SCIOFF PODCAST EP 304 

Key Outcomes

• JJ McCarthy is starting for the Giants this week, which the speakers view as a bizarre move given his short tenure and negative reports, though he may offer more rushing upside than Jameis Winston. 12

• Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury and limited practice participation are frustrating, with the speakers questioning his availability and the Ravens' season outlook if he misses more time. 345

• Dennis’s top fantasy team leads its league with over 1,000 points, driven by a strong core of elite running backs and wide receivers. 67

• Drake Maye is a viable fantasy starter this week, especially in a favorable matchup against Chicago. 8

Decisions Made

• Dennis will likely drop Devonte Adams from his top team because he does not expect Adams to return in time for the fantasy playoffs. 9

• Dennis plans to target Konate Mumfield as a replacement for Adams, though he is also considering Whittington as a dollar-play option. 910

• John is considering picking up Roshan as a flex-2 option for the Chicago/New England game, hoping he can provide a touchdown if Swift is limited. 11

• Dennis will stream defenses and kickers, moving off Chicago and targeting the Jets, Cincinnati, or Cleveland. 12

Metrics & Findings

• JJ McCarthy is being slotted around QB24 in some rankings, behind players like Watson, Darnold, and Geno Smith. 13

• Jameis Winston averaged 11.5 rushing yards per game, which may be a relevant comparison point for McCarthy’s rushing upside. 13

• Lamar Jackson has a reported 75% chance to play, but the speakers are skeptical given the nature of the injury and the team's recent performance. 4

• Ravens have blown more 10-point leads since 2020 than any other team in the NFL. 14

• Chicago's red-zone efficiency is 65%, which the speakers view as a major concern. 15

• Chicago’s balance is rated 75, in the top fourth of the league. 11

• Drake Maye’s prop yards are around 246, and the speakers view him as a strong fantasy play this week. 16

Risks & Blockers

• JJ McCarthy has been with the team less than a month and likely doesn't fully grasp the offense. 17

• Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury is described as "unique" and "different," leading to skepticism about the official narrative. 14

• Devonte Adams’ injury timeline is uncertain, with a best-case return around Week 14. 9

• Chicago’s red-zone struggles, including turnovers on downs, could cost them games they should win. 1518

• A.J. Brown had 7 targets last week and caught none, raising concerns about his current form. 19

Open Questions

• Whether JJ McCarthy can successfully lead the Giants' offense against the Texans. 20

• If Lamar Jackson will play this week against Cincinnati. 14

• Whether Drake Maye and Caleb Williams can be trusted as consistent fantasy starters for the rest of the season. 8

• If Konate Mumfield will maintain his role in the Rams' offense as their tight ends return from injury. 9

Action Items

• John: Monitor injury reports and news to decide whether to hold or drop Devonte Adams. 21

• Dennis: Continue testing the Age Missed Games Index and other data-driven strategies to refine roster construction. 2223

• John: Post the Leaders of the Pack article on Thursday. 24