Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode Title: Week 12 Takeaways: Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameis Winston, George Pickens
Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Matthew Berry (NBC Sports) with Connor Rogers & Jay

Episode Overview

This week, Matthew Berry and the crew dive into their biggest takeaways from NFL Week 12, focusing on standout performances from Jahmyr Gibbs, the unique Jameis Winston experience, and George Pickens’ explosion in Dallas. The team breakdowns all the key games, provides actionable insights for fantasy managers, and delivers the show’s trademark banter and bold opinions, all while navigating a few hilarious on-set mishaps.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jahmyr Gibbs: League Winner on the Rise (01:42 – 07:55)

• Dan Campbell's Inspiring Speeches: The show opens with Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell’s fiery locker room celebration after a huge Gibbs game, setting the tone for the discussion.
• Gibbs’ Electric Performance:
  • 15 carries, 219 yards, 11 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD — 264 scrimmage yards, 55.4 fantasy points (most by any player this year).
  • "He's had 35 or more fantasy points in three of the last five. 145 yards from scrimmage in four of the last five." – Matthew Berry [05:06]
  • Gibbs likened to a video game cheat code—Berry calls him “a league-winner.”
• Concerns and Role Clarity:
  • The hosts discuss David Montgomery’s diminished role and future fantasy viability.
    • "With Montgomery, I have a concern about sustainability. You have to lean into your best player." – Connor Rogers [06:16]
  • Gibbs’ remaining schedule features all dome or good weather games.
• Comparisons:
  • Gibbs is grouped with Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson as the league’s most dynamic RBs, with Devon Achane as another “different” runner.
  • "The three guys in the league right now at running back who just look different from everyone else: Taylor, Bijan, and Jameer Gibbs." – Jay [06:38]

2. Jameis Winston & The Giants' High-Variance Football (11:25 – 14:41)

• Jameis' Day & Fantasy Relevance:
  • First 300-yd passer against the Lions this year, high aDOT (average depth of target: 11).
  • "He was flinging it out. He was pure Jameis here." – Matthew Berry [13:00]
• Wandale Robinson Emerges:
  • 9 receptions, 156 yards, TD on 14 targets (41% target share).
  • "Wandale Robinson is like a borderline WR1 the rest of the way as long as Jameis is starting." – Matthew Berry [13:00]
• Giants' Organizational Chaos:
  • Debate over firing defensive vs. offensive coaches; prospects for a quick turnaround with new leadership.
  • "This is just an organization that's a little bit of a mess right now." – Connor Rogers [09:27]
• Jameis Quotes:
  • “I do whatever it is that's required for this team to have success… sometimes that’s all you gotta do… give your guy a chance." – Jameis Winston [11:37]

3. Colts-Chiefs Overtime Thriller & Fantasy Fallout (15:41 – 20:56)

• Chiefs Comeback via the Run:
  • Kareem Hunt: 30 carries, 104 yards, demonstrates KC’s commitment to running despite modest efficiency.
  • Berry criticizes Colts for abandoning Jonathan Taylor with the lead.
    • "When you have Jonathan Taylor and you're on the road, why you don't just stick with it?" – Matthew Berry [19:04]
• Reality of the Colts' Offense:
  • Questions about Daniel Jones’ (for Colts) physical limitations and whether they're true contenders.
  • "Jones just wasn't making the throws. He didn't play well. But I wouldn’t write them off because of one bad game." – Jay [18:21]
• Fantasy Takeaways:
  • Lower expectations for Taylor, who’s had single-digit fantasy points in two of his last three.
  • Michael Pittman is a WR2/3, but offense as a whole trending down.

4. Cowboys-Eagles: The George Pickens Show (22:25 – 26:41)

• Pickens’ Massive Game:
  • Shines in contract year, 4/4 on contested catches, looking like Dallas's WR1 over CeeDee Lamb.
    • “Are we living in a world where George Pickens is the WR1 in Dallas right now? He looks a lot more confident than CeeDee Lamb at the moment.” – Connor Rogers [22:53]
    • "Who's been a better wide receiver this year than George Pickens outside of JSN and maybe Puka Nakua? It's unbelievable." – Jay [23:32]
• Dak Prescott’s Resurgence:
  • Pickens helps revitalize Dak’s play; passing offense looks elite.
• CeeDee Lamb’s Struggles:
  • Drops & missed end zone chances cloud an otherwise solid stat line.
• Saquon Barkley Panic:
  • Once explosive, now lacking big plays and barely fantasy viable. Averaging 3.3 ypc over last five, just two 20+ yard runs all season.
    • "Saquon Barkley had almost 500 touches last year...he's inching towards 30, playing extra games...it's just a combination of factors." – Jay [29:58]

5. JSN’s Historic Pace & Seahawks Breakdown (32:44 – 34:55)

• Jackson Smith-Njigba (JSN) Heating Up:
  • Over 37 fantasy points, 7th straight game with 20+ pts, averaging 119 yards/game, currently on pace to break Calvin Johnson's record.
    • “I think he gets to 2,000. I think he becomes the first wide receiver.” – Matthew Berry [33:04]
  • Route running and hands compared to peak Cooper Kupp.
    • “His route running is so pristine. His balance is unparalleled…" – Jay [34:08]
• Kenneth Walker’s Increasing Role:
  • Season-high 61% snap share; outpacing Zach Charbonnet, trending back toward feature-back usage.

6. Quarterback Carnage, Injury Updates & Fantasy Impacts (39:27 – 40:07)

• Injury Recap:
  • Notable names: Baker Mayfield (shoulder), T. Higgins (concussion, likely out Thursday), Rashee Rice, DK Metcalf, Michael Mayer, Ashton Genti, Alvin Kamara.
  • "I cannot imagine Higgins is playing...that was a scary hit. He was down for a while." – Matthew Berry [40:03]

Memorable Quotes & Lighter Moments

• On Dan Campbell's Intensity:
  • “Super inspiring, right? I want to run through a brick wall. I'm ready to buy up some kneecaps, right?” – Matthew Berry [01:49]
• Jameis Winston as a TV Personality:
  • “He’s a national treasure that should be protected at all costs… whenever he hangs it up, he’ll go right into broadcasting and be a massive, massive star.” – Matthew Berry [12:27]
• George Pickens in Dallas:
  • “It’s unbelievable. Every time the ball's in the air and he's the target, you are… he was 4 of 4 on contested catches yesterday.” – Connor Rogers [23:39]
• Cate Blanchett & Diet Coke Chaos:
  • A spilled Diet Coke leads to an impromptu roast and Berry sitting in a sticky chair. “I have Diet Coke ass right now, America. That’s what I do have.” – Matthew Berry [27:04]
• Jay’s ‘Aussie Soft’ Moniker:
  • “My entire life I've been weak.” – Jay [21:22]

Important Fantasy Timestamps

• Jahmyr Gibbs Insanity & Lions Takeaways: 01:42 – 07:55
• Jameis Winston, Giants Mess & Wandale Robinson: 11:25 – 14:41
• Colts-Chiefs Overtime, Taylor vs. Kareem Hunt: 15:41 – 20:56
• Cowboys-Eagles, George Pickens, Barkley Panic: 22:25 – 29:58
• Seahawks Titans, JSN Pass-Catching Tear: 32:44 – 34:55
• Fantasy Injury Rundown: 39:27 – 40:07
• Weekend Warriors (Waiver & Start/Sit Quick Hits): 43:26 – 47:57
• Sunday Scaries (Biggest Letdowns): 47:57 – 52:15
• Monday Night Football Player Prop Preview: 54:04 – 56:48

Weekend Warriors & Waiver Wire Highlights (43:26 – 47:57)

• Emmanuel Wilson (GB): 28 carries, 107 yds, 2 TDs — earns lead back role if Jacobs sits.
• Ashton Genti (LV): 8 catches, 58 yds, 1 TD – volume keeps him relevant even on bad team.
• Derrick Henry (BAL): 2 TDs save a sluggish 64-yd rushing day.
• Hunter Henry (NE): 7 rec, 115 yds, TD – exploits Bengals’ tight end struggles.

Sunday Scaries – Notable Duds & Caution Flags (47:57 – 52:15)

• Lamar Jackson (BAL): QB26 on points per game since Week 10; not running, passing game stuck.
  • “Since week 10, he's QB26 on a points per game basis. He's had under 15 rushing yards in three of the four games since returning.” – Matthew Berry [49:06]
• Justin Jefferson & Jordan Addison (MIN):
  • Addison: goose egg; Jefferson held to 4/48 with J.J. McCarthy at QB.
• DeAndre Swift (PHI, RB): Benched after fumble, outsnapped by rookie.
• Stefon Diggs & Emeka Egbuka: Both fail to reach even 35 yards, “victims of bad offenses and random volume shifts.” – Jay [51:37]

Actionable Takeaways for Fantasy Managers

• Start Jameer Gibbs with confidence: His schedule & elite usage point to league-winning upside.
• Monitor Wandale Robinson: He’s a WR1 borderliner as long as Jameis is under center.
• Lower expectations for Jonathan Taylor: Colts going away from run; still a must-start, but with reduced ceiling.
• George Pickens is an every-week start: Arguably as enticing as CeeDee Lamb rest-of-season.
• JSN on historic tear: Must-start and possible overall WR1 finish if current trend holds.
• Saquon Barkley owners: Possible buy-low; upcoming schedule is soft, but explosiveness no longer there.
• Be wary of DeAndre Swift: Usage has turned volatile, especially after in-game errors.

Monday Night Football & Player Props Preview (54:04 – 56:48)

• Christian McCaffrey most bet prop: Over 25 receiving yards.
• Jay’s Play: Tedaroa McMillan over 66.5 receiving yards.
• Berry’s Play: Juwan Jennings over 46.5 receiving yards.
• Connor’s Play: George Kittle over 4.5 receptions.

Notable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “He’s a national treasure that should be protected at all costs.” – Matthew Berry on Jameis Winston [12:27]
• “Who's been a better wide receiver this year than George Pickens outside of JSN and maybe Puka Nakua?” – Jay [23:32]
• _"I have Diet Coke ass right now, America. That's what I do have."* – Matthew Berry (post-spill chaos) [27:04]
• _"Since week 10, he's QB26 on a points per game basis... He’s not running. I don’t know if he’s right or not."* – Matthew Berry on Lamar Jackson [49:06]

Conclusion

This episode blends incisive fantasy analysis with the show’s fun, irreverent personality. Expect bold opinions (“Jameer Gibbs is a league-winner”), actionable waiver and start/sit advice, and plenty of laughs (including chair mishaps and international banter). The hosts deliver sharp observations on player roles, usage shifts, and schedule outlooks—all essential info as fantasy playoffs approach.

For more rankings, waiver advice, or Berry’s Love/Hate picks, catch the video version on Peacock or the NFL on NBC YouTube Channel.