This week on The Undrafted, Scott brings on Mike Reedy (@MikeReedyFF). The guys talk Championship Week 16 matchups as well as Money Makers & Heartbreakers for the week. Also discussed are thoughts on Jalen Hurts and Carson Wentz moving forward, CEH and JT reactions moving forward, and potential NFL playoff matchups. There is also talk of some offseason shows to expect on The Undrafted as we move forward. Tune in, or be tuned out.
The Stream Option (Fantasy Football 2020 – Week 16)
The Stream Option is a weekly article where The Undroppables explore the best options at Quarterback, Defense, and Tight End that should be available in most leagues.
*Note: ESPN rostership rates were gathered on 12/22/2020 and are subject to change.
Quarterbacks
Jalen Hurts – PHI @ DAL
After taking over for the struggling Carson Wentz, Hurts has looked the part of a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. He has scored a combined 57.1 fantasy points over his two starts and provides a solid rushing floor for fantasy managers. In Week 16, Hurts will face a struggling Cowboys defense that is currently allowing the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing QBs. Hurts is only rostered in 46.7% of ESPN leagues and was the QB1 for fantasy last week.
Baker Mayfield – CLE @ NYJ
Mayfield has scored 80.46 fantasy points over the past three weeks while playing some of the best football of his career. Mayfield and the Browns face the hapless Jets in Week 16, and while the Jets are one of the worst pass defenses in the league, this might be more of a hindrance to Baker’s fantasy production than it helps him. There is a possible game-script where Chubb and Hunt completely take over the Browns offense this week, but if Darnold and the Jets’ offense play like they did last week, then Mayfield should be fine. I think this is the most likely outcome and Baker will see at least 20 fantasy points next week. If you’re interested, Mayfield is available in 64.9% of ESPN leagues.
Tight Ends
**George Kittle is “pushing to play” the final two games of the season. Some managers may have dropped him when it looked like he wouldn’t play this year, resulting in Kittle being available in almost a quarter of ESPN leagues. If he plays and is available in your league, he is likely the best pickup available at the TE position.
Logan Thomas – WAS vs SEA
I’m going to keep putting Logan Thomas in this article until his rostership is above 70%. He is currently a top-5 TE and is averaging almost 18 points per game over the last four weeks. Thomas is easily one of Alex Smith’s top targets, and he even produced huge numbers with Dwayne Haskins playing last week. I would expect the same amount of looks from Taylor Heinicke if he gets the start as well. Logan Thomas is still available in a ridiculous 30.6% of ESPN leagues.
Jordan Akins – HOU vs CIN
Akins seemed to be building a strong rapport with Deshaun Watson at the beginning of the season, but suffered a concussion in Week 4 against the Vikings. Now, Akins seems to be fully healthy once again on a Texans team that desperately needs pass-catching help. With Fuller suspended, Stills off the team, and Cooks suffering from some injury concerns, Akins can see a large number of targets in this offense. Just last week, Akins caught 5 passes on 6 targets. Expect Akins to continue to get that kind of volume and be able to produce a solid amount of fantasy points for a TE that is available in 95% of ESPN leagues.
Defenses
Arizona Cardinals D/ST – ARI vs SF
While the Cardinals’ defense was very poor for most of last season, they’ve become an above-average unit in 2020 as they consistently perform well against bad offenses and play well enough to keep the team in games against better teams. This week, the Cardinals get an opportunity to play one of those bad offenses in the San Francisco 49ers. While the 49ers should have a good offense, they have been riddled with injuries this year, losing star TE George Kittle and starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Currently, the 49ers give up the 6th most points to opposing fantasy defenses. Arizona is available for pickup in just over 60% of ESPN leagues.
Buffalo Bills D/ST – BUF @ NE
While this is an inter-division matchup and anything could happen, the Patriots have struggled offensively for most of 2020, while the Bills defense has come to play, especially over the past two weeks where they locked up the Steelers and the Broncos. The Patriots currently allow the 11th most points to opposing fantasy defenses. Overall, this looks like a strong matchup for a talented defense that is playing well. Buffalo is currently available in 31.6% of ESPN leagues.
For more options for additions to your lineup, check out Mike Reedy’s Waiver Wire article for Week 16, and feel free to reach out to me with questions on Twitter, @KL_Fantasy.
UNtangling the Waiver Wire (Fantasy Football 2020 – Week 16)
If you are reading this, you are definitely either in the finals, some money round, or you must really like me. Whichever it is, I find that a good thing. I mean, I am fairly likeable.
This week, I am going to place these waiver wire picks in the exact order I would add them for each position as well. I don’t always do that. If you have FAAB left, just use it all, and get your guys. Also, if you do not need a running back, but you know because of injuries your opponent does, add in the order provided as long as you are not giving up someone you may need or is a keeper. People often underestimate the benefit of a nice block.
NOTE: If you are new around here, this column refers to players rostered in under 50% of Yahoo, ESPN, and Sleeper Leagues.
Quarterbacks
Jalen Hurts – Hurts had 338 yards and 3 touchdowns passing, plus 63 yards and a touchdown rushing, in Week 15. I had him here last week. If you are streaming QB, he is playing the Cowboys in Week 16. 40% rostered on Yahoo, 46% rostered on ESPN, and 11% rostered on Sleeper.
I'm about to beat a team that had Adams, Henry, Wilson, and Jefferson because of Jalen Hurts
— Frank Ammirante (@FAmmiranteTFJ) December 22, 2020
Baker Mayfield – Mayfield is playing the Jets in Week 16. He passed for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 15 against the Giants. Frankly, he’s been on a tear. 47% rostered on Yahoo, 35% rostered on ESPN, and 43% rostered on Sleeper.
Tua Tagovailoa – Tua gets to play the Raiders, a defense that gets torched weekly by the pass in Week 16. Tua also ran for 2 touchdowns against the Patriots defense in Week 15. I look at him as a viable option in Week 16. 21% rostered on Yahoo, 31% rostered on ESPN, and 48% rostered on Sleeper.
Other Quarterbacks to consider: Marcus Mariota and Mitch Trubisky
Running Backs
Tony Pollard – Ezekiel Elliott got badly needed rest in Week 15. Pollard carried the load, filling the stat sheet with 69 yards and two touchdowns rushing and 6 receptions for 63 yards receiving. If Zeke is out again, you want Pollard in your lineup. 47% rostered on Yahoo, 47% on ESPN, and 54% rostered on Sleeper.
Tony Pollard since 2019:
4th in PFF rushing grade (89.8)
1st in YAC per attempt (4.2)
1st in forced missed tackles per attempt (0.25) pic.twitter.com/s9AVkFl5mJ— PFF (@PFF) December 21, 2020
Le’Veon Bell – Bell became the primary ball carrier for the Chiefs in Week 15 due to an injury to rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire. IF CEH is out, Bell will be the Chiefs main man running the ball. If you don’t see value in that, I honestly can’t help you much. 55% rostered on Yahoo, 59% on ESPN, and 67% rostered on Sleeper.
Other running backs to consider: Leonard Fournette, Jeff Wilson, and Benny Snell.
NOTE: If available, I would make Darrell Henderson my first add at running back. He rostered in over 60% of leagues.
Wide Receivers
Russell Gage – OK people, my own research told me to play him last week and I felt I must be wrong. Beezy and Paulie told me to play him and still it just felt wrong. Guess what? Sometimes things that seem wrong are just oh so good. Averaging over 8 targets a week for three straight weeks, Gage has caught two touchdowns and thrown another. I would play him against the Chiefs Week 16. 24% rostered on Yahoo, 31% on ESPN, and 23% rostered on Sleeper.
Russell Gage..late round dynasty wr who's helping you win your ship. Pop him on your bench. Wait for the opportunity. With Julio out he's a kid I want in my lineups for the big dance as my wr 3 or flex. Double digit points in 4 out of his last 5 games. Kc next week. Shootout😉 pic.twitter.com/GFV3R6Le6C
— Beezy B 🚫 (@DaBeezyBFF) December 21, 2020
Rashard Higgins – Higgins has been in this column before. He is trusted by Mayfield, gets targets, and produces yards. The Browns play the Jets Week 16. The opportunity to play him is now. 25% rostered on Yahoo, 26% on ESPN, and 35% rostered on Sleeper.
Darnell Mooney – If you are desperate, Mooney has been getting touches. Up against the Jaguars and their bottom 10 pass defense in Week 16, Mooney could be looking at 5 catches for 50 yards and touchdown. 25% rostered on Yahoo, 41% on ESPN, and 28% rostered on Sleeper.
Other wide receivers to consider: Tim Patrick, Keke Coutee, and Mecole Hardman
Tight Ends
Nothing to see here for Week 16. If you don’t have this position figured out somewhat and made it this far, please read Kyle Larson’s Stream Options for Week 16.
Thanks for checking out our waiver wire column. For more great content from the Undroppables, follow us on Twitter, follow @MikeReedyFF for more great content, and visit back soon for Mike’s weekly Money Makers and Heart Breakers.
Unmatched | AWL Sabermetrics vs. FantasyDukes
The penultimate episode comes a day early, as FantasyDukes and AWL Sabermetrics battle it out for the 3rd and final spot in our Unmatched Ultimate Championship!
UNreel Movies | December 2020
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, folks. That means it’s time to put on your flannel pajamas, make some hot chocolate, and get cozy on couch with some Christmas movies. Here are some of our favorite picks from the team.
The Polar Express
This is one of my picks, and I’ll say right off the bat the animation does NOT hold up; I’m nots sure it was even good in 2004. However, as an adaptation of a children’s book, I think The Polar Express does a great job through various moments in the plot and musical numbers of capturing the magic of Christmas. A great family film in my opinion, and we know a lot of time during the holidays is spent with kids.
A Christmas Story
Another family classic, I’d be surprised if anyone reading this blog hasn’t seen AT LEAST 20 minutes of this movie on TBS at some point in their lives. Watching the trailer above will remind you of the main beats we all know and love, but it remains highly recommended for anyone who hasn’t seen the movie from start to finish.
Elf
In the words of our own Mike Reedy, Elf is, “Simple, funny, and my kids absolutely love it. It’s the greatest of the newer Christmas movies.” I will note Elf was also directed by Jon Favreau, now famous for helming the amazing Star Wars series The Mandalorian. This alone makes me interested in revisiting this early 2000s gem. Mike also loves the original Miracle on 34th Street.
Jingle All the Way
Per our own Tommy Mo, Jing All the Way is, “a classic tale of two dads just trying to get their kid the perfect gift for Christmas. Unfortunately, they try to do that only days before Christmas, with the most sought-after toy on the market. Watch as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad do anything it takes to be a hero on Christmas.” I couldn’t have summed it up better myself.
A couple other recommendations from the team include It’s a Wonderful Life, recommended by Kyle Larson, and Die Hard, recommended by Randal Kennedy.
For more movie and music recommendations, you can always reach out to me on Twitter, @AndrewMackens. Stay safe this holiday season, and be sure to take time to reflect and have gratitude for the positives in your life!