Week 15 Studs & Duds + Revenge of the Smith

Summary:

Reaction to the Weekend 01:08

• The hosts express their mixed emotions about the weekend’s results.
• They mention that there is still football to be played tonight and joke about whether Jalen Hurts will play.

“Welcome in one and all. Monday, the fantasy footballers… A lot of emotions were flowing here… And does Jalen Hurts play football? I think so.”

Revenge of the Sith and Bijan Robinson‘s Performance 01:46

• The hosts discuss their disappointment with Arthur Smith, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
• They express satisfaction with his team’s loss and express hope that he will lose his job.
• They reflect on previous episodes where they spoke positively about Arthur Smith, and how they fell into a trap when his team lost to Carolina Panthers in the playoffs.

“Oh, man. And you hit me with a B-John minute drop. You hit me with a B-John from your playoffs drop… Revenge of the Sith… Holy moly. Arthur Smith…

“He waits for week one of the playoffs. You think he doesn’t know it’s playoffs and fantasy football? 100% he does 1000%.”

Disappointing Performances by Atlanta Falcons 03:00

• The hosts discuss the disappointing performances of the Atlanta Falcons‘ big three: Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and B-John (presumably a player named B-John).
• They mention the low offensive snaps and a fumble by B-John.
• They acknowledge falling for the “Drake London trap” in their DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) lineup.

“The Falcons big three touched the ball and 25% of offensive plays… B-John had a season-low 58% of offensive snaps. Nice. That’s the lowest of any healthy game this year.”

Fantasy Football Letdowns 05:09

• The hosts discuss their own disappointments in fantasy football.
• They mention their dynasty playoffs and how their players, including B-John Robinson, Breeze Hall, and Travis ETN, did not perform well.
• They also mention how their opponents’ players outscored theirs.
• They mention needing a specific number of points from Jalen Hertz and Devante Smith to continue in the playoffs.

“Yeah. I mean, it’s really ironic… All three of us have had really good dynasty teams… B-John and Travis ETN. Well, that didn’t work. Yeah… I need 46 points, one, four points from Jalen Hertz and Devante Smith tonight.”

Monday, Punday Entries 05:23

• The hosts reflect on the weekend’s performances by sharing different puns created by combining players’ names with punny fantasy football related phrases.
• They mention both good and bad performances by players.

“Why not start with the good? Like Isaiah, certainly… Or you got the bad… And then, man, he’s been so good. But then Mike… Oh, Lostin Eckler. Devon A. Cant.”

Disappointment in Dynasty League 06:46

• The hosts discuss the disappointment of their team in the ChampChampChamp dynasty league, mentioning the disbanding of Destiny’s Child and the end of their team’s championship hopes.
• They mention the other teams still in the playoffs and how they enjoyed mocking them.

“Destiny is over… So 11 teams still in a parade this afternoon. There was much rejoicing in there… A lot of gifts. Oh my gosh. The rain is over… Down goes Frazier.”

Underperforming Quarterbacks 08:11

• The hosts discuss the poor performance of several quarterbacks in the weekend’s games.
• They mention how lesser-known quarterbacks outscored some of the big-name quarterbacks.
• They bring up Jake Browning‘s moment of celebration after his team’s victory.

“A lot of the quarterbacks… All of the no-name guys that nobody would have played, they all scored over 20 fantasy points… Did you see Jake Browning? He had his, you like that moment?”

News and Notes from Around the League 09:13

• The hosts mention that they will now move on to discuss news and notes from around the league.

“News and Notes from Around the League presented by USA insurance.”

Ja’marr Chase‘s injury 09:23

• Jamar Chase suffered an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder.
• The Bengals are expecting him to miss some time.
• He is getting an MRI to assess the extent of the injury.

“The Bengals are bracing for Jamar Chase to miss some time.”

Michael Pittman‘s concussion 10:04

• Michael Pittman suffered a concussion after a brutal hit in the game.
• The hit was severe enough for the defender to be ejected.
• There are concerns about the impact on Pittman’s playing time.

“Michael Pittman, who was on his way to another great game, was absolutely annihilated in a hit that left him in the concussion protocol.”

Trevor Lawrence‘s concussion 11:28

• Trevor Lawrence left the game with a concussion.
• He is now in the concussion protocol.
• It is uncertain if he will be available for the next game.

“Trevor Lawrence left with a concussion. Yeah. He has a question for next week.”

Zack Moss‘s wrist injury 10:59

• Zach Moss injured his right wrist and did not return to the game.
• The severity of the injury is currently unknown.
• It adds to the list of unfortunate injuries in the game.

“Zach Moss got off to a hot start and then injured his right wrist never came back in the game.”

Hollywood Brown’s heel injury 11:48

• Hollywood Brown left the game with a heel injury.
• He has been dealing with this injury for a while.
• His availability and performance may be affected.

“Hollywood Brown exited again with a heel injury.”

Jalen Hurts‘s illness 14:26

• Jalen Hurts has been downgraded to questionable due to a severe illness.
• He traveled separately from the team to avoid infecting others.
• It is uncertain if he will be able to play in the next game.

“The Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts we got an easy yesterday he was downgraded to questionable dealing with a severe illness that worsened overnight traveling separate from the team as to not get anybody sick.”

The dilemma between Marcus Mariota and Drew Locke 14:52

• Geno Smith is doubtful to play, leading to a potential Mariota vs. Locke matchup.
• It is uncertain which quarterback will get the start.
• Fantasy managers may need to consider their options and plan accordingly.

“And then now we met we might get Marcus Mariota versus Drew Locke. My thoughts right now hopefully you picked up Mariota because you couldn’t it’s not like you could pick up Geno and be sure or pick up Drew Locke and be sure.”

Baker Mayfield‘s Perfect Passer Rating 18:44

• Baker Mayfield had a perfect passer rating for the first time in history, going 22 for 28 with 381 yards and four touchdowns.
• Mayfield’s performance was exceptional and noteworthy.

“I mean he was twenty two for twenty eight three hundred and eighty one yards four touchdowns. I know the biggest loser out there in the Magla Bowl which I am out of now.”

Uncommon Quarterbacks Performing Well 19:10

• The week saw unexpected quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Aiden O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and Derek Carr performing well.
• These quarterbacks are not typically regarded as top starters, making it a challenging week for quarterbacks overall.

“I mean Baker and Aiden O’Connell and Gardner Minshew and Derek Carr. These are DFS guys. So you know it was a bad week for quarterbacks in general. Brock Purdy though four more touchdowns against the Cardinals.”

Christian McCaffrey‘s Dominance 20:06

• Christian McCaffrey is the betting favorite for offensive player of the year. He is having an outstanding season with three hundred and seventy opportunities, twenty two hundred total yards, and twenty four touchdowns.
• McCaffrey’s performance is reminiscent of legendary seasons from running backs like Lydani and Tomlinson.

“This is one of those like you got him you’re going to win a championship. It’s got to be hard to miss out like it took Christian McCaffrey to beat champ champ champ. We got McCaffrey. I got McCaffrey in in DFS.”

Arthur Smith’s Impact 27:34

• Despite not being blindly loyal and trying to win the game, the speaker admits to hating Arthur Smith.
• There was a momentary improvement in the team’s performance, but Arthur Smith relapsed, causing issues.

“Yeah you’re not just like blindly loyal. Yeah. Just try to win the game. I hate Arthur Smith.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire‘s Performance 27:59

• Clyde Edwards-Helaire didn’t perform well on the ground, but he had a big catch for 64 yards and a touchdown through the air.
• Jerry McKinnon scored but then missed some time due to an unknown reason.

“Clyde did not look good on the ground again but he did have a big catch for for 64 and a touchdown through the air. Jerry McKinnon scored and then I guess missed some time.”

Raheem Mostert and James Conner 28:23

• Raheem Mostert has been exceptional, with 18 touchdowns on the ground and 2 through the air this year.
• James Conner had a great game against San Francisco’s defense, scoring a touchdown and accumulating 86 yards.
• Despite facing a tough defense next week, it would be hard to bench James Conner after his back-to-back impressive performances.

“So it’s just at least something to pay attention to. Raheem Mostert is not stoppable. Eighteen touchdowns on the ground this year two through the air. So 20 total next week is Dallas then Baltimore.” “He played under 50% of snaps, but it would be very hard to bench James Conner after back-to-back beastly performances.”

Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin‘s Performance 31:21

• Curtis Samuel had five receptions for 41 yards and two touchdowns.
• The speaker mentions that every time Jacobi was on the field, he would throw deep to McLaurin except for the touchdown pass which went to Curtis Samuel.
• McLaurin had a decent game with six receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown.

“Curtis Samuel had five for 41 and two touchdowns. So three touchdowns between them.” “McLaurin was 6 for 141 and a touchdown.”

Rising Star: Sam LaPorta 33:54

• Sam LaPorta has emerged as the number one rookie tight end in terms of fantasy points this season, surpassing even Travis Kelsey.
• In the last eight games, LaPorta has the highest points per game average among tight ends.
• The speaker warns that Kelsey got banged up in the last game, so his availability for the upcoming week should be monitored.

“Sam LaPorta is the number one tight end in terms of fantasy points among rookies this season.” “Last eight games points per game: number one is Sam LaPorta.” “Kelsey got banged up at the very end of that game. It’s worth paying attention to this week.”

Travis Kelce‘s Recent Performance 34:51

• Travis Kelsey has had a decreased scoring output, with only one touchdown in the last eight weeks.
• Kelsey is currently ranked ninth among tight ends in points per game in that span.
• Despite Kelsey’s recent struggles, the speaker advises against benching him due to his overall talent and potential for a bounce-back game.

“That’s unexpected. Travis Kelsey number nine. It’s because it’s touched just ahead of Dalton Schultz.” “Travis Kelsey has five touchdowns on the year. Yep with three weeks left.” “You don’t bench Kelsey here. He’s Travis Kelsey.”

Studs & Duds + Revenge of the Smith 36:05

• Jimmy Graham has 8 receptions in the season and 4 of them are touchdowns.

“Jimmy Graham has eight receptions on the year and four of them are touchdowns.”

• The narrator asks if there is any information on whether Jason and he agreed to a bet before the season and forgot how much money is owed.
• Moving onto the tight end position, LaPorta and N’Joku have been performing well.
• N’Joku has scored three touchdowns and is averaging nine targets per game.
• He has been a key player in Joe Flacco‘s victories.
• A comparison is made between Stefanski, the coach of Joe Flacco‘s team, and Flacco himself.

“I wonder what the percentage of his targets were that went to those two guys.” “He’s averaging nine targets a game and Joe Flacco is willing to throw the football and bring him. […] He brought him back to victory again.” “They look like their brother.” “He is one of those freak type of human beings.”

• Tucker Kraft scored as well, his final score being 57 for the Packers.

“Tucker Kraft scored as well for 57 for the Packers.”

Derek Henry’s disappointing performance 44:50

• Derek Henry had a poor performance in this game, with only 9 rushing yards on 16 carries.
• He also had 4 receptions, but only gained 1 yard.
• Ryan McDowell shared that Derek Henry is the first player in NFL history to have at least 20 touches in a game and produce less than 15 total yards from scrimmage.

“Derek Henry is the first player in NFL history to have at least 20 touches in a game and produce less than 15 total yards from scrimmage.”

Concerns about certain players for next week 46:40

• Despite some disappointing performances, there are no players on this list that you should bench for the next week.
• Trayis E.T.N. has had a stretch of bad games without touchdowns.
• E.T.N. has been ineffective on the ground and will be playing against the Buccaneers.

“There’s not one of these players that you’re not going to start… the one that I would be concerned about… is E.T.N. has had a stretch of bad games where he’s not getting touchdowns.”

Evaluating Travis Etienne‘s performance 48:07

• Travis E.T.N. is currently ranked as the number three running back.
• While he may not have been efficient, he has scored many touchdowns and has been impressive.
• However, in recent weeks, he hasn’t been scoring as frequently, which has been a problem.

“I think Travis E.T.N. is an excellent player… It’s just when he’s not scoring lately it’s been a problem.”

Travis E.T.N.’s performance since the bye week 49:03

• Since the bye week, Travis E.T.N. has dropped to the running back 18.
• He has averaged 42 rushing yards per game in the last six weeks, with some tough matchups.
• The team’s performance has also affected E.T.N.’s numbers as they have lost four out of six games.

“Since their bye week… he’s been the running back 18… they’ve lost four of six. So, yeah, that’s fair.”

Evaluating other wide receivers 51:51

• Despite the struggles of the team, Stefan Diggs is still the primary receiver with an impressive market share.
• Even though the team shifted towards running the ball in the game, Diggs caught four out of the seven passes completed by Josh Allen.
• There might be some matchups where benching Diggs is an option, but not against the Chargers.

“Diggs is still the guy… Diggs looked great to start that game.”

Lack of passing opportunities for Stefan Diggs 52:15

• Josh Allen completed only seven passes in the game, which limited the passing opportunities for Stefan Diggs.
• Despite this, Diggs still caught four of those passes, showing his importance as a receiver.

“Josh Allen completed seven passes. Stefan Diggs caught four of them.”

Stefon Diggs and James Cook‘s performance 53:26

• Cook has been the top running back for four weeks, possibly at the expense of Diggs.
• If the Vikings are able to run the ball effectively, Diggs may see a decrease in performance.

“He’s been the best running back for four weeks at the expense of Diggs for four weeks.”

Chargers’ defense weakness 53:49

• The Chargers have a weak secondary, which could benefit the Vikings’ passing game.

“They’re not great against the run, whereas the Chargers their secondary is terrible.”

Disappointing performances 54:01

• DJ Moore had a down game with inexplicable drops.
• Brandon Iyuk missed out on touchdowns.
• B. John Robinson scored negatively in DraftKings.

“D.J. Moore down game against Cleveland Hopkins nine targets inexplicable drops.” “Honestly. Pretty missed him on. Pretty just missed him on a couple of touchdowns. Did.” “What did B. John score officially in Draft Kings negative 100.”

Unusual behavior on field 54:55

• Players like DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs have been seen urging the referees to hurry up with the snap after a catch.

“Did you see that forty two yard or where he he got up and he’s in the middle of the field and the first thing he does is and if you’re watching on YouTube he does the reception.” “I know I didn’t catch up. We’re going to need to get this snap off quick. I still think teams don’t know how to get up and snap the ball fast enough.”

Referees’ decision making 58:32

• Terry McCuller’s call of a touchdown was disputed due to lack of clear evidence.
• Commentators find it unnecessary for referees to make definitive calls on air before the official ruling.

“He was so dumb and he was so emphatic he’s like it’s clear and obvious I’m like it is the definition of not clear.” “For the sake of those guys just have the call happen and then they get on afterwards and be like this is probably what the ref saw and you can ask do you agree with it or do you not agree with it.”

Disappointing performances of Lamar Jackson and Davante Adams 01:00:18

• Lamar Jackson had a subpar game, impacting Marquise Brown‘s performance.
• Adams and Flowers struggled due to poor weather conditions.

“This was the touchdown. I mean he was so dumb and he was so emphatic he’s like it’s clear and obvious I’m like it is the definition of not clear.” “There’s at least sitting at QB nine on the week.”

Taysum Hill’s underperformance 01:01:28

• Taysum Hill was returning from an injury but failed to meet the expectations.
• Despite the hope for a higher floor due to Alvin Kamara‘s absence, Hill did not perform well.

“Taysum Hill was coming off of an injury, but you kind of hoped for more.” 01:01:28

Mason Rudolph taking over 01:01:50

• Mason Rudolph is set to replace Hill in the upcoming game against the Bengals.
• The suggestion is made to pick up the Bengals defense.

“Get ready for what you want. Mason Rudolph taking over.” 01:01:50

The disappointment in the Steelers’ offense 01:02:28

• The Steelers’ offense has been underwhelming regardless of the starting quarterback.
• The overall offense is insipid and lacks quality.

“This is that full-on jet situation. It’s like it doesn’t matter who the starter is. Your offense sucks.” 01:02:28

Mike Tomlin’s history of defending players 01:02:48

• Mike Tomlin has a history of defending underperforming players.
• Antonio Brown, George Pickens, and Chase Claypool are among the players Tomlin has defended.

“He defended Brown for so long and he defended Pickens and he defended Claypool and he defended the auntie.” 01:03:06

Conclusion and closing remarks 01:03:21

• The waiver show will be back tomorrow.
• The hosts wish luck to the listeners for their games.
• The episode concludes with a farewell and appreciation to the listeners.

“Back with waiver show tomorrow… Goodbye. Thank you for listening to another episode of the fantasy footballers podcast.” 01:03:21