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Commercial Announcer (1:00)

Subject to change.

Matthew Berry (1:02)

Oh, look here. With a strut. Yeah, hand it to somebody.

Field Reporter/Host (1:07)

Peacocky.

Matthew Berry (1:07)

All right.

Jay (1:07)

There we go.

Matthew Berry (1:08)

To Connor Rogers.

Jay (1:09)

Turn around.

Matthew Berry (1:09)

It's a TV show. Peacocky. Look at the camera. There we go.

Field Reporter/Host (1:12)

There's your moon walking.

Matthew Berry (1:14)

Oh, careful, Peacocky.

Jay (1:15)

Oh, my goodness.

Field Reporter/Host (1:16)

We know we can't.

Matthew Berry (1:16)

We don't need a HR violation.

Field Reporter/Host (1:26)

That's a good surprise.

Matthew Berry (1:27)

Fantasy Football Happy Hour w/ Matthew Berry

"Divisional Round Preview + Giants Reportedly Land John Harbaugh"

Date: January 15, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into two central threads: the seismic NFL coaching news of John Harbaugh reportedly accepting the New York Giants head coach position, and a detailed fantasy and betting preview of every Divisional Round playoff matchup. Alongside, Matthew Berry and his panel maintain a spirited, witty banter, dish out actionable advice for DFS and season-long players, and engage with listener questions on Superflex leagues, offseason roster strategy, and specific player prop bets.

Main Topics & Insights

1. Coaching Carousel: John Harbaugh to the Giants ([07:21]–[13:45])

Giants Hiring John Harbaugh:
News broke that John Harbaugh, long-tenured Ravens coach, is set to take over the New York Giants’ head job, sparking debate on whether this is a reason for hope or skepticism among Giants fans.
Panel Breakdown:
- Berry: Focuses on Harbaugh’s CEO-like qualities, the importance of stable front office support (Baltimore’s Ozzie Newsom/Eric DaCosta vs. NYG’s Joe Schoen), and questions the realistic upside of such a hire, given Giants’ recent front office woes ([08:05], [10:18], [12:03]).
- Jay: Plays devil’s advocate on Harbaugh’s legacy:
  
  "If John's brother didn’t run a million fade routes to Michael Crabtree in the Super Bowl... do we think John Harbaugh’s a good coach? What’s the evidence in the past 12 years that he is?" ([08:55])
  - Raises questions on whether Harbaugh is more floor than ceiling, and notes the risk in replicating Baltimore’s talent pipeline in New York.
- Host/Field Reporter: Highlights the immediate stability Harbaugh brings, points to his history of hiring quality staffs (Todd Monken, Mike Macdonald), but shares concern about GM-coach synergy.
Notable Quote:

"What's the difference between Mike McCarthy and John Harbaugh? They each have one Super Bowl. They each have underachievement in playoffs."
— Matthew Berry ([12:03])
Fantasy Impact:
- Discussion on offensive scheme, possible Todd Monken reunion as OC, and early thoughts on new QB Jackson Dart as a mid-round pick, depending on further staff hires ([13:47]).

2. NFL Coaching Cycle & Mike Tomlin Steps Down ([15:05]–[19:56])

Mike Tomlin Steps Down:
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announces retirement. The show jokes about recruiting Tomlin as a broadcaster and debates who are truly "needle-moving" coaches in the NFL.
Panel Perspective:
- Appreciation for Tomlin’s ability to outperform his talent (e.g., “gutting it out with Mason Rudolph”), contrasts with Harbaugh’s history of underachievement.
- Discussion on Brian Flores as a top candidate still hindered by his active lawsuit.
Notable Quote:

"If you have just, quote, a CEO coach type—you want Harbaugh, you want Tomlin? I kind of think I want Tomlin. Over the years, Tomlin more often overperformed relative to talent. Harbaugh underperformed."
— Matthew Berry ([18:44])

3. Divisional Round Fantasy & Betting Preview ([20:28]–[43:54])

Rams at Bears ([20:28], [40:41])

DFS & Props: High projected total (48.5), but frigid, snowy weather.
Matthew Berry:
- Likes Bears +3.5 and the under, notes Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua as top plays despite the weather ([42:07]).
- Notes Rams offense has looked shaky, but Bears defense is not a major obstacle.
- “The argument for Stafford: 323 yards and four touchdowns for Jordan Love last week against these same Bears. We like Stafford and Nacua’s matchup.” ([42:07])
Panel: Cautions that snow may temper the outcome, but expects points.

Broncos at Bills ([20:28])

DFS:
- RJ Harvey (Broncos RB) highlighted as a strong contrarian play; Bills' run defense remains susceptible ([21:40]).
- Shakir (Bills WR) and James Cook (Bills RB) identified as volume-heavy value picks ([25:19]).
Game Script Insight:
- Discussion on the unlikely but real possibility of the Broncos riding momentum to a Super Bowl ([22:19]):
  
  "We need to accept the possibility the Denver Broncos might be going to the Super Bowl. It’s so strange... but they could be two games away as favorites in both." — Jay ([22:19])
Gambling Note:
- Panel bets the under, expects a slog if weather curtails passing.

Seahawks at 49ers ([29:37], [34:06], [54:26])

Fantasy Focus:
- Jackson Smith-Njigba vs. Christian McCaffrey debate. Both high-upside, but Berry leans JSN due to Seahawks’ historic ability to scheme him open against the Niners ([30:25]).
- Key Prop: Kenneth Walker III over 59.5 rushing yards:
  
  "If [the Seahawks] get up in this game as expected, they’re going to run the ball. Ken Walker will get his carries and get at least 60 rushing yards." — Jay ([54:26])
- Panel likes JSN: “He did whatever he wanted against the Niners... JSN should feast.” — Jay ([31:16])
Props & Betting:
- Christian McCaffrey’s rushing line set low (53.5), with skepticism on his ceiling vs. Seattle D.

Texans at Patriots ([36:33])

Overview: Low fantasy expectations; ugly betting board.
DFS Dart Throws: Christian Kirk gets a mention as a slot weapon for Houston if Nico Collins is ruled out. Dalton Schultz may be a sneaky TE fill-in with guaranteed target volume ([38:56]).
Drake May: The panel is excited to watch him try to break down the Texans' swarming defense, with some confidence May can still make plays off script ([39:49]).
Quote:

“He’ll take chances through the air, but he holds the ball.” — Field Reporter ([38:51])

Q&A: Listener Offseason & Superflex Questions ([46:36]):

Cam Ward as Superflex QB2: Berry and crew agree he flashed down the stretch and is “right on the border” as a Superflex QB2, but needs help and a supportive coaching staff ([47:00]).
Tyreek Hill return to Chiefs:
Berry: Health is key; at age 32 and after a major knee injury, sees Hill as “WR25–35 range, low-end WR3/high-end WR4...not drafting as before.” ([49:03])
Tyler Shough (Saints):
- Jay: “Absolutely a number two quarterback [in Superflex]...There’s a chance he ends up a top-10 fantasy QB due to his running and supporting cast.” ([51:12])
- Berry: But, in a 10-team 1QB league, “I’m not going to waste a roster spot on a second QB. There are so many on waivers.” ([51:04])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On John Harbaugh’s Coaching Ceilings:

"With Harbaugh, you’re getting floor with perhaps a lack of highest ceiling."
— Jay ([13:02])
On CEO Coaches:

“If you have just, quote, CEO coach type...I kind of think I want Tomlin. He’s out there gutting it out with freaking Mason Rudolph.”
— Matthew Berry ([18:44])
DFS Wisdom:

"If you can get Jackson Dart as QB5, 6 or 7 somewhere...I haven’t really dialed in on my positional ranks...but QB is so deep."
— Matthew Berry ([13:50])
On Fantasy Running Backs:

"Absolutely not. Scat being drafted as high as King Henry next year? Sacrilege to the King."
— Jay ([14:46])
On Weather and Betting:

"You’ll get me in a scarf and a beanie. I don’t look good in a beanie. But I’m not toughing it out."
— Matthew Berry ([20:43])
Pop Culture Tangent:
The panel debates the merits of M. Night Shyamalan movies, with Berry declaring:

"He has one good movie and that’s Sixth Sense." ([29:10])

Key Timestamps (MM:SS)

07:21: Giants hire John Harbaugh — initial reactions, coaching philosophy.
08:55: Jay questions Harbaugh’s recent track record.
10:18: Berry on the value of Baltimore’s front office, potential talent gap with Giants.
13:47: Fantasy implication: Jackson Dart draft range.
15:33: Mike Tomlin steps down, coaching cycle ripple effects.
18:44: Berry chooses Tomlin over Harbaugh; deeper coach value debate.
20:28: Divisional Round previews begin.
21:40: RJ Harvey as a DFS dark horse.
22:19: Jay on “accepting” the Broncos might go to the Super Bowl.
30:25: JSN vs. CMC for DFS; Berry and Jay’s take.
34:06: Props for 49ers-Seahawks; emphasis on Kenneth Walker.
40:41: Rams-Bears preview, Stafford/Nacua hype.
46:36: Listener Q&A; Cam Ward, Tyreek Hill, Tyler Shough.
54:26: “Pick up lines” betting segment; Kenneth Walker over 59.5 rushing yards.

Tone & Style

The episode balances sharp fantasy/betting analysis with warm, freewheeling banter and classic Berry humor. There are recurring in-jokes about costume mascots, self-deprecation about “bad movie” screenwriting, and plenty of friendly digs among the panel (e.g., “You’re the Charlie Kohler of screenwriting”).

Final Takeaways

John Harbaugh to the Giants: Likely brings stability but not a guaranteed leap forward; fantasy impact contingent on OC/QB development.
Divisional Round Preview: Expect tough, potentially low-scoring, defense-tilted playoff games (especially with cold/snow in NFC matchups); some contrarian RB/WR picks highlighted for DFS.
DFS & Gambling Strategy: Target volume over flash; pay attention to team injury reports, especially at WR and RB.
Superflex/Offseason: Cam Ward and Tyler Shough both carry upside as QB2s in deep leagues, but don’t overdraft in single-QB formats.

For those who missed the episode:
This is a fast-paced, analysis-rich episode interspaced with humor and pop-culture tangents. Panelists are insightful about both the realities of NFL front office decision-making and their implications for fantasy football, making it a must-listen for diehard fantasy and NFL fans heading into the Divisional Round.

wavePod

Divisional Round Preview + Giants reportedly land John Harbaugh