Bold Predictions & Draft Strategies for Next Fantasy Football Season

Summary

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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)

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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]

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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.

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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.

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Summary compiled by an expert podcast summarizer.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, I'm Liz Loza and this is Facts versus Feelings. Your amuse bouche to your fantasy Focus main course. We are bringing more fantasy, more facts, more feelings and of course more fun. And now that I have your attention, today's fact is that win or lose, you are better for having gone through it. Happy New year, producer Presley. Thank you for coming on the last episode of our first season of Facts versus Feelings. It's wonderful because you are such an integral part of this show's launch. And you know what is? A little bit of edge from the control room. This show is nothing without that.

[B]

Oh, thanks for having me back. Can you believe we made it 2026, the end of the fantasy football season? I cannot believe that we are going to be looking back and forward this episode, Liz, after a crazy year. Happy New Year.

[A]

Happy New Year to you. Yeah, we did, we did make it. I have to ask you, I mean, my lashes are like still barely glued on because your girl's tired and she's looking for break. Butterflies. Yes. Well, we're going to soar, we're going to fly. They're turned into butterflies. In just a little bit of time. I have to ask you, do you have any like cash outs or crash outs to share?

[B]

Lots of crash outs for me. Unfortunately this season made, I think I'm in like nine, maybe 10 leagues, made the playoffs in half of them and lost every single one in the first week matchup. I just, it just didn't work out. Everything didn't click. Yeah. So it's all right. We go back next year. The research begins now. Best ball will be here before we know it. And I wait with bated breath for the draft season.

[A]

Well, you didn't ask me, but I'm going to tell you that I had a lot, a lot of cash outs.

[B]

I already knew I didn't need you to get on here and gloat about all the leagues you won. Why don't you tell all the viewers how amazing you are at fantasy football?

[A]

I think it's important though, because I always get some schmo, some troll being like, oh, I wish I played in your fantasy league. No, you don't, because I'd beat your ass. Because that's what I do every single year. So in transparency and in an effort of accountability, I would like to say that five of my teams, I had six main teams, five of them made the playoffs and four of them I ended up on the podium, meaning first, second or third. And two of them I won. So I won two fantasy Championships and I ended up with a little bit of a bag because of it. It was nice.

[B]

Nice. It sounds like you're paying for dinner. Next time I'm in Los Angeles. I love it.

[A]

How do I always end up paying? I don't know how this happens. Today's guest is the ideal voice to help us recap this past season. She is a researcher and analyst at the NFL Network. She also hosts a ton of podcasts. We are thrilled to have her. Please welcome Michelle Magouk to the show. Hey, Michelle.

[C]

Hey. Hey. Thanks for having me. I'm so excited to talk about fantasy. The end of the season. It was a wild season with injuries and just, you know, major breakouts, terrible players that were supposed to be good. It was, it was, it was hectic working in fantasy.

[A]

But every season is wild. And you as a researcher are able to dig into numbers that will helpfully add context and illuminate maybe the reasons why or the lessons learned. Now, because you are a stats and info person, professionally speaking and I think personally speaking as well, what was the stat that surprised you most this season?

[C]

Yeah, see, numbers are my thing, not words. So don't hold me accountable for my words, just my numbers. But so I pulled up stats to see how much, you know, how these players were averaging per touch this year. So how many fantasy points per touch were they scoring? And I did a minimum 75 touches. Now, George Pickens led the league by far, which that isn't too surprising on its own, but it was surprising that he was the only guy over 3 points per per touch this year with Jackson Smith to Jigba at second with 2.8. But what was most shocking is that Michael Wilson was third and right behind was was AJ Brown, Aman Ross and Brown Puka Nkua. But Michael Wilson being third and I don't know if that says more about Michael Wilson being a good player or what is wrong with Marvin Harrison Jr.

[A]

I am going to pause you because two years ago I loved Michael Wilson coming out of Stanford. I thought he had incredible chops, incredible route running skills and actually heading out of the 2023 season, I believed that he had the potential to be a top 20 fantasy wide receiver. Now this was of course, before the, before Marvin Harrison Jr. Was added to the mix and was drafted so high bloodlines, et cetera. And I think when you, it's an interesting like, conundrum that Arizona has now. Right? Because when you spend so much draft capital, especially on a player with as much prestige, prestige and legacy as MHJ brings you're stuck. Like, what. What do you do? And the fact that it took Jacoby Brissette to unlock so much. I mean, there's going to be changes obviously in Arizona now, but that is a really interesting stat. I also think. What do you think about George Pickens? Cause to me, he was basically what we wanted Jameson Williams to be.

[C]

Yeah. And he's what we wanted him to be with Pittsburgh. Right. He just needed a better offense for it. I think it, it, it sticks. I mean, having a dominant wide receiver across from you like CD Lamb helps so much take the pressure off of you, especially with what he does where contested catches are his thing. Getting deep is his thing. So I think Pickens is going to keep shining with Dallas. It just comes down to what his draft cost is next year. I don't know how high he'll be going.

[A]

Yeah, that's a very good point. Or if Dallas will retain him.

[C]

Well, I think they have to. But it's also Jerry Jones, so who knows?

[A]

That's. I mean, that is the asterisk. Jerry Jones we cannot count on for rational thinking the time. Okay. But we are going to think rationally. Those are some interesting stats. Big surprises. I wasn't expecting those three necessarily. Also big, though, our takeaways. What was your biggest takeaway of the 2526 season?

[C]

I think. I mean, I think we've known this for a while, but coaches make no sense. Right.

[A]

So thinking again.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. Stop assuming coaches will think how you think, especially with rookies. Like we all are dying to see Trevian Trayon, Henderson more. Right. And it was Ramandre Stevenson show almost the entire year, except outside of a couple games. But it just. It's like that every year. The start of the season with the Charger, it was going to be Najee Harris until he got hurt. Right. And then they had to go with Omarion Hampton. But so many cases where it's like, I don't get it. Why are they not using this player more? We have to stop assuming that this is what's going to happen. And also my big takeaway for me this year is don't go too risky with too many players. 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 out. It can sometimes. But go in, like maybe do it once or twice in a draft, not consistently.

[A]

Well, it's balance. Right. Like, it's okay to take a Jacobi Myers, for example, who might have a nice floor. And that floor became viable once he moved teams. But you have to think about you can't just all in ceiling play your entire roster because not all of those dart throws are obviously going to hit. So baking in is unexciting or like boring I guess as it may seem. You've got to find those floor players and also it's okay to take them at a value space because everyone else is reaching for the, you know, whatever the new toy is. And so like Travion Henderson, although I will say like RJ Harvey is an interesting example if we're looking at rookies because it was J.K. dobbins job and I think his draft capital fell. And then when Dobbins unfortunately got hurt, Harvey had a crazy amount of touches. He also managed I think at least three catches in every single game after Dobbins was injured. So the volume stuck for him. Dobbins obviously becomes a free agent. Now we, Sean Payton can be a little bit of a fox so we don't know, you know what's going to happen. But I think Harvey is one of those players, unlike Henderson that does is going to retain some of that value that he had heading into the season.

[C]

Yeah, Harvey, Ken, I think like the, the Hamptons, I hopefully Genti can bounce back. But that's what kind of what I'm talking about here with the risky players at the top. Right. Genti was going top five and I was all in on that. I was loving it but that's, that's a risk. And like me keeping Brian Thomas Jr. Because he's exciting and new in his breakout. Right. And he's going in his second season over Puka Nakua where I'm hoping Brian Thomas Jr turns into Puka Nakua. Like what am I doing? Like afterwards it seems so easy to make the right decisions but you get so sucked into the excitement. That's my big takeaway. Don't get too excited about certain players.

[A]

So then is that going to be the draft strategy that you try to employ heading into next year?

[C]

Yeah, I mean my number one is don't draft injured players. I'm just kidding. Obviously that's not the case.

[A]

Well, what.

[C]

Wait, wait.

[A]

Specifically I'm really bad at. What do you mean?

[C]

Well, that was just a joke. I mean I just drafted all the injured players this year. I don't know how I did that. But yeah, I think my big thing for next year is don't overthink things. I can like being a researcher. I dig in too much and I think the more, you know, sometimes the like you just overthink things instead of just playing the good players or just playing the guys that got you there or whatever. Right. Or following where everyone else has the rankings. I don't always want to go with that, but there is a reason why they're consensus rankings. Right. So I think just not overthinking things will be my big strategy for next year.

[A]

You're still allowed to get into your feelings though, because sometimes that gut intuition is spot on. So again, I would say I love this as a pivot for you, especially given what you do, but allow yourself a little bit of freedom for fun and feelings.

[C]

Yeah, I did keep a Chan in my wand keeper league over AJ Brown and over Amon Ross St. Brown. I got made fun of for that a lot. But Achan was amazing this year.

[B]

See?

[A]

All right, well, should we call in producer Presley and maybe expand this segment.

[C]

And let's do it.

[B]

Hello, everybody. Nice to meet you. Michelle.

[C]

Hi.

[B]

I think that's enough talk of the past season. I think it's time to look ahead to the 2026, 2027 season. I am going to present several questions to the two of you and I want you guys to dissect them. I want you to answer. Michelle, you can answer first. Um, are we ready?

[C]

I'm ready.

[B]

All right. First question off the board is will CMC Christian McCaffrey get the Saquon Barkley treatment next season?

[C]

With him leading the league and touches again, it feels like he's never been able to put two seasons together to, you know, to stay healthy. Now Barkley just for whatever reason, wasn't fed enough in the offense. I think he'll be trying to be fed, but I, I will be very nervous about re injury for CMC next year.

[A]

I a hundred percent agree. I think Dave is asking this question because heading into this season, I was one of, I'll say the few analysts who were completely off of Barkley because of his. Because of his historic touch total whether he was going to be fed again or whether his body could handle the volume that it had the previous year. I mean, I did a bunch of research and I think it was 100% of the players that cleared 300 carries each regressed whether it was in yards per carry or fantasy points per game the following year. Not, not all of them busted necessarily. But when you're expecting and drafting Saquon Barkley among your top four to five picks, you are expecting him to copy and paste the production that he had the previous year. And that's just not a fair expectation. So I did look at some numbers and Christian McCaffrey touched the ball a touched the ball 413 times and that's just over the regular season. Right. Because now the 49ers obviously entering the postseason so there will be more volume at his avail.311 carries. That was a career high for CMC 102 catches, the most since 2019 back when he was with the Panthers by comparison and of course we know he was fantasy's RB1 managing nearly 25 fantasy points per game. Barkley in 2024, 345 carries, again a career high. Only 33K, only 33 catches but uh. 378 total touches over the regular season and he also was the RB one averaging over 22 fantasy points per game. This year though.

[C]

Hmm.

[A]

He dropped to the RB15 averaging 14 and a half fantasy points per game. So I am absolutely off of Christian McCaffrey. Miracles do not happen twice in a row. I think there will be a regression but I think people will also want to draft him high because he served them well this past year.

[B]

When he's healthy he's amazing quarterback this season little spicy. You know we were everyone was targeting the big five. You know the Jalen hurts the the Josh Allens, the Lamar Jacksons and the board did not finish that way. So who is going to be the QB one next year and how late are you going to be drafting that quarterback in your team?

[C]

Now there's only one quarterback I feel certain about saying like he should be the quarterback one in in rankings, right. Because Josh Allen even this year it felt like a disappointment. Still finished as the quarterback one and in the last five seasons he's finished as the quarterback one quarterback two one, one and two. So just so simple. But the thing is you have to take him super high, right? So when he has a season like this year with up and downs it doesn't feel as good. So that's why I typically like to wait on quarterback. And there's one guy that I think I can wait. I will see how early he goes next year but I wouldn't assume higher than sixth seventh round and I think he can be the quarterback one next year it's Jackson Darth because without Malik Neighbors, right Without with a terrible disaster of coaches that got fired and all of that he was already as a rookie the quarterback five and points per game as a starter this year only behind Josh Allen, Drake May, Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes. So yeah, the Malik Neighbors news that he's still using A cane is a little worrisome, but get him some more weapons, get him some better coaches. And I really think Jackson Dart could be top three, if not the quarterback one, next year.

[A]

I love that Michelle's resolution was like, I'm not chasing fat, flashy toys. No more ceiling plays for me. What quarterback are you taking? Jackson Dartson Dart. Michelle, we've got to implement then. Then I hope you're taking all floor running backs and all floor wide receivers. So I will say, to answer the initial question, I am waiting. I have typically liked to wait. I listed the top 10 quarterbacks that finished overall in fantas, and they are in order. Josh Allen, Drake May, Matt Stafford, Trevor Lawrence. Okay. Joey Wright, Caleb Williams, Dak Prescott, Bo Nix, Jalen Hurts, Jared Goff, Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, and Jackson Dart. Now, of those, Drake May, Matt Stafford, Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Dak Prescott, Jared Goff and Jackson Dart were all drafted outside of the top 100 players at the position. So value came much later at the position in drafts. And I think that is a strategy that I'm going to continue to employ next year. However, Jackson Dart, and we'll talk about this in depth a little bit more later, is not going to be one of those players because I am not interested in his variance. And I do think a lot of people are going to chase his upside and I am going to stay away and instead find a nice. A nice boring quarterback under center who brings, you know, who makes my tea in the morning and brings me championships and is not super passionate and can actually stay out of the medical tent. I need a man who's going to be there for me.

[C]

Okay. I think the medical thing was your one fair thing you just said there. Right. Because he was highly consistent this year outside of, I mean, the game in New England and the game against Minnesota, which most people struggled in New England and for whatever reason, the Vikings defense was dominant to end the season. Right. So outside of those two games, I mean, he was fantastic and just scoring 20 points every single week. But yeah, you're right, the medical stuff is worrisome, but maybe he's also having to scramble so much because he has nobody to throw to and he has no question.

[A]

Sure, Michelle, what is. And this is gonna sound hyperbolic, and I don't mean to be a real. You know what. But what is the difference between Jackson Dart and Tyler Schuck?

[C]

That Dart, I think, has more stability of job security. I should say more job security.

[A]

He doesn't have a head coach. I mean, his head coach got fired. He doesn't have an offensive line.

[C]

I think the Saints have been ready to take I I think they went into the season knowing they're still going to take a quarterback this upcoming year. Now maybe they don't and maybe Shook is going to be a great option later on in drafts. If Shook still has a job next year for sure he's going to be a great late round draft pick. I'm totally down with it but I love the way I I think Dart overall all has the better skill set and has more job security. I don't think the Giants are even considering taking a quarterback this year. I still think the Saints will probably draft a guy we'll see.

[A]

He looks like a Disney villain to me. I'm out anyway. I do love that these are like some of the storylines that we are going to delve into and roll around in over the entire offseason. Dave, what's next?

[B]

The final question and that's probably gonna be some facts to back this up. But as you head into next year, who is at the top of your do not draft list?

[C]

You know what, this might not be an answer that people would expect but it's Devonta Smith and obviously if he fell to like the double digit rounds he's like everyone's draftable at a certain point. Not everyone but you know these bigger names are but Devonta Smith this year fewer than 10 points in PPR in 10 of 17 games. His best season was last year at wide receiver. Seventeen. Right. And he's still being ranked. I went to go look at the consensus rankings for next year which a lot of things will change by the time we get to draft season. He's still ranked Inside the top 60 overall picks for fantasy drafts next year. This guy's stock will never fall and it's like he does the same thing every year. Except this year was a little bit worse. But I have no desire for that. He doesn't have a ceiling. He has even in his best years. It's a roller coaster of a year where he gives you absolutely nothing and then a lot like I am not taking Devonta Smith anywhere close to his cost.

[A]

I think that's a great pick. I mean obviously his skill set as a field stretcher as the speed option means that his play might be a little bit or his production rather might be a little bit more boom or bust. I do think in terms of real life football he's a wonderful compliment to A.J. brown on the outside the Alpha. Right. Like these two work in tandem. I think that obviously Dallas Goddard's existence in the red area of the field and how well he owned the end zone certainly took away opportunities for Devonta Smith. But it is interesting to see like the regression from Saquon Barkley didn't benefit Devonta Smith, whether, you know, in terms of volume or in terms of efficiency. So I, I, I think that's a, a sneaky good pick, but I think because he's part of such a potent offense that he is just regularly ranked high because of the ecosystem in which he exists. My player. I teased this a little bit earlier and I had no idea, by the way, like, what Michelle's answers were going to be. My player is Jackson Dart. I am not drafting him. To me, Jackson Dart is giving Anthony Richardson light vibes. This is a player who has all the flash, the mobility. We love it in fantasy. We eat it up. And until he learns how to play without inviting injury every single week, I am not interested in that variance. Especially at a position where we have discovered there is an incredible amount of depth and value.

[C]

I hope John Harbaugh lands with the Giants and he teaches, he teaches Dart how to not get hit on every play and to be a little bit smarter. But Dart, the difference between him and Anthony Richardson is that Dart can actually throw a ball with any accuracy right there.

[A]

That's a big fix. That's fair.

[C]

Sure. Yes. Thank you.

[A]

That is absolutely fair. Yes, Anthony Richardson's development of a PA as a passer didn't happen. But I, I am nervous that Jackson Dart is going to, at least from an ADP standpoint, have the same meteoric rise that Anthony Richardson did. And everyone's going to be attached to the Flash. And I mean, listen, like, I get it, the Ole Miss thing. Him and Cam scatter, boo. They're like Kool Aid men bursting through walls. Like, it's very sexy, it's very enticing. And also just bring me my tea and stay healthy now.

[C]

Yeah, if he ends up getting up to the fourth round draft cost, I'm going to be out as well. As much as I want, as much as I'm going to want to take him, I won't. Like I'm going to be interested in him if he's sixth, seventh round pick. But yeah, if his hype ends up getting, yeah, six, seven. If his hype ends up getting super high, I'm going to be off of him too.

[B]

I mean, it does sound like we need to put a bookmark in this. We got to get Michelle back next year because QB1 overall for Jackson Dart and a do not draft list for Liz. There's some spice there.

[C]

Next year, if Jackson Dart ends as Quarterback 1 Overall, I take Liz's job on the show. I'm the new host. If.

[A]

If Jackson dart ends QB1 at the end of next season, I will pay for all of the champagne when we go out next.

[C]

All right, that's even better. I'll. I'll take that. Okay. That is.

[A]

That is the deal. Michelle, thank you so much for coming on our last episode of our first season. You were the perfect guest. Can you please tell everybody where they can find your work and follow you?

[C]

Yeah. I'm podcasting every day, so on all the podcast app or on YouTube, you can watch me on the Locked On Fantasy Football show. That's Monday through Friday. I have an analyst in the Armchair show where we go through all the NFL games and news that week that gets posted every Thursday. And the Gold Diggers podcast for the 49ers. If you're a fan on the Gold Standard network, I'm on that show on Friday. You can follow me on X Twitter, ballblast and Ballblast Em and you can see all my work there.

[A]

Wonderful. Michelle, thank you so much for coming on. Have a great day and I will talk to you soon.

[C]

Thank you. Bye, y'. All. Kraft Mac and cheese is better than 90s hip hop.

[A]

We'll remind you of your childhood without making you feel incredibly old. Kraft Mac and Cheese. Best thing ever.

[B]

Supposed to be hard.

[A]

If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it.

[B]

Oh, I'm so happy Michelle was able to join us for that final conversation of the facts versus fans feeling season. And we did look ahead to 2026, 2027. But I want to jump in a time machine, and I want to reflect on the season that just happened. Liz, why don't we give out some awards? What do you think?

[A]

I love hardware and shiny things, so let's do it.

[B]

All right. Well, there's going to be some curveballs in here, but we're going to start with a good old fantasy favorite. And that is. Who was your fantasy MVP coming out of this year?

[A]

Well, I noticed that you emphasized yours, so I personalized the answer to this question rather than answering who I thought the fantasy MV was. And for myself, it was Chris Olave. He was actually one of the players I wrote up in my Red Flag Players I Probably shouldn't Draft but will Anyway column heading into the season, I really was betting, frankly on his talent and volume. I said throughout the season that Talent is always the tiebreaker, and we all know that volume is king. And that worked out. I mean, to me, Olave had already proven that he could produce with a string of questionable talent under center. And so I wasn't particularly worried about whichever quarterback was going to start and or finish the season in New Orleans. Also, I know the concussion issues were certainly a reason to have some pause or concern, but Olave had only missed one game in his three year career prior to this past year due to lower body issues. So I wasn't particularly worried about him staying healthy or not staying healthy. Rather, I took the chance. It worked out. He was an incredible value pick. He ended the season wide receiver six overall, averaging nearly 17 fantasy points per game. That is MVP worthy for sure.

[B]

I love that I have him in Dynasty and he definitely paid off so hard in that team for all the great games that he had. I also went with the personal MVP because why not? I mean, the whole industry, MVP is boring. Everyone's already said it. And I have to eat some of my words. You know, we got Joey Wright back on this show and I made him kind of, you know, get in the weeds with Trevor Lawrence. Yeah. Squirm a little bit. Because my fantasy MVP is Trevor Lawrence and I gotta give Joey Wright some of his flowers. You know, you didn't draft this guy, you know, as your QB one. You either picked him up right at the end of a draft or maybe you slipped, snagged him off the waiver wire last minute. But after Week 5, he didn't have one game below 16 fantasy points. And as you went into your fantasy playoffs, if you were rostering Trevor Lawrence, he put up 44.3, 31.6, and 23.12 fantasy points through that playoff run. And my guess is he won plenty of people that bag. So my fantasy mvp, Trevor Lawrence. Joey Wright was right the entire time. Joey Wright was right the entire time. All right, next one. And this is a curveball. This is a player that you would like to take to dinner with your family.

[A]

This is gonna be kind of lame now that I'm thinking of it. I like, I think I'm gonna go with Travis Kelsey because I want to.

[B]

Know the Taylor T. I want to know. You just. You just hope that he brought Taylor. That's what it is. You hope that you extend the invitation. He's like, yo, can I just bring my fiance Taylor Swift? And you're gonna be like, oh, sure, yeah. I rewrite through that answer.

[A]

Also, like, I don't. You don't have to talk to me about your stupid wedding planning. I don't care about any of that. I want to know, like, does she drink Diet Coke? Can we have a Diet Coke together? What do you think about fridge cigarettes? Also, like, would you like to hop on the karaoke? I could do a great bejeweled. Like, do you. What other instruments do you play? I hear you play, like, a six string guitar.

[C]

Like, so.

[A]

Yeah, Travis.

[B]

As opposed to, like, that four string guitar, also known as the bass. Yeah. I mean, Travis Kelsey would be good. It might be his retirement dinner that you'll be hosting, but we. We will see. I kind of threw a curveball on this one because there's really only one player that I think you should invite to your dinner. Because all the. The entire thing about dinner invitations is about entertainment. And I think one of the most entertaining players in the NFL from a personality standpoint that is maybe not so much from a fantasy standpoint. Although we did play two weeks this week, but two weeks this season. 32.24 fantasy points in week 12. 1 Mr. Jameis Winston. I just love the idea of my mother and father having to sit across the table and listen to Jameis Winston wax poetic about the shepherd's pie that my mom's just decided to cook up for dinner. And they're just sitting there, jaw on the floor, eyes wide open, looking at me, being like, who the did you bring to dinner? So, Jameis Winston.

[A]

That is fantastic. I'm so, like, part of me is like, how did I not think of it? And then I'm so glad that I didn't. So that you could have it all to yourself. That is. You win. You won the award for best award given for best dinner player.

[B]

I love him. He's just. Every single thing out of his mouth is just gold. I would love to hang out with Jameis Winston and just laugh my ass off for a solid few hours. Last. One last award we're giving out. I can call these awards. Who knows what they are? Don't listen to the haters. Who is that one player that the industry, the fan base, everybody has kind of had a downward turn towards that you are not losing faith in and will continue to smash that draft button heading into next season.

[A]

So another red flag player. You're really leaning into my stubborn streak here. Okay. It has to be Roma Dunze. I just. He's too talented. Not the top girl. That's what I was gonna say. I think he still got that alpha in him, and he just needs to be unlocked. We Saw flashes of it. Again, maybe this is a chemistry issue. I talked about that a little bit earlier in the episode. Like, maybe he and Caleb, though, I just, I saw them drafted on the first day. They gotta have the chem that is there for them. Um, but, you know, the timing was not great between them. I just really do believe, like, when you look at the production on the field, when you grind the tape, like, he and Luther Burden are going to be a problem. They're such great complimentary players. They're going to be a problem for opposing defenses. Now, I don't know what happens to DJ Moore. He is signed to the Bears through, I believe, the 2029 season, but there have been rumblings that he might be traded away. He may not stay. So obviously, like, volume is going to be an issue. But I do think that Odunze can blossom into that alpha baby, Devonte Adams type of role for the Bears. And maybe that's wishful thinking, but if you wanted someone that I can't give up on, it's. It's Rome plus his afros coming from the Bears.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, he's got a sweet afro. I wish I could have an afro like that. I mean, it's coming from a Bears fan too. So you got to be hoping that that that happens. I mean, he showed it. When we saw it, it looked good. And that's similar to a player that I picked for this award, and that is Egbuka, because when you saw looked good, but then after, you know, picked up 25 receptions, 445 yards and five touchdowns over the first five games and then just dropped off a cliff. But, you know, Chris Godwin, we don't know if he's going to return next year. The volume is there, the talent is there. You know, those are two things that you always preach here on facts versus feelings. You know, we got Mike Evans in the mix, but I am still continuing to smash that draft button on Igbuka because when he was sawing, he was sawing and he looked great. He get up, he get that ball. He's tough. So I'm not giving up on Egbuka yet, albeit it was a pretty tough back half of the season if you were leaning on him to get you into those playoffs. So, yeah, Egbuka, the player that I'm still trusting, even if he's probably got a lot of haters.

[A]

No, I think that's a spot on pick. And sometimes the burnt takes, like in the case of Kyler are honest and sometimes they're just super Reactionary, as in the case of Chris Olave. So I think it'll be interesting again to watch his ADP and what happens with the pieces of the rest of that wide receiver core, wide receiving core. So I like that pick, though. Right now on January 6th, I think it's great.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Is it January 7th?

[A]

It's January 7th.

[B]

Who knows what day it is? Let's, you know, let's not run that back. If he stinks it up all season, next season, I take no responsibility. Well, I mean, before we get to last call, Liz, I, you know, I know that you like flowers, but I unfortunately, am not in Los Angeles to give you flowers, so I'm gonna give you your flowers verbally. Two years ago, Liz, you and I sat in a room and we came up with the concept. Well, no, you came to me with a concept for a show, and here we are after a full year of doing it, and we crushed it. And you brought me along. You brought Adrien along. We never give Adrian as much shout out as she should get because she's never on camera, but she put a. She's amazing. She put an incredible team together. We've had Q, we've had Alex, we've had other people come into the show and help out. I could not imagine a couple years ago sitting, having a drink with you, coming up with different ideas for this, that we would create such an awesome little community. We would have such a great time, and that's all because of you. And, you know, according to producer Q, 80% accuracy rate on all of your calls. Tight end whisperer strikes every week. So a big thank you to you, Liz Loza, for keeping us all entertained, hopefully winning us some fantasy championships and bringing us along for the ride. So thank you, Liz.

[A]

Thank you, Dave. Now I feel like I'm the one blushing. I don't. I like being the person who makes everyone.

[B]

I got it. I got one blush.

[A]

I don't really. Thank you. Yes, it has been awesome. I don't know what the future's gonna hold. I'm not thinking about it. I am just so glad that we had an incredible number of guests who were all mostly personal friends of mine, are now new friends after having come in on the show that you and Adrian and Alex and Q all supported this endeavor with an incredible amount of enthusiasm and commitment. It meant so much to me. And honestly, the community that we built has been awesome. The voicemails, listening to people on the fantasy therapy line, the most of the comments, the DMs most of the DMs I have really enjoyed. I think content should be there for connection and I think we achieved that with this show. And that is what makes me the most proud and happy.

[B]

I agree. What an awesome year of fantasy football. An incredible year of facts versus feelings. But now I think it's time for your final last call of the year.

[A]

My last, last call?

[B]

Last call.

[A]

Today we learned that you should not draft injured players in fantasy football, that Jameis Winston is the ideal dinner guest, and that change is ever present. We've talked all season about prioritizing the journey over the result. So regardless of your record, I hope you had fun and remember, whether you like it or not, you know more now than you did then. Big thanks to Michelle Majuk for coming on the show and playing along. And as always, to producer Presley for supporting me throughout this journey and season and for keeping me honest during this episode. Until next time, may your facts be solid, your feelings be right, and your bus, let them be someone else's problem. Hi, I'm Liz Loza. And no, my head's not going to go sideways like that.

[B]

We made it. We made it to 2026. Albeit Larry. Dave would be furious that you asked that. You wish me a happy new year book. How are you doing? How was your new year? To the 2022? 2020. Me.

[C]

Dave.

[B]

So glad she was able to join the show. It's you guys.

[A]

You okay? Whatever you say, producer. Sure.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, I'm in charge, so, you know, at the end of the day.

[A]

What an awesome conversation.

[B]

You.

[A]

So awesome. We are doing a very serious show. No, no. Okay, three.

[C]

Nailed it.