Championship Sunday Preview + Latest Coaching Updates

Summary

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: "Championship Sunday Preview + Latest Coaching Updates"

Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Matthew Berry (NBC Sports)

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Episode Overview

This lively Championship Sunday preview dives into the AFC and NFC title game matchups and delivers the latest NFL coaching news with Matthew Berry and his panel (Lawrence, Jay, Connor). The crew debates fantasy angles, player props, and high-leverage DFS decisions, while interweaving personal stories and listener questions. The episode is packed with tangents, sharp fantasy insights, and authentic banter, true to Matthew Berry's signature style.

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Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Cold Open & Banter (00:33 – 08:11)

• The episode begins in characteristic playful chaos, with chatter about Star Wars vs. Dune, Godfather quotes, and then Matthew Berry's disastrous hotel/Ambien night derailing his sleep before the show.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Stop it. The idea that Star Wars is a system quarterback is highly insulting. So much better movie than Dune as a franchise.” – Matthew Berry [01:55]
• Quick apologies to the audience and behind-the-scenes team due to Berry's sleep deprivation and Ambien hangover.

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2. AFC Championship Preview: Patriots at Broncos (09:04 – 18:26)

DFS & Fantasy Angles:

• Patriots Defense:
  • Matthew Berry likes paying up for them: “Nine sacks and six turnovers in their first two playoff games. They played pretty well.” [09:51]
• Jarrett Stidham:
  • Panel is generally more optimistic about Stidham than public perception suggests.
    • “I think Jared Stidham is one of the more underrated backups in the league…” – Lawrence [10:29]
    • “He does have…flashed really strong moments in the NFL.” – Jay [12:14]
• Running Backs:
  • Ramondre Stevenson is highlighted as a strong DFS/props play due to matchup and volume.
    • “He’s had five straight games with 12+ fantasy points.” – Connor [13:48]

Broncos Defense:

• Labeled as a “high-variance” unit that is aggressive and hunt for turnovers but susceptible to deep balls.
  • "They're an elite defense... but they give up a lot of deep passes because they trust their corners on an island.” – Jay [16:38]

Passing Game Props:

• Demario Douglas noted as a sneaky play due to slot usage.
• Drake May discussed as capable of explosive plays against Denver's blitz-heavy scheme.

Competitive Prognosis:

• Consensus is that the game will be closer than the line suggests; panel is generally rooting for Broncos given the underdog/backup storyline.

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3. NFC Championship Preview: Seahawks at Rams (24:05 – 34:41)

DFS Pricing & Matchups:

• Puka Nacua ($9,000): Huge DFS play vs. Seattle, especially after torching them during regular season.
• Kenneth Walker ($6,200): Called “a steal” with huge touch upside, especially with Zach Charbonnet out.
  • “When he gets work, he’s really awesome. No Zach Charbonnet in this one. Kenneth Walker should get a ton of work.” – Matthew Berry [25:37]
• JSN (Jackson Smith-Njigba): Also viable but “banged up” concerns linger; high ceiling evidenced from prior matchups.

Defensive Angles:

• Rams defense is considered opportunistic and a value play (“three picks vs the Bears”; “opportunistic Rams defense” – Lawrence [24:46])
• Sam Darnold’s volatility and inability to hold nerves under pressure is widely discussed.
• Both defenses have holes (Rams’ secondary, Seahawks’ variable run defense), but panel remains higher on Seahawks’ ability to cause problems for Stafford, who “has not looked right since the first Carolina game.” – Jay [27:33]

Pass-Catcher Discussion:

• Raises the possibility of lower-profile players (e.g., Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed) becoming difference-makers if stars are shadowed, with the Rams potentially focusing on stopping JSN.
  • “You need one play. What if you get a 60-yard touchdown catch from Rasheed Shaheed?” – Lawrence [34:05]

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4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Deep Props:
  • “The May Prop that I like is May his longest completion over 35.5 yards. The Broncos defense will leave guys on islands... Drake May, who has been statistically the best deep ball thrower in the NFL, I think he'll have a chance to get one deep.” – Jay [21:27]
• On Possible Super Bowl Annoyance:
  • “What do you think America would find more annoying in the Super Bowl: Patriots and all their fans or the Broncos... with Sean Payton, kind of little smug?” – Matthew Berry [18:26]
  • “The Patriots are more annoying.” – Jay [20:05]
• On Possible Cinderella Stories:
  • “It would be pretty insane for the Broncos to make the Super Bowl with Jarrett Stidham having knocked off Josh Allen and Drake May en route.” – Jay [20:39]

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5. Coaching Carousel & News (34:41 – 43:43)

Falcons Hire Kevin Stefanski as HC

• Baker Mayfield’s tweet referencing Stefanski’s handling in Cleveland spurs a divisive debate.
  • “He’ll be pretty happy to see him twice in the division… still waiting on a text, coach.” – Baker Mayfield via tweet [35:17]
• Panel takes Mayfield’s side, though Berry tries to stay neutral; ultimately declares “We are a Baker Mayfield table official.” – Matthew Berry [37:32]

Bucs Target Zach Robinson as OC

• Concerns voiced about his lack of creativity with the Falcons offense.
  • “Anyone watch a Falcons game this year, being like, this is such a great, creative offense?” – Jay [38:01]
• Debated how much was personnel vs. play-calling, but noted Atlanta "never leaned into what Michael Penix was good at" (deep shots/play action).

Chargers to Land Mike McDaniel as OC

• “I think he is as good a run play caller as there is in the NFL... Omarion Hampton to the moon.” – Matthew Berry [41:28]

Titans Hire Robert Saleh as HC

• Saleh’s return to HC spotlight discussed; key will be bringing in an experienced OC – Brian Daboll named as a likely target.
  • “If he gets someone like Brian Dabel, I'll be a fan of this hire.” – Lawrence [43:33]
• Acknowledges Saleh’s challenges and prior mistakes as Jets HC.

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6. Listener Questions & Keeper/Draft Strategy (45:18 – 50:03)

Keeper Dilemma:

• “Do I keep Devontae Adams (lose a 4th) or Bucky Irving (lose an 8th)?”
  • “I think Bucky Irving is the correct answer here… Getting a borderline number one RB for an eighth round pick is a much bigger delta.” – Matthew Berry [46:53]

Draft Strategy:

• Should you go RB-heavy early in 2026 drafts?
  • “If you got guys like James Cook over A.J. Brown... that would be looked at as unheard of... but now it also depends on the league settings.” – Connor [49:05]
  • Berry notes WR discounts may emerge in 2026 due to 2025 underperformance/injury.

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7. Player Prop & "Pickup Line" Bets (51:20 – 52:24)

• Jay: “Matthew Stafford to throw an interception, -116… Only Brady Cook has more turnover-worthy plays as a percentage of his throws.” [51:22]
• Connor: “Jared Stidham 34 passing attempts +107… He’s hit that in three of four starts.” [51:38]
• Matthew Berry: “My choice is…good Jared Stidham. 200 yards, 190 he can get to. I think he throws at least one touchdown.” [52:12]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|------------| | Sleep Deprived Cold Open | 00:33–08:11| | AFC Title Game Preview, Stidham Talk | 09:04–18:26| | Patriots & Broncos DFS/Props | 09:45–18:26| | Broncos Defense & Passing Matchups | 14:51–18:26| | NFC Title Game, Rams vs. Seahawks | 24:05–34:41| | DFS Debate: Puka, Walker, JSN | 24:17–28:15| | Pass-Catcher Sleepers | 33:09–34:41| | Coaching Carousel/News | 34:41–43:43| | Listener Questions/Strategy | 45:18–50:03| | Player Props & Bets | 51:22–52:24|

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Notable, Fun, or Quirky Moments

• Matthew Berry’s hotel/Ambien story: A long, entertaining tangent showing the humor and chaos of a host's off-air life.
• Banter on franchise “annoyance” levels: Patriots or Broncos in the Super Bowl is fodder for football culture war.
• Listener “acceptance speech” skit: [44:05–45:04] A tongue-in-cheek, emotional “award winner” speech from a fan, bringing the community aspect of the podcast to life.
• Ongoing “voice” jokes about Jay: “We will now call Jay the Voice.” – Lawrence [51:16]

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Tone and Style

The episode is energetic and fluid, moving quickly between razor-sharp fantasy advice, good-natured ribbing, and deep NFL banter. The crew’s chemistry shines, combining fun tangents and fantasy expertise in a conversational, inviting style.

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For Those Who Didn’t Listen

This episode is an essential preview for fantasy, betting, and NFL fans alike heading into Championship Sunday. You’ll get actionable advice on DFS lineups, prop bets, and dynasty decisions. The episode also covers NFL coaching moves with humor and context, weaving in community banter and audience questions. Catch up here for all the actionable analysis and hearty laughs.

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Transcript

[Matthew Berry]

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[Lawrence]

Connor is wondering if Vader is a new cornerback who plays the Seahawks. Like I said, I. When he said, I have no idea what he's referencing, but I'm glad Leonard Williams is having a good time.

[Matthew Berry]

Stop it. When you say. Now, I know you've never seen the movies.

[Lawrence]

I know, but. Yeah, you've heard of Darth Vader.

[Matthew Berry]

You've heard Darth Vader. You've heard of the Dark side. You have enough pop culture.

[Connor]

Yes.

[Matthew Berry]

Right.

[Jay]

You know, I'm aware.

[Matthew Berry]

Again, I've never seen Godfather 2, but I know that, like, you know, what is it? Keep the gun, hold the canal. That's the first one, right? Oh, is that the first one? I get all the.

[Lawrence]

Vinny in the chat said Star wars was a system franchise.

[Matthew Berry]

Dune.

[Lawrence]

Dune has a top three defense.

[Connor]

That's a take.

[Matthew Berry]

That is a. That is a. That is a take. We love Timothy Chalamet, loves Zendaya, but like, it's a. It's a little bit of a slog, that first one. And then it finally gets into some good stuff and then the second one's great, but like. And I'm looking forward to the third one, but like, stop it. With a system, Star wars is so much better.

[Producer/Announcer]

Fantasy Football Happy hour with Matthew Berry.

[Lawrence]

Welcome to the fantasy football happy hour. Busy desk today. We go from two to four. Take the gun, leave the cannoli. Yeah, that's Take the gun from Godfather 2, right?

[Matthew Berry]

I think that. I just know that's a quote the other way around.

[Jay]

You leave the gun and take the cannoli. I don't know what the hell you were talking about.

[Lawrence]

You're from Godfather one.

[Jay]

It's from Godfather one. While.

[Matthew Berry]

Okay, well, it's been a while. It's been like 30 years since I saw it. But I just. I just like the fact that, like, the, the idea that the idea that Star wars is a. Is a system quarterback is highly insulting. Highly insulting. So much indicated, so much better movie than the Dune as a franchise. Dune takes a lot of inspiration, I think From Star Wars.

[Jay]

Oh, yeah, sure. But I. Dune part. The first part is rough. There's a lot of exposition.

[Matthew Berry]

That's what that was, what I said.

[Jay]

The first 40 minutes, and nothing happens. They should have. I don't know how they got through the editing room. You'd have to put that in the bin and start again. Dune Part 2, though, is magnificent.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, it's fantastic. I'm looking forward to part three.

[Jay]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah.

[Lawrence]

Raise the flag says Barry only knows Eat the cannoli.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, that was the part of the. That was the part of the line I focused on. Yeah. For absolutely sure. So I'm going to apologize in advance. I want to apologize in advance to our viewing audience, to anyone that might listen to this later or watch it later on Peacock, YouTube, any. NBC Sports Digital, wherever you get your podcast, wherever you get your podcast, they may listen to it on SiriusXM channel 85, all the different places we distribute Fantasy football Happy Hour. And here's why. I'm going to apologize to three of you in advance. And I apologize to producer Steven, producer Damien and everyone else, you know, behind the scenes today.

[Lawrence]

It's a large amount of people it takes to run this ship.

[Matthew Berry]

It really does. And today probably even more so. My wife and I had an event in New York last night, and so we decided to. Because I had the show today, we decided to get a hotel room in Stanford so that I could just, you know, we could sleep and then I could. Because I'm. I live about an hour and a half away and so didn't want to drive an hour and a half, you know, back home after the, you know, after a night event and then in the morning. So. Okay, great. So we do that. So we get in a room and we get a room. I don't want to say the chain, but it rhymes with Marriott. And so I get a chain, I go to a hotel. That's. Whose brand, you know, overall brand name sounds like that word. And we get into the room. You know, we get into the room like 1am Fall down.

[Jay]

Right.

[Matthew Berry]

Asleep. Right.

[Jay]

Sure.

[Matthew Berry]

3Am Another alarm. Alarm goes off.

[Lawrence]

Classic.

[Matthew Berry]

Like, first off, I don't know who's setting the clock alarm in the, you know, the 1950s clock alarm in the hotel room.

[Lawrence]

It wasn't the fire alarm.

[Matthew Berry]

It was. No, it was just whoever was previously in the room had set the alarm for 3am that's amazing. And it's, It's. It's one of these old timey.

[Lawrence]

Like, I might start eating.

[Connor]

You got one of them Captain Hook clocks In there?

[Matthew Berry]

Oh, yeah, it's. It's like. It's like use your.

[Lawrence]

Use the one on your phone.

[Matthew Berry]

Get a wake up call. But no, somehow they figured out to use this, by the way. And it's all dark. It's all dark. And so it's on my wife's side and she's like fumbling around and it's blaring. He's got it up to Ted.

[Connor]

It's like.

[Matthew Berry]

And like that's exactly what it sounds like. I'm like, beth, rip it out of the wall. Just unplug it. And we can't because it's like wired into the wall.

[Lawrence]

You had to check out the hotel, didn't you?

[Matthew Berry]

It literally took us probably 15 minutes to get this thing off, you know, and it's dark and by the time. Cause you can't see it like, you know, and the little alarm clock was all black, you know, and so it's just like. And it's all dark. And so eventually we have to turn on the lights and look and finally figure it out. 3:30 in the morning, and I do not sleep. I mean, from that time forward now I'm wide awake. I'm wide awake and I'm like on two hours sleep. So that's not normal.

[Jay]

Normally people fall back asleep.

[Matthew Berry]

So what I did. I know, but like, my mind's racing now and my heart got pumping so it goes off again. I know. So you know what I did? And by the way, whoever cleaned the room, like, that's. That's on them. That's something that's on the checklist. That should be something that's on the checklist of the people that service the room. Make sure it's like the James Cook Fumble.

[Jay]

It's on him.

[Matthew Berry]

No, it just. You should, you know. Absolutely. Tell me I'm wrong. I want to pull on this. I feel like that's the responsibility of the hotel, not have a alarm set, especially for a crazy time at night. So anyway, what I did. What I did is I desperately. I was like, it's like, you know, it's. It's the show. It's a big show. It's the last show in studio before we get to the Super Bowl. I said I need. I got to be rest. So I took an Ambien. I don't normally take ambience. And all we had were my wife's ambience, which are much stronger than mine. So I'm.

[Lawrence]

And usually up like five minutes.

[Matthew Berry]

Oh, and like. And not. And not only that, but like, you're supposed to. And generally speaking, you're supposed to, like, give yourself, like, eight hours on an Ambien. So I'm on like, three and a half.

[Lawrence]

Nice.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah. So I still have, like, three and a half hours of Ambien whirling through me. And yeah, there is more stunt munchk. Because this leads into fighting. Stunning 3.

[Jay]

What are we in Jamaica?

[Lawrence]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Stuntman, stuntman, Stuntman, Stuntman Chuck. This leaves into finding Nemo 3. Where do you hear the plot for that? I just. Anyway, so I'm hopped up on Ambien and I just remember when Roseanne literally got fired for being on Ambien and she tweeted out some stuff she shouldn't have tweeted out. And that was the excuse, you know?

[Lawrence]

Right.

[Jay]

Yeah.

[Connor]

Do you have any tweets today?

[Lawrence]

The excuse for part one.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, exactly. Exactly. That's what you got. All my witnesses.

[Jay]

The exclus.

[Matthew Berry]

The excuseler.

[Lawrence]

The.

[Matthew Berry]

The excuse letter.

[Jay]

Hey, you know, I'm surrounded by stuntmon.

[Matthew Berry]

Chuck shows doomed.

[Jay]

They going, yeah, wow, it's gonna be tough to come back.

[Lawrence]

At least Lawrence is here to fill some of the gaps.

[Jay]

Yeah.

[Lawrence]

We're like just me and Jake.

[Matthew Berry]

Nope, nope.

[Connor]

I'm just. I'm gonna be quiet. And let's. Because there is more. We just don't have time for. I know. There is more.

[Matthew Berry]

No, that was basically it. I mean, just you remember, like, Roseanne sent some. You know, Roseanne had, like, she'd come back.

[Connor]

You daydreaming right now.

[Matthew Berry]

They'd had the big success. And then Roseanne seems like these kind of crazy, awful tweets, but claimed that she was on Ambien when she wrote them.

[Lawrence]

I'm being told against the football.

[Matthew Berry]

That's fair. I don't blame you.

[Lawrence]

We will get to the Roto world player news. Latest coaching updates.

[Matthew Berry]

Would you like some Ambien?

[Lawrence]

No, I wouldn't be good for a host of a show. I don't know if you. I'd even welcome anyone in. I'd just be sitting here.

[Matthew Berry]

How about the audience? We just all get through this together. Yeah.

[Jay]

I've actually avoided sleeping pills my whole life.

[Lawrence]

Me too.

[Jay]

Yeah. I'm never going to go down that path. Never come to sleep.

[Lawrence]

I don't want to rely. I sleep wonderfully.

[Jay]

I do have sleep.

[Matthew Berry]

I'm jealous of that. I'm a bad sleeper. I'm a bad, bad sleeper. You saw that in Philadelphia during that.

[Jay]

Because you inject chicken tenders in your blood to stay alive.

[Matthew Berry]

No, no, it is. It's. I'M generally a bad sleeper. And then I wake up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and as soon as I. And now my. Now my mind starts racing, constantly racing about, I need to do this, I need to do that. Oh, I forgot to. I gotta send this email, but Broncos.

[Lawrence]

Cover in four and a half.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, yeah, things like that.

[Lawrence]

Go through my pickup lines today, too.

[Matthew Berry]

By the way, who should drink free today? Like, well, you know what?

[Connor]

Off of that Ambien, maybe you'll pick someone else besides Jay for pickup lines today. So since you're all just showing this.

[Lawrence]

Week, though, so, like, he might ride the idea.

[Connor]

So you cat, you're good for like, 10 weeks now.

[Matthew Berry]

He cashed. As did Connor. Yeah, I don't think you did good, too.

[Connor]

We all cashed him.

[Lawrence]

Well, yeah, I don't think he was.

[Connor]

Here the last time we was all here. We all.

[Lawrence]

Yes, all three.

[Matthew Berry]

Cash.

[Connor]

Yeah.

[Lawrence]

All right, let's get into the AFC title game. Yes. You heard it. Jarrett Stidham against the Patriots. Patriots traveling to Denver. Let's take a Look at the DraftKings prices in this game. Of course, Drake May is at the top of the board for $6,000. Ramondre Stevenson right behind him as well. And then RJ Harvey, assuming Denver's gonna want to run the ball a lot in this one, Matthew, although not convinced New England's just gonna allow that.

[Matthew Berry]

I'm not either. And, like, there's. There's a chance that he's splitting work. J.K. dobbins has returned to practice, and so there's a chance that J.K. dobbins is out there. You know, like, he's out there. And if not now, when? Huh?

[Connor]

If not now.

[Matthew Berry]

If not, I mean, like, they better hope he's out there.

[Connor]

If he's not out there, they need all the help they could get.

[Matthew Berry]

That's right. The less you can. Like, in an ideal world, that's what you do, is you just try to run. Do a run heavy, protect Stidham, run a Carolina offense. I mean, seriously, like, where you're protecting Bryce Young and you just kind of, like, try to control the clock. That's, I think, what they'll do. I do think I probably pay up for the Patriots defense at 3,500. Right. You know, nine sacks and six turnovers in their first two playoff games. They played pretty well. Jared Stidham, we just don't know, you know, what kind of. What kind of game we're going to get from him.

[Jay]

What do you make of Stidham? Because I'm very curious about, like, just your breakdown of him as. As a player, as a man and what he's going to do on Sunday.

[Lawrence]

He might be involved in my pickup line. Oh, Jared Situm. I think Jared Situm is one of the more underrated backups in the league in terms of the situation he's in. Like, Sean Payton went out and paid him to be a $6 million per year backup for a reason. He knows that he can put anything on him with the offense. Maybe the, like, the less running stuff that you see from Bo Nix. I don't know if you're. Anna asked Stidham to do that, but I still think they'll challenge all three levels of the field. As a passer.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I do.

[Lawrence]

There's no, like, arm limitations. It's not like Jake Browning. I'm a little more confident in Situm, I think, than the public. I'm not saying they're going to go win the game, but I think people will be like, wow, Jared Situm looks completely fine.

[Connor]

I would be, too.

[Matthew Berry]

I would agree with that.

[Connor]

Yeah, I would be too. I think they'll. And I think they'll. They're going to have to. At some point, they're going to try to test these DBs, much like they did with Bo Nix against the Bills. We know the Bills have a. One of the better pass defenses in the league, but when it came down to it, especially on those two pass interference calls, Bo Nix was testing them in the secondary. I think they'll do the same thing because they're not going to just be able to line up and run the ball against the. The Patriots are good against the pass and the run, but they're a little bit better against the run. And when you know you have a backup quarterback on the other side of the ball, you got to go make him win that game.

[Matthew Berry]

Yep.

[Jay]

My. So my three things have Stidham. One, there's a lot of easy buttons in this offense. Sean Payton will scheme up.

[Matthew Berry]

That's right.

[Jay]

Some easy throws for him. Two, he was awesome in the preseason, which you can read into that. You know what you want. Zach Wilson was great his first preseason. Sometimes that's misleading, but he was the number one graded passer by PFF in the preseason. And then three, well enough to remember three and a bit years ago, Jared Stidham almost cost me an ungodly amount of money in a late season game against the San Francisco 49ers who had. I believe they had the number two defense in the NFL that year that was when D' Amico Ryan's the defensive coordinator. Sitting here watching this game being like, how is this Stidham bloke absolutely tearing apart the night? Why is Nick Mercer killing it? And he was awesome in that game. And so he does have at least it's a very small tracker, but he has flashed really strong moments in the NFL.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, look, I don't think it's any given Sunday, but I agree with you. Like, I'm like five and a half. What did this line move? Patriots are favored by five and a half here. Jay, when it went with it when you, when Bonix went down, how did it move?

[Jay]

Yeah, so I think look, the look ahead line was like Broncos minus one and a half. I actually think oddly you have to downgrade the Broncos defense a little bit for that Buffalo game because the Bills march all over the field against them and the turnovers they generate. Yeah, that's great, great plays. But at the same time that's not as sustainable on a play to play level. The Bills torch them. So in the Broncos defense gets a bit of a downgrade. But yeah, I think the line would have been Broncos minus one, maybe pick. The thing is this Patriots defense has gotten better and gotten healthier, particularly Milton Williams back. So I think that like the line is saying that Jared Stidham is worth somewhere between like five and a half and six points. That type of range. That's a lot. And Bonix was really good. Yeah, Bonix was really good against the Bills and I think he's turned the corner a bit since he had a really rough stretch in the middle and start of the season. But yeah, it's a lot of points.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I mean I might take the Broncos to cover here.

[Connor]

And speaking, I mean, look, if I know they don't have Bo Nicks, right. He played good. He didn't play a perfect game. He turned it over too.

[Lawrence]

Right.

[Connor]

But if the Broncos, you talk about it, they got gas. And that's why I would actually pay up for Ramon Dre Stevenson. He was the same price as Drake made there. I would pay up for him because you saw how James Cook gashed him. 24 carries, 117 yards. And if you feel like they're going to win the game, you go with the running back who's going to get the most carries. He's also had five straight games with 12 plus fantasy points. But the Broncos could beat the Bills at home. They for sure could beat the could beat the Patriots at home. Like the Patriots have been going up against Quarterbacks who've gotten a lot of pressure on them. C.J. stroud was bad. Justin Herbert got sacked five times. So, you know, if they could go out there and just be an opportunistic defense, get turnovers. Drake May's been turning the ball over these playoffs. So, you know, you put that together with the Denver defense. I think Patriots want to try to run the ball.

[Lawrence]

The Broncos offensive line is also 10 times better than what's left of the Chargers and just flat out better than the Texans.

[Jay]

Yeah. What do you think of this Broncos defense? Because I can't remember a defense that like past two years, by pretty much every measure this has been a top three defense in the league. Yet whenever they play an elite quarterback, they get torched like every time.

[Aloha Bricks]

Right.

[Lawrence]

And look at the game Jackson Dart had against them too, where it was, it was pretty eye opening. They're very good defense. Until they have that game against a quarterback like Drake May, people are going to wonder how are they great? Right. They have great players, Nick Benito and Pat Surtan and John Franklin Myers and Zach Allen. But it feels like they get a little exposed in the middle of the field at times with the lack of foot speed. They are aggressive, so they give up some big plays. But they're a very, very good unit and they're going to be hunting turnovers like Lawrence said.

[Matthew Berry]

And to that point I just think as you're thinking about like if you're playing dfs, you're doing, you know, picks for this week. I do think Demario Douglas becomes kind of interesting. Pop Douglas scored the touchdown last week as well. Is going to avoid Pat Surtan. He plays primarily in the slot. I also think Stefon Diggs here in a game where they can move him all around. I see Keisha booty here at 4,500. I know he's had at least 65 yards in both playoff games here, but I suspect Pat certain will be on him the most and so.

[Lawrence]

And I wonder how much traveling they do in this game. You don't want to let Diggs eat you alive, right?

[Connor]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Doesn't always follow sometimes very game specific.

[Lawrence]

We're gonna see.

[Connor]

Yeah, they would much rather go at the other guy, Riley Moss, but if you saw even against the Texans it took the Patriots a while to get going. Stingley like he had stuff on lock and then K Sean Booty gets the, he gets the deep ball. So like that contributed to him getting this.

[Matthew Berry]

He had, he made an unbelievable catch. Insanely great one handed.

[Jay]

Good coverage by Stingley.

[Connor]

Yeah.

[Jay]

But I think the thing with the Broncos defense, and if you're looking at pastry, it's pass catches. And Drake may, like, yeah, they're an elite defense, but they're an elite defense where they're like high variants where they get a lot of sacks. They also give up a lot of deep passes because I think they just. They trust their corners on an island.

[Lawrence]

They blitz a ton.

[Jay]

They blitz a ton. It's very aggressive. Whereas, like the Seahawks, they just give you nothing. Like, you can't do anything. Same with the Texans. They don't really give you that much, although they do allow some deep passes. But, yeah, I think that this will be high variance. And if Drake May is connecting on his deep ball, then this defense can be had.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I mean, I think. I'll just say, overall, I think this game is closer and more competitive than people think it think it will be. And I agree with your point that I think people will. I think people are thinking Jarrett Stidham is going to come in and just fly. He's going to look like Jake Browning this year, and it's just like the Patriots are going to roll. And I don't. I don't think that's the case at all. I mean, until you. I mean, you know, Nick Foles with the amazing. With the tweet of the week. Right? But whether it's Nick Foles or Jeff Hostetler or even Taylor Heinecke who lost, but Taylor Heinecke gave Tom Brady the toughest game during the Buccaneers march to their Super Bowl. Like, I mean, we have seen backup quarterbacks, you know, have these moments where, by the way, if you're the Patriots, if you're Mike Vrabel and his staff, like, there's not a lot of tape on Jarrett Stidham either to, To. To look. Look through and exploit as well. So I'm kind of rooting for the Broncos.

[Connor]

Listen, it's. It's.

[Lawrence]

The backup is. Is always fun to root for.

[Connor]

It's under one game. You're all NFL players at the end of the day, like, Jerry Stum knows he's got a defense that could produce some turnovers. And like I said, defense they're gonna get after Drake may, like, they've been having a little trouble with that. And so Stidham will have his opportunities to maybe be that new Nick Foles.

[Matthew Berry]

Here's my question to you, Jay, because you're a good judge of this, because you're one of them yourselves. Like, in terms of annoyingness for the, for the general public, Right. Because you get annoyed easily. You annoy other people very easily. Yeah, this is. This is. This has never. I'm gonna tell you what do you think America would find more annoying in the Super Bowl? The Patriots and all their fans coming, you know, like, oh, no, they haven't been there for seven years. Whatever it is. I mean, you know, the Patriots, who. The most winningest NFL franchise in history, getting back to the Super Bowl. You know, you lucked out with Tom Braden.

[Jay]

Oh, wait, what?

[Matthew Berry]

Now you have another franchise quarterback? All right, so. And Boston fans are, you know, not shy or the Broncos getting in. And Sean Payton, who, you know, kind of little smug. Sean Payton getting another team to a Super bowl, you know, second year with his second year rookie quarterback. Yeah, whatever the. Was he the fourth or fifth quarterback drafted of that class? Because he went after Hennicks.

[Lawrence]

Bo was sixth.

[Connor]

Did he go after McCarthy after McCarthy.

[Lawrence]

Had Caleb Jaden, Drake, May, Panick, McCarthy.

[Matthew Berry]

So, yeah, the sixth quarterback of that draft class, which, by the way, how insane is that draft class now as we look back on it?

[Connor]

It's crazy.

[Matthew Berry]

It's everyone but McCarthy. Yeah, literally.

[Lawrence]

And Pennix.

[Connor]

Oh, yeah.

[Lawrence]

So that's kind of like pending.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, exactly. But I mean, just like.

[Connor]

But everybody has had like an infinite amount of success. Like, it's crazy.

[Matthew Berry]

Like, every single. Those four have been, you know, you're like, what? Yeah, next May, Williams, Daniels. You're like, okay, that's a franchise quarterback. That's a guy we can build around for the next decade.

[Jay]

Yeah, the Patriots are more annoying. Like, it's just. I think it'd be a better spectacle. Was Drake Mann's super bowl probably, you know, more compelling. But yeah, the Patriots getting back to the Super. Like all these tweets about, like our second graders in New England, they finally know what it's like to see the Patriots in the AFC for the Super Bowl. But it is. It would be. It would be pretty insane for the Broncos to. To make the. The super bowl with Jarrett Stidham having knocked off Josh Allen and Drake May en route. There would be a fairytale aspect that also. How crazy would it be if the Broncos, if they make the super bowl and they win the Super Bowl. That's two Super Bowls in 11 years with the super bowl winning quarterbacks being Peyton Manning, who at that point may have been the worst quarterback in the league, and Jared Stidham, he would be wild. Absolutely.

[Connor]

Let me tell you some brother. If the Broncos make it, they're winning the damn game. They make. They're beating the Rams and the Seahawks.

[Jay]

You'll be able to get plus eight and a half on the Broncos.

[Connor]

And Jared Stinnell's going to have a whole media press tour, the whole he's just become a star.

[Lawrence]

Let's look at the notable player.

[Matthew Berry]

I believe the I believe the whatever winds up. I believe the NFC team will beat the AFC team. I prefer both NFC teams to both AFCs.

[Jay]

Seahawks and Rams. They'll be either of them will be eight and a half point favorites against the Broncos thereabouts and then three three and a half point favorites against the Pats depending on how the games unfold.

[Lawrence]

Jay, you got some props for this game on the board.

[Jay]

Yeah. Let's take a look at the notable player props in this game. Jarrett Stidham, he's probably the most compelling character here from a prop perspective set at 199 and a half. Connor might tell us about Stidham in pickup lines later. Drake May at 230.5. The May Prop that I like is May his longest completion over 35 and a half yards. Where this Broncos defense, they do allow you to take deep shots for sure. Like Josh Allen didn't complete any of the passes but he took a lot of shots down the field. Just the nature of this defense is that they will leave guys on islands they will put faith in certain to hold up down the field in coverage etc. So I think Drake May, who has been statistically the best deep ball thrower in the NFL, I think he'll have a chance to get one deep and then Ramon Dre and Travion, the two running backs, 48, 33 and a half. It's a little low for Trayvon Henderson 33 and a half.

[Matthew Berry]

He came off the bad game so I think they're kind of over correcting for that. But I agree with you on the road at Denver, I think they're going to want to run that you can run on Denver.

[Connor]

You don't think it's low for Ramon Dre too? He's crossed this easily in the two playoff games and now it's 48. It's like maybe that means they get back more to Trayvon Henderson.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, but I think both numbers are too low.

[Connor]

Yeah, I think so too.

[Jay]

Yeah, we'll see with this Broncos rush defense because statistically in the regular season they were awesome. Now they played teams like the jets and the Trey Lance Chargers and the Chris Oladokin Chiefs which are buffering those numbers. And and James Cook outside of the fumble, he did whatever he wanted on the ground Whatever he wanted, we'll see there. But this is the type of game from prop perspective, like you want to lean into variance because we can talk about situm. We don't really have any idea what he's going to be like. Like he has such a wide range of outcomes and there's a lot of stories that can be told off of that from a prop perspective.

[Lawrence]

Valiant Vincent said give me RJ Harvey's receiving prop no matter what it is.

[Matthew Berry]

I'm not sure about that, especially with J.K. dobbins comes back and takes snaps away. I mean I don't think he's going to take receptions away, but I do think he will take. I do think he'll take snaps away. I would, I would actually, I understand the argument there, Valiant Vincent, but for me, I would say give me Courtland Sutton. I just think a backup quarterback is generally going to favor the alpha wide receiver, the number one guy there, especially because Pat Bryant banged up. Is it Troy Franklin also banged up. So, so more narrow target tree. And then I just sort of feel like if you're the backup, you know your first read is likely always going to be 14 and you're just like where's big Cortland Sutton? Okay, let me try to get and.

[Connor]

That'S what Jared Stiddup is done has.

[Jay]

Done in it starts set a 51 and a half receiving yards. Cortland Sutton don't mind Evan Ingram 21 and a half. You're thinking that they're going to scam him some, you know, easy stuff, some complacent over the middle.

[Lawrence]

Again, what was Harvey said he doesn't.

[Jay]

Have a line yet because the J.K. dobbins uncertainty.

[Lawrence]

That makes sense.

[Matthew Berry]

But yeah, trying to, trying to avoid Christian Gonzalez. I do think the middle of the field is where they'll attack.

[Lawrence]

Let's go to the NFC side. Of course, the Seahawks and Rams playing for the third time this season. Puka Nakua, no surprise there seeing him for $9,000. And even as more mediocre Puka had been last week, he destroyed Seattle for 300 plus yards in two games this year. So this is a matchup for both him and JSN where you got to pay up the big prices. Followed by of course Kyron Williams, Matthew Stafford and Kenneth Walker. Lawrence, who had the massive, massive game.

[Connor]

Last week, that's another one you're going to have to pay up for. And funny enough, he's only 200 more dollars than Ramondre Stevenson from the last game. And Ramondre Stevenson will be in the timeshare we have, there's no more Zach Charbonnet. So I still think that's, that's a legit price right there. You gotta feel it as good about him as you do Kyron Williams, if not better. Because you know for the Rams side of the ball, you're going to get some Blake Corum in there. So a solid price there. But I actually like the Rams defense in this. Three picks versus the Bears, even though Sam Darnold lit them up the last time. Two picks, four sacks, they're only $2,800. You go back to week 11 versus Seahawks, four interceptions there too. So I think that's actually some value right there. The opportunistic Rams defense.

[Matthew Berry]

Well, at least 18 quarterback pressures in both playoffs games so far we have seen if Sam Darnold melts down under pressure in a big playoff game, it won't be the first time. Right, right. And he's banged up. So I, I'm with you there. I'm curious. I mean I, I, I agree. I think ken Walker at $6,200 is just an absolutely steal of a price. In 23 career games where he's gotten at least 18 touches, including the playoffs, he's averaging over 18 fantasy points per game. Just a stat that tells you what you know, which is when he gets work, he's really awesome. No Zach Charbonnet in this one. Kenneth Walker should get a ton of work. My question to you guys is, is that Jackson Smith and Jigba $8,000 had 20 or more fantasy points in both regular season games against the Rams, but quarterback is banged up. Or Puka Nakua who's $9,000 but you know, has a 34% target share in the playoffs, went 12 for 225 and two touchdowns against these same Seahawks in week 16. So I'm curious which, you know, you're probably only if you're constructing a roster, it'd be hard to get both those guys in the in the lineup. Are you paying up the extra thousand for Puka or do you rather JSN at the lower price but a little more risk.

[Jay]

So the one thing with Puka is that so one, there's no Devonte Adams in that game against the Seahawks. Two, it did go to overtime. If you take overtime out it was only like 180 yards and a touchdown. Only rubbish game for Puka. But I do think I am a little concerned about Stafford Connor because he has not looked to me since the first Carolina game. He has not looked like the quarterback that he was the first three months of the season I thought he was terrible against Chicago I think he had 11 off target throws. That's the most he's had as a Ram had a 42 PFF grade. He just didn't look. And the fact that they didn't throw it on third and 10 at the end of the game that showed you that McVay didn't seem to believe in his quarterback either at that point.

[Lawrence]

And you go back to the Panthers game the week before before the Parkinson touchdown at the end he was 0 for 11 throwing outside the numbers so.

[Matthew Berry]

And Parkinson had made an unbelievable catch to bring.

[Lawrence]

Good throw. Amazing. Amazing.

[Jay]

To be fair to Stafford outside non Caleb Williams division he did probably make the throw of the playoffs that out on the left side to Devonte Adams which like no one could else can do just about but he is not his looks shaky and I also wonder like the first Seahawks game Stafford and the Rams couldn't do anything in that game Donald threw four picks and Seattle still had the chance to walk it off. And then the second game he had a lot more success and so which version of the Rams offense are we going to see the final game?

[Lawrence]

Yeah, I think that's really fair. That's a. Do you.

[Connor]

If you feel like the Seahawks are going to get pressure on the. On Sam. I'm sorry on Matthew Stafford then it'll probably be another one of them days. That's really what it's going to come down to because we already know what he's going to do. If you don't get pressure he's going to pick you apart.

[Matthew Berry]

I do feel better about you can pick polls in both quarterbacks. I think I do feel better about the Seahawks defense than the Rams where you can throw on. The Rams have good run defense and they can get pressure but if they can keep Sam Darnold upright or get rid of the ball quickly. The secondary of the Rams has struggled so far in the second half.

[Jay]

Yeah, it has. You can throw on the Rams. We saw Bryce Young having success. Caleb Williams, they'll move the ball. Outside of the turnovers. I think that the Rams corners has always been a little bit of a shaky spot. Like your man Emmanuel Forbes has been a huge part of this team and so I think Chris Shaw has largely gotten the better of Donald in these two matchups.

[Connor]

He's.

[Jay]

He's tricked Donald into some pretty bad picks and so maybe having two games of tape now will help the Seattle coaching staff, which I think is arguably the best in the league put Donald in the best position to succeed. But yeah, I mean, this game is largely going to be. It's going to be about Stafford, but it's also going to be about his. Donald holding his nerve, which he hasn't been able to do in games in the past.

[Matthew Berry]

I would think. I would think NBC. I'm not speaking for NBC. I had no insight.

[Jay]

You can speak for.

[Matthew Berry]

No, no, no, I'm not speaking for.

[Lawrence]

It's a mine and mine only.

[Matthew Berry]

But these thoughts are mine and mine only. But I would think NBC would want Patriots, Rams of who's left. Right.

[Lawrence]

The rematch.

[Matthew Berry]

McVeigh rematch. You know, two big, two big markets, two big franchises. You know, the two. The two MVP contenders, right? You know, going head to head. But I'm kind of rooting for Seattle, Denver.

[Lawrence]

Me too.

[Connor]

Oh, man, if we get that, we gonna have a good old time out there.

[Matthew Berry]

Just because it's like it's two good defenses, it's two redemption stories, right? It's here's we've got a backup quarterback in Jared Stidham. We've got Sam Darnold, who for years and years, years, bust, bust, bust. And then he has the magical year in Minnesota. But, oh, he can't win the big one, you know, Shirtless Ben Johnson.

[Lawrence]

This sounds like a good ambient take.

[Matthew Berry]

It might be. I might wake up from.

[Connor]

I said, well, I mean, think about it, right? We saw Baker Mayfield go to Tampa and kind of redeem his career, right? There's obviously Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson. Sam Darnold got a chance to be the first one from that draft class to win a Super bowl. And he was damn near out of the league. Now he got a chance to be the first one. It's not just any draft class. You got two MVPs in there and the number one overall pick. And you're not.

[Matthew Berry]

None of that.

[Connor]

Like, this is a shot for sand.

[Matthew Berry]

And it would be one of those great, one of those great stories that you can tell, you know, that you kind of point to, you know, where you sort of say, like, you know, when the first woman landed on the moon, Right. You know, you could say to little girls, like, look, if you dream it, you can be it. Like, we landed a woman on the moon, right? And so now it's like, listen, listen, I know you're upset that you got drafted by the jets, but look, look at what's happening. Even though your career isn't over, even though you're a member of the jets, you could eventually win a superhero.

[Connor]

There is hope for some, there Is hope, folks. There's Zach Wilson, baby.

[Matthew Berry]

Exactly. That's what I'm. That's what I'm saying.

[Lawrence]

Gino's still out there.

[Connor]

Keno. Who else out there?

[Jay]

Chino's dog, Ken o'.

[Matthew Berry]

Brien.

[Jay]

Come on back.

[Connor]

Tim Boyle, everybody. Tim Boyle. Mike White. Come get back. Yeah, exactly.

[Matthew Berry]

Chad Pennington, where you at?

[Jay]

I'm never going to forget that jets.

[Connor]

Season he was actually in the playoffs with with the Jets.

[Jay]

Right back jets season a couple years ago when Mike White got hurt and all jets fans are like, what are we going to do without Mike White?

[Lawrence]

Yes, because we've seen what it looks like without him.

[Jay]

Ironically, it was Joe Flacco who came in and did nothing.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, yeah, exactly. They think Mark Sanchez a chance of redemption for Mark Sanchez.

[Lawrence]

Not touching that. Let's see the props board.

[Connor]

I don't know about that one.

[Lawrence]

All right, Jay, look at the props board for Seahawks Rams here. This is a very, as the props indicate, two very run heavy game.

[Jay]

Yeah, absolutely. Matthew Stafford on the passing front though, he is the highest passing probably quarterback this week. 254 and a half. No surprise. He led the NFL in passing yards. 85 and a half I think is a little high for Ken Walker. I understand the epic game that he had. But this sneaky thing about Seattle's. They haven't been a particularly efficient rushing offense this season. It's just they run a ton to establish player action off of that and then no surprises. Pooking the crew. Jack Smith and Jigba both set.

[Matthew Berry]

I want to see Ken Walker's rushing attempts number. That might be interesting there or what his combined rushing and receiving otherwise might be 19.

[Connor]

How about I say it better be 19. But what's funny is you saw the gap there between Kyron Williams and Kenneth Walker. Yet Kyron Williams is a couple hundred more on the dfs. So it kind of makes you feel a little bit better about Ken Walker from that end. From a DFS perspective, is there a.

[Matthew Berry]

Player in this game? Okay, so we're all going to talk about Puka. We're all going to talk about Jackson, Smith and Jigba. I get that. Is there a player Connor complimentary pass catcher that you think could surprise some people? Like we've seen the could AJ Barner on the Seahawks. Could one of the tight ends feels like Colby Parker. That's what I was going to say. Starting to come into his own on the Rams. Can we see is a Kanata Mumfield game? You know, is Jake Bowman become.

[Lawrence]

What about Rashid Shahid that's what if. I was thinking what if the Rams just say we are. And I remember you bringing up that Brian Flores did this. Like we are not letting Jackson, Smith and Jigba beat us today. We, we could lose this game. He. We're not letting him go for 110 and two touchdowns. Rashid Shahid.

[Connor]

And guess who could.

[Lawrence]

He's in any one on one situation. He's faster than the other guy, right? Anyone on the. Basically anybody in football. Like he's faster than the other guys. So Rashid Shahid, because you need one play. What if you get a 60 yard touchdown catch from Rasheed Shahid?

[Connor]

Yeah, he'll happen the first play.

[Lawrence]

Exactly.

[Jay]

I want to think that's a little interesting. The past two games Cooper cup has looked the best that he has all year. And so I wonder if there is an aspect of him kind of saving himself a little bit for the playoffs. Now obviously story writes itself. Super Bowl MVP going up against the Rams. He had the really bad fumble the second game against the Rams. But Cooper Cup, I just, I was expecting him to kind of just kind of recede into the back end of the season. And Rashid, he just completely take over. But he's still the number two wide receiver on that team.

[Matthew Berry]

Devonte Adams is somebody who'd be interesting to 8.3 fantasy points per game in the playoffs. 37 catch rate. He has not looked like Devonte Adams since he's come back.

[Lawrence]

Let's get to the ROTOR world player news. We have plenty to go through from the coaching carousel starting with the Atlanta Falcons hiring Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach.

[Matthew Berry]

Two time coach of the year.

[Lawrence]

Coach of the Year.

[Matthew Berry]

Not everyone knows that, but yes. Kevin Savansky, two time coach of the year.

[Lawrence]

And this came with some drama as well. Baker Mayfield clearly not a big fan of his former coach. He said he'll be pretty happy to see him twice in the division as well. So here's the tweet from Baker. This was over.

[Matthew Berry]

It was a quote tweet.

[Lawrence]

It was quote tweeting a writer that covers the Falcons failed is quite the reach, pal. Still waiting on a text call from him.

[Matthew Berry]

Of course.

[Lawrence]

Stefanski after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage. Can't wait to see you twice a year coach.

[Matthew Berry]

So yeah, the tweet below it was basically saying that hey Stefanski, you know, basically had a bunch of failures at quarterback during his tenure in the Browns. And Baker friend of the show. Baker Mayfield clapped back, rightfully so. Won a playoff game. Baker Mayfield led them to the playoffs and Won a playoff game in Pittsburgh.

[Connor]

Then went and did it on another team.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes.

[Connor]

So I don't. I don't like the word failure there either.

[Matthew Berry]

No. But I'm just saying, just within Cleveland, I think of the. Of the quarterbacks Stefanski had. Baker's the one that got them to a playoff game and won a playoff game on the road. That Pittsburgh game.

[Jay]

It wasn't the fancy calling Mayfield a failure, though. Right. It was the writer calling him.

[Matthew Berry]

No, it wasn't calling him a failure.

[Lawrence]

But he very much does not like Kevin failed.

[Connor]

But it's clear as something new.

[Matthew Berry]

I think we need, as a table, as a show, as a nation to come together and decide on this, because Baker Mayfield, who's been on our show multiple times, and we love. But Kevin Stefanski has been on our show multiple times, and we love him.

[Jay]

I stand with Baker.

[Connor]

That's not a question for me. Yeah, it's not a question. It's Baker Mayfield.

[Jay]

Yeah, it's Baker Mayfield.

[Lawrence]

So I stand with Baker on this specific issue. The only problem is this one. He's right on.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes.

[Lawrence]

He's good for, like, seven of these a year. After they beat the jets this year, he said that was for Hasan Reddick, and I was like. And I think he said it was for Todd Bowles as well. And, like, he just. His timelines don't always. He's right about this one.

[Matthew Berry]

Right.

[Lawrence]

But Baker Mayfield, and it works for.

[Connor]

Him, is a guy that needs to chip.

[Lawrence]

He always needs these, and I understand why.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah.

[Jay]

Sounds like you're the fancier man.

[Matthew Berry]

No, no. We are team Baker Mayfield. We are. We are. We are Team Baker Mayfield. I love. I love Baker. Absolutely loves for him. But I will say Kevin Stefanski has always been very nice to me. I've told. I won't tell the story. Here goes the tell. I'm not going to tell.

[Lawrence]

You got to choose a side.

[Jay]

The fence.

[Matthew Berry]

You're either the fence. I am the fence. I am. I am a little fence settler. But I'm just. Now, I. I will not denounce Kevin Sapansky two time coach of the year.

[Jay]

But you should.

[Matthew Berry]

If I have to announce it, if I have to choose, I'm choosing Baker. We're choosing. We are a Baker Mayfield table official.

[Lawrence]

So both of them called their banners. You would respond to Baker Mayfield, not Kevin Stefanski. All right, so you hate Kevin Stefanski.

[Matthew Berry]

I don't know. I do not hate Kevin Stefanski.

[Lawrence]

You chose who you'd respond.

[Jay]

Yeah, but then this plays out.

[Lawrence]

Yeah. Anyways.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes. I'm a fence Sitler.

[Lawrence]

Speaking of those Bucks, Baker Mayfield will be working with a new offensive coordinator. They're finalizing a deal to hire the Falcons former offensive coordinator, Zach Robinson, who, I'm not gonna lie, Jay didn't love his work in Atlanta.

[Matthew Berry]

No.

[Jay]

Anyone watch a Falcons game this year? Being like, this is such a great creative offense.

[Lawrence]

I think they missed on quite a few people to get down to this. Higher.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah.

[Connor]

I mean, yeah, I think what they, when they did do, well, it was a just a product of having those good players there, like Bijon Robinson. Like, you see a lot of times he can create a lot of space for himself there. Drake London, when he played the first half of the season, he made great plays. And then Pitts came along during the end of the season. But yeah, watching you never was like, damn, this Falcon. Michael Pennington, Kirk Cousins, they humming. You never thought that.

[Lawrence]

Sure.

[Matthew Berry]

But how much of that is due to the fact Michael Penix and Kirk Cousins, right? I mean, because you can make an argument like that, that offense, just to play devil's advocate here for a second, he's the first guy to get Kyle Pitts unlocked, right? I mean, Pets had a great year. Pitts had the best year of his NFL career. Drake London, to your point, when he was out there, very productive, it just. He got hurt for a lot of injury. Right. And for all of our frustrations around the goal line usage for Bijan Robinson. The fact is Bijan still had an amazing year and he got real production out of Tyler Algier. So, I mean, given the pieces that he had to work with, I think he was able to do something. I mean, keep in mind, there were stretches of the season where it was like his number two receiver or even his number one wide receiver was Ray Ray McLeod. He didn't have Darnell Mooney for six weeks.

[Lawrence]

That was a huge issue. For sure.

[Matthew Berry]

He didn't have Darnell Mooney for six weeks. Like, again, I'm not sitting here saying Zach Robinson is great. I'm just saying, like, it's hard to sit here and go like, well, he was terrible with the Falcons.

[Connor]

No, no, he wasn't terrible.

[Matthew Berry]

Like, the Falcons moved the ball. The question is just whether you think Penix and Cousins are better quarterbacks than what they showed. And I don't know that I'm convinced of that.

[Connor]

Cousins especially got sort of looks confident.

[Lawrence]

Down the stretch towards the end. He did. My biggest issue is specifically with the Penix time is that, like when you honed in on what he was good at, it's throwing the ball down the field off of play action. And when you filter it out when they did that, the Falcons were great at it, but for some reason he never leaned into it. And I just don't understand. You drafted a quarterback in the pros. He was very good at throwing the ball down the field off play action. And you had the sample of that week after week and you just said we're not going to lean into one.

[Jay]

Just seemed very rigid. Like every time they get to the goal lines, outside zone runs every single time, it's just like doesn't seem to.

[Connor]

Do that play action. He'll, he'll get to that.

[Lawrence]

That's.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, Kevin Svensky's the best play action play caller I think in the NFL.

[Lawrence]

It'll be a big upgrade down there for them.

[Producer/Announcer]

Atlanta.

[Matthew Berry]

It'll be really, really good. So yeah, I don't, I don't know that this is a great news for people that dynasty managers of like Bucky Irving. Right. You know, when you saw, thought about how mad Algier like could you see more Sean Tucker if he's back or Rashad White, one of those guys. Like one of those guys will be back.

[Connor]

A lot of receptions for Bucky. If it's anything like Robinson was.

[Matthew Berry]

It's interesting. Did they move on from Josh Grizzard or did Grizzard. They moved on.

[Lawrence]

Some more news. The Dolphins hired Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Halfley, the former head coach of Boston College as well. But speaking of those Dolphins, more important in the fantasy world, and this is a big one. Adam Schefter reports. Dolphins former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who was one of the hottest offensive coordinator candidates of this cycle, is expected to take over the Chargers offense. And the guy next to me was pretty excited about that for his ride or die.

[Matthew Berry]

I mean just I think he is as good a run play caller as there is in the NFL.

[Lawrence]

No doubt.

[Matthew Berry]

Right. How he designs a run game is. And so you get a talent like Omarion Hampton, who is a first round pick. Devon Achan, as much as we love him, third round pick. So certainly scouts coming into the NFL thought much higher of Amarian Hampton. And so are they different players? Of course, Hampton doesn't have the explosiveness of Devon Achan. He doesn't have the speed. But he's a pretty good pass catcher for a guy his size. He doesn't need to come up the field. He's a good, he's a good run blocker. And in theory you get Ault and Slater back for next Year. I just think that's what I. I just think, you know, Omarion Hampton to the moon.

[Lawrence]

You should pick him again.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes, I'm gonna.

[Lawrence]

I actually really applaud. You're like, you know what?

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I'm back in. Yep.

[Lawrence]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

By the way, I could. I could go back to back. I could go back to the. Well, like I.

[Lawrence]

Truly buying the dip.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I'm buying the dip. But anyway, I. I do think if Mike McDaniel is coaching Amarian Hampton and that offense, I'm pretty excited. I'm in.

[Lawrence]

All right, our last bit of news here. The titans hired former 49ers DC and Jets head coach Robert Sala. I think Titans fans are all happy. It's just not Matt Nagy, who is no longer the Chief's offensive coordinator either. His contract expired there. I think Salah. If Brian Dabel doesn't get the Buffalo job, Salah will push hard for him to be his oc. He's got a real shot, which is great for Cam Ward, Brian Dable, Cam Ward. That's a. That's a combination.

[Matthew Berry]

We'd all develop Josh Allen, develop Jackson dart.

[Jay]

Yeah.

[Lawrence]

Makes a lot of sense.

[Matthew Berry]

That makes a ton of sense. What do you think of Saleh here as a. You know, this is. This is an important move for Salah because you only get two. You know, it didn't work out in New York. He went back, had another great year as a defensive coordinator, so now he's getting another shot. But if this doesn't work out, you know, this is what happened to Josh McDaniels. Josh McDaniels got two shots at being a head coach, and now he's done.

[Lawrence]

Two of his mistakes, stopped calling the defensive plays, which he has said was a mistake, and he will do for Tennessee. That's great because he's great at that. The second thing is bringing in an experienced offensive coordinator. We don't have that official yet, but if he gets someone like Brian Dabel, I'll be a fan of this hire. If he goes back to the, you know, flip a coin, is this guy going to be good? Well, then I'd be concerned.

[Matthew Berry]

He brings Nathaniel Hackett back in.

[Connor]

This man won seven games in back to back years with Mike White, Joe Flacco, Trevor Simeons, Boyles. Good for Robert Solomon.

[Lawrence]

We're taking our first break. When we're back and on our way out, Brian Hickman said questions. Was Peacocky real or just an Ambien haze dream?

[Matthew Berry]

I've been wondering that. No one knows.

[Lawrence]

Was it actually Rotopat in that costume. We're answering more of your biggest off season questions after this.

[Aloha Bricks]

Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. As I squeeze this picake, I ask myself, how have I arrived at such a place? Is this a fantasy?

[Jay]

Fantasy?

[Aloha Bricks]

Did I black out drinking free at happy hour?

[Matthew Berry]

Maybe? No.

[Aloha Bricks]

An evil J whispers. He burned it. Preseason odds of 80 to 1. The voluminous McNuggie Jinx, never shaving. We persevere, waking up day after day, placing that parlay, neglecting family, work, liver, health, suffering through terrible pitches, spilled coke and horrendous movie takes. J. Connor. And why you ask? For this moment, to stand alone with my pinkocky. The most coveted award in all of sport. Thank you to Aloha Bricks and all the regulars and the entire fantasy football happy hour crew. We made it and we did it together. All the best to you and your family. Regular one getting aside. Guys, thank you so much for letting us be part of the show. The show. Best show on tv. Love you guys. All the best.

[Lawrence]

What's up?

[Jay]

Oh, Medici. Outstanding.

[Matthew Berry]

Outstanding. Maybe we should take the one away from Mojo Brexit.

[Jay]

Hippie had won one. Reminds me of Keanu Reeves at the end of Hardball talking about G Baby's death. Absolute brutal. Tears in my eyes.

[Matthew Berry]

Oh, man.

[Lawrence]

Poor G Baby. What's on tap is brought to you by Bud Light, the official beer sponsor of the NFL. Sundays are easy to enjoy when they are full of football and the fridge is filled with beer. We're gonna make it even easier for you by taking some of your best questions, like this one from the man himself, Jonathan Medigi. Question For a keeper league where I can keep two players but lose draft picks, I'm keeping Puka and losing a third round pick. But do I keep Devontae Adams and lose a fourth or keep Bucky Irving and lose an eighth? The league runs three wide receivers, but only two running backs plus a flex.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, to me, I get the question right. Obviously, in a league where you play three wide receivers.

[Jay]

Andy and Joe.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, Andy and Joe. In Hilligan, where you play three wide receivers with just two running backs, you know, wide receivers are more valuable. That said, I think Bucky Irving is the correct answer here. Whenever I'm doing, you know, questions like this, one of the things I think about is it's like, okay, well, where is Dimonte Adams going next year? Right. Right. And I can't imagine he's going much higher than the fourth round. And depending on how the rest of the playoffs Play off, it may drop even further. So Bucky Irving, who is going to next year be like again a top 12, 13 running back. I think he goes. He probably goes into the second. I just think that's a much bigger delta. Getting an eight, getting a number one, a borderline number one running back for an eighth round pick versus a number two wide receiver, even though a very productive one for a fourth. Obviously when you're doing those things, you have to think about what.

[Jay]

Because.

[Matthew Berry]

Because there are a lot of good players being. Keeping. Being Kept being capped.

[Connor]

There we go. There we go.

[Jay]

My 3 year old daughter doesn't say keep him.

[Connor]

I lost it. I lost it. I lost it at my words.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes. Well, anyway, what was this? If you're keeping a. Figuring out all the other people that are keeping being kipping, keep on keeping on. Like the ranks go down a little bit obviously because there's players that would go in the second round, go in the first round because a lot of first rounders have been capped, etc.

[Producer/Announcer]

Etc.

[Matthew Berry]

But either way, the answer there is Bucky Irving Medici and great fake winner's speech. I do think Aloha Bricks deserves to give his winner speech. So send that in.

[Jay]

Because he actually won.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, because Aloha Bricks actually won.

[Lawrence]

Our next one from Erica Yoon. Are you comfortable drafting Colson Loveland as the number two two tight end behind McBride next season?

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, look, I. Comfortable is a little. If I. The truth is, I mean, I'm going to have Bowers as, you know, my number two, you know, my next tight end. Having said that, if I'm in a draft and somebody takes Loveland too, I'm not going like, oh man, did that guy just screw up or I don't. What is that person thinking? I mean, we, we love Colston Loveland. I get it. I feel better about it. If DJ Moore gets moved, I want to know who the Raiders coach is, be who the Raiders offensive coordinator are going to be. I'm assuming they're taking Fernando Mendoza, but weirder things have happened. Maybe some, maybe, maybe the jets or some other team gives them a crazy boatload of picks to move off of it. I think so too, but you never know. You never ever know. So anyway, at the moment though, I have Bowers at two. But no, I don't think it's weird drafting Colston Loveland as number two tight end. That's certainly within the range of outcomes for him next season.

[Lawrence]

All right, our last question here from Ems Ganja.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah.

[Lawrence]

Given the relatively Poor performance of second and third round wide receivers BTJ Lad McConkey, I believe A.J. brown this season. Are you most likely. Are you more likely to go running back heavy at the top of your draft next season? What do you think?

[Connor]

Yeah, Mr. Ganja, actually, I would do that. In fact, I did it in the league of assholes. Went running back, running back, running back. If you got guys like a, like I'm taking James Cook over A.J. brown coming into this particular season, that would be looked at as like unheard of. But now it also depends on the league settings. You're more prone to do that. You're more prone to take that strategy if it's half ppr. Where. If you're in a league, full ppr, three wide receivers, you may lean receiver.

[Matthew Berry]

A lot of wide receivers in that range, you know, they got hurt. They obviously underperformed. I'll be able to get those guys at a, at more of a discount next year. Like, do I think lad McConkey can suddenly no longer play football or AJ Brown? I don't. And so I think in a scenario where, you know, maybe KEENAN Allen retires, A.J. brown's on a different team, maybe the situation. You feel a little bit better about Mike McDaniel coaching the Chargers. I mean, back in on those guys just at a cheaper price.

[Lawrence]

That'll do it for what's on tap. Presented by Bud Light. We'll be back after, right after this with our pickup lines for Matthew.

[Jay]

Tuesday nights we're playing king of the court at DraftKings. All customers get one shot at a share of $1 million in bonus bets. The key is to select the player who leads the association tonight in points, rebounds and assists combined. First choice, I'll take the ageless Kevin Durant. Long two point jump shots, 16ft and out are, in theory, not very efficient. The league average on them is 40%, but they're efficient for Kevin Durant. He is shooting 53% on long twos this season. He shot 53% on them last season. He shot 53% on THEM the season before that. I can keep going consistently good Jay Croucher. Kevin Durant in good company. The voice.

[Matthew Berry]

We got to take a voice, right? The voice of NBA show he's a man.

[Lawrence]

DraftKings Sportsbook is an official sports betting partner of the NFL and new customers can bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins. Down the app and use promo code ffhh when you sign up. DraftKings sportsbook.

[Jay]

Oh, the crowd signed the pickup lines.

[Matthew Berry]

Who was that saying you were good?

[Jay]

Oh, Anthony.

[Matthew Berry]

Anthony.

[Connor]

Nice.

[Lawrence]

We will now call Jay the Voice.

[Connor]

The Voice, the Voice.

[Lawrence]

That's a top tier moment of your life.

[Jay]

I'm very happy with it anyway. Hopefully people will be happy with this bet. Matthew Stafford to throw an interception. Matthew. -116. Since the past six weeks, 19 quarterbacks have taken at least 140 snaps. Only Brady Cook has more turnover worthy plays as a percentage of his throws.

[Connor]

Let me go with a real quarterback right here, Matthew. Jer Stidham. 34 passing attempts plus 107. He's at 34 passing attempts in three of his four starts. Two of those games with Sean Payton. Of course. We saw C.J. stroud though 47 times last week. I imagine they'll have to do the same. So give me Jerry Stidham.

[Lawrence]

I agree with you, Lawrence. That's why I'm cooking up a Stidham parlay. 190 plus passing yards and one passing touchdown is plus 100. CJ Stroud threw for 212 in one of the worst quarterback playoff games we've seen in years. Jared Situm can get to 190 and throw one touchdown.

[Matthew Berry]

My choice is either go with good Jared Situm or bad Matthew Stafford. But I'm going with good Jared Stadt. I like that. 200 yards, 190 he can get to. I think he throws at least one touchdown. It's closing time. Go home.

[Lawrence]

Sleep naturally.

[Producer/Announcer]

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