Fantasy Focus Football – The BEST Playoff Stashes on the Waiver Wire | November 18, 2025

Hosts: Field Yates, Stefania Bell, Daniel Dopp
Focus: Playoff waiver wire stashes, MNF recap, injuries, and fantasy league strategies

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the fantasy football waiver wire ahead of the playoffs. The hosts share Monday Night Football takeaways, discuss injury impacts, debate the best playoff "stashes" (less rostered players who could make a late-season difference), and offer their favorite waiver wire adds for Week 12. As always, there's sharp banter, spot-on injury analysis from Stefania, and a live look at their own fantasy league drama.

Monday Night Football Recap & Early Discussions

(03:00-10:00)

• Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders:

  • Daniel Dopp: “If you had some Dallas Cowboys and needed points, they came through for you.” (03:00)
  • Brock Bowers: 7 catches, 72 yds, 14.2 fantasy points— highlight for a struggling Raiders offense.
  • Ashton Genti’s odd usage: more targets than rush attempts, barely any running lanes (04:01).
  • Field Yates: “A bizarre game plan. Totally outmatched by Dallas defense.” (04:16)
  • Dallas defense looks improved, but Field/Yates wants more proof against better offenses.

• Standouts:

  • George Pickens: “Best game…He looked so good. Nine catches for 144 and a touchdown.” – Stefania Bell (05:31)
  • CeeDee Lamb: Nearly two touchdowns, still productive.
  • Both Pickens & Lamb missed the opening series due to coach’s decision—mild discipline, little impact (06:18).

• Takeaway: “Rather than a WR2 opposite CeeDee Lamb, it feels like they have a 1B. George Pickens is a full-on threat.” – Daniel (09:00)
  Field calls Pickens “the best number 2 in the NFL.” (09:26)

• Cowboys looking towards a big matchup with Philly, evaluated as playoff contenders if current trends hold.

Fantasy Focus Show League Updates

(10:02-12:36)

• Field narrowly staying in playoff contention with a late surge.
• Stefania’s team decimated by injuries; looking for “emotional victories.”
• Stefania: “There's a little 'e' next to my team... no chance for a comeback. Should I target an emotional victory? I’m dumping injured guys and picking up your waiver recs!” (12:04)

Playoff Stash Segment (Key Waiver Wire Stashes)

Sponsored by Wingstop
(13:26-23:00)

Criteria:

Players rostered in under ~50% of leagues; not obvious starters but potential playoff difference-makers.

Daniel Dopp: Ricky Pearsall (SF WR)

• Just returned from injury, previously averaged 4+ receptions/game, twice over 100 yards pre-injury.
• 49ers have a favorable remaining schedule (15:11).
• “If he can get back to being fully healthy...maybe you get a nice playoff push from him.” – Daniel (14:39)

Field Yates: J.J. McCarthy (MIN QB)

• “Hear me out…Vikings, easy schedule weeks 14–17: Commanders, at Cowboys, at Giants, vs. Lions.” (16:58–17:50)
• All upcoming opponents are among the easiest for QBs.
• “It sounds insane…But if you’re willing to roll the dice, J.J. McCarthy could be a playoff stash, not a starter.” – Field (18:37)

Stefania Bell: Kenneth Gainwell (PIT RB)

• Coming off a 29.5–point week; excels as a pass-catcher.

• Jalen Warren injury may lead to more workload; favorable RB schedule ahead (Bears, Bills, Ravens, Dolphins, Lions).

• “Should it be Mason Rudolph, he’s happy to throw Gainwell touchdowns. He’s an option that could be productive down the stretch.” – Stefania (21:04)

• Poll: YouTube listeners would prefer to stash Ricky Pearsall.

Week 12 Waiver Wire – Priority Pickups

(23:01-34:00)

Quarterbacks

• Jacoby Brissette (ESPN’s “secret”):
  • Five straight top-12 weeks, 19+ pts each, favorable matchup vs Jags.
• Sam Darnold:
  • “Throw out that Rams game, he’s been awesome.” – Field (25:13)
  • Titans up next; their recent pass D has bled points.

Running Backs

• #1 Add: Emmanuel Wilson

  • "Encouraged by no major injury to Josh Jacobs but doubt he returns this week." – Stefania (26:09)
  • Little track record but opportunity is king, especially with injuries mounting.
  • Field would "spend a lot" of remaining FAAB on Wilson (27:44).

• Other RBs Mentioned:

  • Chris Rodriguez: Could benefit if Commanders games stay close; speculative add.
  • Sean Tucker: Only if Bucky Irving remains out; his status is highly uncertain, matchup is tough (Rams).
  • Kenny Gainwell: Already detailed above; double as playoff stash and immediate add.

Wide Receivers

• Darnell Mooney:
  • With Drake London out (PCL) and Michael Penix done, Mooney could re-emerge as Kirk Cousins’ trusted target.
  • Caution: Past shoulder injury lingered, and some previous letdowns, but volume might be there (37:10–39:12).
• Marvin Harrison Jr.:
  • Recovering from appendectomy; watch status for this week.

“Playoff Trash” – Players You Can’t Trust Down the Stretch

(42:03-50:53)

Daniel Dopp: Quentin Johnston (LAC WR)

• “Two of three games with zero points since week five. If you’re starting him, you’re hoping for one big play—trust is not the word.” (43:10)

Stefania Bell: Quinshon Judkins (CLE RB)

• “Efficiency has gone way down, pass catching not there, offense unclear—don’t feel great about anything in Cleveland except the defense.” (44:01)

Field Yates: AJ Brown (PHI WR)

• “More games with 3.3 pts or fewer than 20+ pts. He had 11 targets last week but only 45 yards. He’ll have a big game but won’t get white-hot like when you drafted him.” (45:01)

Other Trash Candidates Discussed:

• Isaiah Pacheco (KC RB): Just two top-30 finishes, “even if he comes back, you’re not starting him with confidence” – Daniel (46:08)
• Justin Herbert (LAC QB): Bad O-line, tough schedule, not running well, “I just don’t like the Chargers at all.” – Stefania (47:31)
• Alvin Kamara (NO RB): Best finish RB14, three top-20 games, four outside the top-40. “Just a tough go this year.” – Field (50:08)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “It's fair to say you can't trust a player if he's been inconsistent this year.” – Field Yates (42:09)
• “J.J. McCarthy…could be a playoff stash, not a playoff starter.” – Field Yates (18:37)
• “If you’re starting Quinton Johnston, it’s a dart throw…trust is not the word.” – Daniel Dopp (43:10)
• “He’ll have a big game…but AJ Brown won’t get white-hot like when you drafted him.” – Field Yates (45:01)
• “It’s Tuesday!” – Field and Stefania, multiple times, as a running joke about their busy, confusing weeks (40:56)

Detailed Injury Updates (35:00-41:40)

• Drake London (ATL): PCL sprain, likely out this week, uncertain timeline.
• Michael Penix (ATL QB): Done for the season, possible ACL.
• Josh Jacobs (GB): Not likely to play this week, “doesn't feel like one you can just power through.” – Stefania (26:09)
• Jaylen Warren (PIT): Ankle rollback, “watch practice reports, possible game-time decision.” – Stefania (21:10)
• Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARZ): Recovering from appendectomy; time frame for return is individual.

Waiver Wire at a Glance

| Priority | Position | Name | Reason | |---------------|-----------|--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | RB | Emmanuel Wilson | Potential starter, high upside if Jacobs sits | | 2/3 | QB | Jacoby Brissette | Consistent top-12 performance, good matchup | | 2/3 | QB | Sam Darnold | Good matchup, impressive recent play (avoiding Rams games) | | Speculative | RB | Chris Rodriguez | Could see increased role if Commanders play close games | | Speculative | RB | Sean Tucker | Only if Bucky Irving remains out | | Speculative | WR | Darnell Mooney | Opportunity with injuries, past connection with Cousins | | Stash | WR | Ricky Pearsall | Healthy, favorable schedule, previous strong production | | Stash | QB | J.J. McCarthy | Impossibly soft playoff schedule | | Stash | RB | Kenneth Gainwell | High-value pass catcher; Warren’s injury means more snaps |

Listener Q&A Highlights

(52:36–59:43)

• Should I start Darnell Mooney, Trey Tucker, Parker Washington, or pick up Matthew Golden/Jaden Higgins?
  • Consensus: Mooney, only for lack of better options.
• Drop Pacheco for Pollard or Emmanuel Wilson?
  • Drop Pollard first, but both can go for Wilson’s upside.
• Which streamer: Bryce Young, Jacoby Brissette, or Joe Flacco?
  • Clearly Jacoby Brissette.
• Dalton Schultz or Jake Ferguson at TE?
  • Jake Ferguson “every single week”—reliable, red zone target.

Tone & In-Show Banter

• Fun, conversational; inside jokes about days of the week and Daniel’s Detroit Lions loyalty.
• Live camaraderie (“I admire Brian Schottenheimer…just had to get a chuckle” – Field, 07:23).
• Stefania’s relatable, detailed medical explanations bring both calm and clarity.

Concluding Thoughts

This episode is crucial for fantasy managers looking for hidden gems to fuel a playoff push. The panel agrees on the importance of targeting opportunity over past performance at this point in the season, especially with injuries creating unexpected openings. Their top stash recommendations—Ricky Pearsall, J.J. McCarthy, and Kenneth Gainwell—offer strong upside for different roster needs. They also caution against relying on several once-promising names and urge fantasy managers to embrace change as they hunt for late-season fantasy football glory.

For further player-by-player and matchup breakdowns, be sure to check ESPN’s full rankings and weekly columns.