Fantasy Focus Football: WIN💥 Your Fantasy League with these 2nd Half LOCKS🔒

Date: October 30, 2025
Hosts: Liz Loza, Quentin (Producer Q)
Special Guest: Brandon Carney ("Benchwarmer Brand")

Overview of the Episode

This episode focuses on arming fantasy football managers with actionable mid-season advice and second-half "locks" to elevate their chances of winning their leagues. The hosts spotlight key waiver pickups, player evaluations based on injury and matchup trends, and field questions from listeners, ending with insight from guest creator Brandon Carney on fantasy, content creation, and life in the sports media world.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Importance of Preparedness in Fantasy Football

[02:01]

• Liz and Q set the theme of "preparedness" vs. "being present," using both strategies to gain an edge in fantasy leagues.

Waiver Wire & Player Deep Dives

Tyrone Tracy – Top Waiver Add & Season-Long Value

[02:14]

• Tyrone Tracy is heralded as a season-long RB2 lock due to Cam Skattebo’s season-ending ankle injury.
• Liz highlights Tracy’s background as a converted wide receiver, offering unique pass-catching upside:
  • 78% rostered in ESPN leagues.
  • Mike Clay's projection: 19 touches in Week 9.
  • Liz: "In six games last season when Tracy managed 19 or more touches, he averaged over 17 fantasy points per game and over 100 scrimmage yards." (03:14)
  • 49ers have allowed the 4th most receptions to opposing RBs—ideal setup for Tracy.

Jordan Addison – Tempered Expectations

[03:48]

• Strong start, but production may dip:
  • All recent production was with Carson Wentz; Addison hasn’t shared the field with new QB J.J. McCarthy yet.
  • The upcoming matchup (Detroit) could be tougher than managers expect due to improved Lions defense.
  • Liz: "Consider Addison like a high-end flex, certainly a high upside flex, but more in the wide receiver 30 range, at least for week nine." (05:19)

Colston Loveland – A Streaming TE Option

[05:37]

• Underperformed early (hip injury, offense adjusting), but recent usage trends up:
  • Snap share grew from 67% to 80%, now working in the slot/out wide.
  • Season-highs in Week 8 (3 catches, 38 yards).
  • Luther Burden III in concussion protocol, Cole Kmet has a back injury.
  • Bengals have allowed the most fantasy points and 8 TDs to TEs over the last 4 weeks.
  • Liz: "He is the tight end to watch and could be one of the best streams of the week." (07:12)

Fantasy Therapy: Listener Questions

[10:03]
A segment dedicated to direct listener voicemails and quick-hit advice.

Xavier Worthy’s Value

• Colin asks: Is Xavier Worthy still a WR2?
• Liz: "No. He has only had one game over 15 fantasy points ... since Rice's return, Worthy has yet to clear 5 catches or 55 yards." (10:13)
• Currently outside top 30 WRs for this week’s ranks.

Troy Franklin’s Emergence

• Berserk's 2nd For Life asks: Is Troy Franklin finally a thing?
• Liz: He’s earning targets and scoring TDs, but faces a tough Texans defense this week. Better outlook in Week 10 versus the Raiders.
• "If you want to look ahead and stay prepared, maybe stash him now for Week 10." (12:25)

Christian Watson’s Return

• Daniel Miller asks about Watson’s fantasy prospects:
• Liz: "He converted all four of his looks for 85 yards. But... target trees aren’t particularly narrow. ... It’s going to be hard for Watson to hold onto fantasy-relevant volume on a week-to-week basis." (12:47)
• Ranks outside top 45 WRs for Week 9.

"Straight to Jail" Game – Rapid Fire with Guest Brandon Carney

[15:41] Alternate: [16:20]

• Liz and Brandon riff on fantasy trends and pet peeves, passing rapid judgment:
  • Chuba Hubbard — "Straight to jail."
  • Justin Fields — "Holding cell. ... I want to root for him, but he’s just not that good." (16:27)
  • People believing in Kyle Pitts — "Straight to jail. Under the jail." (16:55)
  • AI TikTok videos — "Straight to jail. So weird." (18:27)
• Hilarious and quick-witted banter, making light of fantasy frustrations.

Brandon Carney’s Creator Journey – Inspiration for Aspiring Sports Creators

[19:22]

• Brandon shares his path from aspiring sports reporter to full-time content creator:
  • Started with production work, shifted to TikTok during COVID, found traction with “Busts Anonymous” fantasy skits.
  • Consistency, identifying a unique niche, and adapting to evolving media models were key.
  • Brandon: "Think like a viewer... figure out what you can make that will resonate with people." (23:57)
  • Scary moments included being dropped by media clients, but support from his fiancée encouraged him to "bet on yourself."
  • Advice: Find and fill a gap in the market; focus on what you can do differently or better.

Fantasy Start/Sit Takes: Week 9

[27:30]

Favorite Start

• Brandon: "Favorite start for week nine is Travis Hunter. ... Facing the Raiders this week, I just love the spot. I’m starting him over a couple of other viable options." (27:35)

Most Confident Sit

• "C.J. Stroud up against the Broncos. ... That paper-mache offensive line, I’m all good on that. Even with byes, I’d go a different direction." (28:43)
• Liz agrees: "I also don’t want to start a quarterback against the Houston Texans defense." (29:12)

Seasonal Hot Take

• "Travion Henderson, RB1 season is not over. That’s my hot take... and it may be next season, but he’s coming." (29:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [02:01] "Preparedness is as important as staying present." – Liz Loza
• [03:14] "In six games last season when Tracy managed 19 or more touches, he averaged over 17 fantasy points a game." – Liz Loza
• [05:19] "Consider Addison like a high-end flex... more in the wide receiver 30 range." – Liz Loza
• [07:12] "I think right now [Loveland] is the tight end to watch." – Liz Loza
• [16:55] "People who still believe in Kyle Pitts—straight to jail. Under the jail." – Brandon Carney
• [23:57] "Think like a viewer... figure out what you can make that will resonate with people." – Brandon Carney
• [27:35] "Favorite start for week nine is Travis Hunter. ... I just think this is going to be the Travis Hunter we thought we were getting." – Brandon Carney
• [29:25] "Travion Henderson, RB1 season is not over. That’s my hot take." – Brandon Carney
• [24:28] "Bloggers walked so TikTokers could run (and make loads more money)." – Liz Loza

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:14 – Tyrone Tracy Waiver Case
• 03:48 – Jordan Addison’s Rest-of-Season Outlook
• 05:37 – Colston Loveland’s Upside & Bengals Matchup
• 09:59 – Fantasy Therapy: Listener Questions
• 10:13 – Xavier Worthy’s Value Post-Injury
• 11:25 – Troy Franklin’s Trend
• 12:47 – Christian Watson’s Role
• 15:41/16:20 – “Straight to Jail” with Brandon Carney
• 19:22 – Brandon Carney on Content Creation and Journey
• 23:57 – Advice for Aspiring Creators
• 27:35 – Top Start/Sit and Hot Take for Week 9

Tone & Atmosphere

The hosts keep an upbeat, banter-laden tone with a blend of hard stats ("facts") and personal feeling ("feelings"), making the show engaging and accessible. Their open rapport with special guest Brandon Carney brings humor and relatable fantasy manager woes to life.

Takeaways

• Prioritize flexibility and preparedness in your fantasy management to exploit new opportunities.
• Tyrone Tracy and Colston Loveland are key waiver targets as second-half difference-makers; temper expectations on Jordan Addison.
• Entertaining insights through rapid-fire games ("Straight to Jail") highlight both in-season trends and humorous venting points for fantasy frustrations.
• Guest Brandon Carney’s segment delivers encouragement for both aspiring fantasy managers and content creators.

Where to Find More

• Brandon Carney (Benchwarmer Brand): TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter — @benchwarmerbrand
• Brand Coverage Podcast: Live on YouTube every Tuesday at 10am.
• Liz Loza's “Facts vs. Feelings” column: ESPN.com

Summary prepared for listeners who want the key moves and laughs from this episode without missing out on any strategic edge!