Fantasy Focus Football

Episode: Bold Predictions & Draft Strategies for Next Fantasy Football Season
Date: January 8, 2026
Hosts/Panelists: Liz Loza, Producer Presley, Guest Michelle Majuk (NFL Network)
Note: Main ESPN Fantasy Focus team referenced only in show description; episode is a “Facts vs. Feelings” crossover.

Episode Overview

This lively season finale is all about reflecting on a wild, injury-riddled fantasy football season and peering ahead to 2026-2027 draft strategies. Host Liz Loza welcomes NFL Network’s Michelle Majuk for candid, stat-supported analysis, bold predictions, and some fun year-end awards. They debate rookie performances, risky roster construction, regression candidates, and their top "do not draft" picks—all while balancing stats vs. gut feelings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Season Recap: Crash Outs & Cash Outs

• Liz boasts impressive results: 5 out of 6 teams made the playoffs, 4 on the podium, 2 championships.
  • “No, you don’t [want to play in my league], because I’d beat your ass. Because that’s what I do every single year.” [01:51]
• Presley laments an early exit in all playoff matches this year, but is already prepping for best ball season.

2. Surprising Stats from 2025 Season

Michelle’s Eye-Opening Touches Data

• George Pickens: Only player over 3 fantasy points per touch (min. 75 touches).
• Jackson Smith-Njigba and Michael Wilson round out the top 3.
  • “Michael Wilson being third... I don’t know if that says more about Michael Wilson being a good player or what is wrong with Marvin Harrison Jr.” (Michelle) [03:31]
• Discussion on Arizona's conundrum with Michael Wilson's efficiency vs. Marvin Harrison Jr.'s draft capital.

George Pickens’ Breakout

• Liz believes Pickens was what “we wanted Jameson Williams to be.”
• Michelle highlights Pickens’ success despite fluctuating situations, sees potential with Dallas if retained.

3. Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned

Coaches Make No Sense

• Michelle:
  • "We have to stop assuming coaches will think how you think, especially with rookies." [06:13]
  • Repeated odd coaching usage: Stevenson > Henderson, Harris until injured, underused exciting rookies.
• Roster Construction:
  • Avoid building with too many risky picks; balance “ceiling” players with steady “floor” picks.
  • “I get so excited during the draft and think I’m smarter than everyone else and I want to reach for this person. Like that rarely works…” (Michelle) [07:00]

Draft Strategy for 2026

• Don’t overthink!
  • Michelle: Sometimes over-researching causes paralysis.
  • Value consensus rankings and follow intuition in moderation.
• “Don’t draft injured players”—a joke, but echoed by everyone after rough seasons.
• Keep a mix of feelings and facts: “You’re still allowed to get into your feelings though, because sometimes that gut intuition is spot on.” (Liz) [09:34]

4. Bold Predictions & Debates for 2026 Season

Will Christian McCaffrey (CMC) Suffer “Barkley Regression”? [10:38]

• Both Liz and Michelle: Expect regression due to heavy usage.
• Liz: "I am absolutely off of Christian McCaffrey. Miracles do not happen twice in a row." [12:46]
• Historical context: No RB who topped 300 touches repeated their elite output the next season.

Early QB1 Predictions & Draft Timing [13:26]

• Michelle’s QB1 for 2026: “Jackson Dart… already as a rookie, the QB5 in points per game.” [13:26]
• Liz: Prefers to wait on QB in drafts, looks for boring, steady starters with minimal injury risk. Skeptical of Dart:
  • “I am not interested in his variance. And I do think...everyone’s going to chase his upside and I am going to stay away…” [15:12]
• The Dart vs. Tyler Shough debate: Michelle gives Dart the edge in job security and skill set; Liz pushes back due to coaching instability and lack of offensive support.

“Do Not Draft” Candidates [17:39]

• Michelle: Devonta Smith — too many low-floor games, always drafted higher than deserved.
  • "I have no desire for that. He doesn't have a ceiling. He gives you absolutely nothing and then a lot..." [18:40]
• Liz: Jackson Dart — “Anthony Richardson light,” all flash, major injury risk.
  • “Until he learns how to play without inviting injury every single week, I am not interested in that variance.” [19:46]
• Both agree: if Dart’s ADP skyrockets, he’s an avoid. Side bet ensues:
  • “Next year, if Jackson Dart ends as QB1 Overall, I take Liz’s job on the show.” (Michelle) [21:19]
  • “If Jackson Dart ends QB1 at the end of next season, I will pay for all of the champagne when we go out next.” (Liz) [21:27]

5. Fun Year-End Awards [23:07+]

Fantasy MVP (Personal Pick)

• Liz: Chris Olave — delivered high value as WR6 despite QB carousel.
  • “Talent is always the tiebreaker… Olave had already proven that he could produce with a string of questionable talent under center.” [23:16]
• Presley: Trevor Lawrence — huge fantasy playoff run won people championships.

Player to Take to Family Dinner

• Liz: Travis Kelce (“I want to know the Taylor T!”).
• Presley: Jameis Winston for entertainment value — “Every single thing out of his mouth is just gold…” [27:44]

“Don't Listen to the Haters” — Player They Still Believe In

• Liz: Rome Odunze — expects him to become an alpha for the Bears, even if DJ Moore stays or goes.
  • “He just needs to be unlocked… he and Luther Burden are going to be a problem.” [28:14]
• Presley: Egbuka — slow second half, but still talent and volume; not giving up despite doubters.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Coaches make no sense. Right. So, stop assuming coaches will think how you think, especially with rookies.” (Michelle, 06:08)
• "Don’t overthink things. Sometimes the more you know… you just overthink things instead of just playing the good players.” (Michelle, 09:02)
• "Miracles do not happen twice in a row… I think there will be a regression [for CMC]." (Liz, 12:46)
• “Everyone’s going to be attached to the flash, and... just bring me my tea and stay healthy now.” (Liz, 20:20)
• "His [Devonta Smith’s] stock will never fall and it’s like he does the same thing every year. … I am not taking Devonta Smith anywhere close to his cost.” (Michelle, 17:49)
• “Next year, if Jackson Dart ends as QB1 overall, I take Liz’s job on the show." (Michelle, 21:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Crash Outs & Cash Outs – [01:18]
• Surprising players by points per touch – [03:31]
• Arizona WR conundrum/Pickens analysis – [04:16]/[05:16]
• Big takeaways from the season (rookie/risk lessons) – [06:08]
• Draft strategy lessons for 2026 – [08:54]
• CMC/Barkley regression debate – [10:37]
• QB1 prediction for next year (Jackson Dart, late-round QBs) – [13:26]
• Do Not Draft lists – [17:39]
• Fun year-end awards (MVP, dinner guest, hater-proof pick) – [23:07]
• Personal thanks and wrap-up – [31:00]

Tone & Style

Candid, playful, analytical, and laced with plenty of good-natured ribbing and side bets. The show balances numbers with gut feel, leans into both humility & bravado. The chemistry between co-hosts and guest is lively and supportive, grounded by deep experience but never getting too serious to have fun.

Final Take

The episode packs in tactical takeaways—avoid stars due for regression, temper risk, don’t overthink, chase value quarterbacks—alongside fun awards and personality-driven analysis. The underlying message: enjoy the grind, embrace lessons learned (even with a busted roster), and trust both your homework and your gut. Next season's predictions are spicy, the takes are honest, and the community spirit strong as ever.

Summary compiled by an expert podcast summarizer.