Fantasy football trade deadlines approaching! On today’s podcast, the best and worst team schedules for the fantasy playoffs! Find out who is worth trading for or trading away! Plus, “Hungry For More” players and a preview of Thursday Night Football. Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for November 13th, 2024.

Connect with the show:

Check out today’s sponsors:

Hungry For More presented by Uber Eats

News & Notes presented by USAA. Visit https://USAA.com/Insurance

Playoff Primer + Trade Targets & League Winners | Fantasy Football 2024 – Ep. 1676

The Road to Fantasy Football Playoffs 01:00

“The main thing right now is you’ve got to make the playoffs.”

The podcast emphasizes the importance of making the playoffs in fantasy football, stating that even a well-constructed team can fail in the playoff rounds due to unpredictable outcomes.
It highlights that playoff success depends not only on having a strong roster but also on the variables of head-to-head matchups, which can derail even the best teams.
Listeners are reminded that while regular-season performance counts, the playoffs can be markedly different, requiring strategic adjustments and careful management of team composition.

Navigating Keeper League Challenges 02:04

“We ended up with these super teams that you just feel like can’t lose on paper.”

In a keeper league scenario, where players can be kept from one season to the next, the risk of creating “super teams” exists, where an owner hoards the best players by making savvy trades.
This competitive dynamic often results in one team seemingly dominating, yet the podcast notes that these super teams do not always succeed in the playoffs, emphasizing the unpredictability of fantasy football outcomes.
Listeners are encouraged to focus on making the playoffs as a priority, gradually emphasizing that true championship potential comes from being able to adapt and make smarter roster decisions as the season progresses.

Strategic Insights for Playoff Performance 03:14

“You can’t win the championship if you don’t get to the playoffs.”

Success in fantasy football requires more than just building a top-notch team on paper; it involves planning ahead for playoff schedules and strategizing during the trade deadline.
The hosts suggest identifying players who are peaking at the right time and those with favorable playoff matchups, as these can significantly impact a team’s chances of success.
Key examples from previous seasons illustrate that seemingly underperforming players can step up dramatically during playoff weeks, stressing the importance of keeping an adaptable mindset.

Chargers’ Offensive Surge and Player Performance 10:32

“The Chargers are averaging about 262 passing yards per game from weeks 6 through 10.”

The Chargers’ offense has shown significant improvement, increasing their average passing yards from 145 yards in the first four weeks to 262 yards in the following weeks.
Key players Quinton and Makoni have been performing well, with points per game at 10.6 and 10.5, respectively. This indicates the team’s growing offensive efficiency.
Upcoming matchups are favorable for the Chargers and their wide receivers, with only one challenging matchup against the Chiefs in week 14, while games against teams like the Bengals and Falcons present great opportunities for their pass catchers.
There’s potential for deeper team impact, as one player could emerge as an intriguing flex play for the remainder of the season.

Kyler Murray‘s Inconsistent Performance 13:08

“I’m hungry for more consistency from Kyler Murray.”

Kyler Murray‘s performances this season have been erratic, oscillating between top-tier (QB1, QB4) and poor (QB30, QB25) finishes, which can be frustrating for fantasy managers.
It’s noted that his success hinges on the availability of his key offensive pieces; without players like Harrison or McBride, his performance significantly drops.
Despite these inconsistencies, Murray faces a favorable playoff schedule and has shown the ability to run, contributing positively to his overall fantasy value.
The Cardinals are currently on a bye week, and followers of the team are eagerly awaiting how Murray will perform against teams like Seattle and Minnesota in the upcoming weeks.

Fantasy Football Trade Insights 20:24

“Nico to me was an opportunity to potentially upgrade CD Lamb without a quarterback, without Dak.”

The speaker highlights a trade involving Nico Collins and CD Lamb, suggesting that while CD Lamb is usually reliable, the lack of a quarterback (Dak Prescott) raised concerns about his potential production for the remainder of the season.
The conversation emphasizes the strategic nature of fantasy football trades, depending significantly on individual player performance and overall team composition.

Player Performances and Injuries 21:21

“Now that he’s not on Jason’s team, those of you with Nico can relax.”

There is a notable focus on player injuries and performance, with CD Lamb’s shoulder injury being a potential issue for his performance moving forward.
The update about Nico Collins returning to practice adds a layer of optimism for his prospective contributions to the speaker’s fantasy team, specifically for the upcoming game on Monday.

Quarterback Changes and Their Implications 22:30

“There’s a lot of quarterback moves being made out there in the NFL.”

Recent changes in quarterback positions, such as Anthony Richardson being promoted back to starter, indicate a shift in team strategies and dynamics.
Quarterback performance directly impacts the output of skill position players, and with Richardson starting, there is uncertainty regarding the potential for success among the Colts’ receivers.

Player Recommendations and Outlooks 29:41

“Adam Thielen…sneaky guy that you could pick up off waivers and play.”

The discussion transitions to potential waiver wire pickups, with Adam Thielen being highlighted as a solid option due to his past performances and current health status.
Existing injuries among other players may create opportunities for effective adds on fantasy rosters, alluding to the ebb and flow of player utility within the fantasy landscape.

NFL Thursday Night Game Breakdown 30:30

“I’m concerned about both defenses for fantasy football.”

The Thursday night game features a matchup between the Washington team and the Philadelphia Eagles, both teams trying to secure their playoff spots. The Eagles are currently favored to win, but concerns about their defense are significant for fantasy players.
Historically, previous matchups between these teams have been high-scoring, but recent performances suggest both defenses have improved. The Eagles’ defense is performing exceptionally against all positions, ranking in the top five for fantasy points allowed.
Washington’s defense has shown improvement, particularly against quarterbacks and wide receivers in the last six weeks, adding Marshon Lattimore to their lineup could further enhance their performance.

Player Considerations for Fantasy Football 35:10

“You don’t want to put Thursday night football players in your Flex.”

Key players such as Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are expected to start, while the status of Dallas Goedert remains a concern due to limited snaps and practice participation.
Brian Robinson‘s injury situation complicates decisions significantly; his potential impact on the game raises questions about who to play. If Robinson is out, Austin Eckler may become a valuable option, but with potential re-aggravation risks from injuries, caution is advised.
Terry McLaurin is a must-start due to recent strong performances, and while two competent quarterbacks are expected to play, the performance of these teams on Thursday could be inconsistent.

Fantasy Playoff Primer 35:40

“We’re looking at the best and worst schedules for every position.”

As the fantasy playoffs approach, analyzing players’ schedules can aid in making critical lineup decisions. Notable players from previous seasons, like Joe Flacco and James Connor, are worth monitoring for their potential to improve team outcomes during playoffs.
The discussion highlights quarterbacks’ performances with a focus on players like Baker Mayfield, who is projected to have favorable matchups over the coming playoff weeks. This analysis is crucial as it emphasizes the need to balance between players with hard schedules versus those with advantageous ones.

Quarterback Performances and Matchups 39:50

“It’s wild to say this, but he looks a little bit like Stoud in the pocket last year.”

Recently, the performance of Bonck has improved as he has gained more freedom to escape the pocket, similar to Stoud’s gameplay last year.
Stoud was known for his ability to keep his eyes downfield while escaping, and Bonck shows signs of that adaptability, although he is more prone to take off and run when necessary, gaining significant yardage.
Despite the challenges ahead of the playoffs, there is a degree of optimism about Bonck’s abilities, stressing the importance of building confidence over the upcoming weeks.

Kyler Murray and Team Performance 39:55

“The Cardinals have been playing excellent at home.”

Kyler Murray is particularly impressive when playing at home, with an excellent performance record that includes a strong showing against the Bears.
The team’s overall performance at home has improved significantly compared to previous years where their performance was poor, which could have positive implications for their postseason chances.
Upcoming matchups against weak defenses provide a favorable environment for Murray to continue his successful run.

Jordan Love‘s Championship Potential 41:07

“Jordan Love is the guy I think is going to win the most championships based on schedule and health.”

Jordan Love‘s upcoming schedule, along with a healthy team, positions him to shine, especially during matchups against Seattle, New Orleans, and Minnesota.
There is a strong belief that Love could potentially throw over 10 touchdowns in the next three weeks, highlighting his capabilities and strong form.

Assessing Quarterback Schedules for Fantasy Football 41:34

“Josh Allen has a tough playoff schedule, but you’ll want to play him regardless.”

While Josh Allen faces challenging matchups ahead, his performance remains reliable, and fantasy players are encouraged to stick with him.
Jared Goff, however, is struggling and facing a difficult trio of matchups, making him less viable for fantasy success.
The conversation shifts to Joe Burrow, who is demonstrating elite performance and MVP-caliber traits, but has a challenging playoff schedule with tough defenses to face, particularly in weeks leading to the finals.

Highlighting Players with Difficult Schedules 45:21

“Some notable players like Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have tough playoff schedules.”

Other quarterbacks such as Gino Smith and Patrick Mahomes are advised against, given their unfavorable playoff schedules, suggesting players should avoid starting them.
There is a consensus that upcoming matchups matter significantly for fantasy football success, ensuring careful evaluation ahead of playoff participation.

Running Back Matchup Analysis 45:01

“Gibbs and Montgomery have favorable matchups against weaker defenses.”

The running backs Gibbs and Montgomery are entering the playoffs with a series of advantageous matchups against the 31st, 22nd, and 18th ranked rushing defenses, increasing their potential for fantasy production.
Players like James Conner also possess strong upcoming matchups and have proven to be effective despite earlier doubts.

Week 9 Running Back Discussion 48:55

“I’m not concerned about Anan. He caught all five targets, and they have time to figure things out.”

Discussions around various running backs highlight potential playoff prospects, focusing on K Hunt and other backs like Tyler, Trey Benson, and Brillian Allen, with hopes that one will emerge as a starter.
Despite a disappointing performance, Anan’s involvement in the passing game is noted as a positive sign, indicating confidence in his role and potential moving forward.

Joe Mixon’s Performance and Upcoming Matchup 49:53

“I’m not moving off Joe Mixon at all; he’s integral to that team.”

Joe Mixon‘s performance has raised concerns, particularly after a tough matchup against the top-ranked Kansas City defense. However, his established role in the offense continues to instill confidence, with expectations for him to score around 10 fantasy points.
A 25-carry game with low yardage doesn’t alarm his supporters as long as he remains a consistent part of the play calling.

Worries for Tyrone Tracy and tough matchups 50:34

“I would be scared of Tyrone Tracy with a bad schedule coming up.”

Tyrone Tracy is highlighted as a player facing a challenging schedule ahead, which raises red flags for potential owners.
The analysis stresses the impact of a tough schedule on overall performance, particularly against strong defenses where a running back might struggle.

Examination of Wide Receiver Schedules and Calvin Ridley‘s Potential 51:06

“Calvin Ridley‘s schedule is amazing—he should have a great stretch run.”

With playoff weeks approaching, emphasis is placed on the favorable matchups for wide receivers, particularly Calvin Ridley, who may soon thrive against defenses like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Jacksonville.
Ridley’s target share is impressive, and the anticipation of a productive end to the season makes him a viable candidate for fantasy success.

Christian Watson: A Potential Waiver Gem 55:20

“Players like Christian Watson are worth picking up and stashing in hopes they catch fire.”

The conversation shifts to the potential of underperforming players such as Christian Watson, emphasizing the importance of monitoring injuries and adjustments within the offense.
Such players may be valuable assets toward the end of the season if they regain form.

Impact of Injuries on Playoff Chances 58:44

“They’re not winning ball games, and they’re not going to win ball games with M. Jones rushing him back.”

The discussion highlights concerns about key player injuries affecting their team’s performance. It suggests that rushing players back from injuries can lead to unwise decisions, especially when their absence can greatly impact playoff viability.
There’s a clear indication that despite the player’s determination, the team’s chances of winning games are compromised when they are not at full strength.

Evaluating Player Trade Decisions 59:31

“You don’t bench those guys… do you look to move any of those guys?”

The conversation shifts to the performance of top players like Jamar Chase and T. Higgins. Despite their struggles, there’s an emphasis on not benching these star players as they can still produce points.
A potential strategy discussed involves considering trades, like moving Chase for another player while receiving added value. There’s an acknowledgment of the trade-off between maintaining star players or searching for better matchups.

Analyzing Tight End Matchups and Schedules 01:01:20

“The schedule is great… he’s been great; the schedule is great.”

Tight ends are discussed with a focus on their favorable matchups as the season progresses. For instance, the discussion mentions how tight ends like T.J. Hockenson and Trey McBride have advantageous schedules coming up that could lead to improved statistical outcomes.
The speaker points out that while some tight ends, particularly from weaker defenses, have the potential for bigger games, consistency remains vital throughout the playoffs.

Defensive Schedules and Their Importance in Fantasy 01:05:41

“Those are kind of the best of the best.”

The significance of assessing defensive schedules as the season shifts to playoffs is emphasized. The mention of certain defenses, including the Colts and Packers, reflects on their upcoming matches and perceived strengths.
This analysis serves as guidance for fantasy players when making roster decisions, particularly which defenses to trust leading into critical weeks.

Championship Week Defense Matchups 01:07:52

“You don’t want to play a bad defense, but you might accidentally play a good defense in a really bad matchup.”

The discussion focuses on key matchups for Championship Week, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right defenses. The speaker analyzes various teams, including the Dolphins, Saints, Jaguars, Colts, and Chargers, highlighting their performance against high-level offenses or questionable matchups.
Specifically, the Dolphins are noted for facing a top team, while the Saints, Jaguars, and Colts have been recognized for their struggling defenses, suggesting they may not be advisable choices this week.
The Chargers, however, are seen as a potential pick-up since they will be playing against the New England Patriots, offering a more favorable opportunity.
Importantly, the speaker warns about the pitfalls of starting defenses like the Lions or Bills, who are playing each other in Week One of the playoffs, which could be risky.

Recommended Resources for Fantasy Players 01:09:41

“We let you break it down by playoff weeks, the last five, whatever sample size you want.”

A resource recommendation follows for fantasy players looking to navigate the playoffs with better insights. The fantasy football community is encouraged to visit the website at jointhefoot.com for an article that highlights player performance data and provides tools for analyzing strength of schedule.
The tools available include breaking down matchups by playoff weeks, analyzing recent performances, and evaluating defenses based on adjusted fantasy points against.
Additionally, these resources are also available through the Fantasy Footballers app, which can be accessed on both iOS and Android devices.

from Fantasy Footballers Podcast https://ift.tt/45Ll3xT

Playoff Primer + Trade Targets & League Winners