The Ringer NFL Show - Lombardi's Week 7 Watch List and Last-Second Fantasy Advice | GM Street (Ep. 326)

Episode Date: October 19, 2018

The Ringer's Michael Lombardi and Tate Frazier react to the Broncos’ shellacking of the Cardinals on 'Thursday Night Football' (02:00) and name their favorite Week 7 matchups (10:30). Then Danny Heifetz and Danny Kelly of 'The Dantasy Football Podcast' offer up some fantasy football advice for this weekend (29:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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store today or learn more at vzw.com. And now, GM Street. Welcome to GM Street part of the Ring of Podcast Network. It is Friday. It is October 19th. And this weekend, it is week seven in the NFL. We are one week away from the trade deadline. And on the line right now, I am joined by Mr. Michael Lombardi. Lombardi, how you doing? I couldn't be better, Tate Fraser. It's just been unbelievable. I went out to Arizona, I got to keep Devin Booker play basketball. I mean, that's a high-level guy now. I can tell you that. I'm not a professional basketball scout, but that's a high-level guy. It's funny. You know how people's paths crossed? Belichick and I were on a scouting trip after we won the Super Bowl. So we went to Auburn, and we were going to spend a night in Atlanta, and we decided, nah, to hell

with it, to Athens, and we tried to get a hotel room in Athens, and Kentucky was playing Georgia in basketball. We got a hotel room, and next thing you know, we, you know, we found out there Kentucky's playing, so we let's go the game. So we go the game, and we go the game in Booker's playing that night. That can't be that good. I mean, all he did is stand there and just make shots, you know? But then, oh my God.

I mean, it's a good thing I'm not a scout. Well, in what way? You're saying you would have drafted him that you would not have drafted Devin Booker after that game? I mean, I thought he was a spot-up shooter. I mean, I thought he was a great shooter. I didn't know he had all these. Like the other night, I watched the game.

He's getting to the rim. I mean, he was shooting layups. I mean, when Devin Booker makes four layups, he's scoring 35 points because he's going to make about five, too, you know? So you're saying Coach Cow didn't put him in a position to succeed. That's what... I'm not...

You know I love Coach Cab. I know, we're kidding. Don't go down that road. Of course. Don't go down that road with me. I'm not going there. I will say this. Coach Cow is amazing.

We're enjoying the fact that college football is so close. I know I am personally. Devin Booker in that game. DeAndre Aden was amazing as well. I was very happy to see that you were at that Sun's game. There's a lot of guys on that Sun's team that I really like. I'm a big fan of T. I love his game.

I've always been a fan of Josh Jackson. I think he's going to have a good sophomore year. and then Booker and Aiton, those are two stars. So I'm glad you saw it in person, Lombardy. And the coach is good. I mean, I think the coach is good. I've heard nothing but good things about the coach, so we'll see. I mean, I'm rooting for them.

Yeah, let's see what happens in Phoenix. Let's talk about some things that aren't going so well in Arizona. I know that you had a great time there, but Steve Wilkes, the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, is not having such a great time, not having such a great year in his first year with the Cardinals. He is one and six now. And after the game last night, they were shellacked 45 to 15, or 45. to 10 was the final score actually.

And he was asked after the game if they were going to make any changes. What was the next move for this team? He said in quotes, it's premature to talk about changes. They pushed back. They asked again if a guy like Mike McCoy would be safe the next day.

He said he was talking specifically about personnel, not about coaches. And we wake up today. And of course, Mike McCoy is fired midseason yet again. And ironically enough, after playing the Broncos, the team that he was fired from last year.

Yeah, you know, and he's been a head coach. of the National Football League. Mike McCoy's a really nice guy, but I think it's pretty clear. Mike McCoy's not a coordinator, nor is the head coach. I think he's a wonderful man. Unfortunately, you know, this is a tough situation. Mike McCoy is the classic example, which I wrote about in my book, that Mike McCoy really is battleship football. He calls plays in order to just see if they work. You know, there's no strategic plan to what he's doing. He's trying to run beaters all the time. You know, they're going to play this coverage, so we'll beat it.

And then Denver got all year, and it completely caused it. the Cardinals off guard. And I feel bad for Mike McCoy. It's the second time he's lost the job. You know, but I think he's really more of a quarterback coach than he is a coordinator. And he gets put in a role in it. Unfortunately, it doesn't work out.

It's a reflection of Steve Wilkes, too, because, look, he spent time higher in this guy. He spent a whole off season to decide who's going to be his coordinator, and that doesn't look good for him. And Steve Wilkes said after the game last night, he said it was an embarrassing effort, and that the fans deserved better than that, and that it was unacceptable.

You know, all the canned statements that you expect the year from a coach when you take a brutal beatdown like that. And before the game, Von Miller came out and he said, and part of my French, he said he was going to kick their ass and their Broncos were going to come back and show that they were a formidable team. They have the talent. They had the right GM. They had the right owner.

They had the right system in place. They were going to come out and make a statement. And, you know, to their credit, to Von Miller's credit, they did make a statement. Josh Rosen's a rookie. He throws two pick sixes. I think that's the first time it's ever happened. A rookie quarterback has thrown two pick sixes in the first quarter. I mean, in the first quarter.

I mean, it wasn't like one in the first and one in the fourth. I mean, it was early. In the first quarter, yeah. It forced me to go watch the 70s' pick for day. You know, so it was pretty easy. I didn't have to hit the flip button as much. I was going to ask you quickly about Markell Fultz, but we'll say that for another podcast.

That might have to be a full podcast. That's a full podcast. That's not a simple answer. It's not a simple answer. He was the number one pick. People do forget that. Let's get back to this Broncos game. So it's 45 to 10.

They blow him out. Josh Rosen actually goes down with an injury. He's going to get. an MRI, I think it was for a toe, I believe, was what the report that came out. But he's in a walking boot at this point. But just looking at that Cardinal team, obviously McCoy is now gone. Wilkes is apologizing to the fans. What is the next move for this team?

I mean, they're obviously up for a potential chance to get the number one pick again and maybe get a talent around Rosen. But it just doesn't seem like this year they have a chance to really do anything. And maybe there's a chance with the trade block coming up. They try to take a guy like David Johnson or some guys with value and try to mix trades. You know, I don't see how they trade Johnson. I mean, I think if I'm the Cardinals, I'm keeping all my good players, that I understand that don't have a lot of talent, and I got to try to do. I think the Cardinals' biggest challenge is being honest with themselves. I think

that's their biggest issue. You know, the year that they went to the playoff game, and they almost played and got killed by Carolina there, they haven't really recovered from that. I think they have a perception of who they are as a team, and that's not really reality, and I think they need a dose of reality badly. And I think that Steve Kime, coming off the off-season, that he's had this year, I think they've got to get back into that and try to refocus their energies on things that really, really matter.

And it correctly evaluate their team. Their offensive line hasn't been very good. You know, they let Callais Campbell go. They thought that the rookie could come in and play, and so far he hasn't been able to play anywhere near Callias Campbell's level. So they haven't really made a lot of good decisions. I mean, getting Chandler Jones, it's a good one.

But for the most part, this team has struggled, and I think they've got to look at themselves. And if I'm Michael Goodwell, I've got to think about, do I have the right coach, grab the right CM, and can I get this culture turned around because they're not going anywhere very soon if they don't do it. And how long is that leash for Steve Wilkes? I mean, first time head coach, a guy they brought over from the Panthers, a guy that was

a defensive coordinator, and now he's sitting at one and six. Obviously, there's a lot more questions than answers at this point. Is there any chance that they make a drastic change, or does he have a longer leash there, or is it something that's honestly to be, you know, to be determined at this point? I think it's Michael Bidwell's call. I think he's going to take an evaluation of where this direction of the organization when the organization is going and the culture that he's got in the building and can it win. He's got Seattle.

He's got the Rams. I mean, look, let's face it, the road to the Super Bowl for the Arizona Cardinals is not going to be an easy road. And it's going to be challenging. And so he's got to take a global look at this organization and see, you know, where, it's not where am I going to be next year. It's where am I going to be in three years that do I have the right people that I can get there at three years. If you don't have the right people in three years that can get you there, you got to make a change

because it doesn't do you any good. Giving somebody more time doesn't necessarily. mean it's going to work out. I mean, give me more time to lose weight. I'm still going to be trapped. You know, it's not matter. You know what I'm saying? Four time people just construe that. More time doesn't always matter. It's making the right decision in a timely fashion that matters. And because people tend to procrastinate, that's how the world works at times. I'm awaiting personally, Lombardi, for Larry Fitzgerald just to become a player coach, become the head coach and also a wide receiver.

I think they should do Larry Fitzgerald a favor. Trade them to the Patriots, let them go catch 50 balls in the slot in the next 10 games and enjoy at least going to a playoff. off game and winning. Hey, there's an idea. Maybe that happens. We could see that. Larry Fitzgerald deserves it. He's a consummate professional, as they like to say, in this business. He's the ultimate, you know, he's the ultimate guy, not because he went to Valley Ford's military academy where I went as well. We shared a lot of this together. But the kid deserves it. I mean, I feel bad for him. I really do. I hope he gets a shot to get out there. Quickly, before we move on and do the picks, this is obviously the Friday sit down what we do every single week where Lombardi gets five games

out to the world and let you know who to bet on, who to watch, who to feel good about heading into the weekend. Von Miller, two sacks, four quarterback hits, 10 QB pressures. Before going in this game, we talked about John Elway last week, possibly going on the lamb after this defense gave up in back-to-back weeks for the first time in NFL history, 200-plus yard rushers. They come back in this game against the Chargers, against the Cardinals, and they only give up 69 yards. So kudos to them for getting it together, and we should say, I mean, whatever Elway said or whatever happened in that locker room, whatever Vince Joseph may have said to this team,

they definitely backed it up against the Cardinals. Can I tell you a secret, Treyfrasia, nothing happened. Nothing happened. The Arizona Cardinals came to town. Like, that's what, it's like you're telling you're talking like they're, you know,

they're the Harlem Globe Chonters and they ain't going to play the Washington Nationals. Like, that's what happened. A shitty team came to town. That's all. They're still the same team. A team that didn't game plan for Von Miller. Like, oh, Bob Miller's over there.

We're just going to block him with our right tackle. Andre Smith, like, please, can we have a game plan? That's what happened. And against a rookie quarterback, maybe it was just a very smart time for Von Miller to make that statement about his team bouncing back. He knew that he had coming to town.

They want a road game. I'm sure there'll be a parade in Denver today because they want a road game. But the reality of it is they're not any good either. They're going to be right back where they were. If anybody's buying stock in debt, I got a bridge to sell them. Well, let's bring up that bridge.

We'll try to get in, we'll call Denver. We'll get on the phone right now with John L.A. Let's talk about the games that we had this weekend that we're going to keep an eye on. The first one is the defending champs. They're playing back home in Philadelphia, and they have traveling up to Philadelphia, the Carolina Panthers.

This is... Your Panthers. Yes, yes. Little Jimmy's Panthers. Little Jimmy's Panthers. Here they come. And the local talk in Charlotte has been about Cam Newton

not throwing the deep ball. There's been a lot of people... Since his shoulder surgery, a lot of people have pointed to the fact that he has not, you know, had success with the deep ball and has not really attempted many deep balls. And it has continued this season.

That has been sort of the talk around town. We'll see what happens with that. Funcius has had a nice little bounceback being their number one guy so far. He had some good moments in that Washington game last week. There's a chance he'll get matched up with Jalen Mills, a guy on the outside for the Eagles. So there's a chance that some good things had happened for Cam this week. But just looking at this game, Lombardi, what do you expect to see? Well, I think this.

I think, look, two areas Carolina can win the game. They've got to play much better on third down. They've got to be able to win third down, and they've got to play good at the Red Zone. You're going to move the ball in the Eagles. you're going to move the ball on first and second out on the Eagles. You've got to move it on third out, and you've got to play really good in the red zone. I like Carolina here.

I really do. Carolina's getting points here. I think Carolina's defense played good last week. I thought their defensive front really caused problems for Alex Smith. I think Carolina's a good team. I think this is a playoff style of game. And whenever it's a playoff style of game and the point spread gets outside of three points,

I think you should go with the underdog here. I think the Eagles could win. I think Carolina could win. I think it's going to be a very close game. I like Cam Newton to bounce back, Jay Frazier. I'm with you, little Jimmy. I think Carolina's a good team. I think he's a good player.

I don't think his arm strength is a problem. I think he made a bad decision and not throw the ball to Greg Olson on fourth down last week. And I think Olson comes back. I think Thomas Davis being back really made them much better. And I just think to me the Eagles beat a bad giant team. Are they back completely? Not yet.

I think this is the best team. The Eagles will have played so far this year. And there's a chance that, you know, sometimes when you do get on that high horse, like we may see with the Broncos next week and you start feeling good about yourself. In the same way, what happened with the Panthers, they win that nice, long field goal

that Ganoe kicks and they go up to Washington and they get blown out basically early in the game at least. So there's a chance you can see that with the Eagles coming off that Giants game a little high there. The Panthers, like Cam said, in his press conference this week. No one has either lost nor won

a Super Bowl in week six. So that's one thing to think about when we evaluate all these teams. It'll be interesting to see what happens. Write that down, say, praise we're going to use that quote later. But I think this, look, if you go back to last year, the team that gave the Eagles fits was Carolina.

They played them tough in Carolina last year. They controlled it. Cam Newton had the ball 31 minutes, one of the few teams in the NFL last year that dominated time of possession against the Eagle. If they do that again this week, they'll win. That's what I think. I think they can do that. I think they're very effective and his ability to make plays with his feet

will force Schwartz not to play as much man as he wants to. He's going to keep his eyes on the quarterback. He lose sight of Cam, dude. He's running for 30 yards. And watch out for McCaffrey as well, because this Eagles defense. They have struggled with running backs coming out of the back field, making catches. And obviously, we know McCaffrey is one of those guys that can do that. And it definitely makes guys mistackles.

So we'll see what Norv Turner dials up for the Panthers, and we'll see what happens with that Eagles defense. See if they can get pressure on Cam and keep the ball out of his hands. Let's get to the next game. This is Big Jimmy's game of the week. CBS, very excited about this. Jim Nance, I'm sure, with the, this classic rivalry.

We talked about a little bit about it on Tuesday, but to see the Cowboys and the Washington Red Sins take on each other once again in this rivalry, especially when the NFC East is so up in the air at this point.

Cowboys fans very excited after what they did last week to the Jaguars, of course, and Washington very excited about what they did with the Panthers. And now we're going to see who truly is possibly, maybe, we'll see the class

of the NFC East. Who do you like in this one, Lombardi? Yeah, I have time to stop with the running game. that's going to be a real issue for them. And I'm not sure the Redskins played well enough last week. I think they won the game because Carolina turned the ball over. Washington's offensive line struggled blocking Carolina's front.

I think they're going to struggle blocking Dallas's front. I think there could be some real issues with Alex Smith in terms of not making the right decision. Alex Smith has not played. He's back to be in the Alex Smith of old, which was San Francisco in early Kansas City. He's nowhere near Alex Smith, Andy Reed, 2.0 last year. So I just, and they have no receivers in Washington that can really expose you.

Jordan Reed's their best playmaker. If Chris Thompson doesn't play, there's another guy down. I think the Cowboys, even though I don't love the Cowboys skill, I think the Redskins secondary is viable. You can attack after them. And I think the Redskins can run. I think the Cowboys can run the ball on the Redskins of this game. And I think Dak will play well against him.

So I like the Cowboys in the Clapper to go two in a row. Maybe he'll get his contract extension then. Wouldn't that be something? I'm already clapping. I'm standing up, standing ovation at this point. The lights are going on and off. If he gets a contract extension, it'll just tell you everything you need to know about the NFL.

Well, what do you mean? If you go to Princeton, you can be a coach forever? That's all you need to do. I'm back in Jersey now. I'm trying to enroll in Princeton as a secret citizen candidate. Good luck to all those kids that worked so hard, took those SATs just to be a future head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Very exciting stuff. We'll keep an eye on that game. That game will be interesting to watch, of course. I think, is there a chance of part of that? Dallas defensive line that you mentioned, they could replicate what we saw last year with that Eagles D line and just basically be able to win games with a pass rush and let Dack not lose games and not turn the ball over?

I do think so. I think Malik Collins' back really helps them because of another guy inside. David Irving hasn't played. David Irving's really a blue-chip player in the NFL. He can pressure inside. And then those outside guys are playing. Well, look, this defensive line is good in Dallas. I mean, they've got to create ways to move the football

because they don't have great skill. but I think Dallas's defense is good and I think Dallas defense can stop. I mean, look at Hopkins had to make an unbelievable play to beat them or else they can win some games. Their defense is good and this kicker,

as much as I bitched about cutting Dan Bailey, the kicker's really good and he makes kicks. So that's important too. I think it'll be a close game. I just like Dallas. It is wild how quickly, you know,

just the tone and the talk around this Dallas Cowboys team has changed after just one game against the Jaguars. Once they did that and kind of set the tone, people have really changed course on what they expect from them. So good to see for the Clapper. We're very happy here on this program for him.

The next game, probably the game of the week as far as interest in the NFL. The Bingle is going to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. We're going to get to see, obviously, I mean, Pat Mahomes at this point has become almost too, it's almost become parity how much he is beloved by all the people that have watched him play. But we're going to see him go up against this Bingles defense. Obviously, we know about Gino and some of those guys that can get some pressure him. So this will be an interesting game to see where these two teams stand in the

AFC. Who do you expect to see to come out of this one, Lomarty? I love Kansas City here. I think Kansas City understands what happened in New England. They had a chance to win that game. But for me, I think this Cincinnati defense is you can move the football on them. I think their

secondary is exploitable. I also believe that Kansas City third down defense can really make some plays. They didn't last week against Tom Brady, but I believe they can make some plays in this game. And I think that'll be the difference. I think Kansas City will get them to turn the ball over and they'll start ramp of the score up and they'll build the lead from in front. I love Casey here. I think Casey is the better team. I like, I still like Cincinnati, but I think

Cincinnati on the road has a chance to make too many mistakes. Dalton of Throw, maybe an interception. I think it gives them a chance to turn the game around. And I like Kansas City to be able to win the game on third down. And Cincinnati is not a good third down defense, which is horrible when you're getting ready to play Kansas City. You get beat. that way, I think it favors Kansas City tremendously. Is there a chance that they can play the possession game? We've talked about it plenty of times on this podcast, the 26 to 33 minutes, trying to find that sweet spot to keep Pat Mahones off the field.

But look, last week he had the ball 10 minutes, a little more in 10 minutes. He scored 31 points. The problem when you play the Chiefs is nobody wants to talk about it. Their special teams are really good. You can't, you can never kick the ball to them. You shouldn't punt it to them, and you should definitely not kick it to them. You're better off giving them the ball to 25 than trying to do it. New England learned the hard way.

and I think their special teams are so good you've got to be careful with that. If you underestimate that and I'm sure Cincinnati won't pay that attention to the detail, I think it really cost it. Yeah, well, that's something to keep an eye on in that game for sure. We'll see what goes on Danny Dalton. I kind of like this Bingles defense

and I think they have a real chance to make some noise there with the Chiefs and we'll see what happens with that pass rush. Next game we have on the docket this week. We have the Los Angeles Rams traveling up to take on the San Francisco 49ers. These are the two coaches that these are like the wonderkins of the NFL. Everyone loves Sean McVeigh. Everyone loves

Kyle Shanahan for what he did with Matt Ryan, even though things haven't really panned out. So great this season with Jimmy G. going down and all that sort of stuff. And this defense for the 49ers, we talked about it ad nauseum on this program, but they continue to struggle. It is quite the contrary for the offense for the Rams. They continue to dominate. So in this one, I'm expecting, you're going to say the Rams are a team to watch out for,

but is there a chance the 49ers can get an upset? You know, I think, look, I think the Rams win the game, but I just think the 49ers can run the ball in this game. I think the 49ers can attack. I'm not sold on the defense of the Rams. I think their defensive line hasn't played the level that it looks like on paper. So for me, I think the 49ers can run the ball in this game. I don't like their defense.

Last year, it was a high-scoring affair. The Rams won. It was a close game up there. Now, the 49ers beat them in Los Angeles when the game didn't matter. But I think it could run the football on the Rams. I think it's been proven. You can run it on first down. I think Kyle will run the ball.

I hope C.D. Beth, B, it doesn't make too many mistakes. But look, I think the 49ers, backs are to the wall. I think they've got to show that they're not that far apart, and they've got to make some plays, and I think that they're coming off a short week, coming back home against losing a heartbreaker to Green Bay. I think they'll keep the game close. I don't think

there is close talent-wise, but look, it's hard to play three road games in a row and be as dominant as you can possibly be. So I think that I think the Rams will win, but I have a fit in the point. I like the 49ers. And a little regional... Call me crazy, pay you're not going to call you crazy. I think it's a little regional

rivalry. Sometimes that stuff happens. I don't know why, but it just tends to happen. Even if you are the better team, we've seen people not show up. I mean, let's point to the Vikings and the bills earlier this season. You know, things like that happen at times in the NFL. Let's get to the final game of the week that you have. That is the Houston Texans, taking

on the Jacksonville. Jaguars. Head coach for the Jaguars, Doug Morone noted this week. He said they are three and three, but it's not a good three and three. The good news, if you are a Jaguars fan, if you do win this game, you would at least share first place in the AFC South, and that would seem like things are churning in the right direction.

But as we've seen with the Texans, they're trying to find their footing a little bit. And it seems like Deshawn Watson is kind of getting back in a little bit of a groove. So Lombardi, what do you expect to see in this game? Well, I think this, look, I think everybody who says Jacksonville's this dominating team and be included, they're 13 and 9 over the last 22 games.

So dominating teams aren't 13 or 9 over the last 22 games. Dominating teams don't rank in the bottom. They make way too many mistakes. They're having that walk down the lane that tells everybody, hey, we're good, don't worry about us. They're not. I mean, they're making some mistakes, Blake portals, everyone, their defense. But I think they got embarrassed the last two weeks,

giving up 70 points. I think that the team they're playing is similar to them in the sense that they make too many mistakes as well. They have too many false starts, too many first and 15s, too much loose with the football. And I just think to me, in this rivalry, I think Jacksonville play its best game of the year, and I like Jacksonville to win the game. Even though I, you know, my rule of thumb, and it's always going to stay this way, is bad. lines don't travel, and the Texans have a bad line. And I think Sean Watson's got hit too much, even though he's played home the last three weeks. He's gotten hit way too much. Now he's back on the road. I think it's going to be a challenge

for them to block this front of Jacksonville. I'm going to go with my man, Blake Bortals, because, you know, I'm a huge Blake Bortals fan. So I'm going to think he's going to pull this out and play well for him. I saw your Blake Bortles jersey the other day when I was walking around the studio here. And it'll never be a Blake Bordel's jersey. I mean, there's just no chance. It was yours. It was yours, I promise. You know, I just think this. I think Jacksonville has got to have the come to Jesus meeting with themselves and realize that, you know, we just can't show up to win games.

We've got to play good. And I think that what Doug Barone said, it's not a good three and three. He's right. It's not a good three and three. Way too many turnovers, way too many mistakes. And they're letting an average team feed them. When you lose it home to Tennessee, how could you be a good team? I think they call that a come to Bortles meeting in some circles.

But yes. Come to Bortles meeting. Come to Bortles meeting. Yeah. And I almost should apologize for calling the Great Equalizer, because the way they're playing, he's really not equalizing anything. They're just playing bad everywhere. All across the board.

And we saw this week a lot of the defense coming out and making comments about people not doing their jobs. And then, you know, Jalen Ramsey had the I don't know stuff. And then he said after the fact, if Bill Belichick said it, everyone would think it was cool and that's corny. So just a lot of stuff coming out of that locker room. But I agree. I think the Jaguars will bounce back. So those are the five games of the week, Lombardi. We've got them all mapped out.

One more game I do want to point out, this is just for GM Street fans in general. We got Tom Brady versus Mitchell Tribisky in Chicago. You can't wait to see your guy. It's a shootout. This is a shootout. It's going to be a shootout. Two gun slingers, two smart guys that love the game, just trying to play the position to the best of their ability. I can't wait.

Well, I think this. I think the Kansas City gave Belichick a precursor to the Chicago offense. Yes. And I don't think Belichick's going to look at Trubisky and like, oh, my God, that's the home. I think he's going to do a lot of things late to snap count to move people around. I think you'll see some free blitzers coming out, Trubisky. I think he's going to put the game in Trubisky's hands and say, Mitchell beat me. You beat me.

I'm going to take away Tariq, Tariq, Tarek Cohen. Tarek Cohen, yeah. Okay, Cohen away. I'm going to make sure Howard can't run the football. I'm going to put my best corner on Alan Robinson. Let me see what you guys got going. I think that's how the game goes. And we've seen more touches for Cohen.

It seems like Nagy's really relying on him and Trubisky and him have a nice little rapport. So that's something to watch out. So if they take Cohen out of the game, then Mitchell is going to have some problems. I'm sure. You know, I think they're a defense. Fraser. I think New England's had a lot of practice the last month against these teams that use long handoffs as part of their offense. The chiefs, the bears, the Miami Dolphin, they're long handoff. They're like short passes, bubble screens, whatever they are, and they go for huge plays.

And I think that Belichick haven't prepared for that the last few weeks will have a good idea. And I think what's going to hurt Chicago is they're going to take the approach, well, they're going to do what they did against Kansas City against us. And I think they're going to get a completely different game plan may be similar in the style, but in the substance it's going to be much different. And one more thing to point out before we get out of here and let the fantasy guys come in. The Los Angeles Chargers are taking on the Tennessee Titans in London. That's a 930 for those that are on the East Coast. And it's going to be one of these games, right, where Phil Rivers could be five and two at the end of the week.

And we're talking about Phil Rivers' MVP chances. That's exciting. I think Philip Rivers is having the most incredible season that nobody's talking about. his numbers are dramatically up in every single category. It's remarkable how good of a season he's having. He's been remarkable, and I hope it continues, and I hope he doesn't stub his go. I always hold my breath when they play.

Like, I would have liked to pick them, but I have no confidence that they'll find a kicker. I have no confidence that they'll be able to handle it. So it worries me, but that Philip Rivers has had an unbelievable season, and he should throw the ball effectively against the Titan. Truggle so much on offense, that I think it's going to be a challenge.

And the Titans haven't scored a touchdown in two weeks. So, you know, that's what they're dealing with. Philip Rivers has been able to put up points. He and Melvin Gordon have a nice rapport. I know in Los Angeles, it's hard not to talk about Todd Gurley. It's hard not to talk about Jared Goff. But to see what Rivers is doing and Gordon as well, obviously. You've got to think, Philip Rivers, he may have won the Eli Manning trade at this point.

Just for longevity's sake. I mean, the fact that he hasn't won a title is the only thing. But if you go back and redraft that River... And just to think, that guy was a titan at NC State. and now he's one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. NC State's got the big game against Clemson this week, Tate Frazier. We'll see what happens. Big game.

This is Clemson's nightmare. They hate playing this NC State team. But the good news, when NC State is, you know, when people like them, they tend not to be the team that you expect. And when they come out of nowhere, it's when they pull the big upset. So unfortunately for the Wolfpack, I feel like that is sort of what we're leaning towards here. But I'm pulling for him. Hope so. They got a great quarterback again at NC State, a guy that no one's talking about.

Finley. Good player. Really good player. Guys going to be in the pros. So they're doing it again. Congratulations to all the NC State fans. I never thought that this would happen on this podcast. I'm sure that they're very excited about this.

We are very excited about Week 7 and all things that are going to play out this week. We come back next Tuesday. We're going to talk about the trade deadline coming up and obviously the biggest storylines from this weekend. Lombardi, anything else before we get out of here? No, I'm just excited for the weekend, Tate Frazier, and hopefully enjoy the games. I'm going to enjoy them tremendously.

sit back and watch him and see what we got going. So have a great weekend. Enjoy your L.A. You're staying home this weekend and you're going on the road again? No, I'm staying in L.A. I am staying in L.A. finally. Good to be back. Good to be home. Yeah, not really home, but, you know, close enough. Well, that's all that matters. Take Frazier. Enjoy it. I'll enjoy it. Jersey.

I'll have a sub for you for the White House because I made a bet last week at one, so I'm going to go to the White House to cash it in. So enjoy it. Go cash it in. Enjoy that sub. And we will be back on Tuesday. Coming up, we get the Dantasy football guys. But first, we are going to hear from our friends at my Booky. You've heard me talk about this for weeks, yet some of you are still watching football from the sidelines. Whether you're an expert or a rookie, you should be betting at my bookie. If you're the kind of guy that likes to bet a little and win a lot, I think most people like

that, my bookie gives you the chance to create a big parlay. Shout out to the Parlay Kid. You can pick three teams to win, and if you hit all three, you'll turn 100 into 600, just like that. And there's so much to bet on now. We've got playoff baseball, got the World Series coming up, got hockey, got primetime fights, got the NFL, got college basketball coming up, so many good things ahead in the MyBooku universe. MyBooky has been in business for years. They've got great online reviews and their mobile site is easy to use. If you're on the sidelines now is the time to get in the game. My bookie will still match your first deposit dollar for dollar, but you've got to join now because they'll be pulling that offer soon. Log on to MyBooky right

now and double your money. Use promo code Ringer NFL and they'll match your first deposit 100%. That's promo code Ringer NFL. You play, you win, you get paid. And we're not done yet. We're also brought to you by the Yahoo Sports app. Did you get the Yahoo Sports mobile? app yet? Are you ready for live football on your phone? With the Yahoo Sports mobile app, you get live, local, and primetime NFL games all season long. Never miss your local game. Never miss a big national matchup. All you need is the Yahoo Sports app. Seriously, go get the app. It's your ticket to watching live NFL games wherever you want. It's all football and all yours. Watch live NFL games on the Yahoo Sports mobile app. And now the Danesie Football Podcast. My name is Danny Highfits. I'm joined by my co-host

and co-danny, Danny Kelly. What's up? We're going to dish out some last-second fantasy advice heading into the weekend. We don't know your leagues or your teams quite as well as you guys do, but we definitely have thoughts on the players you might be debating on whether or not to throw them in your lineup. So, D.K., do you want to do a lightning round real quick

on whether we are in or out on some guys this week? I do. Let's do this. All right, first ones this week. The Chargers, second receivers, which go back and forth every week between the Williams's. Mike and Tyrell Williams. Mike Williams was really great at the beginning. Tyrell Williams has been Finns.

Fantastic, obviously, two touchdowns this week. I'm out on both. They're really great. We've seen a lot of wide receiver 2s get volume behind, like, wide receiver ones this year, like Juju behind Antonio Brown, and Tyler Boyd behind AJ Green, and Ridley and Sunoo behind Julio. We have no rhyme or reason of ever when to expect Mike or Tyrell to go off. And wide receivers don't grow on trees,

but they're too plentiful to just kind of just guess. So I can't really recommend putting either in your lineup this week. So I'm out. Yeah, both of these guys have been touchdown dependent, right, each week. You know, they're not like catching tons of volume or whatever. It's like three catches and two touchdowns. You know, so I'm with you. I'm out on both of those guys this week until there's some sort of split that sort of becomes more apparent going forward.

My first guy, Kiki Kootie of the Texans, his production has dropped significantly since his first appearance in week four. In week four, he had 15 targets, 11 catches, 109 yards. Week 5, he had six catches, 51 yards, and a touchdown. And then last week, just three catches, 33 yards and no touchdown. So it was like, it looks like he's going in the wrong direction for sure. But his market share in terms of the targets on the team has definitely kind of been level, 36 in the first appearance, 16, and then 20 last week. I think this week he could be a sneaky start just because on the outside,

they got A.J. Bouillet and J. They're playing the Jags, by the way. And those guys are going to probably stay. stick with D'Hontra Hopkins and you know on the outside and so I think in the inside Kootie could make an impact obviously last week against the Jags Cole Beasley

went off at 101 yards, two touchdowns and most of that came from the slot and right now the Jags are playing their backup slot corner Tyler Patman he's in for DJ Hayden so all that said I think that Kootie could have some sneaky value this week and I'm

I'm in on him this week I feel that I mean Mays and Kevin Clark discussed earlier this week on the pod how even when AJ Bouye moves inside of the slot, it's not really a cup of tea. So I see that being effective no matter what. Looking at the Tennessee Titans, Derek Henry and Dionne Lewis,

Derek Henry's been trashed this year. I don't even know if it's worth really discussing this at length. He's basically averaged three yards of carry every week he's played, not just on the season. I can't imagine playing Derek Henry. I don't really need to elaborate there. Dionne Lewis is a little more interesting because he's also been bad recently,

but at least he's a more interesting. player with a more interesting workload. I can see playing him this week, but at the same time, if you kind of in your gut feel you have a better option, you probably do. Definitely would probably bench those two in a vacuum unless you're really desperate play, Dion. Yeah, I mean, I'm out on the Titans until they show us

that they have an actually functioning offense. The Chargers defense is good, too. So, I mean, they're not elite. They don't have Bosa right now, but that Chargers defense is still solid. They shut down the Browns for the most part last week. I'm out on both of those. guys. I think it's going to be a bad script for them too.

Okay, D.K., who's your next guy? Buck Allen, the Ravens. Going up against the Saints, obviously, he's in a time share with Alex Collins, has been all year. His production's gone down last few weeks because he hasn't been scoring touchdowns. He's another guy. He's just touchdown-dependent, like, fantasy factor. If you're desperate, if you need a flex, go ahead and put him in there. He's actually out-snapped Alex Collins, 222 to 201 the season. But the Saints are a very good run defense this year.

they've been one of the best run defenses in the NFL and they're giving up the fourth fewest fantasy points per game for running back so I'm out on Allen this week I just don't like to roll with a touchdown dependent guy like him Desperate and in need of a flex describes my teams to a T this week so I have Buck Allen rolling and I'm not proud of it Who's your next guy? Lamar Miller the Texans are going against the Jaguars this week

Lamar Miller has What did you describe him a few hours ago? Oh, I saw a tweet I came out remember where I saw, but it was like a hilarious tweet. Someone said, Alexa, show me 10 fantasy football points and it was just a picture of Lamar Miller. He's just like that, that he's in that range every single week. If you'd be happy with 10, play them. And if you wouldn't be, don't. There's my super official advice. Who do you got next? Marky's Goodwin, 49ers. I am extremely pissed on myself. I dropped Goodwin after he had like injuries and a lack of production early on in the season. Then he went off

last week. The 49ers get the Rams this week. I like Goodwin. I think he's more than just a speedy, deep threat. He's a really good receiver. And C.J. Bethard's actually been able to make that offense move a little bit.

So I'm in on Goodwin going forward. Nah, more like Marquis Badwin. Oh. Because you shouldn't play him. Okay. Let's move on. Stargazing. These are the star players who are keeping you up at night.

Drew Breeze, the number three-past. by fantasy points per game, the all-time passing leader, the underappreciated third banana of this generation of great quarterbacks. Fantasy super duper star. Obviously, you always play Drew Breeze, right? Or do you?

Looking back on it, it's interesting, he shredded Tampa Bay in week one, which turns out awful defense. He shredded Atlanta, who turns out as an awful defense. He was like okay against the Browns. They were more run-heavy against the Giants, and now they're going against the Ravens.

who have the fewest points allowed in the league, fewest yards allowed in the league, and there's second in opposing passing yards, and second in opposing passing touchdowns. They're also first in sacks. Yeah, yeah. And would you be shocked if Breeze just had a dub this week? I wouldn't be shocked.

I think this is going to be a huge test for the Ravens defense because they really haven't faced. The only really strong defenses they face right now so far are the Bengals and the Steelers, and both of those guys are division teams, and so you just never really know what to take from division teams. I'm just like wondering what the Ravens, if the Ravens defense is as great as it's looked,

I wouldn't be that surprised if Breeze still did really well. I'm personally, if I have Breeze and I'm kind of relying on him, I'm starting him, but I can definitely understand if people want to stream someone else because especially in a one QB league, if there's good streaming options, it just might be safer to do that. I tweet that a bit and say there's a serious chance

of a super, like, high, like great second option in your team just because of the way quarterbacks went this year. but full-time Craig has a, I can tell you something to say here. I was just going to ask, would you start Baltimore's D against the Saints? Oh, wow, that's even a better question, isn't it? I wouldn't. No. Saints' defense, the Saints' offense has been really freaking good.

So they're not one of those defenses that are just set them and close your eyes? I don't know if we know that yet. I don't know if we know that yet because obviously there's been questions about defense this season. I don't know if we know if there is a set them and forget them defense this year. I was going to say the Bears were supposed to be, but then they freaking lost to the They gave up like 500 yards to the dolphins. And we're playing the Patriots this week and I wouldn't stop them. The Bears and the Ravens I wouldn't drop to get another defense.

I drop most defenses. I certainly would not drop the Ravens no matter what. I think that's kind of obvious. All right, moving on. Streamers starting lineup, if we had to make a starting lineup of guys that you can stream that are under 50% owned even after waivers went through. On Wednesday, who would you play? She's, I threw out Baker Mayfield, who is playing the Bucks and is wonderful.

and it's the number one overall pick, and the Bucks are one of the four teams with single-digit sacks, and Baker has the second-most-passing, sorry, the Bucks have allowed the second-most-passing yards, and it's basically allowed the worst in yards per attempt, no matter how you measure it, and they have rookies in their secondary,

and are terrible. And D.K., you have the audacity to recommend C.J. Bethard over Baker-Mayfield. If you have the option, Mayfield gets the nod. I said C.J. Bethard is another one of those guys, especially in, like, a 2-Q.E.

league, if you need someone to stream, he's actually been better than I've been, I think people think 19 points. Were you just about to say better than I thought and then changed that to better than people thought? Well, he's been way better than I thought he'd be for sure. Yeah, I mean, he's kind of just

it's really cliche, but he's just tough and he just is not afraid to throw the ball down the field, you know? Did you just drop C.J. Bethard is tough? The Rams' defense has been kind of bad, too, and yes, I did. Carapolo's going to be great on the bills next year. C.J. Bathard is tough. Wait, Craig, when your league, How many points do you get per tough drop back?

Plus two. Okay. That's actually sounds like a ringer setting for the scoring. When I learned that there was 0.75 PPR in the ringer league last year, I debated submitting a resignation. I actually did quit. That's when I quit. Jim, I swear to again. He's not kidding.

Are you actually quit the league? Jim was in for a minute and then he's like, yeah, I'm not doing this. Yeah. When I saw 0.75, I was like, I'm out. That's the coolest thing I've ever heard. Concepcioni, I'm going to have my team and I gave it to him. Oh, wow. That's impressive because I think it's clearly the only one to check the scoring.

Riley put it in Slack or something. Somebody put it in. I was like, fuck that. What is more like King Solomon splitting the baby than being unable to decide between full PPR and half people are? And be like, screw it. Let's do 0.75. Make everybody happy. Like, yeah, that, Jesus.

Anyway, what is wrong? Institutional failure at its finest. Moving on, running backs. Yeah, so Marlon Mack, the Colts. Obviously, the Nahim Hines hype train has ended because Marlon Mack was sort of their feature guy last week. I still don't really trust anyone in that backfield, but if you do need someone to stream, he was getting most of the workload. 12 carries 89 yards, on only 24 snaps. And so, yeah, I think he's the kind of guy.

He's the lead guy in that offense. Playing the bills, 43% owned in Yahoo, 44% in ESPN. Bill's are giving out 14th most fantasy points running back so far, so he is an option for you. Yeah, I'm not going to love. I love Ballin Mac. I'm just sticking with my Brown's love. I love Duke Johnson. I love Duke Johnson this week. Obviously, he's been a little bit underwhelming.

So was Tarry Cohen before he just had a couple fantastic weeks. I think Duke Johnson actually is a similar-ish player who can be used in similarish ways and is also going to have a similar resurgence. I have ranted about this in the past, but basically the Browns are going to start playing. They have an amazing schedule coming up. Grab Duke Johnson. I think he's going to start playing way better. same with Antonio Calloway

not the same track record but he's getting getting a ton of opportunity he's a real obviously like a boomer bust guy at receiver this week but I think last week he was like the 14th person NFL history to get 10 targets in a game but fewer than 10 receiving yards from Ryan McDowell tweeted that and

that's great we've talked about this but basically they're not going to take away the opportunity yet all their other receivers are hurt they're going to shred these teams in the air someone has to catch the balls if he keeps dropping balls it's a different question but I love the roll of the dice this week for like a 20-point week. So I'm down with it.

Yeah, I've been on Calloway. I have him on like three of my teams. And I just like, the volume is there. Like, it's going to catch up at some point. Well, we'll see. But I, I'm with you. I think, you know, just like you said, 10 targets. I mean, he's getting regularly getting lots and lots of targets, lots of action

that offense. So I like it. My guy, Taylor Gabriel versus the Patriots. That's going to be a really fun game, first of all. He's kind of emerged as the number two in that offense in terms of the passing offense. five catches for 110 yards last week. He's actually caught his last, well, he's got 12 targets for like 200-70 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games.

So very efficient. Trubisky's starting to trust him a little bit. So I like him as a streamer. He's only actually owned in 47% of Yahoo Leagues, 50% ESPN. He's actually more than the stream. He might be a guy worth adding to your roster long term. And then who do you like a tight end this week? Going back to my guy, CJ Uzoma.

We talked about him. Do we know it's Uzoma? I don't know him personally, no. I did not go to middle school with him. I did not pitch against him in middle school. No, he's had eight catches, 97 yards, and two games without Eiffurt. And I think Croft is still banged up. Chiefs have given up third most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

And he's, again, he's a low-ceiling guy. And I think, you know, I've had him in one league. He's got like six or seven, eight points in each game. So it's like not like he's going to win you your week. But at the same time, he's not getting you a goose egg, which is like a lot of tight ends right now. And so he's an interesting option for the tight end streamer. Perfect.

And word on the street is full-time Craig is guaranteeing, locking that he will score more than his middle school nemesis, Austin Hooper. So that is great news. Thank you for that endorsement. Oh, by the way, are we going to talk about the fact that I beat you last week in the three-person team, three-person league? I don't even know what you're talking. Oh, our three-person league?

A quick update that Jim is 100% going to edit out, unless he leaves this in. I think all three of us are on track to make the three playoff spots, which is good news. So, you know, thank God there. Who has the most points, Jim, I think, right? The Danny killers. The Danny killers.

The Danny killers. We're 180 points, Steve. I think that's all the time we got, D.K. Yeah. All right. I'll see you next week, man. Sounds good. Absolute worst of luck to your team.

Likewise.