Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: "Championship Sunday Preview + Latest Coaching Updates"

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

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.

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.

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.

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]

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]

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.

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.

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]

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|

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]

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.

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.