Week 8 Fantasy Expectations: How To Survive Bye-maggedon!!

Summary

Fantasy Focus Football – Week 8 Fantasy Expectations: How To Survive Bye-maggedon!!

Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Liz Loza (guest host), Producer Presley, with guest Sam Holt
Note: This episode is part of the “Facts vs. Feelings” segment, included in the Fantasy Focus Football content slate.

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into Week 8’s “Bye-maggedon,” when six NFL teams are on bye, leaving fantasy football managers scrambling for quality lineup options. Liz Loza and Producer Presley break down key streaming options, answer audience questions, discuss trade etiquette, and host special guest Sam Holt for rapid-fire “Fact or Feeling” games and analysis for the remainder of the season.

The tone is vibrant, playful, and highly interactive, blending data-driven advice (“facts”) with the all-important emotional angle and fun.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Managing Expectations in Fantasy Football

• Liz sets the scene: “You can set expectations all you want, but you can’t control the outcome.” (00:00)
• Producer Presley delivers the recurring show disclaimer, emphasizing that fantasy football hinges on “inches, luck, and irrational confidence.” (01:21)

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2. Week 8 Streaming and Waiver Wire Targets

Quarterback: Joe Flacco (CIN)

• Flacco has exceeded expectations since starting for Cincinnati, scoring 18+ fantasy points in back-to-back games.
• Key Stat: 300+ passing yards in 9 of his last 21 starts (since 2022).
• Liz: “He is resuscitating this Bengals offense and proving standalone value as a streaming option.” (01:46)
• Flacco is a strong streamer vs. the Jets (fourth-highest QBR allowed, no INTs all season).

Wide Receiver: Courtland Sutton (DEN)

• Sutton is called a “steady Eddie” with five games of 16+ points, only surpassed by three WRs: JSN, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Puka Nacua.
• Good matchup vs. DAL (second-most WR points allowed).
• “He enters the week with an awesomely high floor. He’s my wide receiver 17 heading into this by Magaddon situation.” (03:56)

Tight End: Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN)

• Despite a Week 7 goose egg, Okonkwo is still second on his team in routes run and third in looks.
• Colts (this week’s opponent) have allowed the fifth most points to TE in the last two weeks.
• Liz: “Chig himself registered a season high... when he faced the Colts back in Week three.” (05:44)

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3. Bye-maggedon Flex & Waiver Wire Targets (DMs/Q&A)

[06:42]

• Liz references Eric Karabell’s column and highlights:
  • Tyjae Spears, Kyle Manangai, Brashard Smith (stash options)
  • Woody Marks: “Offers value as a pass catcher… San Francisco’s defense has allowed the 8th most catches to RBs… could have flex appeal.”
  • Tyler Allgeier: “Managed double digit touches in each of Atlanta’s wins…good volume this week vs. Miami.” (07:36)

“What to do with Tee Higgins?”

• “The Joe Flacco effect is real… got Higgins on the WR2/WR3 bubble for week 8.” (08:18)

Rest of Season: Cade Otton or Orande Gadsden?

• “Gadsden has the higher ceiling… week-to-week streaming and playing matchups is key, particularly for TEs.” (08:46)

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4. Fantasy Therapy (Listener Questions)

Voicemail: AJ Brown or Jordan Addison? [09:42]

• Liz for Brown:
  • “Brown as a low-end WR1 and Addison as like a low-end WR2 for fantasy purposes this week.” (10:00)

Voicemail: Trade Etiquette [11:08]

• Listener feels accused of insulting others with trades.
• Liz’s advice: “Put the players you’re willing to move on the trade block—transparency disarms people…then get in there and fleece them.” (11:44)
• Fun 80s analogy: “Like, go to the gas station and people would have, like, gold chains in their trench coats...” (12:56)

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5. Special Guest: Sam Holt Joins for “Fact or Feeling” [13:38]

Game Highlights and Notable Answers:

• Travion Henderson is the biggest bust: "Absolute fact... Going into the season he was ranked RB20..." (15:28)
• Mimosas as the essential brunch drink: Sam: “Fact, it does not make a brunch without a mimosa.” Liz: “Feeling! Bloody Mary’s the quintessential brunch beverage.” (16:13 - 16:52)
• Mike Tomlin never winning a 2nd Super Bowl: “That is a feeling... We go forward and continue to improve.” (17:14)
• Trade veto is the worst invention: Sam: “Fact... Only time it should be used is obvious collusion.” (18:22)
• Rashee Rice, top 5 WR rest of season: Sam leans towards “fact,” Liz thinks “top 10” is more realistic. (20:10 - 21:57)

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6. Targeted Week 8 Advice and League Winner Picks

Trade Targets:

• Sam loves “buy low” on Chase Brown, especially with Joe Flacco unlocking the Bengals offense. (22:38)
• Potential “under-discussed” league winner: Matt Stafford for his consistency and the value he provided at a low draft cost. (24:24)

Bye-maggedon Fills & Week 8 Starts/Sits: [25:41+]

• Tyler Allgeier highlighted again as a strong flex vs. MIA.
• Favorite Week 8 Start: Cade Otton (only 35% rostered—check your wire!) (27:00)
• Most Confident Sit: “Can I say all the Dolphins except for Devon Achane?” (27:42)
• 2nd Favorite Start: Jonnu Smith (Steelers TE)—great matchup vs. Packers for TEs. (28:53)

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Notable Quotes

• On Flacco:

  • Liz: “Had to drive four hours to become elite once again.” (01:46)

• On Chigoziem Okonkwo:

  • Liz: “The heart wants what the heart wants and the heart has never wanted Chig more.” (04:16)

• On trade offers:

  • Liz: “Just be the monster, bro. Like, who cares? But I think it's sweet that you do care because manners are important...” (11:44)

• On brunch:

  • Sam: “It does not make a brunch without a mimosa...unless it is a bottomless mimosa flight.” (16:13)

• On Miami (sits):

  • Sam: “Can I say all the Dolphins except for Devon Hn...I've got way too much Devon Hn to not start him. But everybody else, you could find so many arguments to bench…” (27:42 - 28:45)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• Setting expectations & show intro: 00:00–01:21
• Joe Flacco as a streamer: 01:21–02:45
• Courtland Sutton analysis: 02:45–04:02
• Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE) streaming: 04:02–06:06
• Mailbag & waiver talk: 06:13–09:37
• Voicemails: 09:37–13:38
• Guest Sam Holt joins, Fact or Feeling: 13:38–22:32
• Trade/waiver week advice: 22:38–27:28
• Starts/Sits/Streaming: 27:28–29:28
• Outro/episode recap: 31:02–32:05

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Concluding Reminders

• “May your facts be solid, your feelings be right, and your bust be someone else’s problem.” (31:02)
• Check out Liz’s Week 8 column on the dot com and the guest’s media by following Sam Holt on X (@SamanthaRHolt) and her “Unbinged” podcast.

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Summary

This energetic “Facts vs. Feelings” episode is rich with actionable Week 8 streaming advice, playful banter and relief for managers navigating “bye-maggedon.” With expert insight on Joe Flacco, Courtland Sutton, and Chig Okonkwo plus clever solutions for trade etiquette and lineup dilemmas, listeners will feel equipped, entertained, and ready to survive even the roughest bye-week storm.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, I'm Liz Loza and this is Facts versus Feelings. Your amuse bouche to your fantasy Focus Main course. We're bringing more fantasy, more facts, more feelings, and of course, more fun. And now that I have your attention, today's fact is that you can set expectations all you want, but you can't control the outcome. Ah, look who decided to come back to the show. It's producer Presley.

[B]

It's me. I'm back filling in. Well, no, Q filled in for me last week. He did a great job. The comments loved him. So hopefully I can meet everybody's expectations. See what I did there? As we head into week eight of.

[A]

The fantasy season list, I'm expecting more of those quips out of you, especially since Q did such a good job with them. I'm also expecting that our viewers are enjoying this episode so much that they will like and subscribe to this video. Go ahead and smash that button. And while you're doing all the things, maybe leave us a voicemail at 914-348-1893. Producer Presley, you want to tell everyone when we check those or when you check them? Because I don't know how.

[B]

I mean, yeah, Liz has no idea how to work this stuff, so it's all on me. But Mondays, please leave all of your start sit, your conundrums, life advice, breaking up with a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Liz has got you covered. We cover everything here on Facts versus Feelings.

[A]

Oh my gosh. Well, better hit the disclaimer if we're going to talk about life advice. Though I do like to hear the tea.

[B]

Fantasy football is a game of inches, luck and irrational confidence. Proceed with caution, trust your gut and remember, side effects of listening to this podcast may include spontaneous victory dances, mild trash talking, and the belief that your sleeper pick is better than everyone else's. Take the facts of fantasy football seriously, but consult your feelings before making any lineup changes. We're talking about expectations this week, Liz, and the first man on this list. I would call him old, but he is the same age as me. It is Joe Flacco exceeding expectations so far this season since he went to.

[A]

Cincinnati, just had to drive four hours to become elite once again. Joe Flacco has cleared 18 fantasy points since starting under center for the Bengals in back to back weeks. He also, in case people think this might be a Mirage, has managed 300 or more passing yards in nine of his 21 starts since 2022. He is resuscitating this Bengals offense and proving standalone value as a streaming option. At the quarterback position. I particularly like him this week because of the matchup. The jets are allowing the fourth highest total qbr. In fact, New York does not have a single interception yet this season. They are just one of two teams without an int and if you need further evidence of why, Flacco can step in for you on a week where there are six teams on by and Jaden Daniels is banged up, Dak Prescott and Aaron Rodgers both cleared 25 fantasy points when facing the Jets.

[B]

Those jets are gonna jet. They stink. You know who doesn't stink? Cortland Sutton. Although fantasy managers might have thought he stunk a little bit because he's put up a couple low scores, but he's had some decent numbers this year. Is he exceeding expectations?

[A]

Liz Cortland Sutton has been an awesome steady Eddie in terms of production. Now I think you are referencing a couple of stinkers. He had did have a pair of duds. One at the very beginning of the season when the offense was still figuring it out and then one when he was dealing with Sauce Gardner and having to work in his and having to work in his shadow. So those were tough matchups, but otherwise Sutton has managed five games with 16 or more fantasy points and only three. Three other wide receivers have had more. They are Jackson Smith and Jigba Amon, Ross St. Brown and Puka Nakua. That's pretty elite company to be in. Yup. Plus this week the matchup is delicious. The Dallas Cowboys, the opponent for the Denver Broncos, have allowed the second most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and even better than that, 12 receiving scores to the position. I understand that Sutton may not be all shimmer and shine, but he enters the week with an awesomely high floor. He's my wide receiver. 17 heading into this by Magaddon situation.

[B]

I love that. You know what else I love? And it has taken us eight weeks. Eight weeks before you've mentioned your boy Chiga conquo and here he is on the list. So please lose, take it away.

[A]

You know, get that little mermaid ready because Chig is my og. But daddy, I love him, player. I know everyone's like what are you talking about Loza? He put up a goose egg in week seven. But you know what? Sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants and the heart has never wanted Chig more. I don't know what that says about me or my inner workings, but it is completely true. In week seven, even though he put up a zero, he recorded more snaps and ran more routes than rookie gunner Helm, who did out target him. Still, Okonkwo ranks third on the team in looks with just one less than Calvin Ridley and he is second on the squad in terms of routes run. He is putting in the work. He is on the field and this week's matchup figures to yield tangible results because the Colts have allowed the fifth most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past two weeks in week six. Trey McBride Now I know he's a star, but still he went off for eight catches, 72 yards and a score at Lucas Oil Stadium last Sunday because this isn't just about stuff. Studs rising star Orande Gadsden posted a 71641 stat line versus Indianapolis. They are giving to opposing tight ends. Oh and and what do you know? Chig himself registered a season high 66 receiving yards and 11.6 fantasy points when he himself faced the Colts back in Week three. So when we've got Calvin Ridley's availability in jeopardy and we know that The Titans are 14 and a half points point road dogs which means Cam Ward is going to have to throw the ball a ton and we know that the matchup is good. Okonkwo is 100% worthy of being on the streaming radar in week eight.

[B]

Hey, when the tight end whisperer speaks, you guys better listen. Chiga Conquo Put him in your lineup. This is a safe place.

[A]

It's a place where we can feel.

[B]

Free sharing our feelings.

[A]

Now let's get comfortable on the couch and dive into some fantasy therapy. A safe space space for all of your fantasy football questions. Producer Presley, what do we have?

[B]

We're going to start with some DMs so far because your DMs do sure get messy, but this one comes from you telling me 86 he wants to know who is the best running back to pick up pick up during Buymageddon.

[A]

You know I have to say shout out to my colleague Eric Carabelle who wrote a cracker jack of a Bymageddon waiver wire piece so you should check that out on the dot com he mentioned. Obviously Tajie Spears who we mentioned about two weeks ago ago. Kyle Manangai who saw a spike in his involvement back in Week seven, though I think that had more to do with the score than anything else. And then also Brashard Smith who flashed in the Chiefs blowout versus the Raiders. All of those guys though I I think are more stash options than an under the radar full flex or start in Week eight. I want to highlight Woody Marks. Now I know that the Woody Marks. You know hype train has stalled out a couple of times, but he does offer value as a pass catcher and that is particularly valuable in a matchup against the 49ers because San Francisco's defense has allowed the 8th most catches and the 8th most receiving yards to opposing running backs. So if you're in a PPR friendly format, I think Woody Marks could have flex appeal this week. And I also like Tyler Algier, who has been able to carve out standalone value and not just be an insurance policy behind Bijan Robinson. He's actually managed double digit touches in each of Atlanta's wins. That bodes well for his chances of getting decent volume this week because the Falcons are seven and a half point home favorites over the uber generous Dolphins defense. So there are two options and a couple of stash as well for you B. Corley and I hope it works out.

[B]

Next up Brandon R44 what to do with T. Higgins Baby, you're flexing him.

[A]

We just talked about it. The Joe Flacco effect is real. Higgins posted a season best 62 receiving yards back in Week 6 when Flacco took over for Jake Browning. He then bested those numbers in Week 7 with six catches for 96 receiving yards and a score. I've got Higgins on the wide receiver 2/wide receiver 3 bubble heading into week 8.

[B]

Final DM of the week and that comes from K Coca rest of season K D well, Gadsden.

[A]

Oh, you know I talked of Kate Otten on last week's show, so I was very happy to see him so involved this past Monday night. But and I mean to say this is as kindly as possible, Kate Otten's athletic profile is not as dynamic, shall we say, as or on the Gadsden's. I know that Gadsden is a rookie and that might scare people off, but he more importantly to me at least is a converted wide receiver. He has been on a heck of a tear. Both of these players kind of have a mouth to feed argument working against them. I think Gadsden has the highly higher ceiling. I am admittedly for better or for worse, a ceiling chaser. So I'm going to go for the rookie. Though I would also like to advise that week to week streaming and playing the matchups is key, particularly with the tight end position.

[B]

All right, let's move on to some voicemails. We got a couple this week. First one's from Fred. Let's see what he's got to say.

[C]

Hey Liz, this is Fred from North Carolina. Love the show. Keep doing what you do. Love, love the podcast as well. I'm in a conundrum this week. Do I start A.J. brown or Jordan Addison in the full PPR league this week? Thanks, I'll keep listening.

[A]

Well, thank you so much for listening Fred. I really appreciate it. I am a little bit confounded though that this is the second week in a row that we've gotten an A.J. brown question. I lean towards Brown over Xavier Worthy. Last week it worked out nicely. I understand that Jordan Addison just had a monster game. I mean he went off for 128 receiving yards and but also AJ Brown managed 121 receiving yards plus two scores. He in doing so also broke the Eagles two game losing streak. So I think Philadelphia is going to stick with what's working here. Plus I don't really love Addison traveling from Minnesota to Los Angeles on a short week. I much prefer to see AJ Brown have a rematch against the these Giants who not for nothing, he managed six catches and 80 receiving yards against two weeks ago. So give me Brown as a low end wide receiver one and Addison as like a low end wide receiver two for fantasy purposes this week.

[B]

All right. Final voicemail comes from Evan and I think he's got a problem with. A lot of. A lot of us can relate to Liz. So let's check this one out.

[D]

This is Evan from Los Angeles, California. I have a little bit of difficulty kind of gauging how other people view players and so when I send trade offers I often getting a response back that they think I'm trying to like insult them, which I'm genuinely not. Do you any recommendations on sending trade offers that will allow me to not get ripped off and or win the deal but also allow the people I'm sending offers to to not think that I'm a monster? Love the show. Thanks for the help.

[A]

Evan, you sweet man. I mean part of me is like just be the monster bro. Like who cares? But I think it's sweet that you do care because manners are important and people should have more of them, particularly when they're drying and driving and buying groceries. Okay, so I think something you're never going to be able to read people's minds. So that is a tough thing to accomplish. But I think if you kind of show your cards first by putting the players that you're interested in moving on the trade block, it makes you seem transparent, right? You're like these are the players that I would like to move. Is anyone interested in making a deal? And so you can Come from a place of honesty and transparency and that might disarm people. And then I think once you do that, you can reach out. If there's a particular player that you're interested in trading for, for or with. You can say, hey, I've shown you my cards. You know, would you be interested in dealing at this particular player for any of these? It's like. Like in the 80s when you would, like, go to the gas station and people would have, like, gold chains in their trench coats. I don't know. Now I'm off. I'm your age.

[E]

Ish.

[A]

And so I think that that can disarm them. And then once you have them disarmed and you're showing them the chains in your trends coat, then you get them. You just get in there and fleece them. That's what you should do.

[B]

Changing trench coats in the 80s, Liz. It was Liz's birthday on Saturday. So everybody make sure that we. We send Liz some happy birthdays out there. Those are the voicemails for this week. Liz, not only did you crush him, but you definitely showed how young you are. Remember, please call the voicemail line Mondays, 914-348-1893. Let's welcome in the guests.

[A]

Joining us today is someone who really brings the fun to fantasy. She is one of the most creative humans I know. She not only designs the visuals at fantasy life, but she also hosts her own fantasy football show called sideline banter. Please welcome to the show. One of my favorite friends and my best Boozy brunch buddy, Ms. Sam Holt. Welcome, Sam.

[E]

Hi, Liz. Thank you so much for having me. And that intro was absolutely amazing. I don't deserve it.

[A]

You deserve so much and more, including a winning season. How is your season going thus far?

[E]

So far, I want to say it's in the 60:40 range only because I'm in tan fantasy leagues. And so 6040 is a really quick way for me to do math, but it's going really well. Scott Fishbowl. You know, I took Travis Hunter early as you were there and you saw me do it. So.

[A]

Yeah, in Vegas.

[E]

It's not perfect. It's not perfect, but I do feel like he could have an upturn. So hopefully in that league, at least I could start seeing some more wins.

[A]

I really appreciated that you said 6040. Missing an opportunity to use 67 as a. I'm so.

[E]

I don't. I still don't get it. I watched a video to explain it to me and I still don't get it.

[A]

You okay, that is the most millennial. I have said plenty of millennial things on this show, but I watched a YouTube video to explain. 67 is the most un. The most millennial award so far in the show. Producer Q would be very delighted and probably make fun of us. We're gonna play a game. Since you're already winning. And that's what you do when you play games. It's called fact or feeling. I am going to read a statement and you are going to say whether it is a fact or a feeling. Understood?

[E]

Understood. Let's go.

[A]

Let's go. All right, number one, Travion Henderson will go down as the biggest bust of the 2025 fantasy football season.

[E]

Absolute fact. There's no way that is not fact in terms of where you drafted him. Going into the season, he was ranked at running back 20 to lead us into those drafts. So where you took him versus where he's performing right now, which is absolute garbage. He is a huge, epic bust.

[A]

Well, he hasn't been given the chance. I mean, I don't know how many more times Ramond Ray Stevenson needs to fumble in order to for the coaching staff to let Henderson free. But, hey, this is why sometimes in fantasy, we do not rely on critical coaching thought. But I am with you. Number two, we talked about brunch. That is an activity that you and I both enjoy together and separately. So our mimosas, the quintessential brunch beverage.

[E]

Fact, it does not make a brunch without a mimosa. I mean, you could argue you just need a bevy to call it brunch, but brunch in itself has the lunch. You need something to bring it that extra fun factor. And I will say, to level it up, it is not a true brunch. Unless it is a bottomless mimosa flight or it's a flight of mimosas, where, therefore, you have multiple types of fruit juices you can throw into that champagne.

[A]

I mean, I love the vibe. You know, I like imbibing with you, but. And mimosas are fine, but rebuttal feeling. Bloody Mary's are the quintessential brunch beverage. I do not want bubbles. I just want Tito's.

[E]

Sure. No, I think that's fair. I think for myself, because I don't. I can't do a lot of tomato. Just, you know, again, millennial calling myself out. I can't do the acid. I can't. So I need to do the bubbles instead.

[A]

Give me a breakfast salad any day. Number three. This one is specifically chosen for you and your fandom. Mike Tomlin will never win a second super bowl with the Steelers.

[E]

That is a feeling that I get a lot of people have. I do not have it, but it's not a place where I like to live. I have a Steelers logo behind me. I am just living in the positive. We go forward and we continue to improve. There's no way this is the way that we end his tenure with the Steelers without another Super Bowl. We need it.

[A]

Follow up fact or feeling being forced to root for Aaron Rodgers is the worst thing that you could ever do.

[E]

It's a fact hurts every single week. I have so many side bets with people where they've said, but Sam, if he takes you guys to the playoffs, will you get an Aaron Rodgers Steelers jersey? And I've said, if we go to the super bowl, then yes, but you.

[A]

Better have to win that Super Bowl.

[E]

We. Yeah, no, I need. I need a lot of wins. I need a lot of trust. It's not there.

[A]

Well, listen, maybe you know, your millennial vibe and Roger's millennial vibe will. Will bring you some. Some luck. But yeah, if I ever. You may not wear an Aaron Rodgers jersey to our. One of our brunches ever. And that is a fact.

[E]

No, I will not. I would never do. You did a service with that.

[A]

Thank you. Next one up. The trade veto is the worst invention in fantasy football factor. Feeling.

[E]

I feel like that's a fact in terms of the way that the sport should be played. I think the only, only reason the veto should ever be used is if there is clear and obvious collusion between different fantasies tendency managers. But in that case, you should have a different rule stipulation to the commissioner where someone can submit that they believe collusion was a part of a trade and then it can get reviewed or discussed. But besides that, everyone should be knowing what they're doing in terms of their trades. No, just know your team. Let's not have any, you know, tacos in the league that don't know what they're doing. Let's just have people that are here ready to play and have some fun.

[A]

Agreed. Fact. Next one. Binge watching a TV series is overrated.

[E]

That's a weird feeling that I don't feel. I deeply enjoy myself a binge many a times, especially leading up to the fantasy season to balance out taking in all the knowledge that you need to for all your fantasy players. I need to balance that out with heavy TV binging.

[A]

I totally agree. Also, nobody wants this the second season. It's the Kristen Bell and Adam Brody vehicle that premieres today, Thursday, October 23rd and I will be binging plenty of it in advance of this weekend when I will just sit in front of my TV and red zone it all day.

[E]

Absolutely. I love that and I love that show. Cannot wait for this.

[A]

So good. I would also say gentlemen who are watching slash listening, go ahead and binge yourself some of that show and maybe take a couple of notes and it might help you with your lady or finding a new lady. That is a top notch show. All right, last one here. Rashi Rice is a top five fantasy wide receiver rest of season factor feeling.

[E]

You know, I feel like this is leaning towards fact as I was looking at this question leading into this recording and comparing him to the other top wide receivers and you're saying this rest of season. So you have to ignore the fact that he doesn't have any of the points prior to this week, this past week. I get it. Looking at Those top players, JSN Top 5 Jamar Chase, Top 5St Brown Top 5 Puka Even despite the injury, he's going to stay top five. The next two players you've got there are George Pickens and Amica Buka. Amika Buka is going to be the tough fight there for that fifth spot. But with CD Land coming back, I do feel like Pickens is going to drop and I feel like with the utilization that you're seeing from Rice, it's, it's there for him. It's there for the taking. And the Chiefs have a lot to continue to play for as they finish out the this season.

[A]

I love that you dug in so deeply on this. I will admit last week we talked about Rasheed Rice because he was coming back. Obviously I did not think he would find the end zone and more. Wow, he really proved me wrong on that one. So we know that the athletic upside is there. We know that the desires there. Pat Mahomes is like, of course this happens every year. He is finding his form. The Chiefs are finding their groove. But it's interesting with Rice in particular because he was Only the wide receiver 28 in fantasy points back in 2023 when he played essentially an entire season. We haven't seen him on the field for an entire season. Last year in 2024 he was only on the field really for three games. And while he did produce, you know, it wasn't an entire an entire 17, even 15 or just three games. Right. So the data for his ability to do it does not exist. But the athletic profile and the offense of which he is a major part does. And so I'm five might be pushing it, but top 10 I could definitely get behind.

[E]

Yeah, it's. It's really hard. I want to say five just because I love spicy things in terms of fantasy, not in my food, but that's where I like my spice. I do feel like it has the potential, especially because there's so many other pass catchers that haven't been able to connect as consistently with my homes going into the rest of the season that we've seen so far. And at least, I mean again it was against the Raiders, but lots of fireworks there and again I do feel like Mahomes, once he gets the groove with a receiver, he tends to go to the same one.

[A]

I love it. Thank you for playing fact versus feeling fact. I feel really great about the game we just played and I would feel even better if we continued the conversation. Can I ask you a couple questions?

[E]

Let's go. I want to keep these good vibes going.

[A]

Who's your biggest trade for target right now at this point in the season?

[E]

This is a hard one because again there's so many different types of leagues that we plan. You know me very well in terms of how much dynasty I play in as well. So I'm going to just kind of focus on redraft in terms of where I'm targeting perfect player. I'm really liking the buy low potential of Chase Brown right now. There's a very favorable schedule to go forward from here. Clearly Joe Flacco has been the key to unlock the pass catchers there for the Bengals and what happens available? Who knew? Who knew? Well, Mike Tomlin knew, which is why he was so mad about the trade. But I mean, that's true. Good point. That set aside because he's been able to unlock and finally get his receivers in use, it opens up the field for Chase Brown to just make a mockery of any defense, which is exactly what he did to my Steelers last week. So I totally see him having additional run finishing out this season and I do feel like there's a lot of people that maybe have been burned by his points so far this season and you could get him for a decent price.

[A]

It's interesting because I wonder if anyone bit on the buy low Jake Browning phase of this season that was really crushing Chase Brown investors. You know, if anyone was willing to bite on that, assuming that there might be some sort of shift at qb, they are pretty, I imagine happy right now. So that's an interesting one. I wonder what? I don't even know if you could buy low on him right now because Flacco has been so, for lack of a better word, elite.

[E]

Elite. He has been giving, as the kids like to say.

[A]

Yes. All right, who is the league winner that nobody is talking about in your estimation? Joe Flacco notwithstanding, of course, this one.

[E]

Is probably one of the hardest questions that you guys threw at me in terms of who no one's talking about because you know, I live in fantasy football so I feel like we talk about everyone. I could say Drake May, I could say Drake London, but honestly I feel like Matt stafford sitting at QB9 for the season in terms of total points. He was respectively ranked as quarterback 22 going into drafts. I feel like if you managed to grab him, and I say managed, you probably waited on quarterback. If you ended up with Matt Stafford, you probably waited and took someone like JJ McCarthy for his upside and then you thought I'm gonna back him up with a veteran presence to make sure that my team is well rounded. And you know what? You are winning because that means that you have elite talent at earlier rounds and you are probably crushing your fantasy leagues right now. Plus Stafford's consistency. Devonte Adams has been incredibly consistent. Without Puka there, he's still able to get the ball out. I just love him. For the rest of the season Adams.

[A]

Has been an end zone monster, obviously boosting Stafford's totals in the process. Now the Rams are obviously on by this week. They're one of six teams on this Bymageddon that we're dealing with. But yes, Stafford has been a great solve for people who are looking to stream at the position which given the injuries we've all had to do at least one point or another. Who is your fan? Who is your favorite? Speaking of by Mageddon Fill in for.

[E]

Week eight Fill in for Week A I am really loving Tyler Algier in terms of a flex potential. Has a fantastic matchup against Miami Dolphins. This is just going to be one of those things where it's like you're starting anyone with a pulse because of by Mageddon as you pointed out. However, this is such a good matchup there. The Dolphins are 30th against the position and the way that they're going to likely get up early early and not need to rush so much. Bijan Robinson I see a lot of red zone rushes for Alier to just top off his fantasy week.

[A]

I love it. I mean you've seen Algier create some standalone value for himself as more than just a backup even before this point in the season. And I highlight I highlighted Tyler Algier as one of my players in my Facts vs. Feelings column, which is available on the dot com right now. So I am with you. I love that pick. It'll be interesting to see how often he is utilized as a flex this week. All right, week, your favorite week eight start.

[E]

Favorite week eight start. Can I give you two? Is that going to be breaking the rules?

[A]

Why don't you give me one and then I want you to go back and give me your most confident sit and then end with your second most favorite start. Okay, so we're gonna put a sit. We're gonna sandwich a sit in between those two starts.

[E]

I like it. Okay. I definitely very confident in my start of Kate Otten this week. Given the injuries that the Bucks have had, he is automatically their second target in terms of the passing game. So he is going to see a lot of targets this week. He's been really consistent before all these injuries as well in terms of Baker using him in the red zone and finding him in a lot of different opportunities. So for me, he is definitely a must start this week. Again because of Buymageddon. You're missing out on a lot of other tight ends right now.

[A]

I just want to remind everyone that Kate Otten is currently rostered in just 35% of ESPN fantasy leagues, so you might have the opportunity to pick him up yourself. Now, your most confident sit for week eight.

[E]

Can I say all of the Dolphins except for Devon Hn.

[A]

I mean, you wouldn't be off base for saying that, Jalen Watt. I mean, I also, I just want to mention when everybody was talking about Darren Waller, I was like, you know, he might be a great sell high guy because of his injury history. And here we are.

[E]

Yeah, this is where we are. This is where we live now. This is a selling of the entire.

[A]

I don't think we ever moved from this neighborhood, to be honest.

[E]

No, we didn't. I feel like we knew this is one of those things. We knew what it was. We knew what it was coming to, but I think we hoped there would be some level of life shown from the organization to try and make some moves or do some different things to get some positive vibes and energy going back into this locker room that cannot seem to get anything going. So for myself, I have way too much Devon Hn to not start him. But everybody else, you could find so many arguments to bench, every single one of them going into this week.

[A]

Okay, so you are just not touching anyone in Miami other than HN. It's a stay away for you 100%.

[E]

I am staying far away.

[A]

All right, let's end on a positive note with your second favorite start for week eight.

[E]

You know, call me a homer, but I do love starting myself a Steelers tight end. Johnny Smith this week is another tight end that you could look to start because, wow, he got four touchdowns last week, Liz. All of them with tight ends for the Steelers. And the packers are very tough. They're not tough. They're easy for tight ends against that position going into this week. So I do feel like it's a solid matchup. I feel like Rogers against his former team is going to try and show up and show out big and he's going to have to use his Titans to do that. So give me John Smith to start this week and he's absolutely going to get in the end zone for you.

[A]

As a tight end whisperer. I love that the packers are allowing the second most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. And when you mention the revenge factor, there is nothing about Aaron Rodgers that tells me he is above it. So excellent. And also moving from the Dolphins to John who Smith to revenge to great matchup to stream. Sam Holt, you took us on a whole journey and we are better for it. Thank you so much for coming on Facts versus Feelings. Can you please, please tell everyone where they can follow you and find your work?

[E]

Thank you so much, Liz. This has been incredibly fun. If you guys want to follow me on X, I'm at Samantha R. Holt or on Instagram @sama underscore. Awesome. You can find sideline banter over on the Women of Fantasy football channel on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts. I also have a really fun podcast called Unbinged where we actually go into analyzing the TV shows and movies that you guys are all binging. We just wrapped up the latest and finale of Task on hbo. Super fun. Check that out. If you want to break from fantasy and you want to binge some TV and movies, we've got that for you too.

[A]

Can I get on that show? Can. Can we do a swap?

[E]

Absolutely. I would love to have you on.

[A]

All right, we got to watch Nobody wants this. That's the one I want to be on. When you guys dissect Nobody wants this. I this. Somebody wants that. Very much love it.

[E]

Yes.

[A]

All right. Thank you so much, Sam. Appreciate you. Have a great week. I hope you survive Bymageddon and get through it without any issues.

[E]

Thank you. You as well. And everyone tuning in and listening as well. I hope we all survive.

[A]

Talk soon.

[E]

Okay, bye. Last call.

[A]

Today we learned that Joe Flacco is low key, the hottest zaddy in the league, that it takes a bucket of mimosas to root for Aaron Rodgers at this point in his career. And that expectation management won't necessarily save you from from disappointment. It's important to just stay open and rather than fret about what's missing, instead get excited about who could show up. Big thanks to Sam Holt for joining the show and playing along and as always, to producer Presley for keeping me on track. Be sure to check out my Week 8 edition of the Facts vs. Feelings column which is currently live on the dot com. And remember, you can send us a voice voicemail. The number to do that is 914-348-1893. Until next time, may your facts be solid, your feelings be right, and your bus be someone else's problem. Three, two, one.

[E]

Ah.

[A]

Little bit. And I wasn't paying attention. Okay, I'm locked in. I'm locked in. Okay, where is the state of Ohio?

[B]

No me one more time.

[A]

You can outlive him. You're not going to outlive Q. He's younger than us. And you live too hard. Babe, you're going to be lucky to get to 50.