Playoff WK2 Recap
The Goats have been eliminated from the playoffs. Their season is over. This brings an end to one of the most pretentious campaigns in recent memory, while also bringing hope to the greater good knowing that the evil empire will fade into the offseason. The Goats are out.
In other news, we have a matchup of former champions in the AFC Conference Championship in Playoff WK3 with Poontang Clan advancing to face Knuckleballs. Poontang Clan narrowly escaped the jaws of defeat in his matchup with The Pentaverate, while the Knuckleballs advanced after another closely contested game against ASBMW.
In the NFC Conference Championship, we'll see STFU Donny take on The Slim Reapers. After skinning the Goats, STFU looks to cheat death against a Slim Reapers squad that eliminated the highest scoring team in the league. It was a great season, Wozny. Enjoy some tea and biscuits on me, ya wanker.
Playoff matchups are now set on the schedule. Reminder: if you're eliminated, please cancel any waiver claims you may have. You're done. Let it go.
Best of luck to those that remain...and I'll go ahead and mush it right here. Poontang Clan has the potential to be the first to win a portion of the dynasty pot if he wins it all this year! Suck it, Mark!
-Commish
Playoff WK1 Recap
What we just witnessed on Monday night wasn’t crap. What we just witnessed involved no conference calls with the Belgian’s. What we did witness was the most ridiculous, back-and-forth, white knuckle ride of a finish to a fantasy football playoff week in league history. Going into last night, only one of the four matchups was finalized (The Pentaverate winning The Battle for the Family Name) and another playoff victory for Donny over The Cups wasn’t formalized until the final whistle last night. That left two matchups to be decided in Monday Night Football. Let’s take a glimpse at how those matchups ended…
Ashley Schaeffer BMW vs. Lugnuts V2.0 (ASBMW led this game 122.66 - 80.16 before MNF)
Soiled Laundry vs. Slim Reapers (Soiled led this game 111.42 - 88.90)
Here is what transpired:
3rd Quarter, 10:32 left to play. Brandon Cooks makes only his 12th reception of the season, this one in the end zone. Soiled Laundry retakes the lead against a feisty Slim Reaper squad scrapping for its first playoff birth in league history. In his post game press conference, Cooks was quoted as saying “That catch wasn’t crap.”
4th Quarter, 2:00 left to play. ASBMW needing Dallas to just receive the Cincy punt and work the clock for a game-ending FG attempt to secure victory. Soiled Laundry praying that Dallas won’t work the ball downfield for a Brandon Aubrey FG attempt. Instead, Dallas proceeds to block the punt but MUFFS the catch beyond the line of scrimmage with Cincinnati recovering the ball at their own 42 yard line. Even with a crappy movie script, this still game wins an Oscar.
4th Quarter, 1:49 left to play. Chase Brown up the middle for ten yards, putting The Reapers ahead by less than a point. Soiled now needs Dallas to repossess and hit Cooks for another catch and 4 yards.
4th Quarter, 1:01 left to play. Burrow hits Jamar Chase down the sideline for a 40yd TD and Lugnuts takes a narrow lead over ASBMW. If only Derrick Henry wasn’t on a bye week for ASBMW…
4th Quarter, 0:31 remaining in the game. Cooper Rush hits Jake Ferguson for 8 yards and ASBMW retakes the lead for good over Lugnuts.
4th Quarter, 0:24 seconds left to play, 4th down and Life for the Cowboys and Soiled Laundry. Cooper Rush misses an open Jake Ferguson (and ignores a wide open Brandon Cooks). Dallas turns over on downs. Check mate for ASBMW and Slim Reapers.
The finish of the NFL game was incredible. The finish of these fantasy matchups were even more incredible because it required each team owner to navigate the perils of bye weeks and injuries affecting players like Derrick Henry, Nico Collins, Joe Mixon, and many others to still score above the league average weekly score.
I tip my hat to each of the team owners for effectively managing their roster to maximize points. Only Soiled Laundry had an MER lower than 92% in these matchups, with a Tank Bigsby benching ultimately being the only possible replacement scoring that could have helped his score. It is worth noting that Sam DID make the playoffs this year while Joe did not, although Sam failed score more than 100 points.
I’ll be posting the Playoff WK2 matchups to the league schedule shortly. Those matchups are:
AFC
Knuckleballs vs. Ashley Schaeffer BMW
Poontang Clan vs. The Pentaverate
NFC
Goats vs. STFU Donny
Wozny Wankers vs. Slim Reapers
-Commish out!
Released | Poontang Clan | Wil Lutz K DEN | Sun Dec 15 12:57pm ET |
Acquired | Poontang Clan | Will Reichard K MIN | Sun Dec 15 12:57pm ET |
Released | Goats | Audric Estime RB DEN | Sun Dec 15 10:13am ET |
Acquired | Goats | Travis Homer RB CHI | Sun Dec 15 10:13am ET |
Released | Goats | Blake Grupe K NO | Sat Dec 14 8:04am ET |
Celebrate the season and pick one of our holiday helmets for your fantasy team. Go to Team -> Team Info on your menu and choose the Holiday gallery.
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments via email or phone at 636-447-1170.
Poontang Clan (6-7) | |
Knuckleballs (9-4) | +5.5 |
Slim Reapers (8-5) | |
STFU Donny (8-5) | -1.0 |
Lloyd Christmas and Petey’s Missing Heads | W | L |
---|---|---|
Knuckleballs | 9 | 4 |
The Pentaverate | 8 | 5 |
Lugnuts V2.0 | 7 | 6 |
Black and Yellow | 7 | 6 |
Ashley Schaeffer BMW | 7 | 6 |
The Other Other Lucas | 7 | 6 |
Deflated & Underrated | 6 | 7 |
Poontang Clan | 6 | 7 |
YungMonay | 6 | 7 |
ROME wasn't built in a ZAY | 6 | 7 |
Root of all Eagle | 6 | 7 |
MissingMeanTweets | 6 | 7 |
Breece's Pieces | 5 | 8 |
Wheelin' Dealin, WOOOO | 5 | 8 |
Helen Keller and the Flash Bangs | W | L |
Red Han Solo Cups | 9 | 4 |
Goats | 9 | 4 |
STFU Donny | 8 | 5 |
Slim Reapers | 8 | 5 |
Nails in the coffin | 8 | 5 |
Wozny Wankers | 7 | 6 |
Soiled Laundry | 7 | 6 |
Go Green! Go White! | 6 | 7 |
Missed it by a Kyle | 6 | 7 |
Bum Fighter in Russia | 6 | 7 |
Croatian Sensation | 5 | 8 |
San Dimas High | 5 | 8 |
Throat cleaner LLC | 4 | 9 |
Mowing his Pastors | 3 | 10 |
Dynasty | The Falcons will start Michael Penix Jr moving forward. Dynasty Analysis: The key here is "moving forward," which likely means the Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta is over after less than one season. The Falcons shocked most of the world when they drafted Penix in the top ten after signing Cousins this off-season, but it turns out that may not have been crazy after all since Cousins has struggled mightily over the past month. Penix's value is on the rise while Cousins' is going to sink rapidly this off-season.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has been removed from the injury report. Johnston was listed as a non-participant on Monday, but Daniel Popper of The Athletic clarified that the Chargers had intended to list offensive lineman Zion Johnson, not Quentin Johnston. As of Tuesday, Johnston remains a full-go in practice and is not dealing with any injury. He'll suit up in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) said he's unsure if he'll be back with the team in 2025 but wouldn't be opposed to sticking around. "I don't know what the future holds but I definitely got a home in Houston, and I love those guys over there. They're good people," Diggs said. The 31-year-old veteran is out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 8. The four-time Pro Bowler played in eight games in his first season with the Texans before his injury and caught 47 passes on 64 targets for 496 yards and three touchdowns as an every-week starting wideout in fantasy. However, his overall upside was limited due to the presence of Nico Collins, which could force Diggs to pursue an opportunity with another team on the open market in free agency. Diggs' market could depend on how his recovery from ACL surgery is coming along in the offseason.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons are benching quarterback Kirk Cousins heading into their Week 16 game against the New York Giants in favor of first-rounder Michael Penix Jr., according to head coach Raheem Morris. Despite signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason, the Falcons are turning the page as they try to secure a playoff spot in the final three weeks. In the last five games, the 36-year-old Cousins has really struggled, throwing only one touchdown and nine interceptions. He went 11-for-17 for only 112 yards with a touchdown and interception in Monday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins leads the NFL with 16 interceptions and has failed to give the Atlanta offense the boost he was expected to provide. Penix, 24, has lots of upside as the eighth overall pick, but he's raw -- he's played in two games and has gone 3-for-5 for 38 yards. The strong-armed lefty will be a low-end QB2 with upside.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) remained a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is now back-to-back limited practice sessions for Herbert with a matchup against the Denver Broncos on Thursday. Herbert has been banged up since suffering an ankle injury in Week 14. Despite that, Herbert played on Sunday and is expected to suit up in Week 16 as well. The 26-year-old clearly isn't 100 percent healthy right now and has a short week against a strong secondary. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Herbert to be much more than a QB2 for Week 16.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst (hip) was designated to return from the injured reserve on Monday. Hurst only missed the minimum of four games after being placed on the injured reserve in late-November. The 31-year-old was able to get through a full practice on Tuesday. That is great news, but it still seems unlikely that Hurst will be able to suit up for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. Fellow tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) has missed back-to-back practice sessions and is likely to sit out another week. That being said, Stone Smartt figures to be in line for another start after a five-catch performance on Sunday. He could be an interesting TE2 option for fantasy managers lacking depth at tight end.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) did not participate in practice on Tuesday. This is now back-to-back missed practice sessions for Dissly who missed last week's game with a shoulder injury. At this rate, fantasy managers should expect Dissly to sit out of Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. Fellow tight end Hayden Hurst (hip) was designated to return from the injured reserve on Monday. Hurst practice in full on Tuesday, which gives him a chance to play on Thursday. Otherwise, Stone Smartt figures to get another start after a five-catch outing on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo (undisclosed) reportedly hurt himself a bit during Monday's game, according to head coach Raheem Morris. It doesn't sound like too serious of an injury, but fantasy managers should stay tuned for another update on Wednesday. Koo made his lone extra point attempt and connected on 2-of-3 field goal attempts in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Possibly, the injury was part of the reason Koo missed his field goal attempt in the fourth quarter. Regardless, fantasy managers will have to wait another day or two before getting a better update. Fantasy managers who have Koo rostered might want to get a backup plan in place in case he misses the Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been named the starting quarterback moving forward, according to head coach Raheem Morris. This news comes a day after the 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Kirk Cousins was able to pull together a victory, but has one touchdown and nine interceptions over the last five games. The Falcons playoff hopes are quickly evaporating so they've decided to make a change at quarterback. Penix helped lead the Washington Huskies to an undefeated season and a trip to the National Championship game in 2023. Afterwards, the Falcons used the No. 8 overall selection on Penix in this year's draft. That seemed like an odd decision at the time given they'd just signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. The hope is that a change at quarterback will jumpstart this offense. Penix will get a plus-matchup in his first career start against the New York Giants in Week 16. Although, fantasy managers can't be certain what they'll get right away, which makes Penix a risky streaming choice in the fantasy playoffs.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Sincere McCormick (ankle) said on his personal Instagram account on Tuesday that he plans to "be back next year" after injuring his ankle in Monday night's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It's unclear how serious McCormick's ankle injury actually is, but at 2-12 on the season, the Raiders have little incentive to rush any of their injured players back onto the field for the final three games of the season. For lack of better options and with head coach Antonio Pierce looking for any kind of spark, the 24-year-old was thrust into a starting role with both Zamir White (quadriceps) and Alexander Mattison both recently missing multiple games. The former undrafted free agent out of Texas-San Antonio didn't make his NFL debut until Week 12 but averaged 4.7 yards per carry on 39 rushing attempts in five games. McCormick isn't guaranteed to be back with the Raiders in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals and All-Pro safety Budda Baker reached an agreement on a three-year, $54 million contract extension on Tuesday that includes $30 million in guarantees. The $18 million average per year is the biggest third contract for a safety in NFL history. The deal was negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First. The 28-year-old defensive back was taken by Arizona in the second round in 2017 out of Washington and has played all eight of his NFL seasons with the Cardinals, picking up six Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro honors. He's the only safety in the league to be a Pro Bowler in each of the last five seasons. Since entering the league in 2017, Baker leads all NFL DBs in total tackles (861) and solo tackles (600). He ranks second in the NFL this year with 142 tackles and is a weekly starting option in IDP fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams activated tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) from Injured Reserve on Tuesday. Higbee has been practicing in full for the last couple of weeks, but the Rams have been playing it safe with the 31-year-old veteran after he tore both his ACL and MCL in the postseason last year. Now that he's been activated, he's in line to make his 2024 debut this weekend against the New York Jets on Sunday. Higbee is the Rams' best pass-catching option at the tight end position among Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Hunter Long, but fantasy managers should fully expect Higbee to be on a strict snap count as they ease him back into the fold following such a long layoff. With only two weeks left in most fantasy leagues, it's hard to imagine Higbee being a realistic option for starting lineups at the TE position. In 15 regular-season starts in 2023, Higbee had 47 catches for 495 yards and two touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals signed kicker Cade York from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster on Tuesday and also signed linebacker Joe Giles-Harris and safety Jaylen Key to their practice squad. York had been elevated to the active roster the last few weeks to fill in for the injured Evan McPherson (groin), who is on Injured Reserve, but now he's officially on the active roster heading into a Week 16 contest against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. With the Bengals potentially being eliminated from postseason contention very soon, they may choose to just roll with York as their placekicker for the final three games of the regular season. McPherson isn't eligible to return until Week 18. In the last two games with Cincy, York has hit all three of his field-goal tries and has missed one of his eight extra-point attempts. He'll be in play as a kicking streamer in deeper leagues this Sunday against the Browns.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) put in a full practice in the first session of Week 16 preparation on Tuesday. Brown injured his left shoulder in the preseason and needed surgery that has kept him from making his Chiefs debut all year. However, now that he's practicing in full, he has a shot to be activated and make his debut this Saturday against the Houston Texans. The 27-year-old was expected to be the team's top wideout when he signed this offseason, but obviously his injury set him back, and the Chiefs have since added DeAndre Hopkins and JuJu Smith-Schuster. The Chiefs will almost certainly ease Hollywood back into the fold on offense if he is active in Week 16, so for fantasy purposes, we wouldn't recommend him as a starting option. That will especially be true if two-time MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is unable to play.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans are planning to make a switch at quarterback for the Week 16 contest against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, with Mason Rudolph taking over for second-year signal-caller Will Levis, according to a source. Levis threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in the Week 15 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and was benched in favor of Mason Rudolph after going 8-for-12 for 89 yards. The 25-year-old has mostly struggled in 2024 and has also missed several games due to injury. In his 11 starts, Levis completed 63.7% of his pass attempts for 1,916 yards, 12 touchdowns, 12 interceptions (league-high four pick-sixes) and five lost fumbles while being sacked 40 times. While his completion percentage improved slightly over last year, Levis' overall touch and decision-making skills need more improvement. It's a bad sign for his future with the franchise that he's being benched with three weeks left in the regular season.
From RotoBaller
When asked if quarterback Kirk Cousins was still the Atlanta Falcons' starter heading into Week 16 against the New York Giants this Sunday, head coach Raheem Morris was non-committal. "We just got back. We still have to go through that process. All those things will happen over the course of the week. We didn't play well enough at the quarterback position," Morris said. The Falcons didn't really need the arm of Cousins in their 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night, and he went 11-for-17 for 112 yards, one touchdown and a league-high 16th interception of the season. In the four previous games, the 36-year-old veteran failed to throw a TD while tossing eight interceptions. Atlanta could probably get away with another similar game script against New York this weekend, but Cousins' downfall could lead the team to turn to rookie first-rounder Michael Penix Jr. Stay tuned.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) was listed as a full participant for Tuesday's practice. It's a bit of a surprise after Mahomes suffered a mild right high-ankle sprain in the Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter on Sunday. Head coach Andy Reid said Mahomes probably could have gone back into Sunday's game if he needed to. KC listed the 29-year-old two-time MVP as week-to-week on Monday, but there's a chance he'll be able to suit up this Saturday in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. Mahomes still needs to get through a couple more days of practice without a setback, but the fact he's practicing in full to begin the week is a good sign he'll at least have a shot at playing. If Mahomes does play, he'll be more of a QB2 play in fantasy. If the Chiefs play it safe and hold him out, backup Carson Wentz would make his first start of the year.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields (abdominal), LB Patrick Queen (rest), S DeShon Elliott (hamstring), CB Donte Jackson (back) and DT Cameron Heyward (rest) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 17. DT Larry Ogunjobi (groin) was limited at practice. The Steelers conducted a walkthrough Tuesday so this is an estimation.
From TheHuddle
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) was a full participant at practice Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Fantasy Spin: A bit of a surprise considering there were reports of this being a potential multi-week injury, Mahomes is on track to play, barring a setback. Mahomes has just three QB1 performances this season, and the Texans have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game (13.6) over the last five weeks. Managers should consider Mahomes as a QB2 option this week.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (rest) was a limited participant at practice Tuesday, Dec. 17. The Texans conducted a walkthrough so this is an estimation.
Fantasy Spin: It's a bit surprising to see Mixon not listed with an ankle injury, but that should signal that will be ready to go against a tough Kansas City Chiefs run defense. Monitor his status throughout the week, but Mixon is still a starting asset in all formats as long as he's active.
From TheHuddle
Broncos | 42u |
Chargers | -2.5 |
Thu 8:15pm ET |
Texans | 41.5u |
Chiefs | -3 |
Sat 1:00pm ET |
Steelers | 44.5u |
Ravens | -6 |
Sat 4:30pm ET |
Cardinals | 47u |
Panthers | +4 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Browns | 47.5u |
Bengals | -7.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Lions | 48u |
Bears | +6.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Giants | 40.5u |
Falcons | -8.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Eagles | 45.5u |
Commanders | +3.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Titans | 42.5u |
Colts | -3.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Rams | 46.5u |
Jets | +3.5 |
Sun 1:00pm ET |
Vikings | 42.5u |
Seahawks | +3 |
Sun 4:05pm ET |
Jaguars | 39.5u |
Raiders | -1 |
Sun 4:25pm ET |
Patriots | 46.5u |
Bills | -14 |
Sun 4:25pm ET |
49ers | 44.5u |
Dolphins | -1 |
Sun 4:25pm ET |
Buccaneers | 48.5u |
Cowboys | +4 |
Sun 8:20pm ET |
Saints | 42u |
Packers | -13.5 |
Mon 8:15pm ET |
Commissioner | Tue Dec 17 10:17pm ET |
Goats | Tue Dec 17 10:05pm ET |
Nails in the coffin | Tue Dec 17 9:45pm ET |
Go Green! Go White! | Tue Dec 17 9:40pm ET |
MissingMeanTweets | Tue Dec 17 9:25pm ET |
YungMonay | Tue Dec 17 9:23pm ET |
Knuckleballs | Tue Dec 17 8:33pm ET |
Poontang Clan | Tue Dec 17 7:52pm ET |
STFU Donny | Tue Dec 17 7:45pm ET |
Throat cleaner LLC | Tue Dec 17 4:44pm ET |
The Other Other Luca | Tue Dec 17 11:35am ET |
Red Han Solo Cups | Tue Dec 17 11:28am ET |
Ashley Schaeffer BMW | Tue Dec 17 11:07am ET |
Wheelin' Dealin, WOO | Tue Dec 17 10:48am ET |
Slim Reapers | Tue Dec 17 8:22am ET |
Breece's Pieces | Tue Dec 17 8:04am ET |
Wozny Wankers | Tue Dec 17 4:35am ET |
Lugnuts V2.0 | Mon Dec 16 11:21pm ET |
Deflated & Underrate | Mon Dec 16 9:03pm ET |
The Pentaverate | Mon Dec 16 8:31pm ET |
Root of all Eagle | Mon Dec 16 7:34am ET |
Croatian Sensation | Sun Dec 15 7:15pm ET |
Soiled Laundry | Sun Dec 15 7:04pm ET |
San Dimas High | Thu Dec 12 9:18pm ET |
ROME wasn't built in | Tue Dec 10 10:48am ET |
Missed it by a Kyle | Tue Dec 10 10:25am ET |
Black and Yellow | Sun Dec 8 9:29pm ET |
Bum Fighter in Russi | Mon Dec 2 6:37pm ET |
Mowing his Pastors | Sun Dec 1 9:28pm ET |
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