A Podcast To Be Named Later: Week #3 Fantasy Football Review

A Podcast To Be Named Later         

   Week #3 Fantasy Review

Host: Chris Mitchell @CJMitch73

Guest: NYPost.com Fantasy Football Writer Drew Loftis @NYPost_Loftis

If you would like to participate in our weekly content on the Podcast you can join the Facebook group ”A Podcast To Be Named Later,” dedicated specifically to this Podcast. During the week, we answer your Waiver Wire and trade questions as well as discuss Fantasy relevant topics of the moment and on the Podcast on Friday, we answer your Start/Sit Fantasy questions live on the program. 

To Listen to the Podcast Click/Copy-Paste this Link:

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** NOTE **

There were some technical difficulties at the beginning of the show. The Fantasy content you want to hear begins at the 8:55 mark, unless you like hearing a clicking sound and dead air. If that’s your jam, by all means, listen from the jump and enjoy. If you want to hear the topics of the moment and our game-by-game breakdown ONLY, join in at 8:55 and get some.

This weekly Podcast provides a Game-by-Game breakdown of all of the player matchups from every game on the NFL slate. The good and bad matchups, the players to like, love and dismiss along with some league wide news that could have Fantasy implications in the short-run as well as over the long term. It airs live Friday’s at 12pm EST with Host Chris Mitchell @CJMitch73 and The New York Post’s Fantasy Football writer Drew Loftis @NYPost_Loftis

Week #3 Program Rundown

Early Season Breakouts, Potential Busts & Surprises

Early Season Breakouts

* Austin Ekeler – RB San Diego Chargers

2 Games – 29 Rushing Attempts – 12 Receptions – 4 TDs – 287 Total Yards from Scrimmage

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Likes the skill set and explosive potential, doesn’t foresee legitimate RB2 or better production over the long haul with a significant workload due to his slight stature.

@CJMitch73 Take

Ekeler is too small to shoulder a full-time RB1/RB2 workload and.when Gordon returns, Ekeler becomes a change of pace back, not a dual-touch committee member. The Chargers will have to limit his touches while Gordon is out – Justin Jackson benefits in the short term – and will choose to when he returns. Ride the hot wave, but don’t expect it to be there weeks 8/10-15.

* Chris Carson – RB Seattle Seahawks

2 Games – 30 Rushing Attempts – 9 Receptions – 2 TDs – 167 Total Yards from Scrimmage

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Likes the early workload and Seattle’s run game often improves as the season goes along.”

@CJMitch73 Take

“ Carson owners can take comfort in knowing that he has the lead in that backfield by more than a nose, but there are competent alternatives for touches on the roster (Rashaad Penny as a workhorse and CJ Prosise as a change-of-pace back) if Carson doesn’t continue to produce. He will have to continue to earn the majority of the workload, making him a comfortable option now with some risk going forward. Nothing will be gifted to Carson this year.”

* Marlon Mack – RB Indianapolis Colts

2 Games – 45 Rushing Attempts – 225 Rushing Yards – 1 TD

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Likes him, has concerns about injury history.”

@CJMitch73 Take

An incredibly large workload is encouraging while a lack of targets (3) in the passing game is discouraging. With Luck gone I was selling everything Colts, but early on, both TY Hilton and Mack have been surprisingly productive. Going forward, Mack won’t be able to handle THIS many rushing attempts and if he doesn’t become a part of the passing game then the yards and a potential lack of red zone opportunities has me telling Fantasy owners “Don’t Be Fantasy Fooled.” I am selling Mack if there are buyers. Early season surprise – Mirage. 

* D.J. Chark Jr.

3 Games – 18 Targets – 15 Receptions – 277 Yards – 3 TDs

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Likes DeDe Westbrook a little bit, not a bad group of wideouts, not overly high on Chark. Good start, but don’t see it continuing.”

@CJMitch73 Take

I was high on Chark when he was underappreciated and the cost to acquire him was low – as a free agent – and in DFS, where he led to me cashing in Week #1. I don’t like the limited targets and the reliance on TD’s, but that could mean that he is a big-play target for Minshew and that is a plus, not a knock, if it turns out to be consistent. He is a WR3 with a chance to be a low-end WR2 IF his production continues the next few weeks. He has earned a roster spot even if he struggles in Week #4 or five and that makes him an early season diamond in the rough and in DFS he should continue to be a discounted option in tournament formats.

* John Ross III – WR Cincinnati Bengals

2 Games – 20 Targets – 11 receptions – 279 Yards – 3 TDs

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Good target share early and with AJ Green injury issue possibly extending into as late as Week #10 the opportunities could be there for the foreseeable future.”

@CJMitch73 Take

I don’t like to invest and rely on hit-or-miss big-play guys like Ross, John Brown and DeSean Jackson, but I do like rostering them when the cost is minimal because then I can chase the upside without having to rely on a player with an inconsistent profile. Right now Ross is paying off in spades, but the back-to-back 2 reception, 37 yard and no-score games is coming. Going forward, in deeper leagues, that’s fine, but in shallower formats I am selling Ross if I can or willingly open to offers. Enjoy it now though, because the targets and the opportunities are producing.

* Terry Mclaurin – WR Washington Redskins

2 Games – 16 Targets – 187 Yards – 2 TDs

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Back-end bench guy.”

@CJmitch73 Take

“Rookies are inconsistent and the Redskins, led by Case Keenum, don’t inspire long-term confidence. Nice early season story, but “Don’t B Fantasy FOOled.”

* Marquis Brown – WR Baltimore Ravens

2 Games – 18 Targets – 233 Yards – 2 TDs

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“ Good target share so far.” 

@CJMitch73 Take

“I don’t like rookies, as I expressed above, and I don’t trust Lamar Jackson’s throwing ability, in spite of his hot start against two of the worst teams of the last decade in the NFL. Lamar Jackson is an extremely valuable Fantasy QB because of his legs, but he is a WELL below average passer who has managed to succeed early due to extremely friendly matchups. Bad for Brown going forward.”

Early Season Surprises & Analysis

• Larry Fitgerald – WR Arizona Cardinals 

2 Games – 24 Targets – 33.50 FNTSY Pts

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Buying Fitgerald. Selling the Arizona offense. Kyler Murray will continue to feed Larry Fitz while his hot start cools and the struggles arise, which they always do with rookies.”

@CJMItch73 Take:

I agree with Drew here. Fitzgerald is as solid a target, even at his advanced age, as you get and the rookie QB will need a crutch. I even like some of the weapons on this roster and with a more reliable quarterback I would be buying a whole more shares of Cardinals than I currently own, but Murray is going to be a wet towel on what could be a legitimately hot offensive unit.

• DJ Moore – WR Carolina Panthers 

2 Games – 24 Targets – 16 Receptions – 165 Yards – 0 TDs

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Talented player with an opportunity to be Fantasy-relevant if the Panthers can get legitimate QB play to feed him.”

@CJMitch73 Take

“Another name with talent and a lack of production in his history. I don’t trust Cam Newton to make a WR relevant because he lacks everything a good passer needs, reading defenses, accuracy and overall intangible play-making ability. His talent justifies monitoring him while his history or lack thereof doesn’t justify a roster spot over other players with similar potential and better circumstances. 

Potential Busts

            * Joe Mixon (Potential Buy-low, always injured, hasn’t produced)

* Jameis Winston (Too inconsistent)

* Cam Newton (due to injury)

* OJ Howard (Scheme and Winston at QB minimizes his potential in spite of all the talent

Buy or Sell Early Season Add/Drops

• Drew Brees – QB New Orleans Saints

@CJMitch73 and @NYPost_loftis Matching Take

“In shallower leagues, for owners that don’t have an obvious place to stash Brees, it’s understandable to claim another viable QB while Brees is out and after he returns in case he struggles to throw the same as he did prior to the injury. It is a thumb, he has to grip the ball and we don’t know if his velocity will be there when he returns. Brees doesn’t run and if his throwing is hampered, it’s easy to see how he isn’t a top 10 quarterback after he returns. QB is a deep position and while Brees is “A Name,” there are a lot of viable NFL quarterbacks that won’t clog your roster. Justifies releasing him in situations where roster spots are scarce.”

Game-By-Game Fantasy Review

Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“The Bills aren’t loaded with relevant Fantasy contributors, but John Brown is one of them. The Bengals are a friendly matchup and Brown has been viable in most matchups early on.”

@CJMitch73 Take

I like Josh Allen’s cannon and his ability to be Fantasy relevant with his legs, but the poor decision making and weak wide receiving core doesn’t excite me outside of deeper leagues where I am intrigued by John Brown’s big play ability and Allen’s rapport with Zay Jones. With Devin Singletary out, that’s one less relevant option in a matchup I would love to take advantage of. Avoid the Bill’s except in the deepest of leagues. Start Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon, even against the Bill’s formidable defense, but bench John Ross because of the matchup and his lack of a reliable, consistent history unless the alternatives are weak.

Miami Dolphins @ Dallas Cowboys

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Throw the kitchen sink at this one and that means Tony Pollard is an intriguing sleeper, especially in DFS, this week.”

@CJMitch73 Take

Bench all Dolphins and love on all the Cowboys you can find in yearly formats. Agree with Mr. Loftis here. Zeke will cost PLENTY, but in Head-to-Head DFS formats he warrants the price tag and with the exception of the potential risk that Elliott could lose touches in a blowout, he should justify the investment in tournament play as well. In DFS you need a strong foundation of stud performances to finish in the big money and Elliott should provide that. 

Denver Broncos @ Green Bay Packers

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Flacco is awful but he is encouraged by Emmanuel Sanders. For Green Bay, Rodgers has the reputation but outside of Davonta Adams, he has never developed a secondary receiver that Fantasy owners can rely on. 

@CJMitch73 Take

I agree with Loftis when it comes to the GB receivers. I took fliers on Valdes-Scantling in draft season and he is already an early-season release for me. Rodgers is one of the most overrated great players of our generation and outside of him locking into one go-to guy, he has wasted a lot of potential in his secondary wide receiving options and that’s not changing in 2019. There is talent for owners that want to take a flier, but don’t feel confident about them and against a formidable Broncos defense, it isn’t a spot where players benefit from the matchup. To the contrary.  

Atlanta Falcons @ Indianapolis Colts

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“ Matt Ryan is a better indoor QB and this week he gets that in INDY, but the Colts D is better than they are given credit for. They struggle against the run, which could hurt Ryan slightly. D Freeman benefits from the matchup, but he has something to prove going forward. This could be the game he earns some credibility. Tight End is weak and Austin Hooper is an interesting play.”

@CJMitch73 Take

Agree that Hooper is an intriguing “value” this week, especially in DFS, and that the Colts aren’t an overly good or bad matchup that should be either avoided or exploited. Fantasy neutral. The Colts have been better than I expected and the Falcon’s D doesn’t change the fact that TY Hilton and Marlon Mack are must-starts. 

Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“The matchup doesn’t change his views on Start/Sit. Ravens D is good but not suffocating while the Chiefs D is weak, the Ravens don’t have the second and third tier players to justify Starting players that normally would be Sits. 

@CJMitch73 Take

The starters, Marquise Brown/Lamar Jackson/Mark Andrews/Mark Ingram will be better because of the matchup this week, but the rest of the potential weapons won’t be enhanced enough to make them starts when I would normally have them as sits. DFS will adjust their prices to reflect the favorable matchup so “value” is unlikely to be found here. If anything, the Ravens could be overpriced because of a perceived blowout in the making. If you didn’t already know that Mark Andrews is a Must-Start tight end then let me enlighten you – MARK ANDREWS IS A MUST-START TIGHT END and this week he has a chance to be even better than normal. 

Oakland Raiders @ Minnesota Vikings

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Josh Jacobs is a must-start due to his early season workload while Tyrell Williams – if healthy – has shown to be a viable option, at least as a Flex, but with a difficult matchup he is a Sit for owners with legitimate alternatives.”

@CJMitch73 Take

I am glad I don’t have to watch this game. I am WAY down on Derek Carr and therefore all of his weapons in the passing game with the exception of tight end Darren Waller, who is a viable option because the position is so putrid on the whole. Jacobs, due to volume and the lack of viable running backs Fantasy wide is a start. I am also down on Kirk Cousins, but you can’t sit any of his weapons in yearly leagues. I LOVE Dalvin Cook, even at a lofty price in DFS, but I am avoiding Thielen and Diggs in DFS because of Cousins. The matchup justifies shares in them, but I expect the price tag to be elevated and with Cousins struggles, owners can find better values elsewhere. 

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Le’Veon Bell is too talented to sit, but the matchup is a bad one. Robby Anderson is intriguing because Falk has targeted him in limited action so far and if you want to be a contrarian and punt, Anderson could be a bargain basement flier in DFS. But, in yearly leagues, the matchup justifies a Sit. 

@CJMitch73 Take

We recorded the podcast BEFORE Antonio Brown was released. Our take at the time was that Josh Gordon would lose in the targets department because of AB and that he would have to fight for touches and be extremely efficient with the ones he received to reward owners this week. Now, with the AB release on the books, Gordon (and to a lesser degree Phillip Dorsett) has a chance to be the big winner in an extremely friendly spot for the Patriots offense. The Patriots defense is money and will not only be a Must-Start and a DFS Must-Buy option, but the offense will benefit from the defenses dominance in this one. The Patriots have never been good covering pass-catching RB’s so don’t be surprised if L Bell has a respectable day catching the ball, but don’t expect a big day or many red zone opportunities. This Patriots defense is for real and this Jets offense is really not.

Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles

@NYPost_Loftis Take

Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola are tough Start/Sit decisions this week. Amendola has been surprisingly good with the volume to show it, but the Eagles are a tough matchup and the Lions struggle outside of domes and on the road. Nelson Agholor has to be considered because Carson Wentz has to throw to someone and he has some big-play ability, as inconsistent as it has been in his career. For owners REALLY reaching, Darren Sproles is a flier play.

@CJMitch73 Take

I like Drew’s Sproles flier idea, in DFS tournaments especially,where punting can provide interesting opportunities to spend elsewhere. I don’t love Miles Sanders or any of the Eagles wideouts even though the matchup is friendly enough to want shares. This is a lost opportunity. The Lions should be targeted but the Eagles don’t have the targets to exploit it. I feel sorry for Philly and Lions fans who are stuck watching this one. It could be a snoozer while the Ravens and the Chiefs light it up in other markets.

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“The Cardinals have a lot of talented offensive options and Kyler Murray has shown that in friendly circumstances with these weapons, he can put up some points. The Panthers have struggled and this could be a good day to target Cardinals across the board. 

@CJMitch73 Take

Like Drew, I like the weapons the Cardinals throw out there and while I am not recommending owners start or pay for Kyler Murray, I am on board with David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald and if the price is right in DFS, Christian Kirk. DJ Moore has shown some flashes and in this matchup, he is a viable option depending on the alternatives but with a backup QB, that’s a risky play. Cam Newton was not yet ruled out when we recorded the show so it wasn’t the kind of focus it may have been if we knew that at the time. The Cardinals are a matchup to target but the Panthers aren’t a group of options to exploit it.

New York Giants @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“This is Jameis Winston’s last chance to prove it or lose it. Get it done or get gone. Benched. The Giants are a friendly circumstance to save his Fantasy life. His struggles downgrades Mike Evans, but Chris Godwin and Mike Evans remain must-start plays. 

@CJMitch73 Take

I cashed in Week #1 in spite of Winston’s poor play, but he lost me then and hasn’t brought me back in the fold since. I don’t own any shares of any Bucs and that hasn’t changed. I won’t be paying in DFS and I won’t be “buying low” in yearly leagues. I am intrigued by Daniel Jones’ pre-season but there are a lot of potential explanations for why he looked good but isn’t actually going to be now. Barkley is a beast and will continue to be while Evan Engram is a must-start TE whose price could be right in a friendly matchup this week for DFS owners. The matchup doesn’t justify starting Sterling Shepard but with a new QB, it’s a situation to watch. Someone has to emerge as Jones’ go-to guy and Shepard has the potential to be that guy. It’s one of the few reasons to check in on this one. 

Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Chargers

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are must starts but Williams hasn’t performed and his Must-Start status could burn you this week. A situation to watch.”

@CJMitch73 Take

As discussed at the top of the Podcast, I am selling Austin Ekeler if a serious taker emerges and while he is a must-start play, I don’t love the long-term prognosis. I am reluctant to start Mike Williams because I haven’t liked how the Chargers have looked early on and Keenas Allen is the clear go-to guy there.  Will Fuller sits for me until he goes on a scoring rampage three weeks in a row, so he sits this week and next at least.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ San Francisco 49ers

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Difficult to feel good about the Steelers after their early season struggles and now they have a backup QB and an injured RB. Rudolph showed some level of competence and the Steelers do have the weapons. If the price is right, the Steelers have some contrarian options to go with. Breida has been epxlosive at times but there are a lot of options at RB on this team and not a lot of consistency at WR”

@CJMitch73 Take

If you are stuck starting one of the replacement level QB’s Rudolph is probably the best of a Motley bunch, if that makes owners feel any better. Like Drew, the Steelers have weapons and the 49ers aren’t a matchup that scares you. Deebo Samuels has been more of a target than I would have expected and if you have to start a 49er WR, he is probably the safest play after two weeks, but that is likely to change as the sample-size grows. Marquise Goodwin is the guy to own going forward in my view, but until the touches and targets grow and the true focus of this offense emerges, Samuels is the better Fantasy play. 

New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“Lockett has been a one-trick pony in his career, but he does like DK Metcalf’s play so far. Carson is the man, but Penny flashed some potential as well. Could muddy the waters going forward.

@CJMitch73 Take

Russell Wilson is a must-start and I expect the Seahawks defense to be a matchup to avoid as the seasonu unfolds, but for now the Saints have an opportunity to be decent against a defense that isn’t smothering yet in spite of the addition of Jadeveon Clowny. I am in agreement on Metcalf, he must be owned and depending on the alternatives, this is a matchup to target if you can.

Los Angeles Rams @ Cleveland Browns

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“A lot of points, Start the typical starters.”

@CJMitch73 Take

 Not a lot of secondary, sleeper options to look at here. QB has never been easier to play and Goff and Mayfield are examples so far. A ton of big-time, big-play weapons in this one and with Aaron Donals hurt, this game could look more like basketball than football by the time it’s over. Owners in DFS want share of at least one or two of the big names here. I lean Woods or Cooks because they should be more affordable than Beckham. 

Chicago Bears @ Washington Redskins

@NYPost_Loftis Take

“The Bears D is a bad matchup for any roster while the Redskins O doesn’t have the talent of the weapons to overcome that disadvantage.”

@CJMitch73 Take

Case Keenum has been better than expected as has rookie Terry Mclaurin so far, but this is a matchup to run from if you own mediocre players. Even a contrarian stack doesn’t work here because while nobody in any tournament format will have these players, if they suck they suck. Being the only player to play certain players can be a good tournament strategy, but starting crappy players is a recipe for losing and that’s what we are looking at here. I wish there was a sleeper or a diamond in the rough in this one, but there isn’t. Don’t get too clever by half and run Mitch Trubisky out there either. The Redskins have played just well enough to make this an ugly, low scoring affair and the Bears lack the explosive Fantasy options to shine in what looks to be  another gloomy Monday Night ESPN stinker.

There is your Week #3 Game-By-Game Written Review. Below is the Link to the Podcast where we discussed all of these games and topics. I hope you will join both myself, Chris Mitchell @CJMitch73 and the New York Posts Fantasy Football Writer Drew Loftis @NYPost_Loftis Friday’s in the weeks to come as we breakdown the relevant Fantasy facts and the entire NFL slate.

If you would like to participate in our weekly content on the Podcast you can join the Facebook group ”A Podcast To Be Named Later,” dedicated specifically to this Podcast. During the week, we answer your Waiver Wire and trade questions as well as discuss Fantasy relevant topics of the moment and on the Podcast on Friday, we answer your Start/Sit Fantasy questions live on the program. 

To Listen to the Podcast Click/Copy-Paste this Link:

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bosconation/2019/09/20/the-ptbnl-weekly-fantasy-review-w-cjmitch73

If you would like to become a member of Bosco Nation Click this link and join the fun

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bosconation

Chris Mitchell

Twitter @CJMitch73

2016 FSWA Award Winner “Best Comedy Article”

2017 FSWA “Best Comedy Article” Nominee

2017 FSWA “Best Fantasy Podcast” Nominee

Host of Podcasts:

“A Podcast To Be Named Later”

“The RotoExperts Fantasy Sports Show”

“The Prospects Podcast”

Previous Contributor:

Staff Writer Fantrax.com

Staff Writer RotoExperts.com

BaseballAmerica.com

MinorleagueBall.com

Fantasydraft.com

FSWA Member