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 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
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Fantasy Football Coachspeak Highlights: What are coaches saying about Malik Nabers, Brock Purdy, and more?
Brian Daboll comments on Malik Nabers' usage
Brian Daboll says he talked with Malik Nabers after his postgame comments yesterday:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 25, 2024
"He's a very competitive individual. You want to get the ball in his hands and I've got to do a better job of getting the ball in his hands early. He's a smart young guy who's very competitive." pic.twitter.com/jm00NZo1QS
Following the Buccaneers' 30-7 rout of the Giants, Malik Nabers had some comments for the media, expressing his frustration about his lack of usage in the first half of the game. When he was asked why he did not see a target in the first half, Nabers replied, " I don't know, talk to Dabs (Daboll) about that." When asked about these comments, Brian Daboll noted Nabers' competitiveness, and how it's his job to get the ball into Nabers' hands.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: With the Giants coming in as the No. 32 scoring offense in the league, Nabers essentially needs to command a 30-percent target share every week to be a WR1 option. We'll see what Daboll can do in terms of scheming up targets for Nabers next week, but Nabers' fantasy value has been in freefall as a part of the sinking ship that is the Giants' offense.
WEEK 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL WAIVER WIRE ADVICE
Full Waiver Wire List | FAAB Recommendations
Matt Eberflus is impressed with Caleb Williams' development
#Bears HC Matt Eberflus on Caleb Williams:
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) November 25, 2024
“He’s growing in front of our eyes. And today was really good growth for him, to be able to go out there and execute the way he did” pic.twitter.com/7Xi8uYm6ft
After a string of disappointing games through the middle part of the year, Caleb Williams has played some of the best football of his young career in the last two weeks. These two games have been narrow losses, but head coach Matt Eberflus has taken note of his development. Eberflus specifically noted Williams has shown growth in his ability to find space on the field and adjust the velocity of his passes in recent weeks.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: Improved play from Caleb Williams has been critical for the fantasy value of Chicago's wide receivers, particularly DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Both Moore and Allen eclipsed 23 PPR points last Sunday against the Vikings, with both setting season-highs in terms of their fantasy output. If Williams can continue to deliver quality balls to his receivers, they could emerge in the group of players you're comfortable starting every week in fantasy.
Sean Payton speaks highly of Devaughn Vele
#Broncos head coach Sean Payton on rookie WR Devaughn Vele:
— Michael O’Hara (@MOH_FFB) November 25, 2024
“Very quickly we’ve seen his growth. He’s got strong hands in traffic… he reminds me a lot of Marques Coltson.”
“In our staff meeting 20 minutes ago I said we gotta continue to find touches for him” pic.twitter.com/m5gzfSVoNg
Rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele has been breaking out in recent weeks. In the Broncos' last two games, Vele has combined for 10 receptions and 146 yards on 14 targets. Sean Payton is well aware of his play in these games and was complimentary of Vele in Monday's press conference. He noted Vele's strong hands and even compared him to former Saints' receiver Marques Colston.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: Vele has not yet been elevated to a full-time role in the Broncos' offense, but he's drawing targets at a high rate, and now it's clear that it is a priority for this offense to get him the ball. Vele is a strong waiver wire pickup this week in hopes that his role continues to expand and he solidifies himself as the No. 2 option behind Courtland Sutton.
Kyle Shanahan provides an update on Brock Purdy
#49ers QB Brock Purdy did some light throwing today without issue, according to Kyle Shanahan. He'll rest tomorrow and then see how it feels as the week goes on.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) November 25, 2024
The San Francisco 49ers have been rather cagey regarding the status of Brock Purdy's shoulder. There have been conflicting reports regarding his Week 13 availability, but at this point, we simply don't know if he'll play against the Bills. All we know is that Purdy is back on the field throwing in some capacity, and we'll get further updates later this week.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: Having Brandon Allen under center was disastrous for the 49ers' offense last week. They posted their lowest yardage and point totals of the year, and George Kittle was the only 49er who delivered meaningful fantasy production. Against a talented Buffalo defense, it could be another week of disappointment for the 49ers' weapons if Allen is at the helm again. Purdy has been crucial to the fantasy success of the players in this offense, and it clearly showed last week while he was sidelined.
Injury updates for the Washington backfield
Austin Ekeler's tests last night came back 'good', Dan Quinn said. But Ekeler will be in the concussion protocol. So, too, is Andrew Wylie. Brian Robinson is getting treatment for his ankle. Will know more later in the week.
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 25, 2024
By the end of the game last Sunday, Jeremy McNichols was the only healthy running back in Washington. Brian Robinson left with an ankle injury while Austin Ekeler suffered a concussion. Head coach Dan Quinn noted that Ekeler's results were "good", but he's still in concussion protocol. Robinson will undergo treatment for his ankle, and his status for next week seems to be up in the air.
Key Fantasy Takeaway: The Commanders' backfield has not had much stability this season. This is Ekeler's second time in concussion protocol, while Robinson has dealt with a litany of lower-body injuries. These injuries make McNichols a priority waiver target this week. There's a very real chance he operates in a featured role against the Titans, which would provide fantasy appeal for teams that lack RB depth.
