the NFC that has very involved playoff implications. we've got the Minnesota Vikings traveling to Seattle to take on the 12th man. You know, the Vikings obviously were expected to be one of the front runners when they signed Kirk Cousins.
Starting point is 00:18:44 Things have been back and forth this season for them. Seattle's been on a nice little tear here lately. Seattle favored by three at home over under set at 45 and a half. Lombardi, what do you see here? You know, it's tough. It's back-to-back road games for the Vikings. I mean, look, I'm not in love with what the Vikings do on offense. I think that Kirk Cousins, I think their offensive line really struggles.
Starting point is 00:19:02 they don't play well on the road typically. I know they went into Philadelphia and won that game, but I just don't see them being able to control the game in a hostile environment with a lot of crowd noise and especially the way the Seahawks are playing and the way Russell's playing right now. I just have no confidence that they'll give the ball to Dalvin Cook and force Seattle to play some run defense.
Starting point is 00:19:24 I think Seattle's weaknesses, they haven't really played the run as well. And I think you can force them to have to play run defense. and I'm just not sure that they'll do it. And I think that Minnesota is a little bit in a close game. I worry about their kicking. I mean, I've been a Dan Bailey fan. I encouraged them to sign him, but he has not looked good. I think that they haven't played very well in that area in the kicking game,
Starting point is 00:19:47 and I think it's a problem. And so when you're playing in a hostile environment with a bad kicker, and you've got to score points. I mean, look, the Seahawks have scored 27 against the Packers. They scored 30 in Carolina, and they scored 43 at home. and this is their second road win. I mean, look, they're playing really good right now and they can run the football.
Starting point is 00:20:06 And because of that, I think they'll win the game. I think they'll be effective running the ball. And they haven't really, they've only had nine turnovers, Tate Fraser, all season in Seattle. And three of them happened in the first week and two of them happened in the second week. So since week two of the season, they've only had four turnovers.
Starting point is 00:20:23 That's pretty impressive. Yeah, absolutely. Is there any concern? I've heard some people asking Pete Carrow about this this week leading up to this Monday night football game. About the secondary, obviously, you know, one of the best in the league early in the season, or at least the first half of the season, now the secondary is. The past couple of weeks, I mean, it's been a kind of bin-but-don-break attitude with that defense,
Starting point is 00:20:41 and they've given up some yards, but they've been, you know, against Cam Newton. He obviously played so well early on in that game, completing 14 straight passes, I believe, at one point. But they've been able to find a way to win the game. But with this passing attack, is there a chance that Minnesota can outscore them if that secondary doesn't hold up? I think they could. I think you have to look at the game.
Starting point is 00:21:01 I mean, Minnesota has, you know, when they play, they're two, three and one on the road, and they've turned the ball over eight times. The last two road games, they've turned the ball over five times. And they've only held the ball. This is fat. They've only held the ball 25, 26 minutes in both those games offensively because their defense has struggled to get control of the opponents. I mean, their defense, the last two road games have given up 148 Russian and 160 Russian.
Starting point is 00:21:24 And so, I mean, the Bears only threw for 160 against them. So that's why they're playing so. much defense. And I think that's why it favors Seattle for me in this game. I'm just not in love with what they do offensively in Minnesota, the identity of their team. I mean, they've been on the road for six games this year, Tate Frazier, and they've yet to rush for 100 yards. They've yet to rush for 100 yards. Think about that. And the most rushing attempts they've had in any road game were in Philadelphia, they rushed 23 times. At New York Jets, they rushed 24 times. And you know what happened to both those games, Dave Frazier? They won.
Starting point is 00:22:01 Now, you know me. I'm not in love with running the football. I'm not. But I'm in love with pacing the game. And I think you've got to add some runs and you can't get one dimensional. I mean, the last two weeks, they've been in close games and they've run the ball 14 and 13 times. It does seem like a lot of people are doing what you brought up with, you know, the Panthers and Cam Newton. And, you know, Minnesota fans are pointing at Kirk Cousins. But when you look at the numbers, I mean, Kirk Cousins, he's throwing 23 touchdown passes and he's completed a career best, 71.3% of his throws with Minnesota this year
Starting point is 00:22:29 in his first year. And then obviously Thielen and Diggs, we've seen the 15 touchdowns between those two guys. That's the best in the league. So, I mean, the passing game has not been the problem.
Starting point is 00:22:38 It's been the ability to find a way to get a run game and to be able to find a way to win some of these games because they've been close. They've been in all these games and they've been in close games and we all remember that Packers games
Starting point is 00:22:48 that they tied that may end up costing them late in the year, but for whatever reason, the Vikings haven't been able to put it together under Zimmer this year. The final game we have this week, this has been the trash talk showdown on all the TV shows this week.
Starting point is 00:23:01 We have the Philadelphia Eagles traveling to the Dallas Cowboys to see who can take over the NFC East. The Eagles won game back of the Cowboys. Some of the comments that came out was, you know, it's December, and we know what Dallas does in December. You know, they've only had two seasons, 2009, 2013 in the past 10 years where they've done where they have a winning record in December. Looking at this game, Lombardi, the Eagles obviously have a lot of confidence coming off that win last week. The Cowboys have a lot of confidence with what they've been able to put together over the past few weeks. Do you see Philadelphia being able to travel down to Dallas and get a win? Or do you see Dallas keeping this thing going for the clapper? To me, this weekend in the NFL,
Starting point is 00:23:38 I call this T-shirt and hat weekend in the NFL, right? Because a lot of these games have implications like the Patriots Miami games, a T-shirt and hat game. If the Patriots win, they get T-shirts and hats and say they win the AFC East, right? So that's a T-shirt and hat game. You know, you got, let me see, what other team here is a T-shirt and hat game? Oh, New Orleans Beach Tampa, that's a T-shirt and hat game. Houston can't get a T-shirt and hat because Tennessee won, so they won't get one there. But this game here, T-Frasier, this game here is not a T-shirt and hat game. This game is I get a contract extension.
Starting point is 00:24:13 All you people that call me the clapper, you've got to keep clapping because my ass is getting a contract extension if I win this game. That's what this game's all about. And I think that backdrop makes it fascinating. And I think if the Eagles, I mean, sometimes the Eagles just pissed me off. Like who to, I mean, we drafted Kruger Hill. He's a fast kid plays linebacker, but he has no business talking. He ain't been in the NFL long enough to see. I mean, look at Dallas history.
Starting point is 00:24:39 They always choke. How the hell would he know what Dallas is history? I watch it on TV, Lombardy like me. I watch it on TV. Like just shut the fuck up. Really seriously. Just shut up, okay? Like, that's enough.
Starting point is 00:24:50 Like, just play good. Worry about what you're doing. Don't worry about Dallas history because they got trophies. You don't even know what a trophy looks like, you know? You know, I mean, come on. Give me a break. So anyway, my point here on this game is, look, this game, the first time they play when Dallas was playing really well, I mean, this is a 2020 game going in the final two drives
Starting point is 00:25:08 of the fourth quarter. The Eagles didn't make the fourth and seven conversion. They lost the game 27.20. I think it's close. I think it's hard to beat teams twice in one season. I think when you go back over the game and you study the tape, you know, both teams have to play the same way. Both teams need to play 32 minutes of offense, 28 minutes of defense. Both teams need to convert third downs. Both teams need to be able to play from in front.
Starting point is 00:25:30 I mean, this is a game where both these teams mirror one another. And I don't think home field really matters here. I really don't. I think people go down at Dallas you can win. They've come into the Lincoln one. I think I'm going to go with wins in this game and the Eagles. I like the Eagles and the points because I think they'll, they could keep this game close. I think it's a field goal game. And because it's four points, I like the Eagles and this. I think it's a a lot closer game than four. I think the Eagles, this is it for the Eagles. This is not a t-shirt and hat game for the Eagles.
Starting point is 00:25:56 This is a goodbye game for the Eagles. They're in single elimination. They're in the NCAA tournament. All they need is Billy Packer down there to call the game because this is one and done if they don't get it. We need Gus Johnson. I don't know if I can handle Billy Packer in this one, as always. He's always too much for me, Lombardi.
Starting point is 00:26:09 Jason Garrett, I got my motive. You were a North Carolina guy. You grew up when Billy Packer was all Raycom. You had to watch him as a kid, right? Oh, yes. All the time. All the time. He always had some...
Starting point is 00:26:20 I will never forget Billy Packer when North Carolina played Kansas in the 2008 Final 4. They were down 40 to 12 and Billy Packer said this game is over. And granted, Kansas did end up winning that game, but North Carolina came back and cut it to 4 and I was waiting for him
Starting point is 00:26:32 to have to eat crow. It didn't work out. This man takes it very personally. You're taking this very personally. You see, you took that personally because he attacked your North Carolina. I know. My favorite Billy Packer story,
Starting point is 00:26:42 and I know Brand Packer his son very well, I used to do a radio show with Mark Packer, but Billy Packer was obsessed with the Nicole Brown Simpson Killings, that he actually hired a guy to try to find the glove. Like he actually tried to hire like a seance reader to try to find the glove, the CWF it fit. He was like so into it.
Starting point is 00:27:03 It was hilarious. But they never did. The guy ended up being a fraud. The guy that Billy hired ended up being a fraud. But that was one of my favorite stories. Oh, that's unbelievable. I went on a Bronco tour out here that they drive you around and they drive you around Brentwood.
Starting point is 00:27:16 It's like an actual thing in Los Angeles. Andrews that they do, Lombardi. So we should tell Billy Packer about that. Maybe that would be a way we can mend our fences between, you know, my hatred from 2008. But I've moved on. I've grown up and, you know, I'm not lost in fandom like that. One thing, I do want to give the meditation from the clapper. He said, really the same message we preach every day, a hundred times a day, every way that we can. It's about being our best. It's about focusing on us and the task at hand. What does that mean, Lombardi? What does he mean a hundred times a day? They just keep saying the same thing over and over again? Or is that maybe what he's saying is clapping.
Starting point is 00:27:48 He's just clapping 100 times a day. Maybe that's what it is. I guess he just loves it. I don't know. I mean, I think, you know, the clap. Look, this is not a T-shirt and hat game. This is a game all about getting an extension. This is what this game is about.
Starting point is 00:28:01 So, Cowboy fans, if he wins, you know, just smile and say, and now I'm not saying even if he loses, he won't get an extension. I'm just saying this locks in the extension. This is an extension game. Yep. And you mentioned the playoff picture scenarios. We'll do that for Week 14. I'll lay them all out right here.
Starting point is 00:28:17 Rams, what they have on the line, they can clinch a first round by with a win. Saints, as you mentioned before, they can clinch the NFC South with a win or a tie or a Carolina loss or tie. They can also clinch a playoff berth with a Minnesota loss plus a Philly loss or tie, a Washington lost or tie. And then you look at the AFC chiefs can clinch a playoff berth with a winner tie. Patriots, again, as you mentioned before, can clinch the AFCE's title with a win or a tie. So those are all the things on the line. It will be a fun week 14.
Starting point is 00:28:44 any more notes Lombardi before we move on and get to the fantasy football guys? Well, no, I mean, look, I think this will be a great weekend. I think there's certainly some great games, obviously. I think the New England will always struggles when they go down to Miami. You know, they have a hard time playing down there. We're going to find out where the Broncos are. I mean, the Broncos are six and six. They play San Francisco.
Starting point is 00:29:02 They get the seven and six. They can make some noise. And, of course, we've got to mention how great the Redskins are because, I mean, how great the New York Giants are. Because, you know, this week, you know, this one guy, said I was too negative on the podcast. So I'm going to talk really positively about how great the giants are. And I think we should bury him on a hill with some pine cones and make sure that they're
Starting point is 00:29:23 comfortable. And Eli's the greatest quarterback of all times. So I just want to make sure that we're positively, we feel that energy, Tate Frazier. Yeah, I will soak all that energy up. One game I want to point out that may be fun to watch for a lot of people. Did anybody watch Eli play last week? Like, did anybody watch the guy play? Seriously.
Starting point is 00:29:39 Seriously. I watched him 170 yards. The toughest 170 you ever see. I mean, it's so comical. It's so comical. It cracks me up. It just does. I mean, look, you didn't say anything nice about the giants. You just don't like the giants because you're a Patriot fan. Yo, bro, your team's four and eight. What do you want me to say nice about them? They have nice uniforms? Oh, you know, it's like, really seriously? We said nice things about Alec Oglody. Didn't we? We did. I mean, Seacuan Barclay. Great things about him. Great number two pick. But that offensive line still sucks. I mean, you've got a 10-point lead to give it up in the final. But they're great. Let's leave him alone. Let's leave him alone. They are great. Ferris Bueller, we love you to death. Great character. Baltimore, Kansas City is a game. I'm interested in Lombardi. That's one more thing I went to point out. Get to see Lamar Jackson on the road going up against
Starting point is 00:30:25 Pat Mahomes. Came out this week that they were comparing a defensive coordinator for the Ravens came out and said that Pat Mahomes reminds him of Joe Montana and no, not the Chiefs Joe Montana. And I just want to get your thoughts. After seeing Joe Montana and Bill Wash, does Pat Mahomes remind you at all of Joe Montana? I mean, I love my man Wink Martindale. He's got some great quotes. But I mean, Joe Montana, I mean, Joe Montana wishes he could throw the ball as far and as hard as Patrick Mahomes can. Now, their athleticism, very similar.
Starting point is 00:30:53 Joe Montana got a basketball offer to go to NC State coming out. Very athletic. But I don't see them in terms of arm strength that way. Great touch. I love Joe. Got a Super Bowl ring because of Joe. Mahomes is going to get some. I love my man, Wink.
Starting point is 00:31:07 Wink's got his work cut out for him. He's going to like, he's going to have to, in this game, for me, this game is really all about how he rushes Mahomes. His ability to create pressure and stay in front of Mahomes and not let Mahomes get out of the pocket and do the things he wants to do. Last week, I think what's amazing is they scored 40 points against the Raiders. Not that that's amazing because of the Raiders' defense, but what's amazing to me is they scored 40 points,
Starting point is 00:31:32 and Tyree Kill only had one catch for 13 yards. They find ways to get the ball. And the reason they do is because this kid can move around in the pocket and he can make plays. So I think that's another great game, Tay Frazier. All right, Lombardi, we will be back on Tuesday on GM Street here, and we will do all things. Week 14, break down everything you saw this week. Stick around.
Starting point is 00:31:48 We got the fantasy football guys coming up, the Danesie Football Podcast. Until Tuesday, Week 14, reactions with Lombardi. Thanks, Lombardi. Thanks, Tate Brazier. Hey, everyone. My name is Danny Highfits. I'm joined by my co-host and co-danny. Danny Kelly, what is up, DK?
Starting point is 00:32:12 What's going on, man? What's up, man? We are joined by full-time Craig and Jim, who finally is on mic with us for the first time in what feels like in eternity. How are you doing, Jim? How have things been? Well, I'm here with you, so what do you think? Good to have the man back.
Starting point is 00:32:30 All right. Obviously, it's the fantasy playoffs. We don't know your league's quite like you guys, and ultimately, whether you start or sit or fail. If you guys lose your matchups this week, it's on you, and if you win, it's because of the advice we gave. But we're going to give some thoughts on players this week right on the start-sit bubble.
Starting point is 00:32:47 We don't know exactly, but we do have thoughts on certain players. So, D.K., shall we dive in? Yeah, let's get right into it. Who is your first guy this week? I'm looking at Kenyon Drake of the Dolphins. Going up against the Patriots this week, Drake has been one of the more frustrating fantasy players in the league, really, this year.
Starting point is 00:33:03 The Jeff Green of fantasy football, someone would say. Yeah, he's all over the place. Last two weeks, pretty, well, obviously, week 12, he had two touchdowns, so that was a big week for him. Last week, seven carries 31 yards, two catches, 13 yards, and the touchdown. He's been salvaged by touchdowns. And so I'm a little bit worried going forward.
Starting point is 00:33:23 Now, the Patriots give up the 9th most catches to running back, so it could be a good matchup for him. I could see the dolphins getting behind and having to play catch-up, going to the pass a little bit more. I'm pretty torn on Drake. I'm in. Oh, Craig's in? Full-time Craig.
Starting point is 00:33:36 Well, full-time Craig loves Kenyon Drake. I do love Kenyon Drake. Full-time Craig. Secret Steelers fan, secretly a bigger Kenyon Drake fan. I think he's great. He's quietly the overall running back 17 in fantasy, Kenyon Drake. There you go. They led up a big game to Dalvin Cook last week.
Starting point is 00:33:50 A lot of catches. He's getting better. He's much better in real life than he is. I don't know why he's still give touches to Frank Gore. Frank Gore is not going away. So Craig's in. Danny, where do you fall on this?
Starting point is 00:33:59 No, yeah, I'm down with Kenya Drake this week. He's no longer... All right? Running back 17. You wouldn't have guessed that, right? Honestly, no. I actually would not have.
Starting point is 00:34:08 Next for me, because obviously I hate the Eagles and I hate Golden Tate, so I might as well hate everyone else too. The Eagles are playing Dallas this week. I'm very out on Carson Wentz. I think there's a lot better quarterback you could throw in this week. Dallas defense looks fantastic. I would actually go so far as to say
Starting point is 00:34:22 they might be a top three defense in football. You could, after a few drinks, you could get me to admit that maybe they were in the number with the best defense in football the last month. They held Breeze to 127 passing yards. That was an incredible, incredible game. It wasn't one of those games where Camara and Ingram were just incredible, and that's why.
Starting point is 00:34:38 It was just because they were better and they actually crushed them. Leighton Van der Wendresch and Jalen Smith are no, like, full stop, the best linebacker combo in football. It's not even close right now. Wentz had 3.06 yards and two touchdowns and a pick against Washington. Washington defense is not Dallas is when they're healthy.
Starting point is 00:34:52 That's just not a healthy football team. And then Washington's offense was not putting them in good situations for the defense. It didn't really matter. Last time, Wenz played Dallas, he was 32 of 44 for 3 60 yards and two touchdowns. But this is a different team. I mean, it's weird to say after three years of like, without Sean Lee, Dallas was terrible. And now suddenly without Sean Lee, they're better. Because Leighton Van der Roche is better.
Starting point is 00:35:13 But this is a defensive team now. I would not play Wenz or honestly any of the Eagles. That's the next thing we're going to talk to. So I don't just like whence. I hate Tate and Jeffrey, Alshan Jeffrey, too, because why not? You hate them. I guess the question is, are you going to start either Golden Tate or Alshan Jeffrey or if you had a choice between the two, which one do you do?
Starting point is 00:35:32 I'm still leaning Golden Tate. It seems like, again, they're trying to make him a big part of that offense. And a PBR league especially, he has an opportunity to kind of have that high floor. Last week, he had seven targets, seven catches, 85 yards, and a touchdown, and then he added a two-point conversion. Al-Shon Jeffrey's kind of gone the other. direction. He only had five targets, three catches 31 yards last week. So targets combined the last three weeks. Tate has 23, Jeffrey 13. And then Tate is actually doing a lot more with fewer snaps.
Starting point is 00:36:03 Maybe I'm just a fanboy, a Tate in general, but I just really like Golden Tate. It's obviously a very tough matchup this week against the, against the Cowboy, sorry, but I just like Tate. From a PPR point of view, I think I'm willing to play him. I'm in on him in a PPR league. And I'm pretty much out on Jeffrey regardless. At this point, I'm just not confident in him. I agree. We've been talking about this for a little bit, but I very much feel at this point that Jeffrey and Wentz just don't have a rhythm, don't have a connection on the field.
Starting point is 00:36:30 Maybe that'll change for the playoffs. But in terms of fantasy right now, I think it's really hard to trust a guy who is not fast, is not necessarily like a great rap. He's about creating separation like basketball style, like you know, you're in the post or whatever. Yeah, he's a boxout receiver. And when you don't have connection with your quarterback, that's really tough. So also, Tate, you can spin that both ways if he's running. some of the fewest routes on the team
Starting point is 00:36:51 among the role receivers that you can spin that as good or bad, but considering he just got there and he's getting all those targets on the few amounts of routes he's running, I think that is a positive thing, considering he just joined that he's looking that often toward him in those things. It's no longer kind of forcing the volume toward him, like Amari Cooper
Starting point is 00:37:07 in Dallas. It's not the same thing where they are forcing the ball with Tate. It's like, all right, they have managed to integrate him on the fly the last couple weeks in a way that even a few weeks ago wasn't happening. So I'd rather him over Al-Shan. But at the same time, Tate hasn't been that consistent. So. Fair enough.
Starting point is 00:37:20 You're out on him. Moving forward, because this, to me this is one of the most interesting guys in fantasy this week. Jalen Samuels or the Steelers, going up against the Raiders. Just in general, how we feel about him this week, you guys? Are you confident?
Starting point is 00:37:32 First of all, I want to hear from Craig on this because he's the Steelers fan. I think that a lot of times with backup running backs especially, we assume that the backup will just fill in the role of the starter and get the same amount of work. But that doesn't usually happen. And Austin Echler and Justin Jackson is a perfect example of that. I think Jalen Samuels is going to get under 15 touches. and Stephen Ridley's probably going to get a lot more than you think.
Starting point is 00:37:52 And like D.K. said before we started recording, Roosevelt, Knicks might get four carries. Yeah, he's getting to, like, Vulture to touchdowns. His tight end eligibility is what makes him interesting. Yeah, so, I mean, first of all, I think you're absolutely nail on the head right there, or hammer on the head, nail on the head? Hit the nail on the head. Yeah, I just said nail on the head.
Starting point is 00:38:10 I just shortened it. That doesn't make any sense. Anyway, I think you're exactly right about, like, Jalen Samuels, and, like, he's not exactly that kind of player, and I think that still think that between the tackles running is going to be Ridley. And this is the Raiders. So, like, I think everyone's kind of getting a little, like, lost in the upside of, like, well, if Connor filled in for Levy on Bell and then this guy is like this Uber athlete
Starting point is 00:38:29 is going to get all these passes, automatically plugging him his top 15. But if they just jumped to a huge lead against the Raiders who, I've been playing better, but, you know, I think Ridley might just get the touches and the carries. So it's not a given that, like, this is going to be a game where they're passing and giving dumpoffs to Jayland Samuels. But to the tight end point you made, let's just play a game. because if you picked them up at tight end, and you're in Yahoo, where he's eligible at tight end,
Starting point is 00:38:52 it's like a no-brainer play for most teams. But I wanted to run through exactly where you guys think the line is. I think we can probably agree that if you have Zacherts and or Travis Kelsey, there's no way you're benching them. It doesn't matter. But let's go keep down. Would you play Jalen Samuels or, and we're going to fill in the names,
Starting point is 00:39:10 would you play Jalen Samuels over George Kettle? No. I would definitely stick with Kettle. Yeah, I agree. Agreed. Over Eric Ebrun. who left practice with an illness today. Assuming he plays absolutely not.
Starting point is 00:39:21 I think he got 16 targets last week, Ebron did. He's still a huge, huge part of that pass offense. I'm sticking with E.Rond. All right, this work gets fun. In the playoffs, Rob Gronkowski. Would you play Jailon Samuels? You hesitated. That's crazy.
Starting point is 00:39:35 I don't think so. I think I would play Gronk over him. Yeah. I would too. There's such a good chance that Jail the Samils could get like... But here's the... No, I mean, we were just pessimistic.
Starting point is 00:39:43 There's a serious chance he could get a touchdown at like eight catches and like 40 rushing yards, 40 receiving yard. I think Gronk gets like nothing. I'm thinking about it. I've got to be honest. So this is your line. This is where you start thinking about it. Jared Cook.
Starting point is 00:39:57 I'm... To me it's the Cook line. Like after Cook, I'm starting Cook over and then after that is where I start thinking about. You know why? After Jared Cook, the six Cook and the five guys above him, all could have like three touchdowns or like 150 yards. You wouldn't blink about any of them. After them, none of these guys.
Starting point is 00:40:15 Jimmy Graham, Jan Samuels, for sure. Hooper. Well, absolutely. Full-time Craigs. My nemesis. All right, we're very in on Jaila Samuels is the point, and that's the line. At tight end. Start him at tight end.
Starting point is 00:40:27 Yes, just playing a tight end. Moving on real quick. Saints defense, shockingly competent. Not shockingly, but like competent last month. They're playing Tampa Bay. Extremely competent. They were negative points when they met in week one for the Saints defense. But since then, obviously, well, Winston's playing now.
Starting point is 00:40:40 Winston is a turnover machine. I mean, he's prioritizing not turning the ball over a little more, but still the Saints defense has been playing very well the last few weeks. The Bucks' defense is increasingly getting a little bit worse. The Saints defense might actually be a good stream this week. The last three weeks the Saints defense has put up 15, 15, and 13.
Starting point is 00:40:58 Yeah. I actually was pretty shocked when I saw it. They've given up 12.8 points per game in the last four games. 20 sacks in that time, six interceptions, five fumble recoveries. Yep. And it's not like they've played no one. Those last three games are Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia. Yeah. Precisely. So are you in on the Saints? That's a potential streamer, right?
Starting point is 00:41:15 Oh, yes, I'm in. All right. Stargazing, we're just going to look at star offense gazing right now. The Chiefs are going against Baltimore, who have one of the better defenses in football, while the Rams are at Chicago. I think the big one here is Mahomes, who has them this year, to the playoffs, and now the question is whether you play them. And then Goff, who's also been lights out this year. So starting with the Chiefs, I mean, I think this is kind of simple. I mean, you're not benching Kelsey, and you're not benching Hill. So Mahomes is the real question, because you probably have an alternative option there.
Starting point is 00:41:41 My answer is still no. Right. And it's simple in that the cheats don't really have another option where the whole season they've not really relied on the running game to like just win them the game. Mahones has had three touchdown passes in every game this year except three. Week four in Denver and he had a rushing touchdown on that game. And that was one of the worst games all year. Week five against Jacksonville, he also had a rushing touchdown in that one. They had a 20-0 lead at half.
Starting point is 00:42:04 And then Arizona, who are the Cardinals who are terrible. They have okay defensive numbers for the Cardinals, but only because he can stop playing them in the second half. every other game they need Mahomes to win there's no scenario here even if they pull it out unless you think the Ravens shut them down Mahomes will still have a solid game so yeah I understand if you have like Rivers or like someone else that you're like
Starting point is 00:42:22 Breeze or Rivers to do but Breeze Breeze or Rivers to me are like well because Breeze against the bucks even that's one of those games where like Camara or Ingram can do so well that Breeze doesn't need a pass in the second half that won't happen for Mahomes game script doesn't take Mahomes out
Starting point is 00:42:34 unless they jump up to 40-0-0-0 victory or lead in that case he's still part of that so I'm not afraid of Mahomes I agree. I'm not sitting Mahomes this week. I mean, pretty much regardless of who else is available. I just think you stick with Mahomes. He's as matchup proof, kind of as they come at quarterback. On the other hand, Jared Goff at Chicago, we talked about this. It's raining in Los Angeles today. Weird. The world is ending. The second day in a row of rain, I swear to God, everyone who lives here is like losing their minds. Jared Goff from California. I think he's a wimp in the cold. I think California's, this is my hottest take. Craig, you are from, you're from, you're from the same areas Jared Goff? Ish, yeah, he's from the North Bay. He's from Marin. I'm from the East Bay.
Starting point is 00:43:13 And, you know, went to school, Cali, boy. It's going to be 30 degrees in Chicago Sunday. 30 degrees in Chicago. I don't know, he's ready for it. Here's my real take. He's a brittle young man. There are some players... Look, there are some players who can't handle the cold.
Starting point is 00:43:30 Like, Leonard Fournett went to LSU. He's like, he was born in New Orleans, like, you know, and he's said on the record, like, he doesn't like playing the cold. But that's not good. But at least he understands he's under... prepared. Then there are people from like North California who think they know what cold is because when it's 50 degrees out in January they have to
Starting point is 00:43:45 throw a jacket on, but they have no idea what cold is. And then you go to Chicago, I have no faith in Jared Gough in the cold because I don't trust, I've learned after moving to Los Angeles that I don't trust Californians with weather and they have no idea what to do it. His Instagram doesn't have a single photo on the snow. Nope, checked every single one. It just...
Starting point is 00:44:01 Good fact check. California's two seasons. Jacket weather, no jacket weather. You show up to Chicago your ass kicked. So, Khalil Makar wake him up. Oh, by the way, Chicago has probably the best defense in the end. Oh yeah. That too, yeah. Yeah, it doesn't feel good to get hurt in the cold. So we're out on Goff as long as there's a reasonably better option,
Starting point is 00:44:19 a reasonably good option. In all serious is, yes. I'm kidding, but like, not really. I actually believe. All right, let's move on to the stream of starting lineup real quick. Guys around 50% are underowned, even after waivers, if you have to plug these guys in for some reason, I apologize. Real quick decals, run through these.
Starting point is 00:44:36 Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are the ones who stand out which do you like better this week? I still trust Lamar Jackson a little bit more going up against the Chief's offense. I think that's a good game script for them. Jackson has scored 16 points in three straight games in his three starts, averaging over 85 yards. Rushing, again, his upside is the rushing thing.
Starting point is 00:44:56 But the Chiefs have also given up the fifth most point for game to quarterbacks this year, so there's a chance that he could have some decent success passing the football as well. I like Josh Allen simply because he he's almost even better as a rusher
Starting point is 00:45:11 but a lot of his rushing stats have come from scrambles but I mean he's just been all over the place I just trust Jackson a little bit more this week yeah I agree if there's an argument for Lamar it's the chief strength is pass rush but that can kind of get screwed up
Starting point is 00:45:25 when it's a very mobile quarterback like Lamar looking at running backs there's Justin Jackson on the Chargers they're going against the Bengals and then Jeff Wilson Jr., J.WJ into the 49ers with the Mean Green against Denver. They're both right around the 50% mark.
Starting point is 00:45:39 If Jeff Wilson's available, I like him way better this week. Justin Jackson's very good for the Chargers, but it's simple. Braided's out. We don't know Justin Jackson's role for a heart. Justin Jackson might be better, but like you might... Echler might play more. We know Jeff Wilson's playing. I will take the guaranteed volume, even if the matchup's questionable, over an uncertain situation personally.
Starting point is 00:45:59 So I like Jeff Wilson if he's out there. I agree. Jeff Wilson actually had nine targets in the passing against. So he carried the ball 15 times plus got nine targets in the passing game. And that is critical because, I mean, we talk about this, but Game Scripted. It played in that game a little bit. Exactly. And it's like, the 49ers obviously can always go down or even if they take a lead, whatever. Jeff Wilson's not coming off the field based on what they need to do, whether it's hold or lead, which probably won't happen, or coming back against the lead.
Starting point is 00:46:24 So, yeah, I like, Mean Green. North Texas, Mean Green, Jeff Wilson. There you go. There you go. All right, let's move on. Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers going up against the Saints, and Dante Pettis going against the Broncos, another 49er. I cheated a little bit with Godwin. He's 59% owned in Yahoo, so he's a little bit up there in terms of ownership, but if he's still available in your leagues,
Starting point is 00:46:44 I like him a lot. Looks like Deshawn Jackson's probably still going to be out. This week he was out of practice on Thursday. Saints are giving up the most points for game to receivers this season. Godwin has, he's kind of emerged in that offense. Obviously, I think James Winston trusts him a lot, which is the big key here.
Starting point is 00:47:00 So I like Godwin a lot going this week. Pettis is a little bit riskier, I think, because it's looking like Marquis Goodwin may play this week. He came back to practice, I think, on Wednesday. Garcone is still limited, so his status is up in the air. But Pettus's role, if either of those guys are limited, could make him definitely a startable guy this week, especially since the Broncos just lost Chris Harris, Jr. Yeah, Pettis is cool, but like if he does nothing, you'll be like, oh, why'd I do that? Yeah, exactly.
Starting point is 00:47:27 You know what I mean? So that's real tough for the playoffs. But Godwin, I like a lot. tight end the barren wasteland that is tied in this year and apologies if you have to stream in the playoffs. Hopefully you got Jalen Samuels, if not. Uzoma on the Bengals. I saw this stat from Nick Menzio on Twitter actually.
Starting point is 00:47:43 He's averaging 7.25 targets per week over the last four games, which is actually fifth most among tight ends. Wow. Last week he had seven targets, five catches 33 yards. A week before that, 12 targets, six catches 39 yards. Obviously, he's much better of a PPR play than a standard. league play. I mean, his yardage total is not good. 33 yards, 39. And the Bengals are just going to have a tough time moving the ball with Jeffrey Driscoll on the
Starting point is 00:48:08 Chargers. Right. So if you're in a PPR league, I think he's definitely a stronger play, stronger stream, which, I mean, obviously there's not many strong plays at the tight-down position in general, but just because of the targets. The Chargers play a ton of nickel. So whereas, I mean, I don't think, unless Darwin James is out there against C.J. Uzoma, he might have, like, a size advantage that could come in handy for good old Jeffie Driscoll. there you go. Last one, back to the defense. I think the bills are an interesting stream this week.
Starting point is 00:48:36 Going up against the Jets, who have been a disaster offensively lately, Sam Darnold is back coming off of a foot injury, I believe. He's been out for a few weeks, and he's just been a turnover machine, going back, I guess, like, three games or whatever. So going back to his college career. Well, yeah, really.
Starting point is 00:48:53 But I mean, like, he had been playing pretty well, like, midseason, but then he just kind of fell off the map, just started turning the ball over, like crazy. The bill's defense is really solid. I think they're number three in DVA away this season. I just think it's not a good situation for Darnold this week. Last time the Jets and the Bills played, the
Starting point is 00:49:09 Bills' defense scored 11 points. There you go. Eleven fantasy points, they let up 10 real life points. Now that James has come down a tad, Darnold's the best bet for pick six in football, including Josh Allen, which is real something. Buffalo, it's 34 degrees in snowing right now. Keep that in mind as well.
Starting point is 00:49:25 Darnold's a Cali guy. Oh, wow. Well, you know how I feel. On Sunday, Sunday the forecast is 33 degrees, not snowing. To Donald's Instagram, we go. But at least Donald's been living in New York the last month or two, you know what I mean? Gough has no idea. But yeah, still, you know how I feel about that then. Well, speaking of weather, I have to go back out and bear the conditions, D.K.,
Starting point is 00:49:46 because the audacity of God to have it rain in Los Angeles, you know. Who knows what's going to happen? Let's call it a week. DK. Yeah. Worst of luck to you. Thank you. And your playoffs.
Starting point is 00:49:56 And to everyone playing in the playoffs this week, To those about to die I don't know I'm doing that Oh Craig's shaking his head All right you know what Good luck everyone We'll talk to guys like to make
Starting point is 00:50:05 Great luck Farewell See you DK See you

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