NFL coaches and players are constantly on camera, even when they're not on the field. Frequent press conferences with the media provide NFL fans with a steady stream of quotes about their favorite teams and players. These quotes can actually be used to make informed decisions about our fantasy teams.
These useful quotes can pertain to injury outlooks, player usage, overall offensive tendencies and philosophy, and more. The key is to know which quotes are actionable, and which ones are just fluff that can be ignored.
The vast majority of these quotes will be sourced from the interviews that beat reporters conduct with players and coaches throughout the week. The Coachspeak Index (CSI) does a phenomenal job of listening to these interviews and picking out the key nuggets. In this article, we'll be taking a look at quotes (from CSI and other sources) and analyzing their fantasy impact. Some may be more serious than others, but it's all about getting a feel for coaches and players from information that may not show up in the box score.
WEEK 12 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Fantasy Football Coachspeak Highlights: What are coaches saying about Daniel Jones, Jonathon Brooks and more?
Daniel Jones demoted to QB3 in New York
Brian Daboll explains the Giants' decision-making in benching Daniel Jones pic.twitter.com/GQCO5gviqN
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 18, 2024
After yet another rocky season with Daniel Jones under center, Brian Daboll has opted to go in a different direction, naming Tommy DeVito the starting quarterback for the Giants. He even went a step further, calling Drew Lock the backup, which implies Jones is now the QB3. This move was anything but shocking; Jones had mightily struggled for two straight seasons, and the Week 11 bye presented an opportunity to transition at quarterback. Giants fans have likely seen the last of Daniel Jones in New York.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: The move to DeVito really doesn't change a whole lot from a fantasy perspective. DeVito himself doesn't move the needle in single-quarterback leagues, and it's unlikely that he provides a markedly better offensive environment for Malik Nabers. The rookie receiver will continue to push for a 30-percent target share every week, and he'll rely on his elite YAC skills to overcome the weight of a struggling offense.
WEEK 12 WAIVER WIRE STRATEGY
Top Waiver Targets | How to Spend FAAB
Sean McVay believes Drake Maye is a "stud"
#Rams HC Sean McVay was very complimentary of #Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye:
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) November 17, 2024
“He looks like a stud… You can see the impact that he has on his teammates. The way people talk about him here. He looks like he’s gonna be a special player for a long time and he gave us fits today.” pic.twitter.com/zPyjAwKiKZ
Following the Rams' defeat of the Patriots, Sean McVay was incredibly complimentary of the Patriots' rookie quarterback, Drake Maye. McVay spoke highly of his ability to create plays off-schedule while also maintaining a strong presence in the pocket when necessary. Everything that McVay had to say about Maye echoes what we've heard all year long: Maye is a star in the making.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: These comments don't have much of an impact anywhere other than in the dynasty streets. In an offense devoid of weapons, Maye has to make spectacular plays with his arm or legs to deliver weekly fantasy value this season. However, it seems clear that the Patriots have found their guys, and they'll look to load up this offense with weapons to make a push for contention during Maye's rookie contract. We could be looking at an offense that offers legitimate fantasy appeal as early as next season.
Jonathan Brooks will make his debut in Week 12
Canales says he “fully expect(s)” Jonathon Brooks to play this week but they still need to go through the week of work. He does not expect Miles Sanders (foot/ankle) to play. #Panthers https://t.co/CxaVX1Wqzk
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) November 18, 2024
The Jonathon Brooks saga seems to finally be coming to a close as head coach Dave Canales said he expects Brooks to make his NFL debut in Week 12. Following the NFL draft, Canales said they expected Brooks to be ready for training camp. Well, 123 days after the start of training camp, it seems that fans will finally see Brooks in action.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: Considering how cautious the Panthers have been with Brooks in his rehab, it would be shocking to see him take on a large enough role to slot in as the RB2 on most fantasy rosters. The biggest impact of Brooks' return falls on the shoulders of Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard has been a phenomenal asset throughout the season, regularly delivering high-end production. The degree to which this backfield is split will determine Hubbard's value down the stretch. Can Hubbard be a fantasy RB2 if he's heavily splitting touches? We'll have to wait and see.
There's no slowing down Brock Bowers
Antonio Pierce on Brock Bowers' rookie TE single-game record 13 catches
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) November 18, 2024
"Tremendous talent. We're asking him to do a lot. His numbers are on a historic rate and we want to continue that. Give the ball to your best players. Keep feeding them until they figure out how to stop it." pic.twitter.com/f251fkNs2B
Heading into the season, there were concerns that the presence of fellow TE Michael Mayer or general incompetence from Antonio Pierce would lead to Bowers failing to live up to his "generational" label and pedigree. After 11 Weeks, those concerns have washed away as Bowers is a candidate to break the rookie record for receptions. Furthermore, Pierce made it abundantly clear that they will continue to feed Bowers, and getting him the ball is a priority for the team.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: It quickly became clear that Bowers had the talent to earn targets ahead of the other pass catchers in Las Vegas. Pierce's comments about feeding him the ball further solidify the rookie's status within the Raiders' offense and among the elite fantasy tight ends. The vast majority of people already viewed Bowers as a top-2 tight end for the rest of the year, and nothing has changed following the best performance of his blossoming career.
Sean Payton remains non-committal regarding the Denver backfield
#Broncos HC Sean Payton on Audric Estime and the Denver backfield:
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) November 18, 2024
“I want to keep getting the young guy work, and yet Javonte’s young, and Jaleel… We’ll figure it out each week, though, and kind of plan accordingly.” pic.twitter.com/stkRgKColv
Two weeks ago, Audric Estime led the way in the Denver backfield with 14 carries. After that game, Sean Payton said Estime would continue to get reps, leading to fantasy managers assuming he had supplanted Javonte Williams as the early-down back in Denver. That assumption proved to be wrong as Williams led the backfield in snaps and touches last week. Following the game, Payton was non-committal and expressed that he wanted to get Estime, Williams, and Jaleel McLaughlin touches.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: At this point, it's impossible to feel comfortable with any Denver running back in your lineup. Payton has explicitly said that he wants to get all three backs involved, meaning their week-to-week usage will be a headache to project. Without any clarity regarding the division of work, all three of these guys belong on either benches or waivers.
