Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Steelers at Bengals Reaction + CeeDee Lamb, George Kittle injury updates
Date: October 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the Steelers vs. Bengals Thursday Night Football showdown, focuses on the “return of the olds” with Joe Flacco, provides fantasy takeaways for key players like Jamar Chase and T. Higgins, and delivers vital injury updates heading into the fantasy weekend. Matthew Berry, Jay Croucher, Connor Rogers, and Dr. Denny Carter blend sharp analysis with trademark humor, going deep on fantasy implications, trade values, upcoming schedules, and roster moves.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Steelers at Bengals Reaction: Old Quarterbacks Shine

• Hosts relived the surprising impact of Joe Flacco, with everyone marveling at “old people” showing out in the NFL.
• “Old people are back. Old people are in. Oh, what a great game that was last night.”
  — Dr. Denny Carter (01:44)
• The group joked about Flacco’s athleticism and the perception of NFL athletes versus reality.
  “Joe Flacco is a very good athlete. He just looks slow compared to, you know, exceptional athletes.”
  — Jay Croucher (03:59)

2. Fantasy Takeaways: Jamar Chase, T. Higgins & Bengals Outlook

• Jamar Chase’s Monster Night:
  • 23 targets, 16 receptions, 161 yards, 1 TD.
  • “It’s a monster game. 16 for 161 and a touchdown... if you hung tough, you’re being rewarded.”
    — Jay Croucher (11:22)
  • Broad consensus that Chase remains a top-3 fantasy WR.
• T. Higgins' Value Rises:
  • Back-to-back strong games with Flacco; emerges as a solid WR2.
  • “T. Higgins now goes back to being a must start type of player.”
    — Connor Rogers (12:41)
• Flacco’s Impact:
  • Proved doubters wrong about declining skills, handled pass rush well, and elevated the offense.
  • “He’s willing to throw it... There’s a difference throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and T. Higgins versus [others].”
    — Jay Croucher (07:29)
• Bengals’ Playoff & Fantasy Outlook:
  • Schedule is favorable; fantasy playoffs see them facing the Ravens and Dolphins.
  • Joe Burrow’s eventual return could boost the team further.

3. Steelers Defensive Woes & Pat Freiermuth

• Steelers’ defense called “just a bad defense” with lapses in pass and run coverage (17:40).
• Pat Freiermuth’s big fantasy day is seen as matchup-dependent fluke due to Bengals’ struggles vs. TEs.
• “No team has given up more fantasy points to opposing running backs or opposing tight ends this year than the Cincinnati Bengals.”
  — Jay Croucher (19:44)

4. Backfield Breakdowns: Chase Brown and Jalen Warren

• Chase Brown:
  • Limited touch share, barely used in the passing game. Hosts advocate a “sell high” stance.
  • “He hasn’t had more than 15 touches in a game since week two... If you could get running back 2 value for Chase Brown... I would do that.”
    — Jay Croucher (17:13)
• Jalen Warren:
  • Emerging as the clear Steelers RB1 with top-15 ROS upside.
  • “Jalen Warren’s not only the Steelers running back you want, but like he’s firmly established himself as the number one guy.”
    — Matthew Berry (19:44)

5. AFC Playoff Picture & Quarterback Debates

• The AFC is “wide open,” with only the Chiefs viewed as top-tier.
• Possible Bengals playoff push stoked by improved QB play and Burrow’s timeline for return.
• The team debates the rookie QBs in the league, highlighting how quickly perceptions change (47:31—49:10).

6. Injury Updates (Time-Stamped):

• CeeDee Lamb (22:03): Practicing, will play “without limitations.”
• George Kittle (27:02): Full go for Week 7.
• Terry McLaurin (22:53): Ruled OUT for Sunday.
• Deebo Samuel: Light work in practice, uncertain status (23:01).
• Other notes: Mike Evans (hamstring, game-time), Brock Purdy (toe), Kyler Murray (foot), Marvin Harrison (concussion), Jacoby Myers (knee/toe, possible trade), Brock Bowers (knee), Chuba Hubbard (calf), and more.

7. Waiver Wire & Flex Advice (28:11–32:30):

• Highlighted: Sam Darnold, Michael Carter, Tajae Spears, Kendrick Bourne, Trey Tucker, Michael Mayer, Cade Otten.
• Cade Otten seen as a high-upside tight end vs. Detroit with Kittle back in the mix (28:48).
• Flex spot debates for the week included Tutu Atwell in light of Puka’s absence, Sterling Shepard as a plug-and-play due to injuries in Tampa, and potential desperation receivers (Flexual Frustrations segment, 33:06–37:03).

8. Live Audience Q&A (42:16–52:17)

• Start/Sit Decisions:
  • Keenan Allen, Pacheco, Montgomery, Evans, Algier (42:16): Allen/Montgomery unless Evans plays.
  • Kendrick Bourne vs. Matthew Golden vs. Bam Knight at Flex (43:30): Leaning Bourne unless more 49ers receivers return.
  • Sutton or Jacory Koski Merit at Flex (45:35): Strong preference for JCM due to increased run game role.
  • Waddle (weather-impacted) or Rico Dowdle (50:14): “Rico Dowdle, 1000%.”

9. Memorable Quotes & Lighthearted Moments

• “Comeback player of the year, Joe Flacco. Possibly standing on the set. Back to back, back to back. Comeback player of the year Joe Flacco. Look, he came back from sucking once again...”
  — Jay Croucher (05:47)
• On fantasy perspective:
  “I’m not comfortable with my expression in that picture, but hopefully you’re focusing on Jamar Chase specifically. Yes, I know, I look like a girly fanboy. Like, I'm just so… I am.”
  — Matthew Berry (10:25)
• Ankle plus subscription gag:
  “You can upgrade to the To Ankle plus. And I send you pictures of the ankles covered in baby oil…”
  — Jay Croucher (32:02)
• “Flexual Frustrations” and “The Chestler” as Denny Carter’s alter ego (33:00–33:06).

10. Hosts’ Pickup Line Bets of the Week (56:04+)

• Connor: Travis Hunter over 40.5 receiving yards
• Denny: Giants/Broncos under 40.5 points
• Matthew picks Connor’s prop for the weekend.

Important Timestamps

• Steelers/Bengals recap & “old people” jokes — 01:41–04:13
• Joe Flacco fantasy impact & WR value — 05:47–13:53
• AFC playoff commentary — 14:20–15:10
• Bengals/Steelers run game discourse — 16:00–17:59
• Steelers/Bengals tight end analysis — 18:16–19:44
• Injury update blitz — 22:03–27:15
• Waiver priorities & deep stashes — 28:11–32:30
• “Flexual Frustrations” ask-the-expert segment — 33:06–37:03
• Audience Q&A rapid fire — 42:16–52:17

Conclusion & Episode Takeaways

This episode showcases why “Fantasy Football Happy Hour” is a must-listen: informative, fast-paced, and laugh-out-loud. Joe Flacco’s revitalization, Jamar Chase’s domination, and actionable fantasy moves are broken down in detail, while injury and start/sit updates are delivered just in time for your weekend roster decisions. By leveraging humor and deep fantasy insight, Matthew Berry and crew keep both casual fans and serious gamers equipped and entertained for the coming slate.