Fighting Chance Roundtable: Week 13
Ol Hallam is under the weather this weekend, sorry for the late posting here. But I wanted to get this out so please follow my great friends here Jen (@theonlyjensmith) Leo (@smooth1074) Joe (@joegallina) and last but certainly not least Matt (@dirtyairFC)
With JK Dobbins down do you have interest in Hassan Haskins or Kimani Vidal in leagues where Gus Edwards not available?
Jen: If I have room on the bench, I might stash Kimani Vidal. JK Dobbins is the guy with Gus Edwards out, but isn't involved in the passing game. So, whoever the Chargers trust to take on that role, will have the change of pace opportunity behind Dobbins. Haskins was involved more after Edwards went down last game (45% of snaps), but not involved at all in the receiving game and received one carry. We have a small amount of data is from earlier this season, when the Chargers gave Vidal 2 targets and he turned them into 20 yards and a touchdown. Either way, they are a stash and not a start. There just isn't enough fantasy points to go around with this offense and Edwards will lead the carries if healthy.
Matt: Kimani Vidal flashed earlier this year. Gus Edwards is a fine back-up, but has no spark. I want the upside of Vidal.
Leo: In PPR formats I would like to take a chance on Kimani Vidal. Gus Edwards will see the majority of the early down worm but Vidal showed in his first career touch that he took to be the house for a 38-yard score. Hassan Haskins has the same kind of build as Edwards, but Vidal is the better pass catcher of the two.
Joe: If Edwards is rostered I’m interested in both Vidal and Haskins. It’s hard to say who’d have the bigger role if Edwards is healthy but I’m thinking Vidal should see some action on passing downs. Haskins gets overlooked because Vidal is looked as the shiny new toy, but he’s only 25 years-old and averaged 5.1 YPC in his college career. He’s also a good pass catching back. Should Edwards go down I’m thinking the Chargers go with a hot hand approach between Haskins and Vidal.
Given the struggles of the Jets running game, would you start Braelon Allen if Breece Hall doesn’t play?
Matt: Like Vidal mentioned before, Allen did show some spark. The problem we have was said best by Julian in Big Daddy… The GD Jets! Neither is really appealing
Leo: Noooooo, please don’t let this be a serious injury for Breece Hall because I just traded for him in dynasty. Now that I have wiped away my tears, Braelon Allen is a must start should Hall miss time. Earlier this season when the two running backs were splitting touches Allen was making plays as both a runner and a receiver. If he’s available add Allen now as he should be rostered in all league formats, because he is an excellent lottery ticket waiting to be cashed in.
Joe: It sounds like Hall might play but if I roster him in fantasy and he’s out in Week 13, I’d definitely start Allen in his place, as long as there are no better options on the waiver wire. Allen has shown some flashes of brilliance this season and Jets RBs have a good matchup against the Seahawks, who have given up the seventh most rushing yards to RBs this season.
Jen: Yes, if Hall is out, I would start Allen. Allen showed toughness and burst this season when given the chance, and faces the middle of the pack run defense of Seattle this week. The difficult part is trusting the Jets offense in general, but Allen would get double digit touches and that is enough opportunity for fantasy owners to consider him. I think we all know that you might have better options, but if you're hurting at RB, this isn't as terrible of an option as it might seem.
Is Taysom Hill a must start?
Leo: At this point Taysom Hill is a must start especially after his 40-plus PPR fantasy point outburst prior to last week’s bye. Hill is a Swiss Army knife that can make plays in various positions (QB, RB, & WR). Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has already confirmed that Hill is a “huge part” of the Saints’ offense. Dizzo said that he wants to continue the usage that Hill has recently for the rest of the season. So if you have him, insert Hill into your starting line-ups and enjoy the ride.
Jen: Yes, it would be difficult to not start him at this point. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect a repeat of last week's huge 138 rushing yard- 3 touchdown extravaganza, but the Saints have shown and stated that they want Taysom involved in this offense. Especially while Chris Olave is out, Taysom may continue to get double digit touches and clearly has a ceiling that could break open any match-up. They face the Rams this week, which isn't a soft match-up, but isn't the worst one either. They've shown their vulnerability to big plays, giving up a whopping 255 yards on the ground to Barkley just one week ago. If you're in a TE premium league, this is a no brainer.
Matt: Yes. Next question. Oh a qualifier? Yes unless you have Brock Bowers, George Kittle, TJ Hockenson, or Trey McBride.
What was your favorite food on your Thanksgiving plate?
Joe: The turkey was great. It was nice and moist but other than the bird, I’d have to say there was a tie between the homemade stuffing that my son and his girlfriend made and the mac and cheese that my daughter made. Our feast was truly a family affair and I am blessed.
Jen: Stuffing. I love stuffing.
Matt: I smoke a turkey every year. Brine for 14 hours, then low and slow for 6-8 hours. That’s my favorite food on my plate at Thanksgiving.
Leo: I love trying all the dishes that we all bring to our Thanksgiving get together. But year in and year out, I really enjoy my brother in law’s sweet potato casserole. That marshmallow layer on top is a chef kiss and a crowd favorite. What I miss most though is my mom’s stuffing. Prior to her passing, everyone loved her stuffing that she would make with ground beef and hard boiled eggs. Amazing stuff right there! Happy Thanksgiving everyone and enjoy your day with your loved ones.