Starts of the Week + Week 12 Breakdown, It’s Football Time! - Fantasy Football Podcast for 11/21
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Key Insights
Why is Devontae Smith a risky start of the week?
Devontae Smith has a hamstring injury and did not practice on Wednesday, making his availability uncertain for Sunday night's game against the Rams.
Why is Jawan Jennings a strong start of the week at wide receiver?
Jawan Jennings is the WR1 for the 49ers, averaging 12 targets per game when fully starting, with impressive behind-the-scenes metrics like 27% of routes targeted and 2.84 yards per route run, similar to top receivers like Nico Collins, AJ Brown, and Justin Jefferson.
Why is Devon Achane a good start of the week at running back?
Devon Achane averages over 20 fantasy points per game with Tua Tagovailoa as his QB, benefiting from the Dolphins' quick-release offense that minimizes deep passes, making Achane a perfect target for short, high-volume plays against a struggling New England run defense.
Why is Brian Robinson Jr. a strong start of the week at running back?
Brian Robinson Jr. is a goal-line threat with seven touchdowns inside the 10-yard line, tied with Joe Mixon for fifth most. He faces the Cowboys, who have the worst run defense, ranking 32nd in expected points versus the run and 31st in rushing yards allowed per game.
Why is C.J. Stroud a good start of the week at quarterback?
C.J. Stroud benefits from the return of Nico Collins, which significantly improves the passing game. He faces the Titans, who are allowing a high number of points per game, and Stroud performs well at home with over 300 yards and a 5% touchdown rate.
Why is Bo Nix a good start of the week at quarterback?
Bo Nix has been a top 12 quarterback in five of his last seven games, including a strong performance against the Raiders in Week 5. The Raiders have a weak secondary, ranking 28th in scheduled fantasy points to quarterbacks and 30th in expected points added per pass attempt.
Why is Hunter Henry a good start of the week at tight end?
Hunter Henry leads all tight ends in routes run and has a 21% target share in the Patriots' offense. He faces the Dolphins, who are 29th against tight ends, allowing high production to the position, as evidenced by Brock Bowers' performance against them last week.
Why is Luke Schoonmaker a good start of the week at tight end?
Luke Schoonmaker saw 10 targets in relief of Tyler Ferguson, leading the team with a 34% target rate on routes. He faces the Commanders, who are 24th in scheduled fantasy points allowed to tight ends since Week 6, making Schoonmaker a solid waiver wire pickup.
Why might the Minnesota Vikings be an upset pick against the Chicago Bears?
The Vikings have been unbeaten but not always smooth, while the Bears were competitive against the Packers and have a new offensive coordinator. The low over-under of 39 points suggests a close, defensive battle, making an upset plausible.
Why is Anthony Richardson a risky start against the Detroit Lions?
Anthony Richardson struggles against man coverage, which the Lions predominantly use. Detroit's secondary is strong, and Richardson's completion percentage against man coverage is the worst in the NFL, making it a tough matchup for him.
Why is Baker Mayfield a good start of the week at quarterback?
Baker Mayfield is the fifth-ranked quarterback this season and has been performing well, especially with Mike Evans back. The Giants have a weak secondary, and Mayfield needs a must-win game, increasing his potential for a strong performance.
Why is Malik Neighbors a good start of the week at wide receiver?
Malik Neighbors benefits from the Giants' new quarterback, Tommy DeVito, and the Buccaneers' weak secondary, which has been a major issue in their recent losses. Neighbors could exploit this matchup for a strong performance.
Why is Brian Robinson Jr. a good start of the week against the Dallas Cowboys?
Brian Robinson Jr. faces the Cowboys, who have the worst run defense in the league, ranking 32nd in expected points versus the run and 31st in rushing yards allowed per game. The Commanders are also 10.5-point favorites, likely leading to a run-heavy game plan.
Why is Brock Bowers a good start of the week at tight end?
Brock Bowers averages seven receptions per game and had 16 targets last week. He faces the Broncos, who he torched for 8 receptions, 97 yards, and a touchdown in Week 5. His high volume and the Broncos' struggles against tight ends make him a strong play.
Chapters
- Devontae Smith is a top wide receiver pick despite a hamstring injury.
- Juwan Jennings is highlighted as a standout wide receiver for the 49ers.
- Devon A. Chan and Brian Robinson Jr. are recommended as top running back picks.
- C.J. Stroud and Bo Nix are identified as strong quarterback options.
- Hunter Henry and Luke Schoonmaker are noted as top tight end choices.
Shownotes Transcript
