Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Week 13 Takeaways: Chuba Hubbard, Bucky Irving, Justin Jefferson + Justin Herbert injured
Release Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Matthew Berry (NBC Sports)
Theme: Week 13 Takeaways, Key Fantasy Performances, Injury Updates, and Playoff Implications

Episode Overview

This episode dives deeply into the fantasy football implications of Week 13’s action, focusing on resurgent players, major injuries, emerging trends, and playoff strategies. Matthew Berry and his co-hosts dissect standout games, discuss roles for key running backs like Chuba Hubbard and Bucky Irving, lament the struggles of Justin Jefferson and other notable players, and assess the fallout from Justin Herbert’s injury. The crew blends ranking analysis, waiver strategies, and start/sit recommendations with trademark irreverence and memorable banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Carolina Panthers Resurgence and Chuba Hubbard’s Return

(02:08 – 08:59)

Celebration over the Panthers’ surprising season and their recent win, despite offensive weirdness.
Chuba Hubbard, after battling injuries most of the season, finally looks like himself. He’s now the clear lead back.
- “He looked like Chuba Hubbard. He looked like the guy that was his fantasy superstar last year.” – Matthew (04:09)
- 19 touches, most since Week 8, 58% snap share (season high).
- Rico Dowdle’s workload is decreasing (“started to come back to earth” – 04:29).
- Upcoming favorable schedule for Carolina after their Week 14 bye, but matchups against TB and SEA are tougher for RBs.
Recommendation: Both Hubbard and Dowdle are flexible playoff starts but touchdown-dependent.

Notable Quote:

“It just feels like Hubbard and Dowdle are going to be flex plays that you’re hoping for a touchdown during the fantasy playoffs.” – Matthew (05:16)

2. Texans vs. Colts: Wide Receivers Shine and Colts’ Concerns

(08:59 – 16:34)

Colts lose, Daniel Jones underwhelms but isn’t the main problem. Alec Pierce emerges as the WR to roster.
- “I thought Jones throwing the ball against what’s maybe the best defense in football... was fine.” – Jay (10:13)
- Michael Pittman is now a touchdown-dependent start.
Jonathan Taylor and Colts run game concerns with a brutal upcoming schedule (Week 15 @ SEA, Week 16 vs SF).
Houston’s Nico Collins re-establishing as a WR1 with a rushing touchdown. Dalton Schultz maintains steady TE production.
Woody Marks getting work but not producing; Houston RBs lack upside.
C.J. Stroud: rising but not quite among elite QBs.
- “He's like a rich man’s Trevor Lawrence…very solid, probably an above-average quarterback who’s not in the top tier.” – E (15:46)

3. Commanders vs. Broncos: Mariota as Backup, Waiver RBs

(17:13 – 21:50)

Marcus Mariota fills in for the Commanders and looks competent.
Zach Ertz remains a steady TE; Terry McLaurin’s return provides offense a lift.
Chris Rodriguez is the only Washington RB worth flexing, but very touchdown-dependent.
Broncos’ RJ Harvey is a red zone-focused flex, but efficiency is a concern (2.7 YPC since Dobbins’ injury).
- “In the two games since J.K. Dobbins went down, he’s averaging 2.7 yards per carry…he’s bailing you out with touchdowns…” – Matthew (23:18)
Cortland Sutton rebounds, but Denver’s passing pieces remain inconsistent.

4. Bucs vs. Cardinals: Bucky Irving & Fantasy Oddities

(26:12 – 33:49)

Bucky Irving resumes clear RB1 role for Tampa Bay (19/26 RB touches), with Rashad White relegated to backup.
Emeka Egbuka struggles with lots of drops and a low catch rate, falling out of must-start territory.
- “Since Week 7, he’s had a 42% catch rate. That is not good.” – Matthew (27:17)
Jacoby Brissett (Arizona) quietly compiles high yardage every week; described as fantasy’s “innings eater.”
Bam Knight emerges as a surprisingly productive RB2 amid injuries:
- “Randomly, Bam Knight is the 13th best running back in fantasy football…a viable RB2 until further notice.” – Matthew (32:16)
Michael Wilson vs. Chris Godwin debate (Godwin preferred ROS if healthy, but situation fluid).

5. Vikings vs. Seahawks: QB Disaster Sinks Jefferson

(34:01 – 41:13)

Lowlight game: Only one player (TJ Hockenson) breaks 12 points.
Vikings’ QB turnover (Brosmer, then J.J. McCarthy) destroys Justin Jefferson’s value.
- “Fourth straight game under 12 fantasy points…since Week 10, he’s WR58.” – Matthew (37:11)
Jefferson now ranks as a shaky WR3; even Wandell Robinson and Jameson Williams discussed as possible ROS alternatives.
Sam Darnold is a low-floor QB, and JSN owners are told not to complain about an off week:
- “Screw you guys. Shut the hell up. You don’t get to complain about Jackson Smith-Njigba.” – Matthew (41:08)

6. Chargers vs. Raiders: Herbert Hurt, Fragile Offense

(41:23 – 43:02)

Justin Herbert fractures non-throwing hand; his status is up in the air.
Passing attack is inconsistent—injuries and rotation kill upside for Keenan Allen, QJ, and Gadsden.
If Trey Lance (potential starter) takes over, rushing could raise the fantasy floor.
Kymani Vidal (“Penthouse Bam Knight”) ends strong as a waiver RB, but could lose relevance if Omarion Hampton returns.

7. Key Injury Updates

(43:02 – 43:33)

Justin Herbert: hand fracture, status TBA
Aaron Jones: exited with shoulder issue
Dillion Sampson: calf
Amon-Ra St. Brown: ankle (possible 1–2 weeks out)
Marvin Harrison Jr.: heel
Parker Washington: hip

8. Weekend Warriors & Sunday Scaries

Weekend Warriors (46:39 – 51:39):

A.J. Brown: Back-to-back 25-point games, happy now that Eagles are feeding him.
- “The squeaky wheel stuff has worked in the case of A.J. Brown.” – Matthew (47:16)
Rashee Rice (Chiefs): Second-best fantasy receiver since Week 10.
Jordan Love (Packers): Quiet MVP case, thriving statistically.
Bears RBs (Swift, Mangai): Dominate as team builds around run game.
Jameson Williams: Stepping up for Detroit, preferred over Jefferson ROS by Berry.
Jacobi Myers (Jaguars): Trending as the WR1 with injuries elsewhere.

Sunday Scaries (51:39 – 53:23):

Lamar Jackson/Ravens Offense: Struggling, Zay Flowers with just 2-of-7 targets.
Bears Passing Game (Caleb Williams/Rome Odunze): With run-heavy schemes, pass catchers are left behind.
Travis Etienne: Disappoints despite positive matchups.
Jalen Waddle: Back-to-back poor games despite big target shares.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Chuba Hubbard’s resurgence:
- “He looked like Chuba Hubbard. He looked like the guy that was his fantasy superstar last year.” – Matthew (04:09)
On Jefferson’s struggles:
- “Since Week 10, he’s wide receiver 58. This is the guy that produced with Josh Dobbs, with Nick Mullins, like that is produced with everyone and for some reason they can’t figure out how to get 18 the ball.” – Matthew (37:11)
On JSN complaints:
- “Screw you guys. Shut the hell up. You don’t get to complain about Jackson Smith-Njigba.” – Matthew (41:08)
On Bam Knight:
- "Randomly, Bam Knight is the 13th best running back in fantasy football...a viable RB2 until further notice." – Matthew (32:16)
On the Week 13 quarterback nightmare:
- “Their quarterback situation from Wentz to JJ to him, it’s just a disaster.” – C (37:00)
On Jordan Love:
- “My man Jordan Love’s 10 to 1 to win MVP. I will be absolutely insufferable to everyone if Jordan Love wins MVP.” – E (48:58)

Timestamps – Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |---------|------------------------------------------------------| | 02:08 | Panthers’ win, Chuba Hubbard’s breakout | | 08:59 | Texans-Colts breakdown, Pittman & Taylor talk | | 17:13 | Commanders-Broncos, Mariota, RJ Harvey, Ertz | | 26:12 | Bucs-Cardinals, Irving, Godwin/Wilson, Bam Knight | | 34:01 | Vikings-Seahawks, Justin Jefferson disaster | | 41:23 | Chargers-Raiders, Herbert injury, pass-catchers | | 43:02 | Key injuries rundown | | 46:39 | Weekend Warriors (Top Performers) | | 51:39 | Sunday Scaries (Biggest Disappointments) |

Tone and Style

The tone is classic Matthew Berry—entertaining, irreverent, candid, and highly opinionated. The team blends sharp fantasy insight with playful banter (“medium Chubb” jokes), audience shoutouts, and memorable rants (notably about ungrateful JSN managers). The analysis is thorough, player-centric, and continually tied to actionable moves for your roster. Even in segments of frustration—Justin Jefferson, Lamar, etc.—there’s humor, optimism, or a creative analogy.

Summary for Fantasy Managers

RB Revival: Chuba Hubbard, Bucky Irving, Bam Knight, and RJ Harvey have all become relevant and potentially league-winning RB plays down the stretch.
Monitor Injuries Closely: Huge implications for Herbert, Aaron Jones, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and others—waiver action is essential.
Be Bold/Realistic: Justin Jefferson is benchable, Pittman is touchdown-dependent, Emeka Egbuka not startable, but Jameson Williams and Jacobi Myers are rising.
QB Volatility: From Mariota to Brosmer, few backup QBs are trustworthy, which drags down elite wideouts.
Mahomes, Rashee Rice, A.J. Brown, and Jordan Love: Riding hot hands? Don't overthink; start your studs.
Matchup Awareness: Tough run D’s ahead for Bears RBs, Texans RBs, and Bam Knight; monitor weekly and flex accordingly.

For listeners: This week’s episode was a masterclass in pragmatic roster management and honest self-examination for fantasy players jockeying for postseason position—a must-listen for anyone aiming to optimize their playoff odds.

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Carolina Panthers Resurgence and Chuba Hubbard’s Return

(02:08 – 08:59)

Celebration over the Panthers’ surprising season and their recent win, despite offensive weirdness.
Chuba Hubbard, after battling injuries most of the season, finally looks like himself. He’s now the clear lead back.
- “He looked like Chuba Hubbard. He looked like the guy that was his fantasy superstar last year.” – Matthew (04:09)
- 19 touches, most since Week 8, 58% snap share (season high).
- Rico Dowdle’s workload is decreasing (“started to come back to earth” – 04:29).
- Upcoming favorable schedule for Carolina after their Week 14 bye, but matchups against TB and SEA are tougher for RBs.
Recommendation: Both Hubbard and Dowdle are flexible playoff starts but touchdown-dependent.

Notable Quote:

“It just feels like Hubbard and Dowdle are going to be flex plays that you’re hoping for a touchdown during the fantasy playoffs.” – Matthew (05:16)

2. Texans vs. Colts: Wide Receivers Shine and Colts’ Concerns

(08:59 – 16:34)

Colts lose, Daniel Jones underwhelms but isn’t the main problem. Alec Pierce emerges as the WR to roster.
- “I thought Jones throwing the ball against what’s maybe the best defense in football... was fine.” – Jay (10:13)
- Michael Pittman is now a touchdown-dependent start.
Jonathan Taylor and Colts run game concerns with a brutal upcoming schedule (Week 15 @ SEA, Week 16 vs SF).
Houston’s Nico Collins re-establishing as a WR1 with a rushing touchdown. Dalton Schultz maintains steady TE production.
Woody Marks getting work but not producing; Houston RBs lack upside.
C.J. Stroud: rising but not quite among elite QBs.
- “He's like a rich man’s Trevor Lawrence…very solid, probably an above-average quarterback who’s not in the top tier.” – E (15:46)

3. Commanders vs. Broncos: Mariota as Backup, Waiver RBs

(17:13 – 21:50)

Marcus Mariota fills in for the Commanders and looks competent.
Zach Ertz remains a steady TE; Terry McLaurin’s return provides offense a lift.
Chris Rodriguez is the only Washington RB worth flexing, but very touchdown-dependent.
Broncos’ RJ Harvey is a red zone-focused flex, but efficiency is a concern (2.7 YPC since Dobbins’ injury).
- “In the two games since J.K. Dobbins went down, he’s averaging 2.7 yards per carry…he’s bailing you out with touchdowns…” – Matthew (23:18)
Cortland Sutton rebounds, but Denver’s passing pieces remain inconsistent.

4. Bucs vs. Cardinals: Bucky Irving & Fantasy Oddities

(26:12 – 33:49)

Bucky Irving resumes clear RB1 role for Tampa Bay (19/26 RB touches), with Rashad White relegated to backup.
Emeka Egbuka struggles with lots of drops and a low catch rate, falling out of must-start territory.
- “Since Week 7, he’s had a 42% catch rate. That is not good.” – Matthew (27:17)
Jacoby Brissett (Arizona) quietly compiles high yardage every week; described as fantasy’s “innings eater.”
Bam Knight emerges as a surprisingly productive RB2 amid injuries:
- “Randomly, Bam Knight is the 13th best running back in fantasy football…a viable RB2 until further notice.” – Matthew (32:16)
Michael Wilson vs. Chris Godwin debate (Godwin preferred ROS if healthy, but situation fluid).

5. Vikings vs. Seahawks: QB Disaster Sinks Jefferson

(34:01 – 41:13)

Lowlight game: Only one player (TJ Hockenson) breaks 12 points.
Vikings’ QB turnover (Brosmer, then J.J. McCarthy) destroys Justin Jefferson’s value.
- “Fourth straight game under 12 fantasy points…since Week 10, he’s WR58.” – Matthew (37:11)
Jefferson now ranks as a shaky WR3; even Wandell Robinson and Jameson Williams discussed as possible ROS alternatives.
Sam Darnold is a low-floor QB, and JSN owners are told not to complain about an off week:
- “Screw you guys. Shut the hell up. You don’t get to complain about Jackson Smith-Njigba.” – Matthew (41:08)

6. Chargers vs. Raiders: Herbert Hurt, Fragile Offense

(41:23 – 43:02)

Justin Herbert fractures non-throwing hand; his status is up in the air.
Passing attack is inconsistent—injuries and rotation kill upside for Keenan Allen, QJ, and Gadsden.
If Trey Lance (potential starter) takes over, rushing could raise the fantasy floor.
Kymani Vidal (“Penthouse Bam Knight”) ends strong as a waiver RB, but could lose relevance if Omarion Hampton returns.

7. Key Injury Updates

(43:02 – 43:33)

Justin Herbert: hand fracture, status TBA
Aaron Jones: exited with shoulder issue
Dillion Sampson: calf
Amon-Ra St. Brown: ankle (possible 1–2 weeks out)
Marvin Harrison Jr.: heel
Parker Washington: hip

8. Weekend Warriors & Sunday Scaries

Weekend Warriors (46:39 – 51:39):

A.J. Brown: Back-to-back 25-point games, happy now that Eagles are feeding him.
- “The squeaky wheel stuff has worked in the case of A.J. Brown.” – Matthew (47:16)
Rashee Rice (Chiefs): Second-best fantasy receiver since Week 10.
Jordan Love (Packers): Quiet MVP case, thriving statistically.
Bears RBs (Swift, Mangai): Dominate as team builds around run game.
Jameson Williams: Stepping up for Detroit, preferred over Jefferson ROS by Berry.
Jacobi Myers (Jaguars): Trending as the WR1 with injuries elsewhere.

Sunday Scaries (51:39 – 53:23):

Lamar Jackson/Ravens Offense: Struggling, Zay Flowers with just 2-of-7 targets.
Bears Passing Game (Caleb Williams/Rome Odunze): With run-heavy schemes, pass catchers are left behind.
Travis Etienne: Disappoints despite positive matchups.
Jalen Waddle: Back-to-back poor games despite big target shares.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Chuba Hubbard’s resurgence:
- “He looked like Chuba Hubbard. He looked like the guy that was his fantasy superstar last year.” – Matthew (04:09)
On Jefferson’s struggles:
- “Since Week 10, he’s wide receiver 58. This is the guy that produced with Josh Dobbs, with Nick Mullins, like that is produced with everyone and for some reason they can’t figure out how to get 18 the ball.” – Matthew (37:11)
On JSN complaints:
- “Screw you guys. Shut the hell up. You don’t get to complain about Jackson Smith-Njigba.” – Matthew (41:08)
On Bam Knight:
- "Randomly, Bam Knight is the 13th best running back in fantasy football...a viable RB2 until further notice." – Matthew (32:16)
On the Week 13 quarterback nightmare:
- “Their quarterback situation from Wentz to JJ to him, it’s just a disaster.” – C (37:00)
On Jordan Love:
- “My man Jordan Love’s 10 to 1 to win MVP. I will be absolutely insufferable to everyone if Jordan Love wins MVP.” – E (48:58)

Timestamps – Key Segments

Tone and Style

Summary for Fantasy Managers

RB Revival: Chuba Hubbard, Bucky Irving, Bam Knight, and RJ Harvey have all become relevant and potentially league-winning RB plays down the stretch.
Monitor Injuries Closely: Huge implications for Herbert, Aaron Jones, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and others—waiver action is essential.
Be Bold/Realistic: Justin Jefferson is benchable, Pittman is touchdown-dependent, Emeka Egbuka not startable, but Jameson Williams and Jacobi Myers are rising.
QB Volatility: From Mariota to Brosmer, few backup QBs are trustworthy, which drags down elite wideouts.
Mahomes, Rashee Rice, A.J. Brown, and Jordan Love: Riding hot hands? Don't overthink; start your studs.
Matchup Awareness: Tough run D’s ahead for Bears RBs, Texans RBs, and Bam Knight; monitor weekly and flex accordingly.

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Week 13 Takeaways: Chuba Hubbard, Bucky Irving, Justin Jefferson + Justin Herbert injured

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Summary

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Carolina Panthers Resurgence and Chuba Hubbard’s Return

2. Texans vs. Colts: Wide Receivers Shine and Colts’ Concerns

3. Commanders vs. Broncos: Mariota as Backup, Waiver RBs

4. Bucs vs. Cardinals: Bucky Irving & Fantasy Oddities

5. Vikings vs. Seahawks: QB Disaster Sinks Jefferson

6. Chargers vs. Raiders: Herbert Hurt, Fragile Offense

7. Key Injury Updates

8. Weekend Warriors & Sunday Scaries

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps – Key Segments

Tone and Style

Summary for Fantasy Managers

Summary

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Carolina Panthers Resurgence and Chuba Hubbard’s Return

2. Texans vs. Colts: Wide Receivers Shine and Colts’ Concerns

3. Commanders vs. Broncos: Mariota as Backup, Waiver RBs

4. Bucs vs. Cardinals: Bucky Irving & Fantasy Oddities

5. Vikings vs. Seahawks: QB Disaster Sinks Jefferson

6. Chargers vs. Raiders: Herbert Hurt, Fragile Offense

7. Key Injury Updates

8. Weekend Warriors & Sunday Scaries

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps – Key Segments

Tone and Style

Summary for Fantasy Managers